SEN | COURT UPDATE: Essendon youngster Michael Hurley must reappear in court in June, after a magistrate today rejected his lawyer's application to have the case sent to a diversion program. Deputy chief magistrate Dan Muling deemed the charges too serious for diversion, and adjourned the case, pending the return of the victim from overseas this May. The victim will decide if he wants to give evidence on the alleged incident, and voice his opinion on how the case should be handled.

SEN | TRIBUNAL UPDATE: Andrew Lovett's lawyers remain committed to the Grievance Tribunal procedure, even though St Kilda's representatives did not attend the first meeting yesterday. The Saints have indicated to Lovett's manager Alex McDonald that they disapprove of the grievance process, believing the case does not fall under the Tribunal's jurisdiction. Last week, the Tribunal found Lovett's grievance did constitute a Tribunal matter, and both parties were encouraged to reach a resolution under that process.

SEN | LATEST NEWS: Brendan Fevola has been dumped from the AFL's commercial campaign amid allegations of his involvement in the Lara Bingle photo scandal. Fevola is under investigation for his part in the controversy, in which he is alleged to have distributed a naked photo of the model using his mobile phone. The new Brisbane Lion filmed his part of the commercial yesterday, which is aimed at promoting Rounds 1 and 2 of the season to a Queensland audience. The AFL has issued a statement on the decision, saying Fevola's part in the commerical has been scrapped.

SEN | LATEST NEWS: Richmond young gun Trent Cotchin says persistent rumours that he was considering leaving the club were 'disappointing'. Cotchin has signed a contract extension with the Tigers, which will see the midfielder stay at the club until at least the end of the 2013 season. He had previously been linked as a target for the new Gold Coast franchise, and he's told SEN the rumours were both unfounded and frustrating. "It was pretty disappointing that a lot of people, I suppose, thought I'd be a chance to go there, and didn't trust me in staying at the club," Cotchin said.

SEN EXCLUSIVE: Port Adelaide assistant coach Dean Laidley says the club is concentrating on developing its youth, and has not spoken about making the finals in 2010. The Power's youngsters were impressive in Saturday night's 78 point win over West Coast, with Cameron Hitchcock and Mitch Banner leading the way up forward. Laidley says the club is focussing on filling the void left by the departure of several experienced players over the last few seasons, and is keen to use the season to rebuild.