From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
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THE Bull became a Dolphin and now he's a Magpie.

Just as he set out to do when he left Noble Park 12 months ago, Kyle Martin completed the rise to AFL ranks when Collingwood selected him in today's AFL rookie draft.

The Pies had interviewed Martin after his best-and-fairest season at Frankston Dolphins, but made no promises about taking him.

The plumber slipped away from work this morning to watch the draft on his mobile phone and was stunned when his name popped up on the AFL website.

"It's always been a goal to get drafted, and it's a big thrill that it's happened," he told Leader a few minutes later.

"It's a shock, but a good one.

From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
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SAM Dwyer has known the deep disappointment of being overlooked in a succession of AFL drafts.

So the Port Melbourne ace chose not to follow this morning's rookie selections.

He figured he would soon find out one way or another.

It came in the form of a phone call from Borough coach Gary Ayres.

He was bearing good news: Collingwood had taken the 26-year-old, granting him his long-held ambition to make an AFL list.

"Bit surprised. I didn't watch it or listen or anything like that," Dwyer said.

"I've just stayed at work (he is an electrician with Port team manager Steve Carr).

From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Michael Warner
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THE Western Bulldogs could spring a pre-season draft surprise by snaring VFL journeyman Brett Goodes on Tuesday.

Goodes, 28, has played in two VFL premierships with North Ballarat and is the brother of Sydney Swans superstar Adam Goodes.

He is also the player welfare manager at Whitten Oval, setting up an intriguing selection dilemma for Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney.

Discarded Essendon midfielder Brent Prismall was considered a certainty to be taken by the Bulldogs after knocking back an offer from Port Adelaide.

But the Dogs yesterday confirmed Goodes, a hard-running defender, remained an option and was locked in a race with Prismall, 26, for a fairytale shot at the AFL.

From Herald Sun
Reported by Sam Landsberger and Paul Amy
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EMBATTLED Melbourne could be forced to run its own VFL team next year because its affiliate, Casey Scorpions, is fighting for survival.

A failed pokies venture has left the Scorpions hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and they are without a senior coach for next season.

Most players haven't been paid since about Round 5.

The Demons, sweating on the outcome of an AFL tanking investigation, would have to find another $400,000 to field a stand-alone VFL team and source a ground to ensure the development of prized youngsters such as Jesse Hogan, Jack Viney and Dom Barry is not compromised.

AFL Victoria chiefs, including chairman Peter Jackson, general manager Grant Williams and operations boss John Hook, held a crisis meeting with Casey officials last night.