Teams: Pies pick pace, Lambert to debut

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COLLINGWOOD has re-called speedsters Paul Seedsman and Tim Broomhead for the club's clash with Adelaide this Saturday.

Broomhead and Seedsman replace injured star Steele Sidebottom and youngster Jordan De Goey, following solid performances by the former two for the Pies' VFL side in a practice match.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE TEAMS AND TO RE-LIVE OUR SUPERCOACH CHAT ...

ADELAIDE only made one change to the line-up that comprehensively beat North Melbourne, with Mitch Grigg replacing Jarryd Lyons.

RICHMOND will blood VFL gun Kane Lambert, who will make his debut against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

Lambert, voted the VFL's top young gun in 2013 while playing for Williamstown, comes in for the suspended Brett Deledio.

GEELONG coach Chris Scott dropped a selection bombshell on Thursday, revealing that Steve Motlop would be dumped for the club's clash with Fremantle on Sunday "for an off-field issue".

Jimmy Bartel was named in the Cats' 25-man squad, despite suffering concussion against Hawthorn, as well as Andrew Mackie, who was a late withdrawal on Monday.

Carlton's Levi Casboult has been selected for the club's clash against West Coast. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

CARLTON will be without Dale Thomas (shoulder) and Kristian Jaksch (ribs), but called upon Levi Casboult and Jason Tutt to help stretch West Coast's defence.

WEST COAST will unleash its top draft pick Liam Duggan, while it is also re-called Will Schofield to replace injured defender Mitch Brown, who requires season-ending knee surgery.

Scott Selwood won't play on Friday night due to an ankle injury.

MELBOURNE pair Bernie Vince (hamstring) and Chris Dawes (suspension) missed the Demons' season-opener, but will play in Saturday's clash against the GWS Giants in Canberra, replacing Jimmy Toumpas and Jay Kennedy-Harris.

ST KILDA veteran Leigh Montagna won't line-up against Gold Coast due to a knee injury.

GOLD COAST welcomes back Tom Lynch from suspension.

SYDNEY has included skipper Jarrad McVeigh for its clash with PORT ADELAIDE, which has included ruckman Jarrad Redden for his first game since Round 15, 2013.

HAWTHORN welcomes back star defender Grant Birchall, who has had an interrupted pre-season due to a knee injury, for its clash against the Bombers on Sunday.

ESSENDON selected James Gwilt and recently-upgraded rookie Shaun McKernan in its 25-man squad, but had to leave out David Myers and Dustin Fletcher due to injury.

BRISBANE will be led by Daniel Rich against North Melbourne, with skipper Tom Rockliff expected to be sidelined for six weeks due to injuries to his ribs and lungs. Rockliff and Daniel Merrett will both miss through injury.

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ROUND 1

WEST COAST EAGLES v CARLTON

Friday, April 10 at Subiaco Oval, 8.10pm (AEST)

EAGLES

B: E.Yeo, J.McGovern, J.Bennell

HB: S.Hurn, W.Schofield, B.Sheppard

C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, M.Rosa

HF: C.Masten, J.Kennedy, S.Wellingham

F: J.Cripps, S.Lycett, P.McGinnity

Foll: N.Naitanui, L.Shuey, M.LeCras

Inter: L.Duggan, J.Nelson, D.Sheed, S.Turnbridge

Emer: B.Colledge, J.Hill, K.Lucas

In: W.Schofield, J.Bennell, S.Tunbridge, L.Duggan

Out: S.Butler (adductor), M.Brown (knee), S.Selwood (ankle), T.Lamb

New: Liam Duggan (Western Jets)

BLUES

B: S.Rowe, M.Jamison, S.Docherty

HB: A.Everitt, C.Yarran, Z.Tuohy

C: E.Curnow, A.Carrazzo, K.Simpson

HF: B.Gibbs, T.Menzel, T.Bell

F: L.Jones, L.Henderson, M.Murphy

Foll: C.Wood, C.Judd, S.White

Inter: L.Casboult, P.Cripps, C.SMoth, J.Tutt

Emer: D.Armfield, C.Byrne, D.Ellard

In: J.Tutt, L.Casboult

Out: D.Thomas (shoulder), K.Jaksch (ribs)

RICHMOND v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Saturday, April 11 at MCG, 1.45pm (AEST)

TIGERS

B: T.Chaplin, J.Batchelor, A.Rance

HB: B.Houli, N.Vlastuin, D.Grimes

C: B.Ellis, T.Cotchin, K.McIntosh

HF: S.Morris, S.Edwards, K.Lambert

F: J.Riewoldt, B.Griffiths, S.Lloyd

Foll: I.Maric, T.Hunt, D.Martin

Inter: S.Grigg, C.Newman, A.Miles, N.Gordon

Emer: D.Astbury, R.Petterd, C.Knights

In: K.Lambert

Out: B.Deledio (suspension)

New: Kane Lambert (Williamstown VFL)

BULLDOGS

B: M.Boyd, J.Roughead, D.Morris

HB: R.Murphy, M.Talia, E.Wood

C: T.Dickson, M.Honeychurch, J.Macrae

HF: L.Dahlhaus, A.Cordy, S.Crameri

F: J.Stringer, T.Boyd, M.Wallis

Foll: W.Minson, M.Bontempelli, L.Jong

Inter: J.Grant, J.Johannisen, L.Picken, B.Goodes

Emer: N.Hrovat, L.Webb, J.Redpath

In: A.Cordy

Out: J.Redpath

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GWS GIANTS v MELBOURNE

Saturday, April 11 at Startrack Oval, 2.10pm (AEST)

GIANTS

B: H.Shaw, P.Davis, J.Patfull

HB: N.Haynes, A.Corr, R.Palmer

C: T.Bugg, C.Ward, T.Scully

HF: L.Whitfield, J.Cameron, C.McCarthy

F: A.Treloar, A.Tomlinson, J.Kelly

Foll: S.Mumford, D.Shiel, S.Coniglio

Inter: T.Greene, N.Wilson, D.Smith, R.Griffen

Emer: M.Buntine, Z.Willians, A.Phillips

In: N.Wilson

Out: C.Hampton

DEMONS

B: C.Garland, L.Dunn, J.Howe

HB: N.Jetta, T.McDonald, C.Salem

C: D.Cross, H.Lumumba, B.Newton

HF: D.Kent, J.Hogan, J.Viney

F: J.Garlett, C.Dawes, J.Watts

Foll: M.Jamar, N.Jones, D.Tyson

Inter: A.Brayshaw, S.Frost, B.Vince, A.vandenBerg

Emer: J.Kennedy-Harris, V.Michie, J.Spencer

In: C.Dawes, B.Vince

Out: J.Toumpas, J.Kennedy-Harris

COLLINGWOOD V ADELAIDE

Saturday, April 11 at Etihad Stadium, 4.35pm (AEST)

MAGPIES

B: A.Toovey, N.Brown, B.Sinclair

HB: T.Langdon, J.Frost, J.Ramsay

C: T.Varcoe, D.Swan, J.Crisp

HF: J.Elliott, J.White, T.Broomhead

F: A.Fasolo, T.Cloke, J.Blair

Foll: B.Grundy, S.Pendlebury, T.Adams

Inter: T.Goldsack, M.Williams, P.Seedsman, A.Oxley

Emer: S.Dwyer, P.Karnezis, C.Gault

In: T.Broomhead, P.Seedsman

Out: S.Sidebottom (hand), J.De Goey

CROWS

B: L.Brown, K.Hartigan, M.Jaensch

HB: B.Smith, D.Talia, K.Cheney

C: P.Dangerfield, R.Sloane, R.Henderson

HF: D.Mackay, T.Lynch, N.Van Berlo

F: J.Jenkins, T.Walker, E.Betts

Foll: S.Jacobs, M.Wright, R.Douglas

Inter: M.Grigg, C.Cameron, C.Ellis-Yolmen, R.Laird

Emer: J.Podsiadly, J.Lyons, B.Martin

In: M.Grigg

Out: J.Lyons

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GOLD COAST SUNS v ST KILDA

Saturday, April 11 at Metricon Stadium, 7.20pm (AEST)

SUNS

B: S.Tape, S.May, G.Broughton

HB: A.Saad, R.Thompson, N.Malceski

C: K.Kolodjashnij, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow

HF: H.Bennell , T.Lynch, J.Martin

F: J.Garlett, S.Day, D.Swallow

Foll: Z.Smith, M.Rischitelli, D.Prestia

Inter: A.Sexton, M.Hallahan, S.Lemmens, T Miller

Emer: D.Gorringe, B.Matera, A.Hall

In: S.Tape, T.Lynch, S.Lemmens

Out: T.McKenzie, M.Shaw (suspension), D.Gorringe

SAINTS

B: S.Savage, L.Delaney, S.Dempster

HB: J.Geary, S.Fisher, J.Newnes

C: C.Shenton, D.Armitage, J.Steven

HF: J.Lonie, N.Riewoldt, J.Sinclair

F: T.Membrey, J.Bruce, A.Saad

Foll: B.Longer, L.Dunstan, M.Weller

Inter: A.Schneider, J.Billings, D.Roberton, T.Curren

Emer: E.Templeton, B.Acres, N.Wright

In: T.Curren, J.Billings

Out: L.Montagna (knee), E.Templeton

PORT ADELAIDE v SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday, April 11 at Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm (AEST)

POWER

B: J.Hombsch, A.Carlile, J.Trengove

HB: J.Pittard, T.Jonas, M.Broadbent

C: J.Polec, B.Ebert, M.White

HF: R.Gray, J.Westhoff, C.Wingard

F: H.Hartlett, J.Schulz, J.Neade

Foll: P.Ryder, T.Boak, O.Wines

Inter: A.Monfries, J.Impey, K.Cornes, J.Redden

Emer: K.Mitchell, A.Young, P.Stewart

In: J.Redden

Out: J.Butcher

SWANS

B: R.Shaw, T.Richards, D.Rampe

HB: N.Smith, H.Grundy, J.McVeigh

C: L.Jetta, K.Jack, C.Bird

HF: J.Lloyd, L.Franklin, D.Hannebery

F: K.Tippett, S.Reid, G.Rohan

Foll: M.Pyke, J.Kennedy, L.Parker

Inter: A.Goodes, I.Heeney, J.Laidler, D.Towers

Emer: H.Cunningham, S.Naismith, D.Robinson

In: J.McVeigh

Out: H.Cunningham

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GEELONG CATS v FREMANTLE

Sunday, April 12 at Simonds Stadium, 1.10pm (AEST)

CATS

B: J.Kelly, H.Taylor, C.Enright

HB: C.Guthrie, T.Lonergan, J.Rivers

C: A.Mackie, J.Selwood, N.Cockatoo

HF: J.Bartel, M.Clark, S.Johnson

F: M.Stokes, T.Hawkins, D.Lang

Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Caddy, M.Duncan

Inter (from) J.Bews, C.Gregson, G.Horlin-Smith, J.Murdoch, D.Simpson, B.Smedts, R.Stanley

In: A.Mackie, R.Stanley, G.Horlin-Smith, J.Murdoch

Out: S.Motlop (club suspension)

DOCKERS

B: C.Sutcliffe, L.McPharlin, L.Spurr

HB: G.Ibbotson, M.Johnson, C.Pearce

C: P.Duffield, N.Fyfe, T.Sheridan

HF: D.Pearce, M.Pavlich, M.Barlow

F: H.Ballantyne, Z.Clarke, M.Walters

Foll: A.Sandilands, D.Mundy, S.Hill

Inter (from) L.Neale, C.Mayne, M.de Boer, N.Suban, T.Mzungu, H.Crozier, M.Taberner

In: T.Mzungu, H.Crozier, M.Taberner

Out: Nil

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN

Sunday, April 12 at MCG, 3.20pm (AEST)

BOMBERS

B: M.Hibberd, C.Hooker, M.Gleeson

HB: B.Stanton, J.Carlisle, J.Gwilt,

C: J.Melksham, J.Watson, M.Baguley

HF: T.Colyer, M.Hurley, D.Heppell

F: P.Chapman, P.Ambrose, A.Cooney

Foll: T.Bellchambers, B.Goddard, D.Zaharakis

Inter: (from) L.Dalgleish, B.Howlett, C.Dempsey, Z.Merrett, J.Daniher, J.Ashby, S.McKernan

In: C.Dempsey, J.Gwilt, S.McKernan, J.Ashby, L.Dalgleish

Out: D.Myers (shoulder), D.Fletcher (groin)

HAWKS

B: S.Burgoyne, J.Frawley, B.Lake,

HB: G.Birchall, J.Gibson, B.Stratton

C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill

HF: L.Breust, J.Gunston, W.Langford

F: P.Puopolo, J.Roughead, C.Rioli

Foll: J.Ceglar, L.Hodge, J.Lewis

Inter: (from) B.McEvoy, T.Duryea, J.O'Rourke, J.Anderson, M.Suckling, R.Schoenmakers, J.Sicily

In: G.Birchall, R.Schoenmakers, J.O'Rourke, J.Sicily

Out: L.Shiels (hamstring)

New: James Sicily (Western Jets)

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NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS

Sunday, April 12 at Etihad Stadium, 4.40pm (AEST)

KANGAROOS

B: L.McDonald, S.Thompson, M.Firrito

HB: S.Atley, J.Tippett, J.Macmillan

C: D.Wells, J.Ziebell, S.Gibson

HF: S.Higgins, J.Waite, K.Turner

F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, B.Harvey

R: T.Goldstein, B.Cunnington, A.Swallow

Inter (from): R.Bastinac, N.Dal Santo, S.Wright, R.Tarrant, R.Nahas, M.Wood, B.Brown

In: R.Nahas, R.Tarrant, B.Brown, M.Wood

Out: B.Jacobs

LIONS

B: M.Paparone , M.Maguire, J.Clarke

HB: C.Beams, J.Adcock, J.McGrath

C: R.Bewick, J.Redden, D.Zorko

HF: A.Christensen, J.Green, M.Close

F: D.McStay, S.Martin, S.Mayes

Foll: M.Leuenberger, D.Beams, M.Robinson

Inter (from) J.Aish, D.Rich, T.Cutler, L.Taylor, R.Lester, M.Golby, Z.O'Brien

In: M.Maguire, M.Golby, M.Close, T.Cutler, Z.O'Brien

Out: D.Merrett (hamstring), T.Rockliff (ribs)

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Saudi Arabia punish North Korean collapse

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NORTH Korea are encouraging their players to head abroad and on the evidence of Wednesday night, the quicker they do the better.

The competition's mystery boys surrendered the lead to lose 4-1 to Saudi Arabia, ending their hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase of the Asian Cup.

Technically adept, there was plenty to like about Chollima (Thousand-mile horse), but their naivety and tactical ill-discipline gifted a mediocre Saudi Arabia three points at AAMI Park.

Nineteen of the 23-man squad play in the ironically named Highest Class Football League — North Korea's top tier.

Ryang Yong-gi celebrates after scoring a surprise opening goal for DPR Korea. Source: Getty Images

Despite coach Jo Tong Sop claiming a day earlier that the overseas-based quartet were largely to blame for the opening game loss to Uzbekistan, Swiss-based beanpole Pak Kwang Ryong was again a standout.

But the striker lacked service and pals, as a series of comical mistakes handed the Saudis giftwrapped chances and the clinical Mohammed Al Sahlawi punished them.

Reinstated after being controversially benched in game one, Al Sahlawi scored a brace and played a part in Naif Hazazi's opener, before Nawaf Alabid scored the fourth.

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Almost 13,000 were exposed to a fast and loose encounter, with North Korea was more threatening early.

They forced world-class saves from Saudi keeper Waleed Abdullah within seven minutes — a shot from Sim Hyon-Jin then a Re Yong-Jik header.

But Waleed let himself down four minutes later when he failed to clear Pak's long-range strike, with Ryang Yong Gi tapping in the rebound.

Nawaf Al Abid gets inventive after Saudi Arabia's fourth goal. Source: News Corp Australia

Striker Hazazi had two golden chances, but headed wide on both occasions, either side of North Korea's goal.

But he made up for it moments before half-time, with calm control and finishing, though Al Sahlawi and Nawaf's shrewd lead up play sucked the defence out of position.

Al Sahlawi scored two in three minutes just after the restart both from woeful North Korean mistakes.

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Then Ri Yong Jik was red carded for handballing on the line with 14 minutes to go, with Nawafi's penalty striking both posts.

But he was quickest to react, sprinting in to put away the scraps.

The North Koreans were dejected and with most of the AAMI Park crowd sympathised with them, with only Sunday's dead rubber against China left before they return home.

Al Sahlawi Mohammed bagged two goals in a crazy five-minute passage of play. Source: Getty Images

FULL TIME: NORTH KOREA 1 (Yong-Gi 11) SAUDI ARABIA 4 (Hazazi 37, Al Sahlawi 52, 54, Nawafi 77)

2015 Asian Cup — Group B

Crowd: 12,349 at AAMI Park

Referee: Abdullah Mohamed Al Hilali (OMA)

Red cards: Yong Jik 76 (PRK)

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LIVE: Dons host Crows as Suns down Cats

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ESSENDON, again, will look to put its off-field dramas aside when it hosts Adelaide at Etihad Stadium tonight

The Bombers and the Crows sit ninth and 10th respectively on the ladder and are both looking to slot into the top eight.

In the other game tonight, Brisbane has a massive challenge on its hands, facing Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.

TO GET LIVE STATS AND SUPERCOACH POINTS CLICK ON THE GAME IN THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU'RE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Earlier, Harley Bennell led Gold Coast to its first win over Geelong in its history at Metricon Stadium.

Bennell starred, booting six goals from 27 disposals and 11 marks, to help the Suns to a comprehensive 40-point victory.

In a big blow for the Cats, ball magnet Mathew Stokes was subbed out of the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury.

Port Adelaide's Jay Schulz dominated the Western Bulldogs, finishing with 8.2 from 22 possessions and 14 marks to help the Power to a 72-point win.

Injuries took their toll on the Bulldogs, with skipper Ryan Griffen subbed out at half-time with back spasms and Jarrad Grant copping an accidental elbow to the face from Brad Ebert.

Another sharpshooter, Hawthorn's Luke Breust, helped the Hawks to a 29-point victory over Collingwood.

Breust finished with four goals from 20 possessions, while Collingwood's Travis Cloke fought hard for his team to boot five goals.

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Follow it all live and have your say below.

SATURDAY FOOTY (times EST)

1.45pm: Port Adelaide 12.14 (128) def Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) at Adelaide Oval

2.10pm: Hawthorn 17.13 (115) def Collingwood 13.8 (86) at MCG

4.40pm Gold Coast 17.16 (118) def Geelong 11.12 (78) Metricon Stadium

7.40pm Fremantle v Brisbane Lions, Patersons Stadium

7.40pm Essendon v Adelaide, Etihad Stadium

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Hawks maintain dominance over Magpies

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AT the 25-minute mark of the third term Collingwood looked right in the contest and was coming hard at Hawthorn.

But three minutes and a couple of moments of individual brilliance later, the Pies were 27 points down and the game had realistically slipped from their clutches.

The Magpies were grinding away in the third quarter, and drew to within two points midway through the term.

Even a highly unusual intervention by the umpire 50 metres from play, which ultimately led to a superb Brad Sewell left-foot snapped goal, did not halt Collingwood's charge (skipper Scott Pendlebury was penalised on the wing for a throw, even though the umpire 10-metres from play seemed satisfied he had actually fired a slick handpass out of traffic).

Hawthorn's Brad Sewell had 26 disposals in a stand-out performance. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

But the decisive moments of the match came between the 25 and 28-minute marks of the third term, when Hawthorn slotted three team-lifting goals in a row.

First Luke Breust, who looked a threatening forward all day, ran on to a crumb at the back of a pack 30 metres from goal.

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A minute later Cyril Rioli, who had been relatively quiet, made the Sherrin sing by gathering a loose ball in the forward pocket and delivering a remarkable overhead handball that allowed Brad Hill to run into an open goal.

Just moments later, the 173-centimetre Paul Puopolo leapt onto a pack that included ruckmen David Hale and Lachlan Keefe to pluck in a grab and convert from 45 metres.

Magpie tagger Brent Macaffer played on Hawthorn speedster Brad Hill. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

Although the Pies toiled away in the final term, Hawthorn had seen off their challenge and were never going to lose from a 21-point lead at the final change.

It was an entertaining match with absorbing man-on-man contests all over the field.

In the centre square, Hawthorn's midfield generals Sewell, Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge took on Pendlebury, Dayne Beams and company, and while they returned similar statistics, the Hawks mids were more influential.

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Pendlebury's class notwithstanding, the Hawthorn combination also used the ball more precisely.

Sewell, who continually seems to have to prove his worth, certainly did so here, winning 11 contested possessions and moving to quell Pendlebury when the Pies playmaker was beginning to have a real influence in the second half.

Scott Pendlebury amassed 35 disposals. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

From the outset Collingwood elected to send its primary stopper, Brent Macaffer, to dangerous Hawks wingman Brad Hill, and the pair played out an intriguing and, at times, niggly duel in the first half.

At times Macaffer looked unable to go with Hill, whose silky disposal and searing pace set up several scoring chances. But the Pies tagger looked to push into dangerous positions himself, and persisted so well that by the final siren he had taken the honours.

In attack Hawthorn's ability to share the load between 10 goalkickers was more potent than Collingwood's reliance on Travis Cloke and a handful of goalsneaks.

Jarryd Roughead kicked three goals. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

From the opening bounce the Hawks looked the more organised outfit. They were prepared to play on, run and back themselves and were outstanding in the way they worked the ball into their forward 50. Their kicking was incisive and difficult to counter.

When the Hawks lost possession they were disciplined in the way they set up a zone defence and filled space, forcing Collingwood to travel route one and bomb it long to Cloke. Jesse White was disappointing, not just because he had little influence, but also because he allowed Matt Spangher to drop back to help Brian Lake double-team Cloke.

Early on Collingwood had to rely on manufacturing goals. Its first three goals came from: a 55-metre bomb from Clinton Young after he ran on to a handball out the back; Brent Macaffer running into an open goal after a Brad Hill turnover in the middle; and a Jamie Elliott set-shot after Matt Suckling elected to bump instead of tackle Paul Seedsman.

Travis Cloke was one of the best players on the ground in a losing side, kicking five goals. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

But Cloke fought on gamely. He almost single-handedly dragged the Pies back into the contest with three goals in the second quarter, including one on the half-time siren that reduced the margin to nine points.

He converted a brilliant 45-metre set shot from the boundary in the final quarter, and showed an impressive workrate, such as the time early in the third quarter when he put in a fantastic chase as Isaac Smith took three bounces streaming into the Hawks forward line, forcing a rushed kick.

In the end Hawthorn's class, superior ball use and moments of brilliance were the difference between the teams.

Hawthorn had too much firepower for Collingwood's inexperienced defence. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

HAWTHORN 17.13 (115)

COLLINGWOOD 13.8 (86)

WARWICK GREEN'S BEST

HAW: Sewell, Breust, Birchall, Hodge, Lewis, Spangher.

COLL: Cloke, Pendlebury, Elliott, Macaffer, Ball, Beams.

VOTES

3 — Sewell (Haw)

2 — Cloke (Coll)

1 — Breust (Haw)

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Buckley at his Witts end after loss

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COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley conceded he was at his wit's end when he ripped into Jarrod Witts during the 29-point loss to Hawthorn.

Buckley came interchange area late in the third quarter at a time when Hawthorn unleashed a matchwinning three-goal burst, and delivered a withering and animated spray at the 21-year-old ruckman.

HAWKS MAINTAIN DOMINANCE OVER PIES

After the siren both men acknowledged that it was an emotional exchange, but had no problem with outburst.

"It's an emotional game, but I was fairly calculated in my approach to Wittsy,'' Buckley said, "and he just happened to be running off at that time, which was bad timing for him''.

Witts told Fox Footy after the game that Buckley "got stuck into me a little bit. He just wanted me to come out and have a big last effort and will the boys to get over the line.

"I'll just take it on the chin and move on.''

Buckley and Witts after the exchange. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Buckley said the blast was "designed as a prickle. It was designed to really challenge him and wake him up in some ways. We're getting about 85 per cent of what he's capable of, right now, and there's gold in that last 15 per cent.

"Wittsy came into the club five years ago now as a young bloke,'' Buckley said, "and I've got great belief in what he's going to be capable of achieving. And I don't think he shares that belief at the moment.

"His last quarter was good. He kicked a couple of goals, took a contested mark in the goalsquare, but we want our big fellas to play like big fellas. We want them to play big and tall and tough and have blokes stand up taller around them, and I didn't think Wittsy was doing that for most of the game, and definitely in that 5-10 minute period leading up to three-quarter time.''

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Buckley felt the last five minutes of the third quarter undermined all of the hard work the Pies had put in to get back in the match from 22 points down late in the first half.

"We can't afford to give up two or three goals in two minutes,'' he said. "We can't afford to do that against a quality side. We'd worked so hard as a side to be in the game and we need every individual to understand — and we've got a lot of young players there — but still understanding that there are moments in a game that you need to seize, and Hawthorn were the side today that seized those moments, and we let them go.''

Another crucial moment in the third quarter involved a controversial decision by the non-controlling field umpire to penalise Pies skipper Pendlebury for throwing the ball, even though replays suggested it was a legitimate handball. The umpire made the call from 50 metres away, and the resulting free kick led to a goal from Brad Sewell that made the margin eight points.

"I saw the handball on the replay, so my view wouldn't be positive towards that particular decision,'' Buckley said. "At times I felt like we were up against it in that regard.

"But that's the game. We didn't get the rub of the green at all today, but that happens from time to time.''

Buckley asks for more from his troops. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Nathan Buckley Source: News Corp Australia

Buckley said he felt Collinwgood was "in the contest for a lot of it, although minus 25 in contested possessions hurts, and really that's just like water dripping on a stone, eventually it told''. He was also critical of his team's slow ball movement in the final term, which he suggested was more of a factor than a lack of run caused by consecutive six-day breaks.

Collingwood should regain the suspended Steele Sidebottom and Tyson Goldsack (knee) for next Sunday night's match against Carlton. But Tom Langdon, who was subbed out in the second quarter with concussion after wearing a stray Jack Gunston boot in the mouth, is a chance to miss, while Nick Maxwell (calf) is likely to be unavailable for at least another week.

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Live NRL: Raiders v Bulldogs

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CAN the Raiders make it four defeats in a row for the Bulldogs, or will Canterbury rediscover their bite in Canberra?

GET TEAMS AND STATS IN THE LIVE MATCH CENTRE

Ricky Stuart's side have been inconsistent at best this season but after a heavy home defeat to the Broncos in round 13 and bottom of the ladder perilously close, they will be desperate to make their Friday night home advantage count.

The Bulldogs have suffered more than most during State of Origin, dropping a mighty 86 points abd suffering during the representative season. Three straight losses will have Hasler's Dogs fired up to make amends in the nation's capital.

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Mills on the microphone for Spurs

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AUSTRALIA'S Patty Mills was handed the honour of introducing his Spurs' teammates before an enormous crowd at San Antonio's celebration inside the Alamodome this week.

In a sign of his growing popularity in the US, Mills was selected to MC the Spurs' official welcome party before a delirious San Antonio crowd, providing fans with insights into the personalities of the likes of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker as he introduced them.

Aron Baynes and Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs poses for a portrait with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Miami Heat in Game Five of the 2014 NBA Finals. Source: Getty Images

His quirky Australian sense of humour left the Texan crowd cold on occasions — especially when he made a gag at the expense of coach Gregg Popovich and a reference to Australia-New Zealand relations on Anzac Day — though they warmed to him when he began to introduce his teammates.

KNICKS INTERESTED IN LURING MILLS TO NY

MILLS BACKS IN CHAMPIONSHIP GLOW

Fellow Aussie, power forward Aron Baynes, received special mention and took the chance to display his strength by almost power slamming Mills following an introduction that praised the big man's work ethic.

Patty Mills made a big impression with his unconventional speech. Source: Getty Images

Having introduced the majority of the team Mills then moved on to the true stars of the NBA Championship-winning team. Highlighting the tight bond shared by San Antonio's 'Big Three' of Parker, Ginobli and Duncan, Mills declined to single any one player out and instead focused on the tight bond shared by the biggest names at the Spurs.

HEAT MAY POACH OUR PATTY MILLIONS

MILLS'S DESTINY INSPIRED BY FREEMAN

"I've got to talk about three of them for who they are. They're friends, they're now best friends before they're even teammates. And I think that's the best thing about them.

"They're better people than they are basketballers.

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"One of the guys nicknames is 'Gramps', the other guy's nickname is 'The Big Dog' and I can't tell you the other nickname because it's a bit rude in French so we'll just leave it at that'."

The final introduction was saved for NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

Mills also used the occasion to start his latest trend — #Boboing — a reference to Boris Diaw's capacity for daydreaming.

The hashtag was trending across San Antonio, adding to the three goggles, frogging and towel snapping fads he has instigated in the NBA over his five seasons as a player.

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Live: Tigers host red-hot Swans

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RICHMOND will look to end the Sydney Swans' eight-game winning streak when the clash at the MCG, tonight.

The Swans haven't beaten Richmond at the MCG since 2009.

The Tigers are riding a three-game losing streak but will be heartened by an improved showing against Fremantle last week.

FOR FULL LIVE HQ COVERAGE WITH SUPERCOACH SCORES CLICK ON THE GAME IN THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU ARE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

The Swans will be hoping spearhead Lance Franklin can continue his sparkling recent form.

Franklin was at his best in the final quarter against Port Adelaide, kicking the last five goals of the game to guide his team home.

The Swans are already without Kurt Tippett.

The Tigers hopes depend on the form of full forward Jack Riewoldt and midfielders Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin.

RICHMOND v SYDNEY SWANS

Friday, June 20 at the MCG, 7.50pm (EST)

TIGERS

B: T.Chaplin, J.Batchelor, A.Rance

HB: B.Houli, M.Dea, S.Morris

C: D.Martin, S.Edwards, R.Petterd

HF: N.Foley, A.Edwards, B.Deledio

F: R.Conca, J.Riewoldt, A.Miles

Foll: I.Maric, B.Ellis, T.Cotchin

I/C: M.Thomas, S.Hampson, D.Grimes, N.Vlastuin

Emg: N.Gordon, B.O'Hanlon, B.Helbig

In: M.Thomas, R.Conca

Out: C.Newman (groin), B.Lennon

SWANS

B: N.Smith, T.Richards, D.Rampe

HB: J.Laidler, H.Grundy, R.Shaw

C: N.Malceski, JP.Kennedy, L.Jetta

HF: A.Goodes, S.Reid, J.McVeigh

F: L.Parker, L.Franklin, H.Cunningham

Foll: M.Pyke, K.Jack, C.Bird

I/C: B.Jack, Z.Jones, J.Lloyd, T.Derickx

Emg: G.Rohan, T.Membrey, T.Nankervis

In: M.Pyke, Z.Jones

Out: D.Hannebery (ankle), G.Rohan

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Brilliant Buddy pops Power’s bubble

Sydney key forward Lance Franklin, left, celebrates a goal with Adam Goodes. Picture: Matt King. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

LANCE Franklin almost single-handedly ended Port Adelaide's eight game winning streak at the SCG on Saturday, kicking three sensational final quarter goals to help the Swans escape with a four point win.

The Power had taken everything Sydney could give for three-and-a-half quarters and looked like adding another famous come from behind victory to their growing list.

But Franklin refused to let his team lose, banging through some miraculous long range goals to help the Swans close within one game of Port at the top of the ladder.

"I think that's why you pay him a million dollars," Port coach Ken Hinkley said.

Some had billed the clash as Port's "Judgement Day".

Despite the Power's victories at Adelaide Oval against Geelong, Hawthorn and Fremantle, there was a perception Hinkley's side needed to perform against the Swans in Sydney to prove its premiership mettle.

For anyone who watched the game — which was described by Brisbane Lions midfielder Daniel Rich as "a little taste of finals footy in June" — there's no doubt Port has what it takes to be a major player in this year's finals series.

The signs were there in the opening term when the Power refused to fold in the face of a Swans onslaught.

Sydney has killed teams off with blistering starts on several occasions this season and looked to do the same to the Power.

Midfielder Brad Ebert was among Port Adelaide's best. Picture: Toby Zerna.

Kieran Jack kicked the opener in his 150th and Jarrad McVeigh clean bowled Jackson Trengove on the goal line after smothering Alipate Carlile's kick.

But after conceding the first couple Port — led by exceptional midfield duo Brad Ebert and Robbie Gray — dug in and quickly stopped the bleeding.

The Swans inaccuracy certainly helped. Franklin kicked 0.3 of his side's 2.8 in the first quarter as Sydney missed the opportunity to jump out to a big lead.

The door was open for Port to climb quickly back into the game and they did so in the second as Matt White put his stamp on the contest.

The Power started finding space where they couldn't in the first term and took a surprise lead midway through the term.

Suddenly realising they were at risk of wasting their early dominance the Swans responded. Adam Goodes burnt Jack Hombsch for three second term goals and Sydney led by seven points at the main break.

Port's chances took a dive in the third term because of two crucial individual errors.

First Kane Mitchell tried to bump Josh Kennedy when he should have tackled, allowing the Swans midfielder to curl in a dribbled goal.

Then, after the Power had battled back into the game, Jasper Pittard missed a one metre handball in the centre of the ground, coughing up a possession which would end in a goal to Franklin.

It allowed the Swans to regain control of the game despite Matthew Lobbe's dominance in ruck.

The final term was Port versus Franklin.

Despite seeing Hamish Hartlett subbed off with an ankle injury, the Power midfield took control and willed their team back into the game.

Ebert and Gray were everywhere and the Swans struggled to respond because Kane Cornes had Daniel Hannebery under lock and key.

But just when you thought the Power was on top, Franklin would bob up with another goal and Sydney did just enough to escape with the points.

Port will look to quickly bounce back against the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval this Saturday before a round 14 Showdown against Adelaide.

But it will wake on Sunday knowing it has the game to beat anyone this season.

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Chile reception, but Socceroos have bold new future

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A FROG puckering up to a princess and getting an air kiss. A size six glass slipper when the Australians take a size seven. It was agonisingly close but there would be no fairytale for these Socceroos.

Yet despite the worst Australian start since Shane Kelly's foot came out of the pedal at the Atlanta Olympics, a 3-1 defeat by Chile was not the grim reality this recently assembled team of veterans, decent journeymen and untested youngsters was supposed to face.

Instead their performance was brave, almost epic. A triumph of spirit and will, but, despite some incredible efforts and heartbreaking near-misses, no triumph at all.

After 13 minutes the Socceroos had conceded two goals and it appeared the most pessimistic forecasts would be proven. As Chile attacked, Australia skated on ball bearings.

In those moments you could not help fear for Ange Postecoglou's outfit. Both because of the brilliant and suddenly emboldened opposition they faced and the hostile environment in which they were being asked to perform.

Socceroos champion Tim Cahill celebrates his goal against Chile, having now scored in three World Cups. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

An hour before the game it was apparent the Australians didn't just face the Chilean team, they confronted Chile itself. Australia's band of travelling fans was vastly outnumbered by the red-shirted Chileans who made a deafening noise when their heroes walked on to the pitch. And this was just for the warm-up.

Then the Australians lined up on the pitch and endured an incredibly passionate, even spine-tingling rendition of the Chilean national anthem roared by chest-thumping fans, while getting a close look at their potential tormentors.

Alexis Sanchez plays for Barcelona and Arturo Vidal plays for Juventus. Ivan Franjic plays for Brisbane Roar and Matthew Spiranovic plays for Western Sydney Wanderers.

This time, it seemed, reputations would count for everything. When Sanchez and Vidal kicked off, Vidal crossed himself before darting after the ball. Thirteen excruciating minutes later on Friday the 13th (Brazil time), it seemed Australia didn't have a prayer.

Perhaps Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan could have plucked the ball from Charles Aranguiz's feet. Perhaps Mile — "Call me Mike'' — Jedinak could have won the ball in the air. Certainly Sanchez should have been marked. But his goal was sharp, and ignited both Chile's fans and Australia self-doubts.

Alexis Sanchez of Chile scores the opening goal against the Socceroos. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

Yes, the defenders should have been in the same post-code as Jorge Valdivia when he caressed the ball over Ryan's head for the second.

Australia's defensive weakness was exposed, which no doubt brought knowing nods from some who will reflexively bemoan the absence of some of "golden era'' stars.

Chile once celebrated the rescue of miners trapped underground for 69 days. The Socceroos seemed to be in an even deeper hole.

Which of course meant Tim Cahill scored a goal with his head. The man's skull should one day be on display in the National Museum beside Phar Lap's heart.

It was a goal that changed the momentum of the game. It might be one that changes the momentum in Aussie football.

Bravery, of course, will be no consolation. So despite a noble effort it now seems certain this will be the World Cup Australia had to have. The one where the wheel is turned and the ship slowly changes course.

The Socceroos defence stands distraught after conceding Chile's first goal. Source: Getty Images

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