From The Sunday Age
Reported by Brent Diamond

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PORT Melbourne coach Gary Ayres holds a slight hope that the trend of recruiting first-time AFL coaches will change.

The former Geelong and Adelaide coach is hoping to get back into AFL coaching after an impressive season in charge of the Borough, taking the VFL team from fringe finalist to flag favourite in his first season.

The five-time Hawthorn premiership player believes newly appointed Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss could struggle.

"Sometimes great players don't necessarily make great coaches," he said.

From The Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie

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THREE weeks ago, Williamstown had the top spot on the VFL ladder seemingly sewn up with an impressive percentage after a consistent year of football. But now in the second week of the VFL finals series, Williamstown finds itself in a knockout semi-final against an ever-dangerous Frankston, a position that coach Brad Gotch never expected to find himself in.

"Last week's loss (to North Ballarat) was disappointing, but it was the loss to Werribee in round 20 that has really cost us," Gotch said.

In the final match of the regular season, the Seagulls played host to Werribee in a game they were expected to win. Despite their excellent record at home, they stumbled at the final hurdle and fell from top spot to third after an 11-point defeat. The loss forced Williamstown to head to North Ballarat for a qualifying final.

"At half-time I thought we were a big chance. We had a slender lead, but in the end we didn't quite make the most of our chances on the scoreboard," he said.

Williamstown vs. Frankston (ABC TV)
Saturday 13^th September 2008
TEAC Oval at 1:10 PM

Williamstown

 Frankston

From The Leader Group Newspapers
Reported by Paul Amy

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JOHN Baird has one prestigious VFL medal to his name, the Norm Goss Medal as best-afield for the Box Hill Hawks in the 2001 grand final.

Another, higher honour might come his way next Monday.