Finger lickin' flight

STEPHEN Kernahan has always been a man of the people, and not even a flight aboard Blues chairman Richard Pratt's $50-million jet could spoil his image. Pssst has learnt chefs preparing the on-board meals for Pratt's luxurious jet delivered a special treat for Kernahan's first-time flight to Perth. The Blues legend had been told to expect the customary dishes of venison and barramundi.

But he was stunned when he boarded Air Pratt for the first time last Sunday to head to Western Australia and discovered that Kernahan-style fare had been prepared. Instead of silver service, "Sticks" found Kentucky Fried Chicken and a box of Crown lager. "I am embarrassed about it — don't make a big deal of it," Sticks told Pssst. "Who told you that?

"It was bad enough that my dad gave me a hard time. He said 'You've got to fly with the players'. "But it was good to be able to go and get back in a day and spend more time with the kids.

"And Dick's very thoughtful and it just so happened some people on board like me must have liked KFC."

Ricciuto resolute

ADELAIDE skipper Mark Ricciuto suffered another setback last week in his bid to return from neck and back ailments. Ricciuto felt pain in his back during a run last week — referred pain from a disc problem. But the Crows skipper maintains he'll be back running again within a week and could play within three weeks. While many, including some close to his own club, fear he has played his last AFL game, Ricciuto is adamant he'll be back. And those close to him say, remarkably, he hasn't ruled out playing on in 2008.

Freo fumes

FREMANTLE is furious that operations manager Robert Shaw attracted AFL attention for reportedly swearing at the recent Des Headland-Adam Selwood tribunal hearing. The Australian reported Shaw saying that it was "f---ing sensational" that Headland escaped a possible five-match ban for striking, on the grounds of provocation.

The comment captured the attention of the AFL, which rang the Dockers to voice their displeasure and query the comment. "Shaw did not speak to the media or give any media comment or indeed say that to anyone," a Dockers spokesman told Pssst.

"We told the AFL the quote was someone from the paper claiming they overheard it. "We are not happy about it here, to say the least. Robert Shaw has every right to be annoyed at the reporting."

The AFL accepted the Dockers' response.

Running battle

MELBOURNE is fighting the AFL's decision to fine it $7500 after runner Robert Ryan interfered with play when he collided with Fremantle's Aaron Sandilands last Sunday.

The Demons are appealing the charge, comparing it to Eagle Michael Braun's $5000 fine for swearing. The Demons' submission included statements from Fremantle, Ryan and even umpire Michael Avon about how unlucky the incident was.

Pass-out about-face

STAND BY for a full backflip on contentious Telstra Dome pass-out policy. Pssst hears that Dome chief — who made two pass-out gates last weekend — is looking into create a more effective pass-out It could be in place within the move would be well received Still on the Dome, is it Pssst's imagination, or is its much-maligned having its best year yet?
Credit where it's due.

Into Africa

THE AFL's richest clubs are cashing in on the league's newest frontier — South Africa — establishing zones to develop the game. The league is giving clubs a chance to invest in a region, or zone, to develop the game and in return get a chance to track potential recruits.

Fremantle and West Coast, the clubs physically closest to South Africa, jumped in first and have taken development zones in Johannesburg and Durban, respectively. Cashed-up Collingwood is understood to have ploughed the most in, and will spend its time and resources supporting the Cape Town area.

But the fourth team joining the race this week raised eyebrows. Pssst hears the Blues have got a foothold in Soweto — after president Pratt decided if the Pies were involved then the Blues could find the coin.


Craig Hutchison works for Nine and 3AW football and can be read on www.footyheads.com.au