God it's a dull nite when there's no football on... No A league, which isn't that big of a drama but worst of all no Premier League which is a very big drama, at least the Socceroos put on a good display.
It's good to see them playing attacking football, I never realised until the world cup just how boring a brand of football we played. But it seems things under Holger Ossiek are different which makes viewing very good, at least after the first 15 minutes coz lets face it up until then the Socceroos were very slow to start.
But this attacking brand of football does leave us open to the counter and I don't think I'm making a massive statement by saying Jon McCain probably isn't going to be forcing Lucas to work too hard to get his spot back. Not that many of the guys seem to work too hard to force the selection issue anyway.
I was a bit perplexed by Brett Emerton's appearence on the sidelines. I wouldn't have thought Blackburn would let one of their players, and a player who scored on the weekend by the way, to travel all this way just to sit and watch. I suppose he would have gotten the opportunity to train with the squad and show Holger a little of what he can do but still I think it shows a lack of respect for Emmo and Rovers, although we kind of knew that after he was talked about being sold during hte most reccent transfer window. It's a shame because Emmo is a great player and a goal scorer you would think would be valuable to any club...
Josh Kennedy looks good with short hair and is good to hear he is top of the J League scoring table at the moment with Nagoya Grampus top of the table as well. He had minimal chances but seems to work well with Timmy up front as well.
Timmy has a quiet night as well, but as we saw against Man U sometimes his quiet nights are really quite good. Whatever, we love Timmy and if Timmy wanted to run for PM I'm sure he'd win hands down.
Harry Kewell had a really quiet night despite playing pretty much the full game before being subed for Dario Vidosic who made a good impact in the 3 minutes he had.
I think Robbie Slater is right and Harry needs to give up. He's not the player he once was and I think while the Asian Cup is a possibility for him the World CUp in 2014 in Brazil is no more than a pipe dream.
Mark Schwarzer again had a clean sheet although he wasn't ever really troubled by the opposition although our guys did sell him a little short at times but I guess that's what you get from an inexperienced defence.
Overall a good game, good to see them playing attacking football, I just hope Holger continues to get fresh blood in the team, picking younger guys who will take us to the World CUp in 2014.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Collingwood Fans
I don't think there is a more vile group of people in existence than Collingwood fans. Honestly I get the passion and the devotion and the one eyedness because I have it myself but honestly, I have respect and I have manners and above all I have class and God help me if I ever forget that, but I know if I do that I will still be above Collingwood fans on the food chain because my mother is not also my sister, my father is not also my grandfather and because I own a car and have all of my teeth and they are not a shade of brown.
What gets me most is not the 4 year old who abused me as I came out of my hotel on Saturday, it's not the guy that assulted me as I left the ground, although it was really fun to scream in his face, but it was the chant they did while our team song was playing.
We had enough respect to not do anything during your song, I think the least we can ask is that you stay quiet during ours. I'd like to know what Eddie Maguire thinks of this behaviour and what it says about his club and their supporters, but knowing what bottom feeding, inbred criminals that they are I'm sure he wouldn't think there's anything wrong with what they did.
What gets me most is not the 4 year old who abused me as I came out of my hotel on Saturday, it's not the guy that assulted me as I left the ground, although it was really fun to scream in his face, but it was the chant they did while our team song was playing.
We had enough respect to not do anything during your song, I think the least we can ask is that you stay quiet during ours. I'd like to know what Eddie Maguire thinks of this behaviour and what it says about his club and their supporters, but knowing what bottom feeding, inbred criminals that they are I'm sure he wouldn't think there's anything wrong with what they did.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Brendan Fevola
Oh dear oh dear when will Fev learn?
Well, seeing as he's 29 and at his second club which was obviously his last chance then I'm going to go out on a limb here and say NEVER.
What a complete and utter dickhead, even if the latest allegations aren't true you've still got to seriously wonder whta the hell goes through that thick head of his, or moreover, what doesn't go through that thick head of his.
I think regardless of the outcome of the investigations over this latest allegation the AFL has to deregfister him for bringing the game into disrepute, which then leaves the Lions free to sack him which I'm sure they're jumping at the bit to do, not least because of the room it will give them under the salary cap which they desperately need but to take the spotlight away from what has truly been a disasterous season for them which, a season which and I am included here, many thought they would be seeing some September action.
A couple of weeks ago the Herald Sun named the Fevola trade deal as the worst trade deal ever, that's without this latest saga. Surely now with all that has happened that title is without doubt.
Not only did the Lions lose Lachie Henderson, who has shown he has a career ahead of him, now at Carlton, but they lost Daniel Bradshaw to Sydney and Michael Rischatelli to the GOld COast Suns despite him saying being offered as trade bait had nothing to do with the switch. Everyone knows that's not true because from the very moment he turned down the move to Carlton he was linked with the Suns.
But to be honest, the Fevola move was never going to work. He's too all about himself and he showed that at Carlton, yes I know quite often troubled players at one club settle down when they're moved to another but Brendan Fevola is truly in a league of his own. His unwillingness to go up to the Gabba for his first press conference tells a lot.
So now the AFL will go and do the Lions dirty work, surely this is the very last in a long line of wrongs by Fev, and if they were seriously considering deregistering him after his Brownlow antics, antics which are going to see him charged by the Victorian Police, then this surely must be the straw that broke the camel's back. Afterall the AFL deregistered Ben Cousins without a positive drug test. But unlike Ben Cousins I don't think the Fev story will have a happy football ending. No club in their right mind, even in their wrong mind, would consider taking on Fev. I think he's well and truly done and although I hate to see the Lions worm their way out of this massive hole they dug for themselves the game is well and truly better off without Brendan Fevola in its ranks.
Well, seeing as he's 29 and at his second club which was obviously his last chance then I'm going to go out on a limb here and say NEVER.
What a complete and utter dickhead, even if the latest allegations aren't true you've still got to seriously wonder whta the hell goes through that thick head of his, or moreover, what doesn't go through that thick head of his.
I think regardless of the outcome of the investigations over this latest allegation the AFL has to deregfister him for bringing the game into disrepute, which then leaves the Lions free to sack him which I'm sure they're jumping at the bit to do, not least because of the room it will give them under the salary cap which they desperately need but to take the spotlight away from what has truly been a disasterous season for them which, a season which and I am included here, many thought they would be seeing some September action.
A couple of weeks ago the Herald Sun named the Fevola trade deal as the worst trade deal ever, that's without this latest saga. Surely now with all that has happened that title is without doubt.
Not only did the Lions lose Lachie Henderson, who has shown he has a career ahead of him, now at Carlton, but they lost Daniel Bradshaw to Sydney and Michael Rischatelli to the GOld COast Suns despite him saying being offered as trade bait had nothing to do with the switch. Everyone knows that's not true because from the very moment he turned down the move to Carlton he was linked with the Suns.
But to be honest, the Fevola move was never going to work. He's too all about himself and he showed that at Carlton, yes I know quite often troubled players at one club settle down when they're moved to another but Brendan Fevola is truly in a league of his own. His unwillingness to go up to the Gabba for his first press conference tells a lot.
So now the AFL will go and do the Lions dirty work, surely this is the very last in a long line of wrongs by Fev, and if they were seriously considering deregistering him after his Brownlow antics, antics which are going to see him charged by the Victorian Police, then this surely must be the straw that broke the camel's back. Afterall the AFL deregistered Ben Cousins without a positive drug test. But unlike Ben Cousins I don't think the Fev story will have a happy football ending. No club in their right mind, even in their wrong mind, would consider taking on Fev. I think he's well and truly done and although I hate to see the Lions worm their way out of this massive hole they dug for themselves the game is well and truly better off without Brendan Fevola in its ranks.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Pakistan Cricket
Ban the lot of them I say and while they're at it get rid if the ICC the useless sack of shit that it is. It wouldn't surprise me if the ICC were in on the betting as well, they seem to tie themselves to all sorts of shady people where money is the only thing that matters...
Nothing is going to get better in cricket unless the corruption is stamped out from the top and that includes the ICC not being held to ransom by the Afro-Asian bloc.
As for the Pakistanis, I can understand why they did it, if they did indeed do it, because they never get to play at home, they're underpaid and have massive egos because they're skilled with either a bat or a ball but surely somewhere along the lines morals and ethics have to come into it...
Nothing is going to get better in cricket unless the corruption is stamped out from the top and that includes the ICC not being held to ransom by the Afro-Asian bloc.
As for the Pakistanis, I can understand why they did it, if they did indeed do it, because they never get to play at home, they're underpaid and have massive egos because they're skilled with either a bat or a ball but surely somewhere along the lines morals and ethics have to come into it...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A League - Gold Coast United
Oh my Oh my what is Clive doing again?
Clive Palmer in all his wisdom is talking about the crowd cap at Skilled Park (not Skilled Stadium as people like to call it, we're not in Geelong, thank Christ for that!) and reintroducing it again for the season.
Yes Clive I know it is quite a lot cheaper to only hire a partially opened stadium but I'm afraid that from an A League point of view and from a players point of view it's just crap.
How about instead of closing you club from the people you open your club to people? Radical idea I know but obviously your way isn't working for the people of the Gold Coast so I thought perhaps I could give you a few pointers.
I had hoped that perhaps you could pay me for the following opinnions but as you obviously only hire people who will bow down to you and acquiesce to all your decisions and I really won't do that because having a shitload of money clearly doesn't buy you brains...
Anyway here are my ideas:
Clive Palmer in all his wisdom is talking about the crowd cap at Skilled Park (not Skilled Stadium as people like to call it, we're not in Geelong, thank Christ for that!) and reintroducing it again for the season.
Yes Clive I know it is quite a lot cheaper to only hire a partially opened stadium but I'm afraid that from an A League point of view and from a players point of view it's just crap.
How about instead of closing you club from the people you open your club to people? Radical idea I know but obviously your way isn't working for the people of the Gold Coast so I thought perhaps I could give you a few pointers.
I had hoped that perhaps you could pay me for the following opinnions but as you obviously only hire people who will bow down to you and acquiesce to all your decisions and I really won't do that because having a shitload of money clearly doesn't buy you brains...
Anyway here are my ideas:
- Treat your members with a bit of respect.
Both my parents are members of GCU, members totaling in excess of $1000. GCU memberships are among the most expensive in the A League and for what reason? None. Even the Champions Sydney FC aren't as expensive as GCU. But aside from price you need to keep your members in the loop, make them feel a part of the club, as if they're wanted and are valuable assests. Afterall the players play for the love of the game and the fans right?
GCU treat their members like shit. There is very little interplay between the club and its members, and half the time the club doesn't even know what's going on.
Members supporters packs are able to be picked up at the 3rd home game of the season, a date which doesn't fall until September, yeah nice one Clive.
And at public appearences by the players half the time Captain Jason Culina isn't there, this happened at at least 2 appearences last season. - Get out in the Community.
Apparently the club does send it's players to local soccer trainning sessions and good on them they should, but on bye weekends, like this one, perhaps have a kick around session with one of the local teams, or have a family weekend with the players and their families or something. - Suck the kids in.
Sydney FC have a great program in place, all registered soccer players under 12 get free membership. Naturally for kids to take advantage of this offer they can't go alone, they're under 12 for Christ sake and no one in their right mind would let a 12 year old traipse off to the football all on their lonesome, so what do the parents do? They ask little Johnny if he's likely to want to go to all of the games and as little Johnny is a big fan of Nicky Carle because he came to their school/training session and taught them a thing or two and has since become little Johnny's idol little Johnny wants to see Nick in action every week. So what option does that leave poor Mum and/or Dad? Going with them and as it makes sense finacially to buy a membership rather than a ticket to every game they buy a membership. And then little Johnny's brother Tim decides that it's unfair that Mum and/or Dad get to go to the football every weekend and he'd like to go to what does the family do? They buy a membership for Tim as well thus giving FC a bigger membership base and more people to the game simply because little Johnny was given a free membership. - Stop blaming the FFA for everything.
Yes the FFA were stupid in expanding the A League so fast and yes they were stupid enough to believe you when you said you could handle running an A League club but aside from that it's not all their fault and it's a bit of a cop out to blame it all on them. And if it is true that the FFA does hanle your website then that's just about the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life. - Listen to people when they try to help.
I hate the A League. I have many problems with it and I will continue to have many problems with it until they do something about fixing the quality of the football and start using their heads rather than plan for world domination, but seriously when the people you are marketing to are telling you that there is something wrong and give you suggestions don't just say "yes yes we know" maybe take the time to listen to them and take some of what they say under advisement.
In the lead up to last year's experiment of capping the crowds I went with my mum to pick up her replacement tickets. While we were there we said a few things to the guy from whom we picked up the tickets, along with other members who were agreeing with what we were saying and added stuff of their own. The guy handing out the tickets couldn't care less. As we were leaving another guy, Blair I think his name was, came out to us to chat. We again told him more of what we were thinking the club could do and he couldn't care less about what we were saying, telling us that they were doing everything they could and blah blah blah. I'm sorry but if that's the best they could do then someone seriously stuffed up when it came to hiring people because what they were doing was nowhere near enough, and it still isn't. In the lead up to the opening game of the season I saw nothing in the papers advertising the game. I guess now that the FFA isn't doing it and paying for the advertising I guess they don't care...
Well good on you Clive because when you stuff this club, and you have stuffed it, and in the process waylay the progress of Australian Football you can look back and say at least you have the somewhat dubious title of Professor to keep you warm at night...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
EPL
How quickly things do come around again.
So the English Premier League season started on the weekend and I think it's safe to say that while we all had enough of the World Cup, those vevuzelas just made viewing hell, there is no league like the English Premier League, thankfully without vevuzelas!! I love hearing the crowd singing and chanting and I especially loved the Chelsea faithful all stand up when the boys were singing "If you're 5 - 0 up stand up". Very cool as was Roman Ambramovich, I love the way he seems to take pleasure out of football like any other person despite earning billions of dollars, by the way Roman I'm open to donations!!
Anyway my points of notice so far:
So the English Premier League season started on the weekend and I think it's safe to say that while we all had enough of the World Cup, those vevuzelas just made viewing hell, there is no league like the English Premier League, thankfully without vevuzelas!! I love hearing the crowd singing and chanting and I especially loved the Chelsea faithful all stand up when the boys were singing "If you're 5 - 0 up stand up". Very cool as was Roman Ambramovich, I love the way he seems to take pleasure out of football like any other person despite earning billions of dollars, by the way Roman I'm open to donations!!
Anyway my points of notice so far:
- Joe Hart starting for Man city.
While I hate Man City I was quite stoked that Joe Hart got the nod over Shay Given who in his own right is a fantastic keeper though not as fantastic or anywhere as good looking as Hart.
I reckon England should have played him in the World Cup although Lord knows nothing will fix what's wrong with that squad... - Blackpool winning 4-0 over Wigan.
Who tipped that one? At the start of the season Blackpool were 5-1 odds on going back down, but I guess being in the Premiership was quite inspiring...
Good on them, but May is a very long time away and a week is a long time in football... - Tim Howard's gaffe.
Oh dear, oh dear Rob Green would be proud, as would some of the keepers in the A League but that's another story.... - Arsenal and Liverpool.
It's quite clear that both of these clubs need the Aussie keepers they have either signed or want to sign...
Come on Arsne you know you need Schwarzer so pull out the chequebook and play ball, Mark Hughes knows what big figures look like so give him an offer he can't refuse!! - Chelsea's 6.
Good to see the Champions start well, let's hope they can continue and go on and take the triple! - West Brom's opening month.
Who did they piss off?
Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man U all away in the first four rounds of the comp. - New Squad Rules.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the point of a national competition was to nuture home grown, truly home grown, talent so that for friendlies and international duty you had a mirriad of players to pick from.
These new rules aren't so much for the sake of the England squad in the years to come but more to ensure that the club's acadamies comtinue with developing young talent that isn't neccessarily of English birth.
Not that I mind from a Socceroos point of view, the less competition the better in my view, but from an England point of view their ageing squad at the World Cup did show that they needed young blood and these new rules won't neccessarily help...
But May is a long time away and before that we have the close of the Transfer window on the 31st with the big question being will Arsenal pull out the offer it needs to get Mark Schwarzer to the Emirates? Let's hope so for his sake, and maybe theirs...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
AFL - rule changes
So the AFL has proposed some rule changes and I thought I would have my say on them, naturally.
1. Restricting interchange.
Personally out of the 3 options here, 3 interchange 1 sub, 2 interchange 2 subs, cap of 80 interchanges, I prefer either of the first 2, I think though I'm leaning more towards 3 interchange 1 sub.
I think capping the number of interchanges is stupid, it slows the game down, which may reduce injury but I also think it could increase injury, especially forcing players to stay out on the ground longer, although it would get their endurance levels up.
2. Length of game.
This one I don't see as a big deal. Sure it's annoying to be at a game and not know how long to go in the quarter but I think 2o minutes of play is fine. If stoppages force it go longer than so be it.
3. Advantage.
While some advantage calls are ridiculous, or moreover the lack of a call ie stopping the play, or bringing the play back for the free to be taken, I think maybe, or a lot of the time, players don't make the best decision when it comes to deciding if there's an advantage. I don't see the problem with letting play continue after the infringement and then if there's no advantage then bring it back. It's just an issue when the play is stopped and there was an advantage or if play wasn't stopped and there wasn't an advantage, but I think let the play continue and then bring it back if neccessary.
4. Boundary umpires paying frees.
All for this.
5. Free kicks for players who drag the ball under.
This would only work if the umpire had a good view and in congested situations would be very hard to pick out who was doing what. I guess in this case it would just be a ball up then, but in blatant situations I'm all for a free if someone is pinning the ball to another player who is trying to get it out.
6. Rough Conduct.
Fair enough. Any conduct to the head shouldn't be in the game.
7. Scoring.
Hell No!!! Most of the time when the ball hits the post it ricochets back into the field of play.
While I reckon from set shots a poster should be worth more because it's harder to hit, i think leaving a poster as a point is fine as long as it actually hits the post or is seen as hitting the post and called as such, not a goal... Tom Hawkins I'm looking at you you dirty cheating liar.
1. Restricting interchange.
Personally out of the 3 options here, 3 interchange 1 sub, 2 interchange 2 subs, cap of 80 interchanges, I prefer either of the first 2, I think though I'm leaning more towards 3 interchange 1 sub.
I think capping the number of interchanges is stupid, it slows the game down, which may reduce injury but I also think it could increase injury, especially forcing players to stay out on the ground longer, although it would get their endurance levels up.
2. Length of game.
This one I don't see as a big deal. Sure it's annoying to be at a game and not know how long to go in the quarter but I think 2o minutes of play is fine. If stoppages force it go longer than so be it.
3. Advantage.
While some advantage calls are ridiculous, or moreover the lack of a call ie stopping the play, or bringing the play back for the free to be taken, I think maybe, or a lot of the time, players don't make the best decision when it comes to deciding if there's an advantage. I don't see the problem with letting play continue after the infringement and then if there's no advantage then bring it back. It's just an issue when the play is stopped and there was an advantage or if play wasn't stopped and there wasn't an advantage, but I think let the play continue and then bring it back if neccessary.
4. Boundary umpires paying frees.
All for this.
5. Free kicks for players who drag the ball under.
This would only work if the umpire had a good view and in congested situations would be very hard to pick out who was doing what. I guess in this case it would just be a ball up then, but in blatant situations I'm all for a free if someone is pinning the ball to another player who is trying to get it out.
6. Rough Conduct.
Fair enough. Any conduct to the head shouldn't be in the game.
7. Scoring.
Hell No!!! Most of the time when the ball hits the post it ricochets back into the field of play.
While I reckon from set shots a poster should be worth more because it's harder to hit, i think leaving a poster as a point is fine as long as it actually hits the post or is seen as hitting the post and called as such, not a goal... Tom Hawkins I'm looking at you you dirty cheating liar.
Soccer/football - New Socceroos Coach
So German Holger Osieck has been named as the new Socceroos coach.
A relative unknown but from what I've read he sounds as if he has the requiste knowledge and results to get the job done, although those results are from quite a while ago...
But he's coached in Germany, so he has experience in Europe - very good;
He's coached in Japan, so he has experience in Asia - which is also very good and just for good measure he's coached in Turkey which seems to be the new Japan/Korea for Aussie players...
Obviously this mix of experience is good as we will encounter both styles of play on the way to and during the 2014 world cup.
But I think most importantly he has experience dealing with youth and rebuilding a team. This is what he's going to need to do and hopefully he can do it well.
If he was smart he'll look at the side that took on Slovenia this morning, although apparently the result was not so good, and see the youth that are there and take them and develop them rather than focusing on the older players who weren't there.
The Socceroos need to rebuild and relatively quickly, the Asian cup in 2 years is a great opportunity for these young guys to get some and I say this tentatively, quality, international experience.
In 2006 Australian soccer/football experienced such a high that it would be a shame to fail to build on that.
P.S.
Congrats to Brad Jones whose move from Middlesbourogh to Liverpool was made official today.
P.P.S.
Bozza, where was AFL in your weekend of football? The Swans were in town so there was no excuse...
P.P.P.S.
Why aren't Chelsea buying any players? They have all these guys leaving, granted I think most are free transfer and therefore don't get anything but they need to at least get some more quality into the side because the whole world knows they're going to do the triple this year!!
A relative unknown but from what I've read he sounds as if he has the requiste knowledge and results to get the job done, although those results are from quite a while ago...
But he's coached in Germany, so he has experience in Europe - very good;
He's coached in Japan, so he has experience in Asia - which is also very good and just for good measure he's coached in Turkey which seems to be the new Japan/Korea for Aussie players...
Obviously this mix of experience is good as we will encounter both styles of play on the way to and during the 2014 world cup.
But I think most importantly he has experience dealing with youth and rebuilding a team. This is what he's going to need to do and hopefully he can do it well.
If he was smart he'll look at the side that took on Slovenia this morning, although apparently the result was not so good, and see the youth that are there and take them and develop them rather than focusing on the older players who weren't there.
The Socceroos need to rebuild and relatively quickly, the Asian cup in 2 years is a great opportunity for these young guys to get some and I say this tentatively, quality, international experience.
In 2006 Australian soccer/football experienced such a high that it would be a shame to fail to build on that.
P.S.
Congrats to Brad Jones whose move from Middlesbourogh to Liverpool was made official today.
P.P.S.
Bozza, where was AFL in your weekend of football? The Swans were in town so there was no excuse...
P.P.P.S.
Why aren't Chelsea buying any players? They have all these guys leaving, granted I think most are free transfer and therefore don't get anything but they need to at least get some more quality into the side because the whole world knows they're going to do the triple this year!!
Monday, August 9, 2010
AFL - video umpires
I say it's about time the AFL introduced video technology, not least because of the stuff ups that happened this weekend, but more importantly from my point of view, what happened in last years grand final with Tom Hawkins poster that was given as a goal.
Yes I know everyone is human and therefore makes mistakes but the general footy going public expects the umpires to be as close to perfect as is humanly possible and making mistakes, as elimentary as the Geelong not goal is simply not good enough. The goal umpire was in the perfect position but still managed to stuff it up. Yes I know it all happens very fast but really it was clear to see that it was a goal and should have been given as such.
But I wonder if video technology was available whether they would have gone upstairs anyway? I guess we'll never know although when the umpire signalled the point it did look as if he was seeking clarification because the all clear isn't given by the boundry umpire.
One instance where video technology in all probability would have been used is on Friday night's is it an Essendon goal or not? I'm still not convinced 100% but i'm 95% sure that it was a goal and replays did help to clear things up for me.
Yes I know video referals are time consuming and costly and confusing for the people at the ground, but personally I'd rather the score be accurate rather than open to interpretation.
But they must come with restrictions. Such as if you can't tell with 5 replays then benefit of the doubt must occur. It's ridiculous in cricket where they take 17 000 different replays and then give it out when if it took so long obviously doubt must have kicked in there somewhere.
Another option that was raised by the Herald Sun was putting a chip in the ball so that when it crosses in between the posts it sets off lights or something.
This is an idea but it has its limitations, such as it doesn't tell you if it was touched, so it wouldn't help in Geelong's case, it just signals if it crossed in between the posts which would help Essendon, and the Saints in the Grand Final as the ball hit the posts.
But the range of the reciever for the chip would have to extend above the goal posts as we have seen more than the odd ball go higher than the goal posts, granted not so much after they raised the height of them, but still it does happen.
I think maybe the best solution would be a mixture of the two, the chip definately would have helped the Saints when they took on Adelaide earlier in the year when the ball went over the line, bounced off the goal umpires leg back into the field of play and was called play on.
Yes umpires aren't perfect and we know this, boy do we know this, but maybe with the help of a little bit of technology they can get close to it...
Yes I know everyone is human and therefore makes mistakes but the general footy going public expects the umpires to be as close to perfect as is humanly possible and making mistakes, as elimentary as the Geelong not goal is simply not good enough. The goal umpire was in the perfect position but still managed to stuff it up. Yes I know it all happens very fast but really it was clear to see that it was a goal and should have been given as such.
But I wonder if video technology was available whether they would have gone upstairs anyway? I guess we'll never know although when the umpire signalled the point it did look as if he was seeking clarification because the all clear isn't given by the boundry umpire.
One instance where video technology in all probability would have been used is on Friday night's is it an Essendon goal or not? I'm still not convinced 100% but i'm 95% sure that it was a goal and replays did help to clear things up for me.
Yes I know video referals are time consuming and costly and confusing for the people at the ground, but personally I'd rather the score be accurate rather than open to interpretation.
But they must come with restrictions. Such as if you can't tell with 5 replays then benefit of the doubt must occur. It's ridiculous in cricket where they take 17 000 different replays and then give it out when if it took so long obviously doubt must have kicked in there somewhere.
Another option that was raised by the Herald Sun was putting a chip in the ball so that when it crosses in between the posts it sets off lights or something.
This is an idea but it has its limitations, such as it doesn't tell you if it was touched, so it wouldn't help in Geelong's case, it just signals if it crossed in between the posts which would help Essendon, and the Saints in the Grand Final as the ball hit the posts.
But the range of the reciever for the chip would have to extend above the goal posts as we have seen more than the odd ball go higher than the goal posts, granted not so much after they raised the height of them, but still it does happen.
I think maybe the best solution would be a mixture of the two, the chip definately would have helped the Saints when they took on Adelaide earlier in the year when the ball went over the line, bounced off the goal umpires leg back into the field of play and was called play on.
Yes umpires aren't perfect and we know this, boy do we know this, but maybe with the help of a little bit of technology they can get close to it...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Cricket
What is going on with Australia's cricket team at the moment?
They're all getting complacent and with an Ashes summer coming up I think it's time the selectors shook it up!
Drop Marcus North, we have plenty of all rounders at the moment so let's go with some who can do all of their jobs ie Steven Smith.
Drop Ricky Ponting, he's getting old and really ought to make this his last summer, come on Ricky you know I speak the truth.
Drop Michael Clarke, what is going on with him? He can't play twenty20 so they make him the captain and now that lack of form is flowing into the test and one day arena, not good enough I'm afraid. I also want to know why from the minute he made it to the national team he was vetted as a future captain. Why him huh? I don't think he has the brains, or at the moment, the form to be a captain of our team. In future give the one day captaincy to Bear, Cameron White and the test captaincy, to I don't know, DOugie Bollinger for all I care, just not Michael Clarke.
Put Phil Hughes in. He's got to learn how to bat at test level and there's only one way he's going to be able to do that. Simon Katich will be retiring soon and I think it's a good idea to have someone in the wings with some experience under his belt.
Make Lee Furlong Watson stay at home. The only time Watto made a century was when she wasn't there, we can't afford for all of our batsmen to fail so do us a favour and keep her away!
They're all getting complacent and with an Ashes summer coming up I think it's time the selectors shook it up!
Drop Marcus North, we have plenty of all rounders at the moment so let's go with some who can do all of their jobs ie Steven Smith.
Drop Ricky Ponting, he's getting old and really ought to make this his last summer, come on Ricky you know I speak the truth.
Drop Michael Clarke, what is going on with him? He can't play twenty20 so they make him the captain and now that lack of form is flowing into the test and one day arena, not good enough I'm afraid. I also want to know why from the minute he made it to the national team he was vetted as a future captain. Why him huh? I don't think he has the brains, or at the moment, the form to be a captain of our team. In future give the one day captaincy to Bear, Cameron White and the test captaincy, to I don't know, DOugie Bollinger for all I care, just not Michael Clarke.
Put Phil Hughes in. He's got to learn how to bat at test level and there's only one way he's going to be able to do that. Simon Katich will be retiring soon and I think it's a good idea to have someone in the wings with some experience under his belt.
Make Lee Furlong Watson stay at home. The only time Watto made a century was when she wasn't there, we can't afford for all of our batsmen to fail so do us a favour and keep her away!
AFL Grand Final
Why is it that the AFL seems to have the habit of stepping on everyone's toes?
Play nice Andrew, we have a nice big country here with plenty of room for everyone so just play nice.
You know that you seriously wouldn't hold the Grand Final anywhere but the MCG, where would be big enough for you to stuff the competing clubs members so you can seat all your cronies? Or are you going to ignore the competing clubs members altogether, that would probably be easier, and as you wouldn't have to worry about the MCC Members then you'd be looking at a 50,000 capacity ground, shouldn't be too hard to find now should it?
Seriously, pull your finger out and start making nice with Cricket Victoria so we can get this mess sorted out nice and properly in a gentlemanly fashion.
Let's go Saints!!
Play nice Andrew, we have a nice big country here with plenty of room for everyone so just play nice.
You know that you seriously wouldn't hold the Grand Final anywhere but the MCG, where would be big enough for you to stuff the competing clubs members so you can seat all your cronies? Or are you going to ignore the competing clubs members altogether, that would probably be easier, and as you wouldn't have to worry about the MCC Members then you'd be looking at a 50,000 capacity ground, shouldn't be too hard to find now should it?
Seriously, pull your finger out and start making nice with Cricket Victoria so we can get this mess sorted out nice and properly in a gentlemanly fashion.
Let's go Saints!!
Rugby Union - Robbie Deans
Alan Jones shut the hell up! What was all that on the news last night about how Saturday will be the day of reckoning for Robbie Deans? Do the world a favour and shut the hell up will you?
I realise that you may have got an inflated sense of ego when you were coaching a really good Wallabies side that really didn't need much coaching at all but you have to realise that that doesn't happen all the time, that all teams, no matter what the sport, go through a rebuilding phase and that's what the Wallabies are going through at the moment.
"It's not hard to win 6 in a row" bullshit it's not. Of course it is and when you're up against the number 1 and 2 sides in the World, although it's doubtful the Springboks are still number 2 but anyway, the task of keeping a winning streak going becomes all the more harder...
And as for my mate Dingo, I love what he said the other day, that his mission is to get the Wallabies ready for next year's world cup, and he aims to do that whether he's still got the job or not, although undoubtedly that would be a little bit hard if he were to be fired anytime soon.
That's just smart, obviously not something that would describe Alan Jones. Yeah, he's such a good rugby coach he's a talkback radio host... yeah, sweet references Alan...
Do we seriously want to be like the All Blacks who in the lead up to every world cup peak a year too early? Sure it would be nice to beat them, especially with the Faingaa twins making their run on debut together, well it's not Saia's but it is Anthony's and that's really hard to word without making it awkward, but I think the bigger picture has to be the World Cup and I think Robbie Deans is well and truly on the right track, even for a Kiwi...
I realise that you may have got an inflated sense of ego when you were coaching a really good Wallabies side that really didn't need much coaching at all but you have to realise that that doesn't happen all the time, that all teams, no matter what the sport, go through a rebuilding phase and that's what the Wallabies are going through at the moment.
"It's not hard to win 6 in a row" bullshit it's not. Of course it is and when you're up against the number 1 and 2 sides in the World, although it's doubtful the Springboks are still number 2 but anyway, the task of keeping a winning streak going becomes all the more harder...
And as for my mate Dingo, I love what he said the other day, that his mission is to get the Wallabies ready for next year's world cup, and he aims to do that whether he's still got the job or not, although undoubtedly that would be a little bit hard if he were to be fired anytime soon.
That's just smart, obviously not something that would describe Alan Jones. Yeah, he's such a good rugby coach he's a talkback radio host... yeah, sweet references Alan...
Do we seriously want to be like the All Blacks who in the lead up to every world cup peak a year too early? Sure it would be nice to beat them, especially with the Faingaa twins making their run on debut together, well it's not Saia's but it is Anthony's and that's really hard to word without making it awkward, but I think the bigger picture has to be the World Cup and I think Robbie Deans is well and truly on the right track, even for a Kiwi...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
AFL finals 2011
So lately there has been much talk about the make up of the AFL Finals next year, and when they're gonna hold the bugger. Personally I think it's all details coz it's going to be the Saints defending their title against whoever has the balls to challenge them but they're details really...
Anyway so as it stands there are 8 teams in the finals. 16 teams, 8 in the finals pretty simple maths even for me.
So next year with the introduction of the Suns or whatever dicky name they're going by next year, will bring the number of teams to 17, again simple maths, but we have people starting to think about finals.
How many teams will contest them?
When will we hold the Grand final? and so on and so forth.
Personally and historically the last team to come from outside the top 4 and win the damn thing was Adelaide and we're not going to discuss who they may or may not have beaten in order to win said flag. They were the last team in like 20 years according to my God and Saviour Nick Riewoldt on On the Couch on Monday night, blasphemy to some but the truth in my eyes haha.
But seriously, take as an example last year, I think there were teams getting into the finals having lost more games then they won. Seriously do we think these teams deserve to be there? To be competing for AFL's grandest prize? I think not.
Unfortantely for some the title of AFL Premiers is not won after 22 rounds, it's won after 25 or 26 if you're good enough to get there, and yes I do see the point of a finals system and I also see the point of having no finals, but that's for a time where the Saints are actually looking like taking the minor Premiership, or not.
But getting back to my point, 8 teams is enough for the finals. Personally I can also make an argument for just a final four only but I think that might be a bit silly.
I think to extend it to a top 10, because having an uneven number is just stupid, actually if you really wanted to make things easy it should really be a top 12 so the number of teams knocked out leaves an even number of teams so that they can all play the next week or so there are 2 teams getting a break, making it more equal, is rewarding teams for mediocrity no matter what the number of teams in the finals are.
Yes I know that as the system stands now there are teams who are doing just that but the number is small. I don't think there should be more than 1 or 2 teams at the most who find themselves in that situation.
So in summary, leave the finals at 8.
Now the Grand Final.
Will the fights over the G ever end?
Next year the AFL planned to hold the GF on October 1. As a side note I don't like this coz first weekend in October sounds nowhere near as good as last Saturday in September, but that's a side issue.
But Cricket Victoria has said they are claiming their rights to the G as of the first of October as the traditional start of their season.
So what are the AFL to do? They can't start the season earlier because, again, the state cricket clubs who control the MCG, SCG and Gabba won't release the grounds before March 31. Oh my oh my... I guess at a stretch they could manage it, it would put Eithad under a bit of pressure, but it's workable for 2 weeks.
Eithad hosts 3 games, Friday night, Sat and Sun;
Skilled Stadium gets one;
ANZ Stadium gets one, stuff the NRL;
AAMI Stadium gets one,
Subiacco gets one
and for kicks lets send one to either TIO, which might be a touch hot, or Aurora.
That's 8 stadiums for 17 teams with obviously 1 team having a bye.
This is more workable then moving the AFL Grand final elsewhere, because the Grand final isn't the grand final without the G.
Anyway so as it stands there are 8 teams in the finals. 16 teams, 8 in the finals pretty simple maths even for me.
So next year with the introduction of the Suns or whatever dicky name they're going by next year, will bring the number of teams to 17, again simple maths, but we have people starting to think about finals.
How many teams will contest them?
When will we hold the Grand final? and so on and so forth.
Personally and historically the last team to come from outside the top 4 and win the damn thing was Adelaide and we're not going to discuss who they may or may not have beaten in order to win said flag. They were the last team in like 20 years according to my God and Saviour Nick Riewoldt on On the Couch on Monday night, blasphemy to some but the truth in my eyes haha.
But seriously, take as an example last year, I think there were teams getting into the finals having lost more games then they won. Seriously do we think these teams deserve to be there? To be competing for AFL's grandest prize? I think not.
Unfortantely for some the title of AFL Premiers is not won after 22 rounds, it's won after 25 or 26 if you're good enough to get there, and yes I do see the point of a finals system and I also see the point of having no finals, but that's for a time where the Saints are actually looking like taking the minor Premiership, or not.
But getting back to my point, 8 teams is enough for the finals. Personally I can also make an argument for just a final four only but I think that might be a bit silly.
I think to extend it to a top 10, because having an uneven number is just stupid, actually if you really wanted to make things easy it should really be a top 12 so the number of teams knocked out leaves an even number of teams so that they can all play the next week or so there are 2 teams getting a break, making it more equal, is rewarding teams for mediocrity no matter what the number of teams in the finals are.
Yes I know that as the system stands now there are teams who are doing just that but the number is small. I don't think there should be more than 1 or 2 teams at the most who find themselves in that situation.
So in summary, leave the finals at 8.
Now the Grand Final.
Will the fights over the G ever end?
Next year the AFL planned to hold the GF on October 1. As a side note I don't like this coz first weekend in October sounds nowhere near as good as last Saturday in September, but that's a side issue.
But Cricket Victoria has said they are claiming their rights to the G as of the first of October as the traditional start of their season.
So what are the AFL to do? They can't start the season earlier because, again, the state cricket clubs who control the MCG, SCG and Gabba won't release the grounds before March 31. Oh my oh my... I guess at a stretch they could manage it, it would put Eithad under a bit of pressure, but it's workable for 2 weeks.
Eithad hosts 3 games, Friday night, Sat and Sun;
Skilled Stadium gets one;
ANZ Stadium gets one, stuff the NRL;
AAMI Stadium gets one,
Subiacco gets one
and for kicks lets send one to either TIO, which might be a touch hot, or Aurora.
That's 8 stadiums for 17 teams with obviously 1 team having a bye.
This is more workable then moving the AFL Grand final elsewhere, because the Grand final isn't the grand final without the G.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Rugby Union - Robbie Deans
Now I know I'm only just learning to speak rugby but I do live with a kiwi so i think i'm on pretty safe footing when I say I like Robbie Deans and what he's been doing with the Wallabies and I like the track we're on with him at the helm.
I don't get why there's talk that he's going to get dumped, if it's true they're pretty stupid arse rumours, coz like all our previous coaches have been that great...
I like the fact that he's rebuilt this team and I have to say they're doing ok.
Rebuilding in any sport is really hard and I guess the guys who usually do it usually cop a lot of flack while they do but I think Robbie Deans is right on the money, even if i do sound a little bias because i support the reds and he's picked a lot of reds, but they've been going through their own rebuilding phase so I guess they were ripe for the picking.
There's a world cup next year and there was no way we could be competitive with the team we had last year or the year before that.
Do we want the Wallabies to end up like the Socceroos? A team of guys who should have retired a while ago but can't because there's no talent coming through? No I didn't think so.
So all of Robbie Deans' critics back off! While we may not be seeing results at the minute I suspect when the time is right, and when we most want results, that because of Robbie Deans' planning and foresight we might just be getting them.
And yes I know it goes against the grain as Aussies to actually like a Kiwi, but at least he's a kiwi who sings our national anthem and has the nickname "Dingo" and let me tell you there aren't a lot of Dingos running around in New Zealand...
Good luck Robbie, regardless of what happens you've been great for our boys and for Australian rugby in general and we'd love for you to take us all the way and see Bill sitting in our trophy cabinet once more!!
I don't get why there's talk that he's going to get dumped, if it's true they're pretty stupid arse rumours, coz like all our previous coaches have been that great...
I like the fact that he's rebuilt this team and I have to say they're doing ok.
Rebuilding in any sport is really hard and I guess the guys who usually do it usually cop a lot of flack while they do but I think Robbie Deans is right on the money, even if i do sound a little bias because i support the reds and he's picked a lot of reds, but they've been going through their own rebuilding phase so I guess they were ripe for the picking.
There's a world cup next year and there was no way we could be competitive with the team we had last year or the year before that.
Do we want the Wallabies to end up like the Socceroos? A team of guys who should have retired a while ago but can't because there's no talent coming through? No I didn't think so.
So all of Robbie Deans' critics back off! While we may not be seeing results at the minute I suspect when the time is right, and when we most want results, that because of Robbie Deans' planning and foresight we might just be getting them.
And yes I know it goes against the grain as Aussies to actually like a Kiwi, but at least he's a kiwi who sings our national anthem and has the nickname "Dingo" and let me tell you there aren't a lot of Dingos running around in New Zealand...
Good luck Robbie, regardless of what happens you've been great for our boys and for Australian rugby in general and we'd love for you to take us all the way and see Bill sitting in our trophy cabinet once more!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
AFL issues.
Several issues arose from Friday night's draw at Eithad Stadium, between St Kilda and Hawthorn, least of all was the shocking amount of free kicks that went against the Saints for no reason other than the ref's thought it was a good idea, anyway moving on...
First of all: the interchange rule.
Having being the recipient of freee kicks for breaches of this rule and giving away free kicks because of breaches, I can safely say that as a Saints fan I don't have a problem with the punishment. All the clubs agreeed to it and it is much better, and a lot less harsh, than the ofending team's score resorting to 0. I could imagine if that was the case, especially at that stage of the game, that Alistair Clarkson would have even more to say about it.
Regardless, Hawthorn got so many free kicks that night that they shouldn't have that I think it maybe evens things up a little bit. And having seen Cyril Rioli turn his head during his run up for the goal you can't tell me that he wasn't aware that something was happening. He chose to keep going and therefore was lucky he wasn't penalised 50 metres for not returning the ball.
Second: The result.
Yes, as a fan it left a little hollow feeling, but at least we walked away with some points, which at the end of the day is better than nothing. I'm sure the players felt the same thing.
Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with a draw. Yes it would add a little more excitement for an extra 5 or 10 either way but I'm not sure the players would have felt that. AFL is a very taxing game and goes for a long time, a lot longer than NRL, Rugby or football.
No, the draw is a fine result, afterall, if at the end of normal time the teams can't be split then maybe they don't deserve to be.
Third and final: Eithad Stadium.
That surface is downright dangerous. Seeing all those player slip was ridiculous. And we've seen it throughout the season. Sure it may not have been the cause of Nick Riewoldt or Josh Gibson's hamstring injuries (both who played on Friday night after extensive lay offs) but it was certainly was a factor in Chris Judd's ankle injury and I'm sure numerous others.
The Western Bulldogs should be thanking the surface however for helping get rid of Aker though...
I'm very interested to see how the surface will go this weekend, given Eithad is hosting a Bledisloe match on Saturday night. Rugby scrums will rip up any normal surface, and I've seen the damage done to Suncorp, a perfect surface I've heard it called, and I think that Eithad has no chance of surviving. It'll be interesting what happens with the Western Bulldogs match on Sunday, whether the stadium will be given the OK.
Either way something has to be or I do reckon one day someone will sue, I just hope that the injury doesn't happen to one of our players...
First of all: the interchange rule.
Having being the recipient of freee kicks for breaches of this rule and giving away free kicks because of breaches, I can safely say that as a Saints fan I don't have a problem with the punishment. All the clubs agreeed to it and it is much better, and a lot less harsh, than the ofending team's score resorting to 0. I could imagine if that was the case, especially at that stage of the game, that Alistair Clarkson would have even more to say about it.
Regardless, Hawthorn got so many free kicks that night that they shouldn't have that I think it maybe evens things up a little bit. And having seen Cyril Rioli turn his head during his run up for the goal you can't tell me that he wasn't aware that something was happening. He chose to keep going and therefore was lucky he wasn't penalised 50 metres for not returning the ball.
Second: The result.
Yes, as a fan it left a little hollow feeling, but at least we walked away with some points, which at the end of the day is better than nothing. I'm sure the players felt the same thing.
Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with a draw. Yes it would add a little more excitement for an extra 5 or 10 either way but I'm not sure the players would have felt that. AFL is a very taxing game and goes for a long time, a lot longer than NRL, Rugby or football.
No, the draw is a fine result, afterall, if at the end of normal time the teams can't be split then maybe they don't deserve to be.
Third and final: Eithad Stadium.
That surface is downright dangerous. Seeing all those player slip was ridiculous. And we've seen it throughout the season. Sure it may not have been the cause of Nick Riewoldt or Josh Gibson's hamstring injuries (both who played on Friday night after extensive lay offs) but it was certainly was a factor in Chris Judd's ankle injury and I'm sure numerous others.
The Western Bulldogs should be thanking the surface however for helping get rid of Aker though...
I'm very interested to see how the surface will go this weekend, given Eithad is hosting a Bledisloe match on Saturday night. Rugby scrums will rip up any normal surface, and I've seen the damage done to Suncorp, a perfect surface I've heard it called, and I think that Eithad has no chance of surviving. It'll be interesting what happens with the Western Bulldogs match on Sunday, whether the stadium will be given the OK.
Either way something has to be or I do reckon one day someone will sue, I just hope that the injury doesn't happen to one of our players...
Tour de France - wrap
What an exciting Tour! Sure it wasn't the closest one that's ever been but it was close.
Props to Andy Shleck for taking it to Alberto Contador on the time trial, i think he got as close as 2 seconds which is impressive.
Taking back said props is Andy Shleck's comments about always being able to rely on Cadel Evans to fall off, not cool Andy, pull your head in and remember that you fell off as well. I'd like to see you ride for 2 weeks seriously hampered by an injury of that magnitude.
Farewell to Lance Armstrong, finally. I applaude him for what he's done for the sport of road cycling and in his cancer research but i just don't like the guy...
Farewell also to Aussie Mick Rodgers who won't be riding the tour anymore preferring to focus on week long stage races. Other cyclists would ride the tour just because it's the tour but you have realised your limitations and are bowing to those so congrats for admitting you're different to a lot of the other riders.
A big wow on Mark Cavendish. We saw him last year and he swept the sprints then but i don't think until this year we truly saw how incredibly fast he is.
I think a lot of people may have questioned him without Mark Renshaw, and let's face it HTC were a little at sea without him but Cavendish showed he can win without them and is the first guy in the history of the Tour to go back-to-back with wins on the Champs Elysees.
There was talk he could go on to win 40 stages throughout his career and seeing him through this tour I have no doubt that he could and maybe more, I'm sure there are many green jerseys in his future.
Overall it was a great tour, very competitive, very even and with a great number of riders finishing, up to 30 or 40 more than in the last 5 or 6 years which is incredible, and only a handful of those were eliminated because they finished outside the allowed time.
Can't wait for next year!!
Props to Andy Shleck for taking it to Alberto Contador on the time trial, i think he got as close as 2 seconds which is impressive.
Taking back said props is Andy Shleck's comments about always being able to rely on Cadel Evans to fall off, not cool Andy, pull your head in and remember that you fell off as well. I'd like to see you ride for 2 weeks seriously hampered by an injury of that magnitude.
Farewell to Lance Armstrong, finally. I applaude him for what he's done for the sport of road cycling and in his cancer research but i just don't like the guy...
Farewell also to Aussie Mick Rodgers who won't be riding the tour anymore preferring to focus on week long stage races. Other cyclists would ride the tour just because it's the tour but you have realised your limitations and are bowing to those so congrats for admitting you're different to a lot of the other riders.
A big wow on Mark Cavendish. We saw him last year and he swept the sprints then but i don't think until this year we truly saw how incredibly fast he is.
I think a lot of people may have questioned him without Mark Renshaw, and let's face it HTC were a little at sea without him but Cavendish showed he can win without them and is the first guy in the history of the Tour to go back-to-back with wins on the Champs Elysees.
There was talk he could go on to win 40 stages throughout his career and seeing him through this tour I have no doubt that he could and maybe more, I'm sure there are many green jerseys in his future.
Overall it was a great tour, very competitive, very even and with a great number of riders finishing, up to 30 or 40 more than in the last 5 or 6 years which is incredible, and only a handful of those were eliminated because they finished outside the allowed time.
Can't wait for next year!!
Red Bull X Fighters - Madrid
Awesome watching Red Bull X Fighters, Madrid the other day.
Pretty awesome that Furl TV decided to show it live, not so awesome that they cut to ads for the judging decision for the Semi final between Dany Torres and Mat Rebuad. Good thing I have common sense otherwise I'd still be wondering who won that one...
Also very big congrats to Aussie Robbie Madison who pulled off the Body Burial 3 times in competition. Pity he wasn't the first to do it, but 3 times was pretty awesome, I'd love to see that trick more *hint, hint Crusty Demons touring here in November*.
Also big congrats to Maddo who finally married his beautiful girlfriend Amy about 6 months ago and who I'm told is about to pop with their son!! How exciting, a little Maddo running around!!
Also, I know there's a lot and a few more to come still but stick with me, congrats to Cam Sinclair who returned to Madrid after his horrible, horrible crash last year. It's so good to see you up and back doing what you love Cam, you will always be the first guy, and at the moment the only, guy I have successfully seen do a double backflip live.
And finally congrats to Levi Sherwood for taking the Moscow round of the X Fighters, I have yet to see any of that because I didn't realise it was on and Fuel TV could prefer to show Ed the Sock (what the?) instead of the X Fighters. Apparently Fuel TV are against showing X Fighters except for the day the competition is actually held, yeah nice one guys, coz there aren't Aussies and Kiwi's competing...
Anyway I remember seeing Levi on a Crusty Demon's tour when he was 15 or 16 and he was amazing then, he could only do right side up tricks but he has gone onto bigger and much better things since then, with 2 X Fighters wins in 2 years, pretty impressive.
Also, it's nice to see the Crusty's taking 15/16 year olds on tour with them, it's a good bredding ground for them and Levi has shown what they can go on to do.
Pretty awesome that Furl TV decided to show it live, not so awesome that they cut to ads for the judging decision for the Semi final between Dany Torres and Mat Rebuad. Good thing I have common sense otherwise I'd still be wondering who won that one...
Also very big congrats to Aussie Robbie Madison who pulled off the Body Burial 3 times in competition. Pity he wasn't the first to do it, but 3 times was pretty awesome, I'd love to see that trick more *hint, hint Crusty Demons touring here in November*.
Also big congrats to Maddo who finally married his beautiful girlfriend Amy about 6 months ago and who I'm told is about to pop with their son!! How exciting, a little Maddo running around!!
Also, I know there's a lot and a few more to come still but stick with me, congrats to Cam Sinclair who returned to Madrid after his horrible, horrible crash last year. It's so good to see you up and back doing what you love Cam, you will always be the first guy, and at the moment the only, guy I have successfully seen do a double backflip live.
And finally congrats to Levi Sherwood for taking the Moscow round of the X Fighters, I have yet to see any of that because I didn't realise it was on and Fuel TV could prefer to show Ed the Sock (what the?) instead of the X Fighters. Apparently Fuel TV are against showing X Fighters except for the day the competition is actually held, yeah nice one guys, coz there aren't Aussies and Kiwi's competing...
Anyway I remember seeing Levi on a Crusty Demon's tour when he was 15 or 16 and he was amazing then, he could only do right side up tricks but he has gone onto bigger and much better things since then, with 2 X Fighters wins in 2 years, pretty impressive.
Also, it's nice to see the Crusty's taking 15/16 year olds on tour with them, it's a good bredding ground for them and Levi has shown what they can go on to do.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A League
There's talk that Harry Kewell might be coming to the A League once his contract with Galatasaray is up. As much as I love Harry and what he's done for Australian football I don't think he should come. I think the A League should be a breeding ground for young up and comers and those who aren't quite good enough for an overseas contract, not a league where the old who can't get a contract anywhere else come back to retire gracefully.
I think Jason Cullina is starting to realise this, and we saw how his year in the A League has dulled his skills.
While I don't doubt it would be a major coup for the clubs it's not great for the fans really when you think of it and most of all it's not good for the future of Australian football.
The theory that these players can come back and help raise the skill level of the players around them is rubbish.
What we need to do is focus on churning out the talent, make this a great development league so in 2012, 2018 and even 2022 we have a great new squad of talent for the world cup.
I think Jason Cullina is starting to realise this, and we saw how his year in the A League has dulled his skills.
While I don't doubt it would be a major coup for the clubs it's not great for the fans really when you think of it and most of all it's not good for the future of Australian football.
The theory that these players can come back and help raise the skill level of the players around them is rubbish.
What we need to do is focus on churning out the talent, make this a great development league so in 2012, 2018 and even 2022 we have a great new squad of talent for the world cup.
Glenn McGrath
While this isn't typically sports related, although it does fall within the sports category I thought I would share my thoughts on Glenn McGrath's engagement.
I'm happy with this and I think anybody who isn't should go to hell.
He went through hell and back supporting Jane and nobody has the right to question how much he loved her, we all saw it and we all can remember when he pulled out of a test series against South Africa to support her.
I remember that, when it was announced he was out because of personal reasons everyone knew it was because there was something up with Jane.
And despite the fact I don't know either of them, Jane or Pidge, I'd like to think Jane would be happy for him. From what I've heard about when she died she wanted him to be happy and I think the rest of the country, and the cricketing world at large, should be too.
Congrats Pidge!! We love you and wish you all the best!
Sara, welcome to the family!
I'm happy with this and I think anybody who isn't should go to hell.
He went through hell and back supporting Jane and nobody has the right to question how much he loved her, we all saw it and we all can remember when he pulled out of a test series against South Africa to support her.
I remember that, when it was announced he was out because of personal reasons everyone knew it was because there was something up with Jane.
And despite the fact I don't know either of them, Jane or Pidge, I'd like to think Jane would be happy for him. From what I've heard about when she died she wanted him to be happy and I think the rest of the country, and the cricketing world at large, should be too.
Congrats Pidge!! We love you and wish you all the best!
Sara, welcome to the family!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Jason Akermanis
Oh dear! Well the sad sorry saga that is Jason Akermanis is finally at an end, we hope.
How funny is it that Aker has been sacked by 2 clubs yet keeps insisting that he's not the problem, that he's the innocent victim? Seriously Aker wake up!
Both times you tested the clubs patience one too many times and it's not as if you weren't warned. Frankly if you were leaking stuff to the media about your teammates it's a wonder they didn't sake you sooner.
And what you had to say about gay players was just out of line, seriously, we can't help it if you're homophobic.
And as for your "dribbler" comments about Alistair Smith, pull the other one, he's a St Kilda listed player with a future in the AFL which is a hell of a lot more than you've got at the moment. In re: to that by the way, wouldn't you have been upset if Sandy hadn't tagged you when you played them? Guess you're happy to get the headlines anyway you can...
One thing I did particularly want to make note of was Andrew Hamilton's comments in the Courier Mail this morning which seemed to insinuate that people would be writing off Aker's achievements on the field.
Make no mistake, every club out there, and most fans, know what a great player Aker was and is. He's a triple premiership player and Brownlow medalist, not something to be taken lightly and something any player would give his right arm for but Aker has never been happy to settle for these titles.
He's gone out of his way to be as outspoken and loud as possible, overshadowing his achievements.
He did that, not the media and commentators can understanably be forgiven for focusing on that probably more than they should.
Let's be frank here, Aker is no Simon Black, a player with the same credits, 3 premiership and a Brownlow, who goes about his work quietly and without fuss.
I guess it's not in Aker's nature to do that, but seriously if all he's remembered for is being a loudmouth, an idiot who did the dirty on some of his teammates because he loved the media spotlight and attention so much then he's only got himself to blame...
And if the Gold Coast do want to sign him they've been more than warned, although why you would want to is beyond me, go for youth and build from there.
How funny is it that Aker has been sacked by 2 clubs yet keeps insisting that he's not the problem, that he's the innocent victim? Seriously Aker wake up!
Both times you tested the clubs patience one too many times and it's not as if you weren't warned. Frankly if you were leaking stuff to the media about your teammates it's a wonder they didn't sake you sooner.
And what you had to say about gay players was just out of line, seriously, we can't help it if you're homophobic.
And as for your "dribbler" comments about Alistair Smith, pull the other one, he's a St Kilda listed player with a future in the AFL which is a hell of a lot more than you've got at the moment. In re: to that by the way, wouldn't you have been upset if Sandy hadn't tagged you when you played them? Guess you're happy to get the headlines anyway you can...
One thing I did particularly want to make note of was Andrew Hamilton's comments in the Courier Mail this morning which seemed to insinuate that people would be writing off Aker's achievements on the field.
Make no mistake, every club out there, and most fans, know what a great player Aker was and is. He's a triple premiership player and Brownlow medalist, not something to be taken lightly and something any player would give his right arm for but Aker has never been happy to settle for these titles.
He's gone out of his way to be as outspoken and loud as possible, overshadowing his achievements.
He did that, not the media and commentators can understanably be forgiven for focusing on that probably more than they should.
Let's be frank here, Aker is no Simon Black, a player with the same credits, 3 premiership and a Brownlow, who goes about his work quietly and without fuss.
I guess it's not in Aker's nature to do that, but seriously if all he's remembered for is being a loudmouth, an idiot who did the dirty on some of his teammates because he loved the media spotlight and attention so much then he's only got himself to blame...
And if the Gold Coast do want to sign him they've been more than warned, although why you would want to is beyond me, go for youth and build from there.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
AFL fan survey
People of AFL Land I ask you how can you vote Ben Cousins sexiest player? Eh, even disregarding my liking for Nick Riewoldt, which i think has more to do with who he is rather than what he looks like, at least vote for Sam Fisher or at the very least, under a great amount of pain here, Simon Black or Dane Swan, not Ben Cousins.
And Milney for most hated? Are you kidding me? Actually I guess I'd hate him too if we had to play him because he does have a lot of confidence for a little bloke and a great amount of skill and more often than not nowadays he pulls it off.
Finally, Jonathan Brown as bravest player? With Lenny Hayes not even on the leaderboard, pull the other one. There is not a tougher guy in the AFL than Lenny Hayes, with maybe Luke Hodge giving him a run for his money.
Come on people are you punishing the frontrunners, coz that's the only thing i can think of because people obviously weren't voting with their heads...
And Milney for most hated? Are you kidding me? Actually I guess I'd hate him too if we had to play him because he does have a lot of confidence for a little bloke and a great amount of skill and more often than not nowadays he pulls it off.
Finally, Jonathan Brown as bravest player? With Lenny Hayes not even on the leaderboard, pull the other one. There is not a tougher guy in the AFL than Lenny Hayes, with maybe Luke Hodge giving him a run for his money.
Come on people are you punishing the frontrunners, coz that's the only thing i can think of because people obviously weren't voting with their heads...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tour de France - battle for yellow
Just a quick word on last night's stage and some commentators calls that Alberto Contador should have sat up and not attacked whilst Andy Shleck was in difficulty.
I can understand why on the stage into Spa, stage 3 or something like that, that the race was neutralised as a protest against the slippery conditions on the road which resulted in quite a few riders hitting the tarmac, among them Andy Shleck. It was a man made disaster that one, something that was out of the riders control.
But what happened to Andy Shleck last night, his chain coming off his bike, wasn't something that could have been prevented. It's just something that happens and I'm sure it's happened to everyone at one stage or another.
Yes it was a shame because it looked as if he had Alberto Contador on the ropes and if he had opened up a gap it would have made the race more interesting, but I don't think that's a reason to neutralise a race.
And I think if you watch it closely, Contador never really actively took advantage, he stayed with the group and followed them and took his turn at the front, as he should. It's not his fault he was with Sammy Sanchez who happens to be a fantastic desender.
You could also see that at the finish he didn't sprint for the line, and at that stage the time gaps were close even if he were getting information on that.
I can understand why on the stage into Spa, stage 3 or something like that, that the race was neutralised as a protest against the slippery conditions on the road which resulted in quite a few riders hitting the tarmac, among them Andy Shleck. It was a man made disaster that one, something that was out of the riders control.
But what happened to Andy Shleck last night, his chain coming off his bike, wasn't something that could have been prevented. It's just something that happens and I'm sure it's happened to everyone at one stage or another.
Yes it was a shame because it looked as if he had Alberto Contador on the ropes and if he had opened up a gap it would have made the race more interesting, but I don't think that's a reason to neutralise a race.
And I think if you watch it closely, Contador never really actively took advantage, he stayed with the group and followed them and took his turn at the front, as he should. It's not his fault he was with Sammy Sanchez who happens to be a fantastic desender.
You could also see that at the finish he didn't sprint for the line, and at that stage the time gaps were close even if he were getting information on that.
Cricket Australia - Ashes ticketing
Just a quick thumbs up to Cricket Australia for sorting out the ticketing for this year's Ashes.
It was mighty good not to have to sit on the computer all day to try and compete with every man and his dog for Ashes tickets.
I could even log out then log back in without having to wait, very impressed.
Of course the demand for tickets for this Ashes series obviously isn't at the same levels as a few years ago but they learned, and having spoken to Cricket Australia about the ticketing problems last time around they knew they had a problem and have fixed it.
Now only if htey could get the cricketers to do the same we might have another whitewash on our hands...
Also a big thumbs up for letting Billy the Trumpeter in at all grounds. Having been to 2 Ashes series, this one makes the third, the Barmy Army are one of the best aspects of the cricket, besides Mitchell Johnson and Tim Paine, and I'm sure Billy more than adds to that.
It was mighty good not to have to sit on the computer all day to try and compete with every man and his dog for Ashes tickets.
I could even log out then log back in without having to wait, very impressed.
Of course the demand for tickets for this Ashes series obviously isn't at the same levels as a few years ago but they learned, and having spoken to Cricket Australia about the ticketing problems last time around they knew they had a problem and have fixed it.
Now only if htey could get the cricketers to do the same we might have another whitewash on our hands...
Also a big thumbs up for letting Billy the Trumpeter in at all grounds. Having been to 2 Ashes series, this one makes the third, the Barmy Army are one of the best aspects of the cricket, besides Mitchell Johnson and Tim Paine, and I'm sure Billy more than adds to that.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
What's wrong with the A League
I'm not the A League's biggest fan, in fact I relish watching them when they put in horrid performances because the level of skill is so much lower than the English Premier League - the best league in the world, let's be frank - but the belief of the players and managers that they can cut it with the best is simply delusional.
Along with 19,000 other people I made the treck to Suncorp last night to see Everton FC take on the Brisbane Roar.
The difference in the 2 teams was very early evident, in the warm up in fact.
The level of skill in the Everton players ball handling and control was so superior that the Roar can only hope to one day emulate that.
But they won't unless their managers decide to get back to basics and drill their players in the simple things. Such as trapping the ball without it going 2 metres away from them. Passing the ball to their players feet without them moving, simple things like that. But they won't because they belive as professional players that they no longer need to do the simple things.
The other thing wrong with the A league is players that make up their squads. Not many of the teams have a lot of talent. It's out there because they're all over in England trialling for their clubs, apprenticing at their clubs and finding European nations with whom they have some connection and playing for them.
Luring back former stars to come back here is never going to improve the standard of the A league.
These are guys who can no longer cut it in Europe so they come back here in the hopes of an easy pay cheque and they get it.
I know our clubs are handicapped by the fact that we have salary caps in Australia, this isn't the problem, it's the size of the cap that is limiting the club's ability to put in competitive offers to overseas stars.
But then where are the clubs going to get this money?
Being a member of an opposition sport, the afl, I know how members should be treated. Like they're worth their weight in gold and they are because they love their club, love the players and would do a hell of a lot to make sure the club is successful and the players have what they need. From what i've seen of A league clubs and their relationships with their members and in public in general the difference really couldn't be greater.
The clubs need to make the members feel wanted, because they are the lifeblood of the club.
What the A league needs to do is go back to basics, bring up players when they're young, not only for the good of the club but the good of the Socceroos too.
Along with 19,000 other people I made the treck to Suncorp last night to see Everton FC take on the Brisbane Roar.
The difference in the 2 teams was very early evident, in the warm up in fact.
The level of skill in the Everton players ball handling and control was so superior that the Roar can only hope to one day emulate that.
But they won't unless their managers decide to get back to basics and drill their players in the simple things. Such as trapping the ball without it going 2 metres away from them. Passing the ball to their players feet without them moving, simple things like that. But they won't because they belive as professional players that they no longer need to do the simple things.
The other thing wrong with the A league is players that make up their squads. Not many of the teams have a lot of talent. It's out there because they're all over in England trialling for their clubs, apprenticing at their clubs and finding European nations with whom they have some connection and playing for them.
Luring back former stars to come back here is never going to improve the standard of the A league.
These are guys who can no longer cut it in Europe so they come back here in the hopes of an easy pay cheque and they get it.
I know our clubs are handicapped by the fact that we have salary caps in Australia, this isn't the problem, it's the size of the cap that is limiting the club's ability to put in competitive offers to overseas stars.
But then where are the clubs going to get this money?
Being a member of an opposition sport, the afl, I know how members should be treated. Like they're worth their weight in gold and they are because they love their club, love the players and would do a hell of a lot to make sure the club is successful and the players have what they need. From what i've seen of A league clubs and their relationships with their members and in public in general the difference really couldn't be greater.
The clubs need to make the members feel wanted, because they are the lifeblood of the club.
What the A league needs to do is go back to basics, bring up players when they're young, not only for the good of the club but the good of the Socceroos too.
AFL Grand Final
Don't get me wrong, I love the afl and I know how big the grand final is having lived in Melbourne during September and having gone to a Grand Final. It's seriously massive.
And I know money plays a big part in sport, in fact it's second to pretty much everything. But I think the ticketing system is ridiculous...
25,000 tickets for the competing clubs, out of 100,000. That's a 1/4.
1,000 tickets for the clubs = 16,000, soon to be 17 then 18,000. Together that's 42,000, less than 1/2.
The MCC would take up maybe 30,000.
That's 72,000 less than 3/4. So what happens to the other 28,000 I hear you say? Well they go to the afl and their croneys.
28,000 less than the competing clubs.
Take if you will Collingwood who have 60,000 members. St Kilda have 40,000.
These are the people who are the reason that the clubs are able to survive, surely we should be rewarded by being able to watch our clubs play in the greatest day in the afl calendar.
It's what the players strive for and what the supporters hope for for 5 months, in the case of many St Kilda members and fans, their whole lives for.
I understand that the AFL need some tickets to keep their sponsors happy, but more than the competing clubs allowance?
It's downright robbery.
And I know money plays a big part in sport, in fact it's second to pretty much everything. But I think the ticketing system is ridiculous...
25,000 tickets for the competing clubs, out of 100,000. That's a 1/4.
1,000 tickets for the clubs = 16,000, soon to be 17 then 18,000. Together that's 42,000, less than 1/2.
The MCC would take up maybe 30,000.
That's 72,000 less than 3/4. So what happens to the other 28,000 I hear you say? Well they go to the afl and their croneys.
28,000 less than the competing clubs.
Take if you will Collingwood who have 60,000 members. St Kilda have 40,000.
These are the people who are the reason that the clubs are able to survive, surely we should be rewarded by being able to watch our clubs play in the greatest day in the afl calendar.
It's what the players strive for and what the supporters hope for for 5 months, in the case of many St Kilda members and fans, their whole lives for.
I understand that the AFL need some tickets to keep their sponsors happy, but more than the competing clubs allowance?
It's downright robbery.
Tour de France - Mark Renshaw
Now, in the hope fo not sounding too much like a conspiracy freak, which i definately am not, that's another blog, haha jokes, it's really not... i think the tour organisers have got something against either him, or Mark Cavendish or HTC Columbia or they just wanted to have some fun by kicking someone out who just happens to be an Aussie, actually that may be a happy coincidence.
But seriously, i think the tour has something major to answer for. I don't understand how two guys can go at it, throwing punches and wheeling tyres to about to the other guy's head and get a 300 Euro fine, and that's it.
But Mark Renshaw, in the course of a fairly typical sprint head butted a guy, well a Kiwi anyway, a few times to avoid a massive crash and copped an elbow as well and gets expelled!
What damages cycling more, fisticuffs off the bike with nothing to do with the sport, or a normal sprint?
Yes granted Mark Renshaw shouldn't have done that to Julian Dean, and he shouldn't have blocked Tyler Farrah but get expelled? No I don't think so.
I also think it's a croc that the team couldn't appeal. Yes I know this is Europe and old habits die hard but seriously dictatorship is so 1940's...
The tour organisers should put Mark Renshaw back in, but give him the last time...
But seriously, i think the tour has something major to answer for. I don't understand how two guys can go at it, throwing punches and wheeling tyres to about to the other guy's head and get a 300 Euro fine, and that's it.
But Mark Renshaw, in the course of a fairly typical sprint head butted a guy, well a Kiwi anyway, a few times to avoid a massive crash and copped an elbow as well and gets expelled!
What damages cycling more, fisticuffs off the bike with nothing to do with the sport, or a normal sprint?
Yes granted Mark Renshaw shouldn't have done that to Julian Dean, and he shouldn't have blocked Tyler Farrah but get expelled? No I don't think so.
I also think it's a croc that the team couldn't appeal. Yes I know this is Europe and old habits die hard but seriously dictatorship is so 1940's...
The tour organisers should put Mark Renshaw back in, but give him the last time...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Melbourne Storm
It would be remiss of me not to mention something about the Melbourne Storm today, especially with the results of their audit widely available.
I don't understand people's reaction with the storm. They cheated. There is no excuse for that. And it's not as if it was a couple of thousand dollars over, they were 3.2 million over. That's a big amount especially considering the cap this year is 4.1.
Yes the penalties were harsh but they fit the crime. They should never have had the team they had together on the field.
The salary cap is there for a reason, it's to ensure that there's a level playing field and each club is equal, otherwise you get a situation like English Premier League football where you have 4 big clubs, 5 now with the inclusion of Manchester City who have a lot of money and power and resources to attract big names to their clubs.
Everytime the Storm go out onto the field they are cheating so it's only right they play for no points. Yes I realise it's hard on the players but as they failed to cooperate with the audit we can't really be sure as to what they did and didn't know.
Even for rugby league players they must have known signing 3 contracts was a little dodgy...
I don't understand people's reaction with the storm. They cheated. There is no excuse for that. And it's not as if it was a couple of thousand dollars over, they were 3.2 million over. That's a big amount especially considering the cap this year is 4.1.
Yes the penalties were harsh but they fit the crime. They should never have had the team they had together on the field.
The salary cap is there for a reason, it's to ensure that there's a level playing field and each club is equal, otherwise you get a situation like English Premier League football where you have 4 big clubs, 5 now with the inclusion of Manchester City who have a lot of money and power and resources to attract big names to their clubs.
Everytime the Storm go out onto the field they are cheating so it's only right they play for no points. Yes I realise it's hard on the players but as they failed to cooperate with the audit we can't really be sure as to what they did and didn't know.
Even for rugby league players they must have known signing 3 contracts was a little dodgy...
Aussies in sport
Having stayed up to watch the last hour of each of the Tour de France's stages and especially stage 9 I found it extremely disappointing to hear how Phil Ligett and Paul Sherwin were talking about Cadel Evans. Yes in terms of the tour and how competitve Cadel was is was very disappointing and yes they didn't have all the information about Cadel's condition, none of us did, but please don't talk about the wearer of the yellow jersey, a two time tour runner up and current road race world champion as someone who is weak. As seasoned tour commentators they should know Cadel better and know that he is made of tougher stuff than that...
All Aussies are. When our backs are against the wall we fight. And we saw Cadel do that the other night.
A good decender he tried to haul back the time gap between him and the leaders and what was predicted to be a 10 minute loss was only 8. Surely that's got to count for something.
I do have to give Phil and Paul their due here by saying last night they were very good towards Cadel with Phil telling Aussie journos he thought Cadel could still make the podium.
But more to the point, Aussies and I guess Kiwis here although I'm not really sure, they're just a necessity because AAC sounds stupid where ANZAC has some many connotations, will always fight and have the drive to succeed.
That's why there was so much uproar with Pim Verbeek's lineup against Germany in the World cup. We read it as him trying to limit his losses and make it difficult for Germany to score, he was going for the draw rather than the win which is something we're not used to. Guus Hiddink understood the Aussie mentality and formed a game plan around it accordingly and it obviously worked wonders. Guus anytime you want to come back name your price and if Frank Lowy can't match it, all Australians will contrubute $1, so that's $22 million, not bad huh?
A coach in Turkey's Super Liga thought he was the luckiest coach in the world because he thought he had signed the world's hardest working player, an Aussie. It was only when he was talking to other Super Liga coaches who also had Aussies on their squads that he realised he wasn't lucky, because he quickly learned all Aussies are hard workers, he was just smart and has since said that if any coach has the opportunity to sign an Aussie to do it because we work harder than anyone else on the planet.
If you look at the Socceroos, or even Tim Cahill to be more specific, he's not the world's greatest player, Linel Messi he is not, but he works hard and it shows.
So our message to the world is don't write us off, if something's not right then there's probably a reason as to why, so do what we do, work a little harder and find out why...
All Aussies are. When our backs are against the wall we fight. And we saw Cadel do that the other night.
A good decender he tried to haul back the time gap between him and the leaders and what was predicted to be a 10 minute loss was only 8. Surely that's got to count for something.
I do have to give Phil and Paul their due here by saying last night they were very good towards Cadel with Phil telling Aussie journos he thought Cadel could still make the podium.
But more to the point, Aussies and I guess Kiwis here although I'm not really sure, they're just a necessity because AAC sounds stupid where ANZAC has some many connotations, will always fight and have the drive to succeed.
That's why there was so much uproar with Pim Verbeek's lineup against Germany in the World cup. We read it as him trying to limit his losses and make it difficult for Germany to score, he was going for the draw rather than the win which is something we're not used to. Guus Hiddink understood the Aussie mentality and formed a game plan around it accordingly and it obviously worked wonders. Guus anytime you want to come back name your price and if Frank Lowy can't match it, all Australians will contrubute $1, so that's $22 million, not bad huh?
A coach in Turkey's Super Liga thought he was the luckiest coach in the world because he thought he had signed the world's hardest working player, an Aussie. It was only when he was talking to other Super Liga coaches who also had Aussies on their squads that he realised he wasn't lucky, because he quickly learned all Aussies are hard workers, he was just smart and has since said that if any coach has the opportunity to sign an Aussie to do it because we work harder than anyone else on the planet.
If you look at the Socceroos, or even Tim Cahill to be more specific, he's not the world's greatest player, Linel Messi he is not, but he works hard and it shows.
So our message to the world is don't write us off, if something's not right then there's probably a reason as to why, so do what we do, work a little harder and find out why...
Intro
So this is now my sports blog in the hopes of at the very least keeping myself in the habit of
a) watching sport
b) forming opinnions about the sport I am watching
c) keeping myself in the habit of writing about said sport and
d) possibly garnering some attention for my drivelling about sport.
In this blog I will be talking about a lot of the sports I watch and like which are, in no particular order:
a) watching sport
b) forming opinnions about the sport I am watching
c) keeping myself in the habit of writing about said sport and
d) possibly garnering some attention for my drivelling about sport.
In this blog I will be talking about a lot of the sports I watch and like which are, in no particular order:
- AFL - with my team being the legendary St Kilda Saints,
- EPL - with my team being the Champions, Chelsea Blues,
- A League - with my team being the very good looking Central Coast Mariners,
- Super 14 - with my team being the Queensland Reds, I'm still learning to speak Rugby so please forgive me!,
- Cycling - I support all Aussies and pseudo Aussies and anyone who isn't Lance Armstrong, I know I know so sue me,
- Moto GP - supporting anyone who is Jorge Lorenzo and isn't Casey Stoner or Valentino Rossi, again sue me,
- Cricket - supporting the mighty Aussies who better pull their fingers out,
- Red Bull X-Fighters - supporting Maddo and just everyone in general
I can appreciate other sports including tennis, swimming, golf and rugby league but they don't really do it for me so I like to ignore their existence as much as possible, especially rugby league because I'm an afl girl and I live in QLD, yes my life is difficult.
My aim here is not to analyse because I'm not so crash hot on that, I do know some stuff but for fear of making an arse out of myself I might leave that to the pros, then again if something really pisses me off I might just break that promise.
My aim is to comment on all the happenings of these sports, not every little thing because newspapers and sports sites employ armies of people in order to do that well and I'm just one person but I do hope, just like my other blog (http://theviewfrommywindow-insidelookingout.blogspot.com) to give you an opinion that you can only get from me.
So sit back and enjoy!
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