THE DISTINCTIVE Mick Malthouse gamestyle is already appearing at Carlton, with early figures indicating the Blues are kicking longer and using the centre corridor less...

"There's plenty of people who thought that he'd maybe had discussions before he went on The Footy Show in 2011," one Magpies figure said this week.

"He's close to Greg Swann and he had two years to think about it. Certainly there were behavioural changes around that period."

Sidwell says that's fantasy. "That's just not true. I know the truth - and the truth is Michael had no contemplation to coach last year at any stage. And that is absolutely what he held faithful to. Indeed it was a family promise that they had.

"So any conjecture to the contrary is just the ravings of unbalanced minds."

Regardless, Malthouse's supporters say he is a changed man at the Blues.

The three-time premiership coach has confided in friends that he has been given free rein to coach at Visy Park by Swann, Kernahan, McKay and the board.

I used to work with Peter Sidwell. Don't trust him as far as I could throw him, and that wouldn't be very far...(he's a bit bigger than me). That 'story' is very different to the truth.

Interesting MM doesn't mention Yarran in his 'From the Coach' email blurb as one of the effective forwards (mentions Garlett and Rowe however). Forgetfulness or not liking the flashy stuff?