Classy Cats too much for Tigers

Out of reach ... Mitch Duncan and the Cats held the Tigers at bay all night long. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Geelong overwhelmed Richmond by 44 points to set up next Friday night's AFL blockbuster against Essendon.

4.1 (25)	Q1	3.3 (21)
8.4 (52)	Q2	9.3 (57)
11.7 (73)	Q3	15.7 (97)
13.9 (87)	Q4	20.11 (131)

Jake King 4	Allen Christensen 3
Jack Riewoldt 3	Jimmy Bartel 2
Dustin Martin 2	Mitchell Duncan 2
Brandon Ellis 1	Tom Hawkins 2
Shaun Grigg 1	Steve Johnson 2
Chris Knights 1	Billie Smedts 2
Luke McGuane 1	Mathew Stokes 2
	Mark Blicavs 1
	Corey Enright 1
	Jordan Murdoch 1
	Joel Selwood 1
	Trent West 1

The 20.11 (131) to 13.9 (87) win over the Tigers on Saturday night at the MCG leaves the Cats and the Bombers as the only two unbeaten teams after six rounds.

Richmond were impressive in the first half, but lost their composure in the third term.

The Cats kicked 11 goals to five in the second half.

It was a great night for Geelong's two milestone players, with Corey Enright (250 games) and Steve Johnson (200) having key roles in the win.

Cats players rushed to Enright late in the last term when he kicked a booming goal.

Mathew Stokes also starred for Geelong, while Shane Edwards 30 possessions for Richmond and Jake King kicked a career-best four goals.

Richmond, ranked last in the league for tackles before this match, were much better in that area against Geelong, especially in the first half.

But the Cats withstood their pressure, kicking the last four goals of the first half to turn a 19-point deficit into a five-point lead at the main break.

Geelong took full toll early in the third term as a succession of incidents rattled the Tigers.

First ruckman Ivan Maric limped off with a lower leg injury, although he was able to return to the field later in the term.

Moments later, back-up Richmond ruckman Tyrone Vickery was then knocked senseless at a centre bounce when he clashed heads with Johnson.

Vickery was subbed out of the game.

Tigers defender Chris Newman then reacted furiously when a free kick was paid against him, first clashing with Taylor Hunt and then Joel Selwood.

By this stage, the free kick count was 14-4 in Geelong's favour.

Allen Christensen's goal at six minutes was the sixth in a row for Geelong, giving them a 16-point lead.

By three-quarter time, the margin was four goals and another two to the Cats early in the final term put the result beyond doubt.

Cats coach Chris Scott had a beaming grin after Enright kicked his final-term goal.

"You need to be a bit careful about making outlandish statements this close to the finish of the game, but he (Enright) is probably the best small defender of our era,'' Scott said.

"When we were a bit average inside the contest, Johnson was the one keeping us in it.

"I loved his game tonight.

'''Boris' just did what he always does ... he's very reliable.''

Scott had concerns about aspects of their game in the first half, but was impressed with how his players steadied and took control.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick admitted his side became rattled in the third term when Maric and Vickery were injured.

They also lost Ricky Petterd late in the match with a leg injury and those three will have to prove their fitness for next Saturday's away match against Port Adelaide.

But Hardwick also conceded the Cats were superb in exploiting Richmond's problems.

"They're obviously 6-0 for a reason, they're outstanding,'' he said of Geelong.

He added it was "disappointing'' Richmond lost their discipline in the third term as they gave away a succession of frees and 50m penalties.

"The retaliator always gets caught,'' Hardwick said.

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

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Force, Reds playout thrilling draw

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Thrilling draw ... The Force hold the Reds to a draw. Source: Theron Kirkman / AAP

Star Queensland Reds five-eighth Quade Cooper missed a 75th-minute sideline conversion as the Western Force held on for a 11-11 Super Rugby draw in Perth on Saturday night.

1 Tries 1
Ben McCalman 52'	Chris Feauai-Sautia 73'
2 Penalties 2
Sias Ebersohn 22'	Quade Cooper 34'
Sias Ebersohn 26'	Quade Cooper 61'

The Reds appeared headed for their third straight defeat against the Force after slipping to an 11-3 deficit early in the second half.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	7	1	2	118	4	40
2	Reds	7	2	2	14	3	39
3	Waratahs	4	5	0	-44	1	25
4	Melbourne Rebels	2	8	0	-106	6	22
5	Western Force	2	8	1	-80	4	18
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	7	3	0	85	8	40
2	Blues	5	4	0	49	8	36
3	Crusaders	5	4	0	56	6	30
4	Hurricanes	5	4	0	-5	4	28
5	Highlanders	1	8	0	-83	2	14
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Cheetahs	7	3	0	12	3	35
2	Bulls	6	3	0	46	4	32
3	Sharks	5	5	0	40	5	29
4	Stormers	4	5	0	2	5	29
5	Southern Kings	2	6	1	-104	1	15

But a powerful 30 minutes from the Reds catapulted them back into the contest, with a Cooper penalty and a try to substitute Chris Feauai-Sautia locking up the scores at 11-11.

Cooper had the chance to put the Reds ahead with a tough conversion attempt, but the enigmatic Wallaby sprayed his shot to the left.

The Force tried to pinch the game as the clock wound down.

But a turnover just 22m out gave the Reds one last chance to win it, with scrumhalf Will Genia launching an audacious run down the touchline before being tackled into touch 40m short of the line.

The Reds entered Saturday's match having lost their previous two encounters to the Force, including a shock 19-12 defeat at Suncorp Stadium earlier this year.

Force winger Paddy Dellit further stoked the fire earlier this week when he claimed the Reds didn't show the Force enough respect before that round-five clash.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Reds dominated play early, and France-bound winger Digby Ioane thought he scored the opener when he touched down in the corner in the ninth minute.

However, the TMO ruled out the try after replays showed Ioane's boot grazed the paint of the touchline.

The Force struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities early, but were given a much-needed spark when returning winger Nick Cummins marked a box kick and made off on one of his trademark runs in the 17th minute.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Although the fast break didn't result in a try, it gave the side great field position, with five-eighth Sias Ebersohn kicking a penalty shortly after to break the deadlock.

Force hooker Heath Tessmann was influential in the first half, unleashing a series of big tackles and forcing several turnovers at the breakdown.

The Force went into half-time with a 6-3 lead, but that became an 11-3 advantage in the 52nd minute when a brilliant break from Cummins set up flanker Ben McCalman for a try.

Ebersohn missed the easy conversion, and from there the Reds dominated possession as they powered their way back into the contest.

And as the Force penalty count rose, so did the pressure.

The Reds opted for line-outs instead of penalty points, and they eventually crossed the line when Feauai-Sautia barged over a glut of Force defenders to touch down in the 73rd minute.

But Cooper's miss meant the Reds' winless streak against the Force stretched to three games.

Reds skipper James Horwill was substituted at half-time after copping a heavy knock to the head.

"In the end we did well to get back and get two points out of the game,'' Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie said.

"They frustrated and harassed and kept us under pressure.''

Force coach Michael Foley was pleased with how his team rebounded from last week's 41-7 mauling at the hands of the Brumbies.

"I just think that was outstanding character,'' Foley said.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fremantle too good for Suns

Foot race ... Matt de Boer leads Harley Bennell to the ball at Metricon Stadium. Source: DAVE HUNT / AAP

A dominant first-half display has ensured a comfortable 45-point win for Fremantle over Gold Coast on Saturday.

0.2 (2)	Q1	3.3 (21)
2.5 (17)	Q2	6.5 (41)
5.8 (38)	Q3	10.6 (66)
7.12 (54)	Q4	15.9 (99)

Jaeger O'Meara 2	Michael Walters 4
Gary Ablett 1	Jonathon Griffin 3
Harley Bennell 1	Hayden Crozier 2
Jarrod Harbrow 1	Jack Hannath 1
Karmichael Hunt 1	Chris Mayne 1
Dion Prestia 1	Clancee Pearce 1
	Alex Silvagni 1
	Nick Suban 1
	Cameron Sutcliffe 1

The Dockers restricted the home team to just two goals in the first half to set up the 15.9 (99) to 7.12 (54) victory, which lifts Fremantle to a 4-2 record.

Michael Walters booted four goals for the undermanned Dockers, including three in the third quarter, as they made light of the absences of stars Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Nathan Fyfe.

A disappointing Gold Coast, coming off the back of their biggest win as a club last weekend against Greater Western Sydney, at least fought hard in the second half but couldn't close the margin enough to worry the Dockers.

"Really pleasing performance from start to finish,'' Freo coach Ross Lyon said.

"Obviously some big challenges coming up here, the dilution of our midfield, but players really stood up.

"Strong leadership start to finish and we've banked four points.''

Suns coach Guy McKenna said his men had failed to keep their poise against the "boa constrictors of the AFL'' despite matching them in several key areas.

"Clearly our execution, going forward, wasn't good enough,'' McKenna said.

"They've got a couple of players who like to get under the opposition's skins and that's fine ... but five free-kicks for off-ball incidents when we had the footy, we're not at that level where we can absorb that right now.''

The hosts kicked three goals in the third quarter but every time they threatened to come back the Dockers hit back.

Young gun Jaeger O'Meara's second of the match early in the fourth quarter sparked some hope but a dreadful error from defender Tom Murphy ended that surge as Hayden Crozier strolled in.

From there the Dockers weren't headed, Chris Mayne booting a final goal after the siren to seal the win with ruckman Jonathon Griffin (3) and Crozier (2) the other multiple goal-kickers for the visitors.

Ryan Crowley played a big role in the first half by restricting Suns captain Gary Ablett to just 12 disposals for the term.

Ablett vented his frustrations by wrestling Crowley to the ground off the ball early in the second term, the subsequent free-kick sparking an attack which ended in the Dockers' fourth goal of the game.

Jarrod Harbrow was one Sun to emerge from the game with credit, racking up a game-high 32 disposals but several Suns, including Aaron Hall and debutant Jesse Lonergan, failed to fire.

Last weekend's six-goal hero against the Giants, tall Charlie Dixon, was also subbed off in the third term with an ankle injury to add to Gold Coast's woes.

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

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gambhir and Yuvraj axed

Axed ... Gambhir and Yuvraj not named in India's team for the Champions Trophy. Source: AAP

India's selectors drop opener Gautam Gambhir and all-rounder Yuvraj Singh for next month's Champions Trophy one-day tournament in England.

The duo were part of the side that beat England 3-2 in a home one-day series in January, with Gambhir scoring just 127 runs and Yuvraj 126 in five one-dayers.

Yuvraj, treated for a rare germ-cell cancer between his lungs in the United States last year, was named man of the tournament in India's 50-over World Cup triumph in 2011.

Gambhir has scored 5238 runs in 147 one-dayers with 11 centuries while Yuvraj has made 8211 runs in 282 matches with 13 hundreds.

India are drawn with South Africa, Pakistan and the West Indies in group B of the Champions Trophy, from which the top two will qualify for the semi-finals. The other group comprises England, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

India, who shared the 2002 Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka following a rain-hit final in Colombo, will clash with South Africa in their first match at Cardiff on June 6.

Shikhar Dhawan, who played his last one-dayer against the West Indies in 2011, returned to bolster the batting. He is likely to open the innings with Murali Vijay, who also made a comeback.

Dhawan, who has so far scored 69 runs in five one-dayers, rose to fame after hammering a 174-ball 187 on his Test debut against Australia in Mohali in March.

With the conditions in England expected to favour seam bowling, India named five fast bowlers -- Irfan Pathan, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, and Vinay Kumar.

India picked three spinners -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja -- in the 15-man squad to be led by wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma are the other specialist batsmen.

India are without experienced opener Virender Sehwag, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and seamer Zaheer Khan, who were not named in a 30-man preliminary squad last month.

Sehwag's 219 against the West Indies in December 2011 is the highest individual score in one-dayers and he is only the second batsman to score a double-century in the shorter format after compatriot Sachin Tendulkar.

But he was dropped due to recent poor form.

Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Murali Vijay, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Vinay Kumar.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rabbitohs too strong for Broncos

Nathan Merritt ... celebrates his try with Bryson Goodwin. Source: Darren England / News Limited

South Sydney sent another warning to their NRL rivals that the club's 42-year premiership wait could be over with an aggressive 26-12 win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

What made the 14-point win so impressive was it came just seven days after engaging in a brutal 80-minute battle with Manly.

2 Tries 4
Scott Prince 29'	Jason Clark 19'
Jack Reed 35'	Greg Inglis 44'
	Nathan Merritt 48'
	John Sutton 52'
2 Conversions 4
Scott Prince 31'	Adam Reynolds 20'
Scott Prince 37'	Adam Reynolds 46'
	Adam Reynolds 50'
	Adam Reynolds 54'
0 Penalties 1
	Adam Reynolds 4'

However to their credit, Brisbane refused to submit when the floodgates looked like opening early in the second half.

Souths led 8-0 early but trailed 12-8 at half-time after Brisbane hit back with late tries to five-eighth Scott Prince - his first since returning to the club - and centre Jack Reed.

An upset was on the cards in front of a bumper crowd of 39,111 but Souths roared out of the blocks in the second half, piling on 18 unanswered points in the space of 15 minutes.

Fullback Greg Inglis ignited the blitz in the 45th minute, hurtling onto the ball 10 metres out like a runaway freight train with Brisbane's last line of defence, fullback Corey Norman and big Dave Hala, powerless to stop him.

The accolades flowed from both sides for Inglis' dominant display.

"He goes alright back there," said a smiling Souths coach Michael Maguire, before Rabbitohs' captain John Sutton chipped in with "he's a freak".

Brisbane skipper Sam Thaiday said on form Inglis was the best player in the game.

"Greg has found a home at fullback, he punished us tonight," said Thaiday.

"Souths are a great side, particularly with him (Inglis) at the back."

Thaiday said Brisbane needed to get tougher and more ruthless to beat the top sides.

"They were tougher than we were, we weren't tough at all," he said.

"We need to get a bit of mongrel in us and fight to win games."

Four minutes later a poor last play chip option straight into Inglis's safe hands triggered a super try 95 metres down field to winger Nathan Merritt, who dumbfounded his rivals out of dummy half with a thief-in-the-night try.

The visitors final try was the softest, big John Sutton strolling through a yawning gap in the 53rd minute to make it 26-12.

To their credit, Brisbane stemmed the flood of points for the last 27 minutes while testing Souths defence several times.

But Souths' sheer size and power up front, their relentlessness and superior ruck speed and Inglis's class were the difference.

Brisbane missed the experience of centre Justin Hodges, especially when Souths came out so hard in the second half.

The win, their sixth of the season on the road, moved Souths into a share of the premiership lead with Melbourne and added further weight to predictions the club could win their first premiership since 1971. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chiefs ruin Beale's Rebels return

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Thriller ... Chiefs' Gareth Anscombe scores a hat-trick, ruining Kurtley Beale's return. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Wallaby star Kurtley Beale repaid the Rebels in his return from suspension but he couldn't help them secure an upset win over the Chiefs.

5 Tries 6
Scott Higginbotham 14'	Gareth Anscombe 1'
Hugh Pyle 35'	Bundee Aki 9'
Hugh Pyle 63'	Gareth Anscombe 20'
Nick Phipps 68'	Gareth Anscombe 26'
Kurtley Beale 75'	Sam Cane 50'
	Brodie Retallick 70'
4 Conversions 3
James O'Connor 15'	Gareth Anscombe 10'
James O'Connor 37'	Gareth Anscombe 21'
James O'Connor 65'	Gareth Anscombe 51'
James O'Connor 76'
0 Penalties 1
	Gareth Anscombe 67'

In a see-sawing encounter the Super Rugby defending champions held on for a 39-33 win at AAMI Park, holding off a late Rebels surge.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	7	1	2	118	4	40
2	Reds	7	2	1	14	3	37
3	Waratahs	4	5	0	-44	1	25
4	Melbourne Rebels	2	8	0	-106	6	22
5	Western Force	2	8	0	-80	4	16
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	7	3	0	85	8	40
2	Blues	5	4	0	49	8	36
3	Crusaders	5	4	0	56	6	30
4	Hurricanes	5	4	0	-5	4	28
5	Highlanders	0	8	0	-86	2	10
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Cheetahs	7	3	0	12	3	35
2	Bulls	6	3	0	46	4	32
3	Stormers	4	5	0	2	5	29
4	Sharks	5	4	0	43	4	28
5	Southern Kings	2	6	1	-104	1	15

It was the third narrow loss in a row and delivered more heartbreak for the young side.

The Chiefs scored four tries in the opening half - three by fullback Gareth Anscombe - to secure a bonus point at AAMI Park before the break and two in the second half.

Last round the Chiefs did the same against the Sharks before letting the South Africans back into the match and were forced to scramble to a late win.

Beale had missed the last six games; first through a broken hand and then suspension for a drunken altercation with two Rebels.

Rebels coach Damien Hill plans to put Beale straight back into the starting side next Saturday against the Blues in Auckland.

"He was electric, he added so much to our attack,'' Hill said.

"Two of those combinations he had with James (O'Connor); one led to a line-break and one led to a try so I hope Kurtley gets a lot of confidence out of that.''peChiefs coach Dave Rennie said his side wasn't finishing matches.

He returned to Melbourne this week with his teammates giving him the green light to play.

Beale came on at fullback in the 47th minute and made an inauspicious start; kicking the ball out on the full in the re-start.

But he showed he had lost none of his electric pace and skills as he helped set up a second try to lock Hugh Pyle.

He and fellow playmaker James O'Connor then combined to send Nick Phipps in under the posts before the 24-year-old split the defence and raced to the tryline himself in the 75th minute.

That made the scoreline 39-33 and put the Rebels right back in the hunt.

That appeared to be short-lived when Anscombe looked to have scored his fourth, only for the Television Match Official to declare an earlier knock-on.

Melbourne then took control of the ball and hammered the Chiefs tryline in the dying minutes but couldn't find a way through to get the points they needed.

Skipper Scott Higginbotham delivered another inspired performance, scoring a try in the first half along with Pyle's.

They were at one stage down 24-7, with Anscombe scoring twice within six minutes but fought back to 24-12 at the break.

With their three second half tries the Rebels finished with two bonus points, for scoring their five tries and finishing within seven points but it wasn't the win they desperately sought.

Hill was disappointed to be in the same position three weeks running.

"It doesn't get any easier,'' he said.

"The challenge for us now is that we don't lose heart and we continue the path that we're on.''

"We had the game under control a number of times and through a lack of rugby nouse and decision making, we gifted the ball back and gave up a couple of soft tries and put ourselves under pressure.

"We lack killer instinct at the moment.

"We get ourselves in a strong position and we should put the foot on the throat and finish it off but we put ourselves under stress.''

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ryder back in gym after assault

All's tweet ... Jesse Ryder continues recovery from alleged assault. Source: Gurinder Osan / AAP

New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder has made a significant step in his return to fitness since being allegedly assaulted in Christchurch five weeks ago.

Ryder said on Twitter on Friday that he had completed a gym workout in Wellington, although he was paying the price for it physically.

Back at gym 2day finally pity I almost died. GottaWork,'' he tweeted.

The 28-year-old has made a steady recovery from serious head and lung injuries since being allegedly assaulted outside a bar on March 28. He was placed in an induced coma in intensive care for three days.

Ryder's injuries ruled him out of playing in the current Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition.

Last month his manager Aaron Klee said it would be two to three months before Ryder was "ticking over properly''.

Name suppression continues for the two men charged with the assault. They will reappear in court on Tuesday next week.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with assault and reckless disregard for the safety of others, while a 20-year-old, the man's nephew, faces two charges of assault, one jointly with his uncle.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Magpies do just enough

Relief ... Harry O'Brien celebrates a match-turning goal just before half time Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Three last-quarter goals from Travis Cloke have helped Collingwood down a tenacious St Kilda in a tight AFL clash at Etihad Stadium.

The Saints lost Lenny Hayes (calf) in the pre-game warm-up and Sam Gilbert to a suspected serious knee injury in the third term but fought hard before losing Friday night's clash 15.13 (103) to 11.11 (77).

3.4 (22)	Q1	3.2 (20)
5.7 (37)	Q2	5.5 (35)
10.10 (70)	Q3	8.9 (57)
15.13 (103)	Q4	11.11 (77)

Travis Cloke 4	Nick Riewoldt 4
Darren Jolly 2	Arryn Siposs 2
Scott Pendlebury 2	David Armitage 1
Paul Seedsman 2	Sam Gilbert 1
Jarryd Blair 1	Justin Koschitzke 1
Martin Clarke 1	Stephen Milne 1
Sam Dwyer 1	Dylan Roberton 1
Andrew Krakouer 1
Harry O'Brien 1

Saints coach Scott Watters said it was hoped Gilbert's injury was no more than a hyperextended knee but he didn't want to speculate.

"We don't think so at this stage, but we've had some examples even in recent weeks where people are saying it's not an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and all of a sudden it is. You've just got to wait for the scan,'' Watters said.

He said Hayes' injury was minor and the midfielder was unlikely to miss more than one more game.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said after a week spent focusing on the defensive elements of their game, the Magpies had failed to move the ball swiftly enough in the first half.

"It's a very natural reaction to take the focus off other areas of the game that you need to do well,'' he said.

"We probably just got too careful with our ball use in the second quarter but we opened that up a bit and got the balance right in the second half."

The win lifted Collingwood to a 4-2 record, while the Saints are stuck at 1-5 despite pushing quality opponents in Sydney and now the Magpies hard in their past two games.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Essendon	5	5	0	0	176.70	20
2	Port Adelaide	5	5	0	0	148.45	20
3	Geelong	5	5	0	0	114.20	20
4	Hawthorn	5	4	0	1	131.57	16
5	Sydney	5	4	0	1	124.53	16
6	Collingwood	6	4	0	2	98.69	16
7	Richmond	5	3	0	2	112.13	12
8	Fremantle	5	3	0	2	102.57	12
9	Carlton	5	2	0	3	103.67	8
10	Adelaide	5	2	0	3	98.90	8
11	Gold Coast	5	2	0	3	95.13	8
12	Brisbane	5	2	0	3	77.53	8
13	North Melbourne	5	1	0	4	100.20	4
14	West Coast	5	1	0	4	97.46	4
15	St Kilda	6	1	0	5	93.47	4
16	Bulldogs	5	1	0	4	79.47	4
17	Melbourne	5	1	0	4	57.16	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	5	0	0	5	63.84	0

The Magpies were warm favourites, even more so after St Kilda lost midfield stalwart Hayes.

But St Kilda showed great defensive intensity across the ground to stifle Collingwood's run and keep the game an arm wrestle in the first half.

After the two sides kicked three goals each in the first term, the Saints kicked the only two goals in the first 18 minutes of the second quarter to at one stage lead by 11 points.

Late goals to Darren Jolly and Harry O'Brien gave Collingwood a two-point halftime lead.

The Magpies' midfield class showed out in the third quarter, as stars Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Dale Thomas had 27 disposals between them for the term and their side finally found some run and broke the Saints' defensive shackles.

Pendlebury was enormously influential, breaking free of opponent Clinton Jones to kick the first goal of the quarter and set up the next for Andrew Krakouer.

It helped the Magpies to a five-goal quarter.

Collingwood looked to have broken the game wide open when they opened the last quarter with two quick goals - the second from a brilliant Cloke snap - and opened a 26-point lead.

But Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt kicked two goals in two minutes to quickly narrow the gap to 14 points.

Riewoldt (four goals) took his 10th mark of the night six minutes later and could have cut the margin to eight, but missed his set shot.

Soon after, Cloke kicked his third of the night, from a free kick, and another early in time-on to give the Magpies a 25-point lead and seal victory.

Midfielders Leigh Montagna, Jack Steven and David Armitage all battled hard for the Saints.

But as well as their injury problems, they could lose Justin Koschitzke to suspension, over an incident late in the first half.

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

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ioane off to Stade Francais: report

Au revoir ... Ioane has reportedly decided to join Stade Francais. Source: AAP

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane will leave Queensland Reds and Australian rugby later this year after signing a massive two-year contract with French glamour club Stade Francais.

It's understood Ioane will reap almost $2.5 million but the deal will severely endanger his chances of playing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael on Thursday night confirmed French radio reports the world-class back would link with the Parisian club at the end of the year.

Ioane is regarded among the best wingers in the game and his loss is a major blow to both the Wallabies and the Reds.

One of the country's highest-paid rugby players, earning a reported $800,00 per season, the 34-Test flyer had another year to run on his Reds contract but his ARU deal expired at the end of 2013.

Despite a stand-off between the Reds and Ioane's management last week over alleged third-party payments he felt were owed to him, Carmichael stressed it was an amicable departure.

The pair met face-to-face this week and Carmichael said there were no hard feelings about Ioane taking the chance to provide long-term financial security for his family.

"He goes with our absolute blessing,'' Carmichael told AAP.

"I'm reassured about his feelings toward the Reds and his teammates and he'll always be a part of the Reds family.

"If he chooses to come back to Australian rugby after a couple of years I hope he picks up the phone and we'll welcome him back with open arms.''

While the French season starts in September, the ARU would be unlikely to release him from his current contract until after the spring tour of Europe in late November.

Ioane would still be regarded among the half-dozen certain selections in Robbie Deans' Wallabies starting 15 to play the British and Irish Lions next month.

Ioane's deal looks set to end his chances of playing a second World Cup, kicking off in September 2015 in England, as ARU guidelines stipulate that players must be involved in Super Rugby to be eligible.

The addition of the New Zealand-born, Melbourne-raised 27-year-old is a huge coup for Stade Francais - formerly coached by Australians Michael Cheika, Ewen McKenzie and John Connolly - as they are currently struggling in ninth on the Top 14 ladder.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bold bid to takeover Heart

Huge offer ... Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi with CEO Scott Munn. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

South Melbourne FC has confirmed an offer of more than $3.5 million to buy Melbourne Heart A-League club, and raised the prospect of Brazilian ex-international Emerson as coach.

South Melbourne responded via its Facebook account to reports that they had approached Heart with the offer, only to be rejected.

The statement read in full: "Following yesterday's (Wednesday) media reports … and statements made by the CEO of the Melbourne Heart (Scott Munn) South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm the following:

• South Melbourne FC that it made an offer to acquire 100% of the Melbourne Heart Licence.
• The offer was in excess of 3.5 million
• The offer was made after several discussions between Heart & SMFC Directors.
• South Melbourne FC has received an expression of interest from Emerson (Brazilian Legend) to coach and has already secured Major Sponsors for its A-League ambitions."

Munn said on Wednesday that Heart's owners had no intention of selling.

South Melbourne, which currently competes in the Victorian Premier League – and was also in recent discussions with cash-strapped Central Coast Mariners – reportedly offered a combination of cash and shares and included relocation to Lakeside Stadium, a facility it currently shares with Athletics Victoria.

Munn confirmed the offer and revealed that two offers from overseas investors had also been received in recent months but the club's owners weren't interested in selling a controlling stake.

While Heart's crowds have stagnated, the club will turn a small profit this season and Munn said this made the model enticing to potential investors.

"We've made it very clear we have no interest in taking their offer any further," Munn said.

"We've been approached this year a couple of times, from the Middle East and a European consortium.

"Those conversations were quite open and transparent but we made it very clear that there were some non-negotiables and one of them is that the founding owners always want to retain control.

"We'd love to invest more in areas such as marketing, advertising and most importantly the footy department.

"We can sustain a club, we can post a small profit and that puts us in an enviable position for investors, knowing they won't have to reach into their pocket each year."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Is Inglis to blame for spear?

Target ... South Sydney star fullback Greg Inglis. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

Matt Russell, Christian Jantzen and Topher Sutton discuss the week's big issues heading into round eight in the NRL.

Is Greg Inglis to blame for being spear tackled? Are Melbourne unbeatable? Can anyone stop Sonny Bill Williams?

Matt Russell helps you out with a few pronunciations and the boys give some tips for your tipping.

Plus how good can Jesse Williams be in the NFL?

To hear the full discussion, subscribe free to the weekly rugby league podcast – There's Always Next Week – which you'll find on iTunes: http://bit.ly/11QaDoE 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

All the ins and outs for round six

In ... Andrew Krakouer has been named for his first game of the season. Source: Herald Sun

Check out all the ins and outs for round six of the AFL season.

Updated line-ups for Sunday's games will be announced on Friday afternoon, so check back in to get the latest teams before finalising your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach side.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Collingwood v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium, Friday 7.50pm (EST)

Collingwood

B: Nathan Brown. Ben Reid, Brent Macaffer
HB: Marty Clarke, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Kennedy, Tyson Goldsack, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
Int: Andrew Krakouer, Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Alex Fasolo, Jordan Russell, Marley Williams

In: Krakouer, Jolly, J. Thomas, Witts, Kennedy
Out: Toovey (Knee), Hudson (Leg soreness), Russell (Omitted), Fasolo (Omitted), Sinclair (Omitted)

New: B.Kennedy, Witts

St Kilda

B: Nathan Wright, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
HB: Sean Dempster, Dylan Roberton, Jarryn Geary
C: Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Brodie Murdoch
HF: David Armitage, Rhys Stanley, Leigh Montagna
F: Josh Saunders, Nick Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Clinton Jones, Jack Steven
Int: Arryn Siposs, Sebastian Ross, Ahmed Saad, Stephen Milne
Emerg: Jimmy Webster, Jack Newnes, Tom Hickey

In: Milne, Siposs
Out: Dennis-Lane (Omitted) , Lee (Achilles)

Essendon v GWS Giants, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 1:45pm (EST)

Essendon

B: Michael Hibberd, Tayte Pears, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Kyle Hardingham
C: Mark Baguley, Jobe Watson, Nick Kommer
HF: Brent Stanton, Stewart Crameri, Leroy Jetta
F: Jackson Merrett, Scott Gumbleton, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, David Zaharakis
Int: Jake Melksham, David Myers, David Hille, Heath Hocking
Emerg: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Nick O'Brien, Elliott Kavanagh

In: Jetta, Pears, Melksham, Kommer
Out: Winderlich (Rested), Colyer (Omitted), Heppell (Groin), Carlisle (Ankle)

GWS Giants

B: Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Josh Bruce
HB: Aidan Corr, Stephen Gilham, Toby Greene
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend
HF: Rhys Palmer, Jeremy Cameron, Adam Tomlinson
F: Devon Smith, Samuel Frost, Taylor Adams
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel
Int: Zachary Williams, Curtly Hampton, Sam Reid, Stephen Coniglio
Emerg: Thomas Downie, Shaun Edwards, Tomas Bugg

In: Gilham, Hampton, Bruce, Adams, Townsend, Frost, Corr
Out: Thornton (Omitted), O'hAilpin (Calf), Davis (Back), Bugg (Omitted), Whitfield (Soreness), Plowman (Omitted), Haynes (Omitted)

New: Corr 

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Blundstone Arena, Saturday 2:30pm (EST)

North Melbourne

B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Aaron Mullett, Nathan Grima, Jamie Macmillan
C: Daniel Wells, Shaun Atley, Sam Wright
HF: Aaron Black, Majak Daw, Taylor Hine
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Leigh Adams
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int: Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Sam Gibson, Will Sierakowski
Emerg: Daniel Currie, Liam Anthony, Lachlan Hansen

In: Sierakowski
Out: Anthony (Omitted)

New: Sierakowski

Port Adelaide

B: Campbell Heath, Alipate Carlile, Lewis Stevenson
HB: Cameron O'Shea, Tom Jonas, Dom Cassisi
C: Brad Ebert, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett
HF: Chad Wingard, Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart
F: Jake Neade, Jay Schulz, Robbie Gray
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Kane Cornes
Int: Brent Renouf, Matthew Broadbent, Angus Monfries, Kane Mitchell
Emerg: John Butcher, Andrew Moore, Sam Colquhoun

In: Mitchell
Out: Trengove (Foot)

Adelaide v Hawthorn, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 4:10pm (CST)

Adelaide

B: Ben Rutten, Daniel Talia, Andy Otten
HB: Luke Brown, Brent Reilly, David Mackay
C: Sam Kerridge, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith
HF: Richard Douglas, Shaun McKernan, Jarryd Lyons
F: Jason Porplyzia, Tom, Lynch, Josh Jenkins
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
Int: Ricky Henderson, Bernie Vince, Matthew Jaensch, Matthew Wright
Emerg: Lewis Johnston, Jared Petrenko, Richard Tambling

In: Porplyzia, McKernan, Lyons
Out: Petrenko (Omitted), Walker (Knee), Laird (Thigh)

Milestone: Rutten - 200 games

Hawthorn

B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Luke Hodge
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Brent Guerra
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Brad Hill
HF: Shaun Burgoyne, Lance Franklin, Paul Puopolo
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston
Foll: Max Bailey, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell
Int: Liam Shiels, David Hale, Jonathan Simpkin, Michael Osborne
Emerg: Taylor Duryea, Kyle Cheney, Matt Spangher

In: Sewell, Simpkin
Out: Rioli (Hamstring), Savage (Omitted)

Richmond v Geelong, MCG, Saturday 7:40pm (EST)

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Troy Chaplin
HB: Dylan Grimes, Ricky Petterd, Bachar Houli
C: Chris Newman, Trent Cotchin, Matt White
HF: Brett Deledio, Shane Edwards, Dan Jackson
F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery
Foll: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Nick Vlastuin
Int: Brandon Ellis, Jake King, Shaun Grigg, Chris Knights
Emerg: Jake Batchelor, Shane Tuck, Robin Nahas

In: Chaplin, Morris, King
Out: Nahas (Omitted), Batchelor (Omitted), Helbig (Hamstring)

Milestone: Knights - 100 games

Geelong

B: Andrew Mackie, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Taylor Hunt
C: Mitch Duncan, Jimmy Bartel, Steven Motlop
HF: Allen Christensen, Steve Johnson, Billie Smedts
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly
Foll: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, James Kelly
Int: Cameron Guthrie, George Horlin-Smith, Trent West, Mathew Stokes
Emerg: Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Murdoch, Mitch Brown

In: Chapman, Hawkins
Out: Rivers (Knee), Caddy (Omitted)

Milestone: Enright - 250 games, Johnson - 200 games

Gold Coast v Fremantle, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 7:40pm (EST)

Gold Coast

B: Trent McKenzie, Tom Murphy, Dion Prestia
HB: Danny Stanley, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Michael Rischitelli, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Aaron Hall
F: Zac Smith, Sam Day, Brandon Matera
Foll: Charlie Dixon, Karmichael Hunt, David Swallow
Int: Matt Shaw, Jared Brennan, Jesse Lonergan, Jaeger O'Meara
Emerg: Jack Hutchins, Timmy Sumner, Daniel Gorringe

In: Bennell, Lonergan
Out: May (Hamstring), Hutchins (Omitted)

New: Lonergan

Milestone: Murphy - 100 games

Fremantle

B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Luke McPharlin, Clancee Pearce
C: Tendai Mzungu, Ryan Crowley, Nick Suban
HF: Michael Barlow, Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne
F: Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath, Michael Walters
Foll: Jonathon Griffin, Matt De Boer, David Mundy
Int: Danyle Pearce, Paul Duffield, Cameron Sutcliffe, Alex Silvagni
Emerg: Lachie Neale, Tom Sheridan, Tanner Smith

In: Duffield, Silvagni, Sutcliffe, Crozier
Out: Bradley (Knee), Hill (Quad), Fyfe (Suspension), Neale (Omitted)

Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, SCG, Sunday 1:10pm (EST)

Sydney Swans

B: Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Marty Mattner, Ted Richards, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Lewis Jetta, Ryan O'Keefe, Ben McGlynn
HF: Dan Hannebery, Sam Reid, Kieren Jack
F: Adam Goodes, Mike Pyke, Jude Bolton
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker
Int: Tony Armstrong, Craig Bird, Jed Lamb, Mitch Morton, Dane Rampe, Tommy Walsh, Jesse White

In: Morton, White, Lamb, Walsh
Out: Everitt (Omitted)

New: Lamb

Milestone: McVeigh - 200 games

Brisbane Lions

B: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Ashley McGrath
HB: Elliot Yeo, Justin Clarke, Jed Adcock
C: Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Mitchell Golby
HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko
F: Sam Mayes, Matthew Leuenberger, Aaron Cornelius
Foll: Billy Longer, Brent Moloney, Jack Redden
Int: Josh Green, Rohan Bewick, Marco Paparone, Jordan Lisle, Andrew Raines, Ryan Lester, Jack Crisp

In: Hanley, Lisle, Lester, Crisp
Out: Docherty (Omitted)

Carlton v Melbourne, MCG, Sunday 3:20pm (EST)

Carlton

B: Chris Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachie Henderson
HB: Zach Tuohy, Dennis Armfield, Simon White
C: Kane Lucas, Mitch Robinson, Kade Simpson
HF: Chris Judd, Andrew Walker, Jeff Garlett
F: Ed Curnow, Shaun Hampson, Jarrad Waite
Foll: Robert Warnock, Marc Murphy, Brock McLean
Int: David Ellard, Andrew Carrazzo, Eddie Betts, Tom Bell, Sam Rowe, Heath Scotland, Jaryd Cachia

In: Waite, Ellard, Cachia, Bell
Out: Gibbs (Hamstring)

Melbourne

B: Lynden Dunn, James Frawley, Dean Terlich
HB: Jack Grimes, Tom McDonald, Colin Garland
C: Jack Trengove, Jack Viney, Matt Jones
HF: Jeremy Howe, Colin Sylvia, Dean Kent
F: Rohan Bail, Max Gawn, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Jake Spencer, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
Int: Sam Blease, James Strauss, Cameron Pedersen, Daniel Nicholson, Michael Evans, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Davey

In: Dunn, Strauss, Spencer, Viney, Kent, Nicholson
Out: Jamar (Groin), Rodan (Omitted), Watts (Hamstring)

New: Kent

West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Sunday 2:40pm (WST)

West Coast

B: Mitchell Brown, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Sharrod Wellingham
C: Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Bradd Dalziell
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Nic Naitanui, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
Int: Will Schofield, Daniel Kerr, Ashton Hams, Ashley Smith, Jacob Brennan, Matt Rosa, Callum Sinclair

In: Rosa, Schofield, Wellingham, As.Smith, Naitanui
Out: Butler (Calf), Cripps (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs

B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB: Jason Johannisen, Mark Austin, Tom Young
C: Jack Macrae, Matthew Boyd, Adam Cooney
HF: Jake Stringer, Dylan Addison, Koby Stevens
F: Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Jones, Jason Tutt
Foll: Will Minson, Nick Lower, Tom Liberatore
Int: Lukas Markovic, Daniel Pearce, Patrick Veszpremi, Mitch Wallis, Clay Smith, Christian Howard, Daniel Cross

In: Addison, Markovic, Howard, Pearce
Out: Goodes (Suspension)

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL lacks depth, needs reserve comp

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Holden Cup ... a learning curve according to Fox Sports expert Brett Kimmorley. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Former Australian halfback Brett Kimmorley has called for the introduction of a national reserve grade competition along with the Under 20's to help bolster the quality of future NRL players.

Following an influx of English imports with more to arrive next season, many are concerned the Australian game is suffering from a lack of depth and the Canberra assistant coach says he has the solution.

"The Holden Cup is a great learning curve for clubs," Kimmorley said on NRL360. 

"You get a two or three years apprenticeship scheme before you have to invest big money into some of these kids. On record two or three of your players make it through to NRL anyway.

"Elite players get fast tracked anyway… the elite player is always going to make it.

"I think there should be a national reserve grade competition but you should still have your under 20's." 

Kimmorley suggested that the 'National reserve grade' competition would mirror the NRL while the NSW Cup and Intrust Super Cup in Queensland continue to satisfy the needs of top-tier country rugby league. 

"We're putting all these CEO's and administration in place in the NRL to make sure the game gets better in five years we need to make sure the talent is better in five years for the product to get more money as well," he said. 

"I think there is a massive drop from when they come out of the Under 20's and go into the NSW Cup/reserve grade format and they go back to park football, there's not a stepping stone to go through to the NRL." 

The discussion was sparked by the announcement that a group of English players were poised to join the competition while NRL clubs target more as potential recruits for next season and beyond. 

In the past only a few English players have succeeded in Australia but more and more players are deciding to test themselves in the NRL. While Kimmorley does not detest the English players' arrival he has questioned the Australian stock.

"The game is getting better over here," Kimmorley said. 

"The dollar over there isn't as great as it used to be… if you're talking $1 million, that would be a carrot a decent pommy would be willing to come to Australia (for) and test yourself for a small period of time. 

"I think the depth and the structure need to be changed in the whole NRL."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dragons to throw Dugan lifeline

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Josh Dugan ... set to return to the NRL with St George Illawarra. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Controversial fullback Josh Dugan has been pulled from the NRL wilderness and thrown a one-year life line by St George Illawarra.

Dugan's manager, Paul Sutton, held talks with Dragons chief executive Peter Doust and recruitment manager Craig Young on Wednesday afternoon to finalise the details of the deal. 

NRL 360 host Paul Kent revealed the former Origin star is likely to announce the deal on Friday which will include a clause that he stays off social media.

Behavioural issues cost the 22-year-old his $700,000 a year contract at Canberra where he was in his third season of first grade in the nation's capital.

A social media outburst on instagram where Dugan sensationally told a Canberra fan to 'end themselves' saw Brisbane back out of a 2 million dollar deal but having apologised for the brain snap, attending counselling sessions and meetings with the NRL, he looks to have saved his career.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Robbo horrified over fallout

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Allan Robinson ... is the former hoop at the forefront of the More Joyous scandal. Source: Carlos Furtado / News Limited

Retired jockey Allan Robinson says he is horrified by the public falling out of John Singleton and trainer Gai Waterhouse that followed a phone call he made to the millionaire businessman over the condition of his horse More Joyous.

Singleton has accused Waterhouse's son, the bookmaker Tom Waterhouse, of telling people the champion mare could not win the All Aged Stakes at Randwick last Saturday.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

He has since withdrawn his stable of horses from Gai Waterhouse.

"I'm horrified," Robinson told Today Tonight on the Seven Network, referring to the fallout following the race when More Joyous finished seventh in a field of eight.

He defended Gai Waterhouse saying she would not let a horse run if it was not 100 per cent, but then pointed out that something must have been wrong, because More Joyous finished seventh.

When asked if he would do the same thing again, Robinson made a lengthy pause, before saying: "Should you let it lie? Don't know."

At a trackside inquiry on Saturday, Singleton refused to divulge the names of "trusted friends" who had told him Tom Waterhouse was saying there was a problem with More Joyous.

On Tuesday Singleton's friend and rugby league legend Andrew Johns released a statement dismissing claims Tom Waterhouse had tipped him off about the condition of More Joyous.

But on Wednesday night, Singleton broke his silence.

"Names have already been named so my reluctance to name names has been taken away by the names naming themselves," he told the Nine Network.

When asked if Johns and Robinson were those people, Singleton replied: "Yeah, they're both the people who rang me, yes."

Tom Waterhouse has denied the accusations and will front the reconvened inquiry next Monday.

It was revealed during Saturday's preliminary inquiry that More Joyous had been treated with antibiotics leading up to the All Aged but she had been cleared to run by two vets, including the one employed by Singleton.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Essendon deny doping admission

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Statement ... Essendon denies the club conceded their players took banned substances.

Essendon deny they have made any concessions that their players took banned substances under the AFL club's controversial supplements program.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

As the game awaits the release of the first report on the club's ongoing scandal, club chairman David Evans hit back at the latest claim to rock the Bombers.

The Herald Sun on Wednesday said Essendon had conceded players took banned substances last year through the supplements program.

That regime is now the subject of a Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and AFL investigation.

"Contrary to media reports, Essendon have never conceded that our players have been given banned substances in 2012,'' Evans said in a club statement.

"We asked for the ASADA and AFL investigation and out of respect to the players, those investigations must be completed without prejudice.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I want to repeat, our club has not conceded that our players have been given banned substances in 2012.''

Stephen Dank was reported as saying he has an email from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that stated substances in question were approved for use.

Channel Seven said the sports scientist, who is no longer at the club, would produce the email from January last year in court.

WADA emphatically deny giving Dank that approval.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Essendon are on the verge of releasing the independent report by Ziggy Switkowski into the club's governance.

That was commissioned in the wake of the ASADA and AFL investigations, with Evans at the time citing "irregular practices''.

But the Bombers are now unlikely to release the report until next week because of a legal matter.

It is unclear what details will emerge from the Switkowski report or whether it will recommend the dismissal of Essendon officials.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Earlier on Wednesday, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the ASADA and AFL investigations could take another three months to complete.

Demetriou also refused to be drawn on the Herald Sun report that some Essendon players were prescribed weekly injections of the banned anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 for all of last season.

"My reaction is the same as it has been all along: we will continue to get a running commentary obviously in the media ... but there is currently a joint investigation by ASADA and the AFL and we really need to let that investigation proceed,'' Demetriou told reporters in Adelaide on Wednesday.

Demetriou questioned how a newspaper report said Essendon players had admitted the weekly injections when they had yet to be interviewed by ASADA.

It is understood ASADA officials will start interviewing Essendon players next week.

"It's only a report in the newspaper that there is an admission,'' he said.

"And I'm not going to comment on the investigation.

"We need to await the outcome of the ASADA report. I know that is frustrating to people.

"People should be very careful about some of the commentary, particularly in light of the fact that we haven't even had one player interviewed as yet.''

Demetriou added that the AFL received a copy of the Switkowski report on Monday.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Stuart would have given Eels spray'

Poor ... Hindy says the Eels' performance would have earned them a spray from Ricky Stuart. Source: AAP

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

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels, Centrebet Stadium

Nathan Hindmarsh: The Eels boys would be disappointed. Some simple missed tackles weren't ideal and they'll have to go again next week. I'm sure Ricky Stuart would have given them a blast after the match. It's our local derby so it's a really disappointing result. But hats off to the Panthers on a superb victory over their rivals. Young fullback Matt Moylan on debut, I thought he was spectacular.

Gorden Tallis: Penrith copped criticism a couple of weeks ago about what Gus was doing, but this win shows that all the young kids coming through could produce big for them. Penrith have got a big future if they can hold on to their kids, who looked full of energy and enthusiasm against the Eels.

Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons, Allianz Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

St George Illawarra came prepared to play and they made that clear by scoring the first try of the game. Anzac Day always brings the best out of these teams with the match fast paced and of a high intensity. But within a 10 minute period the Roosters sent out a timely message as to why they are a force to be reckoned with this year. They scored some fast tries off the back of their mobile and athletic forwards. I don't think Michael Jennings has received much praise this season but he was outstanding and looks like he has his pace back. He is certainly living up to his expectations as a try scoring machine who seeks out the ball at any opportunity. Despite the score line, the Dragons certainly put in the effort for their coach who re-signed with the club on the same day.

Melbourne Storm v Warriors, AAMI Park

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

This little derby wound up becoming a crackerjack game with an atmosphere to match its intensity. The Warriors have a habit of lifting against Melbourne and Anzac Day was no different. The game was marred in controversy with a 40/20 call going against the Warriors in strange circumstances. It was a gutsy decision for the touch judge to rule the ball had hit one side of the line and then after being questioned by Billy Slater he changed his mind. The next set of six it led to a try and Matt Elliott and his players would have been heartbroken about that call. The Warriors genuinely threatened the massive winning streak the Storm are on and should be very proud of their performance. Cameron Smith took control of his side and led them around, ultimately the Storms' class came to the fore and they handled the pressure better than their opposition. 

Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brookvale Oval

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

I feel like this win is an enormous one for South Sydney. Prior to the bye weekend, they had lost in Melbourne and wouldn't have wanted to lose to another top four side. It is never an easy task to play Manly at home and the Sea Eagles threw a lot at them physically in what was a faced paced match. Richie Fa'aoso is likely to be dealt a lengthy suspension for his two dumping tackles on Greg Inglis. A two nil score line at halftime resembled the class of both sides' defence but Adam Reynolds showed maturity in the second half and Inglis came up with some big plays, in particular a try straight after half-time. Sam Burgess dominated the middle of the field and Bryson Goodwin deserves a massive wrap for his defensive efforts on a very physical Steve Matai. Despite what the score might have you believe, the Sea Eagles were never really allowed in the game. The Rabbitohs were certainly the stronger side.

North Queensland Cowboys v Canberra Raiders, 1300SMILES Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The difference in these two sides came down to the class of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen. I didn't think the Cowboys were overly impressive. There were a lot of errors from both teams at a slower tempo game to the others over the weekend. Both sides were simply hoping to find a victory. The Cowboys were down in confident while the Raiders had been on a roll in recent weeks. Positive for the home side was Tariq Sims' return to form and Bowen showed that age is just a number. There has been some doubt surrounding his playing future but he showed that not only does he still have his pace but the finesse to put the finishing touch onto everything he does.  Matt Scott and James Tamou did an effective job in leading a team under pressure. Canberra will be disappointed with their effort when the game was there to be won, poor defence and handling errors cost them dearly.

Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos, Campbelltown Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

There's an overused cliché that 'it was a game of two halves' but this match typified that statement as truth. The Broncos first half was outstanding and without being able to predict the injuries that eventually happened to the Wests Tigers, the Broncos made their intentions clear in the opening half. Justin Hodges and Matt Gillett have been in form for a number of weeks now and continue to cause headaches for their opposition. The halves combination of Scott Prince and Peter Wallace is also gelling nicely. Brisbane are playing a lot straighter and when they do that it opens space out wide for Corey Norman to chime into the backline. I can see that combination becoming very damaging with the club tightening their defence more and more as the weeks go by. It was disappointing for the Tigers and especially Tim Moltzen with an ACL injury. With a host of players sidelined, I feel for coach Mick Potter who will struggle to put a football side together.

Gold Coast Titans v Newcastle Knights, Skilled Park

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

I believe you need to ignore the score line in this match because the Titans were very dominant for a side with just one player on their bench. You couldn't help but feel for them, losing Luke O'Dwyer, Matt Srama and Ashley Harrison all in the opening 20 minutes. John Cartwright will be extremely proud of his side despite the score. Newcastle produced a typical Wayne Bennett coached performance, very professional with a high completion rate. Defensively they were strong and have won five games of football with a completion about 70 percent and on Sunday above 80. James McManus was very good, bagging two tries while Akuila Uate is the equal fourth highest try scorer in the Knights history alongside Robbie O'Davis.

Cronulla Sharks v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Blue Tongue Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

This was a match where two sides were desperate and while Des Hasler won't be thrilled with how they won; the two points will ease some pressure while they wait for some of their stars to return. The Bulldogs had two weeks to prepare for this match and the star attraction was the State of Origin audition of Todd Carney going head-to-head with Josh Reynolds. NSW coach Laurie Daley has made no secret that the Blues five-eighth role is up for grabs. Reynolds' greatest strength is his competiveness and winning man of the match was a nice reward. These two men are very different players. Carney is a freaky adlib footballer where Reynolds is an Origin style, gritty, competitive player who can break the game open. The Bulldogs outside backs were very solid and their efforts were rewarded with tries. Cronulla fans should hold their heads high with their performing under adversity with ASADA interviews starting this week they put the effort in but at 12-8 lacked the class to score points. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schwarz would return to club

Under Pressure ... Demons great David Schwarz casts doubt on the future of coach Mark Neeld. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Former Melbourne star David Schwarz has cast doubt on Mark Neeld's future as the coach of the Demons.

Appearing on Monday night's episode of Open Mike, Schwarz told Mike Sheahan he didn't think Neeld would be at the helm in 2014. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I don't know him as a coach. I can only see what I can see on the field and if you can tell me in the first three rounds that the players were playing for the coach, you'd be lying.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"I don't know him as a coach. I can only see what I can see on the field and if you can tell me in the first three rounds that the players were playing for the coach, you'd be lying.

"Is it (Neeld) a band-aid? I'm not sure. The footy club is in serious trouble.

"Our footy department has been a debacle. There hasn't been anything down in the football department that's worked.

"Cameron Schwab is probably the first step of many before this club is actually up and going. It's a proud club. I don't want to see my club go down."

When asked if he would like to return to the Demons as an administrator or coach, Schwarz left the door ajar.

"I actually want to go back and help," he enthused.

(I will do) "whatever needs to be done.

"If that means going on the board or if that means I gave up everything to become a coach, well I would do whatever needs to be done so my footy club does survive.

"Because without that footy club, I'm not sitting here." 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dons' receive independent review

Review ... David Evans on the day he revealed the Bombers would investigate its practices. Source: Tim Carrafa / News Limited

Essendon have received the findings of an independent review they instituted into irregular practices at the AFL club last year.

The review, headed by former Telstra chief executive Ziggy Switkowski, is separate from the ongoing Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) investigation into the club.

Bombers chairman David Evans met with AFL senior officials on Monday to brief them on the findings, The Age website reported.

The recommendations stemming from the review are expected to be released publicly later this week, when the Bombers are also expected to announce their response.

The review was launched in February soon after the announcement of the ASADA investigation into last year's supplement program at Essendon.

At the time, Evans said it was being carried out to examine the club's governance and processes that allowed 'irregular practices' to occur.

"I want to make sure that we are able to give answers to our members about what happened and why, and to put in place any changes needed to ensure that this doesn't happen again,'' Evans said at the time.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

In-demand Kruse better than Messi?

Big move ... Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen are eyeing Socceroo Robbie Kruse. Source: Damian Shaw / News Limited

Socceroos star Robbie Kruse is reportedly set for a switch to Champions League-bound German heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen.

Kruse ... a prime target. Source: Supplied

The 24-year-old has caught the eye of several clubs after an impressive season with Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are battling to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

German newspaper the Rheinische Post reports third-placed Leverkusen are set to announce the signing of Kruse on a 1.5 million euros ($A1.92 million) transfer.

The 24-year-old former Melbourne Victory player is apparently being signed on a three-year deal as a replacement for Chelsea target Andre Schurrle.

Kruse has been hugely impressive since joining the German club from the Victory in 2011.

He has four goals and nine assists in 30 appearances this season, with Dusseldorf sitting above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

You can see why the German club are after Kruse, if figures by leading statistician Opta are anything to go by.

According to Opta, Kruse is the third most fouled player in Europe, having been impeded 99 times this season.

That puts him ahead of the likes of ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More