AFL

Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge shocked to be out for six weeks due to knee surgery

Hodge landed awkwardly after a desperate spoiling attempt in the second minute of the match against the Giants that the Hawks went on to lose by 75 points.

Port Adelaide and the AFL sign MOU with new Power sponsor to play 2017 premiership match in China

The league, the Power and the club's new Chinese sponsor signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to play a premiership-season game in 2017 in Shanghai.

The memorandum was signed by the club's chief executive Keith Thomas and representatives of the AFL and a Shanghai-based real estate company.

'Our confidence doesn't waver', says defiant Bulldog

The Dogs lost by three points on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, with James Sicily's starring final term – he booted three goals – pushing the reigning premiers across the line.

But Boyd said the Dogs should gain self-belief from the contest, which was their first loss in an impressive start to 2016.

No excuses for beaten Cats, says Scott

The Cats squandered plenty of scoring chances in the first term against the Giants and came back from 37 points down late in the third quarter to get within a goal in the last, but Scott said post-match that his team had to be professional and deal with any obstacles thrown its way. 

GWS won the contested possession count 148-127 and dominated the clearances in the second half to shade the Cats 39-26. 

Smith's debut as good as Danger: Chappy

Smith was mightily influential in his first game in Geelong colours after playing five years with Gold Coast.

He kicked three first-half goals – two following brilliant forward-50 tackles – to highlight his 14 disposal, 16 hit-out first-up performance.

Attack on Pies' players 'a disgrace': Tiger

Reports emerged last week that up to 11 Collingwood players have tested positive to illicit drugs in hair tests during the off-season.

It has led to a wide-ranging debate about the AFL's new illicit drug policy, and raised concerns about the confidentiality of the results.

Scratchy Dixon delights skipper in his debut

Dixon fought an enthralling battle with St Kilda veteran Sam Fisher in the Power's 33-point triumph at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, and the powerhouse forward finished with three majors coming off an injury-interrupted pre-season.

But Boak said Dixon ticked the most important box by presenting a marking target for the Power's midfielders and allowing Port's dangerous small forwards – led by Robbie Gray (four goals) and Chad Wingard (three) - to crumb at his feet.

Demon Lumumba to help make call on his own fitness

Lumumba had surgery on both ankles at the end of last season, but has now played two consecutive VFL practice matches.

Angus Brayshaw and Lynden Dunn also played in last Saturday's game for the Casey Scorpions.

Treloar to add new edge to Pies' midfield: Pendlebury

Treloar impressed in his first match for the Magpies in last week's NAB Challenge match against the Western Bulldogs, racking up 26 disposals and two goals after spending much of the pre-season in rehab following groin surgery.

Hodge's weighty decision as he looks forward

Speaking at the AFL Captains Day on Thursday, the Hawk captain said he would enter 2016 at the same weight as last year – 88kg – and a reason why was the possibility of spending more time up forward.

"You'll have to ask 'Clarko' that," Hodge said when asked whether he would see more time up forward as the Hawks restructure their side in the absence of the injured Jarryd Roughead for the first half of the season.