Both sides kicked four goals in a tense final term.

With scores level and less than two minutes remaining, Collingwood's Alex Fasolo marked on the wing and was handed a 50-metre penalty after he shaped to play on and was tackled by Josh Hunt.

Fasolo's third goal sealed the victory for the Magpies and Pendlebury's fourth goal from the next centre bounce added to Geelong's misery.

Defending premiers Geelong are now on a 4-4 win-loss record while first-year coach Nathan Buckley has steered the Magpies to a 6-2 start.

Steele Sidebottom with a game-high 38 disposals was a star for the Magpies alongside Pendlebury, who had 30 touches.

Ben Reid did a brilliant job to keep Geelong big man Tom Hawkins to 2.4, after Hawkins had been a match-winner against Reid in last year's grand final.

Defender Heath Shaw was also a good contributor for the Magpies.

Geelong centre half-back Harry Taylor had a big game on Travis Cloke (two goals).

Pendlebury kicked two of his side's three goals in the opening term as the Magpies took an eight-point lead into the quarter-time break.

After a see-sawing second term in which the Cats drew within two points of the lead late in the quarter through some brilliant work from Jimmy Bartel, Pendlebury took two bounces and scored a fabulous goal on the run from 52 metres out shortly before halftime.

The Magpies steadied with 3.2 to Geelong's 1.6 in the third term to lead by 17 points at three-quarter time.

Collingwood suffered a blow when when Dane Swan left the field clutching his right hamstring.

Geelong small forward Mathew Stokes' third goal levelled the scores in the closing stages before Fasolo and Pendlebury allowed the Magpies to skip clear.

Matthew Scarlett (ankle) was a late withdrawal from Geelong's selected side.

Western Bulldogs host Geelong at Etihad Stadium next Friday in round nine while Collingwood face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium the following night.
 

COLLINGWOOD 3.6 7.9 10.11 14.12 (96)
GEELONG 2.4 6.6 7.12 11.18 (84)
Goals: Collingwood: S Pendlebury 4 A Fasolo 3 T Cloke 2 T Goldsack 2 C Dawes D Swan J Blair. Geelong: M Stokes 3 J Podsiadly 2 M Duncan 2 T Hawkins 2 P Chapman S Motlop.
Umpires: Matt Stevic, Simon Meredith, Robert Findlay.
Official Crowd: 75,650 at MCG.

Following the surgery, Fyfe was given a 12-week rehabilitation target – and told the club website today he was on course to play again this season.

"I know how up in the air injuries can be and how things can change really quickly, so round 18 is my rough goal," Fyfe said.

"Either side of that would be quite handy.

"I'm really lucky that I have a chance to come back. Having that goal in mind really is going to stimulate me and help me in my rehab.

"I'm really keen to get back and play, but I'll just have to take it as it comes. I'll definitely grow in some ways from this injury."

Fyfe, 20, suffered a subluxed shoulder in Round 3 against Brisbane in Perth and was a late withdrawal six days later for Fremantle's gutsy win over St Kilda in Melbourne, as the tough midfielder decided his options.

Fyfe and Dockers medical staff pondered whether to continue playing with the injury and the associated continued pain, or head for in-season surgery.

The star midfielder played against Carlton but was hampered.

Fyfe then copped a heavy bump from Blues big man Matthew Kreuzer mid-way through the second quarter of the match, but bravely continued without full use of his arm - especially when attempting overhead actions.

The young Dockers star suffered another serious setback when he dislocated the troublesome left shoulder again.

Fyfe revealed his latest operation used bone to strengthen the shoulder socket to prevent future problems.

"It's a little bit more serious, but hopefully a shorter recovery time," Fyfe said.

"They reckon it's a lot more stable … and the doctor has had really good results with previous patients.

"He's really confident with how it's going and I've got full faith in him.

"My last injury was probably an 18-week recovery period, but because it was in the off-season there was no real urgency to get back.

"Because I'm in a rush to get back, they'll be pushing a little bit harder. No risks, obviously, but definitely speeding the process up."

Fyfe said he intends to be back in full training in eight weeks.

Chris Yarran does return for the Blues.

Bernie Vince and Tom Lynch have been recalled for Adelaide's Indigenous Round clash with the Blues at Etihad Stadium.

Vince has missed the past three games because of a broken hand, while Lynch earns another opportunity after a month of good form for SANFL club Glenelg.

The pair replaces suspended forward Taylor Walker and young midfielder Jarryd Lyons, who has been omitted. Ruckman Josh Jenkins retains his place after a promising debut against Geelong.

For West Coast, Nic Naitanui and Adam Selwood were confirmed as starters, as was Matt Priddis despite lingering doubts over his concussion.

Koby Stevens' presence on the emergency bench could mean Priddis could still make way for the clash with St Kilda on Sunday.

For the Saints, Jamie Cripps comes in for Arryn Siposs.

Vice-captain Jed Adcock will return for Brisbane after missing last week with a minor groin complaint.

He will be joined by returning utility Ryan Lester, who also sat out last week’s game against Collingwood with general soreness.

Irishman Pearce Hanley, who was subbed off with a hamstring injury at half time against Collingwood, appears to have passed his fitness test and has been named on the wing in the starting 18.

Josh Green and Rohan Bewick have been recalled from the Reserves and have been named on the interchange bench alongside Jared Polec and Dayne Zorko.

For GWS, mass changes were affected by Kevin Sheedy despite last week's win, with Dream Team favourites Tomas Bugg, Dylan Shiel and Devon Smith all rested.

BRISBANE LIONS V GWS GIANTS
G - Sun May 20, 1:10pm

Brisbane Lions
B: Ryan Lester, Matt Maguire, Josh Drummond
HB: Jed Adcock, Joel Patfull, Mitchell Golby
C: Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich
HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Jack Redden
F: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Patrick Karnezis
Foll: Billy Longer, Simon Black, Andrew Raines
I/C: Jared Polec, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick, Dayne Zorko
Emg: James Hawksley, Ryan Harwood, Niall McKeever
In: Jed Adcock, Ryan Lester, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick
Out: James Hawksley, Todd Banfield (Leg), Ryan Harwood, Niall McKeever

GWS Giants
B: Luke Power, Tim Mohr, Sam Darley
HB: Adam Tomlinson, Phil Davis, Sam Reid
C: WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Dom Tyson, Tom Scully
HF: Adam Treloar, Jeremy Cameron, Stephen Coniglio
F: Chad Cornes, Israel Folau, Toby Greene
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend
I/C: Andrew Phillips, Rhys Palmer, Matthew Buntine, Taylor Adams
Emg: Anthony Miles, Sam Schulz, Nathan Wilson
In: Sam Darley, WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Matthew Buntine, Adam Tomlinson, Sam Reid
Out: Tomas Bugg (Rested), Dylan Shiel (Rested), Liam Sumner (Foot), Devon Smith (Rested), Adam Kennedy (Shoulder)
New: Sam Darley (Nth. Hobart), Matthew Buntine ()

CARLTON V ADELAIDE
ES - Sun May 20, 3:15pm

Carlton
B: Christopher Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachlan Henderson
HB: Nick Duigan, Paul Bower, Zach Tuohy
C: Kade Simpson, Chris Judd, Heath Scotland
HF: Eddie Betts, Bret Thornton, Jordan Russell
F: Andrew Walker, Shaun Hampson, Jeffrey Garlett
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Mitch Robinson, Edward Curnow
Emg: Aaron Joseph, Brock McLean, Andrew Collins
In: Bret Thornton, Christopher Yarran
Out: Jarrad Waite (Back), Aaron Joseph
Milestones: Christopher Yarran - 50 games

Adelaide
B: Michael Doughty, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock
HB: Matthew Jaensch, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo
HF: Jared Petrenko, Josh Jenkins, Ian Callinan
F: Matthew Wright, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
I/C: Bernie Vince, Ricky Henderson, Brodie Smith, Tom Lynch
Emg: Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Luke Thompson
In: Bernie Vince, Tom Lynch
Out: Taylor Walker (Suspension), Jarryd Lyons

WEST COAST EAGLES V ST KILDA
PS - Sun May 20, 2:40pm

West Coast Eagles
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Luke Shuey
F: Dean Cox, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan
Emg: Thomas Swift, Lewis Stevenson, Koby Stevens
In: Adam Selwood, Will Schofield, Nic Naitanui
Out: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates, Scott Lycett

St Kilda
B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake
HB: Tom Simpkin, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary
C: Ahmed Saad, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard
HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna
F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera
Foll: Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones
I/C: David Armitage, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Beau Wilkes
Emg: James Gwilt, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes
In: Jamie Cripps
Out: Arryn Siposs

Port's football operations manager Peter Rohde is in "constant discussions" with Boak's management, Primus said on Friday.

"These things do take some time but we're hoping we'll get Travis' signature sooner rather than later," Primus told reporters.

"Contract negotiations take time to work through and Travis is an important player for us."

Boak has long been considered a target of Geelong, where he played under 18s football, with Primus conceding until Port had his signature, there was "some kind of doubts".

"You look at any player - look at what Collingwood are talking about with (Travis) Cloke - but we're pretty confident we'll be able to keep Travis," Primus said.

"He's very happy here.

"He's not happy with how he's developing, but he's certainly happy with being here at our footy club."

The future of another Victorian-born Port player, Steven Salopek, is more clouded.

Salopek, once a highly-touted midfielder who Port recruited with pick six in the 2002 draft, has been dropped to the SANFL reserves for the second time this season.

"We're unhappy with where he's at and he certainly is ... we'll keep forcing Steven to try and produce better form," Primus said of the 26-year-old.

WA police said the 24 year-old had confronted a male, who was part of a group of about five trying to break into cars in the beachside suburb of Cottesloe.

He had reportedly recognised his flatmate's car alarm, and had come out of his apartment to investigate when he was stabbed.

Cottesloe roads were closed after the stabbing which was thought to have been carried out with a screwdriver.

Oliver was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital about 4.30am, but later released.

He retired from football in 2010 because of a degenerative knee injury.

Dockers management has made clear intentions to lure a power forward since a desperate bid to win former Brisbane big man Mitch Clark failed at the last minute during controversial trade dealing last October.

Fremantle retains significant scope in their salary cap to attract a big gun like Cloke, or Ryder in their bid to bolster scoring power at the front-end of a substantially revised defensive game style under new coach Ross Lyon.

Lyon and Dockers officials are also believed to be scouring AFL lists to secure additional midfield pace in their blueprint for potential sustained finals and genuine premiership tilt in the approaching few seasons.

Ryder, 24, is likely to become a top priority to Fremanle's power forward bid if Cloke rejects Dockers offers.

Industry sources are abuzz that Cloke will eventually agree to terms at Collignwood, despite prospects of around $1million a season to walk out on the famous Magpies.

Ryder is one of a host of big stars in discussions with Bombers management on a new deal, but has yet to confirm he will stay beyond this season.

The big ruckman-forward is out of contract at the end of this season and is understood to be in strong negotiations with Bombers management.

Ryder appears more likely to stay as the Bombers continue their renaissance under club legend James Hird.

But it is understood that Gold Coast’s desperate search for a power forward has turned toward Ryder.

The big Bomber has been a revelation in back-up ruck duties as well as lurking forward with strong marking and sure kicking in Essendon’s run of six wins and just one narrow loss to Collingwood on ANZAC Day to start the 2012 premiership campaign and Hird’s second season at the helm.

Ryder is averaging 10 possessions and almost six marks a game and made more than 150 hitouts in his seven outings so far this season.

His finest performance so far this season was a best-afield effort in Round 2 against Port Adelaide when Ryder made 46 hitouts in leading a prolific Bombers midfield immediately after lead ruck force David Hille was forced out of action with a bad calf tear.

Sheedy noted it was hard to predict what would happen when his team clashed with Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday, partly due to a raft of changes - including resting talented trio Devon Smith, Tom Bugg and Dylan Shiel.

"Well, we're not playing Essendon this week, thank god. We're playing them next week," smiled Sheedy, who coached the Bombers for 27 seasons.

"Look, I don't know. We'll try our butts off and these kids are having a good go. And we're convinced that doing the selection the way we are will keep the whole list pretty vibrant.

"I hope (there's) not (a drop off). I think the reason we won last week is that we put five new guys in.

"Now we've got another five back in so, hopefully, that will keep everybody on their toes."

GWS defenders Matt Buntine and Sam Darley will play their first games on the weekend, making it 26 players to debut for the club.

"It's important that we play well and win as many games as we can, and it's also really important we blood as many players as we can," Sheedy said.

"We were very competitive against Adelaide in the first half and, since then, we've been pretty good."

The tough utility was forced out last week because of the problem and coach Alastair Clarkson revealed on Friday that the Hawks will put Hodge through more tests.

"He still has some swelling on his knee and we just can't take a trick with it at the minute," Clarkson said.

"We probably need to get that re-scanned and looked at again early next week, just to see how long.

"It's just not coming good quickly enough for us ... he'd even be in doubt for next week too unless we can get the swelling out of that knee."

Clarkson said the one benefit with Hodge's injury is that the team was learning to cope without him on the field.

"We have 22 other blokes and, hopefully, they're able to get the job (done) against Freo," he said.

Hawthorn are just outside the eight with four wins, while Fremantle have five.

"They've been quietly going along, Freo, not playing outstanding footy, but getting the job done every week," Clarkson said.

"We have a lot of regard for the way they go about it, they're very well coached and we're going to need to play our best footy to knock them off.

"You know what you're going to get, playing against a side that's coached by Ross Lyon."

While Hodge struggles to return to the side, Clarkson was brighter about Lance Franklin after a week of attention on the star forward's goalkicking inaccuracy.

Franklin sprayed 3.7 last Friday night as the Hawks kicked 15.25 in the win over Melbourne.

Clarkson said Franklin also had 10 scoring assists and was doing plenty to help the team with his tackling.

"All it is is just looking for the cream on top in a sense - the polish," Clarkson said.

"In terms of the contribution he's making, the tackle pressure down there, he's a first-rate player for us.

"We'd love him to be kicking 7.3 rather than 3.7, but we're also pretty confident that's going to come in the next few weeks.

"This debate is not foreign to us. This has been going on for seven or eight years.

"What do you do? His conversion is perhaps not as high as what you'd like, but he's getting double the shots that most forwards are probably getting."

The Hawks made one change, regaining key defender Josh Gibson from injury.

Fellow tall backman Stephen Gilham is also back in the team after an extended absence, meaning they have some much-needed height in defence.

"Since Gibson has been at the club, he and Gilham have only played together 15 times or something out of a possible 50-60 games," Clarkson said.

Jurrah is now facing four separate charges of assault following the drunken brawl near the Little Sisters Town Camp in March.

But that did not stop the Demons from green lighting his return to top flight football - a move some have questioned.

Speaking to the club website, Jurrah said his return from a wrist injury - and significant off-field incident - had left him a little anxious.

"It is good to be back playing again, and I just want to be out there again playing and enjoying footy," Jurrah said.

"I will be pretty much nervous, it is my first game back ... since the surgery last year.

"We have just got to keep improving every week in the training and on game day - and that is what we are going to be doing this week.

"I have still got a lot of room to improvement, improving in speaking in front of the group and in division meetings aswell."

The return of Jurrah in the league's indigenous round would be a perfect story, if not for the serious charge facing the Yuendumu elder.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou backed the Melbourne stance in selection Jurrah.

"Melbourne Football Club has been in consultaion all through this process ... we are fully across the issues, and that he is going to contest the charges," Demetriou told 3AW.

"He is not the first player who has been charged that is allowed to play football.

"We all understand the complexities ... but I really value the presumption of innocence in this country.

"Liam Jurrah has indicated he will contest these charges, and he should be allowed to go through that process and not be precluded from his profession.

"If he is found guilty ... and he was incarcerated he can't play football."

Demetriou made a stringent defence of Jurrah's right to play while going through the judicial process.

"Let's afford this individual the presumption of innocence. This is an important issue in society - otherwise what are we going to have, kangaroo courts," Demetriou said.

"We are not making any assessment - that is up to the judicial system.

"Lets let the process runs its course. 

"There were two St Kilda lads accused a few years ago - and I had a major sponsor ring me and demand they be stood down or they would pull their sponsorship.

"I said pull your sponsorship - dont make threats against people's individual freedoms."
 

Jurrah was hit with another four charges on Thursday relating to an alleged brawl in Alice Springs earlier this year, meaning he must answer six charges in total.

He could face jail if found guilty.

But Neeld is confident that Jurrah can cope with that stress and perform on the field.

It will be Jurrah's first senior game this season after two matches in the VFL.

He had a delayed start to the season because of a wrist injury.

"Knowing him for six or seven months and having some discussions with him, he's a very resilient man," Neeld said.

"Some of the things Liam has had to go through, some have been well documented, others haven't.

"There's no need to worry about his resilience and his mental strength.

"When you get to know him and listen to what is the Liam Jurrah story, it's one that's going to build a resilient person."

Neeld said Jurrah's selection was purely a match committee decision and there was no consultation with the club's administration.

"We'll back Liam and respect the legal process," Neeld said.

"No matter what angle we take and no matter what I say, no matter what Liam says, there will be people who say 'yep, we support you' and there will be other people who have a different view.

"That's the way it works."

Neeld added Jurrah had impressed with his training and match form.

"Liam has done everything possible to be selected in terms of his fitness work, his training and his form.

"Yes, Liam had part of his case yesterday, which is big news for you guys (media), but we've been dealing with that on an ongoing basis for quite a while.

"We've been having two, three, four times a week updates."

Neeld said Jurrah was "pretty excited" when told he was back in the senior side.

The talented forward is among three big inclusions for the Demons, with former captain Brad Green and much-scrutinised tall utility Jack Watts also returning.

Sam Blease is the fourth inclusion for his second senior game this season.

All-Australian Cloke is at the peak of his powers at the age of 25. Craig says Cloke would work well as a key forward alongside ex-Lion Clark, who has booted 17 goals in the first seven rounds for the league's bottom side in an impressive debut season for his new club.

Clark is 24 and stands at 200cm, possessing the ability to take big marks deep in the forward line while Cloke would be able to push up through half-forward.

The Demons are believed to have plenty of cash in reserve to throw at some of the AFL's biggest names such as Cloke and St Kilda duo Brendon Goddard and Nick Dal Santo when free agency kicks in later this year.

"Travis Cloke would be in most clubs' sights. He's a key forward, proven in finals football," Craig said on Thursday night.

Craig said Cloke's friendship with Mark Neeld, the former Collingwood assistant who is enduring a win-less first season as Demons mentor, was a significant factor.

"I've never met Travis," Craig told Nine's The Footy Show.

"I know he's got a great work ethic. That comes from Mark Neeld.

"Mark knows him really well. What club wouldn't want a key forward who can play like Travis Cloke?

"To have two key forwards, let's assume that it was Clark and Cloke in the forward line. That's a pretty good combination."

Several clubs including Fremantle are reportedly keen to chase Cloke, although Greater Western Sydney have officially withdrawn from the race to secure the forward who could be the subject of million-dollar offers.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou revealed the plan to clubs last week.

Anti-gambling lobbying and potential changes in government legislation are two factors in the move, along with the debts which some clubs have suffered in their gaming ventures.

"We are prepared to open the batting on being the intermediary for them," Demetriou said in a statement to Nine.

"If a group or several groups were interested in buying the machines, we would facilitate.

"It is fair to say our clubs are interested in that process."

AFL clubs have about seven per cent of the poker machines in Victoria, Nine reported.

The AFL's stance will be welcomed by some clubs but not others.

Some clubs are earning good money from pokies including Hawthorn, Collingwood, Geelong and Carlton.

However other clubs had over-committed themselves to mortgages to get pokies ventures up and going, Nine reported.

North Melbourne announced in March they had signed an arrangement with World Vision Australia, which meant the club could derive no profits from the gambling industry.

"It's an amazing game, the Dreamtime game," Demetriou said on Thursday night.

"Every time it has been played the crowd has been extraordinary. The pre-match (entertainment) has been incredible.

"There's a real anticipation around the game. It's another great concept by the great Kevin Sheedy (ex-Essendon coach) who was involved in it.

"It's a real celebration. I'm glad it's going to be nearly a sell-out."

Demetriou laughed off speculation on radio that other clubs were seeking the chance to compete in the Dreamtime clash.

"I haven't had any clubs come to us and put their (case forward)," Demetriou told ABC2's

"The Marngrook Footy Show".

"It got talked about on radio this morning because we've got a lot of people talking about footy.

"What we try to do is we try to find a game or an event for every club throughout the year.

"If it's the opening game Richmond-Carlton, or the Dreamtime game or the Anzac Day game or even the Monday-night game St Kilda-Carlton, we try to make that an event.

"I hope the Dreamtime game stays with Richmond and Essendon. They really were the originators of the concept."

Demetriou said the AFL's objective was to have 100 indigenous players on club lists in a season within the next few years.

"We're at about 80 at the moment," Demetriou said.

He said the game was almost unrecognisable 20 years on from what it looked like in 1992 and he said massive changes would continue in the next couple of decades.

"Hopefully we'll have a real national footprint. We'll have a much larger penetration in NSW and Queensland and I suspect we'll be playing games overseas for (premiership) points," he said.

Jurrah has been named in the starting 18 across half-forward to play his first senior game for 2012 after making 35 apperances since his debut in 2009.

His shock selection comes on the back of two solid performances for Demons affiliate side Casey in the VFL and will complete a remarkable string of events for the mercurial star.

And it was one of a string of changes by coach Mark Neeld, who also brought back Jack Watts and Brad Green and also named Sam Blease.

Casey has the VFL bye this weekend as the Demons confront the Swans in Sydney.

Jurrah was impressive for the Scorpions against Box Hill last weekend, picking up 16 possessions, taking five marks and booting a goal at Box Hill City Oval.

The talented forward has also overcome a niggling wrist injury - and will be forced to put his off-field drama into the back of his mind if he lines up against the in-form Swans.

Jurrah hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons early in the year, after becoming embroiled in clan drama in his home community in the Northern Territory during the pre-season.

He had been released by Demons management to attend to family issues.

As an elder of the Warlpiri tribe, Jurrah became a prominent figure in an alleged retribution attack in a long-running clan war.

He faced court on Thursday, with the Demons applying to have Jurrah’s bail conditions amended so that he may enter the NT to face the Western Bulldogs in Darwin in Round 17.

Jurrah was officially charged with assaulting four people during the brawl and if found guilty, could spend up to 14 years behind bars.

Cloke, 25, seems increasingly more likely to eventually come to terms on a deal to stay with the famous Magpies and probably even for the remainder of his already accomplished career.

On the back of contract extension announcements for five emerging Giants on Thursday, it is understood that their management is now out to secure Patton and Cameron as an imposing long term forward line combination.

The brilliant teenagers are both believed to be committed to lengthy stays with the league’s newest franchise, but will delay contract extensions for separate reasons.

Patton, who turns 19 on May 20, has put on hold any consideration to confirming an extension until after his anticipated AFL debut, while Cameron, 19, is tied up in a management dispute concerning his agent Alex McDonald.

McDonald is locked in a bitter legal battle with his former employers Stride management after he defected with apparent intentions to take some of his clients with him, including the brilliant Cameron.

Patton and Cameron are understood to be totally committed to extending their time with the Giants.

Patton is progressing though a delicate recovery schedule from specialised knee surgery in Sweden back in January and is still playing with the Giants reserves team.

High profile Giants coach Kevin Sheedy joined club boss Matthews in announcing extensions for a batch of their exciting young guns, with Patton and Cameron notable absentees from the trumpeted new deals.

NAB Rising Star Round 5 nominee Tomas Bugg, as well as Dylan Shiel, Adam Kennedy, Matthew Buntine and Adam Tomlinson announced new deals less than, a week after the Giants’ first ever AFL win.

They have signed extensions through until the end of 2015.

Patton is expected to enter talks on a potential extension with his manager Paul Connors later into the season.

Connors revealed plans for talks with Giants management after Patton has played some senior football.

“At this stage Jon is very happy at the Giants, but his priority is simply to play some regular footy and get games under his belt,” Connors said.

“Given his interrupted pre-season we think it makes sense for Jon to just continue his rehabilitation set out by the club and anything beyond the next few weeks will be taken care of at appropriate times.”

Patton has had just two outings with the Giants reserves outfit in the east coast NEAFL competition.

The 197cm and 102kg Patton is considered a long term priority project with the Giants to present an imposing forward division alongside other outstanding emerging young Cameron.

The big marking and sure-kicking Cameron, 19, was plucked by Giants recruiters as a concessional 17-year-old selection from country Victoria.

He has played five games so far this season and booted 10 goals.

Patton was the Giants’ premier pick at number one in last year’s national draft is expected to play at least another fortnight in the lower league before prospects of a long awaited senior debut.

It appears most likely the budding power forward could make his first Giants appearance in a home clash at Skoda Stadium in Homebush against Richmond on Saturday June 16 a week after the new club’s bye in Round 11.

But he immediately hosed down any suggestion Judd would miss the Etihad Stadium match against the Crows.

"He's just got a little bit of a cold so we kept him away (from the other players)," Ratten said on Thursday.

"It's been going around a bit.

"But he'll be right to play - just a sniffle, let him get over it.

"He's done a fair bit of work so we're not too concerned."

Defender Chris Yarran trained strongly, with Ratten convinced he will be fit enough to return from a toe injury against the Crows.

Ratten shrugged off suggestions his side lacked the requisite toughness to be serious premiership contenders following Monday night's shock loss to St Kilda.

Their only defeats this season have come against Essendon and the Saints, who both ladled on the aggression to shake up the Blues.

But Ratten believes the only way to silence the doubters is to rebound quickly against the Crows.

"I suppose when we lose, (the critics) just come for us and put some other tags on us - it's just an easy hit, isn't it?," Ratten said.

"We just wait, cop what we deserve because we lost the game and we opened ourselves up to those criticisms because, when you don't win games of football, you're a free target."

Ratten admitted Adelaide's ability to work together effectively as a team has been a huge strength this season, and was something the Blues lacked on Monday night against the Saints.

"What we've seen so far in their performances ... it's a team that actually works together as a team," Ratten said.

"They're really working hard together, and I thought we broke down in that area over the weekend.

"We were a bit more (like) silos in the game (against St Kilda), whereas Adelaide were playing very much for each other."

It was another setback as the Magpies coped with a string of early-season injuries.

Tarrant will return through the VFL this weekend.

"He had a really bad cork, the last training session before he came into that game," Buckley said.

"So in hindsight, perhaps we could have ... left it another week last time.

"But it is what it is and 'Taz' is up and about."

Tarrant has had three solid weeks of training, more than before his Round 2 return.

The upside of Collingwood's injury problems over the past few months is that the Magpies have given several younger players plenty of senior experience and Buckley is pleased with the results.

"Going into last week, only GWS had played more players than we had so, yes, we have exposed our depth in some ways," he said.

"I'd say you wouldn't be disappointed in seeing some of the roles that some of the young players have been able to come up and play for us when required.

"Our most experienced side this year was in round three against Carlton and that was also our most disappointing performance.

"You can get carried away a little bit with experience, with a good side on paper."

Andrew Krakouer and Brent Macaffer ran laps at Thursday training as they recover from their pre-season knee reconstructions.

Star midfielder Luke Ball is also recovering from major knee surgery, while Ben Johnson has had a shoulder reconstruction.

Buckley said the club's attitude to those four injuries is that they will probably not play again this season, but the Magpies are also not ruling out a speedy comeback.

"You hope for the best - you plan for the likely scenario," he said.

"We certainly hope they can beat the odds."

All five will stay at the club until 2015 at least.

It was a significant first tranche of signings designed to ward off suitors for the Giants's talent laden squad in coming years.

Coach Kevin Sheedy had already spoken of the likelihood of other clubs attempting to raid the Giants squad as his start-up squad begin to come out of contract.

"It's our absolute priority to secure the young talent that we have at the club at the moment," said CEO David Matthews.

“We are delighted these five talented young players have agreed to re-commit to the GIANTS. It’s a great endorsement of the club and its direction and we look forward to them playing a big part in its future,” Matthews said.

“We are currently in discussions with a number of other young players and look forward to more positive announcements in the near future as we embark on what is an exciting journey for this club.”

Shiel, Bugg, Kennedy and Tomlinson have all played senior football for the GIANTS in 2012 and Buntine will make his AFL debut against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba this Sunday.

Head coach Kevin Sheedy welcomed the news.

“It’s a tremendous show of faith in the Giants by these young men and the direction this club is heading in. I congratulate them all on what they’ve achieved so far and look forward to them having long and successful careers with the Giants ,” Sheedy said.

The Giants secured both Dylan Shiel and Tom Bugg in mid 2010 under the AFL list establishment rules, which allowed the club to pre-select twelve 17-year-olds.

Shiel relocated to Sydney that November and played for the Giants in the NEAFL in 2011, winning praise for with his attack on the contested footy as a tough on-baller. Shiel has played every game for the Giants in 2012.

Bugg remained in Melbourne to finish school and captain Caulfield Grammar. Bugg moved to Sydney in November 2011 and has already impressed at the AFL level securing himself a NAB Rising Star nomination in Round 5.

Adam Kennedy was pre-listed by the Giants in October 2011 as a player that had previously nominated for the draft. Kennedy captained of the Western Jets in the TAC Cup in 2011 as an overage player. An elite athlete, Kennedy’s run off halfback has been impressive in his six games for the Giants this year.

Adam Tomlinson was selected by the Giants with pick nine at 2011 NAB AFL Draft.

A member of the 2011 AIS AFL Academy, Tomlinson was drafted from the Oakleigh Chargers.

A gifted runner for his size, Tomlinson is praised as a versatile player capable of playing back or forward and has played a variety of roles for the Giants in his four games in 2012.

Matthew Buntine was drafted by the Giants in 2011 with pick number five from the Dandenong Stingrays and is set to make his AFL debut this weekend.

An astute-decision maker, Buntine is a tough defender who uses the ball well.

Jurrah faced court in Alice Springs via video link over claims he attacked a man with a machete.

The talented forward is an elder of the Warlpiri people, who live in Yuendumu, about 300km northwest of Alice Springs.

Jurrah has been charged with unlawfully causing serious harm and being armed with an offensive weapon at night.

The assault is alleged to have been against his cousin Basil.

The 23-year-old was also told he would face additional charges, now facing accusations of aggravated assault against four different people.

The court was told the Demons wanted the freedom to be able to pick Jurrah for the clash at TIO Stadium, with Jurrah on his way back from a serious wrist injury.

That request was later granted.

Demons coach Mark Neeld said the high-flying forward was even a chance to be named against Sydney this weekend.

If he did play in the NT in July, the indigenous star would then fly to Alice Springs to take part in an evidentiary hearing the following Monday.

If found guilty, Jurrah faces up to 14 years in prison, as does his co-accused Christopher Walker, who is also due to face court on Thursday.

Outbreaks of violence have seen the small community of Yuendumu make headlines in recent years with two families engaged in ongoing payback.

In 2010 several people were harmed when a house and cars were set alight and police issued a travel warning to people considering travelling to the town.

Jurrah was Melbourne's leading goalkicker last season, with 40 from 18 games.

He has kicked 81 goals in 35 games since making his senior debut three years ago.

Jurrah was not required to enter a plea during the court hearing.

Mr Robson told the court alcohol may be a factor among some of the witnesses, as many people allegedly present at the dispute had been drinking.

"To be fair there is some disparity in the oral evidence in terms of who did what," Mr Robson said.

Counsel for Jurrah, John McBride, said identification may be an issue in the case.

Mr McBride asked Magistrate John Birch to vary Jurrah's strict bail conditions, which prevent him from travelling to the Northern Territory from his home in Melbourne.

The lawyer sought a variation in the conditions so Jurrah can play an AFL match on July 21 in Darwin against Port Adelaide.

Mr Birch said he would consider the application later on Thursday after Jurrah's co-accused Christopher Walker appears in court via video link from Alice Springs jail.

Jurrah was asked to appear before the Alice Springs court in person on July 23 for what is expected to be a three-day preliminary examination.

Neither Mr Robson nor Mr McBride made comments to waiting media in relation to the case as they left the court house.

- With AAP

Thomas has recovered from the hamstring strain that has stalled his 2012 season, with a late training session the final hurdle to overcome.

“My hamstring is OK as long as I get through training in about an hour.  If I hurt it I won’t play, it feels really really good,” Thomas told Nova100.

“I will go like I usually do, probably about 80 per cent.

"I gave it a good touch up on Tuesday and it felt really really good.

“(I am) looking forward to getting back out there.”

It will be the first meeting of the recent rivals since the Cats' stunning grand final ruination of Mick Malthouse’s last game in charge.

But Thomas said atonement for a lost premiership was not the prime motivation for the Magpies, who have bounced back after a stumbling start to the season beset by serious injuries to Andrew Krakouer, Ben Johnson, Brent Mcaffer and Luke Ball.

“I don’t think a round eight game at the MCG is really revenge for a grand final loss,” Thomas said.

“They didn’t really humiliate us, I wouldn’t go that far.

"They beat us in the grand final, I have certainly moved on from the events of last year.

“You know what they say the rear view mirror is smaller than the windscreen, we want to look forward not back.”

The reports of Collingwood’s demise appear to have been somewhat exaggerated and Thomas said the doomsayers rounding on the Cats after their recent form slump may also be forced to eat their words.

“We were written off, you write off team a quality team like Geelong at your own peril,” Thomas said.

"We will certainly not be taking them lightly."

Cats' coach Chris Scott and All-Australian midfielder James Kelly have publicly expressed concern this week about their form this season.

And Collingwood midfielder Sharrod Wellingham said the Magpies' players would seek some retribution for the grand final loss.

But coach Nathan Buckley dismissed any such suggestion.

"Sharrod and the rest of the players, and the club and the team as a whole, have been very focused on the Geelong of now against the Collingwood of now," Buckley said.

"We're not going to make up for anything that's happened in the past - that doesn't get you anywhere.

"We're just entirely focused on what we're faced with now and that's Geelong of 2012 and what they've been able to do in the last four weeks in particular.

"In the end, you go back far enough, obviously their performance against Hawthorn in round one - their only game on the MCG so far this year - they performed really well.

"We expect something similar from them this week."

Buckley said Kelly and Scott would have a better understanding of how Geelong are going than anyone at Collingwood.

He added the only message to be taken from their comments was that a tough battle is coming.

"From our perspective, we have a great respect for Geelong ... there's no way we're going to under-rate (them)," Buckley said.

"From their comments during the week, there's no doubt this is going to be a bit of an arm wrestle and a real battle.

"Collingwood are ready for it."

with AAP