Clarkson pleased with talks
Carlton coach Michael Voss says Elijah Hollands was a “top three” player at the Blues over the preseason as he backs the former Sun to have an immediate impact on Good Friday.
Hollands has been picked to face North Melbourne immediately off the back of his two-week suspension incurred after being charged with drug possession last year prior to his trade to the Blues.
Voss said the 21-year-old had earnt the respect of his teammates and coaches with a brilliant summer as he prepared to join younger brother Ollie in the side against the Kangaroos.
He said Hollands would slot into a half-forward role with bursts through the middle as key defenders Jacob Weitering (calf) and Caleb Marchbank (illness) also return.
“They’re obviously really important players to us, having Elijah also come into the team – what he’s been able to do over pre-season has been particularly impressive, so the fact we’re able to get his first game, which is a huge plus for us as well,” Voss said on Thursday. “All we’ve asked for him is to come in and put his head down, work really hard and earn the respect through the work rate he brings, the effort he brings.
“He’s shown all those things from the very first day that he walked in through these doors, so he’s been particularly impressive … he would’ve been probably in the top three when it comes to pre-seasons, and his running capacity, he adds into our group.”
Voss said star midfielder Sam Walsh was “stepping through the gears well” as he targeted a return in round 5 or round 6.
Voss said small forward Jesse Motlop would need to wait longer to return to the senior side after “pulling up tight” from training this week as he comes back from a toe injury.
The AFL Players’ Association is adamant confidentiality has to be at the core of the illicit drugs policy because clubs have “freely admitted” they would use information about a player’s drug use against them.
AFLPA boss Paul Marsh confirmed reports that players who were identified to have potential issues with illicit drugs had “protection” put around them as part of the policy that could help them avoid hitting the three-strikes threshold, although he labelled the suggestions of 100 players being involved “a guess”.
But he also said a first strike was recorded against players when tests initially picked up drug use and that clubs were aware, through their doctors, who was the “most appropriate people to know”.
Revelations on Tuesday night about “off the books” tests being conducted to help players avoid match-day positives for illicit drugs will be investigated by Sports Integrity
Alastair Clarkson says he’s grateful he had the chance for a “really productive” mediation with former Hawthorn players including Cyril Rioli that remains incomplete after the two-day talks in Melbourne this week.
The North Melbourne coach said the conciliation sessions, which were also attended by Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, had been fruitful but he was unable to discuss details due to a confidentiality agreement.
Clarkson and Fagan came face-to-face with the players for the first time since they were accused of historic racist behaviour 18 months ago.
The two coaches have categorically denied the claims made by the players.
He thanked the Human Rights Commission for holding the talks on Tuesday and Wednesday in a bid to avoid the case moving to Federal Court.
“That was really productive and a worthwhile two days, but the process is actually incomplete and until such time that it is over, then we’re bound by confidentiality to not discuss anything about the proceedings at all,” Clarkson said on Thursday.
Australia after the AFL conceded it was part of the illicit drugs policy that stands separately to the World Anti-Doping Code.
The AFL Doctors Association president also defended the policy and said claims players were told to fake injuries after positive tests were “just not true”.
On Thursday, Marsh, while conceding the illicit drugs policy was under review and needed changes, said it had proven crucial in helping identify players with illicit drug problems. “The players’ fear with this is that it will be used against them in contracting or whatever,” Marsh said.