The Weekly AFL Roundup group

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Adelaide

Midfielder Scott Thompson has won club player of the year, an award voted by the fans. It was a stellar season for Thompson who averaged 24.2 disposals and 5 marks through 23 games this year. He ranked in the top 10 in the league for disposals.

Meanwhile, coach Neil Craig has hinted that the Crows could make more than a few changes this off-season. With the Gold Coast set to raid young talent in the coming years, the Crows could use this off-season to bolster their young talent.

Brisbane

The fans have voted and in 2008, Simon Black has been dubbed Brisbane's best. Black has been a consistent performer for the Lions for several seasons now. In 2008 he raised his disposal average to a career best 25.7.

Carlton

The Blues held their Best and Fairest awards, with captain Chris Judd winning his first John Nicholls Medal from Marc Murphy and Brendan Fevola. Number 1 draft pick Matthew Kreuzer was a lock for Best First Year Player

Meanwhile, Carlton announced the re-signing of three key players: Jarrad Waite, Jordan Russell and Joe Anderson all secured till at least the end of the 2010 season.

Collingwood

Collingwood bowed out of the finals after a disappointing 34 point loss to St Kilda. The Pies simply lacked any forward presence with no multiple goalkickers. Expect the Alan Didak talk to resume any minute now.

Essendon

The Bombers secured two players to new deals with Mark McVeigh and Jason Laycock re-signing with the club. For McVeigh, 2008 was a mixed bag with untimely injuries coinciding with patches of career best form. Fan favourite Laycock provides some depth in the ruck, but David Hille remains the number 1 ruckman, while Tom Bellchambers is developing quickly in the seconds.

Fremantle

Despite the expected departure of Robert Warnock, the Dockers have secured Scott Thornton and Paul Duffield till the end of the 2010 season. Thornton has become an important member of their defence, and is fast approaching 100 games. While Duffield provides some backup, despite failing to secure his spot in the senior team in 2008.

Geelong

The Cats must face up to their biggest test so far in the finals when they take on the Bulldogs on Friday. After a week off, the Cats should welcome back James Kelly from a quad injury, while Paul Chapman should lineup after shaking off knee and hamstring soreness.

Meanwhile midfielder Brent Prismall looks likely to remain at the club despite sustaining a serious knee injury against the Saints in week 1. Prior to the injury, several clubs were keen on securing the fringe midfielders services. However with Prismall set to miss most of the 2009 season, the youngster is expected to decide to stay with the Cats.

Hawthorn

The Hawks now face St Kilda in the prelims. The last time the two sides met in round 16, the Saints upset the Hawks. This time however, the circumstances are different, with much more at stake. Defenders Trent Croad and Campbell Brown are expected to be right to play after sustaining injuries against the Bulldogs in week 1.

The Hawks also look set to make a play for Fremantle defender David Mundy. The 23 year old hails from Victoria and could be enticed to return back home. It would be a coo for the Hawks who are looking for some depth in defence.

Kangaroos

Defender Jess Sinclair joined Shannon Grant in retirement this week. An often underrated midfielder, Sinclair managed 192 games and 71 goals while also receiving a Rising Star nomination in 1998 when at Fremantle.

Melbourne

The Demons will resume off-season training on October 13, and will have almost a full complement in attendance. Several players including Russell Robertson and Brock McLean are returning from surgery, and will require further rehabilitation.

Port Adelaide

Midfielder Kane Cornes has won Ports B&F from Domenic Cassisi and Daniel Motlop. Cornes ranked 6^th in the league for disposals with averages of 27.9 possessions and 5.8 marks per game.

Richmond

Not much to report from Tigerland although the Tigers remain linked to Warnock and Kerr.

St Kilda

The Saints are still alive after a strong 34 point win over Collingwood. Youngster Jarrad Allen will probably miss after sustaining a hip injury this week, while the Saints must sweat on Just Koschitzke who was reporting for rough conduct after a clumsy tackle on Shane Wakelin.

Midfielder Luke Ball is still no certainty to return this week after seven weeks on the sidelines. He will be given every opportunity this week to prove his fitness.

Sydney

The Swans crashed out of the finals after a tough 37 point loss to the Bulldogs. After the game ruckman Peter Everitt announced his retirement. Spida played 291 games across three clubs (St Kilda, Hawthorn and Sydney)

Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are preparing for a preliminary final encounter with Geelong and the trash talk has already begun. Controversial midfielder Jason Akermanis has described the Cats as "cocky". No real injury concerns for the Bulldogs, with Brad Johnson expected to lineup after a heavy knock in the game against Sydney.

West Coast

Young forward Ben McKinley has re-signed with the club for two more seasons. McKinley, who won the club's goalkicking for the first time, was attracting interest from clubs in Melbourne. It is a good signing for the club.

Meanwhile Steven Armstrong, Chad Jones and James Thomson will depart the Eagles after being delisted. Midfielder Daniel Kerr still hasn't signed an extension to his current contract. The Eagles have a four-year contract on the table, but Kerr is seeking five. Sydney is rumoured to have a five-year deal on the table, with Carlton and St Kilda also keen to secure the star midfielder's services next year.