Saturday, September 29, 2007

Chris Judd Trade Talk with Collingwood

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Chris Judd Trade Talk
Sport News


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COLLINGWOOD yesterday ended the four-day merry-go-round for the services of Chris Judd, but where he ends up is still the million-dollar question.

The Magpies are, if you listen to the jungle drums, favourite to sign him.

Carlton, Melbourne and Essendon are also waiting for a call from Judd's manager Paul Connors.

At least one of those clubs – Carlton – believes Collingwood is the front-runner.

Adding to the intrigue is that Melbourne, the team Judd supported as a youngster, believes it is a chance to secure his signature.

The Bombers spoke to Judd on Sunday.

It's possible Judd might not announce his decision until the start of trade week.

The Magpies, led by president Eddie McGuire, chief executive Gary Pert and coach Mick Malthouse, yesterday met Judd and Connors at the Lexus Centre.

McGuire told Fox Sports' On The Couch the club would now wait for Judd to decide on a team.

"He would be a very good poker player, Chris Judd," McGuire said. "All we did was present the things we believe our club to stand for, the Lexus Centre, the coaching."

"There was nothing there that was any trickiness."

McGuire said rumours of the Magpies looking to trade ruckman Josh Fraser as part of a move for Judd were nonsense.

Fraser missed the preliminary and semi-finals with a back/hip complaint.

"I actually saw Josh and said to him that I'd heard these rumours and they're completely unfounded," McGuire said.

"I wouldn't have thought that Josh Fraser, given the fact we need ruckmen, would be one bloke we would be wanting to get rid of.

"This might all change in two weeks' time when we sit down or if Chris Judd rings up tomorrow and says, `I want to be a Magpie', and then we need to decide what the mix is."

The Eagles have already stated a deal with the Magpies was unlikely because the Magpies did not have low draft picks.

Connors has refused to make any further comment.

Article Source : Herald Sun Footy

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Jimmy Bartel Wins Brownlow

AFL Football
Bartel Wins Brownlow
Football News


Links : AFL Football | Brownlow Medal | Finals Football

Geelong midfielder Jimmy Bartel is confident his runaway Brownlow Medal victory won't prove to be much of a distraction in the lead-up to Saturday's grand final against Port Adelaide.

The 23-year-old polled 29 votes, including eight best-on-ground performances, to finish seven votes clear of Brisbane's Simon Black, the Kangaroos' Brent Harvey and West Coast tyro Daniel Kerr, who was ineligible due to a suspension.

Bartel's teammate and pre-event favourite Gary Ablett polled 20 votes to finish in a tie for sixth.

"I couldn't stop shaking up there and I'm still overwhelmed," Bartel said.

"It's starting to sink in but I don't think it will for quite some time.

"I've got training and we've got a pretty big game to look forward to.

"I just can't wait for the grand final now."

Bartel was confident that winning the medal would not distract him from focusing on Saturday's grand final against the Power, where the Cats will be seeking to end a 44-year premiership drought.

"I've got some pretty good teammates here who keep me down to earth," he said.

"They're looking forward to the weekend, just like I am and I just can't wait for Saturday to come around.

"Hopefully (I'll play) well.

"But then again, I'd rather not get a kick at all if (it means) we win the premiership."

James Clement Retires from Collingwood

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James Clement Retires
AFL Footy News


James Clement

Links : AFL Football | Collingwood | AFL News

Collingwood defender James Clement has shocked his club by announcing his retirement from AFL football.

The Magpies vice-captain played 230 games, including 146 for Collingwood after joining the club from Fremantle in 2001.

His announcement comes just two days after the Magpies were knocked out of the 2007 AFL finals series in a five-point defeat to Geelong in their preliminary final.

Verdict :

This is a bit of a shock, Jimmy Clement shouldn't have pulled the pin like this, he at least should have announced his retirement during the season, it's a shame really - as a Collingwood supporter I would have liked the chance to farewell Clement and show some appreciation - after all Jimmy has been a champion for the pies for several years, it leaves me wondering how many other Pies will call it a day and not get the farewell they truly deserve.

James Hird's stolen jumper

AFL Football
James Hird' Jumper
AFL News


Links : Essendon | Football News | AFL Football

THE saga of retired Essendon AFL champion James Hird's stolen jumper continues, with a 22-year-old man charged over the theft of the prized guernsey.

The 250th game jumper signed by Hird and gifted to club stalwart Colin Hooper was swiped from a framing shop in Kew, in Melbourne's inner east, on September 1.

It was later discovered by detectives investigating another matter at a home in Springvale South, in the city's outer east.

The jumper had not been washed and was stained with grass and dirt marks from Hird's milestone game.

A man fleeing the house during the raid dropped the jumper in the backyard as police pursued him on foot.

Dandenong detectives arrested a 22-year-old man in a car in the outer eastern suburb of Cranbourne about midnight.

He has been charged with handling stolen goods in relation to the theft of Hird's 250th game jumper.

The 22-year-old faces another 12 charges relating to theft and burglary dating back to May 2005.

He is expected to appear in the Dandenong Magistrate's Court later this morning.