The All-Australian announcement, a Collingwood midfielder receives harshest match review penalty of the year, the Crows go into damage control over their skipper and the Dogs close to winning Akermanis are among the AFL-related items making news in Australia's daily newspapers on Tuesday, 12 September 2006.

Herald Sun: Brad Johnson is only caretaker captain of the Bulldogs, but permanency was given to his leadership credentials on Monday night when he was named 2006 All-Australian skipper.

After three years in the wilderness, young Melbourne ruckman Nick Smith is ready to step into the cauldron of an AFL final.

Collingwood will challenge a penalty condemning onballer Brodie Holland to sit out the first five rounds of the 2007 season.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire became involved in an argument with the Magpie cheer squad on Sunday after a fight in which a woman was knocked out.

The Western Bulldogs are believed to be edging closer to winning Jason Akermanis.

Adelaide on Monday dismissed reports that skipper Mark Ricciuto had hepatitis and that his season was over.

Frankston full-forward Aaron Edwards on Monday night claimed the VFL's J.J.Liston Trophy, a season after being delisted by West Coast.

All his life, Calder Cannons midfielder Fortunato Caruso has been told he is too small to play football.

Geelong says Brad Ottens is extremely remorseful after he was charged with drink driving at the weekend.

The AFL has given Michael O'Loughlin the all-clear for his emotive goal celebration at Subiaco on Saturday night.

West Coast captain Chris Judd has defended the game plan of coach John Worsfold as the Eagles prepare for Saturday night's first semi-final against the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval.

Carlton's interest in disgraced West Coast ruckman Michael Gardiner has intensified after coach Denis Pagan flew to Perth on Sunday to watch him play.

The Australian: The loosening of the dress code that accompanied Monday night's All-Australian presentation dinner in Melbourne flowed on to the selection of the line-up itself.

They lost, but they learned. The Dockers will draw on the experience gained from playing high-intensity finals football as they prepare for a sudden-death game against Melbourne on Friday night.

West Coast captain Chris Judd has dismissed claims Saturday's gruelling one-point loss to Sydney will flatten the Eagles for their sudden-death final against the Bulldogs.

Darren Jolly has proved himself to be Sydney's silent superman.

Collingwood midfielder Brodie Holland may be unable to start 2007 until round six after copping a hefty rough conduct penalty after Sunday's elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.

West Coast has strongly defended coach John Worsfold, whose tactics attracted media and supporter criticism following Saturday night's one-point loss to Sydney.

Adelaide Advertiser: Adelaide is not fearing what is considered its worst pairing for Saturday week's AFL preliminary final, minor premier West Coast.

Full back Ben Rutten has retained his crown as Adelaide's ironman.

Nathan Bassett does not say he has played any better this AFL season than last when Adelaide coach Neil Craig released him from full back to be the Crows' creative defender.

Port Adelaide premiership player Adam Kingsley has announced his retirement.

The Age: Traditionally a cavalcade of acknowledged superstars, this year's AFL All-Australian team pays due recognition to some of the game's less spectacular players.

The Adelaide All Australian is hoping for a miracle to rejoin the Crows in time for the preliminary final.

Fremantle captain Peter Bell has revealed he is considering following in James Hird's footsteps by handing over the captaincy before he retires.

The tension between Channels Seven and Ten and the AFL's pay television carrier Foxtel has abated with the intervention of News Ltd chief Ian Frickberg.

Fortunato Caruso won his second Morrish Medal on Sunday night, but understands the chance to do things at a higher level will be hard to find.

St Kilda coach Grant Thomas intends using the inspiration provided by 35-year-old Robert Harvey as he looks to get the best out of the injury-plagued Aaron Hamill.

It is unlikely that the football world will know what solution Neale Daniher has in mind for the loss of ruckman Mark Jamar.

Geelong Advertiser: Prolific Hawthorn midfielder Luke Hodge is enjoying watching Colac's charge for its first GFL premiership and believes the Tigers are on track.

The Transport Accident Commission won't be seeking a please explain from the Geelong Football Club after ruckman Brad Ottens' positive alcohol reading last weekend.

Sydney Morning Herald: By any measure, Paul Roos' brief time at the helm of the Swans has been spectacular. A premiership and the prospect of another in store, in four full seasons, is feat enough. That it's been achieved with a game plan unique to his team places Roos among the game's foremost strategists.

The Swans' spirited defence of their premiership was rewarded on Monday night with four players named in the All-Australian side.

Courier Mail: West Coast captain Chris Judd has defended the game plan of besieged coach John Worsfold ahead of Saturday night's first semi-final against a dangerous Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval.

Melbourne is set to call up forgotten ruckman Nick Smith for his first senior game in three years for Friday night's AFL semi-final against Fremantle at Subiaco.