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Noddy's Weekend Wash Up: Rd 8

Written By Unknown on Senin, 06 Mei 2013 | 23.40

Tough win ... Manly prove their premiership credentials with Dragons win. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round eight of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

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Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium

South Sydney provided the perfect example of how you back up a big win. Having beaten Manly last week in a physical match, the Rabbitohs produced yet another intense, gutsy performance. Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess starred while John Sutton continues to bring consistency to the team. They are the real deal this season. A lot of people expected Brisbane to suffer when Justin Hodges was ruled out pre-game but I thought they showed enormous character. Over the last month Matt Gillett and Corey Parker have really stood up for the Broncos and as a whole the team will be disappointed in this result.

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium

Canterbury are starting to hit form with Sam Kasiano and James Graham making a timely return. Granted, Wests Tigers were extremely poor but the Bulldogs really made an impression on me. As the plays unfolded, the Bulldogs brought finesse to their attack and the points followed. Trent Hodkinson has been injury plagued for the past two years but returning to the form which found him playing for City Origin. He is very footy smart and a genuine ball player. He steers the team around very well. The Tigers tried hard but with so many personnel changes to the team, they were always facing an uphill battle. They just have to hope they can get some players back and find a win.

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Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park

I'm not sure why Canberra seems to perform against Melbourne but they certainly brought their A-game on Saturday. Blake Ferguson was damaging on the right edge while having Terry Campese starting in the side added the ingredient they may have been missing in previous weeks. The Raiders lost Tom Learoyd-Lahrs early while Glen Buttriss played the first half with a dislocated finger. The Storm scored two quick tries off the back of some poor kicks by the Raiders and looked like they were ready to finish strongly. But a poor kick by Gareth Widdop from the scrum with one minute and 30 seconds left on the clock gave the Raiders an unexpected win.

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Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys at Parramatta Stadium

It was an emotional week for North Queensland who looked flat coming into the match. In the end some class from Johnathan Thurston was the difference and the Cowboys were able to secure an ugly win. Neil Henry will be pleased that while it hasn't been pretty the past two weeks, his team keeps climbing up the ladder. Parramatta improved on their loss to Penrith, led by Jarryd Hayne who had a lot more involvement and guided the team well. The Eels showed they were willing to fight and Ricky Stuart will be proud of the effort. It was certainly a character-building performance.

Warriors v Gold Coast Titans at Mt Smart Stadium

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The Warriors have had some unlucky results lately and I believe their form is much better than what is showing on the ladder. Shaun Johnson steered his side around with class while the physical forward pack ripped into the Titans. Having conceded a number of games at the death last season, you couldn't help but feel a touch of déjà vu until the field goal sealed the victory. John Cartwright will be disappointed as he knows his team can play better than they did. For most of the year they had been very consistent with their forwards making a lot of metres and their halves working off the back of that.

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Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks at Hunter Stadium

When Newcastle play Wayne Bennett's style of football, which is high completion, field position and defence, they are very good. Poor discipline let Cronulla back into the game and they played very smart. They were extremely tough which sounds funny when you take into account that they lost Paul Gallen. They challenged the Knights with a lot of direct running and were well supported by Michael Gordon while Luke Lewis was devastating in everything he did. A golden-point clash which was tainted by so many missed shots but Jeff Robson nailed the kick and a good result for a man who doesn't receive many accolades.

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Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium

Michael Jennings was brilliant against his old club, producing a performance that many Penrith fans will be wondering where that form was during his time as a Panther. James Maloney did his representative prospects no harm with another solid performance. His goal kicking - something NSW will need come Origin time - and combination with Mitchell Pearce are helping his representative claims. The Roosters continue to show us why they are genuine contenders in the competition with athleticism and strike power across the field. Penrith produced a gutsy performance last week and would have liked their chances 10-6 down at half-time. Having debuted last week, Matt Moylan had another great game. I think Penrith have found their long-term fullback.

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St George Illawarra Dragons v Manly Sea Eagles at Kogarah Stadium

Matty Johns says the gutsy win over the St George Illawarra reflects just how good Manly are. Gordon Tallis and Nathan Hindmarsh praised the Dragons effort. Tallis said while the Dragons lost Brett Morris early, they were still happy to throw the ball around, and if the passes stuck it could have been a different game. Hindmarsh was critical of the Dragons first half performance with their long shifts failing to hurt the Manly defence. However, the second half was a different story with guys like Bronson Harrison cutting back on the inside to create more opportunities for their backs.  


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Dons fight to keep Cats the focus

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Geelong v Essendon ... Bombers players will be interviewed by ASADA ahead of the big game. Source:Herald Sun

Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson concedes their players face another major challenge to stay focussed ahead of Friday night's AFL blockbuster against Geelong.

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The Etihad Stadium clash will feature the league's only two unbeaten teams after six rounds.

It is also a big week off the field for the Bombers as investigations continue into last year's controversial supplements program at the club.

On Monday, Essendon made public the findings of the Switkowski report, which found an alarming lack of governance over the supplements regime.

Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority personnel will also speak to Essendon players this week as part of their investigation.

"It's a big week - it's very big,'' Thompson said on the FoxSports AFL360 program.

"Today's report is going to be in the news tomorrow, the day after the players are being interviewed.

"So there's a lot going on at Essendon.''

Thompson said it was perhaps inevitable that Essendon had struggled early in Saturday's match against Greater Western Sydney.

The Bombers were well down on their otherwise-strong form this season in the second half before rallying for the win.

Thompson noted that the week before, the Bombers had beaten Collingwood in the Anzac Day blockbuster.

"The players just went `phoof','' Thompson said of the poor start against the Giants.

"It (last week) was a bad news week with everything that went on ... you can understand, on reflection, why they played like they did early in the game.

"It's going to be the same this week.''

Fellow coaching veteran Rodney Eade speculated that Essendon's start against the Giants might have been the letdown that pundits thought they would suffer because of their off-field pressures.

"Perhaps in hindsight, even though they might not have performed well on the weekend, it's probably `good, we got away with a win, we were ordinary','' Eade said.

Thompson was clearly furious at quarter-time on Saturday as he spoke to players in the huddle.

"I probably went a bit far,'' he said.


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Hart: 'Tigers on the right track'

Promise ... Royce Hart says Damien Hardwick has the Tigers on the right track. Source: Tim Carrafa / News Limited

Richmond legend Royce Hart has given Damien Hardwick's current Tigers side his stamp of approval.

Speaking to veteran journalist Mike Sheahan on Open Mike on Monday night, the four-time premiership player was bullish about the 2013 Tigers after several false starts in recent times.

"I think they're on the right path this time," Hart said.

"They probably need another key forward to help Jack (Riewoldt) out, but apart from that they're a lot better side now than they have been for the last 20 years.

Hart was succinct when asked if he had some advice for Riewoldt.

"Kick more goals," he replied.

"He could probably move around a bit more, but he possibly hasn't got the pace of a Matthew Richardson – that's the problem.

"He could play further afield, but he'd need to alter his game a bit."

In a wide-ranging interview, Hart labels the drought-breaking 1967 flag as his favourite football memory, counts Jonathan Brown and Lance Franklin as two of his favourite players, tells of the serious medical issues that mean he can no longer fly and says Carlton great Bruce Doull was the best defender he ever played against.


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Barometer: who's hurt, who's close

Barometer ... Bryce Gibbs is a chance to return this week. Source: Herald Sun

Who's hurt and who's in line for selection at your club?

All times are listed in EST

ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Nathan Van Berlo (knee) 2 weeks
Sam Shaw (hamstring) 5 weeks
Sam Siggins (ankle) 1 week
Taylor Walker (knee) season
Lewis Johnston (knee) 8 weeks
Brad Crouch (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Matt Wright started as the sub against Hawthorn and finished with seven disposals while Jarryd Lyons only had 10 touches before being subbed off. Luke Brown had another low disposal count but that hasn't hurt him at selection so far.

ON THE CUSP: Ian Callinan had 22 touches and kicked two goals for Central Districts and Graham Johncock booted two for Port Magpies. Jared Petrenko had 18 disposals and a goal. Lewis Johston is out as a potential Taylor Walker replacement after hurting his left knee in the SANFL.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The man the Crows really need to get going is Sam Jacobs. He is well down on his outstanding 2012 form and it is making life a lot tougher for the Adelaide midfield. Patrick Dangerfield returned to form with a bang on Saturday, big Sauce might be next. Fixtures against GWS and St Kilda in the next two weeks give the Crows a chance to jump back into the finals mix.

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BRISBANE

INJURIES
Claye Beams (knee) - season
Stef Martin (ankle) - 5 weeks
Jared Polec (ankle) - 5 weeks
Jesse O'Brien (adductor) - 2 weeks
Matt McGuire (ankle) - 1 week
Daniel Rich (shoulder) - 6 weeks
Steven Wrigley (knee) - season

ON THE BLOCK: Plenty to choose from if Michael Voss wants to swing the axe. Marco Paparone, Rohan Bewick, Sam Mayes and Josh Green were all quiet against the Swans, while Aaron Cornelius was subbed off after just three kicks.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Docherty was best afield in the Lions reserves' 23-point win against Sydney's twos in the NEAFL. Jordan Lisle bagged another four goals while Patrick Karnezis kicked three. Ryan Harwood is also pushing for a senior berth. Voss said Simon Black was close to full match fitness last week and he must be tempted to give the veteran a call.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Lions get West Coast at just the wrong time and that's only the start of a horror run – with Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn to follow in the next seven weeks. Unless they can find something a 2-9 scoreline would put Voss in a very uncomfortable position.

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CARLTON

INJURIES
Andrew Carrazzo (calf) Test
Chris Yarran (hamstring) Test
Bryce Gibbs (hamstring) Test
Jarrad Waite (suspension) 1 week
Matthew Kreuzer (thumb) 5 weeks
Andrew McInnes (knee) 5-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: They waited a long time for him to come back, now Jarrad Waite will go straight back out. He has been suspended for one match for headbutting Melbourne's Tom McDonald. The clash against Melbourne was Waite's first senior game of the year and only his 12th since the start of last season following his battle with back and leg injuries. It was poor form by Waite, who should know better. Chris Yarran is also a good chance to miss with hamstring tightness. They won't want to risk him.

ON THE CUSP: Andrew Carazzo came out late against Melbourne and should return from a corked calf. Likewise Bryce Gibbs. Tom Bell and Levi Casboult both impressed in the VFL at the weekend and would have to be a chance.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THINGS are starting to look up at Carlton. They are over their hard patch, have come out of it pretty well and now face St Kilda after a good, long break. They are playing good, exciting football. And with Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett on song up forward, they are very hard to stop.

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COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Dayne Beams (Quad) 1-2 weeks
Brodie Grundy (Back) 1-2 weeks
Lachlan Keeffe (Knee) 1-2 weeks
Nick Maxwell (Fractured wrist) 1-2 weeks
Clinton Young (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Michael Hartley (Shoulder) 3 weeks
Tim Broomhead (Glandular Fever) 4-5 weeks
Jack Frost (knee) 5-6 weeks
Jackson Ramsay Wrist 6-7 weeks
Alan Toovey (knee) Season

ON THE BLOCK: He wasn't playing in the seniors, but terrible to see defender Jack Frost go down with a knee injury in the VFL at the weekend. He's out for 5-6 weeks. Also in the twos, small forward Alex Fasolo has been reporting for rough conduct. In terms of the seniors this week, the likes of Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas and Ben Kennedy may find themselves in the gun, despite the win over St Kilda. Because there are a few impending inclusions.

ON THE CUSP: Some big names are on the cusp at Collingwood. The Magpies say both midfielder Luke Ball and Alan Didak are very close to coming in after shining in the VFL on Sunday. Will both come in? Didak could be the spark they are looking for, but Rodney Eade said on AFL360 Ball was likely to spend one more game in the VFL.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Just did enough against St Kilda, but there was little to get excited about for Pies supporters. This week they face the Nathan Fyfe-less Fremantle at Patersons Stadium this week. The task itself won't trouble the Pies, who have a very strong away record. But they need to find something as they are still way below their best. And have been for a long time. Really missing Dayne Beams.

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ESSENDON

INJURIES
Brent Stanton (groin) test

ON THE BLOCK: James Hird said after Saturday's win against GWS he was "very hopeful" Brent Stanton would overcome a groin injury in time to play Geelong but with the game on Friday night he has to be a long shot. With up to six first-choice players returning some will have to make way – Nick Kommer, Leroy Jetta, Jackson Merrett, Tayte Pears and Scott Gumbleton might get the bad news on Thursday. David Hille definitely won't be at Etihad Stadium – he's in France after being given two weeks' leave to attend a long-standing family commitment.

ON THE CUSP: Get your pen and paper ready – Michael Hurley (ankle), Jake Carlisle (ankle), Dustin Fletcher (groin), Dyson Heppell (groin), Patrick Ryder (suspension) and Jason Winderlich (rested) are all ready to return. Don't expect a big push for Joe Daniher to make his debut this week. He snagged two goals as Essendon went down to Coburg in the VFL. Corey Dell'Olio kicked three goals in that game while an interesting name in the best players was former Gold Coast defender Josh Toy.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Hope you have a ticket already for what is a genuine blockbuster at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. Essendon took about two-and-a-half quarters longer than expected to blow GWS away and they won't get away with the same sort of sluggish start this week. But with possibly an entire list to choose from, the Bombers have every reason to believe they will be 7-0 on Saturday morning.

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FREMANTLE

INJURIES
Kepler Bradley (knee) season
Anthony Morabito (knee) season
Aaron Sandiland (foot) 5 weeks
Matthew Pavlich (Achilles) 4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Not too many. The Dockers unlikely to make too many changes for their clash against Collingwood at Patersons Stadium. They don't need to after what was a strong performance against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium. If there is a change or two, Tendai Mzungu and Cameron Sutcliffe might be the unlucky ones to be looked at.

ON THE CUSP: The only probably in looks to be star midfielder Stephen Hill. He missed the win over the Suns with a quadriceps injury, but coach Ross Lyon is hopeful he will return to tackle the Magpies. Given they are already without the suspended Nathan Fyfe (why oh why did they challenge that again?), they will need Hill against Collingwood's gun midfielders.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: A  little bit of a statement against Gold Coast last week. Quite a few suggested they were ripe for the picking at Metricon Stadium last Saturday night. The Dockers were having none of it and put the Suns back in their place. But this is a much bigger challenge. They will go in primed for a massive scalp. They are every chance as well up against a Collingwood side well below their best.

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GEELONG

INJURIES
Paul Chapman (hamstring) test
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 8-10 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Jared Rivers (knee) indefinite
Josh Cowan (Achilles) indefinite
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
George Burbury (foot) indefinite
Jed Bews (foot) indefinite
Dawson Simpson (back) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Not many for this undefeated powerhouse. Jordan Murdoch and George Horlin-Smith wore the red and green vests respectively to border dangerously on the edge, but the Cats had a wealth of performers against the Tigers on Saturday night.

ON THE CUSP: Paul Chapman is expected to return for the Friday night blockbuster against the Bombers after missing two weeks with a hamstring. Nathan Vardy booted six goals in the VFL but the Cats won't rush him, while first-round pick Jackson Thurlow – who has drawn some comparison to Corey Enright with his style of play – remains in the frame.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: A massive three-week stretch looms for the Cats, starting against the Dons on Friday night. After that it's the Pies and a resurgent Port Adelaide away, while their side is as good as it's going get with only Chapman to come back in the foreseeable future. A pair of victories from that stretch will have the Cats all but locked in for a top-four finish with a swathe of matches at the redeveloped Simonds Stadium to follow.

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES
Dean Brogan (suspended) available
Matthew Buntine (lung) available
Lachie Whitfield (soreness) test
Setanta O'hAilpin (calf) TBC
Dom Tyson (knee) 3 weeks
Phil Davis (back) 5 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) indefinite
Jon Patton (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: The Giants played their best match for the year, so don't expect too much change. Zac Williams butchered the footy a little bit after starting as the sub.

ON THE CUSP: The Giants reserves had a bye at the weekend, but expect Lachie Whitfield to come back in after missing with soreness. Dean Brogan should return after serving a three-match ban, while Adam Kennedy was a late withdrawal on Saturday.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: A testing period awaits leading into the bye with matches against the Crows, Eagles, Blues and Hawks ahead. But with kids in the ilk of Jono O'Rourke, Matt Buntine and Lachie Whitfield to return – and Jezza Cameron starting to hit his straps – the bright future continues to shine blindly. Jacob Townsend's negating role against Jobe Watson at the weekend was also a tremendous victory.

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HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Xavier Ellis (calf) test
Jed Anderson (hamstring) test
Brent Guerra (knee) test
Brendan Whitecross (knee) 3 weeks
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) 5-7 weeks
Matthew Suckling (knee) indefinite
Alex Woodward (knee) indefinite
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Not many. Jon Simpkin looked ok when he came on in his Hawks debut on Saturday, while youngster Taylor Duryea's use of the footy was excellent. Don't expect much change this week. Buddy escaped punishment from the match review panel. Scans have cleared Brent Guerra of any serious damage, so expect him to front up on Saturday night.

ON THE CUSP: Again, expect little change for the Hawks. Shane Savage impressed in the Hawks' big VFL win over the baby Bendigo side, while Kyle Cheney remains on the fringe. Mitch Hallahan is also showing promising signs, while Xavier Ellis could return for Box Hill this week. Max Bailey was a late out at the weekend.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: A massive test this week for the Hawks, who are winning despite having key players down on output in an impressive sign. Don't expect much change after the victory against the Crows, while this week ends Hawthorn's nightmare start to the season where it faced every 2012 finalist.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Charlie Dixon (ankle) test
Steven May (hamstring) test
Daniel Gorringe (hamstring) TBA
Matthew Warnock (arm) indefinite
Joel Wilkinson (ankle) 2-4 weels
Seb Tape (knee) 2 week
Maverick Weller (shoulder) 1 week
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Brandon Matera needs to show a hell of a lot more than what he did against Fremantle, as we all know he is capable of it. But expect to see him stay in as they will need him to beat Melbourne. Matt Shaw and Aaron Hall are also running out of credits. Charlie Dixon was subbed out with an ankle injury against Fremantle, but it is not major. He is considered a good chance of getting up this week.

ON THE CUSP: The versatile Steven May missed last week with a hamstring niggle, but is a good chance of returning this week. It will be interesting to see whether exciting forward Liam Patrick is considered after a strong performance in his NEAFL return last week.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Very disappointing performance against Fremantle. But they need to wipe the slate clean and get themselves back up quickly because this is a very winnable game against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday. In fact, all things being equal, they should beat Melbourne. It all depends on their mindset. They need to rediscover the killer instinct that saw them dispose of St Kilda in Round 1 and put away the Giants a fortnight ago.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Mark Jamar (groin) TBC
Jack Watts (hamstring) TBC
Jack Grimes (collarbone) 4-8 weeks
Mitch Clark (foot) 5-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: This is not the week for wholesale changes at Melbourne. It is a winnable game, so they will want to keep the side reasonably settled, within reason. They lose co-captain Jack Grimes with a broken collarbone. The big question is what to do with Jack Trengove? He needs to find some form, because he is really struggling. But do they drop him given the other co-captain is already injured? Big decision for coach Mark Neeld.

ON THE CUSP: Finally, Chris Dawes should come in. The former Magpie will slot straight in at full-forward, which is great news given there is no Mitch Clark there. Neville Jetta will return from suspension. Expect to also see David Rodan in the mix.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Whether they deserve to or not, Melbourne will head into the clash against the Suns at the MCG as favourites. It's a winnable game for them, that's for sure. But they are terribly low on confidence and the Suns will be up for it. They can't avoid to fly the white flag this week, otherwise the spotlight shines right back on them.

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NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Robbie Tarrant (leg) test
Dan Currie (thumb) 6 weeks
Tom Curran (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Will Sierakowski performed gamely in his AFL debut collecting 11 disposals. Substitute Taylor Hine didn't get a lot of opportunity and could come under scrutiny at selection. Majak Daw did a lot right in his third AFL game but looms as the first tall to fall pending Robbie Tarrant's fitness.

ON THE CUSP: Veteran playmaker Brent Harvey is a walk-up start. Tarrant must prove his fitness after missing his second match with a leg injury and rebounding defender Ben Jacobs made his case for a recall collecting 31 disposals in VFL-affiliate North Ballarat's win over Frankston. Fringe midfielder Levi Greenwood was solid against VFL premiers Geelong while Jordan Gysberts relished his move onto the wing, finishing with 23 touches and a goal.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Boomer's back! Harvey will inject speed and class into a Kangaroos line-up crying out for effective ball use in Saturday's clash against the Western Bulldogs. Aaron Black has done enough to warrant his selection while young rebounding defenders Shaun Atley and Jamie Macmillan continue to impress with their ball-winning ability and dash off half-back. The Kangaroos face a good test against the Doggies being led superbly by ruckman Will Minson, one of the competition's best at giving his midfielders first use. With a road trip to Perth the following week this looms as a must-win for the Shinboners looking to get their season back on track.

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PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Jasper Pittard (hip flexor) test
Danny Butcher (AC joint) available
Brett Ebert (adductor) 2-4 weeks
Jackson Trengove (foot) 9 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Brent Renouf and Paul Stewart wore the green and red vests on Saturday and neither set the world on fire. Campbell Heath had only six disposals for the afternoon and Lewis Stevenson nine. Kane Mitchell made the most of his chance to pick up 15 disposals and seems safe.

ON THE CUSP: Alipate Carlile said today Jasper Pittard is a 50-50 chance to return from his hip flexor injury against the Tigers on Saturday but that might be optimistic. Sam Colquhoun has been an emergency four times this season – including each of the past three weeks - and must be close to a debut after being named in the best again for Central District. Andrew Moore is also waiting for a chance, he was named in North Adelaide's best players.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: No Ken Hinkley, no Port Adelaide? The coach will be back delivering instructions in person this weekend instead of text messages and although there will be fewer opportunities to use emoticons, the personal touch will be a big boost after Port dropped its first game of the year. Who ever thought facing the Power on the rebound would be a big issue this season?

RICHMOND

INJURIES
Reece Conca (foot) 3-4 weeks
Brett O'Hanlon (ankle) TBA
Ivan Maric (ankle) test
Tyrone Vickery (concussion) test
Ricky Petterd (calf) test

ON THE BLOCK: After an almost injury-free start to the season, the Tigers suddenly have a host of sore bodies – and at the worst possible time. As well as the above list Jake King has a hand injury and Dylan Grimes has a sore foot. They will both fly to Adelaide and Maric is a good chance to play but Vickery has to pass a concussion test and Petterd might miss. If there is a selection change due to form, Matt White seems the most likely casualty. He was subbed on for Vickery just after halftime against the Cats and struggled to have any impact on the contest.

ON THE CUSP: Better news here for Tiger fans. Coburg scored an impressive win against Essendon's VFL side on Saturday with several players putting their names forward for senior selection. Shane Tuck returned from a week's rest to gather 25 disposals while Nathan Foley is ready to go after 24 touches of his own. Former Roo Aaron Edwards had 22 disposals and took 16 marks, adding two goals to take his tally to 14 in the past three weeks. Robin Nahas booted four, as did young tall Liam McBean. If Maric and/or Vickery doesn't come up, former Cat Orren Stephenson is waiting in the wings.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Is it too early to say Richmond's season is on the line against Port Adelaide on Saturday? After a flying start the Tiger bandwagon is looking wobbly and the AAMI Stadium clash might determine which of these two teams plays in September. After that the Tigers face Melbourne before tough assignments against Essendon and West Coast leading into the bye.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Sam Gilbert (knee) TBA
Lenny Hayes (calf) 2-3 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) season
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 1-3 weeks
Beau Maister (wrist) 2-4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Brodie Murdoch had just one kick after being subbed on during the Saints' loss to Collingwood and Josh Saunders could also get a rest, while Ahmed Saad's form is a major worry – he didn't register a score on Friday night. But St Kilda will already be making forced changes after losing Gilbert during the game, Hayes in the warm-up and Justin Koschitzke to suspension.

ON THE CUSP: Farren Ray has earned a recall after picking up 26 disposals and kicking two goals as Sandringham came from 38 points down late in the third term to score a remarkable win against the Northern Blues yesterday. Tom Ledger (31 disposals) is due for another chance while James Gwilt picked up 18 touches in his return from a knee injury. Tom Hickey hasn't dominated but is the most likely replacement for Kosi. Excitement machine Spencer White was given the weekend off.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Saints took Sydney and Collingwood almost to the wire and will give themselves a chance on Monday night after defeating Carlton in their two meetings last season. Gwilt will come in for Gilbert and Hickey covers Kosi, but Lenny isn't so easy to replace. Scott Watters needs Nick Dal Santo to show he isn't a spent force.

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SYDNEY SWANS

INJURIES
Rhyce Shaw (abdominal strain) test
Lewis Roberts-Thompson (knee) 5-7 weeks
Gary Rohan (leg) indefinite
Alex Johnson (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Not many ahead of the Grand Final rematch. Jed Lamb, the flashy kid who resembled Stevie J a bit in his final TAC Cup year, looked good when he came on in his debut, while it was a fairly even Swans unit that crushed the Lions yesterday.

ON THE CUSP: Mitch Morton booted five – this time against a stronger NEAFL opponent (Brisbane Lions) to remain in the frame, while Jesse White was again superb. Morton sparked the Swans in last year's flag decider and could earn a reprieve based on that, while Rhyce Shaw is also close. Tommy Mitchell, the father-son sensation hampered by knee problems thus far, is now fit and also impressing in the reserves.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: The Swans are flying under the radar, as they do every year, but a huge test this Saturday night awaits. Can they instil more mental damage to the Hawks with another win? A testing month follows, too, with battles against the Pies, Bombers and Crows set to determine exactly where the premiers sit.

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Murray Newman (knee) 3 weeks
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 2 weeks
Sam Butler (calf) 1 week
Beau Waters (adductor) 1 week
Andrew Embley (foot) Test
Luke Shuey (calf) Test
Colledge (jaw) Available

ON THE BLOCK: It's hard to change a winning formula, but with several big names still to come back into the side over the next few weeks there are likely to be some changes. Fringe midfielder Bradd Dalziell is one of those players in the gun, as is rookie ruckman Callum Sinclair, who may be forced out by the successful return of Nic Naitanui against the Bulldogs. Will Schofield is likely to be retained despite being dropped last week, before earning a late reprieve when Beau Waters withdrew due to injury. Neither Waters or Sam Butler will be available to take on the Lions.

ON THE CUSP: Wingman Matt Rosa played his third straight WAFL match after thigh surgery and will almost certainly return against Brisbane on Saturday. Both he and Adam Selwood were among East Perth's best players. Untried midfielder Mark Hutchings continues to knock on the door following another strong performance for West Perth, as will former Collingwood forward Brad Dick after his eight-goal haul for East Fremantle. Veteran Andrew Embley faces a fitness test on his injured foot.

MICHAEL WASHBOURNE'S FORECAST: The Eagles will be looking to continue their resurgence after Sunday's huge win over the Bulldogs. Naitanui and Sharrod Wellingham both played their first games of the season and will only be better for the run. West Coast lost the corresponding fixture to the Lions up at the Gabba last year and will no doubt be quietly seeking redemption for that shock two-point defeat.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Nick Lower (eye) available
Jake Stringer (corkie) available
Tom Williams (adductor) test
Ryan Griffen (shoulder) test
Daniel Giansiracusa (shoulder) test
Robert Murphy (calf) test
Brett Goodes (suspension) 1 week
Michael Talia (jaw) 3-5 weeks
Lin Jong (leg) 6 weeks
Tory Dickson (ankle) 5 weeks
Easton Wood (hamstring) TBC
Shaun Higgins (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: All the kids tried hard, but with experience set to return some must make way this week. Speedster Jason Johannisen could be one after tracking at just 56 per cent efficiency, while Jason Tutt and Christian Howard could also be unlucky omissions.

ON THE CUSP: Plenty. The Dogs are every chance to welcome back 633 games of experience against the Roos with Robert Murphy, Ryan Griffen and Daniel Giansiracusa all likely to be available. With Brett Goodes to follow next week and a favourable month ahead, the timing bodes well for Brendan McCartney's evolving side. And while he's a while off senior footy, exciting for Dogs fans that late draft pick Josh Prudden – who Scott Wynd helped develop – is impressing in the VFL, along with midfield wrecking ball Nathan Hrovat.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: The Dogs were far more competitive than the 70-point margin showed against the Eagles, winning the contested footy count and inside 50s. Clay Smith played one of his best games since that sparkling four-goal debut, Jordan Roughead looks a find at full-back and Liam Jones presented well after quarter-time. With three A-graders close to returning and winnable games ahead, a big month looms for the Dogs. They enjoyed their best win of 2012 against the Roos last year – can they repeat that effort this week?


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Tennis hall of shame: the fathers

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Bad dads ... who is the worst tennis father? Damir, Tomic, Graf? Have your say! Source:FOX SPORTS

In the wake of John Tomic's alleged assault on his son's training partner, we list the worst five fathers in the history of the sport.

Tennis and bad parents go together like pies and sauce. Or, as Damir Dokic might say, ambassador threats and hand grenades.

Narrowing down such a large field of horror fathers to just five was exhusting and time consuming work, and this list of tennis bottom feeders certainly won't win any votes for Father of the Year. 

Who takes the crown for worst tennis father? Vote in our poll below!


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