The build-up to round five, including ground surface concerns and players being 'rested', are among the AFL-related items making news in Australia's daily newspapers on Friday, 28 April 2006.

Herald Sun: Richmond must capitalise on its interstate win against the Brisbane Lions by backing up with victory over Carlton at the MCG tonight, according to captain Kane Johnson.

Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy revealed yesterday he would rest enigmatic forward Dean Rioli from Sunday's match against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Veteran Collingwood forward Anthony Rocca says he is terrified at the prospect of never playing in a premiership team.

Melbourne and Geelong will play teenagers in important games against the Kangaroos and Sydney tomorrow.

The Swans were yesterday forced to abandon training at Telstra Stadium as Geelong players slammed the surface debacle as a "disgrace".

While it may be one year at a time as far as contracts go, Shane Crawford makes no secret of his desire to play "a few more years".

The Western Bulldogs have taken the first step in extending their hold on Rodney Eade, the AFL's hottest coaching property.

The ACT Government hopes the improved offer it made to the Kangaroos before last Sunday's game against West Coast will counter a proposal for the club to play three games on the Gold Coast.

The Australian: For the best part of 10 years, the Kangaroos have hopped from paddock to paddock in search of their next meal. From Sydney to Canberra; from the MCG to Telstra Dome. Now that the Gold Coast beckons, they are preparing for another great leap north to a land of sun, surf, and high-rise apartments full of AFL-loving retirees.

The Sydney Swans' preparation for their match against Geelong was thrown into disarray last night when they had to cancel training at Telstra Stadium because the surface was unsuitable.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson expects agonising memories of last year's three-point semi-final loss to the Swans to come flooding back when his players arrive in Sydney today.

Adelaide Advertister: Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade coined the phrase "downhill skiers" to describe his players' failings when deprived of the ball. And it seems Adelaide still thinks it is a weakness to exploit in tomorrow's AFL blockbuster at AAMI Stadium.

Black-And-White stripes are the exclusive property of Collingwood in AFL football. The AFL has now declared as much.

The Age: Eddie McGuire looks certain to stand down as president of Collingwood at the end of the season.

Kangaroos chairman Graham Duff gives the Southport Sharks a two-week ultimatum to come up with a substantial financial offer to enable the club to move its three interstate home games to Carrara beyond 2006.

Essendon opts to rest the mercurial Dean Rioli for Sunday's crucial match against Hawthorn.

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley meets his senior players in a special heart-to-heart meeting at Arden Street.

The West Australian: Beau McDonald's three-year battle with knee and shoulder problems ended in triumph last night when he was named in Brisbane's team to face West Coast at Subiaco Oval tomorrow night.

Sydney Morning Herald: It wasn't just the chance to live out every young footballer's dream. And it wasn't only about salvaging something for his club. For Nick Malceski, it was also an opportunity to maintain his perfect record.

Telstra Stadium workers are confident the ground will pass an official AFL inspection this morning and avoid the embarrassment of seeing tomorrow night's Sydney-Geelong game transferred to the SCG.

Daily Telegraph: The Swans were yesterday forced to abandon training at Telstra Stadium as Geelong players slammed the surface debacle as a "disgrace".

Courier Mail: Draftee Mitchell Clark will play his first AFL game in his home town of Perth after earning a recall at the expense of Daniel Merrett for the Lions' round 5 clash with West Coast at Subiaco Oval tomorrow night.

Geelong Advertiser: Geelong coach Mark Thompson has made good on his promise to clean out his side after axing four players for tomorrow night's clash with Sydney at Telstra Stadium.