NMFC.com.au looks at all the current topics and events making news around the AFL.

Crow blow
Adelaide has just confirmed utility Ricky Henderson has a broken fibula at the ankle.

He will have surgery to insert a plate in his left ankle and then will start an extensive rehabilitation program.

Medical experts are hopeful that he will be available for selection late in the season.

Henderson, 25, suffered the injury during a training session this morning for players who did not play in Sunday’s NAB Challenge game against Port Adelaide.

“Rick’s absolutely devastated as any player would be. He’s had a terrific pre-season campaign and through an accident at training it’s put his season on hold," the club's GM of List Development and Strategy David Noble said.

Simpson braces for messy start
Adam Simpson says the Eagles' style of play could take some getting used to, with the new coach bracing for a testing initiation.

"I'd like 10 games before round one to be honest. It could get messy on the weekend," Simpson said. 

"Our coaching group haven't coached a game together. We've got a new style of play.

"There is so much change and the biggest message for our players at the moment is just embrace the change."

West Coast takes on Fremantle on Tuesday night at Arena Joondalup, with a selection battle looming.

"In my mind there's a good seven or eight positions available, and there's probably 10 or 12 players putting their hands up for them.

"They're playing for spots. So that's what we'll find out in the next few weeks." 

Watters speaks
Speaking out for the first time since being sacked coach on November 1 of last year, former St Kilda coach Scott Watters says he has no regrets about his tenure with the club.

“I look back at my time at the Saints with pride, notwithstanding the way it ended,’’ Watters told The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph.

“Every decision made was to give the club a future. The players that will run around this year and the next were given the chance to learn their craft over the last couple of years.

“They’ll keep improving. There are no regrets.”

Giant relief
GWS chairman Tony Shepherd says the Giants are relieved a bid to recruit Lance Franklin was foiled by Sydney.

The Swans’ $1 million cost of living allowance has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, with Shepherd adding fuel to the fire.

"The Swans have been in Sydney for more than 30 years and it can be argued that as an established club they no longer need additional support,” he told Fairfax Media.

"In Franklin they have made the longest and largest investment ever in a player. You don't make those type of decisions without having complete confidence in your business model.

"You shouldn't need those decisions subsidised by head office."

AFL Commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick confirmed the Giants will be treated separately when the league reviews the cost of living allowance.
Earlier, Collingwood President Eddie McGuire called for all clubs to be given a fair go.

''I am happy for an allowance for people that need it. To get another housekeeper for 'Buddy' [Franklin], I don't think they [the Swans] need that,'' McGuire said on Triple M.

''There is no point of trying to have equalisation of money in football if you don't have equalisation of the opportunity to win.

Williams joins AFL
Former News Corp boss Kim Williams has become the latest addition to the AFL’s Commission, filling the vacancy created by retiring commissioner Chris Lynch.

Williams’ nomination was confirmed on Monday morning following a meeting of Commissioners in Sydney.