tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115738556307529742024-02-21T02:29:29.555+07:00Sport HealtyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.comBlogger328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-82287637389580985672014-06-23T23:40:00.008+07:002014-06-23T23:42:40.011+07:00Vidal to miss Chileâs crunch game<div readability="7"> <p><span>Arturo Vidal will miss Chile's game against the Netherlands.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Wong Maye-E / AP</span></p> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>JUVENTUS star Arturo Vidal will miss Chile's group-deciding clash with Netherlands today after finally succumbing to a knee injury.</strong></p> </div> <p>Vidal had surgery only last month but still managed to play in Chile's World Cup Group B wins over Australia and Spain.</p> <p>But with the Chileans already having secured a spot in the second round regardless of today's result, La Roja coach Jorge Sampaoli decided to not again risk his key midfielder ahead of the knockout stages.</p> <p>Vidal has been replaced by Felipe Gutierrez in Chile's starting XI for the clash at Arena de Sao Paulo.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Arturo Vidal of Chile runs out against Australia.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>Gutierrez perhaps brings some inside knowledge with him as he plies his trade in the Dutch first division with FC Twente.</p> <p>Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has made three changes to the Dutch team that started in the 3-2 win over Australia.</p> <p>Suspended captain Robin van Persie, injured defender Bruno Martins Indi and midfielder Jonathan de Guzman are out.</p> <p>Replacing them are Dirk Kuyt, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jeremain Lens.</p> <p>A draw will be enough for Netherlands to top the group due to their superior goal difference.</p> <p>Chile must win to finish ahead of the Dutch and avoid a likely round of 16 clash with hosts Brazil.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-35376147600506505172014-06-23T23:40:00.007+07:002014-06-23T23:40:37.330+07:00What you missed on TV last night<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>CATCH up on all the big news after Monday night's review of Round 14 and Jonathan Brown's retirement.</strong></p> </div> <p><strong>AFL360</strong></p> <p><strong>MONDAY</strong> night kicked off with Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson paying up $100.</p> <p>Last week, Robbo dared GWS young gun Adam Treloar to give his childhood hero Chris Judd a bum tap after the game and offered the cameraman who caught it the cash.</p> <p>Treloar followed through on Sunday and Robbo was happy to cough up the dough.</p> <p><strong>LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN ITUNES</strong></p> <p><strong>■ OBVIOUSLY</strong>, the retirement of Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown was at the top of the agenda.</p> <p>Host Gerard Whateley said it was a bitter sweet day.</p> <p>"Typically, these things are dreaded but for Jonathan Brown is was truly hoped for," he said.</p> <p>Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch then joined the boys.</p> <p>Leppitsch said Brown's departure was a tough day at the club.</p> <p>"It was a difficult one. At the end of the day I think it was the right decision and we can look back at a great career," he said.</p> <p>Leppitsch said Brown would be remembered as a great player but an even better bloke off the field. </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>"They call him the people's champ. He really engaged the public and was genuinely interested in people," he said.</p> <p>"No doubt (he was a great player but even better person). It's a real credit to him.</p> <p>"(We'll miss him) in a lot of areas. His marketability in Brisbane and what he's done for the code. In the changerooms, he going to be missed in a lot of ways, especially his leadership."</p> <p>Robinson said Brown's Mark of the Year against Hawthorn in 2002 will be forever.</p> <p>"I think that mark against Hawthorn sums up Browny," he said.</p> <p>"He played on the border of recklessness, that was how he played his best football and got the best out of himself.</p> <p>"When players like Jonathan Brown go, it makes you feel a little bit older because you lose a link to the past."</p> <p>Whateley said he would remember the big goals.</p> <p>"I will remember Jonathan Brown kicking goals from 50m, wide out at the Gabba," he said. </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>■ THE</strong> conversation then shifted to the goal review system after two controversial decisions in Round 14.</p> <p>The review has been a bug bear of Whateleys but he was happy with one but staggered by the second.</p> <p>AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said he was happy with the Essendon decision but conceded the North Melbourne decision was incorrect.</p> <p>"I fully understand why the Essendon one was cleared ... there was no definitive evidence to turn it around ... but the same logic should have been applied to the North Melbourne goal and we don't think it was," he said.</p> <p>Whateley said the system was faulty and instead of erasing incorrect decisions, it was creating them.</p> <p>"What we learnt today is that every goal is being reviewed before the bounce in the middle," he said.</p> <p>"We are using a faulty system to review every goal. (Instead of stopping howlers) we are inserting the howler.</p> <p>"Does it serve the game well? No. It doesn't because it isn't set up properly."</p> <p>Robinson agreed: "That was a staggering decision. You ask of yourself, I'm a stupid for missing it?". </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>■ ROUND 14</strong> saw two defeats that may be indicative of where Collingwood and Geelong sit in the scheme of things.</p> <p>Whateley said the Magpies and Cats losses almost ruled them out of top four contention.</p> <p>"The question of the top four was all but answered with the illuminating failures of Collingwood and Geelong," he said.</p> <p>"Possession is nine-tenths of the law and the top four now belongs to Port Adelaide, Sydney, Hawthorn and Fremantle."</p> <p>Robinson wrote about the Cats and said the club's golden period may have finally come to an end.</p> <p>"They've had a knack of responding to critic, in their era (Geelong). They were scorched by Gold Coast," he said.</p> <p>"There were elements in the Geelong game that made me think.</p> <p>"Things can change - we've got 10 games to go - but at the moment they are below the top four.</p> <p>"I think realistically, they are looking at a transition.</p> <p>"You can't just trust in your development and expect these young guys are going to come in and replace the champs that have dominated for eight or nine years."</p> <p>Whatelely said Geelong had proved critics wrong year after year and didn't rule them out of premiership contention.</p> <p>"Geelong have had a happy knack of evolving when people have written them off but it just hasn't happened yet," he said.</p> <p>"They've defied expectations by evolving and making it happen." </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>■ AFTER</strong> the break senior coaches Mark Thompson and Paul Roos joined the panel.</p> <p>Bomber and Roosy were asked about Nathan Buckley's dressing down of Jarrod Witts during the loss to Hawthorn.</p> <p>"I'd like to see more of it," said Thompson.</p> <p>"I think he was trying to get a response and he did."</p> <p>Roos said the level of scrutiny during games was so intense coaches were no longer able to fire up without the media making a story of it.</p> <p>"I think that's just coaching," he said.</p> <p>"Are we're making too much of it? There's cameras on the field, on the box and now they're in the changerooms at half-time.</p> <p>"He handled it well afterwards."</p> <p>Thompson was then asked about Essendon's win over Adelaide and how important it was for the club on and off the field. </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>"It was really important," he said.</p> <p>"We really didn't want to lose that one after being in a good position last week and losing it.</p> <p>Robinson then asked about the players feelings of isolation and loneliness as the ASADA saga drags on.</p> <p>"Easily (I can understand) ... because I've got it to," he said.</p> <p>"I think there's a certain percentage of the community that think they've been harshly treated and others that think they cheated.</p> <p>"They're amazing in the way they've been able to handle everything during the week and then go out and play. They did it last year and they've done it again this year."</p> <p>The Bombers play Thompson's former club, Geelong, this week and the coach was feeling the nerves but said Paul Chapman was probably feeling worse.</p> <p>"A little bit, not much more than other weeks," he said.</p> <p>"I think he'd (Chapman) be pretty toey. Chappy's a different type of guy, I hope he doesn't do anything silly.</p> <p>"I still barrack for Geelong, the wife barracks for Geelong." </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>ON THE COUCH</strong></p> <p><strong>JONATHAN</strong> Brown once again dominated the conversation after bringing his decorated career to an end on Monday.</p> <p>"You had to admire the way he played and he was a good bloke," Mike Sheahan said.</p> <p>"I'll remember his Round 6 game in 2005. It was his first game for the season and Brisbane were last ... he came out and kicked 8.2."</p> <p>Jason Dunstall said Brown's courageous Mark of the Year in 2002 would be his lasting memory of Brown while Gerard Healy said it would be the clutch goals that won the Lions so many games.</p> <p>Brisbane will miss his leadership and ability but I think we can all tell it was time," Dunstall said.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Harley Bennell put in a match-winning performance against Geelong. Picture: Richard Gosling</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p><strong>■ IN</strong> contrast to the discussion on AFL360, the boys looked more at the Gold Coast Suns after their big win over Geelong.</p> <p>Sheahan said he didn't expect Geelong to win the premiership at the beginning of the season and were burned by the Suns leg speed.</p> <p>"They got torched for speed across the ground," he said.</p> <p>Healy said it was the Suns biggest win of their short history.</p> <p>"It's their biggest scalp for mine, bigger than Collingwood last year," he said.</p> <p>Dunstall believed the win could see the Suns lock up their maiden finals appearance.</p> <p>"This is a team on the move," he said.</p> <p>"I know they lost three in a row but they'll have a crack at the Hawks. Imagine if they went back to back against Geelong and Hawthorn."</p> <p>An incident between Jaeger O'Meara and Alan Christensen was also discussed after the Cats midfielder was left dazed.</p> <p>"I know it doesn't look great but I don't think Jaeger O'Meara is that type of player in the first place and he is pushing his player under the ball, so he can run onto it," Dunstall said.</p> <p>However, Healy reminded him it wasn't the first time.</p> <p>"This isn't the first time he's done it.</p> <p>"He pushed Dan Hannebery into contact and he's got to cut that out. It's careless and Christensen could have been hurt." </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>■ GREATER</strong> Western Sydney won two games in a row for the first time in their history and received plenty of praise.</p> <p>"GWS have won two in a row ... a month ago people were saying GWS were a basket case," Dunstall said.</p> <p>"I think the Giants can take a lot of heart from what the Suns are doing with Harley Bennell. Last year, he was homesick he didn't want to be there and look at him now.</p> <p>"I think GWS will take great heart from that and the young players will see the progress and buy in."</p> <p>Sheahan said the Giants turnaround was down to the return of one player.</p> <p>"All of a sudden they are now playing with belief and passion," he said.</p> <p>"Mummy has a great influence on that group. He is a great onfield leader."</p> <p>Rhys Palmer's turnaround has also been a big boost to the Giants after a switch to the forward flank he has kicked 12 goals this season and provided a tough edge to the young forward line.</p> <p>"You have to admire the way he's adapted to the new role," Sheahan said.</p> <p>"I admire the fightback and I think he has done remarkable well," Dunstall said.</p> <p>The discussion the turned to the weekend's losers. </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>■ RICHMOND</strong> and Carlton are 0-4 in past month and sit second and third last on the form ladder with St Kilda in last place with a percentage of just 43.</p> <p>"Do you coach for the now or coach for the future?" asked Dunstall.</p> <p>"I think now, once you get to a certain point in the season, you have to err to a certain path. Now is the time to find out if the young players can play."</p> <p>Healy wondered whether Richmond could go to the draft or needed to continue their Moneyball experiment.</p> <p>"The draft can't help him," Sheahan said.</p> <p>"Is there a premiership in this group right now? If there's not he's got some tough decisions to make," Dunstall said.</p> <p>Tigers captain Trent Cotchin was also criticised after collecting more than 30 touches but seemingly doing little with them.</p> <p>"Cotchin, he's got a lot of class ... he has the most kicks of all the midfielders in the comp but has the worst kicking efficiency," Dunstall said.</p> <p>Sheahan said Cotchin may be trying to cover for his teammates defensively.</p> <p>"It's disappointing he's getting the criticism. He may not be attacking but he has a great work rate," he said.</p> <p>"There's a lot of talk about Cotchin and Dustin Martin. My feeling is, Martin plays a lot of the game forward of centre and Cotchin is working back to cover for him."</p> <p>Carlton had been playing some good football without winning until falling to the Giants and the future of Mick Malthouse continues to hang over the Blues.</p> <p>"I'd be very disappointed in Mick Malthouse if he isn't taking a future view right now," Dunstall said.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>New AFL boss Gillon Mclachlan at AFL house. Picture: David Caird.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p><strong>■ NEWLY</strong> appointed AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan was the special guest. His first time on the couch since taking over the top job.</p> <p>"I don't think a CEO has come into the job shrouded in so much controversy, controversy perhaps outside of your control," Healy said.</p> <p>McLachlan said the Essendon supplements saga was a major issue but he had no answers at this stage.</p> <p>"I don't know (what will happen) because there are so many variables," he said.</p> <p>"We don't know how this legal case is going to play out. We have no visibility of the discuss between ASADA and the players managements.</p> <p>"We don't know what the evidence is. There's been a lot of evidence gathered after the interim report and we don't know what that is."</p> <p>McLachlan said there were plans in place if a doomsday scenario did occur and Essendon players were banned for two years.</p> <p>"There are contingency plans - there a multitude of scenarios," he said.</p> <p>"We have workshopped every scenario and I sit here confident we can get through if there is a doomsday scenario."</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Essendon players huddle after their win over Adelaide.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>He cleared up the situation around the use of AOD-964.</p> <p>"I think (ASADA CE) Ben McDevitt was pretty unequivocal about that because there was confusion in and around the advice given regarding AOD-964," he said.</p> <p>"There was confusing messaging to the club and there was sufficient confusion to not issue (show cause notices)."</p> <p>Brownlow Medallist, Healy has been a harsh critic of the "rolling mauls" this season and hammered McLachlan.</p> <p>"I think there was a general consensus in the industry that Friday night (Richmond v Sydney) wasn't the greatest of games," McLachlan conceded.</p> <p>"But there were some great games of football on the weekend.</p> <p>Healy countered, saying "the bad side of football has never been worse".</p> <p>"The great side has never been better, there will always be bad games of footy," McLachlan said.</p> <p>"I'm not going to buy into all this doom and gloom. Yes, there are bad games, our supporters know there are bad games.</p> <p>"The scrutiny is extraordinary. We all want Friday night to be a showcase event."</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Ben Howlett celebrates his controversial goal. Picture: Colleen Petch.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>The goal review system is also in the news after the weekend and McLachlan admitted the Jack Ziebell goal decision was incorrect.</p> <p>"What they do, every goal is reviewed by the time they get back to the centre," he said.</p> <p>"I'm happy with (the Essendon) one. I reckon that's the right call.</p> <p>"The Kangaroos one, that was wrong. I sit there as a fan and I don't like the delay and I don't like the fact it was a wrong decision."</p> <p>Finally, the boys asked about Good Friday football and whether it would be on the calendar in 2015.</p> <p>"Everyone has taken that it's a given for next year. I don't think it is a given," he said.</p> <p>"Given the sensibilities, you want to make it a winner and I don't know if we can make that work given next year will probably be Round 1.</p> <p>"I'm a believer that you need a good game with top four to six style teams, I don't think it has been be a big powerhouse team.</p> <p>"If it is Sydney-Port Adelaide in Sydney, then that's a great contest. I don't think we need to be locked into a Bulldogs-Kangaroos or Essendon-whoever."</p> <div readability="34"> <p><span>Jonathan Brown with daughter Olivia, wife Kylie and son Jack. Picture: Jono Searle.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p><strong>TALKING FOOTY (7Mate)</strong></p> <p><strong>JONATHAN</strong> Brown's retirement continued to dominance the airwaves on Monday night.</p> <p>One of the greatest centre half-forwards of the modern era, Wayne Carey, believed Brown was right up there when talking about the best in the position.</p> <p>"He was a sensation," he said.</p> <p>"I rate him right up there with the very best I saw at centre half-forward - obviously Kernahan, Loewe, Tredrea, Riewoldt.</p> <p>"The way I'd sum up Jonathan Brown, he got to ball and contests that others didn't and I think that's what sets him apart from the rest.</p> <p>"He's a remarkable player ... we talk about courage, he took courage as a key position player to a whole new level. </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>■ AFTER</strong> Sydney notched up their ninth straight victory, Swans coach John Longmire joined the panel.</p> <p>Longmire was asked about Lance Franklin's improvement and importance to the Swans.</p> <p>"We know he's talented, everyone knows that, but what we've been pleased with is his ability to go back and kick clutch goals at important times," he said.</p> <p>"He started the season off not training too much and as a result his form wasn't up to the standards that he sets but he's been able to train more and more as the season has progressed."</p> <p>Longmire also provided an update on injured stars Kieren Jack and Rhyce Shaw.</p> <p>"We expect Keiren Jack to be fine but Rhyce Shaw has a similar injury to Daniel Hannebery but not as bad," he said.</p> <p>"It's probably only two or three weeks and he was actually concerned after the game that it was worse than that, so to come away with a 2-3 week injury is not too bad." </p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>FOOTY CLASSIFIED (Channel 9)</strong></p> <p><strong>AFTER</strong> discussing the retirement of Jonathan Brown, it was revealed the AFL is looking into the treatment of Alan Christensen after he copped a head knock.</p> <p>Damian Barrett reported the AFL was investigating Geelong's testing of Christensen after he returned to the field three minutes after being left dazed.</p> <p>"We're not second guessing the Geelong medical team because they are the top of tree but we are asking the question - and so is the AFL - how does a player with concussion come back on after just three minutes?" he said.</p> <p>"If Geelong did do a concussion test, it was done in three minutes."</p> <p>Caroline Wilson agreed, saying concussion was now a major talking point.</p> <p>"In fairness, this issue has had massive international attention and the AFL and its doctors are saying its an issue they are completely vigilant of," he said.</p> <p>"On a day when concussion claimed one of the biggest names in the game with Jonathan Brown retiring," Garry Lyon said.</p> <p>Barrett was also critical of the part Jaeger O'Meara played in the incident.</p> <p>"The circumstances around it are also a concern," he said.</p> <p>"The shove from Jaeger O'Meara has been looked at. He's got form Jaeger O'Meara. It would be something that Guy McKenna would be concerned about that."</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Chris Scott talks to Darcy Lang during a recent game.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p><strong>■ AFTER</strong> their loss to Gold Coast, Geelong coach Chris Scott was in the hot seat.</p> <p>Garry Lyon said the Cats now found themselves in slightly unfamiliar territory after a bad month.</p> <p>Barrett asked Scott about the Christensen incident and his quick return to the field.</p> <p>"From my perspective it's pretty simple, he came off the ground and the coaches have nothing to do with it. The doctors tell us whether he's right to go or not," he said.</p> <p>"The doctors have their integrity at stake with these issues.</p> <p>"It's good that we're talking about this. If there's anything we can learn, then that's great. Given his history, our doctors are even more cautious with him."</p> <p>The Cats have had some big losses this season, which hasn't happened since the start of their dominance in 2007.</p> <p>However, Scott was adamant the team would continue to go for wins even if that meant copping big losses.</p> <p>"Our philosophy is to lose by a little bit more to win," he said.</p> <p>"When you do that you risk getting scored against heavily but we're willing to do that to win.</p> <p>"When we are better around the contest, we tend to play better, and our record in Melbourne is exceptional but our record on the road against good teams is poor.</p> <p>"With so many interstate teams high on the ladder, chances are you're going to have to travel to play them in a final.</p> <p>"When you've got a pattern over a couple of years, it's something you've got to look at."</p> <p>Finally, Scott was asked about his Brisbane Lions premiership teammate Jonathan Brown.</p> <p>"I suspect he only really played on to help the younger players through," he said.</p> <p>"He's been an absolutely ornament to the game.</p> <p>"I heard Wayne Carey - who's arguably the greatest player of the modern era - say he was his favourite player and the accolades don't come much bigger than that."</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-51215959922689764222014-06-23T23:40:00.005+07:002014-06-23T23:40:36.861+07:00Dante Exum stars in new US ads<div readability="7"> <p><span>Dante Exum features in a series of new ads in the US.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Supplied</span></p> </div> <div readability="34"> <p><strong>AUSTRALIAN teenager Dante Exum is yet to bounce or shoot a ball in the NBA, but he is the star of a major new ad campaign in the US.</strong></p> </div> <p>The 18-year-old basketballer appears in four comedic ads by global athletic retailer Foot Locker and shoe giant Adidas.</p> <p>The ads, titled <em>Life Changes After the Draft</em>, poke fun at Exum's Australian accent and lack of celebrity status in the US.</p> <p>While Exum will still have his Australian accent, on Thursday (Friday 9am AEST), his celebrity profile in the US will skyrocket when he's expected to be a top three pick in the NBA Draft held in Brooklyn, New York.</p> <p>The Cleveland Cavaliers have the top selection, but if they pass on the 198cm tall Melbourne-born point guard the Milwaukee Bucks or the Philadelphia 76ers, with the second and third picks respectively, are expected to snap up Exum.</p> <p>"Hey, what do they call sneakers in England?" an American guy, who bumps into Exum on a residential Los Angeles street asks in one of the ads.</p> <p>"I'm actually Australian," Exum replies.</p> <p>"So, what do they call sneakers in Australia?" the guy asks.</p> <p>"Runners," Exum says.</p> <p>"So you're a runner. Me too," the guy says before running off, leaving a dejected Exum alone on the street.</p> <p>"No, I play basketball. I'm a point guard," the Australian Institute of Sport graduate says with a bowed head.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>NBA hopeful Dante Exum playing in the National High School championships for Lake Ginninderra College.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Limited</span></p> </div> <p>In the other ads: Exum is caught by a friend practising his autograph; is mocked by two mates when he tells them he can't go to a Foot Locker store because he fears the paparazzi will be there; and struggles with his Aussie accent to make a restaurant reservation over the phone.</p> <p>Exum is expected to sign a two-year contract with his NBA team worth about $A4 million a year, with the team holding options for third and fourth years, but it's off the court with his Adidas and other endorsement deals where he'll hit pay dirt.</p> <p>"The NBA Draft will certainly be a life-changing moment, and it was fun to be featured in these commercials that are going to help people see my personality," Exum said.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-86447849861778566132014-06-23T23:40:00.003+07:002014-06-23T23:40:36.267+07:00Tomic sails through to second round<div readability="7"> <p><span>Australia's Bernard Tomic has won his first round match at Wimbledon.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> CARL COURT / AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="34"> <p><strong>BERNARD Tomic has delivered on his vow to reproduce quality grass court tennis, surging into a second-round Wimbledon stoush with Tomas Berdych.</strong></p> </div> <p>Tomic schooled Russian Evgeny Donskoy 6-4 6-3 6-2 in an impressive reminder of undoubted shotmaking talent that will not have escaped the attention of anybody in his section of the draw.</p> <p>Left uncertain after early round setbacks at Queen's club and Eastbourne, Tomic banished the ghosts of those failures with a runaway performance against outclassed Donskoy.</p> <p>Tomic's success earned him another shot at sixth seed Berdych, who rallied from an unsteady start to destroy Romanian Victor Hanescu 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-4 6-3.</p> <p>Berdych eliminated Tomic in the fourth round here last year.</p> <p>Although clearly dominant, Tomic had to wait until the eighth game of the first set to impose his superiority.</p> <p>STOSUR LOSES IN WIMBLEDON FIRST ROUND</p> <p>MATOSEVIC UPSETS VERDASCO AT WIMBLEDON</p> <p>Ironically, he broke serve with a dead-bounce net cord winner — and then, serving for the set at 5-3 unravelled with a string of unforced errors as Donskoy broke back.</p> <p>That jolt was the prompt Tomic needed to elevate his languid game.</p> <p>He immediately regathered and lost only five of the next 18 games.</p> <p>An All England Club quarter-finalist in 2011, Tomic needed to win at least a round this season to prevent a ranking fall to outside the top 100.</p> <p>Currently sitting at world No 86 — well shy of a career-high No 27 — Tomic is a different player on grass, as evidenced by the contrast from his underwhelming claycourt results.</p> <p>Serving brilliantly, Tomic hit 11 aces with only one double fault.</p> <p>And he was far more assertive off the ground, thumping 35 winners and breaking serve five times.</p> <p>Defending champion Andy Murray, Russian Mikhail Youzhny and Latvian Ernests Gulbis were among the first seeded winners.</p> <p>Gilles Simon, Sergiy Stakhovsky and Blaz Rola also advanced.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-69335745256485920952014-06-23T23:40:00.001+07:002014-06-23T23:40:35.802+07:00Live: Socceroos v Spain<div readability="8"> <p><span>There are plenty of smiles in the Socceroos camp despite their early exit.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> WILLIAM WEST / AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>THE Socceroos will be out to end their Brazilian adventure on a high when they take on deposed world champions Spain in Curitiba.</strong></p> </div> <p>Buoyed by gallant performances against Chile and The Netherlands, Ange Postecoglou's men enter a match they are sure to start massive underdogs in full of confidence.</p> <p>Spain are shellshocked after being dumped out after just two matches and there sems no better time for an Aussie upset.</p> <p>Join us live from 2am (EST). <strong>Follow the action with Match Centre.</strong></p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-11129624917517982292014-06-16T23:41:00.007+07:002014-06-16T23:43:01.548+07:00Are they spraying shaving cream on the pitch?<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>WORLD Cup viewers around the globe are asking the same question right now: what is that magical vanishing spray the referees are using on the field?</strong></p> </div> <p>Referees are using a spray similar to shaving foam to stop defenders from edging closer to the ball during free-kicks in Brazil.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura sprays a line after calling for a free kick during the World Cup opener between Croatia and Brazil.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AFP</span></p> </div> <p>The ref sprays the water-based foam in a circle around the ball, walks 10 yards and sprays another line that the defenders need to stand behind.</p> <p>Then, magically, the spray vanishes.</p> <p>Well, maybe not magically. The can contains water and butane gas. The butane expands when the pressure changes and quickly evaporates, leaving just the water on the ground.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Ivorian referee Noumandiez Doue sprays a free kick marker on the pitch during a Group B football match between Chile and Australia.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AFP</span></p> </div> <p>Players, constantly looking for any advantage they can get, would often encroach on the 10-yard area they are supposed to stand behind, but this measure allows referees to police the problem much more easily.</p> <p>The product has been used in domestic leagues in Brazil and Argentina but is making its first appearance — and disappearance — at international level.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Referee Wilmar Roldan sprays the temporary line for a free kick as Benjamin Moukandjo and Enoh Eyong of Cameroon form a wall.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>Australian referee Ben Williams joked it was like "pulling a can of Mace", while English official Howard Webb suggested it could lead to more goals being scored from set pieces.</p> <p>"It will assist us in getting the players back at a free-kick and, in turn, that gives the attacking team a better opportunity of creating something from that set piece," Webb told the BBC.</p> <p>Unsurprisingly, the spray has become a hit on social media. A Facebook page is dedicated to it and there is no shortage of memes.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>... It does now.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Twitter</span></p> </div><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-51108773444586625482014-06-16T23:41:00.006+07:002014-06-16T23:42:45.395+07:00Coal Train almost quit league for NFL<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>THREE years ago Dave Taylor almost quit rugby league to pursue an opportunity to trial for a career in the NFL.</strong></p> </div> <p>As Taylor prepares for his return to rugby league's biggest arena for Queensland on Wednesday night, it can be revealed that a conversation in Maroons camp in 2011 almost convinced the 122kg backrower to walk away from the NRL forever.</p> <p>Taylor met former NFL star Colin Scotts during an Origin camp and was told he had the potential to make a career for himself playing American Football.</p> <p><strong>TIME FOR COAL TRAIN TO HIT TOP SPEED</strong></p> <p><strong>WHY MAROONS 'LOVE' TO BE UNDERDOGS</strong></p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Dave Taylor at Queensland State of Origin training.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>At the time Taylor was playing for South Sydney and genuinely considered pursuing the option, to the point that dates and locations were locked in for camps and trials in the US.</p> <p>Taylor was just weeks away from asking South Sydney for permission to head to the US for trials over Christmas, a move that could potentially have led to a release from the final year of his contract at the Rabbitohs.</p> <p>The Rockhampton junior had to weigh up the interests of his young family, who desperately wanted to move back to Queensland, and the financial risk of tearing up a $400,000 NRL contract for no guaranteed success in the US.</p> <p><strong>BIG DOG TAYLOR TO BE LET OFF ORIGIN LEASH</strong></p> <p><strong>SMITH RACKS UP AIR MILES FOR ORIGIN</strong></p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Ultimately it was his family's needs, his love of rugby league and the desire to claim higher rep honours for Queensland and Australia that helped convinced Taylor to remain in the game.</p> <p>"He was genuinely interested in it," Taylor's manager Col Davis confirmed.</p> <p>"It was an idea Dave had but I never got to the point of asking South Sydney because it was all just too hard.</p> <p>"It was canned because he would have needed three weeks off training to go do it.</p> <p>"But really at the end of the day Dave wanted to be a Queensland and Australia player too and I think being back in Origin he would think he has made the right decision."</p> <p><strong>TOUGH MAN SCOTT MAROONS TOP TARGET</strong></p> <p><strong>HOW GUERRA AND PEARCE CLEANED UP ACT</strong></p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Dave Taylor and Israel Folau celebrate an Origin win in 2010.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Limited</span></p> </div> <p>Taylor and his family returned to Queensland when he signed with the Gold Coast Titans for 2013 and his strong performances this season have helped him finally win his position back in the Origin team.</p> <p>He might seem nonchalant towards his football, but there is no more passionate Queenslander than Taylor as shown by his emotional one-fingered salute after the 2012 series decider.</p> <p>Returning to Maroons camp for the first time last week, Taylor was as excited as any rookie and keeping him level-headed has been a major focus for Queensland.</p> <p><strong>HAGAN CHECKS PLAN OF ATTACK</strong></p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>He was greeted in camp by the sledgehammer comment from coach Mal Meninga that Taylor had never done the job for Queensland in his past six Origins.</p> <p>Skipper Cameron Smith on Monday outlined clear and concise guidelines he wants the 25-year-old to follow to be a valuable contributor to the Maroons on Wednesday night.</p> <p>Crucially, Smith believes Queensland will see a different Dave Taylor to the one that last graced the Origin arena in 2012.</p> <p><strong>MENINGA FACES CHERRY-EVANS GAMBLE</strong></p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>A dejected Dave Taylor.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Limited</span></p> </div> <p>"I think you might see a different Dave Taylor now he has got another opportunity to put himself in a good position as far as playing a fair few games for Queensland now," Smith said.</p> <p>"I just think Dave needs to just have a simple mindset and think he has to go out and play like he does for the Titans.</p> <p>"When he gets the ball just run as hard as he can and make it hard for the Blues to stop him.</p> <p>"We played the Titans early in the year and he was almost unstoppable. "We all know it's a different brand of footy in State of Origin, but that doesn't take away his ability to run hard and be a threat to the Blues."</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-25035055555610431532014-06-16T23:41:00.005+07:002014-06-16T23:41:15.391+07:00Wallyâs nephew primed to battle Blues<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>HE IS the first Lewis to wear Queensland's No.6 jersey in almost a quarter of a century and Wally's 17-year-old nephew Lachlan has a pass even ''The King'' raves about.</strong></p> </div> <p>A lanky playmaker who will end up near 190cm in height, Lachlan will play five-eighth for Queensland's under-18 team against the Blues in Wednesday night's State of Origin II curtain-raiser.</p> <p>Lachlan was starstruck as he tried to defend against Greg Inglis's palm on Sunday morning when the teenagers took on the Maroons in an opposed session. Lachlan is the son of Wally's younger brother Scott, whose Broncos career was cut short by knee injuries.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Lachlan Lewis, nephew of Wally. Picture: Peter Wallis</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>A Canberra Raiders prodigy, Lachlan rejected the Broncos' advances two years ago to show loyalty to the club that signed him when he was 12 years old.</p> <p>Wally said schedules had often meant he was unable to see his nephew's games in recent years but when he saw him play for Canberra's under-20s team on television recently, he was stunned by his vision.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Lachlan Lewis. Picture: Peter Wallis</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>"I hadn't seen a lot of him recently but I watched him play for Canberra in the under-20s and he threw a pass that was timed so well and put his player through the line, and I thought 'that's a pass that shows real footy instinct'," Wally said.</p> <p>"Scott deserves all the credit in building him to where he is.</p> <p>''He is the one who has taught him. In terms of football I haven't had a lot to do with Lachlan, just through work often not allowing me to see his games.</p> <p>"He's a really good kid though but there's a lot of hard work from here to make the next level."</p> <p>Lachlan, who was born four years after Wally's final match in '92, said his uncle's incredible career for Queensland inspired him.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>"It is not just advice, it is him proving to me Queensland's spirit and how much fun it can be to play NSW," Lachlan said with a cheeky grin.</p> <p>"He's just my uncle. He is just part of the family.</p> <p>"He played footy and so did everyone else in my family.</p> <p>''It was all pretty normal."</p> <p>Lachlan knows how tough an athletic career can be.</p> <p>His father was very talented until his knee gave out, while he also gains inspiration from his sister, who is carving out a ballet career in America and has performed alongside pop star Lady Gaga.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-35749712301263414002014-06-16T23:41:00.003+07:002014-06-16T23:41:15.025+07:00Gallen reveals ASADA baby anguish<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="34"> <p><strong>ON the eve of perhaps his greatest moment, NSW skipper Paul Gallen has opened up about the mental anguish ASADA's investigation has taken on him and Cronulla.</strong></p> </div> <p>A candid Gallen has spoken about how he has been forced to deal with 19 months of damaging innuendo as the ASADA supplements drama continues to hover menacingly over the game.</p> <p>Gallen yesterday revealed:</p> <p>* How the investigation has prevented he and wife Anne from having another child.</p> <p><span id="U403773000362oO" class="c1"/> <span>* Young Sharks players have endured "mental health issues".</span></p> <p>* Other players have been medicated.</p> <p>* Sharks staff and officials have been hospitalised.</p> <p>* How the NRL has done little to help.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Paul Gallen and wife Anne at the 2013 Dally M Awards. Picture: Gregg Porteous</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Limited</span></p> </div> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Thirty-four Essendon players from their 2012 squad have been given show-cause notices by ASADA over their supplements saga, and speculation continues that Cronulla will be next.</p> <p>Gallen is trying to push the saga to one side as he prepares to lead NSW in a bid to end Queensland's eight-year series reign on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Paul Gallen trains with NSW in Coffs Harbour. Picture: Gregg Porteous</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>"Put it this way, I would have had another kid by now if this wasn't going on. So it's been horrendous, it's been disgraceful," Gallen said.</p> <p>"It has impacted lives. I know we have had players medicated, we have had staff and officials who have been hospitalised. It's terrible, it's terrible. I don't think any of the players aren't worried about it. I didn't watch <em>The Footy Show</em> last week but I think a couple of guys got on there and spoke about some mental health issues.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Paul Gallen has opened up on the ASADA scandal. Picture: Gregg Porteous</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Paul Gallen trains with the Blues. Picture: Gregg Porteous</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>"It made me shake my head. I think the NRL has had the biggest (mental health) in history right under its nose and basically done nothing about it. That's very, very frustrating for me because what I have seen some young guys go through the past 17 or 18 months has been disgraceful. They're still going through it and, as I say, we still don't know what's going on.</p> <p>"I will go into it one day. I am not going to go into it now. As I said, some very young guys, what they have had to go through, has been too much. As far as I am concerned there has been very little help."</p> <p>Gallen said he has personally intervened in an attempt to bring the ongoing dispute to a head. "Last year was so intense with it all and this year it seems to come up every couple of weeks," he said.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Paul Gallen down injured in Origin II. Picture: Darren England</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>"This is as honest an answer as I can give. From day one, from the time Cronulla got brought into it, which was a week or so after that press conference, I don't know anything.</p> <p>"Nothing has changed for me. I have been told to turn up to a meeting. I turned up at that meeting. Other than that I don't know anything."</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Each day passes and the frustration increases for Gallen, who says the investigation "has just become a part of life".</p> <p>"Every time it comes up, I just wait for the next phone call or the cameras to be in my face," he said. "Because at the end of the day no one is worried about some of the lesser-named players at Cronulla. They're concerned about me, which has been the most frustrating thing from day one."</p> <p>The NRL on Monday responded to Gallen's claims. "NRL welfare and education officials have met with the Sharks players many times and offered counselling support. As recently as last week the NRL offered assistance to deal with any anxiety among the Sharks players," a spokesman said.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-28228268088582804012014-06-16T23:41:00.001+07:002014-06-16T23:41:14.558+07:00Tomic beats Golubev, saves ranking<div readability="8"> <p><span>Bernard Tomic has avoided a ranking slide by beating Andrey Golubev.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Steve Bardens / Getty Images</span></p> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>BERNARD Tomic has averted a rankings crisis — for now — after charging into a second-round clash with top-seeded Frenchman Richard Gasquet at the AEGON International in Eastbourne.</strong></p> </div> <p>Tomic swept to a 6-4 6-4 over talented Kazakhi Andrey Golubev after producing an erratic, angry start.</p> <p>The Queenslander was warned for ball abuse — after winning the point — in the sixth game of the match.</p> <p>Seemingly distracted by noise from adjoining court one at the quaint Devonshire setting, Tomic swatted a ball into the car park.</p> <p>He early swished his racquet in frustration and spoke in Croatian repeatedly towards his courtside support crew, led by his coach and father John.</p> <p>Umpire Mohamed Layhani issued the warning, prompting Tomic to settle but not before another long exchange with Layhani at the next change of ends.</p> <p>Needing to at least repeat his 2013 run to the quarter-final to avoid another rankings slide — he currently sits at No 82 in the world — Tomic was too strong for Golubev.</p> <p>The Australian hit 12 aces and three double faults and undoubtedly should have won by a greater margin.</p> <p>He converted only two of 10 break point opportunities, albeit in windy, overcast conditions.</p> <p>Tomic will seek to avenge a listless first-round French Open defeat to Wimbeldon semi-finalist Gasquet as he bids to intensify Wimbledon preparations.</p> <p>Victorian qualifier Chris Guccione was dispatched 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 by French sixth seed Gilles Simon.</p> <p>The Victorian lost serve only once in a serve-dominated contest, delivering 13 aces to Simon's 15.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-10181326204837569342014-06-02T23:40:00.009+07:002014-06-02T23:40:51.141+07:00What you missed on TV last night<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>HIGH contact was back on the agenda following the Match Review Panel's decision to throw out Heath Hocking's rough conduct charge.</p> <p>The MRP ruled Hocking was competing for the ball and had no other option but to make high contact with Richmond young gun Ben Lennon last Saturday.</p> <p>It followed a precedent set by the MRP when it let Sydney's Dan Hannebery off the same charge last month.</p> <p>Western Bulldogs veteran Adam Cooney also escaped penalty for his high hit on Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett.</p> <p>AFL 360 co-host Gerard Whately said the MRP's ruling on Hannebery set a dangerous precedent.</p> <p>"This is going to end pretty badly," Whateley said.</p> <p>"He had to be cleared Hocking ... we never should have gone down this path."</p> <p>The debate was again waged when Melbourne coach Paul Roos and Essendon caretaker Mark Thompson joined the program.</p> <p>Both agreed rules surrounding headhigh contact made it difficult for players.</p> <p>"It must be hard for the players because they seem to be getting it wrong," Thompson said.</p> <p>Roos was equally as strong on the point.</p> <p>"I've got no doubt players are confused about what they can and can't do at the moment."</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Collingwood midfielder Steele Sidebottom was remorseful after this incident. Picture: Getty</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p><strong>Extras ...</strong></p> <p>■ Essendon coach Mark Thompson was quizzed on Geelong's performance against Sydney last week.</p> <p>"They just lost their way," he said. "They were overawed."</p> <p>Melbourne coach Paul Roos said the Swans were reaping the rewards of having the most talented team in the competition.</p> <p>"They've always had that hardness and competitiveness, no you've got that elite talent to go with culture and competitevness they've always had."</p> <p><strong>■ Robbo was scathing of Richmond in his assessment. "I don't even barrack for Richmond but I am embarrassed looking at Richmond. They are pretenders."</strong></p> <p>Robbo said Tigers coach Damien Hardwick had to make 'the' hard decisions to stop the rot.</p> <p>"In this age of brutal intensity — defensive attitudes, attitudes to win contested ball — it's unconditional and Richmond don't play unconditional football, they play football on their own terms."</p> <p>■ Roos praised the form of utility Cameron Pedersen. He said the defender-turned-forward was enjoying "career-best" form.</p> <p>■ Thompson said the Bombers used "serious sessions" during the bye weeks to work key aspects of their game including ball movement.</p> <p>■ The entire panel lauded the arrival of new St Kilda development coach Peta Searle.</p> <p>■ Gerard and Robbo sang North Melbourne's praises after Sunday's win over West Coast. Robbo said it was "Fremantle-like". "This was as clinical a dismantling of a team (that we've seen) ... they shut them down, attacked from the back</p> <p>half." Gerard said the last piece of the puzzle would be for North to become "dependable".</p> <p>■ They agreed on the MRP's decisions with Steele Sidebottom (three weeks), Jeremy Cameron (one week) and Adam Goodes (cleared).</p> <p>■ Robbo said Greater Western Sydney made a "statement" pushing an undermanned Hawthorn to edge on the MCG.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Jack Watts is making the most of a turnaround in fortunes. Picture: Alex Coppel</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p><strong>ON THE COUCH — Fox Footy</strong></p> <p>MELBOURNE star Jack Watts spoke openly about his and the club's resurgence.</p> <p>Watts said he was enjoying the benefits of extra rotations (7-8) to aid recovery and reduce mistakes.</p> <p>"A lot of that (mistakes) happens when I'm stuffed," he said.</p> <p>"The last couple of weeks I've been working on coming to the bench a bit more ... I'm a bit more of a burst player instead of endurance wise."</p> <p>Watts said he was confident in the direction the club was taking under coach Paul Roos.</p> <p>"We're not setting the world on fire by any means — but the direction — feel there's good times ahead."</p> <p>Watts who made his debut in the 2009 Queen's Birthday loss to Collingwood said he was looking forward to Monday's renewal.</p> <p>"We're ready," he said referring to Roos' "team first" concept.</p> <p>"In the past we've fallen in that trap with guys thinking they've got to win the game themselves," he said.</p> <p>"All the boys now know: 'play your role, do the simple things, you don't have to go over and above'."</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Blues skipper Marc Murphy leads his team from the field after shock loss to Brisbane. Picture: Getty</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>■ Lists dominated the early segments with Mike Sheahan revealing his "Ladder of Shame" and "Top 10 Recycled Players".</p> <p>The respected AFL journalist had West Coast in the gun as the most disappointing team of all in 2014.</p> <p>Richmond and Carlton were next on the hit list from the Bulldogs, Brisbane, GWS, St Kilda and Melbourne.</p> <p>In contrasts, Sheahan deemed Port Adelaide and Gold Coast to be operating above expectation.</p> <p><em><strong>THE LADDER OF SHAME</strong></em></p> <p><strong>1.</strong> West Coast</p> <p><strong>2.</strong> Richmond</p> <p><strong>3.</strong> Carlton</p> <p><strong>4.</strong> Western Bulldogs</p> <p><strong>5.</strong> Brisbane</p> <p><strong>6.</strong> Greater Western Sydney</p> <p><strong>7.</strong> St Kilda</p> <p><strong>8.</strong> Melbourne</p> <p><strong>—</strong></p> <p><strong>9.</strong> Adelaide</p> <p><strong>10.</strong> Essendon</p> <p><strong>11.</strong> Fremantle</p> <p><strong>12.</strong> North Melbourne</p> <p><strong>13.</strong> Geelong</p> <p><strong>14.</strong> Collingwood</p> <p><strong>15.</strong> Hawthorn</p> <p><strong>16.</strong> Sydney</p> <p><strong>17.</strong> Gold Coast</p> <p><strong>18.</strong> Port Adelaide</p> <p>■ The conversation shifted to North Melbourne and in turn Nick Dal Santo, who Jason Dunstall had as his recruit of the year.</p> <p>Dunstall had Port Adelaide speedster Matt White ahead of Lance Franklin in third most effective recruits.</p> <p>Sheahan had another Power player in Jared Polec atop his list of high performing recruits.</p> <p>Dal Santo was second on Sheahan's list from Franklin and Melbourne midfielder Dom Tyson.</p> <p><strong>TOP 10 RECRUITS</strong></p> <p><strong>Mike Sheahan</strong></p> <p><strong>Jared</strong> Polec (PA)</p> <p><strong>Nick</strong> Dal Santo (NM)</p> <p><strong>Lance</strong> Franklin (Syd)</p> <p><strong>Dom</strong> Tyson (Mel)</p> <p><strong>Jesse</strong> White (Coll)</p> <p><strong>Bernie</strong> Vince (Mel)</p> <p><strong>Paul</strong> Chapman (Ess)</p> <p><strong>Stewart</strong> Crameri (WB)</p> <p><strong>Daniel</strong> Cross (Mel)</p> <p><strong>Andrejs</strong> Everitt (Carl)</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Lance Franklin is back to his best. Picture: Toby Zerna</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p><strong>Jason Dunstall</strong></p> <p><strong>Nick</strong> Dal Santo (NM)</p> <p><strong>Jesse</strong> White (Coll)</p> <p><strong>Lance</strong> Franklin (Syd)</p> <p><strong>Jared</strong> Polec (PA)</p> <p><strong>Dom</strong> Tyson (Mel)</p> <p><strong>Daniel</strong> Cross (Mel)</p> <p><strong>Paul</strong> Chapman (Ess)</p> <p><strong>Bernie</strong> Vince (Mel)</p> <p><strong>Matt</strong> Thomas (Rich)</p> <p><strong>Andrejs</strong> Everitt (Carl)</p> <p><strong>Extras ...</strong></p> <p>■ The panel was united in the belief Essendon and Adelaide are the only clubs outside the eight with a realistic chance of playing finals. But no one was prepared to suggest which clubs inside the eight would fall out of contention.</p> <p>■ Dunstall lauded Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker's return to form with five goals to sink Gold Coast. "He controlled the forward line," Dunstall said. "There's a touch of arrogance about the way he plays and I like that."</p> <p>■ Sliding came under scrutiny with vision of Tiger Steve Morris taking out Bomber Michael Hibberd's legs last Saturday night. Dunstall said there was confusion around the rule and that it was the players' — arriving second to a contest —</p> <p>responsibility to avoid traffic.</p> <p>■ Plight of the Tigers: Healy said Cotchin had to lead Richmond out of its slump. "Cotchin is the master of the chip kick but he's not hitting targets. He is their quality in the middle of the ground and he's got to lead the way."</p> <p><strong>TALKING FOOTY — 7mate</strong></p> <p>■ In an interview recorded before the <strong>MRP announced its three-match penalty, Collingwood midfielder Steele Sidebottom</strong> said he would cop any sanction that came his way on the chin. He said the incident "shook" him up. "To say that it</p> <p>wasn't on my mind I'd be lying," he said. "I went over and apologised, obviously it happened and there was nothing I could do after it, I just said I was sorry — I don't like to be seen like that."</p> <p>■ Laws of the Game committee member John Worsforld said the panel was looking at the possibility of zones to restrict players' movement in a bid to ease congestion. The West Coast premiership coach said the first step towards any changes</p> <p>would be to get input about what would coaches do (if zones were implemented), how would it possibly be interpreted by clubs and how would they try and exploit it.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>AFL chief Andrew Demetriou departs the game with a glowing legacy. Picture: Brendan Radke</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p><strong>FOOTY CLASSIFIED — Channel 9</strong></p> <p>AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou joined the program for the last time before handing over the reins to successor Gillon McLachlan on Thursday.</p> <p>Demetriou was quizzed on a range of issues including Etihad Stadium, Essendon and his relationship with James Hird.</p> <p>"It would have been nice to have purchased Etihad Stadium earlier because I think it would have been good for our clubs," he said.</p> <p>Under the current terms the AFL will buy the stadium for $30 in 2025.</p> <p>"I think it would be very advantageous if the league look it earlier ... no doubt the clubs that have played at Etihad Stadium (North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs and St Kilda) have born the brunt of poor match returns and they've helped</p> <p>pay the stadium off to be honest."</p> <p>Demetriou said he was not conflicted by sitting on the AFL Commission during the league's investigation into Essendon's supplements program.</p> <p>"There's no doubt that there is a signifanct advantage in a matter that is as complex as the one that we had with Essendon that the CEO can be in there and be the voice and talk to the public about all sorts of issues."</p> <p>The outgoing chief refuted suggestions the investigation and fallout became personal between him and exiled Bombers coach James Hird.</p> <p>"It never became personal for me," he said.</p> <p><strong>Extras ...</strong></p> <p>■ Richmond led the agenda with Matthew Lloyd accusing the club of "shortsighted recruiting", while Craig Hutchison questioned Tiger's coach Damian Hardwick's job security.</p> <p>■ Lloyd's comments sparked debate around the club's recruiting and the need to refresh the list at the end of the season.</p> <p>■ Hutchison suggested Carlton forward Jarrad Waite, an unrestricted free agent, would not be at Visy Park next year. The conversation shifted to Mick Malthouse and whether his position was assured beyond next year. Caroline Wilson and</p> <p>Hutchy felt Malthouse faces an uncertain future, while Garry Lyon said the Blues' bosses should "give him a chance" to get the club back in form.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-70932858057108186732014-06-02T23:40:00.007+07:002014-06-02T23:40:50.948+07:00Origin deserves better than Melbourne<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>CAREFUL please. That's our baby you've just handed to the neighbours for a quick, cold cuddle.</strong></p> </div> <p>That, essentially, is what giving an Origin game to Melbourne is like.</p> <p>Melbourne folk will rock our baby, smile for some photos and say how nice he looks. Then they will gladly hand him back, swiftly get back to the game that matters for them (AFL) and won't give our boy a millisecond of deeper thought.</p> <div readability="34"> <p><span>State of Origin rugby back at the MCG in 2015. Queenslands Cameron Smith and Billy Slater and NSW's Ryan Hoffman with Victorian premier Denis Napthine after todays launch at the MCG today. Pic: Michael Klein.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>Origin deserves more than that. News that Melbourne will host a State of Origin game next year is another worrying sign that the game's administrators are losing touch with the people who matter most — the fans.</p> <p><strong>PLAYERS PUSH FOR STAND-ALONE ORIGIN</strong></p> <p>First came the soaring ticket prices, so dear that even some former Origin players could not afford them.</p> <p>Now the first game of the next series has been taken away from Sydney and given to Melbourne, whose fans traditionally embrace State of Origin like 20-year-olds at a KISS concert — they sense that there's a fair bit happening but haven't grown up with the songs and don't really connect.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Yes, yes we know all about the arguments claiming the game must spread its boundaries.</p> <p>Sorry to kill the myth, but rugby league, much as we love it, is what it is — a game with a narrow, clearly defined support base. It's been around for 100 years and barely grown in that time. It's not suddenly going to take over the world.</p> <p><strong>ORIGIN TO RETURN TO MCG</strong></p> <p>The MCG will attract a monster crowd, but it is a poor rugby league ground — you are literally watching a square peg in a round hole from a long way away.</p> <p>By all means should the NRL look for ways to promote the game in Melbourne, but the Anzac Day Test against New Zealand would have been a better option.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Cameron Smith gives the 'G a little of what it can expect next year.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>There are tens of thousands of New Zealanders who live in Melbourne and luxuriate in all things Kiwi — they would come out and cheer the sight of a bubbling mudpool if you could put one on at the MCG.</p> <p>Given the narrow boundaries of AFL football, just having an international game in Melbourne is novelty enough to ensure a decent crowd.</p> <p><strong>DEBATE: ORIGIN AT MCG WORTH THE RISK</strong></p> <p>Melbourne got Origins when they needed them most, when officials were trying to convince the state government to open its purse strings for a new ground.</p> <p>But that mission has been accomplished. The Storm is now based at a plush new stadium.</p> <p>Origin deserves to be played in front of crowds that appreciate it the most.</p> <p>What do you think of the decision to take Origin to the MCG in 2015?</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-48424971504790664192014-06-02T23:40:00.005+07:002014-06-02T23:40:50.830+07:00Ferrer to meet Nadal in quarters<div readability="8"> <p><span>Spain's David Ferrer celebrates his four-set victory against South Africa's Kevin Anderson. Picture: AFP</span> <span><em>Source:</em> PASCAL GUYOT / AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>SPANISH fifth seed David Ferrer reached his 10th successive grand slam quarter-final with a four-set win against South Africa's Kevin Anderson in the French Open fourth round.</strong></p> </div> <p>Ferrer, last year's runner-up, will face defending champion Rafael Nadal in the last eight after his 6-3 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 victory.</p> <p>Ferrer had beaten Anderson at the same stage of the tournament last year.</p> <p>Anderson had hoped to be the first South African man in the last eight since Cliff Drysdale in 1967.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Moving on ... Spain's David Ferrer serves to South Africa's Kevin Anderson.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AFP</span></p> </div> <p>Eight-time champion Nadal brushed aside outclassed Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 to book his spot in the quarterfinals.</p> <p>World number one Nadal, who turns 28 today, was at his ruthless, efficient best against the world number 83, who claimed a paltry 15 points off the champion's serve.</p> <p>Watched by US rock star Prince, who played a concert in the French capital on Sunday night,</p> <p>Nadal, seeking to become the first man to win five French Opens in a row, needed just 93 minutes to go through to a last-eight showdown with Ferrer.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Royal attendee ... Prince attends the French tennis Open round of sixteen match between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Serbia's Dusan Lajovic.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AFP</span></p> </div> <p>The two men met in last year's final where Nadal allowed Ferrer just eight games.</p> <p>Despite his Philippe Chatrier court mauling, Lajovic at least had the consolation of avoiding the worst Roland Garros rout handed out by Nadal.</p> <p>That unwanted record belongs to Juan Monaco who won just two games in a fourth-round loss in 2012.</p> <p>"Dusan had a great tournament, he had three good wins," said Nadal, whose record in Paris now stands at 63 wins against just one defeat.</p> <p>Nadal holds a 21-6 advantage over Ferrer in their career meetings but it was his compatriot who won their most recent clash in the Monte Carlo quarter-finals in April.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Winning ways ... Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Serbia's Dusan Lajovic.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Spain's David Ferrer serves to South Africa's Kevin Anderson. Picture: AFP</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AFP</span></p> </div><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-25146092358945280952014-06-02T23:40:00.003+07:002014-06-02T23:40:50.642+07:00Villa signs for New York City FC<div readability="8"> <p><span>Villa is the Spanish team's all-time top scorer. Picture: Jorge Guerrero</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Jorge Guerrero / AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="35"> <p><strong>DAVID Villa, who helped Spain capture the 2010 World Cup and Atletico Madrid win this year's La Liga crown, has signed a three-year deal with Major League Soccer's New York expansion team.</strong></p> </div> <p>New York City FC announced the signing on Monday, giving the club star power for its debut in 2015.</p> <p>Villa will keep the number seven jersey he has worn for most of his career, including a stint at Barcelona from 2010 to 2013.</p> <p>"I'm keen to do the best I can, take on board that extra responsibility and prove my worth by repaying the confidence they have shown in me," Villa said.</p> <p>The newly formed Major League Soccer club, who are jointly owned by Manchester City and the New York Yankees, confirmed on their Twitter account that the 32-year-old was their first-ever player.</p> <p>The club tweeted: "Welcome to New York City: David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) officially signs as #NYCFC's first ever player. #VillatoNYCFC."</p> <p>Villa is the Spanish team's all-time top scorer.</p> <p>He netted four goal's in Spain's 2008 European title campaign and five goals in Spain's run to the World Cup crown in 2010.</p> <p>He is on the squad that defends the trophy starting later this month in Brazil.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-6636016181281338692014-06-02T23:40:00.001+07:002014-06-02T23:40:50.265+07:00âWe should have won by moreâ<div readability="8"> <p><span>On the ball ... Spain's Xavier Lleonart (L) vies with 's Simon Orchard (R) during a group stage match in the men's tournament of the Field Hockey World Cup in The Hague.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> VALERIE KUYPERS / AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="34"> <p><strong>AUSTRALIA'S men strolled to a 3-0 win over Spain at the hockey World Cup in The Hague on Monday, with coach Ric Charlesworth unhappy that his side didn't score more.</strong></p> </div> <p>The Spaniards drew their opening game with England but were no match for the Australians, who seized the momentum early on thanks to Tim Deavin sliding in the opening goal after only two minutes.</p> <p>Mark Knowles flicked in a penalty after Spain committed an offence while defending a penalty corner, and another short corner was finished by Kieran Govers to make it 3-0 on the stroke of half time.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Game on ... Eddie Ockenden (L) and Timothy Deavin of Australia fight for the ball with Sergi Enrique (C) of Spain.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AFP</span></p> </div> <p>In between goals two and three Knowles rattled the bar as Australia overwhelmed Spain with a wonderful display of fast, attacking hockey.</p> <p>"We took our foot off the pedal in the second half," Deavin said in explanation for the goal-less second period.</p> <p>"That can happen when you have a lead and it is something we need to look at."</p> <p>The Kookaburras moved onto six points at the top of Pool A, with their next match against European silver medallists Belgium on Thursday.</p> <p>"I think we played as well as well as we've played this year in the first half," Charlesworth said.</p> <p>"I want us to play that way all the time. The second half was pretty disappointing. We took our foot off the pedal. I don't ever want to do that, so that was disappointing."</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-28082024013083513002014-05-26T23:41:00.008+07:002014-05-26T23:43:17.373+07:00Rabbitohs overcome depleted Sharks<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="34"> <p><strong>SOUTH Sydney fans will be cheering today after the Bunnies pushed their way into the NRL top eight _ but make no mistake Michael Maguire's men still have some work to do before they can be rated a serious premiership force.</strong></p> </div> <p>In a scrappy and lacklustre Monday night clash in Cronulla the Rabbitohs were never seriously under threat as they closed out a 18-0 shutout of the NRL's bottom placed team — the first time Souths had held an opponent scoreless since 1999.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>South Sydney's Sam Burgess on his way to scoring a try.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>But given the Sharks were without seven of their best including Origin stars Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis along with Andrew Fifita and Todd Carney and then lost another three before and during Monday night's encounter, the three tries to nil win won't go down as the Bunnies' most impressive performance of the season.</p> <p>"We knew it was going to be a tough old game. Every time you come down here on a Monday night you end up in an arm wrestle and that is what it was tonight," Maguire said.</p> <p>"They made it hard for themselves at times. I think we didn't complete five sets in a row there and we had to fight hard on our line.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>South Sydney's Adam Reynolds opt for a grubber kick on the 5th tackle.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>"But they are working really hard for each other and we know we need to be better than that from an attacking point of view but our defence held us up strong."</p> <p>The Rabbitohs managed just one first half try to Sam Burgess to lead 8-0 at halftime before Kirisome Auva'a and Cameron McInnes added two more within six minutes midway through the second half to finally put the Sharks out of their misery — at least for another week.</p> <p>"I think we are trying really hard," Cronulla coach Peter Sharp said.</p> <p>"We are working hard at training. We just weren't good enough tonight and we are terribly busted as well.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>A Sharks fan cheer for John Morris who played his 300th NRL game.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>"And in conjunction with that we can't buy a trick off the ref so it just goes hand in hand."</p> <p>But coming off last round's disappointing loss to Melbourne, Souths' fans can at least be thankful that the win pushes them to seventh on the table ahead of next Monday night's game against the under siege St George Illawarra.</p> <p>For that match they should have Issac Luke back and the decision now for Maguire is what to do with Luke's two capable replacement's in Apisai Koroisau and McInnes who crossed for his first NRL try.</p> <p>Koroisau also had another good game and produced a ripper of a shot on Sosaia Feki in the first half that led to Sam Burgess' opening try.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Cronulla's David Fifita leaves the field with an injury during warm up.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>"I have got to make some tough decisions and the two young kids have been doing such a great job through that period when you lose such a good player like Issac," Maguire said.</p> <p>"You want to make sure you have got some cover and we have shown that with these two young kids coming through."</p> <p>The Sharks were far from disgraced but for all their effort they just didn't have the quality to match their star-studded opposition.</p> <p>Cronulla had won their previous three games at home against the Bunnies but Souths were always going to be a massive assignment in veteran John Morris' 300th NRL game."</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Cronulla's Sosaia Feki is wrapped up in a tackle by Souths' Sam Burgess.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>Stand-in skipper Wade Graham summed up the feeling in the Sharks' camp in one word: "Frustrated. That's the word that sums it up.</p> <p>The Sharks have the bye next and Sharp said Fifita was a good chance of returning for the following round against the Dragons.</p> <p>Cronulla lost David Fifita during warm up while Siosaia Vave copped a knee injury from friendly fire when Koroisau whacked Feki and Ricky Leutele was another casualty.</p> <p>Luke Burgess also had another strong game for the Rabbitohs up front but the major concern relates to their spluttering attack.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Jeff Robson is tackled by Sam Burgess.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>With Greg Inglis, Chris McQueen and Ben Te'o missing due to Origin, Monday night's performance was still a long way short of where most expected Souths to be right now.</p> <p>While Souths' scrambling defence saved them on numerous occasions the fact the severely depleted Sharks were still in the contest midway through the second half told the story of how the Bunnies' attack is still missing the creativity that is going to worry the best teams.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>South Sydney's Kirisome Auva'a celebrates after scoring a try.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p><strong>SOUTH SYDNEY 18 (K Auva'a S Burgess C McInnes tries A Reynolds 3 goals) bt CRONULLA 0 at Remondis Stadium. Referee: Matt Cecchin, Grant Atkins. Crowd: 8,137</strong></p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-92033972763411298312014-05-26T23:41:00.007+07:002014-05-26T23:41:18.600+07:00Blues not ready for Cauldon: Thurston<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>JOHNATHAN Thurston has warned NSW scrumbase rivals Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson no amount of club football can prepare them for an Origin baptism at Suncorp Stadium.</strong></p> </div> <p>Queensland skipper Cameron Smith revealed on Monday how pressuring the Blues' debutant halves would be a key plank in their blueprint for success in Origin I.</p> <p>Reynolds and Hodkinson have been outstanding for the Bulldogs, but their nerves will be tested confronting the hostility of 50,000 Maroons fans in the code's toughest arena.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Maroons playmaking great Darren Lockyer says Origin debuts are all about "survival''.</p> <p><strong>GALLEN LAUGHS OFF WALLY'S OUTRAGE</strong></p> <p>While acknowledging the pair's club form and self-belief, Thurston insists Reynolds and Hodkinson will not understand the intensity of Origin until they are in the thick of it.</p> <p>"It's going to be tough for them, no doubt about that,'' said Thurston, who will play his 28th consecutive Origin game on Wednesday.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Thurston has warned the Blues that club form doesn't equate to Origin quality.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>"They are playing some really good football at the Dogs, but in saying that, State of Origin is a whole new ball game.</p> <p>"We need to pressure them. They are confident in their ability so they probably won't be nervous, they will be looking forward to the challenge.</p> <p>"But Origin ... it's a different level and they will come to see on Wednesday night what it's like.''</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Since Queensland's winning streak began in 2006, the Blues have experimented with 17 playmakers to break the Maroons' Origin stranglehold.</p> <p><strong>ORIGIN HATRED LIVES ON: SMITH</strong></p> <p>Five players — Mark Gasnier, Jarrod Mullen, Craig Gower, Jamie Lyon and Terry Campese — played just one game at the NSW scrumbase.</p> <p>Reynolds and Hodkinson plan to avert becoming one-hit wonders, but Smith says the duo will not get a minute's respite.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>The Blues are hoping to capture Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds's Bulldogs form.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>"It's a big jump (from club football) — it's faster,'' he said.</p> <p>"It's more physical for the entire 80 minutes, it's not a case of sort each other out the first 20 (minutes) and then it dies off a bit.</p> <p>"It's flat out from the first whistle to the last whistle.''</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Smith said Queensland's experienced halves pairing of Thurston and Cooper Cronk gave the Maroons an edge over the rookie Blues shot-callers.</p> <p>"It could be a difference but at the end of the day, it's up to us to try and minimise what they (Reynolds and Hodkinson) do in the game,'' Smith said.</p> <p>"Hodkinson is coming to his first match so that's an opportunity for us to test him out and see how he handles it.</p> <p>"Reynolds is quite an X-factor, he plays with a lot of energy and Hodkinson is a guy that steadies the ship.</p> <p>"He doesn't get flustered at all, so we need to try and apply pressure to them as a team.''</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-85082077053579737072014-05-26T23:41:00.005+07:002014-05-26T23:41:18.344+07:00Socceroos draw 1-1 with South Africa<div readability="8"> <p><span>Tim Cahill of Australia celebtrates scoring a goal during the International Friendly match between the Australian Socceroos and South Africa at ANZ Stadium.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Mark Nolan / Getty Images</span></p> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>AUSTRLIA heads off to Brazil after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in the international friendly at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.</strong></p> </div> <p>The Socceroos got off to a blistering start but conceded a goal against the run of play, with Ayanda Patosi curling an effort past Mat Ryan.</p> <p>Tim Cahill returned serve immediately for the hosts, who marched down the other end via Tommy Oar, the country's best on the night. Cahill lept, has he has so often before, to prod the ball home.</p> <p>An anti-climactic and disjointed second-half will raise a few concerns for Ange Postecoglou, who will have plenty to digest from this display before trimming his squad to 23.</p> <p><strong>Re-live all the action from the game in our blog below.</strong></p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-84605407048552882802014-05-26T23:41:00.003+07:002014-05-26T23:41:18.092+07:00Cipriani named in England side<div readability="8"> <p><span>Back in ... Danny Cipriani has got his first call-up to the English Rugby union team in six years.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Limited</span></p> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>DANNY Cipriani has received his first England call-up in six years when coach Stuart Lancaster named his initial 30-man squad on Monday for next month's three-Test tour of New Zealand.</strong></p> </div> <p>Meanwhile Worcester full-back Chris Pennell, the son of the late England cricketer Graham Dilley, was one of seven uncapped players selected by Lancaster.</p> <p>Gloucester centre Henry Trinder, Leicester lock Ed Slater and the front-row quartet of Kieran Brookes, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Gray and Dave Ward complete the uncapped group.</p> <p>An additional group of players for the tour will be announced following the Premiership final between Saracens and Northampton at Twickenham on Saturday.</p> <p>The much-criticised timing of that fixture means players from those clubs will be unavailable for the first Test against the world champion All Blacks in Auckland on June 7 as they will have insufficient time to recover for the series opener.</p> <p>Cipriani, once the golden boy of English rugby, won the last of his seven caps in 2008 but has been included in the back of a fine season at Sale, where he helped the northwest side to a sixth-placed finish in the Premiership.</p> <p>Saracens' Owen Farrell is England's current fly-half. Already ruled out of the first Test because of the Premiership final, doubts about his availability for the rest of the tour were raised when he damaged an ankle tripping over TV wires while warming up for the London club's European Cup final defeat by Toulon in Cardiff on Saturday.</p> <div readability="35"> <p><span>English boy ... Danny Cipriani of England is tackled by Shane Horgan of Ireland during the RBS 6 Nations Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham on March 15, 2008.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>And George Ford, Farrell's England deputy, has also been sidelined as he is due to undergo shoulder surgery following Bath's 30-16 European Challenge Cup final defeat by Northampton at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday.</p> <p>Meanwhile Saracens and England prop Mako Vunipola left the Millennium Stadium on crutches following star-studded French side Toulon's 23-6 victory.</p> <p>Lancaster is also sweating on the fitness of first-choice hooker Dylan Hartley, with the New Zealand-born forward struggling to be fit following a shoulder problem for the Premiership final.</p> <p>Wasps back-row James Haskell has also been included for the first time since the 2013 Six Nations.</p> <p>"We are excited about the squad we are taking to New Zealand and, while there continues to be challenges in selection, we will be well and truly ready for the first Test," said Lancaster.</p> <p>"It has been a good few days' training and great to be able to work with a larger group of players in the lead up to the Barbarians game and the tour.</p> <p>"As is often the case there are some players unavailable through injury and it is a shame that recently both George Ford (Bath Rugby) and Anthony Allen (Leicester Tigers) have had to withdraw due to shoulder and knee injuries sustained towards the end of the season."</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Done the rounds ... Danny Cipriani during his stint with the Melbourne Rebels.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Limited</span></p> </div> <p>Even with a full squad, England faced a daunting task in trying to add to a total of just two wins in 12 Tests in New Zealand, their rare successes coming in 1973 and their World Cup-winning year of 2003.</p> <p>"I think it's ridiculous," Northampton and England flanker Tom Wood has said of the fixture clash.</p> <p>"You should be doing the best you can for your club and playing yourself into contention for your country. The two should never be in conflict."</p> <p>England's last two trips to New Zealand both created unsavoury headlines, with several England players caught up in a sex scandal in 2008.</p> <p>And three years later a poor World Cup on the field was compounded by pictures of an alcohol-fuelled night out involving dwarf-tossing games in a Queenstown bar while, following the team's quarter-final exit, Manu Tuilagi was sanctioned after diving off a ferry into an Auckland harbour.</p> <p>But England, the hosts of next year's World Cup, have competed strongly against New Zealand in their two most recent Tests with the All Blacks.</p> <p>They beat the world champions 38-21 at Twickenham in 2012 before pushing them hard in a 30-22 loss at 'headquarters' a year later.</p> <p>Prior to the tour, an England XV will play the invitational Barbarians in a non-cap international at Twickenham on Sunday.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-68800360235547656962014-05-26T23:41:00.001+07:002014-05-26T23:41:17.770+07:00Djokovic blitzes French first round<div readability="8"> <p><span>Competitive ... Serbia's Novak Djokovic (pictured) hits a return to Portugal's Joao Sousa during their French tennis Open first round match. Picture: AFP</span> <span><em>Source:</em> MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>SECOND seed Novak Djokovic has opened his bid for a maiden French Open title with a 6-1 6-2 6-4 first round win over Joao Sousa.</strong></p> </div> <p>The six-time Grand Slam winner is only missing the Roland Garros title to complete his set of all four majors and began in style with a confident showing on the Philippe Chatrier centre court.</p> <p>During a match interrupted by rain, the 27-year-old Serb was at his charismatic best on and off the court as he even had time to chat extensively with a ball boy during a brief rain delay.</p> <p>He offered the young lad a drink and clinked bottles with him as the crowd roared their approval.</p> <p>On the court, Portugal's Sousa, ranked 42 in the world and a French Open best of reaching the second round last year, was outclassed on Monday by Djokovic's all around game.</p> <p>The Belgrade native, who is coming off a stellar showing in Rome where he defeated Rafael Nadal, following earlier victories in 2014 at Indian Wells and Miami, converted eight of 15 break points.</p> <p>He also rained down eight aces behind a first serve percentage of just under 70 per cent in a match that lasted 1hr 46 minutes.</p> <p>The former world number one now faces French hope Jeremy Chardy for a place in the last 32.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-76078076398562697572014-05-19T23:40:00.007+07:002014-05-19T23:42:21.950+07:00Mal sees Maroon over ticket prices<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="34"> <p><strong>MAROONS coach Mal Meninga has slammed Queensland Rugby League's State of Origin price hike, demanding officials apologise for their errors.</strong></p> </div> <p>In a major embarrassment for the code almost 8,000 tickets remain unsold for the landmark 100th State of Origin game next week at Suncorp Stadium.</p> <p>This is despite a minor reduction in the cost of select tickets last week.</p> <p>The game should have been sold out in days as it is a truly historic moment for the code.</p> <p><strong>GUERRA SET TO DEBUT FOR INJURED THAIDAY</strong></p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Queensland Maroons coach Mal Meninga.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>However, rugby league's working class fans have baulked at ridiculous price hikes which have seen some tickets nearly double in cost from last year.</p> <p>Officials could even have to give tickets away to junior clubs so empty seats don't ruin the spectacle.</p> <p>Meninga said the QRL, which employs him, must swallow their pride and slash prices.</p> <p>"Extremely disappointing," Meninga said of the slow sales.</p> <p>"I guess the league has to make some tough decisions and say they're sorry and admit they're wrong and make it more available to our core supporters.</p> <p>"Our blue collar workers, our mums and dads who love the game so much and want to come to Origin.</p> <p>"We learn our lessons and hopefully we're strong enough to put our hands up and say we were wrong and make it a bit more accessible to our audience for game one and for game three as well."</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Last year's lone Origin at Suncorp Stadium attracted just over 51,690 fans.</p> <p>It was the poorest crowd since the old Lang Park was redeveloped in 2003.</p> <p>The QRL now has eight days to sell 7,500 seats.</p> <p>For the first time ever, the governing body is running an advertising campaign to try and convince people to buy tickets for a State of Origin Game One.</p> <p>Late last week the ARL Commission and the QRL released a limited number of silver category seats for $125, a third off the original price.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Queensland Maroons team.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>Still, take up has been slow.</p> <p>The QRL simply got their price point for State of Origin demand dramatically wrong.</p> <p>Their membership special cost an outlandish $695.</p> <p>The Maroons Membership gave supporters a ticket to the first and third Origin games plus other bonuses such as an $80 membership pack, a maroon wig and a tour of the Fourex Brewery.</p> <p>Though some seats are as cheap as $80 for adults, prices spiral up to $370 for category one tickets and $250 for a seat in the upper tier of the western stand.</p> <p>If Queensland head into Game Three with the series wrapped up, ticket prices will have to be halved.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-5869190147834107532014-05-19T23:40:00.006+07:002014-05-19T23:42:17.108+07:00What you missed on TV last night<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>AFTER the match review panel's findings earlier in the day, host Gerard Whateley and Mark Robinson gave their analysis on Sydney's Dan Hannebery being cleared.</p> <p>Both were surprised.</p> <p>"My gut feel is that he would be suspended only because of the rules," Gerard said.</p> <p>"This is making forceful contact to an opponent from front on when an opponent has his head over the ball which is a reportable offence, so that's what I deferred to right across the weekend</p> <p>Robbo believed Hannebery did have an alternative.</p> <p><strong>STEVIE J'S BROWNLOW HOPES LOOK BLOWN</strong></p> <p>"I just can't believe that people say 'well what alternative did he have?'</p> <p>"I don't like them stopping and I know we don't like them doing that but he could have pulled up ... I didn't like it when I saw it."</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>STEVE Johnson's head-butting charge on Ryan Crowley was shown and Robbo didn't hold back.</p> <p>"This is the biggest joke I have seen this year," he said.</p> <p>"Are you telling me this is worth missing one game of football?</p> <p>"I enjoyed that contest (between Johnson and Crowley on the night) so much, because they're going each other ... for the MRP to come out and say you're missing a game of football for that, that is not on."</p> <p>THE under-fire Tigers didn't take long to be brought up and the lads agreed Richmond simply aren't good enough.</p> <p><strong>WE BELIEVE IN OUR DIRECTION: TIGERS BOSS</strong></p> <p>Robbo suggested the Tigers needed to strip the game plan right back and "pick a theme" for the week.</p> <p>"The stunning bit is the fall," he said.</p> <p>"If you think we're having a big discussion on Richmond this week, if they get beaten by GWS next week, there will be carnage."</p> <p>Gerard agreed with Robbo but said "you have to know where you are", and the Tigers may have drastically over-estimated their place on the premiership clock.</p> <p>"I'm partially amazed ... (but) to me it looks real," Gerard said.</p> <p>"I think this is probably a real reflection of where it is ... they're a poor team.</p> <p>"They thought they were top-four material, and they're a long way from that."</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>THE coaches, Melbourne's Paul Roos and Essendon's Mark Thompson, joined the panel and after a short highlights reel of Gary Ablett's weekend exploits, Gerard asked them about the 30-year-old's standing in the game.</p> <p>Roos said he believed he was the best player he had seen and he was amazed by the Gold Coast skipper's consistency.</p> <p>"We talked about him today (with the coaching group), and we talked about 'Is he an eight-goal player? Is he a 10-goal player?' It makes so much difference to the team.</p> <p>"I'm taking nothing away from the other guys but he's an absolutely extraordinary player."</p> <p>Thompson said Gazza's ability to continue performing at his level since joining the Suns had surprised him.</p> <p>"I didn't think he could be playing as well in a poor(er) side," Thompson said.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>ROBBO asked Mark Thompson how the Bombers were tracking, and whether the continuing ASADA investigation was taking its toll on his men and whether he asked them if it was.</p> <p>"I think we deal with it from a club point of view but I don't deal with it, it's not my job to deal with it," Thompson said.</p> <p>"I just talk to them about football."</p> <p>The Bombers coach said he didn't want to talk about the saga and was confident his team, 4-5 after nine rounds, could turn its form around.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>ON THE COUCH — FOX FOOTY</strong></p> <p>THE Gazza love-in continued on <em>On The Couch</em>, with Mike Sheahan — along with fellow panellists Gerard Healy and Jason Dunstall — marvelling at the Suns skipper.</p> <p>Mike said he now rated Ablett alongside the player he believes the greatest to have played the game.</p> <p>"I have him the equal of Wayne Carey," Mike said.</p> <p>"Of all the great players that I've seen over the journey and Matthews has been one and Carey and Voss of their day, no-one has been clearly superior to the rest of the field like this bloke."</p> <p>Jason agreed, saying Ablett did it every single week.</p> <p>Stats show that in his 69 matches in a Suns jumper, Ablett has collected fewer than 20 disposals just twice.</p> <p>THE THREE discuss the Dan Hannebery bump and Gerard thinks while still a "grey area", the right outcome was reached.</p> <p>"I think at one stage both players had their eyes on the ball and one decides to use poor technique and one decides to use the correct technique and sadly we're in a position where if somebody elects to use poor technique we may have a savage injury.</p> <p>"But I don't think Dan Hannebery can be held responsible for that ... The rule is in to stop blokes deliberately bumping blokes in the head," Gerard said.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>ATTENTION soon turned to Richmond and the panel agreed things have gone horribly wrong for the Tigers.</p> <p>"I don't think anyone can understand what's gone wrong with this footy team," Mike said.</p> <p>The panel says there was a boldness about the Tigers of 2013, but something has gone wrong and coach Damien Hardwick and the footy world doesn't know what.</p> <p>"Maybe 2013 gave them a false sense of security about where they were and how good they were," Jason said.</p> <p><strong>ROBBO: TIME FOR HARDWICK TO GET RUTHLESS</strong></p> <p>Stats show the Tigers have dropped right off in every area.</p> <p>Mike wondered if the Tigers were crippled by fear in matches, while Gerard said he believed the coach will stand by his players this week ahead of the clash with GWS.</p> <p>"I get the feeling he (Hardwick) is giving them one more chance," Gerard said.</p> <p>Jason thinks that would be the wrong move.</p> <p>"To give them one more chance against a team languishing at the bottom, to me that doesn't achieve anything," Jason said.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Mike says Melbourne players want to impress coach Paul Roos. Picture: Alex Coppel</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>MELBOURNE won praise for its rejuvenation, with Jason saying he's pleased Jack Watts is reaping the rewards of his hard work.</p> <p>"That last quarter, this is when he stood up (against Richmond) ... he had 10 possessions, kicked a couple of goals," Jason said.</p> <p>Mike said he believes one man deserves the bulk of the credit for the Dees' upward curve.</p> <p>"You know why (Melbourne players are improving)? Because of the coach. They want to please Roosy."</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Matthew Pavlich had a happy 300th game, but how good were the Dockers?</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>THE panel paid tribute to Matthew Pavlich and said Freo's intensity was back.</p> <p>However Mike was cautious in rating the Dockers' win over Geelong at the weekend.</p> <p>"As good as Freo were, there are cracks at Geelong," he said.</p> <p>Gerard, while reminding Mike he had history of going early in writing off the Cats, agreed some big-name Cats struggled at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.</p> <p>Gerard said Corey Enright, Jimmy Bartel early in the piece, Harry Taylor and Steve Johnson had all battled against Freo.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>SYDNEY Swans defender Ted Richards was the special guest, and the panel quizzed him on his side's turnaround from early in the season — especially the shock Round 1 loss to GWS.</p> <p>"There's effort and there's absolute effort," Richards said.</p> <p>"Unless you produce the absolute effort every week, you can get found out."</p> <p>Asked his thoughts on teammate Dan Hannebery's clash with Bomber Michael Hurley, Richards said he had mixed thoughts.</p> <p>"No free kick was paid so I thought it wasn't that bad but when I saw Hurley on the ground I thought maybe it was bad," he said.</p> <p>"And then we kicked a goal and I saw a couple of replays and thought maybe he might be in a bit of trouble, and certainly the Essendon fans seemed to have a view on it."</p> <p><strong>SWAN MITCHELL SENDS STATS MEN SILLY</strong></p> <p>Richards admitted after being dropped in 2010 he contemplated moving to Sweden.</p> <p>But two years later he was playing on Franklin in a winning grand final side.</p> <p>Richards admitted he played on pain-killing injections in the 2012 grand final, having jabs in every quarter to get through the game.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>JASON got on his high horse and said AFL umpires were not rewarding the tackler.</p> <p>A number of clips were showed from weekend matches where players with prior opportunity were not pinged.</p> <p><strong>BALL! NOPE. IF YOU DON'T MIND UMPIRE</strong></p> <p>Gerard argued that prior opportunity should also relate to teams and not only individuals.</p> <p>"Prior opportunity was brought in for the bloke winning the ball, not for the bloke receiving the ball," he said.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Gerard Healy says Nick Riewoldt could have suffered a serious injuryagainst the Suns. Picture: Michael Klein</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>THE panel ended the show on a serious note, saying they believed the AFL's match review panel failed in its duty by not citing Gold Coast midfielder Danny Stanley after he slid into the lower leg of St Kilda champ Nick Riewoldt on Sunday.</p> <p>"That may have ended his (Riewoldt's) career in that collision," Mike said.</p> <p>"This is not a go at Danny Stanley because he was attacking the footy but there was a rule brought in to eliminate exactly that incident</p> <p>"Not only was there no free kick, I think the match review panel abdicated its responsibility ... I reckon they should have cited him on a reckless conduct charge."</p> <p>Gerard agreed, saying Mark Evans needed to write to AFL clubs saying incidents such as the Stanley-Riewoldt clash should not be tolerated.</p> <p>"It's a free kick yes, but if you're going that recklessly at the ball you can end somebody's career ... stay on your bloody feet."</p> <p><strong>LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE IN ITUNES</strong></p> <p><strong>FOOTY CLASSIFIED — NINE NETWORK</strong></p> <p>NOT surprisingly, Richmond was first cab off the rank as the panel tried to address what was wrong at Punt Road.</p> <p>Matthew Lloyd, Garry Lyon, Craig Hutchison and Caroline Wilson agreed the 16th-placed Tigers were battling.</p> <p>"They have GWS this week so they're not at rock bottom yet," Lloyd said.</p> <p>"If they lose that one there'll be big decisions made down at Punt Road."</p> <p>Wilson questioned the "football direction" of the club, saying Damien Hardwick had lost support — such as key assistant Justin Leppitsch — while football director on the board Tony Free had to be questioned.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Richmond president Peggy O'Neal.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Limited</span></p> </div> <p>Hutchison asked if we would hear from Richmond president Peggy O'Neal, while Lloyd went a step further.</p> <p>"What does Peggy bring to the table as president that makes her a great president, or what can she bring?" he asked.</p> <p>Wilson highlighted that O'Neal, the first female president in VFL/AFL history, had only been in the job six months.</p> <p>ESSENDON'S decision to leave Jake Carlisle in the green vest was discussed.</p> <p>Lyon said he couldn't understand Essendon's decision to leave Carlisle sitting on the bench when Lance Franklin was carving up the Bombers with four first-half goals at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.</p> <p><strong>CARLISLE SAGA TAKES GREEN TURN</strong></p> <p>Lloyd said he hopes Michael Hurley — who played on Franklin — can develop into an all-time great of the Bombers and wonders if he needs to shed some weight.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>FREMANTLE'S good recent record over the Cats is discussed, with Steve Johnson's report cited.</p> <p>Ross Lyon's men have beaten Geelong in four of their past five, with a Cat being reported in each of those matches.</p> <p>The Dockers' good run home is highlighted. Freo, now 5-4, appear headed for an assault on the top four.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Nathan Jones and Jack Watts are firing for the Dees.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p><strong>TALKING FOOTY — 7MATE</strong></p> <p>MELBOURNE co-captain and fan favourite Nathan Jones was the special guest.</p> <p>Watts, who booted three goals in the Demons' 17-point win over Richmond, is finally blossoming as a player but Jones believes his club could have better handled the no.1 draft pick's introduction to AFL football.</p> <p>"From my opinion I don't think it was managed well at all," he said.</p> <p>"I think one thing Roosy's addressed this year is there's not going to be a saviour or that the young players aren't going to come in with great expectation — they're going to learn their role and play their role ... they'll be ready to play footy without the expectation and pressure of them having to lift the club to where we all want it to get to and I think Wattsy found himself in that position.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-41338680403745246392014-05-19T23:40:00.005+07:002014-05-19T23:40:30.012+07:00Van Gaal named Man United manager<div readability="8"> <p><span>New gig ... Dutch national football team coach Louis van Gaal has been appointed Manchester United manager.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Koen van Weel / AFP</span></p> </div> <div readability="35"> <p><strong>NETHERLANDS boss Louis van Gaal will take over as the new manager of Manchester United, with Ryan Giggs as his assistant, the club has announced.</strong></p> </div> <p>Van Gaal, 62, has signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes who was sacked in April after a disastrous run of results.</p> <p>His contract with the Dutch national side means van Gaal will not be able to join up with United until after the World Cup in Brazil, which would not be until mid-July if the Netherlands reach the latter stages of the tournament.</p> <p>Van Gaal, a disciplinarian who has won domestic titles and cups with Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as the Champions League, will become the first manager from outside the British Isles to take charge of United.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Staying on ... Manchester United's interim manager Ryan Giggs has been appointed Louis van Gaal's assistant.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> AP</span></p> </div> <p>He quickly emerged as the favourite to take over at Old Trafford after Moyes was dismissed.</p> <p>Giggs, United's record-appearance holder and a player-coach under Moyes, was placed in caretaker charge of the team after the Scot left Old Trafford.</p> <p>Moyes was the hand-picked successor of former United manager Alex Ferguson after his compatriot retired as British football's most successful boss at the end of last season.</p> <p>But the former Everton manager struggled to adjust to life at Old Trafford and was dismissed just months into a six-year contract after United failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-56126802849658371332014-05-19T23:40:00.003+07:002014-05-19T23:40:29.486+07:00Hodkinson can end Bluesâ misery<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="33"> <p><strong>TRENT Hodkinson might just be the lucky omen NSW have been searching for to end eight long years of Origin pain.</strong></p> </div> <p>Blues coach Laurie Daley will name his team on Tuesday and the Bulldogs halves combination of Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds is tipped to take over from the out-of-favour Roosters pairing of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney.</p> <p><strong>WHO'S THE GREATEST? PICK YOUR BEST ORIGIN TEAM NOW</strong></p> <p>After just three wins from 12 Origin starts, Pearce's drunken bender is now set to cost him his Blues jumper, while Maloney has struggled for form and will end up as collateral damage from Pearce's axing.</p> <p>It opens the door for the Bulldogs' table-topping duo to take over.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Reynolds and Hodkinson could take their Canterbury partnership to Origin football.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>Reynolds has been one of the NRL's form players this year — and if Hodkinson gets the call-up it would make him the seventh player to wear the Blues' No.7 jumper since Andrew Johns inspired NSW's last series victory in 2005.</p> <p>Our lucky No.7?</p> <p>"No disrespect to Mitchell Pearce but if we do the same thing all the time we get the same result," said Steve Mortimer, the proud Bulldog who famously inspired the Blues' first series win in 1985.</p> <p>Who would be the better pairing for NSW?</p> <p>"Trent has a great attitude. He is tough. He can kick. He can goal-kick and he is now taking the ball to the line.</p> <p>"I think Trent can do equally what (Pearce) did and probably even a little bit more. I think the change would be good."</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>And a NSW jumper would also be the ultimate reward for Hodkinson's perseverance after he fought his way back from career-threatening knee and shoulder injuries.</p> <p>Early last year Hodkinson was stuck in NSW Cup after playing just six NRL games in two years.</p> <p><strong>CONFIRMED: HAYNE WILL BE NSW FULLBACK</strong></p> <p>Since Johns's incredible series in 2005 the Blues have used a total of nine five-eighths and six halfbacks, including Craig Gower, Jarrod Mullen, Brett Kimmorley, Peter Wallace, Brett Finch and Pearce.</p> <p>NSW will go into the series opener on May 28 at their longest TAB odds for an Origin at Suncorp — and the Blues are pretty much friendless.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Trent Hodkinson looks set to capitalise on Mitchell Pearce's off-field behaviour.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>In NSW the TAB has taken 482 bets on the Maroons and just 115 on the Blues.</p> <p>And it's no wonder given the recent history up north.</p> <p><strong>SIMS SET FOR ORIGIN CALL-UP</strong></p> <p>The Blues' last game one win in Queensland was in 2003 and since then they have only won three of 14 games at Suncorp — and two of those were dead rubbers (game three in 2009 and game three in 2007).</p> <p>The series decider in 2005 was the last live game NSW won in Queensland. But Mortimer reckons the halves — and belief — are the keys this year.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>"Trent to me is like Cooper Cronk," Mortimer said.</p> <p>"He might not be the most talented but he makes the most of his talent. The difference between NRL and State of Origin is mentality.</p> <p>"You have to be strong in your thinking. You have to care for each other and look after each other.</p> <p>"We have the talent in the backs and the depth in the forwards. Now all we need is a catalyst to steer them in the right area and that is a six and seven.</p> <p>"And the way Josh and Trent are playing I would love to see them get the opportunity to wear the Blue jersey."</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111573855630752974.post-4032318175844196782014-05-19T23:40:00.001+07:002014-05-19T23:40:29.232+07:00Blues to turn Origin into a Dog fight<div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <div readability="34"> <p><strong>NEW South Wales will turn to the Dogs of war to end Queensland's eight-year dominance with up to five players from table-topping Canterbury poised to dominate selection when the Origin I side is announced on Tuesday morning.</strong></p> </div> <p><em>The Daily Telegraph</em> understands Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Josh Morris and Tony Williams are ready to be named for Origin I with Josh Jackson also being discussed as a bench player.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>How the two teams will likely line-up.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>Sydney Roosters star James Maloney will be dumped from the side and halfback teammate Mitchell Pearce is also expected to be axed.</p> <p>Reynolds and Hodkinson are set to become NSW's new halves combination, while Morris will be picked at centre with Jackson and Williams looking at bench spots.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p><strong>MAROONS: GUERRA TO DEBUT FOR INJURED THAIDAY</strong></p> <p>NSW coach Laurie Daley wanted a club combination in his halves and couldn't ignore the claims of Hodkinson and Reynolds, two form players in a rampant Bulldogs side that has won its past seven matches.</p> <p>Debutant Hodkinson will have the added pressure of the goalkicking duties, a role Maloney had last year. The Bulldogs' No. 7 has kicked 35 goals from 42 attempts this year for a robust 83 per cent strike rate.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>Josh Morris will likely join four Canterbury teammates in the NSW side for Origin I.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>The NSW side will be formally announced at a Sydney hotel at 11.40am on Tuesday.</p> <p>On Monday night Queensland named just one change to the side that secured a historic eighth successive Origin series win last year, with Roosters backrower Aidan Guerra replacing Sam Thaiday. Superstars Billy Slater, Cam Smith, Matt Scott, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston will all be back to torment the Blues.</p> <p><strong>WHO'S THE GREATEST? PICK YOUR BEST ORIGIN TEAM NOW</strong></p> <p>As revealed in <em>The Daily Telegraph</em> last month, Maloney has been in modest form and been fighting to keep his NSW position from the start of this season.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Conversely, Josh Reynolds has been in stellar form for Des Hasler's side. His aggression and energy will no doubt lift the NSW team.</p> <p>Even as late as Monday, the NSW camp still hadn't nailed down several positions.</p> <p>One wing spot was still open with Jorge Taufua, Will Hopoate and Daniel Tupou all in contention, with Tupou a strong favourite to debut at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.</p> <div readability="33"> <p><span>'T-Rex' Tony Williams has done enough to join the Bulldogs' Origin contingent.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> Getty Images</span></p> </div> <p>The pack has been knocked around with the suspension of Greg Bird and injuries to Andrew Fifita, Glenn Stewart and Boyd Cordner.</p> <p>Versatile Skipper Paul Gallen is likely to start in the back row but is expected to spend some time up front.</p> <p>Manly's Anthony Watmough is expected to be in the 17-man squad, probably off the bench. Another candidate is North Queensland's Tariq Sims.</p> <div><div readability="6.5"> <p>Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.</p> <img src="http://www.adobe.com/images/shared/download_buttons/get_flash_player.gif" alt="Get Adobe Flash Player" /></div> </div> <p>Watmough is tough, durable and has State of Origin experience, something Daley will need in the Suncorp Stadium cauldron.</p> <p>Melbourne's New Zealand Warriors-bound backrower Ryan Hoffman is another certainty.</p> <p>As expected, Brett Morris will claim one wing position with Josh Morris and Michael Jennings to be named in the centres.</p> <div readability="32"> <p><span>Jarryd Hayne's form for Parramatta has made him impossible to ignore.</span> <span><em>Source:</em> News Corp Australia</span></p> </div> <p>St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan was discussed as a fullback option but Daley has always been a massive fan of Hayne.</p> <p>And Hayne has been in supreme form during his past two games for Parramatta.</p> <p>NSW enter camp in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday night before then flying further north to Brisbane on Sunday to prepare for the big game.</p><br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13489331173008476505noreply@blogger.com0