Tag: SEN

Essendon captain Dyson Heppell could be enticed north to finish his career, while a Collingwood big man has secured a new contract for 2023.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey joined SEN Breakfast on Thursday morning to provide updates on several players.

One of those was Bombers skipper Heppell, who remains unsigned late in the 2022 season.

The 30-year-old has an offer on the table to stay at The Hangar, but is yet to make up his mind given interest from the Gold Coast Suns.

“We reported several weeks ago that rival clubs were looking at him as a veteran free agent option when he was out of contract at the Bombers,” Twomey said on SEN Breakfast.

“Now, he got a contract offer shortly after that, a one-year extension was put to him, but he hasn’t signed it and Gold Coast has an interest in Heppell as an unrestricted free agent.

“His form has spiked in the last couple of months, I think he’s been playing more on the wing, he was good again against North Melbourne last week, one of Essendon’s best players, so the Suns are having a look at him.

“I think Essendon opened the door to this possibility by taking until so late in the year to offer their skipper an extra year.

“So it will be fascinating to see what Heppell does from here. Take the year at the Bombers or head to Queensland to close out his career.”

Despite looking a step off the pace at times, Heppell has played an important role in 2022 off half-back, averaging 22.7 disposals, 6.8 marks and three rebound 50s a game.

Club legend Tim Watson was asked if he wanted Heppell to stay at Essendon for 2023.

“Under the right circumstances, yes,” he replied.

“He’s a great club man, very popular player, great around the team and I can see why he would attract interest from the Suns for that purpose.”

Meanwhile, Twomey also reported Collingwood ruck/forward Mason Cox will be at the Pies next year.

The 31-year-old found himself out of the team early in the year but has recaptured some of his best form as the season has progressed, playing 12 games.

“He’s locked in now for next year at Collingwood,” Twomey stated on Cox.

“He was almost out of the club this time last year, he signed a one-year deal with a games trigger for 2023 which he’s now hit.

“(There is) obviously a lot happening in the Collingwood ruck space, plenty of interest in Brodie Grundy.

“I think a lot of clubs will be weighing up the Grundy chase… Port Adelaide, GWS, some Melbourne-based clubs too (have some interest).”

That contract means all three of Cox, Darcy Cameron and Brodie Grundy are contracted to Collingwood for next season, as is young ruckman Aiden Begg.

Cox, Cameron and Grundy have only played together once this season, in Round 5.

Garry Lyon believes Hawthorn ruckman Ned Reeves is a chance to explode in 2023.

Reeves, 23, has had a promising year in the brown and gold, consolidating his position in the senior side as he looks set to claim the number one ruck title at the Hawks for many years to come.

Asked who he thinks could leap into the top 25 players in the competition next year, Lyon listed Reeves, tipping him to become one of the best ruckmen in the league next year.

“I think by the end of next year, Ned Reeves is going to be in that argument,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.

“I think this bloke’s upside is enormous for the Hawks.

“They’ve put him away, he’s gone in for shoulder surgery, I think by the end of next year we’ll be talking about him as the next big coming ruckman in the competition.

“I love what he’s been able to do on occasions and I think he’s got huge upside.”

Agreeing with Lyon’s sentiments, Tim Watson believes if Reeves is to make that leap, he’ll need to work on his agility in the upcoming pre-season.

“I think you’re right, but I tell you what I would do, I’d put him in some spikes over the summer and I would be working on his agility and his movement,” Watson added.

“He’s a big kid and is probably still growing into his body but I think he needs to work in that area.”

Reeves will miss the final three games of the 2022 season after having undergone surgery on his shoulder this week.

Former AFL recruiter Matt Rendell believes Adelaide has been underrated by the footy media and is far better than their current ladder position.

The Crows upset Carlton in Round 20 to the tune of 29 points to move into 15th on the ladder with six wins after seven victories last season.

Given the lack of improvement year on year for the developing list, the Crows have faced criticism throughout 2022.

David King recently described the list as “more than poor” when suggesting Matthew Nicks won’t see out the club’s rebuild.

The North Melbourne champion also described Carlton’s loss as an “arrogant” performance, but Rendell believes that doesn’t give Nicks’ men due credit.

“I read that about broken tackles and all that from their (Carlton) senior players,” Rendell began.

“I’m not sure about the arrogance… but the Crows have been playing like this for quite a while.

“High tempo, lots of pressure, numbers around the ball, they are a dangerous side to play against.

“The Swans even felt it last week. They kicked nine goals to two in the first quarter, it (the margin) got back to three goals and the Swans were panicking.

“I think Kingy, because he’s potted their list unmercifully, I think he’s underestimated the Crows.

“I reckon they’re way better than their position on the ladder.”

Rendell also paid tribute to the development of key defenders Jordan Butts and Nick Murray, who played on Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow respectively in the win.

The Blues duo kicked three goals between them and largely didn’t influence the contest, with Rendell going as far to suggest Murray was a “future All-Australian*.

The former recruiter further paid homage to Ben Keays’ role on Adam Saad, with the rebounding Blue having minimal impact due to the tag.

“Adelaide did something to Carlton that no one has done all year, and it really bamboozled them,” Rendell added.

“They put Keays onto Saad… Saad had no idea how to play on Keays.

“Keays is really fit and a runner, Saad’s endurance is not his strength… a really interesting move, I’m going to watch and see if other clubs do this.

“Keays was virtually best on ground I would have thought.”

Adelaide plays three winnable games to finish the season, starting with West Coast in what will be Josh Kennedy’s final game.

Josh Kennedy has announced his retirement and will play one more game in his AFL career.

The 34-year-old veteran was widely tipped to retire following the conclusion of the 2022 season but West Coast confirmed on Tuesday morning he would step back after Round 21.

A magnificent career and an even better bloke.

Josh Kennedy will hang up his boots after Sunday.

Thank you, Josh Kennedy 💙💛 #TYJK pic.twitter.com/0yoQq5m9AV

— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) August 1, 2022

He’ll retire after 17 seasons in the AFL, including 15 with West Cost after beginning his career at Carlton.

“It’s been a privilege to play so many years at this great football club and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to represent the West Coast Eagles and Carlton,” Kennedy said in a club statement.

“There are so many people to thank for helping me on the journey over 17 years. Obviously my wife Lauren and daughters Sage and Lottie, my family who always supported me, coaches John Worsfold and Adam Simpson, club staff and of course my teammates.

“Footy and the West Coast Eagles have given me so much and I’ve loved the journey. I’ve made lifelong friendships and learned so much from champions like Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn and Mark LeCras.

“One of the biggest things I’ve wanted to do over my career is to have respect from my teammates – that’s always driven how I acted, trained or tried to play.

“My knee is a big reason for retiring. I think my drive to play is still there, but I’m realistic my body is not going to be able to take me to another season.

“To be able to farewell West Coast supporters one last time at Optus Stadium and say thank you for the incredible support over the years will be the perfect way to finish my career.”

He’s kicked 29 goals in 2022 and retires with 715 majors to his name as a dual Coleman Medalist.

His 80 goals in the 2016 home and away season (82 total) remains the most in a season since 2009.

Current teammate Andrew Gaff paid tribute to Kennedy’s career on SEN WA Breakfast.

“A few of us were talking the other day where he stands in terms of the club, and he’s got to be right up there,” he said just prior to the announcement.

“I think what I admire about him the most is his ability to get himself up every week… I’ve never seen someone limp around and struggle so much every week but then find a way to not only get up, but kick lots of goals against good tall backs.

“He takes such pride in his performance and he’s been a massive reason we’ve been such a successful team for the last ten years.

“People reflect on how high he compares to come of the greats… he’s right up there.

“He’s been such an important leader for me and a good role model for the younger boys coming through.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the effort and the toll it’s taken on his body, which is pretty evident now.”

Kennedy rejected an assistant role with Fremantle to sign a one-year contract extension at the end of 2021 and has played 292 games across his career.

West Coast plays Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Sunday in his final game.

Shai Bolton is enjoying a blistering season for Richmond and has been lauded by AFL greats after another game-winning performance.

Bolton was at his best on Sunday against Brisbane as the Tigers clawed back a 42-point deficit to triumph by seven points at the MCG.

The 23-year-old’s struggles with his goal kicking continued, booting two goals from seven shots, but he also had 24 disposals, 711 meters gained and game-highs in score involvements (12) and inside 50s (9).

Essendon great Tim Watson, who called the game for Channel Sevenwas enamored by the performance.

“Is he the most watchable player in the game right now?” he began on SEN Breakfast.

“I don’t like to make these big statements, but I don’t know of any player in the game right now that is more watchable than Shai Bolton.

“It’s just something I left the MCG with the impression of on Sunday, having watched him live – and I’ve watched him plenty of times on TV – oh my goodness me.

“He does stuff that no one else can do. It’s like he’s got springs in his legs from him… he’s an extraordinary talent.

“Score involvements, when you participate in a score as part of a chain… he is 45 per cent involvement (to disposals), the next best is Marcus Bontempelli at 36 per cent, then Chad Warner and Christian Petracca.”

Bolton averages 7.7 score involvements per game, sixth in the competition, and has 47 more score involvements across the season than any other Tiger.

Port Adelaide Hall of Famer Kane Cornes went one step further than Watson, describing the Richmond utility as “the best player in the game right now”.

“For me, he’s probably the best player in the game right now.”@kanecornes couldn’t be more impressed with Shai Bolton’s form. #9FootyClassified | Watch on @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/75QmhLrqtU

— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) August 1, 2022

“Shai Bolton is just extraordinary,” Cornes said on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“To watch him and what he’s doing… he’s playing this role more than uniquely since Dustin Martin has.

“I think he’s now number one, is there a better player in the competition than Shai Bolton for impact?

“Look at center bounce, score involvements, he’s had 69 shots on goal for a small forward.

“What he’s doing, for me, he’s probably the best player in the game right now.”

Bolton earned six coaches’ votes for his Sunday performance and ranks as the second highest non-midfielder in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award behind James Sicily.

Port Adelaide president David Koch says he feels “played” after Collingwood denied the Power’s request to wear their prison bar jumper in the Round 23 Showdown.

Reports surfaced late last week that Port Adelaide’s request from earlier in the year had been knocked back. The club hasn’t worn their Guernsey heritage since their 150th celebration in 2020, with Pies CEO Mark Anderson confirming on Saturday that Collingwood had bunkered down on their agreement with Port.

Koch labeled the objection “disappointing” and “disrespectful”, suggesting that new Pies president Jeff Browne had let down the Power with his previous updates.

“It is really disappointing. I think a bit disrespectful to our history and disrespectful to our members as well,” Koch said on FIVEaa Breakfastbut The SportingNews.

“Two weeks ago the Collingwood president Jeff Browne rang me out of the blue and said, ‘Mate Kochie, we’re taking your request really seriously, we understand how important it is to your members.’

“(He said), ‘I’ve been canvassing opinions in Melbourne and SA and I’m putting it to my board and I don’t want to get your hopes up but I’m quietly confident we could have good news for you .’

“I’m fuming because we have done the right thing, just quietly gone about it, and I can’t help feel that good nature has been played.

Koch also suggested former Pies president Eddie McGuire was pulling the strings behind the scenes. McGuire pledged to take the Power to court if they wore their prison bar jumper without permission during his tenure of him, while the AFL has also said Port could lose premiership points if they wear the guernsey.

“Eddie’s the one who said, ‘We own black and white’,” he added, per the Herald Sun.

“I don’t know if it’s a case of the big Victorian clubs once again going, ‘Hey, you just keep in your place’.

“On the weekend in the VFL, Collingwood played the Southport Sharks – who are black and white. So why can’t we play in our traditional prison bar Guernsey in showdowns in Adelaide?

“I think a bit disrespectful to our history and disrespectful to our members as well.

“You look at virtually every AFL club being able to play in a heritage Guernsey this year – a retro Guernsey – celebrating it. But we’re not allowed to do the same.”

Port Adelaide Chairman David Koch has expressed disappointment that Collingwood has again declined the club’s request to wear its iconic Prison Bar Guernsey in the Round 23 Showdown.

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) August 1, 2022

Koch also reaffirmed to the club’s website a 2007 agreement exists where the Power, Collingwood and the AFL signed off on Port wearing the prison bar jumper in heritage round every year, except against Collingwood.

Former Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins on Friday urged Port to wear the jumper in Round 23 regardless of the Magpies’ objections, while Andy Maher labeled the decision “mean-spirited”.

1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy believes the reaction to Carlton’s Round 20 loss has been “over the top”.

The Blues lost to Adelaide by 29-points and were comprehensively outplayed by a tougher, harder Crows outfit at Adelaide Oval. Michael Voss’ men had their chance to cement a top eight spot with a win, but will now almost certainly need a triumph in their remaining three games if they are to play finals.

That may be easier said than done, given their opponents, Brisbane, Melbourne and Collingwood, are all ahead of them on the ladder.

However, Healy called on Blues supporters to stop the negativity, saying he’s still “glass three quarters full” on the club.

“Yes, it was a horrible loss by the Blues on the weekend, but the negative reaction to it has been over the top,” he said on sports day.

“It seems Blues fans, or many of them, want to death-march their team to ninth on the ladder, despite being so good for most of the year and doing so with a lot of injuries.

“I reckon the team is entitled to a mulligan and they got it on the weekend, and (they’re also entitled to) a bit more belief from those who have already written them off.

“It’s been a tough journey over the last 10 years for Blues fans and they’re getting used to disappointment too much, but I wouldn’t be writing them off just at the present time.”

The Blues have built a brand based on pressure, but the Crows winning the contested ball count was always going to leave the visitors up against it.

Healy believes the potential reintroduction of midfielder George Hewett will be a big benefit in Round 21 given he’s missed the last two games with back soreness.

The Sydney Hall of Famer also suggested Harry McKay – who’s kicked three goals across the last three weeks – needed to lift, while further labeling the decision to drop Jack Silvagni for the clash a failed experiment.

“The Blues’ best is still very much top end, but to achieve it they have to get back to winning the contest, and to that matter, get George Hewett back in the middle, (who was) sadly missed on the weekend,” Healy continued.

“Get Harry McKay back in form, and Harry needs to start taking more contested marks in one-on-one battles, which currently is running at about 1 in 20. For someone so big, athletic and gifted, that’s nowhere near good enough, but in other ways, it’s an area to get excited about, because he can get much, much better come the finals, in fact over the next few weeks.

“The rucks, well it’s an issue, and you’ll need more than one poor match to determine the outcome, but from what I’ve seen over the year, Silvagni’s impact in the forward line should not be dismissed lightly and I’m sure it hasn’t been Michael Voss and co.

“It was an experiment that didn’t work, it’s probably going to get another run or two, but I reckon Silvgani will play a big role in the final month of the year.

“So much to think about for Michael Voss, but at this stage, it’s still glass three quarters full for me for the Blues, not the totally empty schooner or pot too many Carlton fans appear to be drinking from this weekend.”

Richmond and St Kilda both kept their final chances alive with wins over the weekend, meaning there are still 10 clubs with genuine chances to be there in September.

David King believes Carlton’s “arrogant” performance in their loss to Adelaide over the weekend may have completely derailed their season.

While he doesn’t believe it to be an accurate reflection of their performance this year, the Blues’ loss to the Crows leaves them on 12 wins, with Brisbane (away), Melbourne and Collingwood to play and 13 wins likely required to play finals .

The Crows were clearly the better team on the night in the 29-point win and King was harsh in his assessment of the Blues.

“It was the most arrogant performance I’ve seen for a long time. They thought they were going to turn up and get through the Adelaide Crows because of where they are on the (ladder),” he told SEN’s Whatley.

“I’m not saying the coach said that, I’m not saying the leaders said that, they played like that.

“You could see it. It’s the desire indicators. Things like broken tackles – 23 broken tackles, which is a season high. They stepped through them and it wasn’t like they were walking through first-gamers.

“It was Patrick Cripps, it was Sam Walsh – some of Walsh’s defensive actions, he would be embarrassed about at the review today.

“Adam Saad, they put a tag to him and he didn’t handle it at all. He took risks just because he was being tagged. He’s been one of the best one-on-one defenders as a small defender … but for whatever reason he thought, ‘I’m not picking up Ben Keays’.

“All of a sudden you’re playing with a 10-meter leg rope, he gets out the back consistently and causes chaos. Nic Newman, I know he got subbed out, some of the defensive lapses that he makes, Lachie Plowman, I don’t understand Lachie Plowman at times. What are you doing man?

“All of a sudden, these cracks in their game come home to roost when their intensity is not there, their ground ball game, they got humbled at ground level for toughness.

“Full credit to the Adelaide Crows who wound themselves up. Their leadership, Tex Walker, you can’t give this guy enough credit and do him justice. What he does is in that forward line is special and Jacob Weitering had a really poor game by his standards.

“For some reason, they decided to give space to their opponents on the weekend and I couldn’t work that out. It has to be between the ears because the four weeks prior they’d been brilliant.

“I thought it was really poor and it ruined their year. That loss at this stage of the year, it just rocks the boat. They’re a better team than where they finish on the ladder. They are right now a better team than that.

“It reads well for next year, but right now, that was a really arrogant performance and they got smacked in the eyes by a team that said ‘you know what, you’re coming to our turf, we’re going okay, we ‘re invested in the competition of getting the result’.”

Carlton takes on Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon, before finishing the season with Melbourne and Collingwood. Will they find that 13th win? King isn’t sure.

“I don’t think they’ll find one in the next few weeks. Very few teams have gone to Brisbane over the last few years and walked away with a win. They won’t be getting that, I don’t think,” he said.

“Melbourne is one of the toughest challenges in the competition right now. I think it’ll be on the Collingwood game.

“I mean, what a finish to the year. It sets up perfectly for Collingwood. They could put a real dagger in the heart of the Carlton faithful in Round 23 and they’ll be jostling for 5th or 6th position.

“There’s nowhere to hide, and Carlton didn’t front up on the weekend and find themselves in a difficult position now.”

The Blues will lose three players to injury, with Matthew Kennedy convicted, Nic Newman dealing with a knee issue and Corey Durdin hurting his shoulder.

Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) is proud to announce Gerard Whateley will continue to call SEN home, with the acclaimed broadcaster and Chief Sports Caller re-signing with the network.

Whateley joined SEN in 2018, combining authoritative journalism and sharp-eyed analysis with emotive broadcasting, his self-titled morning show sets the sporting agenda for the day ahead.

Whateley and his program have enjoyed a string of accolades, including multiple awards from the Australian Football Media Association for ‘Best Radio Show’ and, most recently, the 2021 winner for the ‘Best Match Caller – Radio’ award.

In addition, the program regularly features within the top 10 of the Australian Podcast Ranker, with approximately one million downloads per month.

Whateley’s broadcasting prowess extends past AFL football, with the Quill Award winner having broadcasted a range of major sporting events across the SEN airwaves, including the Super Bowl, Olympic Games, International Test Cricket, and the Melbourne Cup.

On his re-commitment to SEN, Whateley said the appetite for sport discussion has never been greater.

“The daily conversation about sport and the issues intertwined in the games we play has never been more stimulating or relevant.

“And the expansion of SEN to a national, and indeed international network, adds to the magnitude and scope of our live sports broadcasts from AFL Nation to Test cricket around the world and the Super Bowl.

“My view from day one hasn’t altered – this is where I want to be. And almost five years in it feels like we’re just getting started.”

Sports Entertainment Network Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison, said he was thrilled that Whateley will continue to welcome listeners with “Good Morning” for many years to come.

“We are absolutely delighted that Gerard will continue to help lead the SEN family for years to come.

“It is hard to imagine anyone on air anywhere that’s more respected in Australian sports circles.

“Gerard’s respect for sport, its participants and administrators, and for sports fans of all ages and backgrounds shines through each day. It is matched only by their respect for him in turn.

“It’s the reason his show “Whateley” is the most downloaded morning radio show in Australia of any type.

“We are thrilled that he’ll continue to call the biggest moments in AFL, cricket, the Super Bowl and more as our chief commentator and host for years to come.”

Whateley airs Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm AEST on SEN 1116am (Melbourne), SEN SA 1629am (Adelaide), SEN Tassie 1629am (Hobart), SEN Top End 1611am (Darwin), SEN Kalgoorlie 1611am and streamed via the SEN App .

“Buenos dias!”#GerardSigns | @GerardWhateley | @SportsEntNet pic.twitter.com/pqdsqeyuci

— Whateley (@WhateleySEN) August 1, 2022

David King has questioned Brett Ratten’s post-game comments following St Kilda’s 12-point win over Hawthorn on Saturday, telling the Saints coach: “You can’t have it both ways”.

After coming too close for comfort in almost blowing a 44-point lead in the third quarter, scenes at the final siren were somewhat subdued for St Kilda fans.

The narrative after the game was a strange one given the last quarter drop-off where the Hawks kicked five goals to one, but Ratten questioned that during his press conference.

“Probably everyone that speaks about us speaks about half-empty,” the Saints coach said post-match.

“Every time we speak to somebody we’re not going so well, we don’t do this, we don’t do that.

“We won the game of footy.

“We didn’t play the game for four quarters how we wanted to, but we took four points.

“Everyone can keep looking at how negative the Saints are and what the Saints are doing, we won a game of footy. It would be nice if people say well done for a change.”

The win over Hawthorn came just two weeks after St Kilda released inner-sanctum footage of Ratten imploring his players to challenge each other and drive standards on the field following a disappointing loss to the Western Bulldogs.

“We’ve got to push, not concede. We’ve got to ask more of each other, not allow it to happen.”

A post-game reality check. pic.twitter.com/vEZ8gCTE3w

— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) July 18, 2022

That footage came among questions of on-field leadership, and the drop-off against Hawthorn failed to dispel that theory.

However, the win importantly moved St Kilda into the top eight, and the victory could have been bigger had they not kicked 10.15.

“They should have smashed Hawthorn on the weekend,” King said on SEN’s Whateley.

“I’m a little bit with Ratts on this game, they kicked 10.15 and 5.8 from set shots, you’ve just got to have a better return than that.

“You’ve just got to be able to put these games well out of reach and break the hearts of the opposition.”

However, King questioned the comments in relation to what Ratten said a fortnight ago.

“I agree with Ratts a little bit, but hey Ratts, it was only seven days ago you were sitting in front of the group saying we’ve got to raise the bar,” the dual-premiership Kangaroos added.

“So which is it? Can we be positive about what you’re doing as a group, or are we still challenging internally for guys to get better and raise the bar?

“You can’t have it both ways.

“I like what they can do, I don’t always like what they actually do.”

Despite finishing Round 20 in the top eight, the Saints face an uphill battle to hold that spot, playing Geelong, Brisbane and Sydney in their last three games.