News from around the AFL on Friday, August 27...

Herald Sun (Melbourne)

Footy saved me from jail: Eddie Betts

By Scott Gullan
Carlton star, Eddie Betts, has admitted that if his mother hadn’t taken him to Melbourne and joined him in an indigenous player program, he would probably be in jail. Betts explained how he was mixed up in the wrong crowd and couldn’t read or write whilst living with his father in Port Lincoln until his mother came from Kalgoorlie and took him across to Melbourne. Betts plays his 119th game for the Blues against Fremantle tonight.

Cat assistant talks to Port
By Matt Windley & Andrew Capel
Geelong assistant coach Brendan McCartney confirmed on The Footy Show last night that he was a serious contender for the head coaching role at Port Adelaide. McCartney, who is in his 11th season with the Cats, flew to Adelaide this week to give formal presentation to the club board. Caretaker coach Matthew Primus still remains the favourite for the position with Essendon assistant Alan Richardson and Fremantle assistant Chris Scott still believed to be in the mix.

Out-of-favour Daniel Motlop may head west in trade week

By Michael Warner
Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop is looking to be a key figure in the looming trade week after being overlooked for this weekend’s game against Richmond this Sunday. It is believed that Motlop is out of favour under caretaker coach Matthew Primus and after not being selected against last night adds to the belief that he will be traded in October. West Coast has hinted their interest in Motlop, which would be attractive to him as his 6-year-old son lives in Perth.

Courier Mail (Queensland)

Campbell Brown considering Gold Coast offer

AAP
Hawthorn premiership player Campbell Brown has admitted he has been offered a contract with the Gold Coast Suns. Brown has confirmed that the club has contacted his management team but he is adamant that he will not make a decision until the Hawks finals campaign is over. Brown has played 117 games for the Hawks and states that the Suns are putting no pressure on him to make a decision.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Ratten calls for checks on tags

By Justin Chadwick
Carlton coach Brett Ratten has urged the umpires to give his players protection and a fair go in tonight’s clash against Fremantle. The call comes after Ratten’s criticism’s of Fremantle’s continuous harassment of Chris Judd last time they met in round 13. Judd’s frustration with this game style almost earnt himself a suspension after he elbowed Matthew Pavlich in the head after being tackled to the ground.

Geelong Advertiser (Melbourne)


Outgoing president Frank Costa wants Mark Thompson to stay on as Geelong Cats coach beyond 2011

By Danny Lannen
Geelong president Frank Costa has spoken of his hopes that coach Mark Thompson will not retire at the end of 2011. Thompson has said that he will retire at the end of 2011 but Costa hopes that the extended summer break will help influence his decision to stay on and shape a new generation at Skilled Stadium. Costa will oversee his last game as club president this weekend after 12 years at the club.