From the Bendigo Advertiser
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From The Age
Reported by Jim Morton
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GOLD Coast will take a huge gamble on giving code-crossing recruit Karmichael Hunt just two VFL games in preparation for his AFL debut in 2011.

Coach Guy McKenna has revealed that the club is so worried about burn-out from back-to-back rugby league and union seasons that Hunt would hardly be seen in Coast colours in 2010.

From Leader Newspapers - localfooty.com.au
Reported by Terry Mallinder
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PLAYERS are about to experience just how much harder life at Williamstown will be under Peter German’s reign. 

And if all goes according to plan, they might also experience the thing they have craved but been denied for the last four seasons - a VFL premiership. 

The new senior coach will take his first practice session this Wednesday, when the Seagulls’ pre-season officially kicks off. 

German, who replaces Brad Gotch after eight years at the helm at Point Gellibrand, said he spoke to the playing group, as well as the support staff, late last month about what they can expect. 

The former North Melbourne midfielder who has coached successfully in three different states over the past 15 years, is renowned for his “harder edge”, something that he hopes will be embraced by his new playing group.

Source: Geelong Advertiser

DISCARDED Cat Scott Simpson will use the example of North Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards in an attempt to rebuild his football career.

The 20-year-old will take the VFL route in a bid to return to the AFL after two injury riddled seasons at Skilled Stadium.

Discarded Cats forward Scott Simpson will try his luck in the VFL next year.

THE AFL's decision to grant clubs a second mature-age selection in this year's rookie draft would be a boon for players plying their trade in state leagues, VFL football operations manager John Hook said yesterday.

On Monday, the AFL said it would give clubs the chance to punt on two mature-aged rookies, up from one last year. The rule will be in place until the end of 2012.

It could mean more players are plucked from second-tier leagues such as the VFL when the rookie draft is held in December, while recently delisted players could also be thrown a lifeline.

Players aged 23 and over are eligible to be selected as mature-aged rookies.

Hook said he viewed the AFL's decision in a positive light, even though the VFL could possibly lose some of its best players. ''I think it will only be a positive, as it will give more opportunities for players in state leagues,'' he said. ''It will give [AFL] clubs a chance to cover certain roles and take a punt on the best players from state leagues.''

VFL premier North Ballarat will be without two-time premiership defender Michael Searl next season.

Searl will spend next year working and travelling overseas.

This means the Selkirk Roosters will pursue a third consecutive flag with a new-look defence, with North Melbourne's Shannon Watt having retired.

North Ballarat head coach Gerard FitzGerald said Searl would be a massive loss, having been an intregal part of the team and leadership group.

Although just 24 years of age, Searl is one of the Roosters' most experienced players with 99 VFL senior appearances.

From Leader Group Papers (www.localfooty.com.au)
Reported by Paul Amy
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SANDRINGHAM will go into 2010 with a new captain after Peter Summers quit the VFL last Friday.

The brilliant centreman told the Zebras increasing work commitments would prevent him from playing on.

“Yes, it’s a big blow,” Sandy general manager John Mennie said.

Summers told The Leader he had a heavy heart as he phoned president Gerry Ryan and coach Andy Lovell to inform them of his decision.

He said he had always enjoyed his time at the club, had been part of a wonderful era and made many friends.

“It was tough making the calls but you’ve just got to take the emotion out of it,” Summers said.

COBURG has hired David Newett as coach for the 2010 Victorian Football League season.

The somewhat left-field appointment of Newett – who spent the past two seasons as a development coach at North Melbourne – was confirmed by Tigers president Bill Balakis on Sunday morning. 

Newett’s CV also includes stints with the Northern Tasmania Football Academy and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport.