Ultimate NBA Playoffs preview

Awesome April ... 16 teams enter but only one will triumph. Source: FOX SPORTS

March Madness is over and it's time for Awesome April as the attention of the basketball world moves to the NBA playoffs.

After 82 games just 16 teams are left and now begins what could be one of the hardest roads to a championship in world sport.

The first round is arguably the most unpredicatable with top teams taking on battle-hardened squads who had to fight just to make the post-season.

The likes of reigning champions Miami Heat and runners-up Oklahoma City Thunder booked their playoff ticket some time ago while the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks squeezed in at the last minute.

The Heat and Thunder enter as favourites to return to the finals once again but the re-invention of New York Knicks and LA Clippers should make for fascinating watching.

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WEST

Oklahoma City Thunder (1) v Houston Rockets (8)

Regular season: Thunder 2 - Rockets 1
A series full of headlines with the return of James Harden to OKC - along with Lin-sanity - against the dynamic duo that is Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
The Rockets only just scrapped into the playoffs after finishing third in their division but can score heavily on their day.
They are two teams similar in style but expect the Thunder to have too much firepower for the Rockets.
Look for Thaba Sefalosha to shut down Harden and Kevin Martin to shoot lights out from behind the arc.

San Antonio Spurs (2) v LA Lakers (7)

Regular season: Spurs 2 - Lakers 1
The Lakers made the playoffs, which was a great effort considering where they came from after a horrible start to the season. However, this could be one of the most one-sided series we see during the playoffs.
Kobe Bryant's Achilles will see him miss the action and the Spurs' evergreen trio of Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are all fit.
Throw in Aussie pair Aron Baynes and Patty Mills and there's a reason for every neutral to take an interest in this series.
The Lakers have plenty of experience with Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard and Metta World Peace to step up in the absence of Bryant but lack the killer instinct of the Black Mamba.

Denver Nuggets (3) v Golden State Warriors (4)

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Regular season: Nuggets 3 - Warriors 1
The Nuggets have been travelling under the radar all season as even their 15-game win streak was overshadowed by the Heat's amazing run.
The Nuggets have been almost unbeatable at home this season and boast an incredible 38-3 record.
However, GSW playmaker Stephen Curry is argubably one of the best players in the NBA and in the final game of the season he broke Ray Allen's all-time record for most three-pointers in a season.
The Nuggets are one of the quickest teams in the NBA and if the Warriors are to have any chance they will have to stop the transition play of Andre Iguodala, Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried.
Look for another Aussie hoping to make a playoffs impact with Andrew Bogut forming one of the best one-two bigmen combinations with Warriors teammate David Lee.

LA Clippers (4) v Memphis Grizzlies (5)

Regular season: Clippers 3 - Grizzlies 1
A replay of last year's first round series and two teams who might count themselves a little unlucky to be facing elimiation in round one once again.
The Clippers triumphed last year and clinched their first Pacific Division title in many years this season while
Memphis finished just two games behind the Spurs.
In superstars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin the Clippers have genuine match winners but add in Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler and Eric Bledsoe and this team has weapons across the roster.
The Grizzlies should not be discounted after they disposed of No.1 seed San Antonio in 2010-11 but they will need big performances from Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley to reverse last year's exit.

EAST

Miami Heat (1) v Milwaukee Bucks (8)

Regular season: Heat 3 - Bucks 1
Can anyone stop the reigning champions? If it does happen, chances are it won't be the Bucks.
LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have done as they pleased this season.
The star trio even sat out a late-season game against Cleveland Cavaliers and the Heat still won thanks to Norris Cole, Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen.
The Bucks have fought tooth and nail to grab the No.8 seed so expect them to put up a good fight.
Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis lead the team while the likes of Ersan Ilyasova and Luc Mbah a Moute provide strength down low.

New York Knicks (2) v Boston Celtics (7)

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Regular season: Knicks 3 - Celtics 1
We've asked who can beat the Heat; the Knicks are certainly capable of it and the Celtics almost pulled it off last season. However, only one team can progress from this series.
The Celtics will be full of emotion after the Boston Marathon tragedy but you have to doubt if that will get them through a seven-game series.
Fresh off winning the NBA scoring title, Carmelo Anthony will be key to the Knicks' hopes while JR Smith, Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton provide the secondary scoring.

Indiana Pacers (3) v Atlanta Hawks (6)

Regular season: Pacers 2 - Hawks 2
The Pacers are another team that have been excellent all season yet have been overshadowed despite making a strong playoff run in 2011-12.
In contrast, some didn't expect the Hawks to return to the post season after trading away Joe Johnson and they finished 22 games behind division rivals Miami.
Yet, as they say you've got to be in it to win it and the Hawks will give themselves every chance.
They hung onto Josh Smith at the trade deadline and the likes of Al Horford and Jeff Teague are genuine threats.
The Pacers are full of young talent and after gaining valuable experience last season Paul George, Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert and veteran David West are primed for a deep run.

Brooklyn Nets (4) v Chicago Bulls (5)

Regular season: Nets 1 - Bulls 3
Two of the more interesting stories in 2013.
The Nets have made some big moves recently picking up Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace while Brook Lopez continues to deliver in the paint.
The Bulls in comparison have had to achieve their success without superstar guard Derrick Rose.
Kirk Hinrich, Rip Hamilton and Nate Robinson have filled in admirably while Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah continue to deliver at an elite level.
The Bulls have the edge after the regular season and on experience could claim to be favourites.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Undefeated Power dismantle Suns

Flying High ... Chad Wingard celebrates one of his three goals against the Suns. Source: DAVE HUNT / AAP

Port Adelaide are off to the best start in club history after easily accounting for the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday night.

The Power prevailed 16.8 (104) to 9.12 (66) to move to 4-0, besting their 3-0 starts in 1999 and premiership year of 2004.

4.3 (27)	Q1	3.2 (20)
5.4 (34)	Q2	12.5 (77)
6.8 (44)	Q3	15.8 (98)
9.12 (66)	Q4	16.8 (104)

Rory Thompson 2	Jay Schulz 4
Jared Brennan 1	Hamish Hartlett 3
Aaron Hall 1	Justin Westhoff 3
Jarrod Harbrow 1	Chad Wingard 3
Brandon Matera 1	Jake Neade 2
Steven May 1	Brent Renouf 1
Jaeger O'Meara 1
Zac Smith 1

Forward Jay Schulz lit up the second half with four goals for the visitors, including a second that came after a spectacular mark over the back of Sam Day.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Essendon	4	4	0	0	180.87	16
2	Port Adelaide	4	4	0	0	159.28	16
3	Geelong	4	4	0	0	112.00	16
4	Hawthorn	4	3	0	1	139.22	12
5	Sydney	4	3	0	1	124.38	12
6	Richmond	4	3	0	1	115.11	12
7	Collingwood	4	3	0	1	102.92	12
8	Fremantle	4	2	0	2	102.87	8
9	St Kilda	4	1	0	3	101.30	4
10	West Coast	4	1	0	3	98.13	4
11	Carlton	4	1	0	3	96.56	4
12	Adelaide	3	1	0	2	91.99	4
13	Bulldogs	3	1	0	2	91.00	4
14	Gold Coast	4	1	0	3	82.52	4
15	Brisbane	3	1	0	2	73.02	4
16	North Melbourne	3	0	0	3	82.95	0
17	Greater Western Sydney	3	0	0	3	58.42	0
18	Melbourne	3	0	0	3	35.02	0

In-form Justin Westhoff, youngster Hamish Hartlett and Chad Wingard all kicked three majors for the Power while Kane Cornes picked up an impressive 35 disposals and 16 marks.

Rory Thompson was the only multiple goalkicker on a tough night for the Suns.

Gold Coast, leading by seven points at quarter-time after captain Gary Ablett and Brendan Matera made strong starts, were unable to recover after continuing their trend of poor second-quarter efforts this season.

The Suns went into the halftime break trailing by 43 points after the Power booted nine goals to one.

It's the fourth time in as many games the Suns have struggled to make an impact in the second term, giving coach Guy McKenna an obvious area to focus on.

The Suns, who lost young midfielder Harley Bennell before the game to a hamstring injury, had to call on sub Luke Russell early in the second term when Joel Wilkinson was unable to continue due to an ankle injury.

They also have a concern for Matt Warnock after he left the field with a shoulder injury while Ablett appeared to be struggling with a hand or wrist problem in the final term.  

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues off the mark in Perth

Arm wrestle ... Kade Simpson fights for the ball in his side's round for clash against the Eagles. Source: TONY MCDONOUGH / AAP

Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett put on the afterburners to inspire Carlton to a 24-point AFL win over West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

Yarran starred with four goals - including three rippers on the run - while Garlett's lightning pace also caused all sorts of headaches in the 12.17 (89) to 7.23 (65) triumph.

2.8 (20)	Q1	2.5 (17)
3.14 (32)	Q2	7.10 (52)
7.18 (60)	Q3	10.15 (75)
7.23 (65)	Q4	12.17 (89)

Mark LeCras 2	Chris Yarran 4
Jack Darling 1	Dennis Armfield 1
Andrew Gaff 1	Jefferey Garlett 1
Ashton Hams 1	Kane Lucas 1
Daniel Kerr 1	Brock McLean 1
Luke Shuey 1	Mitch Robinson 1
	Sam Rowe 1
	Kade Simpson 1
	Andrew Walker 1

 West Coast were horrible in front of goal, kicking 3.14 in a wasteful first half that cost them dearly.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Essendon	4	4	0	0	180.87	16
2	Port Adelaide	4	4	0	0	159.28	16
3	Geelong	4	4	0	0	112.00	16
4	Hawthorn	4	3	0	1	139.22	12
5	Sydney	4	3	0	1	124.38	12
6	Richmond	4	3	0	1	115.11	12
7	Collingwood	4	3	0	1	102.92	12
8	Fremantle	4	2	0	2	102.87	8
9	St Kilda	4	1	0	3	101.30	4
10	West Coast	4	1	0	3	98.13	4
11	Carlton	4	1	0	3	96.56	4
12	Adelaide	3	1	0	2	91.99	4
13	Bulldogs	3	1	0	2	91.00	4
14	Gold Coast	4	1	0	3	82.52	4
15	Brisbane	3	1	0	2	73.02	4
16	North Melbourne	3	0	0	3	82.95	0
17	Greater Western Sydney	3	0	0	3	58.42	0
18	Melbourne	3	0	0	3	35.02	0

The Eagles were slightly better in the second half, but couldn't overhaul the 20-point halftime deficit.

Carlton's first win under new coach Mick Malthouse improved their record to 1-3, and they're in a good position to make a major charge up the table over the next six weeks.

Although a clash with Adelaide at the MCG next Saturday shapes as a tricky encounter, the Blues are likely to start favourites in games against Melbourne, St Kilda, Port Adelaide, Brisbane and GWS.

West Coast (1-3) face in-form Port Adelaide away next week in a match that is shaping as crucial to their hopes of staying within striking distance of the top four.

The Eagles will be sweating on the fitness of Darren Glass, who struggled to lift his right arm after partially dislocating his shoulder in the opening term.

Blues skipper Marc Murphy managed to play out the match despite copping a heavy knock to his right leg in the second quarter.

Both sides struggled to grab the momentum during a topsy-turvy opening term.

But Yarran ripped the game wide open in the second quarter with three goals.

Two of his goals in the second quarter were eerily alike, with the 22-year-old taking three bounces and burning off Adam Selwood on both occasions.

His other goal was also a running effort, although Selwood wasn't in the area to give chase on that instance.

Garlett's pace and creativity was also killing West Coast, whose lack of speed in defence was exposed time and again.

Dennis Armfield played a key role in shutting down dangerous Eagles rebounder Shannon Hurn, but star midfielder Chris Judd was restricted to just 18 possessions.

Mark LeCras booted two goals for the Eagles, but the team's inaccuracy in front of goal handed the ascendancy to Carlton.

West Coast won the inside-50 count 51-43, but they couldn't capitalise on their chances.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rosberg grabs pole in Bahrain

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Qualifying ... Nico Rosberg grabs pole for the Bahrain GP. Source: Hassan Ammar / AAP

German driver Nico Rosberg will start from pole for the seventh time in his career after posting the fastest time in qualifying for Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old - whose sole win in Formula One came in last year's Chinese Grand Prix - timed 1min 32.330sec on Saturday to give Mercedes their second successive pole position.

Teammate Lewis Hamilton started from pole in China last Sunday.

"Am I surprised? A little bit,'' Rosberg admitted. "It wasn't really clear who was the quickest car over one lap.

"I was a bit happier than Friday. We worked overnight to improve the car so I'm really, really happy.

"It has been a rough ride in the first three races.''

Rosberg edged out Red Bull's three-time defending world champion Sebastian Vettel (1:32.548) while Spain's two-time world champion and Shanghai winner Fernando Alonso will start from third on the grid in his Ferrari.

Vettel was pragmatic about his performance and his hopes of repeating his victory in last year's race at the dusty and sand-strewn Bahrain International Circuit.

"The lap was fine, but it was clear even with a perfect lap that Nico was unbeatable today. We managed to save tyres for the race and, for sure, it is good to start on the front.''

Alonso, victorious in a strategic race focused on tyre-preservation last weekend in China, said: "We tried to complete the second flying lap and it was similar until the last corner.

"Then, at that exit, I saw I was one-tenth slower so we decided to come in and save one lap on those tyres.''

Alonso will start the race alongside teammate Felipe Massa. The Brazilian moves two places up from sixth in qualifying because Hamilton and Red Bull's Mark Webber lose three (causing an accident in China) and five places (gearbox change Saturday) respectively on the grid.

Webber will start from seventh, with Kimi Raikkonen in a Lotus eighth, while Hamilton will be in ninth position alongside Jenson Button's McLaren.

Force India's Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil will share the third row.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo will begin from 13th in his Toro Rosso.

Vettel tops the championship with 52 points from three races, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen (49), Alonso (43) and Hamilton (40).

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

As it happened: Australia v NZ

• News Limited
• April 19, 2013 9:58PM

Big guns ... Johnathan Thurston and Issac Luke will be Anzac Test keys. Source: FOX SPORTS

Re-live all the action as Australia fought off a gallant New Zealand to run away with the Anzac Test in Canberra.

 

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Dugan involved in altercation

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Josh Dugan ... caught up in yet another off-field incident. Source: Ray Strange / News Limited

The career of troubled star Josh Dugan could be in jeopardy with St George Illawarra after he was allegedly involved in an incident at a Canberra nightspot last week.

Fairfax Media is reporting a man requires surgery to his eye region after being involved in an altercation with the former Canberra Raider last Thursday night. 

It is believed the incident occurred shortly after he and Dugan attended a wake for a mutual friend.

It is understood the Dragons were poised to announce the signing of Dugan within the next 48 hours however the deal is now in jeopardy. 

Should the Dragons pull the pin on this deal, it will be the second time in the space of three weeks that an off-field incident has cost him a new contract.

Dugan had a three-year contract at the Broncos torn up when he told a Canberra fan to "end yourself" on Instagram.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ruthless Cats topple premiers

In Front ... Billie Smedts leads Dane Rampe to the ball. Source: AAP

Sydney and Geelong put on yet another modern-day classic at the SCG on Friday night, with Cats captain Joel Selwood starring as his side rolled the reigning premiers by 21 points.

Sydney and Geelong put on yet another modern-day classic at the SCG on Friday night, with Cats captain Joel Selwood starring as his side rolled the reigning premiers by 21 points.

8.1 (49)	Q1	7.2 (44)
10.3 (63)	Q2	9.4 (58)
11.6 (72)	Q3	16.7 (103)
16.7 (103)	Q4	19.10 (124)

Jarrad McVeigh 3	Tom Hawkins 3
Jude Bolton 2	Steven Motlop 3
Adam Goodes 2	Paul Chapman 2
Daniel Hannebery 2	Mathew Stokes 2
Nick Malceski 2	Harry Taylor 2
Josh P. Kennedy 1	Allen Christensen 1
Ben McGlynn 1	George Horlin-Smith 1
Mike Pyke 1	Taylor Hunt 1
Sam Reid 1	Steve Johnson 1
Lewis Roberts-Thomson 1	James Podsiadly 1
	Joel Selwood 1
	Billie Smedts 1

It might have lacked the sheer drama of the 2005 semi-final, in which four last-quarter goals from Nick Davis put the Swans en route to a drought-breaking grand final win.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Geelong	4	4	0	0	112.00	16
2	Essendon	3	3	0	0	200.54	12
3	Port Adelaide	3	3	0	0	159.75	12
4	Richmond	3	3	0	0	135.46	12
5	Sydney	4	3	0	1	124.38	12
6	Hawthorn	3	2	0	1	134.88	8
7	Fremantle	3	2	0	1	122.61	8
8	Collingwood	3	2	0	1	93.37	8
9	St Kilda	3	1	0	2	116.34	4
10	West Coast	3	1	0	2	104.72	4
11	Adelaide	3	1	0	2	91.99	4
12	Bulldogs	3	1	0	2	91.00	4
13	Gold Coast	3	1	0	2	89.47	4
14	Brisbane	3	1	0	2	73.02	4
15	Carlton	3	0	0	3	88.89	0
16	North Melbourne	3	0	0	3	82.95	0
17	Greater Western Sydney	3	0	0	3	58.42	0
18	Melbourne	3	0	0	3	35.02	0

But the Cats' 19.10 (124) to 16.7 (103) triumph, built on the back of a seven-goal third quarter, was of a standard rarely seen so early in the season - and the most polished of their four wins to date this season.

It started in truly remarkable fashion.

The two sides kicked a combined tally of 15.3 in the opening quarter - already one more goal than what was dished up in the entirety of that memorable 2005 sudden-death fixture.

Despite the scoreline, defensive pressure wasn't missing - Adam Goodes kicked his first major after a passage of play that featured three smothers.

The pace of the game was unsustainable.

So it showed in the second term when the Swans, powered by trademark immense tackling pressure and an ability to keep the ball in their forward line, pulled away and established a 19-point buffer as the scoring dried up.

A late 50m penalty against Ben McGlynn gifted a goal to James Podsiadly and helped the Cats bridge the gap to five points at halftime, the same lead the Swans held at the first break.

In the second half, the hard-running and frenetic clearance work of Selwood took over.

The 24-year-old somehow defied three straight six-day breaks, finishing with 30 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances - and surely three Brownlow votes.

After a quiet opening half, Tom Hawkins came to life with two goals in the third term and a late sealer in the final term.

For the Swans, Dan Hannebery (29 possessions and two goals) was inspirational after copping two heavy knocks that floored him.

The visitors were methodical with the ball in hand and efficient in front of goal as they inflicted the first blemish of the Swans' premiership defence.

When Allen Christensen slotted the opening goal of the final term, Geelong had kicked 10 of the past 11 goals and boasted a 37-point lead.

The hosts were forced to call on substitute Mitch Morton late in the second term, with Lewis Roberts-Thomson suffering a suspected knee injury.

Click here to get all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kangaroos Anzac Test report card

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Below par ... Cooper Cronk wasn't at his best for the Kangaroos. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

After Australia ran away with it in the second half to blow a dogged New Zealand away for a comfortable win, we pass judgement on five areas of the Kangaroos' performance.

Backs: 6/10
It seems a fraction disrespectful to give the backs a score in the average range given that four of the five went over for a try. But it's hard to shake the reality that Billy Slater was well off his usually impeccable game, Brett Morris played a mistake-riddled first half and Justin Hodges was no better than OK. The shining lights for the Kangaroos out wide were the left-edge combination of Greg Inglis and Darius Boyd, although Inglis's night was soured when he had to leave the field with 10 minutes to play after hurting his knee when he tried to power through New Zealand's last line to ice the game. While Slater had moments of brilliance, he cost the Kangaroos a try when he failed to cover up a grubber kick that his opposite Josh Hoffman gratefully dived on, and was nowhere to be seen when Inglis made a break early in the second half, forcing the big centre to throw a speculative pass to Boyd, who was unable to keep the movement going. Morris, meanwhile could have cost his side two tries by dropping bombs on his own try line as well as spilling an attacking kick when he went up to contest it with Jason Nightingale.

Forwards: 7.5/10
While the game opened up late, for most of the night it was a fierce exchange between two forward packs determined to knock lumps out of each other. When the contest was at its hottest, it was the no-fuss Matt Scott who stood out. Scott bent the line just about every time he ran the ball and was a brick wall in defence throughout. Scott's front-row partner James Tamou was also very good, if not quite as outstanding as his North Queensland teammate. Skipper Cameron Smith wasn't quite as smooth as we've all become accustomed to but he wasn't that far off his best. With the majority of the game played in tight, Smith was the conductor, prompting his forwards when the ball needed to be bashed up and bringing his partner in crime Cooper Cronk into the game, when there was an opportunity to be more expansive. With Johnathan Thurston nursing a sore foot he was also lumped with the extra responsibility of the goalkicking as well as taking on much of the kicking in general play. And when the field opened up in the last 20 minutes, Smith was able to take advantage of the retreating Kiwis and get out of dummy half. Sam Thaiday and Paul Gallen were willing workers as usual, with both stepping up into the front-row, along with interchange player Nate Myles, when Tamou and Scott were on the sideline. Gallen also played a major role in a second half try after popping a superb short ball to Billy Slater after catching a kick off and carting the ball up towards the defensive line. However, the NSW captain was also ill-disciplined at times, giving two ruck penalties away in quick succession when it was 6-6 and the Kiwis were hot on attack and enjoying a period of dominance. Greg Bird was all-action but uncharacteristically sloppy. As usual, the peroxide mopped enforcer was involved in plenty of the tough stuff in defence but when he tried to inject himself in attack he was let down by loose carries and some strangely lateral running.

Halves: 5/10
Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston are the two best halves in the game but they were strangely off-colour in combination on Friday night. Thurston in particular was rarely sighted, allowing Cameron Smith and Cronk to take on all the organising as he flitted about on the edges waiting for an opportunity to strike. Whether it was a consequence of the structure set in place by Tim Sheens or the tender right foot Thurston was playing with, he was very quiet, save for the odd classy touch to open space for his outside men when the game was stretched in the closing stages. Cronk definitely wasn't quiet but he just couldn't put his stamp on the game the same way he has for the Storm in an incredible opening to the NRL season. When he ran, he was solidly met by a black brick wall. When he threw a short ball, it was more often than not read by the defence. And he was never quite able to orchestrate a move to open space for his partner in crime Billy Slater out the back. With all that said, he controlled the game and was relatively error free. As always, his kicking game was also a feature.

Bench: 7/10
With such a star-packed line-up at his disposal, all Tim Sheens would have asked for from his bench was to make the most of their fresh legs when they came on and try to expose the tired defenders they were running at when given an opportunity. Anthony Watmough and Nate Myles were the first bench players to be injected and both were given plenty of game time to show their stuff. While Myles was asked to play a holding role in the middle to give the Kangaroos' starting props a breather, Watmough's fast footwork was a constant threat to the Kiwis' defensive line, most effectively demonstrated when he burst through with his first touch in the back end of the first half. Unfortunately he was let down by a loose carry and lost the ball, but his endeavour was exactly what was required. Luke Lewis was given less game time, coming on for the first time with less than half an hour to play but he was undoubtedly the outstanding impact player, twice breaking the line - firstly for a try under the posts, and secondly making a 60 metre run that was finished off on the right wing in the next play. Kurt Gidley was on for less than 10 minutes, replacing the injured Greg Inglis, and filled a spot without having much influence.

Gameplan: 6.5/10
It's always hard to rate tactics one way or the other in a one-off Test but despite the final scoreline in the favour of the Aussies, Tim Sheens has got plenty to think about before the World Cup. Firstly the way he used his halves. Johnathan Thurston is probably the best player in the world and he frankly wasn't employed enough. It's one thing to instruct him to lurk on the edges and leave Cronk and Smith to do the organising, but it's quite another to limit his involvement further by implementing such a forward dominated strategy. Yes, it worked in the end, with the Kangaroos cashing in out wide late in the game after wearing their opponents down by playing so physical through the middle. But New Zealand only needed to get the rub of the green when they had the momentum late in the first half and it could have been a different story. The disclaimer to all that is Thurston's foot. It may be that he was unable to inject himself as much as planned because he was physically too limited to. But if that was the case, you've got to wonder why he was out there to begin with. The final question worth posing is Kurt Gidley. Is picking him a waste when it's unlikely that he's going to be used unless there's an injury? When Thurston, Cronk and Smith are fit, they stay on the field. So why not pick four forwards and let Luke Lewis be the cover for injured halves and outside backs? 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teams: Rivers recalled, Crows axe Vince

Back ... Jared Rivers returns for the Cats. Source: Wayne Ludbey / Herald Sun

Geelong have regained ex-Melbourne defender Jared Rivers, naming him to play AFL premiers Sydney Swans on Friday night.

Rivers has been out for the past two matches with a knee injury after making his Cats debut in round one.

Geelong have included Rivers as one of two changes to their side to take on the Swans at the SCG, along with youngster George Horlin-Smith.

They replace Travis Varcoe, who seriously injured his shoulder last week, and omitted Jordan Murdoch.

Sydney Swans have axed Craig Bird and Andrejs Everitt, with premiership forward Mitch Morton recalled along with youngster Dane Rampe.

Essendon have named forward Michael Hurley for their clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday despite concerns over a wrist injury.

Hurley trained with teammates on Thursday with his right wrist heavily bandaged.

But the Bombers have included him and made five changes - with veteran defender Dustin Fletcher missing out with a groin injury.

With Paddy Ryder out suspended, David Hille makes his first start of the season for the Bombers in the ruck.

And Essendon have promoted speedster Jason Winderlich after a wretched two seasons with injury.

Collingwood have suffered another injury setback ahead of their clash with Richmond at the MCG on Saturday, with veteran Ben Johnson out with a calf injury.

Johnson and defender Jack Frost miss out, with Paul Seedsman and Josh Thomas elevated.

Richmond go into the match with an unchanged side.

Melbourne has named Jack Watts in their starting 18 to face the Giants despite the No.1 draft pick not playing a game last week after being dropped. Max Gawn joins Watts in the starting side, while Jake Spencer is on an extended bench.

Adelaide has lost patience with under-performing onballer Bernie Vince, who drops back to the SANFL, and the Crows also lose Nathan van Berlo to a knee injury.

Sam Kerridge is named in the starting 18, while Rory Laird, Shaun McKernan, Tom Lynch and Jarryd Lyons are on an extended bench.

The Western Bulldogs have suffered another injury setback, with experienced Robert Murphy (calf) joining Shaun Higgins, Tory Dickson and Easton Wood on the casualty list.

They are set to give last year's draftees Jake Stringer and Jack Macrae debuts in their match against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mourinho set for Real exit?

Mindgames ... is Mourinho headed out the door next season? Source: AAP

Speculation over Jose Mourinho's future intensified on Thursday after he reportedly told youth team coaches he would not be manager of Real Madrid next season.

Spanish sports daily As raised the prospect of the Portuguese's departure from the nine-time European champions in an interview with Manuel Alvarez, club president of Canillas, where the Real boss delivered a coaching master class on Monday.

"Mourinho told us that next year he wouldn't be able to give the master class, that it would be impossible because he would no longer be here.

"He said it half jokingly, half seriously,'' Alvarez was quoted as saying.

"He didn't tell us where he was going because we didn't ask him any further questions,'' the president of Canillas, a club in the Madrid suburbs, added.

On Sunday another Spanish paper, El Pais, linked Mourinho to a return to his former club Chelsea, who have also been linked to Malaga's Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Mourinho's contract with Real, who face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final first leg next Tuesday, runs until 2016.

He has always stated that he plans to sit down with Real president Florentino Perez at the end of the season to discuss his future.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bogut heading to NBA playoffs

Putting his hand up ... Bogut made a successful return from injury for Golden State. Source: Ben Margot / AAP

Andrew Bogut has overcome his latest ankle injury and will lead the Golden State Warriors in the NBA playoffs this weekend.

The Australian centre returned to the court against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday (AEST), helping the Warriors to an easy 99-88 victory in the final regular-season game and setting up a first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.

"Most importantly, I want him healthy," Warriors head coach Mark Jackson said after the win in Portland.

"It was good to see him healthy and moving well."

Bogut missed 38 games at the beginning of the season after undergoing arthroscopic and micro-fracture surgery on his left ankle and sent a scare through the team on April 11 when he limped off the court on the same ankle in a game against the Oklahoma Thunder.

He missed the next two games and there were fears he would remain sidelined for the playoffs, but the injury was diagnosed as only a bone bruise and he was cleared to play against Portland.

The Warriors need Bogut's big body for the first round of the playoffs against the Nuggets, which begins on Saturday in Denver, and he had a steady return against the Trail Blazers with eight rebounds, two blocks, three assists and two points in his 17 minutes.

The Warriors' sharp-shooting guard Stephen Curry made NBA history in Portland, bringing his three-point tally for the season to 272, breaking the record formerly held by the Miami Heat's Ray Allen.

Bogut's Boomer teammate, San Antonio Spurs' guard Patrick Mills, is also playoff-bound with the Spurs playing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: inside Eels dressing rooms

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Intense ... watch Sterlo on Thursday night to learn more about Ricky Stuart. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

Every kid who grows up watching footy dreams of getting the chance to see inside a dressing room packed full of their heroes.

But with most professional sports environments closed off to the public, that dream rarely turns to reality.

Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart is big on the sanctity of the sheds but in a rare opportunity for the fans, the premiership mentor has opened up the most private part of game day for the Eels, providing a unique insight into what the environment is like.

Stuart and the Eels gave Fox Sports the chance to film them before and during the big clash against Gold Coast Titans last weekend.

Given the former NSW Origin coach's anger after the game, when he unleashed an expletive-laden tirade against the referees, the segment proved to be a fascinating insight into life as an NRL coach.

From his instructions to playmaker Chris Sandow before the match to his emotional, honest appraisal of the side's performance after recording a narrow loss, Stuart's emotions are laid bare.

Click on the video at the top of the page to see the incredible footage from inside the Eels' dressing rooms!

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Origin audition must stay: Fittler

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City coach ... Brad Fittler says City v Country fixture must stay. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

City Origin coach and NSW legend Brad Fittler says it is imperative City v Country stays as a long term fixture on the rugby league calendar as it provides a genuine audition for the New South Wales State of Origin side.

"Where we are with Origin at the moment, we need to be thinking in advance," told foxsports.com.au.

Is it time City-Country was scrapped?

"The opposition has done a lot better than we have. Getting the support from Cary (NSW Rugby League CEO Geoff Carr) is enormous because he's under a lot of pressure. 

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"I think the game will look after itself purely from an entertainment point of view. If we get to pick the players we want and the players want to be there then the game will stand-up."

Fittler rubbished suggestions that the fixture should be scrapped despite a host of big name players withdrawing from Sunday's game.

"I refer to the game as a trial," Fittler said.

"Sometimes it's a trial for this year's Origin side, other times it's a trial for players in the future and I think the reality of where club footy is at, the intensity levels and what the blokes put their bodies through. 

"Someone like Robbie Farah, who has been playing for the last five years and been our best for the last two or three, if he has any sort of little injury, I see it as a good opportunity because he will probably be the Origin hooker, he can rest up and we can blood some of the other kids.

"This is where you might find a couple of those diamonds in the rough, it gives a few blokes a chance like I did when I was 18. Someone saw something in what I could do and if they play with the old rules they had backed then I wouldn't have the luck I've had.

"Curtis Sironen and James Tedesco are two real young fellas but I have no doubt that this week's going to benefit them enormously. 

"There are seven debutants, it's really refreshing. I see it as everyone wins, I don't see it as a negative at all. 

"Both sides have things to play for and hopefully they have pride in where they come from and see it as a good opportunity to represent their area."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eagles star defends bearded players

Hairy issue ... Jack Watts has attracted criticism from Wayne Carey for his beard. Source: News Limited

West Coast defender Will Schofield says it's ridiculous for people to question the commitment of AFL players who grow beards.

Former North Melbourne and Adelaide forward Wayne Carey sparked the debate about facial hair when he slammed Melbourne defenders James Frawley, Jack Watts, Colin Garland and Tom Gillies for their beard-growing competition.

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The Demons have lost all three of their games this season by a combined 321 points, and Carey said Demons players should be more focused on their form rather than silly competitions.

But Schofield, who shaved his own year-long beard for charity on Wednesday, said Melbourne's horror displays had nothing to do with beards.

"I'm not really sure how facial hair affects anyone," Schofield said.

"It's actually a joke that people think that having a beard means you are going to run less.

"It's actually ridiculous the amount of attention it got in terms of form or how teams are playing.

"It's like if people have long hair - it's got nothing to do with footy."

Schofield raised around $10,000 for the WA Cancer Council by shaving his beard.

The 24-year-old said he'd been called everything from Ned Kelly to Tom Hanks in Cast Away due to the rangy growth.

Schofield played some of the best football of his 81-game career while donning the growth, but said it might be a while before he grows it again.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Miller ditches Glory, Roar cut trio

See you later ... Liam Miller won't turn out for the Glory next season. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Former Ireland international Liam Miller has turned down a contract extension from Perth Glory, ending his two-year stint with the A-League club.

Glory coach Alistair Edwards offered the 32-year-old a new deal for next season, but the midfielder opted not to extend his stay.

"Unfortunately, it's part and parcel of football," Edwards said.

Our grand final countdown is on!

Here's what you'll see... 

Melanie McLaughlin and Andy Harper deliver a special LIVE Grand Final edition of Kick Off at 8.30pm (EST) on Fox Sports 1 HD.

Joining the hosts will be former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina, Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns and Herald Sun journalist David Davutovic.

1pm EST: Re-live one of Australian sport's greatest grand finals – the 2011 championship between Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners. 

2pm EST: Simon Hill and Mark Rudan take a look back at both team's journeys to the decider on the Road to the Grand Final.

3pm EST: A bumper one-hour LIVE Grand Final preview show live from Allianz Stadium when Rudan is joined by Adam Peacock, Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater.

The hosts will deliver all the breaking news and team movements plus cross to both coaches to hear their thoughts ahead of their greatest test.

4pm EST: Hill and Harper take over the reins to call all the action for Fox Sports' live and exclusive coverage of Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners.

BRING IT ON!

"Players come and go. Liam has played an important role over the last two years but has decided to move on."

Miller scored two goals from 50 appearances after joining Glory in 2011.

Midfielders Steven McGarry and Matias Cordoba are still in negotiations with Perth, while the Glory are also trying to extend Ryo Nagai's loan deal from Japanese club Cerezo Osaka.

Meanwhile, just days after Brisbane Roar's A-League title defence ended, coach Mike Mulvey began putting into place plans for next season by cutting three players.

Mulvey on Wednesday confirmed contracts would not be offered to Dutch playmaker Stef Nijland, midfielder James Meyer and defender Matt Jurman for next season.

Nijland fell out of favour with Brisbane after failing to make an impact following his A-League arrival in January on loan from PSV Eindhoven.

His career appears in limbo after reports that his Dutch club are also unlikely to renew his contract.

Central defender Jurman was leapfrogged on the Roar pecking order during the season by James Donachie, who formed a solid combination with Socceroo Jade North.

Meyer was last sighted in the Roar's doomed Asian Champions League qualifier against Buriram United in Thailand in February.

"From my point of view, I'd like to thank all three for their commitment and professionalism during my time at the club," Mulvey said.

"Each has contributed to the club in their own way, but at this point in time they did not fit into our plans as we move forward."

The Roar's dream of a hat-trick of A-League championships ended when they lost last weekend's semi-final against newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Butt, Asif fixing appeals dismissed

Still hopeful ... Salman Butt wants to return to cricket after his ban is completed. Source: Lefteris Pitarakis / AAP

The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday said that it had rejected appeals against spot-fixing bans filed by disgraced former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif.

The ruling marked the final chapter in one of the biggest cricketing scandals of recent years.

"The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeals filed by the Pakistani cricket players Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt against the decisions taken by the International Cricket Council Tribunal on 5 February 2011," it said in a statement.

The Swiss-based court, whose arbitrators heard the two players' cases in February, noted that Asif had requested that his ban be overturned mainly on procedural grounds.

"However, the CAS Panel found that there was no evidence advanced by Mr Asif which clearly exculpate him," it said.

"The Panel was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Asif was party to the spot-fixing conspiracy," it added.

Butt, meanwhile, had not contested that he was liable for a penalty but had sought a reduction of his ban to below five years, the CAS said.

"However, the CAS Panel was not persuaded that the sanction imposed by the ICC Tribunal was disproportionate nor that any of the mitigating factors advanced by Mr Butt qualified as exceptional circumstances," the court said.

Butt and two of his fast bowlers, Asif and Mohammad Aamer, were all banned by the ICC in 2011 after being found guilty of deliberately contriving no-balls in return for money in the Lord's Test in England the previous year.

Butt received a 10-year ban, five years of which were suspended, and Asif was barred for seven years, with two suspended.

Despite losing the appeal, Butt remained hopeful of making a comeback once his ban ends.

"I had 50-50 expectation from the appeal, but now I have to finish the two year and four months ban," he said in Pakistan.

"I have high hopes of resuming my career because I am 28 years old and our current captain is 39 and the vice captain is 33," Butt added, referring to Misbah-ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez respectively.

Butt said the last three years were the most difficult of his life.

"This was the most difficult period," said Butt, who made his debut in 2003.

"I will be 30 by the time the ban is finished. Let's see if the motivation is still there.

"I am trying to keep myself fit and motivated."

The now-defunct British newspaper the News of the World exposed the players in a sting operation involving their agent Mazhar Majeed who struck a deal for £150,000 ($A223,000) with an undercover reporter.

All three men were jailed in England in November 2011 over the scandal - which was linked to illegal betting - and were released last year after completing half of their sentences.

Aamer pleaded guilty in court and decided not to appeal the five-year ban imposed by the ICC.

The high-profile case was just one among a litany of corruption and fixing incidents to tarnish the name of Pakistani cricket.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'His footwork should be applauded'

Kevin Proctor ... an unsung hero for Melbourne against South Sydney. Source: FOX SPORTS

Former St George Illawarra superstar Mark Gasnier looks back on the sixth round of NRL action in 2013 and singles out his player of the week to be awarded The Gaz Man.

And the award, for his starring role in the Storm's big win over South Sydney, goes to...

KEVIN PROCTOR

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This guy's another of those unsung heroes for the Storm who really helps to make the whole machine operate as well as it does. 

Against the Rabbitohs Proctor stepped up to start in place of Tohu Harris and they had a gameplan to target John Sutton in defence. 

Sutton's a great tackler but his decision making can be questionable at times. 

I don't think they could have executed that gameplan without Kevin Proctor. 

His ability to use footwork to get inside Sutton's inside shoulder should be applauded.

A lot of teams try to run inside John Sutton with the fullback sweeping out the back to create that three on two but the whole idea of running that decoy play is to open up the edges.

I think Kevin Proctor has the ability.

He is such an athletic backrower that he was able to make Sutton really think about what he was going to do. 

He broke the line once and Sutton only just held onto him to save a try before breaking them again where he palmed off Greg Inglis for a try. 

There was also another time where he half went through and offloaded it for a half line-break. 

It's hard to argue that the Storm-Rabbitohs match was the highest quality match of the round, if not the season, and without Kevin Proctor's influence the Storm may not have run away with it. 

He really stood out against a great pack of forwards. 

I wouldn't say Melbourne's forward pack dominated Souths but I thought their edge backrowers really outshone their Rabbitohs opposites. 

That was the difference to how each team rolled up the field and questioned the decision making of the outside backs. 

Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk deserve every accolade that they get but if they don't have guys like Proctor with the ability to hold the opposition up so Slater can get out the back and take advantage of three on twos, he wouldn't be scoring near as many tries as he does. 

If there was no Proctor, Sutton wouldn't be as worried about what the inside man's going to do and the overlaps wouldn't be created. 

I also thought he did a lot of hard graft. 

Yes, he did the glamorous stuff out on the edges but he also did a lot of hard work - hit-ups coming off his own try-line second and third play, and worked hard defensively. 

What an option to start Kevin Proctor instead of Tohu Harris! 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL fan stuck in mud for 30 hours

Albert Kelly ... celebtrates scoring the match winning try. Source: CHARLES KNIGHT / AAP

A Titans fan was rescued on Tuesday morning after spending more than 30 hours stuck in a swamp at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast.

Police were called to swampland at the southern end of Railway Street at 2.45am today after local residents heard a man calling for help, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.

The 41-year-old man said he got stuck after he tried to take a shortcut on Sunday night after leaving the Titans game against Parramatta at Skilled Park, Robina.

"When police arrived they searched the area using a spotlight and located a 41-year -old man in the middle of a swamp area, some distance away from the road,'' police said.

"He had sunk into the watercourse and was unable to free himself."

It is believed no one noticed he was missing yesterday or saw him waving his hands for help.

Rescuers this morning waded into the swampland and used ropes to help pull the man to safety before carrying him to dry land.

He was taken to Robina Hospital and treated for climate exposure and cuts.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Beale itching to return says Folau

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Australian Wallabies' ... fly half Kurtley Beale waiting to return from suspension. Source: JUAN MABROMATA / AFP

Israel Folau says troubled Melbourne Rebels star Kurtley Beale is ready and 'itching' to make his return to the football field.

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Beale, 24, has reportedly sought counselling following an alcohol-fuelled altercation with Wallabies teammate Cooper Vuna in South Africa three weeks ago.

Folau said on Wednesday night that he had been in contact with Beale who had been stood down to deal with his demons.

"He's been great," Folau told The Back Page.

"The time off helped him a lot. Speaking to him, he's itching to get back on the field and play.

"No one knows what time that will be but when he comes back to play he will be ready."

Beale is rumoured to make his return in round 11 against the heavyweight Crusaders in Christchurch.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fair or Unfair: 2013 Brown's last?

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Courage ... Jonathan Brown may not go around again in 2014. Source: Darren England / News Limited

Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown has been one of the AFL's leading centre-half forwards for more than a decade but has his time come?

Is 2013 Jonathan Brown's last season?

Being one of the most courageous players in the history of the game has taken its toll on Brown and his slow start to the season had many people thinking 2013 might be his last.

However, you should never write off a legend and Brown returned to form on Saturday night against Gold Coast Suns with five goals and the Marcus Ashcroft Medal as best afield in the QClash.

There is no doubt the Lions still need his presence in the forward line but after 233 games and 551 goals how long can Brown be expected to carry to load?

The Warrnambool product has been unlucky with injury in recent seasons but if given a free run could still be a dominant power forward.

On Tuesday night's episode of AFL 360, Gerard Whately and Mark Robinson described the call for Brown to retire as "bewildering".

"It strikes me that we collectively are desperate to retire players," Whately said.

"We're desperate to retire Nick Riewoldt ... the game will be so much poorer when Nick Riewoldt calls it a day.

"We're desperate to retire Johnathan Brown.

"Why are we pushing them all out the door?"

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rojas wins Johnny Warren Medal

Young star ... Rojas wins the Johnny Warren Medal and the NAB Rising Star award. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Melbourne Victory star Marco Rojas polled more than twice the votes of Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero to take out the Johnny Warren Medal for the A-League player of the year award on Monday night.

New Zealand representative Rojas polled 908 votes from his fellow players, with Sydney FC marquee star Del Piero next best on 449 in his successful maiden season in the A-League.

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It was a red-letter night for 21 year-old Rojas at Sydney's Hilton Hotel, where he also scooped the young player of the year award.

Golden Boot winner Daniel McBreen, who led the A-League with 17 goals, was third in the Johnny Warren Medal, on 280 votes, followed by Central Coast clubmate and New Zealand international midfielder Michael McGlinchey (239), with Adelaide playmaker Dario Vidosic (222), rounding out the top five.

Midfielder Rojas has yet to decide whether he will play overseas next season or stay with Victory.

"I just wanted to finish the season first before I thought about it,'' Rojas said.

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"Now it's finished I'll sit down with dad and think about it.

"I'll have a look at what's been offered to me and see what's the best for me, what's going to help me further develop my football.''

Melbourne midfielder Marcos Flores won the goal of the year award for his round five effort against Wellington Phoenix.

First-season franchise and Premier's Plate winner Western Sydney Wanderers picked up two awards.

Tony Popovic was named coach of the year and goalkeeper Ante Covic won the Golden Glove award.

Brisbane Roar collected the fair play award and Peter Green referee of the year.

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Roar's Matildas star Clare Polkinghorne won the Julie Dolan Medal for the W-League player of the season.

Among the major W-League winners were Brisbane's Tameka Butt (players' player of the year), Perth's Katie Gill (Golden Boot), Newcastle's Emily van Egmond (goal of the year), Canberra's Mackenzie Arnold (goalkeeper of the year) and Melbourne's Stephanie Catley (young player of the year).

Ironically coach of the year went to former Melbourne Victory mentor Mike Mulvey, who left the W-League club during the season to take over as Brisbane Roar men's coach.

---

Johnny Warren Medal - Marco Rojas

NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award - Marco Rojas

Goalkeeper of the Year (Golden Glove) - Ante Covic - Western Sydney Wanderers

Golden Boot - Daniel McBreen - Central Coast Mariners - 17 Goals

Goal of the Year - Marcos Flores - Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix - Round 5: 5 Nov 2012

Coach of the Year - Tony Popovic - Western Sydney Wanderers

Referee of the Year - Peter Green

Fair play award - Brisbane Roar FC

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Anasta to miss a month for Tigers

Wests Tigers' injury curse continues, with Braith Anasta ruled out for a month with a groin problem.

Anasta sustained the injury in 13-12 loss the Dragons on Sunday and joins an extensive Tigers' casualty ward that includes superstar playmaker Benji Marshall (toe, round 9).

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Robbie Farah (groin), Chris Lawrence (ankle) and Aaron Woods (knee) were all ruled out of the City Origin team but are expected to be back for the round seven clash with the Brisbane Broncos after this week's bye.

Jack Buchanan (cheek) and Blake Ayshford (knee) were also injured in the bruising encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but are likely to return in round seven, while winger Marika Koroibete is a chance of returning but will have his foot injury monitored over the next fortnight.

In some positive news for the Wests Tigers, Matt Groat has returned from an injured ankle after spending a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

Tigers Casualty Ward

Aaron Woods (knee), Rd 7
Chris Lawrence (ankle), Rd 7
Robbie Farah (groin), Rd 7
Jack Buchanan (cheekbone), Rd 7
Blake Ayshford (knee), Rd 7/8
Braith Anasta (groin), Rd 10
Marika Koroibete (foot), Rd 7/8
Liam Fulton (quad), Return: Indefinite
Benji Marshall (toe), Rd 9
Lote Tuqiri (arm). Return: Indefinite
Keith Galloway (pectoral): Indefinite
James Gavet (ankle) Return: Indefinite

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hunt reflects on Davis controversy

Controversy ... Rex Hunt and Leon Davis after they cleared the air. Source: Herald Sun

Rex Hunt has recounted the racial vilification scandal involving Collingwood's Leon Davis, with the veteran broadcaster maintaining the whole affair was a simple misunderstanding.

In a candid and wide-ranging interview with Mike Sheahan on Monday night's Open Mike, Hunt said the controversial incident that occurred while he was calling a Friday night Pies-Essendon game for radio station 3AW in 2005 was a "totally innocent" slip of the tongue.

"'Black as a dog's guts' came in the same sentence as Leon Davis," Hunt said of his description of the stormy night at the MCG.

"I didn't know anything about it until the following Monday evening when I had 16 missed calls because someone had rung SEN and (asked), 'How can this racist get away with it?'

"No one knew about it (before then) that's how innocent it was. Then Leon came out and said, 'I don't accept his decision'.

"Then Eddie got Leon and I together, along with Michael Long, and after five minutes Leon said, 'It's a storm in a teacup, I see where you're coming from'." 

Hunt also spoke of several other controversial incidents he became embroiled in including the sex scandal that sorely tested his marriage, his decision to carry forks onto a commercial airliner in 2004, the road rage episode of 2008 and the time when he scuffled with teenagers in Byron Bay.

Hunt, for so long the doyen of 3AW's football coverage, also spoke of his bitter split with the radio station and his regret at switching to rival Triple M, an organisation he "had hated for so many years".

Sheahan put it to Hunt that he had gone to Triple M "in a huff" – a notion he disputed.

"I was cool, I was calm, I was calculated, but what I wasn't prepared for was being a very second or third-string (caller)," he said.

"What I wasn't prepared for was that I had to change my style. James Brayshaw – a fantastic man and a fantastic caller – was the man. It was a boys' club. I'm a grandfather, sit in the corner like Dennis Cometti's doing, and just call.

"Several times I was called in (and they said), 'Look we just don't know about the worm burner, and the yibbida yibbida and the higher than Joe Cocker – just call the footy straight'."

After calling footy for 3AW for over 20 years, Hunt's stay at Triple M lasted just two before he departed in 2011.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Kangaroos aren't down in the dumps'

Confident ... Brad Scott says the Roos can bounce back. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has backed his team to rebound despite the Kangaroos' winless start to the season.

Speaking on Monday night's episode of On The Couch, Scott said it wasn't all doom and gloom at the club despite failing to salute in the first three games of the season.

"We're certainly not down in the dumps," Scott said.

"We think we've played some really good footy, but clearly some lapses have hurt us and some really good quality opposition have made us pay for our mistakes.

"The reality is right at the moment that we knew it was going to be a tough start. We've played the reigning premiers from the previous three years … and we feel like we've really got a hold of them at different stages.

"The difference between Sydney, Collingwood, Geelong and where we sit right at the moment is we couldn't put them away. Not at any stage could we put them away. They hung in when we were dominating the game."

The Roos had 11 goals kicked on them by the Sydney Swans in a pivotal third quarter at the weekend and, while making no excuses for the landslide, said it had a lot to do with the experience of the Swans compared to his own side.

"When they make mistakes those mistakes are very narrow – there are only one or two things that tend to go wrong for the Swans," he said.

"We kicked 13 goals against the Swans and we had to earn every single one of them.

"With us, we're making mistakes that are across a broad range of areas.

"They're not simple to fix because it takes time, but they're very easy to identify and the players were very clear in our review what they were."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Noddy's Weekend Wash Up: R6

Sonny Bill Williams ... celebrates for Sydney Roosters against Canterbury Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

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

Sydney Roosters v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium

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This may have been billed as a grudge match but that never really got off the ground. Sonny Bill Williams made an outstanding play with his first touch, providing a magnificent cut-out pass for his winger, scored two tries of his own and he has class beyond that as a powerful, hole running back-rower. He would have walked away from the match proud of how he handled the pressure and with his head held high against a Bulldogs outfit that struggled. Many tipped the Bulldogs to win the grand final this year but poor errors and slow starts are hurting them. 

Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium

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The local derby wasn't a high scoring game but that doesn't mean that it wasn't a quality match. Scott Prince is starting to show the fans the reason why he was brought to the club, he added a lot of options in attack as did Corey Norman. Norman is settling into the role of fullback very well while Corey Parker produced some nice offloads to create some second phase play. I thought Johnathan Thurston was extremely good on a losing side while it was terrific to see Clint Greenshields back in the NRL following a stint in England. It shows younger players can go to England and come back to make an impact on the NRL.

Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers at Hunter Stadium

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It is amazing to look at the names that were on the field for this game yet the match managed to have no excitement at all. This was just two sides trying to grind out an ugly win. The Panthers have been struggling to score points which isn't being helped by a changing halves combination. This game summed up a Wayne Bennett coached side, he is willing to win messy, he likes no fuss and has brought a lot defensively to the club. I must admit, I expected a lot more from the Knights' attack. If you look at their roster, they have some real athletes in their squad, so I hope they are more enterprising in the future. That would be a better way of winning two points rather than the dower performance we saw on Saturday.

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium

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This game certainly lived up to its hype. It was played at a fast pace and had the feel of a grand final qualifier. These two sides are a prototype of each other. They both have similar men in key positions but it came down to which club knew the other better. I thought South Sydney's big frame in the forwards would have hurt Melbourne but the Storm turned up for the entire 80 minutes. Defensively they were brilliant on their try line. Adam Reynolds was rushed but he handled the occasion well, he will come out of the game a better player. The difference for the two sides was Cooper Cronk. The Storm blows me away by how good they are at taking their one opportunity and capitalising on it. 

Canberra Raiders v Warriors at Canberra Stadium

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This game didn't reach any great heights until after half-time. A few errors from Canberra allowed the Warriors to race ahead but the return of Terry Campese lifted the home side. Campese's class allowed the team to build pressure and create chances. For two weeks in a row the club has showed they have enormous character to fight until the end. Edrick Lee's try with two minutes to go typified the belief they have to come from behind. The Warriors looked like they were trying to slow the play down and get a gritty win but Josh McCrone moving to hooker added deception around the ruck and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs led from the front in a well fought performance. 

Manly Sea Eagles v Cronulla Sharks at Brookvale Oval

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This was a lot closer than I expected. I thought Manly's quality halves along with Brett Stewart at the back would have kicked out to a big win when they got in front but the Sharks were determined. I don't know if the Sharks were ever going to win the game but some spectacular tries kept things entertaining. Manly's near unbreakable right edge was finally penetrated so that will give the Sharks a lot of confidence. Daly Cherry-Evans was brilliant but their unknown forwards in Justin Horo, Tom Symonds and Brenton Lawrence bring enthusiasm to the side which allows their stars to add the polish. Unfortunately while Cronulla are missing Todd Carney and Michael Gordon is injured they will struggle to match it with the top sides.

Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons at Sydney Cricket Ground

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While it was a low scoring affair, you couldn't help but think the Dragons were home. They are playing a brand of football that works for them and getting high completions rates. Trent Merrin produced another magical performance and I hope NSW pick him for Origin because I can see him being a real x-factor for the Blues. The Tigers were 12-0 down and ended up having an opportunity to win the game but they didn't take their chances and Jamie Soward's left foot proved to be the difference. The Tigers will walk away knowing the game was theirs for the taking but the Dragons were the more dominant side and deserved to win. On a side note, I question why these teams had to use a new football for their match. I know it is heritage round but when you only have a few days to practice with the ball I'd like to hope both sides weren't disadvantaged by using a different football.

Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels at Skilled Park

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Talk about a thriller. With the representative scene around the corner it is great to see so many of our stars hitting form. Jarryd Hayne is playing consistently well while Chris Sandow is beginning to find a nice balance between structure and adlib football. Ryan Morgan showed last week against the Sharks that he has pace on the edge and backed it up again this week. I don't think Ricky Stuart will be too upset by the loss, he will just be looking for some consistency from his side. Both sides weren't overly confident they were going to win the game so took the penalty goals when they were on offer and after a fast comeback by the Titans it was a player who wasn't meant to play who stole the show. I changed my tip to the Eels when I thought Albert Kelly wasn't playing. I thought they may have struggled to score points but John Cartwright's faith in recruiting Kelly has been re-paid. It was good to see Beau Henry play well and be perfect with the boot. Having stood down Dave Taylor for disciplinary reasons, Jamal Idris played very well in his place on the edge and expect to see him eventually make it a permanent move.

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'Best two teams into grand final'

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Glory awaits ... The Wanderers need just one more victory to cap an amazing season. Source:AAP

Fox Sports football commentators Robbie Slater and Mark Bosnich review the A-League preliminary finals, which saw Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners advance to the decider.

Western Sydney Wanderers 2 def Brisbane Roar 0

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Bozza: I think we've seen Brisbane transcend the game of football in Australia over the last two years and I think Western Sydney Wanderers have done the same thing in one season. They play at such high intensity and it's so important to have a player like Shinji Ono, who when they get the ball is capable of doing things like this; to be always in support of their attacking players and to be able to hit pin-point balls like this to keep possession.

Robbie: He's (Youssouf Hersi) unbelievable. His engine as well is unbelievable. When you watch him play it's what every player does but he does it with such energy - it is quite incredible. And you can't get beyond the stat, every time this guy has started they've won. So look, he is going to be missed. There's no doubt that his position on that right-hand side, when he plays he's something exceptional. Defensively he does so well for them, it's not only about him attacking it's about him defending as well.

Central Coast Mariners 1 def Melbourne Victory 0

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Bozza: I think he (Nathan Coe) was just moving a little bit just before he (Daniel McBreen) struck his goal. You'll see eventually when he dives he's actually diving from a position which takes him away originally from the strike and makes it that much more difficult. He (McBreen) actually missed two easier chances earlier on … but he's had a fabulous season.

Robbie: The Victory were better than they were against Perth. They just lacked it in the final third but you can put that down to their defensive structure that Graham Arnold spoke about – how they cut the supply to particularly (Marco) Rojas and Archie Thompson. He (Ange Postecoglou) has turned that club around. There's no doubt that the club now has a culture, they've found their identity again. Melbourne Victory are only going to get better.

Bozza: I thought they (Victory) were a little bit disappointing. We saw them last week against Perth pretty much get out of jail, even though they kept on daring. I thought they started off very well this evening, then were nullified by what was a superb performance from Central Coast defensively. But if you're a Melbourne Victory supporter you would have expected a little bit more from the likes of Rojas and the likes of (Marcos) Flores and Archie Thompson. The Mariners defended brilliantly but you would have expected a little bit more from the Victory – it just didn't seem like they were going to score at all.

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Titans clinch thrilling victory

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Gold Coast Titans ... Anthony Don scores on debut. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Written off by critics as not up to NRL standard, a physical Parramatta gave Gold Coast a mighty scare at Skilled Park on Sunday evening.

4 Tries 3
Anthony Don 13'	Jarryd Hayne 22'
Ashley Harrison 57'	Ryan Morgan 29'
Mark Minichiello 68'	Jarryd Hayne 49'
Albert Kelly 71'
4 Conversions 3
Beau Henry 15'	Chris Sandow 23'
Beau Henry 58'	Chris Sandow 30'
Beau Henry 69'	Chris Sandow 51'
Beau Henry 72'
2 Penalties 2
Beau Henry 20'	Chris Sandow 8'
Beau Henry 62'	Chris Sandow 26'

The Titans escaped 28-22 after trailing 22-8 but they had their fair share of luck, especially with halfback Albert Kelly's match-winning try in the 72nd minute.

Kelly scored after his own bomb took a deflection off teammate Luke Douglas as the Parramatta defence, including fullback Jarryd Hayne, let the ball bounce.

Hayne had pulled off a spectacular AFL-like leap to score a try in the 49th minute that put the Eels out to a 14-point lead.

Hayne also saved the day when he took debutant winger Anthony Don into touch with Parramatta clinging to a 22-16 lead.

An average spectacle for the first 40 minutes, the contest came alive after Titans forward Ashley Harrison crashed over to make it 22-14 before five-eighth Beau Henry kicked one of his six goals to reduce the deficit to six points.

Titans interchange forward Mark Minichiello levelled the scores after Kelly put him through a narrow gap 10 metres out.

Parramatta were hammered in the second half penalties 8-1 which helped the Titans' recovery mission.

But for a team beaten 50-0 three weeks ago they took the Titans to the wire.

The visitors, coming off a confidence-boosting upset over Cronulla last weekend, muscled up on their rivals.

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They led 16-8 at halftime and could have had a bigger lead just after the break had Kelepi Tanginoa not been called back for a forward pass after he raced across the Titans tryline.

"Over the last two weeks we've thrown two passes that were ruled forward but they were just too good for the refs," Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart said.

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"That wasn't a forward pass tonight to young Kelepi scoring under the posts. The pass was too good for the ref."

"We've got to sit here and front the media and I try to be as honest as I can ... get those referees in here to talk about their bullshit errors."

Stuart said his players deserved the win - and a better deal.

"We got beat 50-0 two weeks ago. We handled it. We copped it on the chin," he said.

"Tonight should have been our game. You can't have a seven-nil penalty count and win a game of football.

"I'm up in the box and I'm hearing two referees saying `hand on ball, hand on ball', yet no penalty.

"Jarryd (Hayne), Reni Maitua go to the ref and ask for an explanation.

"They get an explanation in frigging Spanish."

The Titans, who had co-captains Nate Myles and Greg Bird named in Australia's Test side to play New Zealand on Friday, were ordinary at times while committing a comedy of errors.

They dropped passes, dropped kicks and threw wild passes over the sideline.

Parramatta were clearly the more enthusiastic side, starting the second half well before Bird and Harrison stepped up and provided some energy to start the hosts' comeback.

An angry and emotional Stuart slammed the refereeing and warned the game was going backwards after his players were buried under a mountain of second half penalties.

The former Australian and NSW Origin coach let rip at referees' boss Daniel Anderson during the post-match interview and didn't spare referees Jason Robinson and Adam Gee who copped a spray from Wests Tigers coach Michael Potter recently.

"I thought we were the better team. I just feel sorry for the players. It's happened every single week," bristled Stuart.

"Were just a very, very easy team to penalise.

"I'm sick and tired of (referees' boss) Daniel Anderson talking to my coaches during the week and saying he understands in regard to a penalty, no penalty, yet it still happens week-in, week-out.

"It's only because were a very easy team to penalise.

"We don't have any of the higher profile players where we can get penalties.

"It's bullshit. I just feel so sorry for the players."

Stuart said the penalties against his side were probably warranted - he just couldn't believe it was such a one way street.

"I'm not blowing up about that. But there's no way they were that clean. It's just wrong. It was unfair," he said.

"That out there tonight, that was very, very obvious."

Titans winger David Mead was taken to hospital for x-rays for a suspected broken jaw which he played on with for the last 10 minutes of the match.

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'Never write off a champion like Hodge'

Champion ... Luke Hodge looks to drive Hawthorn into attack. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Fox Sports AFL expert Julian de Stoop reviews round three in the AFL and discusses his likes and dislikes.

It was another big weekend in the AFL with some gusty wins and unlucky injuries, we bring you the best and worst from the week that was.

Do you agree? Tell us what you liked to disliked from the weekend by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

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Likes

Luke Hodge
A knee injury restricted Luke Hodge to just 10 matches in 2012 and when word filtered out that Hawthorn had wrapped its skipper in cotton wool at times over summer some began to question whether we had seen the best of the 2008 Norm Smith Medallist. The answer appears to be an emphatic no! In his first game of the season last week Hodge was amongst the Hawks' best but against Collingwood he was the standout player on the ground. With his team down by 22 points in the second term it was Hodge and his fierce attack on the ball and the man that dragged his team back into the contest. The skipper finished with 31 disposals and two booming goals, both from good old fashioned torpedos.

Port Adelaide
When the Power suffered the indignity of losing to the Giants in Round 19 last season they hit rock bottom. Matthew Primus was sacked and given the club's financial problems their very existence in the competition was questioned. But under new leadership in president David Koch, coach Ken Hinkley and captain Travis Boak the Power are rejuvenated. Wins over Melbourne and the Giants were encouraging but the showdown was their first real test for the year. When they trailed the Crows by five goals all seemed lost but led brilliantly by best on ground Boak and a born again Justin Westhoff the Power ignited for one of the best wins in recent times. The form of young players Chad Wingard, Hamish Hartlett and rookie Ollie Wines would bring a huge smile to Hinkley's face.

Jake Carlisle
Naturally all the focus was on James Hird before, during and after the Bombers' amazing come-from-behind win over Fremantle but the real star at Patersons Stadium was Jake Carlisle. The young defender kept Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich  scoreless and his composure under pressure late in the game led to Paddy Ryder's match-winning goal. Carlisle has played on and beat Taylor Walker, Mitch Clark and Pavlich in the opening three rounds and with just 31 games under his belt he looks to be a star of the future. His improvement gives Hird the luxury to leave Michael Hurley forward where his strength and presence is so important.

The Tigers big three
Richmond and star power haven't been commonplace in the past 30 years but in Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin the Tigers have three genuine stars through the middle. The trio combined for 98 disposals and five goals as Richmond continued their unbeaten start to the season with a thumping win over the Dogs. Memo to opposition coaches… don't bother tagging Cotchin, like Gary Ablett, he is basically untaggable. Instead focus on negating the finisher in Deledio. Martin will be frighteningly good when he is a fit enough to play four quarters but the trio will have to be at their best when the Tigers play Collingwood in a blockbuster at the MCG on Saturday.

Sydney's midfield
Not only are the Swans midfielders big and strong, they kick goals. With Sam Reid struggling for form and Kurt Tippett unavailable until the second half of the season, the reigning premiers have to find goals from other sources and so far so good. Jarrad McVeigh, Kieran Jack, Josh Kennedy and Daniel Hannebery all regularly hit the scoreboard as does Ben McGlynn who cruelly missed last year's grand final with a hamstring injury. As usual no one is talking about the Swans but it's business as usual for the reigning premiers

Dislikes

The Slide Rule
I must admit initially I thought the slide rule was a good one but on the evidence of the weekend it is going to frustrate coaches, players, fans and even umpires for the entire season. The incident in which Harry O'Brien was reported for rough conduct on Luke Hodge - when O'Brien really should of got a free kick because Hodge slid in - highlights how tough the rule is to interpret for the umpires. If a player slides in feet first or slides in and takes a players legs out from under them when they have the ball then pay a free kick but when the ball is in a disputed situation let it go. It's an overreaction to what was a terribly unfortunate injury to Swan Gary Rohan last year.

Injuries
In the opening two rounds the club medico's weren't kept too busy but that all changed in Round 3. The season ending knee injury to Giants youngster Jonathan Patton is sad for all football followers while two luckless players in Carlton's Matthew Kreuzer and Geelong's Travis Varcoe are set for significant spells on the sidelines due thumb and shoulder injuries respectively.

Sleepy Demons and North Melbourne
On the evidence of the opening three rounds Brad Scott and Mark Neeld need to work on their half-time pep talks. Both teams conceded 11 goals in what is commonly referred to as the premiership quarter after promising first halves. North Melbourne have led in all three of their matches at half-time only to be outscored 144 to 38 in third quarters. Hard to believe the Demons have actually been worse. They have kicked a paltry 2.2 compared to their opposition who have scored 24.14. And one more on Melbourne… why would Jack Watts not play in the VFL after being dumped from the seniors? The way he's been handled continues to bemuse.

Leaky Blues
Mick Malthouse has built a coaching career on defence but he's got some work to do at Visy Park. The winless Blues have conceded over 100 points in all three matches this year and if they don't tighten up their finals dreams will be over before they know it. Marc Murphy was criticised for his defensive work against Collingwood in round two and against the Cats his opponent Taylor Hunt kicked three goals in the opening half. I'm sure some stern words will be heading the skipper's way this week.

Matthew Pavlich
As we have learnt with Luke Hodge you never write off a champion but it's been a slow start to the year for Matthew Pavlich. The Dockers skipper didn't have a great pre-season due to Achilles surgery and a hand injury which required surgery after Round 1 hasn't helped his cause. If Ross Lyon's men are to jump into the top four they need more from the skipper. The good news is 'The Pav' started slowly last year before producing a stellar final three months to finish the season with 69 goals.

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