TERRY Wallace started the month with a bang, quitting at Richmond, but coaching one last time. Former coach Tommy Hafey said the Tigers had to end '30-odd years of failures'. The axe-swinging Jade Rawlings took over, a move approved by Richo.

 

Dean Laidley then followed suit from the Roos, leading to sad players. The 'tell me mid-year' clause no longer looks so clever. Darren Crocker stepped in.

 

Plenty of replacements were touted – Damien Hardwick, Nathan Buckley, Peter Sumich, Darren Crocker suggested himself, AFLCA boss Danny Frawley wants older blokes considered – something not supported by Lethal – but Collingwood is in no rush to finalise, along with the Dogs. Bomber re-signed at Geelong, Woosha likewise at West Coast, while Choco was offered a new deal at Port Adelaide.

 

Tyson Edwards clocked 300, Kane Johnson retired from the Tigers, and while Barry Hall says he can go on, his behaviour led to doubts, Ben Cousins didn't help himself in that area, nor Mark McVeigh (twice). Magic O’Loughlin is going after the season, but Patty Ryder has signed for three.

 

The usual injuries occurred - Brendan Fevola's finger, Jamie Charman's ankle, Jason Laycock's foot, Jack Ziebell's leg, Ben Warren's cheekbone, Cyril Rioli's hamstring and Robbie Tarrant's shoulder, were all casualties.

 

There was sickness too – gastro at North and swine flu scares at the Dogs and Crows.

 

But not Gary Ablett's groins, they're fine. Fellow Cat Matt Egan had screws removed from his foot, Boomer Harvey returned, Croady was back on the track and Brent Prismall played his first game for Essendon.

 

In finance news, the AFL is going well, Port was given a mill, and new stadium deals may be on the way.

 

Last year's No.1 draft pick played, then played again, as the coach declared priority picks were not wanted despite their woeful form.

 

The Saints and the Dogs were better than teams of yore, and Lethal compared players from then and now before joining the laws committee.

 

Dane Swans said the Magpies were a flag chance, Clarko said Hawks could still make September, Dean Brogan thought Port could make it, but Boomers said it was unlikely for the Kangaroos.

 

Adelaide closed its training sessions, Roosy said Sydney footy needs a healthy Swans, the much anticipated – even by Bomber – Cats-Saints’ clash sold out weeks in advance, Clarko called for a mid-season draft and the Cats led the Brownlow betting.