For the very few of you who still check this website, it's now been incorporated into the SBS Sports portfolio. Click the headline above or this link to find the new home of my blog, with a new name too!
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/blog/122111/Back-of-the-.net
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, November 20, 2009
Video To Kill The Cheating Stars
The time has come for FIFA to dig their heads out of the sand and turn to technology.
Thierry Henry’s blatant handball against Ireland could have so easily have been avoided.
I don’t support the concept of going to the ‘third umpire’ for every decision – but for moments that can change the whole landscape of world football such as this, it’s time to use the technology we have available.
Surely a system by where the cameras could be consulted on crucial decisions – say red cards, and goals, and that’s it – wouldn’t hold up the game too much, and would eliminate the kind of farce we saw at Stade de France on Wednesday night.
As for a replay – well, it isn’t going to happen. Refereeing mistakes happen all the time and teams just have to life with the consequences. But it should never have got to that.
What will stick in the throat of Ireland fans is Henry’s elaborate celebration, running behind the goal shouting at the crowd, before making a half-hearted attempt to console Ireland defender Richard Dunne at the final whistle.
Dunne must have extraordinary self control.
And what’s possibly more frustrating is that Henry admitted he handled the ball after the match, and then said he didn’t mean it. Pictures don’t lie, Thierry.
I have heard Thierry Henry’s reputation described varyingly as ‘squeaky clean’ and ‘impeccable’ in the last two days - both of which are, sadly, for a man so talented, complete nonsense.
He has staged and dived before looking for free kicks or penalties for club and country, famously clutching his face when body-checked by Carles Puyol at the last World Cup.
It is perhaps the most frustrating thing about modern football: that the world’s best players, such as Henry, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alberto Gilardino, Didier Drogba - the list goes on as far back as Diego Maradona and the 'Hand of God' in 1986 - feel the need to cheat rather than depending on their clearly superior ability.
Thierry Henry’s blatant handball against Ireland could have so easily have been avoided.
I don’t support the concept of going to the ‘third umpire’ for every decision – but for moments that can change the whole landscape of world football such as this, it’s time to use the technology we have available.
Surely a system by where the cameras could be consulted on crucial decisions – say red cards, and goals, and that’s it – wouldn’t hold up the game too much, and would eliminate the kind of farce we saw at Stade de France on Wednesday night.
As for a replay – well, it isn’t going to happen. Refereeing mistakes happen all the time and teams just have to life with the consequences. But it should never have got to that.
What will stick in the throat of Ireland fans is Henry’s elaborate celebration, running behind the goal shouting at the crowd, before making a half-hearted attempt to console Ireland defender Richard Dunne at the final whistle.
Dunne must have extraordinary self control.
And what’s possibly more frustrating is that Henry admitted he handled the ball after the match, and then said he didn’t mean it. Pictures don’t lie, Thierry.
I have heard Thierry Henry’s reputation described varyingly as ‘squeaky clean’ and ‘impeccable’ in the last two days - both of which are, sadly, for a man so talented, complete nonsense.
He has staged and dived before looking for free kicks or penalties for club and country, famously clutching his face when body-checked by Carles Puyol at the last World Cup.
It is perhaps the most frustrating thing about modern football: that the world’s best players, such as Henry, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alberto Gilardino, Didier Drogba - the list goes on as far back as Diego Maradona and the 'Hand of God' in 1986 - feel the need to cheat rather than depending on their clearly superior ability.
Semenya's Thumbs Up Leaves Only One Winner
Caster Semenya will get to keep her 800m World Championship Medal, and her prize money, but we might never know whether she's really a woman.
It's been three months since Semenya blitzed the field to claim the 800m world championship.
But questions were immediately raised about whether she was in fact a woman, based largely on her muscular physique and drastic improvement in the months leading up to the world championships in Berlin.
She slashed nearly ten seconds off her 800m time in just eight months, and 25 seconds off her 1500m time in just over a year. Extraordinary in anybody's book.
Three months worth of speculation and tests still has people second-guessing her gender - including the South African Sports Minister, Makhenkesi Stofile.
"We now are in agreement that he ... er, she will retain her gold medal," he said. Oops.
Semenya will also get to keep her title as world champion, and the $60,000 in prize money.
But the $64,000 question remains - we still don't know whether she'll be allowed to compete as a woman in subsequent meets, or the results of her gender tests.
"We have also agreed with the IAAF that what ever scientific tests that were conducted legally within the regulations of the IAAF will be treated as confidential. It's a matter between the patient and the doctor," Stofile said.
18-year-old Semenya, a student at the University of Pretoria hasn't commented on the latest announcements.
But her coach says she'll keep competing as a woman.
Stofile says everyone agreed that Semenya had not intended to dupe authorities.
"All of us agreed that from the side of Semenya nothing wrong was done from her side. She did not cheat, she didn't willingly cheat," he said.
Perhaps not, but never has the question of an athlete's gender raised such intense debate.
It was obvious world sport had no idea how to deal with an athlete who may have both male and female characteristics.
And with Semenya's results kept out of the public eye, it's still unclear where the IAAF draws the line on a female athlete being ineligible to compete as a woman.
So from three months of speculation, there's only one winner - the young woman who gets to keep her medal.
It's been three months since Semenya blitzed the field to claim the 800m world championship.
But questions were immediately raised about whether she was in fact a woman, based largely on her muscular physique and drastic improvement in the months leading up to the world championships in Berlin.
She slashed nearly ten seconds off her 800m time in just eight months, and 25 seconds off her 1500m time in just over a year. Extraordinary in anybody's book.
Three months worth of speculation and tests still has people second-guessing her gender - including the South African Sports Minister, Makhenkesi Stofile.
"We now are in agreement that he ... er, she will retain her gold medal," he said. Oops.
Semenya will also get to keep her title as world champion, and the $60,000 in prize money.
But the $64,000 question remains - we still don't know whether she'll be allowed to compete as a woman in subsequent meets, or the results of her gender tests.
"We have also agreed with the IAAF that what ever scientific tests that were conducted legally within the regulations of the IAAF will be treated as confidential. It's a matter between the patient and the doctor," Stofile said.
18-year-old Semenya, a student at the University of Pretoria hasn't commented on the latest announcements.
But her coach says she'll keep competing as a woman.
Stofile says everyone agreed that Semenya had not intended to dupe authorities.
"All of us agreed that from the side of Semenya nothing wrong was done from her side. She did not cheat, she didn't willingly cheat," he said.
Perhaps not, but never has the question of an athlete's gender raised such intense debate.
It was obvious world sport had no idea how to deal with an athlete who may have both male and female characteristics.
And with Semenya's results kept out of the public eye, it's still unclear where the IAAF draws the line on a female athlete being ineligible to compete as a woman.
So from three months of speculation, there's only one winner - the young woman who gets to keep her medal.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Dhoni Does It All
Forget Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the star of Indian cricket.
Captain, wicket-keeper, spiritual leader of an Indian team which now regularly competes with the world’s best sides, and now master blaster batsman.
His stunning 124 off just 107 balls last night was one of the best one-day innings you’ll ever see.
He toyed with the Australians early, knocking singles around and rotating the strike first with Gautam Gambhir and later with Suresh Raina.
But when the 35th over came and went, Dhoni went into a different gear.
He slogged all bowlers to all parts – he was particularly brutal on Shane Watson – and brought up his ton with a majestic straight six.
It’s not the first time he has taken to a very decent bowling attack. He is the real star of this Indian side now. The crowd in Nagpur – who admittedly are incessantly noisy at the best of times – went absolutely mad every time Dhoni added to his score.
And what’s even better is he’s got a bit of mongrel about him. He prowls around the centre wicket area like a cage fighter. Twice he squared up to Mitchell Johnson who can certainly be an intimidating bowler.
On a related note, Ricky Ponting’s decision to send India in was one of the strangest things I’ve seen in 20 years of watching cricket.
It was a cracking pitch. Ponting said he wanted to exploit the dew factor which would make bowling difficult at night.
Never mind that rubbish.
As WG Grace once famously said : When you win the toss – bat. If you are in doubt, think about it, then bat. If you have very big doubts, consult a colleague – then bat.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the star of Indian cricket.
Captain, wicket-keeper, spiritual leader of an Indian team which now regularly competes with the world’s best sides, and now master blaster batsman.
His stunning 124 off just 107 balls last night was one of the best one-day innings you’ll ever see.
He toyed with the Australians early, knocking singles around and rotating the strike first with Gautam Gambhir and later with Suresh Raina.
But when the 35th over came and went, Dhoni went into a different gear.
He slogged all bowlers to all parts – he was particularly brutal on Shane Watson – and brought up his ton with a majestic straight six.
It’s not the first time he has taken to a very decent bowling attack. He is the real star of this Indian side now. The crowd in Nagpur – who admittedly are incessantly noisy at the best of times – went absolutely mad every time Dhoni added to his score.
And what’s even better is he’s got a bit of mongrel about him. He prowls around the centre wicket area like a cage fighter. Twice he squared up to Mitchell Johnson who can certainly be an intimidating bowler.
On a related note, Ricky Ponting’s decision to send India in was one of the strangest things I’ve seen in 20 years of watching cricket.
It was a cracking pitch. Ponting said he wanted to exploit the dew factor which would make bowling difficult at night.
Never mind that rubbish.
As WG Grace once famously said : When you win the toss – bat. If you are in doubt, think about it, then bat. If you have very big doubts, consult a colleague – then bat.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Inspirational Freddie Fox
We hear plenty of stories about footballers struggling with illness or injury, but it’s unlikely anyone’s done it as tough as Freddie Fox.
The 73-year-old has battled cancer for the last two years, but there was no way that was going to keep him off the football pitch.
Freddie was not far short of a great footballer in his younger days.
As a teenager he had two trials at Tottenham Hotspur – his local team in North London.
He scored at their famous home, White Hart Lane, and changed in the locker of Tottenham’s then England captain Alf Ramsey, who would later be the man in charge as England won the World Cup in 1966.
In recent years though, fate hasn’t been so kind.
"I’ve been going through Chemo recently because they diagnosed me a year ago with not much of a future, but I lasted the year, I’ve had a good year, the chemo knocked be around a bit but otherwise I kept playing," he said.
Every week, Freddie is pulling on the boots for the Albert Park All-Stars – an ad hoc mix of players from countless backgrounds.
"The amazing thing is the incredible support from this crowd – my football colleagues. They are an incredible bunch of boys."
Freddie’s cancer battle has hit him hard – but for a man who was told last year to enjoy his Christmas because it would be his last – every game here is a triumph.
"Well, I have to go back to see my specialist next week and tell him I feel quite normal," he laughs. "I’m not sure what they’re going to do with me, probably not to look forward to next Christmas, but if you feel ok, you’re probably ok!"
The story of his team is almost as remarkable.
One of the original organisers, John Christodulakis, says over the years, 64 different nationalities have represented the All-Stars.
"We play 51 weeks a year, the only week we miss is when the Formula One cars are here, but rain hail or shine we’re always here. Nothing stops us," he says.
Freddie says he loves the multi-cultural mix that makes up the teams.
"Well it’s just an amazing game. And the quality of game we’ve got here, is representative of the best things in football," he says.
"Because you’ve got the different continents with their different styles – you’ve got the technical skills of the French and the South Americans, the determination of the Croatians, and the Greeks and the British, it’s a terrific mix."
From humble beginnings 15 years ago in the grounds of the French Consulate, the All Stars have welcomed hundreds of footballers – mostly immigrants from countries as far flung as Surinam, Angola, Brazil, and Hungary.
They don’t always get a full size pitch – the days I saw them they had to resort to portable goals – but the enthusiasm never wavers.
And for newly arrived migrants who don’t know a soul – this is as much a social exercise as a sporting battle.
"Basically you come to understand that these people are your friends," John says. "The friendships have been lifelong and long lasting and I think it’s a beautiful story."
But for the whole squad – Freddie is their talisman – their inspiration.
---
To see the full story with Freddie Fox and the Albert Park All-Stars, watch The World Game on SBS ONE this Sunday afternoon from 5pm.
The 73-year-old has battled cancer for the last two years, but there was no way that was going to keep him off the football pitch.
Freddie was not far short of a great footballer in his younger days.
As a teenager he had two trials at Tottenham Hotspur – his local team in North London.
He scored at their famous home, White Hart Lane, and changed in the locker of Tottenham’s then England captain Alf Ramsey, who would later be the man in charge as England won the World Cup in 1966.
In recent years though, fate hasn’t been so kind.
"I’ve been going through Chemo recently because they diagnosed me a year ago with not much of a future, but I lasted the year, I’ve had a good year, the chemo knocked be around a bit but otherwise I kept playing," he said.
Every week, Freddie is pulling on the boots for the Albert Park All-Stars – an ad hoc mix of players from countless backgrounds.
"The amazing thing is the incredible support from this crowd – my football colleagues. They are an incredible bunch of boys."
Freddie’s cancer battle has hit him hard – but for a man who was told last year to enjoy his Christmas because it would be his last – every game here is a triumph.
"Well, I have to go back to see my specialist next week and tell him I feel quite normal," he laughs. "I’m not sure what they’re going to do with me, probably not to look forward to next Christmas, but if you feel ok, you’re probably ok!"
The story of his team is almost as remarkable.
One of the original organisers, John Christodulakis, says over the years, 64 different nationalities have represented the All-Stars.
"We play 51 weeks a year, the only week we miss is when the Formula One cars are here, but rain hail or shine we’re always here. Nothing stops us," he says.
Freddie says he loves the multi-cultural mix that makes up the teams.
"Well it’s just an amazing game. And the quality of game we’ve got here, is representative of the best things in football," he says.
"Because you’ve got the different continents with their different styles – you’ve got the technical skills of the French and the South Americans, the determination of the Croatians, and the Greeks and the British, it’s a terrific mix."
From humble beginnings 15 years ago in the grounds of the French Consulate, the All Stars have welcomed hundreds of footballers – mostly immigrants from countries as far flung as Surinam, Angola, Brazil, and Hungary.
They don’t always get a full size pitch – the days I saw them they had to resort to portable goals – but the enthusiasm never wavers.
And for newly arrived migrants who don’t know a soul – this is as much a social exercise as a sporting battle.
"Basically you come to understand that these people are your friends," John says. "The friendships have been lifelong and long lasting and I think it’s a beautiful story."
But for the whole squad – Freddie is their talisman – their inspiration.
---
To see the full story with Freddie Fox and the Albert Park All-Stars, watch The World Game on SBS ONE this Sunday afternoon from 5pm.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Drama On The Mountain ... Again
Is there another race in the world like the Bathurst 1000?
From the demanding Mount Panorama track to the frankly bizarre weather conditions, the traditional enduro is surely the most unpredictable and exciting long distance race in the world.
Sure, Le Mans is amazing – but Bathurst regularly throws up more sub-plots and more twists than any other event.
Today alone, there was a lead change and a spin in turn one, and even before the race had started there were showers and periods of sunshine in equal measure.
Mark Winterbottom – the man they call Frosty – was ironically bailing out of his car halfway up pit lane on Lap 50 as his Ford burst into flames.
Through the gloom, the unlikely duo of Greg Ritter and David Besnard emerged as possible winners - or would it be the sentimental favourites, veterans Mark Skaife and Greg Murphy … only for yet another crash at the Dipper prompting another safety car period, and Garth Tander and Will Davison surviving a three-lap sprint to the end.
It was just the latest chapter in a catalogue of dramatic moments at Bathurst.
We all remember Jim Richards hitting that kangaroo, Dick Johnson hitting that rock when leading in 1980, and a plastic bag in the radiator nearly costing Skaife victory a few years ago.
We remember Brocky’s nine wins and those amazing duels with Allan Moffat in the 1970s and 80s.
We remember Craig Lowndes in tears winning the year after Brock’s death, and Glenn Seton’s luckless attempts at conquering the mountain – he was second three times and his engine gave up when leading in 1995.
The only thing you can expect about Mount Panorama is that it will throw up the unexpected.
From the demanding Mount Panorama track to the frankly bizarre weather conditions, the traditional enduro is surely the most unpredictable and exciting long distance race in the world.
Sure, Le Mans is amazing – but Bathurst regularly throws up more sub-plots and more twists than any other event.
Today alone, there was a lead change and a spin in turn one, and even before the race had started there were showers and periods of sunshine in equal measure.
Mark Winterbottom – the man they call Frosty – was ironically bailing out of his car halfway up pit lane on Lap 50 as his Ford burst into flames.
Through the gloom, the unlikely duo of Greg Ritter and David Besnard emerged as possible winners - or would it be the sentimental favourites, veterans Mark Skaife and Greg Murphy … only for yet another crash at the Dipper prompting another safety car period, and Garth Tander and Will Davison surviving a three-lap sprint to the end.
It was just the latest chapter in a catalogue of dramatic moments at Bathurst.
We all remember Jim Richards hitting that kangaroo, Dick Johnson hitting that rock when leading in 1980, and a plastic bag in the radiator nearly costing Skaife victory a few years ago.
We remember Brocky’s nine wins and those amazing duels with Allan Moffat in the 1970s and 80s.
We remember Craig Lowndes in tears winning the year after Brock’s death, and Glenn Seton’s luckless attempts at conquering the mountain – he was second three times and his engine gave up when leading in 1995.
The only thing you can expect about Mount Panorama is that it will throw up the unexpected.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Big Four becomes Big Eight in Premier League
The same four teams have taken the Champions League spots in the Premier League – apart from Everton’s brief incursion into the top four in 2005 – for the best part of a decade now.
But things are more likely to change this year than any other.
The ‘Big Four’ might have lost their aura. Already this year Manchester City has beaten Arsenal, Tottenham has knocked off Liverpool and Aston Villa too went to Anfield and won.
Manchester United and Chelsea will most likely battle it out for the title but beyond that the next six spots are really up for grabs.
Everton started dreadfully this year but will cause teams some headaches when they get their best team on the park.
It might be the tightest contest yet for the cash-cow that is the Champions League.
Liverpool and Arsenal will have to be at their best to claim what they probably believe is their right to a top four finish.
I expect a real gulf to open up between their eight teams mentioned above and the rest.
Sunderland are probably best placed to break up that group, but it’s unlikely. The depth of their squad will be tested and it’s here that the top eight look streets ahead.
For those at the bottom, it’s an uphill battle.
This season five and six goals in a game has been a regular occurrence –Hull, Burnley, Blackburn, and Wolves have all conceded five goals or more in a match to teams placed well above them.
With 227 goals already scored in just 75 games (that’s three goals a game) and first and sixth separated by just six points, this could be the best season - and tightest at the top - in recent memory.
But things are more likely to change this year than any other.
The ‘Big Four’ might have lost their aura. Already this year Manchester City has beaten Arsenal, Tottenham has knocked off Liverpool and Aston Villa too went to Anfield and won.
Manchester United and Chelsea will most likely battle it out for the title but beyond that the next six spots are really up for grabs.
Everton started dreadfully this year but will cause teams some headaches when they get their best team on the park.
It might be the tightest contest yet for the cash-cow that is the Champions League.
Liverpool and Arsenal will have to be at their best to claim what they probably believe is their right to a top four finish.
I expect a real gulf to open up between their eight teams mentioned above and the rest.
Sunderland are probably best placed to break up that group, but it’s unlikely. The depth of their squad will be tested and it’s here that the top eight look streets ahead.
For those at the bottom, it’s an uphill battle.
This season five and six goals in a game has been a regular occurrence –Hull, Burnley, Blackburn, and Wolves have all conceded five goals or more in a match to teams placed well above them.
With 227 goals already scored in just 75 games (that’s three goals a game) and first and sixth separated by just six points, this could be the best season - and tightest at the top - in recent memory.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Will Someone Call Carlton's Bluff?
So Fevola is on his way out of Carlton, is he?
Not likely.
Fevola is a key ingredient in that team – arguably THE key ingredient – and for a team that is entering its premiership window in the next two years, an 80 to 100 goal full-forward will be worth his weight in gold.
Make no mistake – Carlton don’t really want to get rid of Fevola.
It’s simply the threat of being traded that they hope will be the rocket that makes him change his ways.
Any team that does fancy Fevola will have to offer something good to get him – a very high draft pick (probably below 10) or a top line player.
Only problem is, clubs will be extremely reluctant to do that because of his chequered past.
He has so much baggage that for most young teams, his influence will be more trouble that he’s worth.
His worth is also a stumbling block – he has two years left on a contract worth something in the order of $700,000 a year.
So by the end of next week’s trade period, Fevola will still be a Blueboy, Carlton’s board can say “well, we tried to offload him” and he’ll be back in time for pre-season training.
What will really rattle Carlton is a club willing to come to the party and offer something of value. Then they’ll really have a decision to make.
Not likely.
Fevola is a key ingredient in that team – arguably THE key ingredient – and for a team that is entering its premiership window in the next two years, an 80 to 100 goal full-forward will be worth his weight in gold.
Make no mistake – Carlton don’t really want to get rid of Fevola.
It’s simply the threat of being traded that they hope will be the rocket that makes him change his ways.
Any team that does fancy Fevola will have to offer something good to get him – a very high draft pick (probably below 10) or a top line player.
Only problem is, clubs will be extremely reluctant to do that because of his chequered past.
He has so much baggage that for most young teams, his influence will be more trouble that he’s worth.
His worth is also a stumbling block – he has two years left on a contract worth something in the order of $700,000 a year.
So by the end of next week’s trade period, Fevola will still be a Blueboy, Carlton’s board can say “well, we tried to offload him” and he’ll be back in time for pre-season training.
What will really rattle Carlton is a club willing to come to the party and offer something of value. Then they’ll really have a decision to make.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saints Blew Their Chance
St Kilda had Geelong on the ropes.
At half time in yesterday’s epic Grand Final, the Saints had racked up 37 forward 50 entries to just 15. That’s the kind of statistic normally associated with a thrashing.
Yet they lead by just a goal, thanks to costly misses by Stephen Milne and Andrew McQualter and two from the normally reliable Adam Schneider.
You can’t afford to miss those kinds of chances in a Grand Final.
Geelong learn that lesson in similar fashion 12 months ago – they kicked 11.23 last year.
They weren’t going to make the same mistake twice.
Implored by their coach Mark Thompson – who captain Tom Harley would later reveal “hates losing” – to treat the game as if it was the last they would ever play, the Cats responded.
They won most of the key stats in the second half and you could argue they deserved the win based on what happened after half time.
Ross Lyon was full of praise for his charges, but admitted it might have been one that got away.
“We left the door ajar,” he said. Geelong burst through it.
Saints fans can take some small solace in knowing that they lost to one of the best teams of the last 20 years.
Not that that will erase the pain of the last 40 years for St Kilda. The wait goes on for a second premiership in their 113 year history, although they are better placed to win one now than ever before.
It is often said that you have to lose one before you win one. Geelong discovered that a year ago. If St Kilda can manage that in a year’s time, it will have been well deserved.
They will retain most of their list for next year, minus Max Hudghton who announced his retirement this afternoon. St Kilda’s problems will come in a year or two when one or both of Steven King and Michael Gardiner hang up the boots. Anyone can tell you that you can’t win a premiership without two good ruckmen.
The Saints’ premiership window is wide open. It can shut quicker than you think.
At half time in yesterday’s epic Grand Final, the Saints had racked up 37 forward 50 entries to just 15. That’s the kind of statistic normally associated with a thrashing.
Yet they lead by just a goal, thanks to costly misses by Stephen Milne and Andrew McQualter and two from the normally reliable Adam Schneider.
You can’t afford to miss those kinds of chances in a Grand Final.
Geelong learn that lesson in similar fashion 12 months ago – they kicked 11.23 last year.
They weren’t going to make the same mistake twice.
Implored by their coach Mark Thompson – who captain Tom Harley would later reveal “hates losing” – to treat the game as if it was the last they would ever play, the Cats responded.
They won most of the key stats in the second half and you could argue they deserved the win based on what happened after half time.
Ross Lyon was full of praise for his charges, but admitted it might have been one that got away.
“We left the door ajar,” he said. Geelong burst through it.
Saints fans can take some small solace in knowing that they lost to one of the best teams of the last 20 years.
Not that that will erase the pain of the last 40 years for St Kilda. The wait goes on for a second premiership in their 113 year history, although they are better placed to win one now than ever before.
It is often said that you have to lose one before you win one. Geelong discovered that a year ago. If St Kilda can manage that in a year’s time, it will have been well deserved.
They will retain most of their list for next year, minus Max Hudghton who announced his retirement this afternoon. St Kilda’s problems will come in a year or two when one or both of Steven King and Michael Gardiner hang up the boots. Anyone can tell you that you can’t win a premiership without two good ruckmen.
The Saints’ premiership window is wide open. It can shut quicker than you think.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Big Men the Difference for St Kilda
So the Saints have made the first Grand Final in 12 years and remain on track for a first premiership in more than four decades.
And they did it tough.
The Western Bulldogs threw everything they had at St Kilda for 120 minutes and one thing you can’t accuse the Dogs of is giving up. They won the possessions, they won the contested ball and they won the inside 50s by a huge margin of 56 to 40. The only area they lost was where it mattered – on the scoreboard.
Without a key forward to kick to teams simply will not win premierships. Look at every premiership team from the last 20 years. They’ve all had good to great full forwards.
They don’t have to be absolute superstars like Matthew Lloyd, Lance Franklin or Jonathon Brown – the Cats showed that in 2007.
But they have to at least force a contest and give you something to kick to – and for the two sides without a dominant key forward in those years in West Coast and Geelong, they at least had big bodies who could do that.
Ash Hansen, Quinten Lynch and even Andrew Embley could give you a target for West Coast and for the Cats it was Cameron Mooney and Nathan Ablett.
The Dogs have no-one. If they don’t go after Barry Hall it will be one of the more baffling decisions this year.
For the Saints, the biggest week of the footballing lives awaits, and they were certainly made to earn that right.
The tenacity of Lenny Hayes and the unrelenting work rate of Nick Reiwoldt were what saw them over the line.
Reiwoldt is in the top five players in the competition now, there’s no doubt about that. The only question over his game for me is his readiness to go to ground looking for free-kicks. He milked one off Brian Lake just after half time and looked forlornly at the umpires on a number of occasions. He’s too good for that – maybe that’s the most frustrating thing – he doesn’t have to resort to those tactics.
The atmosphere at the final siren was astonishing. There was a perceptive outpouring of emotion from the Saints fans around me. Hundreds stayed for 15 minutes, after the players had left the field, singing the song. They will certainly enjoy the week ahead and why not – they’ve earned it and on the balance of play this season they deserve to be Premiers.
But you don’t always get what you deserve on Grand Final day.
And they did it tough.
The Western Bulldogs threw everything they had at St Kilda for 120 minutes and one thing you can’t accuse the Dogs of is giving up. They won the possessions, they won the contested ball and they won the inside 50s by a huge margin of 56 to 40. The only area they lost was where it mattered – on the scoreboard.
Without a key forward to kick to teams simply will not win premierships. Look at every premiership team from the last 20 years. They’ve all had good to great full forwards.
They don’t have to be absolute superstars like Matthew Lloyd, Lance Franklin or Jonathon Brown – the Cats showed that in 2007.
But they have to at least force a contest and give you something to kick to – and for the two sides without a dominant key forward in those years in West Coast and Geelong, they at least had big bodies who could do that.
Ash Hansen, Quinten Lynch and even Andrew Embley could give you a target for West Coast and for the Cats it was Cameron Mooney and Nathan Ablett.
The Dogs have no-one. If they don’t go after Barry Hall it will be one of the more baffling decisions this year.
For the Saints, the biggest week of the footballing lives awaits, and they were certainly made to earn that right.
The tenacity of Lenny Hayes and the unrelenting work rate of Nick Reiwoldt were what saw them over the line.
Reiwoldt is in the top five players in the competition now, there’s no doubt about that. The only question over his game for me is his readiness to go to ground looking for free-kicks. He milked one off Brian Lake just after half time and looked forlornly at the umpires on a number of occasions. He’s too good for that – maybe that’s the most frustrating thing – he doesn’t have to resort to those tactics.
The atmosphere at the final siren was astonishing. There was a perceptive outpouring of emotion from the Saints fans around me. Hundreds stayed for 15 minutes, after the players had left the field, singing the song. They will certainly enjoy the week ahead and why not – they’ve earned it and on the balance of play this season they deserve to be Premiers.
But you don’t always get what you deserve on Grand Final day.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Rules Committee to Blame for Franklin Fiasco
Once Lance Franklin was charged with rough conduct, it was only going to go one way.
Credit to the Hawks for fighting the good fight and challenging the suspension, but to the letter of the law he was guilty and his challenge and subsequent appeal were always going to fall on deaf ears.
Indeed it took a panel of three QCs just five minutes to throw out the appeal last night, after a hearing which lasted nearly two hours.
The problem started when the rules were changed after Nick Maxwell’s successful challenge to a suspension during the nab Cup.
And herein lies the blame – it’s in the rules, not in the player.
Cousins’ injury was incidental, or accidental. And it is there that the rule is hopelessly inadequate. Surely a player can’t be blamed for an accident? Well, that’s exactly why
The bump might be frowned upon, but it isn’t dead … yet.
One can only hope that the reckless people who created this rule will look at
It’s no wonder Nathan Buckley left the rules committee a couple of years ago, admitting he felt compromised by too many rule changes.
“I believe there should be a moratorium of sorts on rule changes and I have felt that for a while. I think constant changes if they are not halted in the near future will (damage the game)," he said at the time.
Footy ten years ago was great – contested footy is what people want to see.
If the law-makers really want to outlaw the bump, we are getting closer and closer to ‘that basketball crap’ Kevin Sheedy spoke about a couple of years ago.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Now or Never for Australia
The Ashes are gone, and Australian sports fans everywhere are in mourning.
And everywhere people are looking for someone to blame.Lets not kid ourselves - it wasn't the pitch. Both teams had to bat on it and the Test was lost when Australia made just 160 in the first innings.
The series was lost on the final day in Cardiff, when Australia failed to take the remaining wickets on a deteriorating pitch with numbers 9, 10 and 11 at the crease in the last hour.
At times the team has performed superbly - indeed the win at Headingly was one of the biggest Ashes wins of the modern era. Michael Clarke, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle were excellent and with all still in their mid-20s, the future is bright.
The has been overwhelming positivity from Cricket Australia and the selectors who have said it's too early for wielding the axe. But the closeness of the series and a number of good individual performances shouldn't mask the fact that there is plenty of work to do for this team. The selectors have to take their share of the blame - for not picking Stuart Clark at Lords, and for not picking Nathan Hauritz on a raging turner at The Oval.
And they face even tougher decisions in the years ahead.Michael Hussey, despite his gritty century in the final test, has surely played his last test innings. It's a tough way for a great batsman to go out, but Hussey is 34 and has an average of just 35 in the last two calendar years. It's simply not good enough.
It might also be time to usher Simon Katich towards the exit door. Katich is also 34, and while his form is good, he probably stands in the way of Phil Hughes who will surely open for Australia for the next decade or more.
Brad Haddin is also one on the edge. His wicketkeeping was moderate bordering on poor throughout the series, and his batting didn't have it's normal dynamic. And his decision making - particularly the crazy slog in the second innings at The Oval - wasn't good enough for the situation his team found itself in. Graham Manou appears to be a much safer pair of hands and he has impressed with the bat at state level for South Australia.
It's a time for tough decisions, but not reckless ones. Ponting should stay on as captain for at least this summer, because unlike the 2005 Ashes, he didn't do a great deal wrong this time around.
He fluffed his lines at the end of the Cardiff test with his bowling selections, but his captaincy elsewhere was good if not brilliant.
Above all a spinner must be found. Hauritz was servicable, and while it's unfair to compare him to Warne who came before - that would be unfair on anyone - he played this series in the shadow of Graham Swann who is no world-beater. The hope that Warne would inspire a generation of talented spinners has faded.
The upcoming series against Pakistan and West Indies should be seen as the perfect training ground for some of these young players to find their feet. Against weaker opponents, the next generation - young men like Hughes, Manou, Callum Ferguson, Shaun Marsh, Luke Ronchi, and others - can find the skills and temperament required for the heat of the next Ashes battle in 18 months time.
But even success there must be geared towards winning back the urn in England in 2013. Three in a row for cricket-mad Australia would be unforgivable.
And everywhere people are looking for someone to blame.Lets not kid ourselves - it wasn't the pitch. Both teams had to bat on it and the Test was lost when Australia made just 160 in the first innings.
The series was lost on the final day in Cardiff, when Australia failed to take the remaining wickets on a deteriorating pitch with numbers 9, 10 and 11 at the crease in the last hour.
At times the team has performed superbly - indeed the win at Headingly was one of the biggest Ashes wins of the modern era. Michael Clarke, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle were excellent and with all still in their mid-20s, the future is bright.
The has been overwhelming positivity from Cricket Australia and the selectors who have said it's too early for wielding the axe. But the closeness of the series and a number of good individual performances shouldn't mask the fact that there is plenty of work to do for this team. The selectors have to take their share of the blame - for not picking Stuart Clark at Lords, and for not picking Nathan Hauritz on a raging turner at The Oval.
And they face even tougher decisions in the years ahead.Michael Hussey, despite his gritty century in the final test, has surely played his last test innings. It's a tough way for a great batsman to go out, but Hussey is 34 and has an average of just 35 in the last two calendar years. It's simply not good enough.
It might also be time to usher Simon Katich towards the exit door. Katich is also 34, and while his form is good, he probably stands in the way of Phil Hughes who will surely open for Australia for the next decade or more.
Brad Haddin is also one on the edge. His wicketkeeping was moderate bordering on poor throughout the series, and his batting didn't have it's normal dynamic. And his decision making - particularly the crazy slog in the second innings at The Oval - wasn't good enough for the situation his team found itself in. Graham Manou appears to be a much safer pair of hands and he has impressed with the bat at state level for South Australia.
It's a time for tough decisions, but not reckless ones. Ponting should stay on as captain for at least this summer, because unlike the 2005 Ashes, he didn't do a great deal wrong this time around.
He fluffed his lines at the end of the Cardiff test with his bowling selections, but his captaincy elsewhere was good if not brilliant.
Above all a spinner must be found. Hauritz was servicable, and while it's unfair to compare him to Warne who came before - that would be unfair on anyone - he played this series in the shadow of Graham Swann who is no world-beater. The hope that Warne would inspire a generation of talented spinners has faded.
The upcoming series against Pakistan and West Indies should be seen as the perfect training ground for some of these young players to find their feet. Against weaker opponents, the next generation - young men like Hughes, Manou, Callum Ferguson, Shaun Marsh, Luke Ronchi, and others - can find the skills and temperament required for the heat of the next Ashes battle in 18 months time.
But even success there must be geared towards winning back the urn in England in 2013. Three in a row for cricket-mad Australia would be unforgivable.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Amazing Polak's Inspirational Comeback
Graham Polak’s comeback is a story of courage, pride, and above all, determination.
The same determination that has punctuated the stories of those footballers who have come before him in overcoming adversity – in Jason McCartney, and in Adam Ramanauskas.
Tomorrow, the 26-year-old will play his first game since June last year.
It was then that he was hit by a tram crossing Dandenong Rd in Armadale.
He was rushed to hospital, spent a couple of days in an induced coma, and it was feared he would never walk again, let alone play football.
His long road to recovery began with learning to walk and talk again – making a return to the AFL look improbable at best, a pipe dream at worst.
But somehow Polak will break through the banner tomorrow afternoon and achieve the goal he said kept him going for the last 12 months.
He said today the overwhelming emotion was relief.
"I can't wait to get back out there, and show them I still can play footy – it's going to be a real buzz and I'm looking forward to it," he said.
"It'll be a big relief to be able to get back, I'll run out with a smile on my face.”
Polak revealed he has no recollection of the night, but says he has to laugh when he talks about the incident now.
“I laugh about it now, I know it was a serious one but I can’t let it sit there and get me down my whole life.
“I sit there and laugh and say ‘How can I get hit by a tram that’s stuck on two tracks?’. It was a silly thing but I’ve got a good story to tell my kids and grandkids.”
Polak’s desire to prove to himself and to the club that he could play at the highest level again has driven his every action since that day.
“I never lost doubt I could play AFL football," Polak said this morning before training.
“I just want to get out there and repay faith the club has shown me.”
Richmond has been as supportive as any club could have been, but even coach Jade Rawlings had his doubts.
“Even six weeks ago I said to him it would be unlikely that I could see him getting back to senior footy," Rawlings said. "But he kept progressing, and every time there's been resistance and someone's been prepared to say he can't come back, he's fought even harder."
Polak is out of contract in just a few weeks, but says this isn’t a one-game return like that of Jason McCartney.
“I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to play AFL.”
Polak played his first game in the VFL as early as March, but copped a heavy hit to the head in that match against Frankston and was taken from the ground.
But he says he’ll have no hesitation putting his head over the ball tomorrow.
“Not at all – that's part of football,” he said.
“I'm not going to step back from that challenge, and if the ball's there to be won, I'll be throwing everything into it to get that ball.”
The same determination that has punctuated the stories of those footballers who have come before him in overcoming adversity – in Jason McCartney, and in Adam Ramanauskas.
Tomorrow, the 26-year-old will play his first game since June last year.
It was then that he was hit by a tram crossing Dandenong Rd in Armadale.
He was rushed to hospital, spent a couple of days in an induced coma, and it was feared he would never walk again, let alone play football.
His long road to recovery began with learning to walk and talk again – making a return to the AFL look improbable at best, a pipe dream at worst.
But somehow Polak will break through the banner tomorrow afternoon and achieve the goal he said kept him going for the last 12 months.
He said today the overwhelming emotion was relief.
"I can't wait to get back out there, and show them I still can play footy – it's going to be a real buzz and I'm looking forward to it," he said.
"It'll be a big relief to be able to get back, I'll run out with a smile on my face.”
Polak revealed he has no recollection of the night, but says he has to laugh when he talks about the incident now.
“I laugh about it now, I know it was a serious one but I can’t let it sit there and get me down my whole life.
“I sit there and laugh and say ‘How can I get hit by a tram that’s stuck on two tracks?’. It was a silly thing but I’ve got a good story to tell my kids and grandkids.”
Polak’s desire to prove to himself and to the club that he could play at the highest level again has driven his every action since that day.
“I never lost doubt I could play AFL football," Polak said this morning before training.
“I just want to get out there and repay faith the club has shown me.”
Richmond has been as supportive as any club could have been, but even coach Jade Rawlings had his doubts.
“Even six weeks ago I said to him it would be unlikely that I could see him getting back to senior footy," Rawlings said. "But he kept progressing, and every time there's been resistance and someone's been prepared to say he can't come back, he's fought even harder."
Polak is out of contract in just a few weeks, but says this isn’t a one-game return like that of Jason McCartney.
“I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to play AFL.”
Polak played his first game in the VFL as early as March, but copped a heavy hit to the head in that match against Frankston and was taken from the ground.
But he says he’ll have no hesitation putting his head over the ball tomorrow.
“Not at all – that's part of football,” he said.
“I'm not going to step back from that challenge, and if the ball's there to be won, I'll be throwing everything into it to get that ball.”
Thursday, August 13, 2009
NRL ON THE ROPES
As if Rugby League needed any more bad news.
Greg Inglis’ charge of assaulting his girlfriend Sally Robinson is just the latest body blow for the NRL.
In the space of just a few months, the game been battered from pillar to post – and the question must be asked – is the game on its knees?
On the eve of the new season, Manly fullback Brett Stewart was suspended for four games for his drunken behaviour at the season launch, which led to sexual assault allegations against the Australian star, for allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old girl.
He and Inglis were the faces of the new ad campaign for the NRL.
The ad ran with Stewart edited out.
Now a new ad promoting this week’s indigenous round in the NRL has been canned, costing the league about $250,000.
The costs could well be higher in the long term.
For Inglis, whose court case has been adjourned until August 26, the future does not look good.
Today he was stood down as the NRL’s indigenous ambassador.
Among all that, one of League’s brightest stars in Karmichael Hunt – a Queensland State of Origin player and Australian representative, no less – jumped ship to the AFL, signing on to the new Gold Coast team for 2011.
It is a rat jumping off a sinking ship?
Former Essendon premiership coach Kevin Sheedy said a couple of years ago that he couldn’t see Australia sustaining four football codes.
Football (or soccer) is growing by the day, with the success of the Socceroos and the new A-League a triumph. And if we host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, soccer will really explode.
AFL is unshakable, the nation’s biggest and most popular sport, played in all states, and with two rivalries brewing in Rugby League’s heartland.
It’s no wonder the next television rights deal is going to push the $1 billion mark.
And Rugby Union will survive simply because it’s international – the World Cup features strong and passionate representation from New Zealand, South Africa, England, Wales, France, Ireland, Argentina and many other nations.
Rugby League has no such luxury.
It’s crunch time for League – the players have to lift their game if they want their children to be playing the game they love.
And it has to be said, the poor crowds that frequent (and I use that word very loosely) Rugby League matches – particularly in Sydney – are doing nothing to help their code.
The average NRL crowd this season is just 16,000.
And in total, 100,000 people Australia wide hold an NRL club membership. That’s an average of just 6250 per club.
Greg Inglis’ charge of assaulting his girlfriend Sally Robinson is just the latest body blow for the NRL.
In the space of just a few months, the game been battered from pillar to post – and the question must be asked – is the game on its knees?
On the eve of the new season, Manly fullback Brett Stewart was suspended for four games for his drunken behaviour at the season launch, which led to sexual assault allegations against the Australian star, for allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old girl.
He and Inglis were the faces of the new ad campaign for the NRL.
The ad ran with Stewart edited out.
Now a new ad promoting this week’s indigenous round in the NRL has been canned, costing the league about $250,000.
The costs could well be higher in the long term.
For Inglis, whose court case has been adjourned until August 26, the future does not look good.
Today he was stood down as the NRL’s indigenous ambassador.
Among all that, one of League’s brightest stars in Karmichael Hunt – a Queensland State of Origin player and Australian representative, no less – jumped ship to the AFL, signing on to the new Gold Coast team for 2011.
It is a rat jumping off a sinking ship?
Former Essendon premiership coach Kevin Sheedy said a couple of years ago that he couldn’t see Australia sustaining four football codes.
Football (or soccer) is growing by the day, with the success of the Socceroos and the new A-League a triumph. And if we host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, soccer will really explode.
AFL is unshakable, the nation’s biggest and most popular sport, played in all states, and with two rivalries brewing in Rugby League’s heartland.
It’s no wonder the next television rights deal is going to push the $1 billion mark.
And Rugby Union will survive simply because it’s international – the World Cup features strong and passionate representation from New Zealand, South Africa, England, Wales, France, Ireland, Argentina and many other nations.
Rugby League has no such luxury.
It’s crunch time for League – the players have to lift their game if they want their children to be playing the game they love.
And it has to be said, the poor crowds that frequent (and I use that word very loosely) Rugby League matches – particularly in Sydney – are doing nothing to help their code.
The average NRL crowd this season is just 16,000.
And in total, 100,000 people Australia wide hold an NRL club membership. That’s an average of just 6250 per club.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Back Victory for Back-to-Back
Consistency is as important as anything in sport, and it’s that which Melbourne Victory is hoping can secure the club an unprecedented back-to-back A-League title.
No team has ever defended the A-League crown, but the Victory are the club to do it.
The Victory has retained 13 of the 16 man squad which defeated Adelaide in the Grand Final in February, including the key re-signings of Carlos Hernandez and skipper Kevin Muscat.
Former Adelaide and Sydney coach John Kosmina says he thinks Muscat has made a mistake by playing on, but fitness staff at the Victory tell me the captain is as fit as he’s ever been, and has recorded the best standing 20m sprints in his career this pre-season. Not bad for a man who turns 36 tomorrow.
The only loss for the Victory is Michael Theoklitos who is now with Norwich City in England, but they have a more than capable replacement in Glen Moss who will be between the sticks tonight against Central Coast.
I expect Melbourne's rivals this season to come from the Sunshine State.
Brisbane Roar has made two preliminary finals in the last two seasons and lost both, but if they can add that ruthlessness to their team then surely a Grand Final berth beckons.
In Sergio van Dijk, Reinaldo and Michael Zullo they have a great attacking threat and the goals will come. If they can tighten up at the back they are a real chance.
Their opponents on the opening weekend are Gold Coast United and I expect them to feature heavily when finals come around.
They have certainly talked the talk, with outspoken manager Miron Bleiberg voicing his opinions to anyone who’ll listen, and club CEO Clive Palmer predicting United can go through their first A-League season unbeaten.
They have probably the competition’s best player in Jason Culina, and the league’s top goalscorer from last season in Shane Smeltz. All that remains is to see whether they can walk the walk.
It’s been a long off-season with the much-maligned Pre-Season cup given the flick, and no tournaments like the World Cup or the Euros to distract those of us addicted to football.
Ten teams in an expanded A-League, and as many as four or five teams with legitimate claims to being Premiership contenders.
I can’t wait.
My tip - A Melbourne vs Brisbane Grand Final, and the Victory to go back to back.
Do you agree? Vote in the poll on the left!
For my exclusive interview for SBS with Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick, click the link below and choose the video section on the left.
http://www.theworldgame.com.au/a-league
No team has ever defended the A-League crown, but the Victory are the club to do it.
The Victory has retained 13 of the 16 man squad which defeated Adelaide in the Grand Final in February, including the key re-signings of Carlos Hernandez and skipper Kevin Muscat.
Former Adelaide and Sydney coach John Kosmina says he thinks Muscat has made a mistake by playing on, but fitness staff at the Victory tell me the captain is as fit as he’s ever been, and has recorded the best standing 20m sprints in his career this pre-season. Not bad for a man who turns 36 tomorrow.
The only loss for the Victory is Michael Theoklitos who is now with Norwich City in England, but they have a more than capable replacement in Glen Moss who will be between the sticks tonight against Central Coast.
I expect Melbourne's rivals this season to come from the Sunshine State.
Brisbane Roar has made two preliminary finals in the last two seasons and lost both, but if they can add that ruthlessness to their team then surely a Grand Final berth beckons.
In Sergio van Dijk, Reinaldo and Michael Zullo they have a great attacking threat and the goals will come. If they can tighten up at the back they are a real chance.
Their opponents on the opening weekend are Gold Coast United and I expect them to feature heavily when finals come around.
They have certainly talked the talk, with outspoken manager Miron Bleiberg voicing his opinions to anyone who’ll listen, and club CEO Clive Palmer predicting United can go through their first A-League season unbeaten.
They have probably the competition’s best player in Jason Culina, and the league’s top goalscorer from last season in Shane Smeltz. All that remains is to see whether they can walk the walk.
It’s been a long off-season with the much-maligned Pre-Season cup given the flick, and no tournaments like the World Cup or the Euros to distract those of us addicted to football.
Ten teams in an expanded A-League, and as many as four or five teams with legitimate claims to being Premiership contenders.
I can’t wait.
My tip - A Melbourne vs Brisbane Grand Final, and the Victory to go back to back.
Do you agree? Vote in the poll on the left!
For my exclusive interview for SBS with Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick, click the link below and choose the video section on the left.
http://www.theworldgame.com.au/a-league
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Gazza's Goal
Paul Gascoigne scores against Arsenal in the first FA Cup Semi-Final to be played at Wembley, April 14, 1991