'Lindsay Thomas is very lucky'

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Tribunal ... Lindsay Thomas has no case to answer and is free to play round two.   Source:AAP

North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas has escaped AFL suspension and Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he was lucky.

The match review panel cleared Thomas of his collision with Magpies key defender Ben Reid on Saturday.

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The incident in the third quarter at Etihad Stadium prompted some angry post-match comments from Buckley and his North counterpart Brad Scott.

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Thomas and Reid clashed heads after the Kangaroos small forward changed direction, leaving the Collingwood player with concussion and a gashed mouth.

It is unclear whether Reid will play in Sunday's blockbuster against Carlton.

The panel ruled the collision was outside Thomas' control.

"Lindsay has got away with one,'' Buckley told radio station Triple M.

"But that happens - sometimes you get good decisions, you get bad decisions, you get lucky ones, you get unlucky ones.

"That's footy. I have no animosity at all towards anyone at North or anything that's happened.

"I think there's a grey area in the tribunal and it's up to others to discuss that.''

The panel ruled "the contact to the head was caused by circumstances outside the control of the player, which could not be reasonably foreseen.''

Buckley said after the match that Thomas' action was average, prompting an angry reaction from Scott.

The North coach said Buckley should worry about his own team.

Buckley also accused Thomas post-match of "staying down'' - lying on the ground - after the collision.

He apologised for that accusation, but had another dig at Thomas.

"Watching the incident, he obviously had an impact himself,'' Buckley said.

"He's pretty good playing for free kicks, though - he got a couple earlier in the night.''

North chairman James Brayshaw said on Monday that Buckley should not have used the post-game media conference to criticise Thomas.

"I don't think a coach's post-match presser is the right forum to hang an opposition player,'' Brayshaw said.

The match review panel also charged Brisbane's Pearce Hanley with rough conduct and Melbourne utility Colin Sylvia with striking.

The pair received one-match bans, but can reduce the penalties to reprimands with carryover points if they take early pleas.

Hanley was charged for his late challenge on Western Bulldogs forward Daniel Giansiracusa during Saturday's match at Etihad Stadium.

Sylvia was charged with striking Port Adelaide key forward Justin Westhoff in the last term of Sunday's MCG clash.

Carlton's Chris Yarran and Gold Coast's Jared Brennan were cleared of match-day striking charges.

New Sydney co-captain Kieren Jack was also cleared of contact with GWS opponent Stephen Coniglio.

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Gerard Healy's round one analysis

Harry O ... Collingwood's round one use of Harry O'Brien drew plenty of interest from FOX FOOTY's Gerard Healy. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Round one of the AFL season always sees months of off-season strategy and planning on display.

The Sunday twilight contest at Etihad Stadium was an interesting case study. The Kangaroos surprised as they looked to go a lot wider than the high-risk, high-reward approach through the middle of the ground that took them to the finals last year. 

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North Melbourne's handball numbers were down enormously on last year's average.

Ironically, Collingwood went the other. The Magpies, long-term users of the boundary-line approach, played more through the middle of the ground when the opportunity opened up. They backed themselves with some high-risk moves that paid dividends.

The most obvious alteration to the Collingwood set-up was shifting Harry O'Brien to the wing. 

We saw O'Brien move up the ground in the NAB Cup against West Coast and it looked to be promising on that occasion. After Sunday it appears it could be a season-long event for the dreadlocked defender. And it could be a move that reinvigorates the career of Harry O.

Last year was pivotal in a sense that the competition believed Harry had become vulnerable one out in defence.

Opposition forwards dragged him back to the goal square in an attempt to expose him in one on one contests. The ploy forced Nathan Buckley to consider what he would do with his talented premiership defender.

Harry's size and pace is a major weapon a bit further up the ground. At least half a dozen times on Sunday the 188cm O'Brien was the target for long dump-out kicks from the back half. He was also the go-to man on

Collingwood kick-ins and intercepted the North kick-ins, setting up shots for goal.

When O'Brien won the footy he quickly rebounded, put the Magpies in dangerous territory, and had the opportunity to kick a couple of goals himself. In time his ability to finish and hurt teams on the scoreboard will come but his attacking flair going forward was impressive. 

I haven't seen Harry run as freely and creatively for a long time. It reminded me of previous big wingmen who have had a big impact on the competition. There was all 100kg of Dipper for the rampaging Hawks, Jimmy Stynes for Melbourne, Matthew Richardson at Richmond, and Andrew Embley and Martin Pike for successful West Coast and Brisbane outfits.

If you've got athleticism, size isn't an issue. O'Brien can become a ball carrier, a marking target, a goal assist player for the Magpies – that's a difficult package to combat.

Interestingly, given Heath Shaw's late withdrawal, Buckley ignored the obvious thought to push O'Brien back to defence to cover. He appears to be committed to the move.

There were other interesting positional changes across the opening round. Young Gold Coast midfielder Dion Prestia performed the roll of small defender probably for the first time in his career in a serious match. It's a good move from Suns coach Guy McKenna. Prestia makes good decisions with the ball and Gold Coast have an abundance of young midfielders trying to find a place in the club's best 22.

Andrew Walker went back to the future for Carlton and was one of their better performers against Richmond while Chris Yarran's efforts in defence during the NAB Cup – which were too loose for coach Mick Malthouse – meant he was played forward. It should have won the game for the Blues.

Western Bulldogs also mixed things up with Robert Murphy released from defence by the inclusion of Brett Goodes as had been flagged by the coach. Nobody could have tipped how successful the move would be with Murphy performing well and Goodes near best on ground.

Coaches won't be locked into these moves for the season given the flexibility of players but on the early showing they'd be encouraged by what they saw.

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Kennett calls for Clarkson's head

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Under Pressure ... former president Jeff Kennett has called for the Hawks to sack Alastair Clarkson. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has called for premiership coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end.

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Asked if he thought Clarkson should be moved on at end of the season, Kennett said: "Yes."

"I think we need to introduce a freshness at the club that doesn't exist at the moment because so many of the personnel have been there for a number of years," Kennett told 3AW on Sunday evening.

"They have been listening to the same voice for too long."

Clarkson, who has a 57 per cent winning percentage in his eight years at the helm, has another year remaining on his contract.

But Kennett said the club had "underachieved" since winning the 2008 premiership.

"I always believe six to eight years is long enough any coach should stay at any club," he said

"He has brought great service to the club, but he has been in charge of one of the best groups of young men going around in footy now for a number of years now, certainly since 2008.

"There was an excuse in 2009 for our performance because of injury.

"But in 2010, 2011, 2012 we underperformed ... someone has to accept responsibility for that."

Kennett said the club should look at appointing an untried assistant coach rather than try to lure a big name.

"I'd be looking for a second-tier coach who has proved himself and hungry for success and trying to prove himself," he said.

"I don't believe you look around for another senior coach - you elevate an assistant coach who has something to prove.

"Alastair has now been there for a long time, the players understand him very well...you have to freshen up the group.

"And we have a very good list still."

Kennett said near enough was not good enough at Hawthorn.

"What are we doing right? We're not winning flags," he said.

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Roosters put 50 on spineless Eels

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Hat-trick hero ... Roger Tuivasa Sheck runs riot over the Eels. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

Sydney Roosters' big-money off-season signings finally hit their straps on Monday and it was Parramatta that bore the brunt, the home side inflicting a record 50-0 win over Parramatta at Allianz Stadium.

Sonny Bill Williams and Michael Jennings both scored tries for the Roosters and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck bagged a hat-trick as the hosts ran in nine unanswered four-pointers.

9 Tries 0
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 12'
Sonny Bill Williams 18'
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 28'
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 35'
Michael Jennings 45'
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 63'
Daniel Mortimer 69'
Daniel Tupou 72'
Boyd Cordner 78'
7 Conversions 0
James Maloney 13'
James Maloney 29'
James Maloney 36'
James Maloney 65'
James Maloney 71'
James Maloney 74'
James Maloney 79'

James Maloney maintained his good form since his arrival from the Warriors, kicking seven goals as the Roosters held a team scoreless for a second successive week after beating Brisbane 8-0 last Saturday.

		W	L	D	B	PD	Pts
1	Storm	4	0	0	0	52	8
2	Rabbitohs	4	0	0	0	37	8
3	Sea Eagles	3	1	0	0	64	6
4	Titans	3	1	0	0	54	6
5	Knights	3	1	0	0	44	6
6	Roosters	3	1	0	0	42	6
7	Sharks	2	2	0	0	11	4
8	Tigers	2	2	0	0	-35	4
9	Broncos	1	3	0	0	-6	2
10	Bulldogs	1	3	0	0	-17	2
11	Panthers	1	3	0	0	-18	2
12	Dragons	1	3	0	0	-36	2
13	Eels	1	3	0	0	-37	2
14	Cowboys	1	3	0	0	-40	2
15	Warriors	1	3	0	0	-54	2
16	Raiders	1	3	0	0	-61	2

Ricky Stuart said after being appointed it would take time to turn the Eels around and his words look to be prophetic as he experienced the biggest defeat of his long coaching career in front of a crowd of just over 18,000.

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Roosters coach Trent Robinson hailed his side's performance but admitted they were helped by a nine-day turnaround and not having to travel following the shutout against the Broncos last Saturday.

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"I was confident we could win, but I didn't think it would be by that much, and you can never be sure if you can back up a good defensive performance with another one," Robinson said.

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"Going from a Saturday to a Monday allows time to work on combos and we spent a day on it and that's why our attack was a lot better tonight. It was nice to see."

Robinson's decision to switch Williams to the right edge paid dividends as the New Zealand superstar produced his best attacking display since returning the NRL.

In addition to his try, he destroyed the Eels with four offloads in the opening 20 minutes and produced a stunning pass to create Tuivasa-Sheck's third try.

"He's a natural right-sided player, he feels more comfortable there and the carries, the passes and the offloads came off," he said.

"You can't coach what he's got and it came out a few times tonight."

Eels coach Stuart made no excuses for his side's display, and said they simply were not good enough to deal with their star-studded opponents.

"You can't sweeten up a bitter pill," he said.

"There was a lot of effort in the first half. They tried their hearts out until the end but they just weren't good enough.

"They outclassed us, outplayed us and were too good for us. They're a very, very good football team and they were on tonight."

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves opened the scoring after 12 minutes when he powered over after Parramatta winger Vai Tautai fumbled Mitchell Pearce's teasing kick, before Williams added his second of the season.

Tautai's defensive frailties were again exposed by Pearce when he found Tuivasa-Sheck with a well-weighted kick and the winger acrobatically climbed above the Eels wide man to break his scoring duck.

Tuivasa-Sheck didn't have to wait long to double his career tally as the Roosters once again roasted the Eels' right-flank to score a fourth try five minutes before halftime.

The second half saw the Eels find good field position but two scoring opportunities were squandered when Ben Roberts twice knocked on from dummy-half.

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Check out all the key numbers with our Match Centre.

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Their sloppy play was punished in ruthless fashion when Jennings opened his account for the club in the right corner five minutes after the restart.

That try opened the floodgates as the Eels capitulated, conceding four tries in the final 16 minutes as Tuivasa-Shek completed his treble before Daniel Mortimer and Daniel Tupou got in on the act.

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Shootout Awards: season's bests

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Best of the best ... Adam Peacock and Mark Bosnich select their A-League highlights. Source:AAP

The 27 rounds of the regular season have concluded and even with a grand final winner yet to be decided, it's widely accepted that this has been the best A-League competition we've ever witnessed.

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The Wanderers' fairytale run to the Premiers' Plate has captured the hearts of fans while three high-profile marquee stars delivered on the enormous hype that came with their announcements.

Ange Postecoglou worked wonders with a youthful team in his first year at the Victory while on the other end of the age spectrum, veterans Daniel McBreen picked up the golden boot and Alessandro Del Piero the Alex Tobin Medal.

On Fox Sports' Sunday Shootout, Mark Bosnich and Adam Peacock reflected on the end of the regular season by offering their highlights, including best goal, save, player and match.

Did the Italian magician and his one-man mission at Sydney FC earn him a nod or did the duo opt for one of Tony Popovic's inspirational troops or an ever-consistent Mariner?

Sit back and enjoy the great video at the top of the page and let us your choices of best goal, player, save and match of the season below.

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How Poppa inspired an entire squad

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Thrilling scenes ... Western Sydney celebrate their Premiers' Plate success. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Rocky Visconte put the icing on the cake of Western Sydney Wanderers' history-making win over Newcastle Jets with a searing strike.

The same Rocky Visconte who couldn't get a game at Brisbane Roar for the first-half of this season, and who was making just his second appearance for Tony Popovic's side.

But that's the Wanderers. The A-League Premiers' Plate winners. And the great sports story of the year. 

"Since day one, he's (Popovic) brought in the culture that everyone's important, whether you're 17 or three years old," Wanderers striker Labinot Haliti told Sunday Shootout. 

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"And at some stage of the competition you'll be called up to do your job – the best you can." 

So on a night where the pressure was on to grab the point needed to secure top spot - missing Shinji Ono, Aaron Mooy, Adam D'Apuzzo, Jerome Polenz and Iacopo La Rocca - the Wanderers rose to the mark - yet again.

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Was Visconte's goal the best of the round? Watch the contenders for Goal of the Week above and and vote right here for your chance to win!

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Their 3-0 win ensures they remain undefeated in 12 rounds, having capitalised on Central Coast Mariners' brief stumble a few weeks back to siege control of the A-League ladder. 

Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich paid tribute to Popovic's ability to rotate his squad through the season.

Indeed, Haliti found himself on the bench in the derby despite scoring a brace the week before against Heart, while being the goal-scoring hero against the Mariners. 

"One of the most difficult things, especially in a successful team, is to keep people who are not playing happy," Bosnich said. 

"We're seeing that game in, game out. Tarek Ehlrich … comes in against Newcastle and looks like he's been playing all season. 

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"Great team spirit … the easiest thing in the world for a player when he's left out is to put his head down and that can sometimes spread through the whole dressing room." 

Players have sung Popovic's praises all season for the way he has moulded his squad so quickly. Haliti joins that chorus. 

"Credit goes all to the coaching staff and to the boss," he said. 

"The way he prepares the team is like nothing I've seen before – probably the best I've been under.

"I've learnt a lot and I'm sure the rest of the guys have learnt. It's showing on the field."  

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Labinot Haliti: from Kosovo to the Jets to the Premiers' Plate.

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Haliti was renowned as a bit of a super-sub after 12 goals in 66 games at the Jets. But like so many in the squad, he has found a new gear this term. 

"(The preparation is) a level I've never experienced before," he said.

"I go into every game comfortable, ready, and I'm sure the rest of the players feel the same." 

The Wanderers' season has made the broader Australian sporting audience sit up and take notice. 

But have they convinced the football purists with their pragmatic style? Bosnich went into bad for the side. 

"I'm sick and tired of people diminishing their achievement," he said.  

"These guys play winning football in the right areas of the pitch. 

"When they've got the chance they can play as good a one and two touch football as anyone in the competition … it is a phenomenal achievement." 

So as Haliti and his teammates dream of finals success to go with their Premiers' Plate win and AFC Champions League qualification, does Haliti envisage himself scoring the grand final winner and flinging his short off in his renowned jubilant style?

ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT

ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:

Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:

Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST

GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:

Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST

"I guess I'll have to ask the boss!," he quipped. 

Indeed, that says a lot about the side's success. 

"They can celebrate now in the change room and enjoy the bus trip back," Popovic said after the game on Friday night. 

"But there's still more to come. There's still more to do."

And with him in charge, good luck to the others trying to stop them.

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POPPA'S PIONEERS

There's been plenty said about how the rookie coach has brought together journeymen and players looking for another chance to earn the most unlikely of A-League Premierships. It's no cliche. Here's the proof:

Ante Covic: unwanted at Melbourne Victory by Ange Postecoglou

Jerrad Tyson: clubless after Gold Coast United folded

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Shannon Cole: out of favour at Sydney FC after 95 games. 

Reece Caira: looking to prove his worth after coming through ranks at Aston Villa

Iacopo La Rocca: 29-year-old journeyman Italian trying something new in Australia. 

Adam D'apuzzo: after 102 matches with Newcastle, D'apuzzo gave up on his football career to pursue career in accounting - before Popovic called. 

Jerome Polenz: the under-19 and under-20 German international's career was at the crossroads before the 26-year-old joined the Wanderers in August. 

Tarek Elrich: also on the outer under van Egmond at Newcastle, the western Sydney local was one of the first men lured to Wanderland looking to kick-start his A-League career. 

Nikolai Topor-Stanley: an inspired signing by Popovic. The former Sydney FC, Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets was always a regular performer in the competition, but Popovic has taken him to new heights.

Michael Beachump: he might have been to two World Cups, but Popovic's skipper hasn't quite been settled at club level, moving from the Mariners to Germany, Denmark, the UAE before Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart. Like NTS, has gone to another level of consistency.

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Aaron Mooy: an important signing for the club and an important move for a player at St Mirren in Scotland. Deal has been an inspired one for both. 

Shinji Ono: a great example of Popovic's ability to motivate and inspire. The 33-year-old Japanese legend, with 56 national caps, left Shimizu S-Pulse disillusioned. It's fair to say he loves the game again. 

Jason Trifiro: plucked from the Victorian Premier League. 

Mateo Poljak: 23-year-old former Croatia under-19 international, looking for a fresh start after failing to graduate from Dinamo Zagreb's youth squad. 

Youssouf Hersi: 30-year-old Dutchman was a shrewd pick-up by Popovic. After a slow start he has shown lived up to his reputation after a decade in the Eredevise to become one of their x-factors 

Rocky Visconte: joined Popovic's squad mid-way through the season from Brisbane Roar, looking for a chance. 

Tahj Minniecon: dubbed overweight and seemingly on the scrapheap, he was thrown a lifeline by Popovic. 

Mark Bridge: an extraordinary renaissance. Had it all ahead of him after moving from the Jets to Sydney FC, but slipped off the radar. A star this season, who has found his goalscoring boots again. 

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Labinot Haliti: from a super-sub to a genuine match-winner.

Kwabena Appiah-Kubi: Popovic has shown he's willing to throw youth in, and the exuberant 20-year-old has shown great promise when used this year in his rookie season.

Dino Kresinger: the 31-year-old Croatian has been a polarising choice up-front for Popovic's side - yet he has persisted with him and sees him as a vital cog in his side, despite his lack of goalscoring prowess.

Joey Gibbs: a perennial fringe A-League player, Gibbs trialled and trialled and trialled until Popovic had to give him a go. 

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Moment that sunk Sydney's heart

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Clutch save ... Vukovic broke Sydney's hearts with his last-ditch save. Source: Tony McDonough / AAP

Perth Glory fans have a lot to thank Danny Vukovic for.

If he hadn't clawed Dario Vidosic's superb free-kick away with the last touch of Perth Glory's 1-1 draw with Adelaide United on Saturday night, Sydney FC would have progressed to the finals at his side's expense.

Simple as that. A clutch play from a player whose heroics in the final two rounds have gone a long way to seeing Perth seal a remarkable rise from the foot of the table to a finals spot. 

"Bottom line was that Danny Vukovic's save kept Perth in the six," Mark Bosnich said when explaining his choice for the round 27 Save of the Week. 

ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT

ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:

Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:

Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST

GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:

Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST

"Had that shot gone in, Sydney would've made the six.

"For the importance of the moment, I gave it (the vote) to Danny Vukovic."

 It certainly caused a huge sigh of relief from Alistair Edwards, the architect of Perth's admirable revival. 

 "The last seven weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster. It's just great to be in the finals," Edwards said.

 "It was a bit nervy I must admit, when they get a free kick with a few seconds to go. 

 "But Danny Vukovic does what he does best and keeps the ball out of the net."

While Bosnich doesn't give the Glory as much of a chance as he gives Brisbane Roar of causing damage in the finals from spots No.5 and No.6, he says their revival has been a success in its own right. 

"After the way they've come from last - I was one of those people who said they can't make the six. So congratulations for proving me wrong. 

"I think this has been an achievment in itself, coming from last.  

"They'll find it very difficult playing Melbourne Victory with Archie Thompson and  Marco Rojas at home." 

But with big-stage displays in recent weeks, inspired selections - like Dean Heffernan up front on Saturday night - and experience cashing in on late-season form after making last year's grand final, could Perth cause an upset in this sudden death finals format?

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Noddy's Weekend Wash Up: R4

Greg Bird ... Noddy says the captaincy is having a positive effect on his form. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

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

Manly Sea Eagles v Wests Tigers, Blue Tongue Stadium

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It was a scrappy opening twenty minutes with Wests Tigers given plenty of opportunity to put points on early. The most bizarre thing to come out of this game, other than the try to Daly Cherry-Evans was Robbie Farah was replaced at four nil and didn't return until the game was almost over. Farah had a great kicking game which was building pressure so I'm not sure while you would replace your most creative player who didn't seem tired or injured. With Farah off the field, the Sea Eagles halves began to build some shape in their attack and off the back of that, Brett Stewart was able to get out the back and cause headaches for the defence. While Manly weren't great they played ugly and grinded out a win.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs, ANZ Stadium

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This match was billed as a big game and it lived up to expectations. With the return of Ben Barba and Frank Pritchard, Canterbury got off to a flying start and they will only improve when Sam Kasiano and James Graham return. Once again, Josh Reynolds was outstanding but with the game in the balance, the loss of Michael Ennis threw the side out of whack. That was a turning point and the Rabbitohs began to wear them down. In the second half they steamrolled them all over the park from the forwards to the outside backs. Add the exceptional kicking game of Adam Reynolds and they give their opposition very little to play off. Michael Maguire also sent a message to all his players by dropping skipper Michael Crocker.

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm, Suncorp Stadium

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I expected Melbourne to win this game by more than 40 points after seeing the first 10 minutes. Brisbane surprised me with their ability to fight back. I believe the Broncos were robbed of a penalty when Sam Thaiday was held back in a scrum which resulted in a try to Billy Slater. They showed great character for a club under pressure. Corey Norman was outstanding at fullback and I'm sure the club is gutted he has signed for Parramatta. Their halves still need work but improved on last week, however the Storm's ability to shut out a game was the difference.

Cronulla Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons, Sharks Stadium

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They say form goes out of the window in a local derby. I should know, I've played in enough of them and I've always found the underdog tends to get the points, which is what happened on Saturday. No club was more under pressure than the Dragons and they stood up. They played an adlib style of football and while they normally struggle to make metres, against the Sharks they marched up the field. The halves ran the football and kicked well, which is something they had been missing in the opening rounds. Jamie Soward was a standout and his goal kicking was phenomenal. They showed glimpses of the Dragons side which won the competition in 2010, although the Sharks were very poor. Ultimately the Sharks errors cost them in the end.

Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans, Centrebet Stadium

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Some players grow when they are given a captaincy role and this has definitely been the case for Greg Bird. Having overcome dramas at a number of other clubs, he has stood up with the extra responsibility. He seems very happy on the Gold Coast and looks as if he has the confidence to pull off any play he wants, be it in defence or attack. The Titans halves continue to impress and the more time they spend together, the better they will become. The Titans wore Penrith down. The home side had ample opportunities but errors and a beefy forward pack were too much. 

Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders, Hunter Stadium

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I thought whoever had the momentum and lead the physical battle was able to score points. Newcastle scored two early tries off the back of a great kicking and passing game from Jarrod Mullen. Halfway through the first half the momentum changed and Canberra were able to get the momentum in their favour, but errors from the visitors stopped them from building any pressure. The Knights were patient and drained the fuel out of Canberra which forced them to defend their big pack. Wayne Bennett showed tremendous faith in Tyrone Roberts by leaving him in the halves and he was repaid with a brilliant performance which included a solo try that sealed the victory.

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Brumbies sink Bulls after the siren

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Nerves of steel ... Christian Lealiifano nails a penalty goal after the siren to defeat the Bulls. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

An after-the-siren 45-metre penalty goal to inside centre Christian Lealiifano snatched the Brumbies a dramatic 23-20 Super Rugby win over the Bulls in Canberra on Saturday night.

The Bulls locked the scores up with one minute to go when outside centre Johannes Engelbrecht scored in the corner from a turnover and Morne Steyn converted.

1 Tries 2
Robbie Coleman 40'	Jurgen Visser 49'
	JJ Engelbrecht 79'
0 Conversions 2
	Morne Steyn 50'
	Morne Steyn 80'
6 Penalties 2
Christian Lealiifano 19'	Morne Steyn 21'
Christian Lealiifano 33'	Morne Steyn 54'
Christian Lealiifano 37'
Christian Lealiifano 70'
Christian Lealiifano 74'
Christian Lealiifano 80'

But the South Africans pushed for the win after the hooter and were penalised directly in front of their own posts.

Lealiifano, who had only missed one shot at goal in six attempts all night, stepped up and nailed it in front of 13,735 fans.

Lealiifano said some teammates tried not to look him in the eye before the match-winning kick.

"It was a bit patchy where it was, and I tried to move it forward and do all those kinds of things to sneak it in," he said.

"But it was one of those things where I've kicked it during the week and just hoped I'd hit it right on the night and luckily enough it went over."

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	5	1	0	73	3	27
2	Reds	5	2	0	5	2	22
3	Waratahs	2	3	0	-30	1	13
4	Western Force	1	4	0	-31	1	9
5	Melbourne Rebels	1	4	0	-82	1	9
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	5	1	0	84	5	25
2	Hurricanes	3	2	0	1	2	18
3	Blues	2	3	0	16	5	17
4	Crusaders	2	2	0	37	4	16
5	Highlanders	0	5	0	-48	2	6
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Sharks	4	1	0	60	1	21
2	Bulls	3	3	0	-5	3	15
3	Stormers	2	2	0	1	2	14
4	Cheetahs	3	2	0	-22	1	13
5	Southern Kings	1	4	0	-59	0	8

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke questioned the last play turnover from Brumbies replacement Colby Faingaa, saying he believed the Brumbies defensive line were offside at the time.

"Clearly offside, definitely, we just looked at it," he said.

"I've just seen those guys going before the ball is out, to charge Morne (Steyn) down, they knew Morne was going to kick.

"But you know that's the game, it would have given us another point, but that's life.

"We don't want to give it energy, the whole season is ahead of us, it was a great effort and we're going to go with that."

White said it was just one call that could have gone either way in a tough encounter.

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Re-live all the action from the Brumbies' last-gasp win over the Bulls, with video of the dying stages, at our Super Rugby Match Centre.

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"The margins are so small in this competition that those sort of calls, if they go for you that's fantastic," White said.

The Bulls finished strong for the second week running, working back an 11-point halftime deficit, but once again fell just short of snatching a last-minute Super Rugby result.

The Brumbies scrum dominated the Bulls throughout the match, culminating in a yellow card to loosehead prop Morne Mellet in the 65th minute for repeated scrum infringements.

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With the Bulls scrum one man down, the Brumbies pressed home their advantage and nine minutes later Lealiifano kicked his fifth penalty goal of the night after another scrum infringement.

Both sides began the match playing a very conservative style of rugby, choosing to minimise the risk of being penalised in their own half by kicking it immediately rather than running.

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A 9-3 lead to the Brumbies late in the first half gave them the confidence to run the ball more, retaining possession for over a dozen phases before fullback Robbie Coleman scrambled over the tryline after the halftime siren.

A rejuvenated Bulls declined a penalty shot directly after halftime and after several phases winger Lionel Mapoe crashed over the line only to lose the ball in a last ditch tackle by Brumbies winger Henry Speight.

However fellow winger Petrus Visser made amends in the 49th minute when he finished off a well worked passage of play from the Bulls.

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Video: livid Aloisi slams referees

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Fuming ... John Aloisi was livid with what he deemed another poor refereeing performance. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

John Aloisi has let fly at A-League officials after what he deemed another sub-par performance from the men in the middle in Melbourne Heart's loss to Central Coast Mariners.

Goals to golden boot contender Daniel McBreen and youngster Mitchell Duke helped the Mariners on their way at Bluetongue Stadium, but the home side were helped by a dubious decision in the first half that saw them open the scoring from the penalty spot.

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Heart defender Patrick Gerhardt was harshly sent off for a deliberate handball in the box, and Aloisi soon found himself sitting next to his player in the stands after voicing his disapproval to referee Jarred Gillett during the half-time interval.

Rookie coach Aloisi wasn't pulling the punches when he spoke with Fox Sports' Matchday Saturday team after the Mariners game.

"Most of the people in the stadium saw it wasn't a handball. How did he get it completely wrong," a livid Aloisi asked.

"Clearly he didn't handball it and it changed the game."

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Aloisi - whose side now face the prospect of the dreaded A-League wooden spoon - says it wasn't an isolated incident in a disappointing season for the Heart.

"Every week we're getting decisions against us," he said.

"I feel that referees are not up to standard.

"When you get opposition players thinking the referee made a bad decision, then you know something's wrong."

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Watch John Aloisi's blow-up at the performance of A-League referees in our video at the top of this page.

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Gillett also took charge last week and awarded Brisbane Roar a contentious penalty in their win over the Heart, a result that ended Aloisi's hopes of making the A-League finals.

A passionate Aloisi said he held no regrets over the confrontation with Gillett about Gerhardt's send-off that saw him sent to the stands.

"If my players see me accept a decision like that they would be upset. It probably fired them up a bit," Aloisi said.

"He (Gillett) didn't give me an explanation.

"It changes the game. How can I be happy? I'm not going to be happy about it."

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