Latest news with #NormSmithMedallist
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Magpies ponder selection posers for King's Birthday
Dan McStay could return for Collingwood and Bobby Hill is a health watch ahead of the AFL King's Birthday blockbuster against Melbourne. The Magpies will have at least two changes, with Lachie Schultz out for five to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Pat Lipinski in concussion protocols. Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith Medallist, was a notable absentee from training on Wednesday because of illness in his family. McStay is close to returning from the knee injury he suffered in the Anzac Day win over Essendon. Coach Craig McRae is hopeful Hill will play his 100th game, against the Demons. "At this stage, barring him getting sick, that will be the case," McRae said. "He's a little infectious guy that we all love very much - he's a bit of a prankster, too. "We love how electrifying he can be. He can really give the X-factor to our team." Collingwood will have two more training sessions ahead of Monday and McRae said McStay was close to an immediate AFL recall. "There's a big chance Dan will be available. We're not quite ready to announce that - he still has a little bit to go," McRae said. "His magnet is getting really close to being considered." Collingwood will also consider a second ruck to back up Darcy Cameron, given the form of Demons captain Max Gawn. Despite Cameron also having a big season, McRae called Gawn "the best ruckman in the competition. "I have huge respect for Max Gawn ... I still love Darcy, more," McRae said. Sitting on top of the ladder, Collingwood will start favourites against Melbourne. But despite inaccuracy costing them dearly in the loss to St Kilda last weekend, the Demons have rediscovered their mojo and are a massive threat. "The form line, it stacks up. They have tinkered with their game a bit, they're moving the ball a bit faster - they're in good form," McRae said. It will be a massive game for Demons start Christian Petracca, who suffered serious internal injuries in the corresponding game a year ago. "He's a massive threat ... we'll treat him with as much respect as we should," McRae said. McRae is rapt with his own team's form and said his players' ability to lead themselves stacks up against when he was part of Brisbane's 2001-03 three-peat under coach Leigh Matthews. He said sometimes the Collingwood coaches need to stay out of the way of the players. "I did learn that from Leigh - he used to call it the snowball, when it's coming down the hill ... get out of the way," he said. Monday will also be the Big Freeze fundraiser for the FightMND charity, with former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher addressing the Magpies on Wednesday. Daniher, diagnosed with MND more than a decade ago, cannot speak and used eye-recognition technology for his speech. McRae's brother-in-law Pat also has the disease and was another VIP guest at Collingwood on Wednesday. "This one is pretty special - close to home. Our players are super-excited for it, you see them today warming up - all knowing it's a big day, they all have the (Big Freeze) beanies on at training," McRae said. "We want to play the game, not the occasion, which we talk about a lot - but it's a big occasion." Dan McStay could return for Collingwood and Bobby Hill is a health watch ahead of the AFL King's Birthday blockbuster against Melbourne. The Magpies will have at least two changes, with Lachie Schultz out for five to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Pat Lipinski in concussion protocols. Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith Medallist, was a notable absentee from training on Wednesday because of illness in his family. McStay is close to returning from the knee injury he suffered in the Anzac Day win over Essendon. Coach Craig McRae is hopeful Hill will play his 100th game, against the Demons. "At this stage, barring him getting sick, that will be the case," McRae said. "He's a little infectious guy that we all love very much - he's a bit of a prankster, too. "We love how electrifying he can be. He can really give the X-factor to our team." Collingwood will have two more training sessions ahead of Monday and McRae said McStay was close to an immediate AFL recall. "There's a big chance Dan will be available. We're not quite ready to announce that - he still has a little bit to go," McRae said. "His magnet is getting really close to being considered." Collingwood will also consider a second ruck to back up Darcy Cameron, given the form of Demons captain Max Gawn. Despite Cameron also having a big season, McRae called Gawn "the best ruckman in the competition. "I have huge respect for Max Gawn ... I still love Darcy, more," McRae said. Sitting on top of the ladder, Collingwood will start favourites against Melbourne. But despite inaccuracy costing them dearly in the loss to St Kilda last weekend, the Demons have rediscovered their mojo and are a massive threat. "The form line, it stacks up. They have tinkered with their game a bit, they're moving the ball a bit faster - they're in good form," McRae said. It will be a massive game for Demons start Christian Petracca, who suffered serious internal injuries in the corresponding game a year ago. "He's a massive threat ... we'll treat him with as much respect as we should," McRae said. McRae is rapt with his own team's form and said his players' ability to lead themselves stacks up against when he was part of Brisbane's 2001-03 three-peat under coach Leigh Matthews. He said sometimes the Collingwood coaches need to stay out of the way of the players. "I did learn that from Leigh - he used to call it the snowball, when it's coming down the hill ... get out of the way," he said. Monday will also be the Big Freeze fundraiser for the FightMND charity, with former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher addressing the Magpies on Wednesday. Daniher, diagnosed with MND more than a decade ago, cannot speak and used eye-recognition technology for his speech. McRae's brother-in-law Pat also has the disease and was another VIP guest at Collingwood on Wednesday. "This one is pretty special - close to home. Our players are super-excited for it, you see them today warming up - all knowing it's a big day, they all have the (Big Freeze) beanies on at training," McRae said. "We want to play the game, not the occasion, which we talk about a lot - but it's a big occasion." Dan McStay could return for Collingwood and Bobby Hill is a health watch ahead of the AFL King's Birthday blockbuster against Melbourne. The Magpies will have at least two changes, with Lachie Schultz out for five to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Pat Lipinski in concussion protocols. Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith Medallist, was a notable absentee from training on Wednesday because of illness in his family. McStay is close to returning from the knee injury he suffered in the Anzac Day win over Essendon. Coach Craig McRae is hopeful Hill will play his 100th game, against the Demons. "At this stage, barring him getting sick, that will be the case," McRae said. "He's a little infectious guy that we all love very much - he's a bit of a prankster, too. "We love how electrifying he can be. He can really give the X-factor to our team." Collingwood will have two more training sessions ahead of Monday and McRae said McStay was close to an immediate AFL recall. "There's a big chance Dan will be available. We're not quite ready to announce that - he still has a little bit to go," McRae said. "His magnet is getting really close to being considered." Collingwood will also consider a second ruck to back up Darcy Cameron, given the form of Demons captain Max Gawn. Despite Cameron also having a big season, McRae called Gawn "the best ruckman in the competition. "I have huge respect for Max Gawn ... I still love Darcy, more," McRae said. Sitting on top of the ladder, Collingwood will start favourites against Melbourne. But despite inaccuracy costing them dearly in the loss to St Kilda last weekend, the Demons have rediscovered their mojo and are a massive threat. "The form line, it stacks up. They have tinkered with their game a bit, they're moving the ball a bit faster - they're in good form," McRae said. It will be a massive game for Demons start Christian Petracca, who suffered serious internal injuries in the corresponding game a year ago. "He's a massive threat ... we'll treat him with as much respect as we should," McRae said. McRae is rapt with his own team's form and said his players' ability to lead themselves stacks up against when he was part of Brisbane's 2001-03 three-peat under coach Leigh Matthews. He said sometimes the Collingwood coaches need to stay out of the way of the players. "I did learn that from Leigh - he used to call it the snowball, when it's coming down the hill ... get out of the way," he said. Monday will also be the Big Freeze fundraiser for the FightMND charity, with former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher addressing the Magpies on Wednesday. Daniher, diagnosed with MND more than a decade ago, cannot speak and used eye-recognition technology for his speech. McRae's brother-in-law Pat also has the disease and was another VIP guest at Collingwood on Wednesday. "This one is pretty special - close to home. Our players are super-excited for it, you see them today warming up - all knowing it's a big day, they all have the (Big Freeze) beanies on at training," McRae said. "We want to play the game, not the occasion, which we talk about a lot - but it's a big occasion."
West Australian
6 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Magpies ponder selection posers for King's Birthday
Dan McStay could return for Collingwood and Bobby Hill is a health watch ahead of the AFL King's Birthday blockbuster against Melbourne. The Magpies will have at least two changes, with Lachie Schultz out for five to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Pat Lipinski in concussion protocols. Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith Medallist, was a notable absentee from training on Wednesday because of illness in his family. McStay is close to returning from the knee injury he suffered in the Anzac Day win over Essendon. Coach Craig McRae is hopeful Hill will play his 100th game, against the Demons. "At this stage, barring him getting sick, that will be the case," McRae said. "He's a little infectious guy that we all love very much - he's a bit of a prankster, too. "We love how electrifying he can be. He can really give the X-factor to our team." Collingwood will have two more training sessions ahead of Monday and McRae said McStay was close to an immediate AFL recall. "There's a big chance Dan will be available. We're not quite ready to announce that - he still has a little bit to go," McRae said. "His magnet is getting really close to being considered." Collingwood will also consider a second ruck to back up Darcy Cameron, given the form of Demons captain Max Gawn. Despite Cameron also having a big season, McRae called Gawn "the best ruckman in the competition. "I have huge respect for Max Gawn ... I still love Darcy, more," McRae said. Sitting on top of the ladder, Collingwood will start favourites against Melbourne. But despite inaccuracy costing them dearly in the loss to St Kilda last weekend, the Demons have rediscovered their mojo and are a massive threat. "The form line, it stacks up. They have tinkered with their game a bit, they're moving the ball a bit faster - they're in good form," McRae said. It will be a massive game for Demons start Christian Petracca, who suffered serious internal injuries in the corresponding game a year ago. "He's a massive threat ... we'll treat him with as much respect as we should," McRae said. McRae is rapt with his own team's form and said his players' ability to lead themselves stacks up against when he was part of Brisbane's 2001-03 three-peat under coach Leigh Matthews. He said sometimes the Collingwood coaches need to stay out of the way of the players. "I did learn that from Leigh - he used to call it the snowball, when it's coming down the hill ... get out of the way," he said. Monday will also be the Big Freeze fundraiser for the FightMND charity, with former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher addressing the Magpies on Wednesday. Daniher, diagnosed with MND more than a decade ago, cannot speak and used eye-recognition technology for his speech. McRae's brother-in-law Pat also has the disease and was another VIP guest at Collingwood on Wednesday. "This one is pretty special - close to home. Our players are super-excited for it, you see them today warming up - all knowing it's a big day, they all have the (Big Freeze) beanies on at training," McRae said. "We want to play the game, not the occasion, which we talk about a lot - but it's a big occasion."
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Magpies ponder selection posers for King's Birthday
Dan McStay could return for Collingwood and Bobby Hill is a health watch ahead of the AFL King's Birthday blockbuster against Melbourne. The Magpies will have at least two changes, with Lachie Schultz out for five to six weeks with a hamstring injury and Pat Lipinski in concussion protocols. Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith Medallist, was a notable absentee from training on Wednesday because of illness in his family. McStay is close to returning from the knee injury he suffered in the Anzac Day win over Essendon. Coach Craig McRae is hopeful Hill will play his 100th game, against the Demons. "At this stage, barring him getting sick, that will be the case," McRae said. "He's a little infectious guy that we all love very much - he's a bit of a prankster, too. "We love how electrifying he can be. He can really give the X-factor to our team." Collingwood will have two more training sessions ahead of Monday and McRae said McStay was close to an immediate AFL recall. "There's a big chance Dan will be available. We're not quite ready to announce that - he still has a little bit to go," McRae said. "His magnet is getting really close to being considered." Collingwood will also consider a second ruck to back up Darcy Cameron, given the form of Demons captain Max Gawn. Despite Cameron also having a big season, McRae called Gawn "the best ruckman in the competition. "I have huge respect for Max Gawn ... I still love Darcy, more," McRae said. Sitting on top of the ladder, Collingwood will start favourites against Melbourne. But despite inaccuracy costing them dearly in the loss to St Kilda last weekend, the Demons have rediscovered their mojo and are a massive threat. "The form line, it stacks up. They have tinkered with their game a bit, they're moving the ball a bit faster - they're in good form," McRae said. It will be a massive game for Demons start Christian Petracca, who suffered serious internal injuries in the corresponding game a year ago. "He's a massive threat ... we'll treat him with as much respect as we should," McRae said. McRae is rapt with his own team's form and said his players' ability to lead themselves stacks up against when he was part of Brisbane's 2001-03 three-peat under coach Leigh Matthews. He said sometimes the Collingwood coaches need to stay out of the way of the players. "I did learn that from Leigh - he used to call it the snowball, when it's coming down the hill ... get out of the way," he said. Monday will also be the Big Freeze fundraiser for the FightMND charity, with former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher addressing the Magpies on Wednesday. Daniher, diagnosed with MND more than a decade ago, cannot speak and used eye-recognition technology for his speech. McRae's brother-in-law Pat also has the disease and was another VIP guest at Collingwood on Wednesday. "This one is pretty special - close to home. Our players are super-excited for it, you see them today warming up - all knowing it's a big day, they all have the (Big Freeze) beanies on at training," McRae said. "We want to play the game, not the occasion, which we talk about a lot - but it's a big occasion."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sam Mitchell goes public with sad new revelation about former Hawthorn teammate
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says he didn't catch up with Cyril Rioli in Darwin recently and has had very little contact with his estranged former teammate. The pair won four AFL premierships together at Hawthorn but Rioli has distanced himself from the club and many of his former teammates after making racism allegations surrounding his time at the Hawks. The 35-year-old was conspicuously absent for Hawthorn's centenary celebrations at the MCG in May, despite dozens of his former teammates taking part. However, there were signs that Rioli was ready to start mending bridges with his former club after being spotted catching up with Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge before the Hawks' round 10 clash with the Suns in Darwin three weeks ago. Rioli lives in Darwin but declined an invitation to attend Hawthorn's training session before the game against Gold Coast. However, his surprise appearance at the round 10 fixture between the Suns and Hawks left the AFL community pleased to see Rioli associating with Hawthorn again. One man that didn't get the chance to catch up with Rioli though is Hawthorn coach Mitchell, who says the former Norm Smith Medallist will always be welcome back at the club that he achieved so much at. Speaking on Seven's The Agenda Setters, Mitchell acknowledged that it was a 'complicated' situation for Rioli says he's ready to catch up whenever his former teammate feels ready. "I didn't run into him in Darwin and I haven't reached out to him of that close a nature," Mitchell said. "He knows that he would be welcome back at Hawthorn if he wants to but it's obviously a complicated part of his life and whether he wants to come back. "If he does that would be great but like every club there are players that absolutely bleed the colours for the rest of their lives and there are players that maybe aren't that happy with things that happened at a club. And (with) Cyril, I'm always willing to chat if he wants to." "He (Cyril) knows that he would be welcome back at Hawthorn if he ever wants to."🗣️ Sam Mitchell on Cyril Rioli — 7AFL (@7AFL) June 3, 2025 Rioli's recent catch-up with Hodge delighted the AFL community after the former Hawks captain revealed he hadn't been able to contact Rioli for a number of years. And it prompted moves from Hawthorn president Andy Gowers behind the scenes to bring some of the former players together after recent events. In November last year, Hawthorn settled a federal court case with past First Nations players and their families, and issued an apology. Rioli was among a group of players who alleged they were racially vilified during their time at the club, and the case was settled without a determination of any of the parties' allegations. And Rioli's no-show at Hawthorn's centenary celebrations last month suggested he's ready to return to his former club. A number of Hawthorn Hawks and premiership winners paraded the club's 13 cups on the ground before the big round eight win over Richmond but Rioli was nowhere to be seen. "When you go through so much with a lot of guys, you want to see all their faces," Hodge said at the time. "We understand that Hawthorn and Cyril haven't come to the stage where Cyril feels comfortable back in the football club just yet. But time heals all wounds and we're hoping it gets to that stage with Cyril."
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Demon Petracca reaffirms AFL future ahead of milestone
Melbourne star Christian Petracca insists he has put the most turbulent period of his life behind him as he chases a second AFL premiership. In the build-up to his 200th game, Petracca fought back tears on Wednesday when recounting last year's life-threatening injuries. A lacerated spleen, punctured lung and cracked ribs suffered in the King's Birthday blockbuster against Collingwood hospitalised Petracca and ended his 2024 campaign early. The fallout from the significant setback and concerns over the Demons' handling of his injuries also led to "strong conversations" with the club and speculation Petracca wanted a fresh start elsewhere. There were fresh doubts over Petracca's playing future when the Norm Smith Medallist threw his mouthguard in frustration during Melbourne's 0-5 start to this season. But on Wednesday the 29-year-old lightheartedly attributed his emotional response to his Italian heritage, and was adamant he remains committed to the Demons. "I understand there's always going to be noise surrounding that, but internally I know, my teammates know, my coaches know and the club knows that I'm a Melbourne person through and through," Petracca said. "Last year was nothing more than wanting to make this football club better and see success. "We had strong conversations, but that's healthy. What strong high-performance environment isn't having them?" Petracca said he also challenged himself to improve as a leader over the off-season, adamant Melbourne have the tools to repeat their 2021 premiership success. "I wasn't pointing fingers or blaming people," he said. "It was about, 'As a collective, how can we get better?' "We have the list, we have the coaching staff, we have incredible fans and we play at the MCG. "For us, it's about being in it together and understanding what we can achieve." Petracca, who sat out his entire first season with Melbourne because of a knee injury, will play his 200th game when the Demons host Sydney at the MCG on Sunday. Reflecting on his journey so far, Petracca nominated the 2021 flag as his career highlight, and declared last year's injuries his toughest challenge. He briefly choked up when asked about that period, and paid tribute to his wife, Bella, and family for their support. Petracca also borrowed a line from UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovksi when he said "adversity is a privilege". "I look back at that time now with incredible perspective, as I said, silver lining," Petracca said. "I wouldn't have wanted to go through something like that, but life gave me that gift and I am really appreciative of being able to pull on the jumper every day now. "It's given me a feeling that I never would've had before the injury. I think I took footy for granted a little bit, and life. "It's definitely shifted my priorities of what's most important to me." Melbourne star Christian Petracca insists he has put the most turbulent period of his life behind him as he chases a second AFL premiership. In the build-up to his 200th game, Petracca fought back tears on Wednesday when recounting last year's life-threatening injuries. A lacerated spleen, punctured lung and cracked ribs suffered in the King's Birthday blockbuster against Collingwood hospitalised Petracca and ended his 2024 campaign early. The fallout from the significant setback and concerns over the Demons' handling of his injuries also led to "strong conversations" with the club and speculation Petracca wanted a fresh start elsewhere. There were fresh doubts over Petracca's playing future when the Norm Smith Medallist threw his mouthguard in frustration during Melbourne's 0-5 start to this season. But on Wednesday the 29-year-old lightheartedly attributed his emotional response to his Italian heritage, and was adamant he remains committed to the Demons. "I understand there's always going to be noise surrounding that, but internally I know, my teammates know, my coaches know and the club knows that I'm a Melbourne person through and through," Petracca said. "Last year was nothing more than wanting to make this football club better and see success. "We had strong conversations, but that's healthy. What strong high-performance environment isn't having them?" Petracca said he also challenged himself to improve as a leader over the off-season, adamant Melbourne have the tools to repeat their 2021 premiership success. "I wasn't pointing fingers or blaming people," he said. "It was about, 'As a collective, how can we get better?' "We have the list, we have the coaching staff, we have incredible fans and we play at the MCG. "For us, it's about being in it together and understanding what we can achieve." Petracca, who sat out his entire first season with Melbourne because of a knee injury, will play his 200th game when the Demons host Sydney at the MCG on Sunday. Reflecting on his journey so far, Petracca nominated the 2021 flag as his career highlight, and declared last year's injuries his toughest challenge. He briefly choked up when asked about that period, and paid tribute to his wife, Bella, and family for their support. Petracca also borrowed a line from UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovksi when he said "adversity is a privilege". "I look back at that time now with incredible perspective, as I said, silver lining," Petracca said. "I wouldn't have wanted to go through something like that, but life gave me that gift and I am really appreciative of being able to pull on the jumper every day now. "It's given me a feeling that I never would've had before the injury. I think I took footy for granted a little bit, and life. "It's definitely shifted my priorities of what's most important to me." Melbourne star Christian Petracca insists he has put the most turbulent period of his life behind him as he chases a second AFL premiership. In the build-up to his 200th game, Petracca fought back tears on Wednesday when recounting last year's life-threatening injuries. A lacerated spleen, punctured lung and cracked ribs suffered in the King's Birthday blockbuster against Collingwood hospitalised Petracca and ended his 2024 campaign early. The fallout from the significant setback and concerns over the Demons' handling of his injuries also led to "strong conversations" with the club and speculation Petracca wanted a fresh start elsewhere. There were fresh doubts over Petracca's playing future when the Norm Smith Medallist threw his mouthguard in frustration during Melbourne's 0-5 start to this season. But on Wednesday the 29-year-old lightheartedly attributed his emotional response to his Italian heritage, and was adamant he remains committed to the Demons. "I understand there's always going to be noise surrounding that, but internally I know, my teammates know, my coaches know and the club knows that I'm a Melbourne person through and through," Petracca said. "Last year was nothing more than wanting to make this football club better and see success. "We had strong conversations, but that's healthy. What strong high-performance environment isn't having them?" Petracca said he also challenged himself to improve as a leader over the off-season, adamant Melbourne have the tools to repeat their 2021 premiership success. "I wasn't pointing fingers or blaming people," he said. "It was about, 'As a collective, how can we get better?' "We have the list, we have the coaching staff, we have incredible fans and we play at the MCG. "For us, it's about being in it together and understanding what we can achieve." Petracca, who sat out his entire first season with Melbourne because of a knee injury, will play his 200th game when the Demons host Sydney at the MCG on Sunday. Reflecting on his journey so far, Petracca nominated the 2021 flag as his career highlight, and declared last year's injuries his toughest challenge. He briefly choked up when asked about that period, and paid tribute to his wife, Bella, and family for their support. Petracca also borrowed a line from UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovksi when he said "adversity is a privilege". "I look back at that time now with incredible perspective, as I said, silver lining," Petracca said. "I wouldn't have wanted to go through something like that, but life gave me that gift and I am really appreciative of being able to pull on the jumper every day now. "It's given me a feeling that I never would've had before the injury. I think I took footy for granted a little bit, and life. "It's definitely shifted my priorities of what's most important to me."
