Challenges on the Carlton board; Mal Michael revealing he wanted to quit football after Round 15 last year and former Adelaide champion Ben Hart returning to the SANFL are among the stories making news in Australia's metropolitan dailies on Tuesday December 19, 2006.

The Herald Sun: Some of Carlton's biggest names are behind the push to have respected lawyer Stephen Moulton and businessman Mark Harrison challenge for places on the Blues board.

Also - Richmond can be excused if some form of Melbourne Storm's highly-publicised grapple tackle slips into its game next season.

And - Former Brisbane Lions full-back Mal Michael said yesterday that he'd had enough of football during last season and was ready to retire in Round 15.

And - The Western Bulldogs have passed the halfway mark of their 2007 membership target of 32,000 members.

And - The AFL has lost a second key employee, with Ben Amarfio leaving to head up Austereo.

And - It could easily have been 1973 yesterday when new Kangaroos president Rick Aylett, just as his father Allen once did in a position of power at North Melbourne, outlined visions of a "new era" and "great hope".

The Age: Tom Elliott, the son of former Carlton president John Elliott, is considering a challenge to the Blues board and has told friends he would not rule out standing for the club presidency.

Also - Former Brisbane Lion Michael Voss yesterday made an official decision on his short-term future, leaving open the door for the three-time premiership captain to become a senior coach as early as 2008.

And - Essendon recruit Mal Michael says concern his hectic lifestyle was affecting his health caused him to pull the pin on his career with the Brisbane Lions.

Adelaide Advertiser: Ben Hart – Adelaide's unwanted champion – has returned to North Adelaide as the missing link to an ailing defence.

Also - Businessmen Alex Panas and Mick O'Connor were elected onto Port Adelaide's board for three years at the AFL club's annual general meeting last night.

And - After injuring his neck in a training mishap last week, Adelaide recruit Kurt Tippett could have been forgiven for thinking the worst was over. But as he looked on at Strathalbyn Oval on the opening morning of the Crows' three-day training camp, the 19-year-old Queenslander witnessed his team-mates step it up a notch.