Jack Darling after kicking one of his many goals

It was a fairly succesful year for the West Coast Eagles reaching the Semi-Final and being competitive throughout. As at the end of the year a list assessment must occur and i will be doing that, giving each player a Grade on how they performed (i.e. A, A-, B+ etc.)

Jacob Brenan- C+ :A player who I thought wouldn’t really get a game has shown that he has some promise as a defender… his form has been good enough to get him a game ahead of Ash Smith… Though I rate his performance especially against some of the better small forwards ordinary at best

Mitch Brown- C- : Shows promise but with a fully fit team Mitch just doesnt have the skills to fit in to an already very good backline. Showed good form against Franklin in the 2nd half but 4 first quarter goals hurt

Sam Butler- B: His grade is probably a little too low becuase he is a quite achiever very very solid year

Dean Cox: A : Works hard week in week out and will probably be honoured once again with All Australian Honours… took his foward game to a new level

Brad Dalziel- D+ : Not capable I believe of lifting his game to be a solid AFL player… though a handy player if you are running short on numbers

Jack Darling- A: After having a successful 1st year Jack has lifted his game to another level in 2012 becoming the youngest player since 1999 to kick 50 goals in a year. Carried an otherwise injured foward line.

Andrew Embley- B: Injured for most of the year took a while to get back into the grove but later on in the year played a couple of good games especially against North Melbourne… Though he showed errors in the finals which is very unlike him… Age?

Andrew Gaff- A :  A real success story for this year but has flown under the radar for many. About halfway through the year was 2nd in the AFL in kicks only behind Stanton. A future Gem.

Hopefully I’ll Be able to keep on working on this list just adding 10 players a day… If disagree please feel free to comment on it

Ladder

(Total)(Change from last week)

1. James ($340.50) (-$10)

2. Tomo ($291.30) (+$39.40)

3. David ($175.80) (-$10)

4. Adrian ($50.30) (-$10)

5. Matt ($14.20) (-$10)

6. Ruben (-$20) (-$10)

————————————

Matt

NRL Then No. 1 Show – All Fullbacks Tries this weekend 2-3 @ $2.20 – They’re becoming the main players in attack for most sides, but I can’t see them going completely wild this weekend.

&

Toyota Cup – Warriors def Roosters @ $1.55 – The Warriors suffered a last second heart-break last week, while the Roosters stole their game on the last play. Unfortunately for the Roosters they’ve just got too many errors in their game to challenge the double defending premiers.

= $3.41

Adrian

NRL – Rabbitohs v Raiders – Rabbitohs 1-12 @ $2.85 – After the disappointment of last week, I think the Rabbitohs should bounce back here and just get past the red hot Raiders.

&

EPL – Sunderland v Liverpool – Sunderland @ $3.35 – Liverpool are apparently the favourites, but not in my eyes. Sunderland have bought in some great attacking players, and I think they’ll get the job done at home.

= $9.55

James

AFL – Cloke v Kennedy more goals – Cloke @ $2.05 – After kicking 11 in the last two games, I think he’ll kick a heap here.

&

EPL – Everton v Newcastle – Everton @ $1.70 – With the injuries Newcastle have, Everton should do this easy.

= $3.49

Tomo

The Rugby Championship – Australia vs. Argentina – Winning margin spread – Australia by 8-14 @ $4.00 – The Wallabies finally got a solid win against the Springboks. Hopefully they can keep the momentum up against the Pumas. And at $4.00…how can you go wrong?!

&

NFL – Atlanta vs. Denver – Head to Head – Denver @ $2.35 – The Peyton Manning era began in stunning fashion over the Steelers last week. Manning looked sharp even though he hadn’t played in what seems like forever. Now the Broncoes are scoring in the first three quarters and not just in the fourh quarter (looking at you Tim Tebow).

= $9.40

David

Rugby Championship – Margin Double – NZ 13+/Aus 13+ @ $3.00 – Fairly confident both sides can win well.

&

NYC – Warriors v Roosters – Either team under 6.5pts @ $2.85 – I can’t split them – it’s going to be tight.

= $8.55

Ruben

NRL – Manly vs Cowboys – Manly @ $1.95 – I have tipped the Sea Eagles because I believe they have a better chance of beating the Storm the following week (F*** off Storm), and then loosing to Bulldogs in the Grand Final.

&

NRL – Rabbitohs vs Raiders – Rabbitohs @ $1.47 – Raiders still aren’t very good, they have little big-finals-games experience. Plus I think it would be a GREAT match next week; Bulldogs v Rabbitohs to grab a Grand Final slot!

= $2.87

Standings

————————–

Matt

NRL

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Rabbitohs v Raiders

AFL

Adelaide v Fremantle

Collingwood v West Coast

EPL

Norwich v West Ham – Draw

Stoke v Manchester City

QPR v Chelsea

Manchester United v Wigan

Fulham v WBA

Aston Villa v Swansea

Arsenal v Southampton

Sunderland v Liverpool

Reading v Tottenham

Everton v Newcastle – Draw

————————–

Adrian

NRL

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Rabbitohs v Raiders

AFL

Adelaide v Fremantle

Collingwood v West Coast

EPL

Norwich v West Ham

Stoke v Manchester City

QPR v Chelsea

Manchester United v Wigan

Fulham v WBA

Aston Villa v Swansea

Arsenal v Southampton

Sunderland v Liverpool

Reading v Tottenham

Everton v Newcastle

————————–

James

NRL

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Rabbitohs v Raiders

AFL

Adelaide v Fremantle

Collingwood v West Coast

EPL

Norwich v West Ham

Stoke v Manchester City

QPR v Chelsea

Manchester United v Wigan

Fulham v WBA

Aston Villa v Swansea

Arsenal v Southampton

Sunderland v Liverpool

Reading v Tottenham

Everton v Newcastle

————————–

Tomo

NRL

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Rabbitohs v Raiders

AFL

Adelaide v Fremantle

Collingwood v West Coast

EPL

Norwich v West Ham

Stoke v Manchester City

QPR v Chelsea

Manchester United v Wigan

Fulham v WBA

Aston Villa v Swansea

Arsenal v Southampton

Sunderland v Liverpool

Reading v Tottenham

Everton v Newcastle

————————–

David

NRL

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Rabbitohs v Raiders

AFL

Adelaide v Fremantle

Collingwood v West Coast

EPL

Norwich v West Ham

Stoke v Manchester City

QPR v Chelsea

Manchester United v Wigan

Fulham v WBA

Aston Villa v Swansea

Arsenal v Southampton

Sunderland v Liverpool

Reading v Tottenham

Everton v Newcastle

————————–

Ruben

NRL

Sea Eagles v Cowboys

Rabbitohs v Raiders

AFL

Adelaide v Fremantle

Collingwood v West Coast

EPL

Norwich v West Ham

Stoke v Manchester City

QPR v Chelsea

Manchester United v Wigan

Fulham v WBA

Aston Villa v Swansea

Arsenal v Southampton

Sunderland v Liverpool

Reading v Tottenham

Everton v Newcastle

————————–

Ladder

(Total)(Change from last week)

1. James ($350.50) (-$10)

2. Tomo ($251.90) (+$17.80)

3. David ($185.80) (-$10)

4. Adrian ($60.30) (-$10)

5. Matt ($24.20) (-$10)

6. Ruben (-$10) (-$10)

————————————

Matt

AFL – West Coast v North Melbourne – WCE Under 39.5pts @ $2.30 – They’ll win, but the Kangaroos should go close.

&

NRL – Raiders v Sharks – 40/20 will be kicked @ $4.50 – I’m going out on a limb here, but these two will be looking for any advantage they can get.

= $10.35

Adrian

NRL – Cowboys v Broncos – Cowboys 13+ @ $2.65 – The Cowboys should win and win big.

&

NRL – Raiders v Sharks – Sharks 1-12 @ $3.25 – I just have a feeling that the Sharks can sneak home in this one.

= $8.61

James

MLB – LA Angels v Detroit – Angels @ $2.05 – I feel an upset is on the cards.

&

US Open – Men’s Singles Winner – Novak Djokovic @ $1.80 – He should do it. I hope.

= $3.69

Tomo

The Rugby Championship – NZ vs. Arg – Team + Margin – NZ 16-30 @ $2.90 – As good as the All Blacks were against Australia in the 22-0 win, they were far from perfect. And it seems like they’re just waiting for a huge break out. Could this be the game? Dan Carter is out so we shall see if Aaron Cruden can keep the backline sharp. Having Conrad Smith back should help with this though.

&

Tennis – US Open – Womens Winner – Serena Williams @ $1.36 – She’s once again the world’s more dominant woman’s tennis player. And she’s showed her dominance by destroying Sharapova recently in both Wimbeldon and the Olympics. To say that Sharapova is her biggest threat doesn’t seem as daunting when you taken in their last two matches into consideration.

= $3.94

David

Italian F1 Grand Prix – Mark Webber – Top 3 @ $7.50 – The Australian should be able to produce something.

&

QRL Cup – Redcliffe v Tweed Heads – Redcliffe @ $1.50 – The home side to get the win.

= $11.25

Ruben

NRL – Raiders v Sharks – Draw after 80min @ $23.00 – This has got to be the most boring prospect of a finals game for a while. 0-0 after 80 minutes.

&

NRL – Raiders v Sharks – Sharks 1-12 @ $3.55 – Todd Carney, probably the only person in this game who can steal a field goal in golden-point.

= $81.65

Standings

————————–

Matt

NRL

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

Storm v Rabbitohs

Cowboys v Broncos

Raiders v Sharks

AFL

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Adelaide v Sydney

Geelong v Fremantle

West Coast v North Melbourne

————————–

Adrian

NRL

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

Storm v Rabbitohs

Cowboys v Broncos

Raiders v Sharks

AFL

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Adelaide v Sydney

Geelong v Fremantle

West Coast v North Melbourne

————————–

James

NRL

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

Storm v Rabbitohs

Cowboys v Broncos

Raiders v Sharks

AFL

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Adelaide v Sydney

Geelong v Fremantle

West Coast v North Melbourne

————————–

Tomo

NRL

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

Storm v Rabbitohs

Cowboys v Broncos

Raiders v Sharks

AFL

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Adelaide v Sydney

Geelong v Fremantle

West Coast v North Melbourne

————————–

David

NRL

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

Storm v Rabbitohs

Cowboys v Broncos

Raiders v Sharks

AFL

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Adelaide v Sydney

Geelong v Fremantle

West Coast v North Melbourne

————————–

Ruben

NRL

Bulldogs v Sea Eagles

Storm v Rabbitohs

Cowboys v Broncos

Raiders v Sharks

AFL

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Adelaide v Sydney

Geelong v Fremantle

West Coast v North Melbourne

————————–

Hawthorn v Collingwood

Hawthorn
B: M.Suckling J.Gibson B.Stratton
HB: S.Burgoyne R.Schoenmakers G.Birchall
C: J.Lewis S.Mitchell I.Smith
HF: B.Whitecross L.Franklin L.Shiels
F: L.Breust J.Roughead C.Rioli
R: D.Hale L.Hodge B.Sewell
INT:  P.Puopolo J.Gunston X.Ellis T.Murphy
Emergencies M.Bailey S.Savage B.Hill

Collingwood
B: Chris Tarrant, Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown
HB: Ben Johnson, Ben Reid, Nick Maxwell
C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Jackson Paine, Heath Shaw
F: Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Chris Dawes
Foll: Darren Jolly, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams
Int: Alex Fasolo, Alan Didak, Andrew Krakouer, Jarryd Blair
Emg: Ben Sinclair, Jamie Elliott, Paul Seedsman

IN: Chris Dawes, Jarryd Blair

Adelaide v Sydney

Adelaide
B: Sam Shaw, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly
C: David Mackay, Patrick Dangerfield, Richard Douglas
HF: Matthew Wright, Taylor Walker, Jared Petrenko
F: Ian Callinan, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia
FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane
INT: Graham Johncock, Aidan Riley, Brodie Smith, Bernie Vince

EMG: Ricky Henderson, Matt Jaensch, Shaun McKernan

Sydney
B N.Malceski, T.Richards, L.Roberts-Thomson
HB R.Shaw, A.Johnson, M.Mattner
C J.McVeigh, K.Jack, D.Hannebery
HF J.Bolton, S.Reid, R.O’Keefe
F T.Walsh, A.Goodes, M.Pyke
Foll S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, C.Bird
I/C L.Jetta, B.McGlynn, L.Parker, N.Smith

Emg T.Armstrong, M.Morton, J.White

Geelong v Fremantle

Geelong

B: M.Scarlett T.Lonergan J.Hunt
HB: A.Mackie H.Taylor C.Enright
C: A.Christensen J.Selwood T.Hunt
HF: M.Stokes J.Podsiadly J.Bartel
F: P.Chapman T.Hawkins N.Vardy
R: T.West J.Kelly J.Corey
Int: J.Murdoch M.Duncan S.Motlop J.Simpkin 46
EMER: D.Wojcinski C.Guthrie J.Walker

Fremantle

B: A.McPhee Z.Dawson A.Silvagni
HB: L.Spurr M.Johnson P.Duffield
C: M.Barlow R.Crowley 15 T.Mzungu
F: N.Suban C.Mayne D.Mundy
F: H.Ballantyne 1 M.Pavlich K.Bradley
R: A.Sandilands N.Fyfe C.Pearce
INT: G.Ibbotson S.Hill M.WaltersM.De Boer
Emergencies D.Roberton Z.Clarke C.Sutcliffe

West Coast v North Melbourne

West Coast Eagles

B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Adam Selwood
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield
C: Daniel Kerr, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Patrick McGinnity
F: Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Sam Butler, Quinten Lynch, Chris Masten, Bradd Dalziell, Andrew Strijk, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan

North Melbourne

B: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Michael Firrito
HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Jamie Macmillan
C: Sam Gibson, Daniel Wells, Liam Anthony
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robbie Tarrant, Lindsay Thomas
F: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int From: Ryan Bastinac, Luke Delaney, Sam Wright, Kieran Harper, Cruize Garlett, Matt Campbell, Aaron Mullett

The final eight has shifted all year with no team sitting clearly above the rest but finally the ladder is set.

Five birds are perched in the top five positions.

And just beyond the Cats in 6th are the Dockers and the Kangaroos, the constant underdogs who at the very least could do some damage in their finals campaigns.

It’s a year where nearly any finalist can win.

But beyond the premiership fight, there stands the bottom 10 teams who all put on a show for 23 rounds.

St Kilda, Carlton and Essendon have all ebbed and flowed in and out of the eight in 2012 and could have found a spot in September.  Then comes the perennial underachievers Richmond, who have yet again failed in their finals campaign but have both the Coleman medallist and Brownlow contenders in a team that is sure to fire in the future.

The biggest worry for the AFL are the bottom five teams.

While the Western Bulldogs are rebuilding and the two development teams – Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney – are… well, developing, Port Adelaide and Melbourne seem to be in a rut that they just can’t break.

On top of their finals drought, Port Adelaide has well documented financial woes to deal with.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Port Adelaide will get yet another new coach in 2013 and Melbourne will go benefit from a second year under coach Mark Neeld and youthful co-captains Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes.

Every season will have its big losers and its blemishes but as a whole the AFL has succeeded competitively in 2012.

Not only have all 18 teams fought hard, often in the face of adversity, but the final eight are primed to put on the most tenacious fight for the flag in a long time.

Andrew Demetriou and the AFL upper echelon can put a tick against this AFL season and enjoy the spectacle that the finals are sure to be.

The trick for the AFL will be to recreate this competitiveness in years to come, proving that all the meddling they insist on will create an even competition.

::Stephen McCambridge

What do you think? Leave your comments below and join the conversation.

Related articles

• Dockers down Roos to seal AFL top eight (news.smh.com.au)
• The inequality of the AFL draw (notworththecandle.wordpress.com)

Darren Burgess Liverpool Fitness to AFL again! $350,000 plus?

It is difficult to know what a club like Essendon spent on fitness in 2011/2012? But huge amounts! Winners are grinners. Do well & justified! Thats life.

Only as far back as 2003 at Geelong pretty much the fitness budget would have been 140/150,000 tops for all staff. Maybe 10,000 approx for equipment. The odd consultant. Wee bit of sports science money, maybe 10 to 15,000 max…I cannot remember exact amounts but simply not  a lot. Anyway that was the key period for the development of the super Geelong Team of 2007 onwards. How did I manage it? Simply paid heaps of part timers small amounts to oversee varied functions. Mark Spivey was F/T but on a low wage and Chris Dennis was very much part time. Tahi Reihana received next to nothing to help with weights and tackling and same with John Minns in the gym. Then I had a yoga teacher come in and varied consultants like Mark Sayers pop in for very lowly paid consultancies. There were a few other small gigs and some work experience students doing odd jobs. OK different era but by 2006 the job was almost done with this team.

Now there is a rush to not miss out. But is best “business practice” and “Sports Science practice” being observed.

How many of these gurus have coached over long periods? Decades? Have they just slotted into transient positions and fell into well organized clubs and more so developed and talented elite athletes. In the end coaching is the key component , not Sports Science.

Are some of these very inexperienced Football Managers not doing due diligence on scrutinizing past Coaching experience and simply making assumptions? Do these managers ( many who have never managed business or organizations of any relevance) understand the difference between Sports Science and Coaching? Are many just trying to hang onto highly paid jobs!

And by giving some guru massive salaries, who is going to do the work? Supervising Pilates sessions, weights sessions, pool sessions etc. Does the club then have to draw the line on accessing consultants for specific needs because a Guru has sucked the budget. Can the club afford a sprint coach and quality massuers and simply expertise to underpin the multifactorial fitness and rehab needs of an AFL Footy Department.

My model would be to pay a competent quality person a good salary but leave heaps for lots of expertise in the fitness area so that all individual needs can be met. Spread the money. In the end it is the law of diminishing returns. For every extra 100,000 one pays a GURU one gets less and less value. Pay 195,000 a year and get a really really good person and have thousands left over.

Sports Science is critical and costs money, rehab experts and consultants are critical and should be called in on demand. Different periods of the year need different staff. Pay someone 200,000 and have 150,000 left over and wow get some amazing expertise out there. If an assistant deems themelves a guru and wants double then say ciao!

In a micro fashion that was how I operated. Training started at 2pm and at 12 30 all my part timers arrived and had specific gigs. And at 5pm off they went. We are talking elite operators.

But inexperienced managers get handed millions and then go for profile and perception to justify positions to Boards, the media and fans. And this approach works in the short term. But now we are seeing many failures since the mid 2000′s. Boards should ask staff to justify every cent. There is no panacea in exotic treadmills or amazing machines. Running on grass is the number requirement for an AFL fitness program. What is needed is Expertise and access to the amazing amount of varied knowledge that exists now in the Sports Science and Rehab Community. A guru cannot do it all. But a smart manager can access the best minds and then pull together a program but more so cater for the fine tuning needed. A football department now cannot do it all, let alone a guru. The next big thing is simply accessing people on demand.

I wrote a an article on if a possible model exists for success in the AFL. Certainly finances pay a part, as does talent, but there does seem to be a general model that can be adhered to. In fact Essendon and next Richmond represent ideal age structures to fit the model around.

Model for Success in the AFL. Does one exist?

I think Club Management and Accountants and CEO’s need to go through the rationales for buying equipment, panic hiring of “gurus” and indiscriminate “profile” based staff recruitment and objectively ascertain whether due diligence was adhered to.

But in the end winners are grinners so whoever wins will be copied. Odd when we are talking about a sport only played in a few states of Australia. So I do think the ARMS RACE is justified in AFL for fitness but beware the GURU and beware panaceas. The trick is how to spend the money and who is given the credit card!

Brendan McCartney – Western Bulldogs – Year 1 Complete.

Finishing with a Win/Loss % of 22.7 is not great, but given he is coming from a very low base and major personnel issues to deal with it’s not surprising. The 2011 Win/Loss of 40.7% was the start of the decline, and the Bulldogs thought Rodney Eade wasn’t the man to get them back up. Rocket’s statistics say he is the man (Year 3 62.5%), so it will be interesting to see how McCartney goes. He needs to turnover his playing list during the off-season as Year 2 (2013) of his tenure will not be all rosy as his players will still be coming to grips with his Coaching demands, and the new injection of players will also need to get used to his style and the message he is conveying.

Sack or Commit? Jury is out, too early to tell.

Brett Ratten – Carlton – Sacked after 5 Full Seasons

At the end of his 3rd full year of coaching (2010) his Win/Loss % was less than 50%. Based on that and the fact that he was not wanting for Support staff and the Club Environment had no major issues, unfortunately Ratten is unlikely to be a Coach who brings sustained Finals success. However everyone can learn and improve, so hopefully he remains in the AFL Coaching system and grows as a Coach, and one day may be able to have another crack at a 3 year stint. The mistake waiting to happen at the moment is for another club to appoint him as Senior Coach right now, as that will likely mean they will pay for his ongoing development rather than have him as an Assistant where his weaknesses won’t be as visible while he improves.

If Carlton looked objectively at Ratten’s performances after his 3rd full year, and didn’t get carried away with sneaking into finals and thinking it was only up from there, they would have saved themselves 2 years. Then again Malthouse wasn’t available 2 years ago, and he CAN coach!

Sack or Commit? Sack. Unfortunately unless Ratten improves his Coaching weaknesses and gains additional skills, he is unlikely to be a successful Senior AFL Coach.

Damien Hardwick – Richmond – Completed Year 3

Crunch Time! Based on my analysis of Coaches the Richmond Football Club should say thanks to Hardwick for all his hard work and making some improvements, but let him go to secure a Coach that is more likely to provide sustained success. 2012 was Hardwick’s Year 3 as a Coach, and his Win/Loss % is 45.5%. Even if they managed to beat Port in that last game instead of a Draw it would be 50% exactly which still is below the mark. While Richmond has had it’s issues in the past with instability and club environment, it looks from the outside like the club is running well, so Hardwick should have been able to get them into finals this year.

It may well be that Hardwick stays for another year or two, and his good work is then capitalised upon by the next Coach. Hopefully I’m wrong and 2013 and 2014 will provide Finals success for the well-worn Tiger faithful, but 25 years of AFL Coaching history suggests Hardwick is not the one to deliver the goods.

Sack or Commit? Sack. With a Win/Loss % at the end of Year 3 not sufficient to play Finals football, this indicates Hardwick is unlikely to deliver sustained Finals success as an AFL Coach.

Guy McKenna – Gold Coast Suns – Year 2 Completed

As I stated in my Opinion Paper the Suns and GWS for that matter may need to be looked at differently. Given a brand new club can’t possibly have a stable club environment, as the environment and culture is still being built both physically and mentally, it may be that McKenna can’t really start his “Year 1″ until 2013. This allows the club 2 years to get etablished, and for their playing list to be settled as they are cut back down to the standard squad size and the players become used to life as an AFL footballer.

So while McKenna’s current Win/Loss % is only 13.6%, he probably only starts his journey as an AFL Coach in 2013. And the Suns Board have recognised that by his contract extension, as judging him on the first 2 years results would be simply unfair.

Sack or Commit? Jury is out. 2013 will be the first signs of McKenna as a Coach, he won’t have a Honeymoon Effect but we should start to see improvements showing his message is getting across, and the club is on an upward trajectory.

James Hird – Essendon – Year 2 Completed

2013 is make or break for Hird. His Win/Loss % is 48.9%, and with the great start to the year and the well reported injuries the club had the signs are good. As a 2nd Year coach he was always going to make some mistakes, but 2013 will tell if it was short term pain for long term gain as the strengthening approach ala Geelong should kick in as it has done for Adelaide already. With a proven successful coach in Mark Thompson (Year 3 Win/Loss only 50%, but questionable as to the club environment in his early days and how this may have held him back), and a stable club environment, there is no excuse for Hird in 2013.

Sack or Commit? Jury is Out. 2013 is his Year 3, Win/Loss % must be mid 50′s at least or he needs to be moved on.

Kevin Sheedy – Greater Western Sydney – Year 8000 Completed!

Proven Coach (Year 3 68%) who was employed as more of a Marketing ploy than to deliver sustained success, but nonetheless his knowledge will setup the club environment so the next Coach is basically guaranteed success. Again as with the Suns the first 2 years can’t really count given the club is still being established, the issue now is will a new Coach be appointed in 2014 at the real start of their journey, or will Sheedy hang around. If Sheedy does hang around for an extra year or two it could delay the club’s success, as then a change in Coach will definitely have a Hybrid Effect as noone will be the same as Sheeds! Sheedy should get the next Coach under his wing in 2013, and then step aside in 2014 so the new coach as the full 3 years needed to prove himself before the inevitable pressure builds on GWS to live up to their potential.

Sack or Commit? Commit. However only in his caretaker capacity to establish the club fully in 2013 so the full 3 year window is available to the long term Coach.

Mark Neeld – Melbourne – Year 1 Completed

The Win/Loss % of 18.2% is not surprising given the instability created by the Board in sacking Dean Bailey with 6 games to go in 2011 when his Win/Loss was an improving 42%. It could be argued that Bailey’s 3 years didn’t really start until 2009 given the club environment was a mess, so he then didn’t really get to see out his full 3 years and his coaching ability is unknown.

Neeld has had zero opportunity yet to stamp himself on the playing group, apart from potentially negatively as the Hybrid Effect may have come in early given he tried to slam the Collingwood playbook down the players throats from Day 1. He’s now learned to pull back on that slightly which shows he is adaptable, but now needs to look at his list and see who is on board and who isn’t and be ruthless. 2013 (his Year 2) will still be a struggle, but he and the club need to focus on all decisions being made with 2014 in mind as that is where success should start to show if he’s the right man. The muted shake up of the Melbourne Board may de-stabilise things a bit over the coming months, but it’s early enough to still demand that Neeld’s 3rd year in the role is make or break.

Sack or Commit? Jury is Out.

Matthew Primus – Port Adelaide – Sacked half way through Year 2

Unfortunately for Primus he has had zero chance of being able to demonstrate whether he can coach or not. In his first year he had the leftovers of a support team and a mid-field coach who didn’t want to be in the same city. So realistically the club environment and support structures weren’t adequate so 2012 should really have been Primus’s Year 1. Given that he was always going to have challenges with the Mark Williams messaging and aura still around the place, and the need to refresh the playing list.

Disgraceful that he was sacked without any opportunity to prove himself, we can only hope his brand isn’t tarnished too badly that he picks up an Assistant role somewhere and then gets another crack at the Senior role.

Sack or Commit? Jury is Out. But apparently Port Adelaide don’t believe in a fair trial.

Michael Voss – Brisbane – Year 4 Completed
Unfortunately with a Win/Loss % of 18.2% in his Year 3 (2011), Voss is unlikely to deliver sustained success as an AFL Coach and should be moved on. What may save him is the Board recognising that he simply stuffed up by trying to “top up” with experienced players when he should have been investing his time in the Rockliff’s, Redden’s and Rich’s of the world. The Fevola debacle definitely affected the club environment, so allowing Voss to be judged on his results in 2013 is probably fair given his legendary status in the game. His Year 4 Win/Loss of 45.5% is showing the right signs of improvement.

Sack or Commit? Sack. However they didn’t, and are likely to have given Voss some grace due to the Fevola issue, but 2013 has to be the judgement year where he hits mid 50′s Win/Loss at least.

Scott Watters – St Kilda – Year 1 Completed.

Achieved basically the same result as Lyon did in 2011, probably indicating the Honeymoon Effect of a fresh message was cancelled about by a slight movement away from Lyon’s proven Defensive structures. 2013 will be interesting to see how the players react to Watters message and whether the Hybrid Effect creates a negative result. Also the potential loss of Goddard and another year in the legs of Milne and Hayes would really test Watters ability to manage his list.

Sack or Commit? Jury is Out.

Standings

————————–

Matt

NRL

Knights v Rabbitohs

Broncos v Panthers

Titans v Sea Eagles

Tigers v Storm

Bulldogs v Roosters

Sharks v Cowboys

Warriors v Raiders

Eels v Dragons

AFL

Hawthorn v West Coast

Geelong v Sydney

Adelaide v Gold Coast

GWS v North Melbourne

Essendon v Collingwood

Fremantle v Melbourne

Carlton v St Kilda

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs

EPL

West Ham v Fulham – Draw

Swansea v Sunderland

Tottenham v Norwich

WBA v Everton – Draw

Wigan v Stoke

Man City v QPR

Liverpool v Arsenal – Draw

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Southampton v Man Utd

————————–

Adrian

NRL

Knights v Rabbitohs

Broncos v Panthers

Titans v Sea Eagles

Tigers v Storm

Bulldogs v Roosters

Sharks v Cowboys

Warriors v Raiders

Eels v Dragons

AFL

Hawthorn v West Coast

Geelong v Sydney

Adelaide v Gold Coast

GWS v North Melbourne

Essendon v Collingwood

Fremantle v Melbourne

Carlton v St Kilda

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs

EPL

West Ham v Fulham

Swansea v Sunderland

Tottenham v Norwich

WBA v Everton

Wigan v Stoke

Man City v QPR

Liverpool v Arsenal

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Southampton v Man Utd

————————–

James

NRL

Knights v Rabbitohs

Broncos v Panthers

Titans v Sea Eagles

Tigers v Storm

Bulldogs v Roosters

Sharks v Cowboys

Warriors v Raiders

Eels v Dragons

AFL

Hawthorn v West Coast

Geelong v Sydney

Adelaide v Gold Coast

GWS v North Melbourne

Essendon v Collingwood

Fremantle v Melbourne

Carlton v St Kilda

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs

EPL

West Ham v Fulham

Swansea v Sunderland

Tottenham v Norwich

WBA v Everton

Wigan v Stoke

Man City v QPR

Liverpool v Arsenal

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Southampton v Man Utd

————————–

Tomo

NRL

Knights v Rabbitohs

Broncos v Panthers

Titans v Sea Eagles

Tigers v Storm

Bulldogs v Roosters

Sharks v Cowboys

Warriors v Raiders

Eels v Dragons

AFL

Hawthorn v West Coast

Geelong v Sydney

Adelaide v Gold Coast

GWS v North Melbourne

Essendon v Collingwood

Fremantle v Melbourne

Carlton v St Kilda

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs

EPL

West Ham v Fulham

Swansea v Sunderland

Tottenham v Norwich

WBA v Everton

Wigan v Stoke

Man City v QPR

Liverpool v Arsenal

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Southampton v Man Utd

————————–

David

NRL

Knights v Rabbitohs

Broncos v Panthers

Titans v Sea Eagles

Tigers v Storm

Bulldogs v Roosters

Sharks v Cowboys

Warriors v Raiders

Eels v Dragons

AFL

Hawthorn v West Coast

Geelong v Sydney

Adelaide v Gold Coast

GWS v North Melbourne

Essendon v Collingwood

Fremantle v Melbourne

Carlton v St Kilda

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs

EPL

West Ham v Fulham

Swansea v Sunderland

Tottenham v Norwich

WBA v Everton

Wigan v Stoke

Man City v QPR

Liverpool v Arsenal

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Southampton v Man Utd

————————–

Ruben

NRL

Knights v Rabbitohs

Broncos v Panthers

Titans v Sea Eagles

Tigers v Storm

Bulldogs v Roosters

Sharks v Cowboys

Warriors v Raiders

Eels v Dragons

AFL

Hawthorn v West Coast

Geelong v Sydney

Adelaide v Gold Coast

GWS v North Melbourne

Essendon v Collingwood

Fremantle v Melbourne

Carlton v St Kilda

Richmond v Port Adelaide

Brisbane v Western Bulldogs

EPL

West Ham v Fulham

Swansea v Sunderland

Tottenham v Norwich

WBA v Everton

Wigan v Stoke

Man City v QPR

Liverpool v Arsenal

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Southampton v Man Utd

————————–

Hawthorn v West Coast Eagles

MCG – Fri Aug 31, 7:50pm

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Josh Gibson, Benjamin Stratton
HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Isaac Smith
HF: Luke Hodge, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Liam Shiels
I/C: Clinton Young, Brendan Whitecross, Matt Suckling, Jack Gunston

Emg: Max Bailey, Xavier Ellis, Shane Savage

In: Cyril Rioli
Out: Xavier Ellis

West Coast Eagles

B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Adam Selwood

HB: Shannon Hurn, Mitch Brown, Will Schofield
C: Daniel Kerr, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Patrick McGinnity
F: Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Sam Butler, Chris Masten, Andrew Strijk, Jacob Brennan

Emg: Quinten Lynch, Bradd Dalziell, Lewis Stevenson

In: Mitch Brown, Jacob Brennan
Out: Matthew Rosa (collarbone), Eric Mackenzie (Hamstring)

Milestones: Luke Shuey – 50 games

Geelong Cats v Sydney Swans

SS – Sat Sep 01, 1:45pm

Geelong Cats

B: Matthew Scarlett, Tom Lonergan, Josh Hunt
HB: Taylor Hunt, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Mitch Duncan, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Mathew Stokes, Allen Christensen, Steven Motlop
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly
Foll: Nathan Vardy, Steve Johnson, James Kelly
I/C: Joel Corey, Andrew Mackie, Trent West, Jordan Murdoch

Emg: David Wojcinski, Cameron Guthrie, Josh Walker

In: Matthew Scarlett, Joel Selwood, Taylor Hunt, Nathan Vardy
Out: Travis Varcoe (Foot), Billie Smedts (Hand), Cameron Guthrie, Josh Walker

Milestones: Tom Hawkins – 100 games, Mitch Duncan – 50 games

Sydney Swans

B: Nicholas Smith, Ted Richards, Alex Johnson
HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Martin Mattner
C: Rhyce Shaw, Kieren Jack, Lewis Jetta
HF: Jude Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Ryan O’Keefe
F: Daniel Hannebery, Adam Goodes, Shane Mumford
Foll: Mike Pyke, Josh P. Kennedy, Craig Bird
I/C: Nick Malceski, Ben McGlynn, Luke Parker, Tommy Walsh

Emg: Brett Meredith, Mitch Morton, Tony Armstrong

In: Jude Bolton, Tommy Walsh
Out: Sam Reid (Gluteal), Mitch Morton

Adelaide v Gold Coast Suns

AS – Sat Sep 01, 1:40pm

Adelaide

B: Sam Shaw, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas
HF: Matthew Wright, Taylor Walker, Jared Petrenko
F: Ian Callinan, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Patrick Dangerfield
I/C: Graham Johncock, Aidan Riley, Matthew Jaensch, Brodie Smith

Emg: Luke Thompson, Richard Tambling, Tom Lynch

In: Rory Sloane, Matthew Jaensch
Out: Bernie Vince (Knee), Luke Brown

Gold Coast Suns

B: Michael Coad, Matthew Warnock, Trent McKenzie
HB: Jeremy Taylor, Daniel Stanley, Jarrod Harbrow
C: Piers Flanagan, Gary Ablett, Taylor Hine
HF: Matt Shaw, Tom Lynch, Brandon Matera
F: Alik Magin, Steven May, Campbell Brown
Foll: Charlie Dixon, Josh Caddy, Harley Bennell
I/C: Maverick Weller, Tom Hickey, Jacob Gillbee, Kyal Horsley

Emg: Hayden Jolly, Josh Toy, Sam Iles

In: Jeremy Taylor
Out: Josh Toy

GWS Giants v North Melbourne

SK – Sat Sep 01, 4:40pm

GWS Giants

B: Matthew Buntine, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes
HB: Curtly Hampton, Jack Hombsch, Adam Kennedy
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Luke Power
HF: James McDonald, Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar
F: Rhys Palmer, Chad Cornes, Taylor Adams
Foll: Dean Brogan, Steve Clifton, Toby Greene
I/C: Israel Folau, WIlliam Hoskin-Elliott, Devon Smith, Dom Tyson

Emg: Rhys Cooyou, Andrew Phillips, Adam Tomlinson

In: Steve Clifton, Israel Folau, Jack Hombsch, Tom Scully, Rhys Palmer, Dean Brogan, Chad Cornes
Out: Tomas Bugg, Rhys Cooyou, Sam Darley (Foot), Anthony Miles, Andrew Phillips, Nathan Wilson (Cheek bone), Adam Tomlinson

Milestones: Tom Scully – 50 games

North Melbourne

B: Scott McMahon, Luke Delaney, Michael Firrito
HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Samuel Wright
C: Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Jamie Macmillan
HF: Kieran Harper, Robert Tarrant, Lindsay Thomas
F: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett, Liam Anthony, Sam Gibson

Emg: Aaron Black, Cameron Delaney, Aaron Mullett

Essendon v Collingwood

MCG – Sat Sep 01, 7:40pm

Essendon

B: Brent Stanton, Tayte Pears, Cale Hooker
HB: Jake Melksham, Kyle Hardingham, Michael Hibberd
C: Mark Baguley, Jobe Watson, Courtenay Dempsey
HF: Leroy Jetta, Stewart Crameri, Dyson Heppell
F: Michael Hurley, Tom Bellchambers, Nicholas O’Brien
Foll: David Hille, Ben Howlett, Angus Monfries
I/C: David Myers, David Zaharakis, Jackson Merrett, Cory Dell’Olio

Emg: Sam Lonergan, Travis Colyer, Alex Browne

In: David Hille, David Myers, Ben Howlett, Jackson Merrett, Cory Dell’Olio
Out: Heath Hocking (Knee), Nathan Lovett-Murray (Hamstring), Alwyn Davey (Hamstring), Scott Gumbleton (Soreness), Alex Browne

New: Jackson Merrett (Geelong Falcons)

Milestones: Angus Monfries – 150 games

Collingwood

B: Chris Tarrant, Heritier O’Brien, Nathan Brown
HB: Ben Johnson, Ben Reid, Nick Maxwell
C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Jackson Paine, Heath Shaw
F: Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Darren Jolly, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams
I/C: Alan Didak, Tyson Goldsack, Andrew Krakouer, Alex Fasolo

Emg: Ben Sinclair, Josh Thomas, Paul Seedsman

In: Nick Maxwell, Darren Jolly, Andrew Krakouer, Jamie Elliott, Jackson Paine
Out: Chris Dawes, Cameron Wood, Jarryd Blair (Groin), Ben Sinclair, Paul Seedsman

Milestones: Heath Shaw – 150 games

Fremantle v Melbourne

PS – Sat Sep 01, 5:40pm

Fremantle

B: Adam McPhee, Luke McPharlin, Zac Dawson
HB: Lee Spurr, Michael Johnson, Paul Duffield
C: Michael Barlow, Ryan Crowley, Tendai Mzungu
HF: Michael Walters, Christopher Mayne, David Mundy
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Clancee Pearce
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Nathan Fyfe, Stephen Hill
I/C: Garrick Ibbotson, Jonathon Griffin, Thomas Sheridan, Nicholas Suban

Emg: Zachary Clarke, Jesse Crichton, Dylan Roberton

In: Matthew Pavlich, Jonathon Griffin, Thomas Sheridan
Out: Kepler Bradley (Concussion), Zachary Clarke, Matthew de Boer (Ankle)

New: Thomas Sheridan (Calder Cannons)

Milestones: Garrick Ibbotson – 100 games

Melbourne

B: Joel Macdonald, James Sellar, Tom McDonald
HB: Jack Watts, James Frawley, Lynden Dunn
C: Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie, Jack Grimes
HF: Luke Tapscott, Colin Garland, Rohan Bail
F: Jeremy Howe, Jared Rivers, Sam Blease
Foll: Mark Jamar, Colin Sylvia, Nathan Jones
I/C: Neville Jetta, Jack Fitzpatrick, Daniel Nicholson, Josh Tynan

Emg: Jake Spencer, James Strauss, Jordan Gysberts

In: Mark Jamar, Jack Fitzpatrick, Josh Tynan
Out: Brad Green (Retired), Jake Spencer, James Strauss

Milestones: Jared Rivers – 150 games

Carlton v St Kilda

ES – Sun Sep 02, 1:10pm

Carlton

B: Nick Duigan, Simon White, Zach Tuohy
HB: Heath Scotland, Andrew Walker, Bryce Gibbs
C: Marc Murphy, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
HF: Mitch Robinson, Jarrad Waite, Christopher Yarran
F: Jeffrey Garlett, Luke Mitchell, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Brock McLean, Andrew Carrazzo
I/C: Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Rhys O’Keeffe, Kane Lucas, Pat McCarthy, Edward Curnow, Tom Bell

In: Mitch Robinson, Rhys O’Keeffe, Kane Lucas, Pat McCarthy, Luke Mitchell
Out: Levi Casboult (Kidney), Andrew McInnes (Knee)

New: Pat McCarthy (Glenelg / Plympton), Luke Mitchell (Calder Cannons / St Bernards)

St Kilda

B: Jason Blake, James Gwilt, Tom Simpkin
HB: Jamie Cripps, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary
C: Farren Ray, Nick Dal Santo, Brendon Goddard
HF: Arryn Siposs, Rhys Stanley, David Armitage
F: Stephen Milne, Beau Wilkes, Ahmed Saad
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Jason Gram, Justin Koschitzke, Jack Steven, Tom Ledger, Terry Milera, Sebastian Ross, Jack Newnes

In: Jason Blake, Jason Gram, Justin Koschitzke, David Armitage
Out: Sam Gilbert (Shoulder)

Richmond v Port Adelaide

MCG – Sun Sep 02, 3:15pm

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Jayden Post
HB: Jake Batchelor, Chris Newman, Bachar Houli
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Bradley Helbig
HF: Brett Deledio, Shane Edwards, Daniel Jackson
F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Robin Nahas
Foll: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Shane Tuck
I/C: David Astbury, Matt Dea, Tom Derickx, Brandon Ellis, Todd Elton, Brett O’Hanlon, Addam Maric

In: Tom Derickx, Brandon Ellis, Todd Elton, Addam Maric
Out: Matthew White (Hamstring)

Port Adelaide

B: Tom Logan, Alipate Carlile, Thomas Jonas
HB: Danyle Pearce, Jackson Trengove, Domenic Cassisi
C: Kane Cornes, Bradley Ebert, Matthew Broadbent
HF: Matt Thomas, Justin Westhoff, Brett Ebert
F: Paul Stewart, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard
Foll: Jarrad Redden, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett
I/C: David Rodan, Daniel Stewart, Simon Phillips, Aaron Young, Nathan Blee, Darren Pfeiffer, John McCarthy

In: Hamish Hartlett, Jarrad Redden, Daniel Stewart, Simon Phillips
Out: Matthew Lobbe (Hamstring)

Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs

G – Sun Sep 02, 4:40pm

Brisbane Lions

B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Ryan Lester
HB: Pearce Hanley, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock
C: Rohan Bewick, Daniel Rich, James Polkinghorne
HF: Jack Redden, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko
F: Tom Rockliff, Jordan Lisle, Joshua Green
Foll: Ben Hudson, Simon Black, Andrew Raines
I/C: James Hawksley, Amon Buchanan, Ryan Harwood, Claye Beams, Sam Docherty, Elliot Yeo, Jack Crisp

In: Amon Buchanan, Sam Docherty, Elliot Yeo

New: Sam Docherty (Gippsland Power (VIC))

Western Bulldogs

B: Michael Talia, Lukas Markovic, Easton Wood
HB: Shaun Higgins, Jordan Roughead, Robert Murphy
C: Christian Howard, Matthew Boyd, Ryan Griffen
HF: Nathan Djerrkura, Brian Lake, Tory Dickson
F: Dylan Addison, Tom Campbell, Jarrad Grant
Foll: William Minson, Liam Picken, Mitchell Wallis
I/C: Adam Cooney, Matthew Panos, Patrick Veszpremi, Zephaniah Skinner, Clay Smith, Lin Jong, Fletcher Roberts

In: Brian Lake, Matthew Panos, Patrick Veszpremi, Fletcher Roberts
Out: Daniel Giansiracusa (Knee)

New: Matthew Panos (Norwood)

Milestones: Jarrad Grant – 50 games

All records were broken this week when six brave souls made their way onto the pod!

Join Adrian, Matt, Tomo, James, David and Ruben as they discuss all the happenings from the world of sport. From Lance Armstrong and Lydia Ko, to US Open tennis and Robbie Deans, it’s all here.

There’s an extended NRL and AFL preview, as well as the match of the round in the EPL.

Plus we ask the question: Is Tomo really an Olympic athlete? And Adrian unleashes on KFC in The Rant.

There’s so much to like about this episode, you better listen in now!

Click here to listen.

Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Ladder

(Total)(Change from last week)

1. James ($302.70) (-$10)

2. Tomo ($212.10) (-$10)

3. David ($205.80) (+$16.70)

4. Adrian ($80.30) (-$10)

5. Matt ($44.20) (+$26.80)

————————————

Matt

Toyota Cup – Wests Tigers def Sydney Roosters @ $1.80 – The Tigers need a win here to hold onto their top four spot and an assured spot in at least the second week of the finals.

&

EPL – Arsenal def Stoke @ $2.00 - Stoke may have shown some good signs on the opening day, but Arsenal were quite poor and won’t be allowed to back that up with a loss or draw here.

= $3.60

Adrian

EPL – Aston Villa v Everton – Everton @ $2.50 – A great price. They should do it fairly comfortably, even away from home.

&

EPL – Liverpool v Man City – Man City @ $2.35 – Again, this is easy money. I don’t think Liverpool can sort themselves out quite just yet.

= $5.88

James

NRL – Sea Eagles v Broncos – Brett Stewart to score a try @ $1.70 – Has a ridiculous record at Brookvale Oval, can’t see why he won’t score again.

&

MLS – Kansas City v NY Red Bulls – Draw @ $3.40 – While Kansas might be the raging favourites, I think NY have enough in them to share the points.

=$5.78

Tomo

The Rugby Championship – All Blacks vs. Wallabies – Winning Team plus Margin – All Blacks 13+ @ $1.60 – The Wallabies let their best chance at beating the All Blacks slip away. The never beat the All Blacks at Eden Park and I don’t expect that to change this weekend.

&

The Rugby Championship – All Blacks vs. Wallabies – 1st team to score a try – All Blacks

@ $1.37 – The All Blacks are the going to be dominant. Expect them to look sharper than they did Sydney and expect them to score the first try.

= $2.20

David

The Rugby Championship Week 2 – All Blacks v Wallabies – Halftime/Fulltime double- NZ/NZ @$1.22 – The All Blacks are world champions and the number 1 ranked team in the world for a reason, and that is because they just about always win at home. This doubley true for Eden Park, where they are undefeated since 1994. Judging from last weeks game, they should build a lead and try and stop the late Wallabies comeback.

&

The Rugby Championship Week 2 – Pumas v Springboks- Halftime/Fulltime double – RSA/RSA @ $1.43 – The Springboks showed last week that they are going to be hard to beat this year. They put in a dominant performance to dispatch the Pumas, and should do the same here. Both teams have injuries, but the Springboks have the better depth and should get through ok.

= $1.74

Standings

————————–

Matt

NRL

Sea Eagles v Broncos

Raiders v Bulldogs

Panthers v Titans

Dragons v Warriors

Cowboys v Knights

Roosters v Tigers

Rabbitohs v Eels

Storm v Sharks

AFL

Richmond v Essendon

St Kilda v GWS

Port Adelaide v Brisbane

Sydney v Hawthorn

West Coast v Collingwood

Gold Coast v Carlton

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

North Melbourne v Fremantle

Melbourne v Adelaide

EPL

Swansea v West Ham

Aston Villa v Everton

Man Utd v Fulham

Norwich v QPR – Draw

Southampton v Wigan – Draw

Sunderland v Reading – Draw

Tottenham v West Brom

Chelsea v Newcastle

Stoke v Arsenal

Liverpool v Man City

————————–

Adrian

NRL

Sea Eagles v Broncos

Raiders v Bulldogs

Panthers v Titans

Dragons v Warriors

Cowboys v Knights

Roosters v Tigers

Rabbitohs v Eels

Storm v Sharks

AFL

Richmond v Essendon

St Kilda v GWS

Port Adelaide v Brisbane

Sydney v Hawthorn

West Coast v Collingwood

Gold Coast v Carlton

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

North Melbourne v Fremantle

Melbourne v Adelaide

EPL

Swansea v West Ham

Aston Villa v Everton

Man Utd v Fulham

Norwich v QPR

Southampton v Wigan

Sunderland v Reading

Tottenham v West Brom

Chelsea v Newcastle

Stoke v Arsenal

Liverpool v Man City

————————–

James

NRL

Sea Eagles v Broncos

Raiders v Bulldogs

Panthers v Titans

Dragons v Warriors

Cowboys v Knights

Roosters v Tigers

Rabbitohs v Eels

Storm v Sharks

AFL

Richmond v Essendon

St Kilda v GWS

Port Adelaide v Brisbane

Sydney v Hawthorn

West Coast v Collingwood

Gold Coast v Carlton

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

North Melbourne v Fremantle

Melbourne v Adelaide

EPL

Swansea v West Ham

Aston Villa v Everton

Man Utd v Fulham

Norwich v QPR

Southampton v Wigan

Sunderland v Reading

Tottenham v West Brom

Chelsea v Newcastle

Stoke v Arsenal

Liverpool v Man City

————————–

Tomo

NRL

Sea Eagles v Broncos

Raiders v Bulldogs

Panthers v Titans

Dragons v Warriors

Cowboys v Knights

Roosters v Tigers

Rabbitohs v Eels

Storm v Sharks

AFL

Richmond v Essendon

St Kilda v GWS

Port Adelaide v Brisbane

Sydney v Hawthorn

West Coast v Collingwood

Gold Coast v Carlton

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

North Melbourne v Fremantle

Melbourne v Adelaide

EPL

Swansea v West Ham

Aston Villa v Everton

Man Utd v Fulham

Norwich v QPR

Southampton v Wigan

Sunderland v Reading

Tottenham v West Brom

Chelsea v Newcastle

Stoke v Arsenal

Liverpool v Man City

————————–

David

NRL

Sea Eagles v Broncos

Raiders v Bulldogs

Panthers v Titans

Dragons v Warriors

Cowboys v Knights

Roosters v Tigers

Rabbitohs v Eels

Storm v Sharks

AFL

Richmond v Essendon

St Kilda v GWS

Port Adelaide v Brisbane

Sydney v Hawthorn

West Coast v Collingwood

Gold Coast v Carlton

Geelong v Western Bulldogs

North Melbourne v Fremantle

Melbourne v Adelaide

EPL

Swansea v West Ham

Aston Villa v Everton

Man Utd v Fulham

Norwich v QPR

Southampton v Wigan

Sunderland v Reading

Tottenham v West Brom

Chelsea v Newcastle

Stoke v Arsenal

Liverpool v Man City

————————–

Richmond v Essendon

MCG – Fri Aug 24, 7:50pm

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Jayden Post
HB: Jake Batchelor, Chris Newman, Bachar Houli
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio
HF: Matthew White, Shane Edwards, Daniel Jackson
F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Robin Nahas
Foll: Ivan Maric, Dustin Martin, Shane Tuck
I/C: David Astbury, Matt Dea, Bradley Helbig, Brett O’Hanlon

Emg: Tom Derickx, Brandon Ellis, Addam Maric

In: David Astbury, Matt Dea, Jake Batchelor
Out: Jake King (Foot), Ben Griffiths (Concussion), Brandon Ellis

Essendon

B: Mark Baguley, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Kyle Hardingham, Tayte Pears
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, Leroy Jetta
HF: David Zaharakis, Michael Hurley, Scott Gumbleton
F: Nicholas O’Brien, Stewart Crameri, Dyson Heppell
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Alex Browne, Alwyn Davey
I/C: Heath Hocking, Angus Monfries, Jake Melksham, Michael Hibberd

Emg: Sam Lonergan, Travis Colyer, Elliott Kavanagh

In: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Scott Gumbleton, Tayte Pears, Nicholas O’Brien, Mark Baguley
Out: Dustin Fletcher (Hip), Sam Lonergan, Patrick Ryder (Knee), Jake Carlisle (Ankle), Brendan Lee

New: Nicholas O’Brien (North Ballarat Rebels)

St Kilda v GWS Giants

ES – Sat Aug 25, 1:45pm

St Kilda

B: Sam Gilbert, James Gwilt, Tom Simpkin
HB: Jamie Cripps, Sean Dempster, Jack Newnes
C: Farren Ray, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard
HF: Arryn Siposs, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera
F: Stephen Milne, Beau Wilkes, Ahmed Saad
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Sebastian Ross, Tom Ledger
I/C: Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna, Jarryn Geary, Jack Steven

Emg: Jason Gram, Daniel Markworth, Sam Dunell

In: Tom Ledger, Arryn Siposs, Terry Milera, Sebastian Ross, Jack Newnes
Out: Sam Fisher (Toe), Jason Gram, Justin Koschitzke (Soreness), David Armitage (Soreness), Adam Schneider (Foot)

New: Sebastian Ross (North Ballarat Rebels)

Milestones: Jack Steven – 50 games

GWS Giants

B: Adam Kennedy, Phil Davis, Luke Power
HB: Curtly Hampton, Chad Cornes, Sam Darley
C: James McDonald, Callan Ward, WIlliam Hoskin-Elliott
HF: Dom Tyson, Nick Haynes, Adam Tomlinson
F: Devon Smith, Jonathan Giles, Nathan Wilson
Foll: Andrew Phillips, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene
I/C: Tomas Bugg, Rhys Cooyou, Rhys Palmer, Taylor Adams

Emg: Jack Hombsch, Anthony Miles, Matthew Buntine

In: Tomas Bugg, Rhys Cooyou, Adam Treloar, Nathan Wilson, Callan Ward, Rhys Palmer, Adam Tomlinson
Out: Steve Clifton, Shaun Edwards, Israel Folau (Back), Tim Golds, Anthony Miles, Tom Scully (Back), Matthew Buntine

New: Rhys Cooyou (East Fremantle (WA))

Port Adelaide v Brisbane Lions

AS – Sat Aug 25, 1:40pm

Port Adelaide

B: Nathan Blee, Alipate Carlile, Tom Logan
HB: Thomas Jonas, Jackson Trengove, Domenic Cassisi
C: Kane Cornes, Bradley Ebert, Darren Pfeiffer
HF: Matthew Broadbent, Justin Westhoff, Danyle Pearce
F: Paul Stewart, Jay Schulz, Brett Ebert
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, David Rodan
I/C: Matt Thomas, Aaron Young, Chad Wingard, John McCarthy

Emg: Steven Salopek, Jarrad Redden, Simon Phillips

In: Travis Boak, Tom Logan
Out: Daniel Stewart, Andrew Moore (Hamstring)

Brisbane Lions

B: Ryan Harwood, Daniel Merrett, Ryan Lester
HB: Pearce Hanley, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock
C: Rohan Bewick, Daniel Rich, James Polkinghorne
HF: Jack Redden, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko
F: Tom Rockliff, Jordan Lisle, Joshua Green
Foll: Ben Hudson, Simon Black, Andrew Raines
I/C: Josh Drummond, James Hawksley, Claye Beams, Jack Crisp

Emg: Billy Longer, Sam Docherty, Elliot Yeo

In: Josh Drummond, James Hawksley
Out: Matt Maguire (Foot), Elliot Yeo

Milestones: Andrew Raines – 100 games

Sydney Swans v Hawthorn

SCG – Sat Aug 25, 4:40pm

Sydney Swans

B: Nicholas Smith, Ted Richards, Alex Johnson
HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Martin Mattner
C: Rhyce Shaw, Kieren Jack, Lewis Jetta
HF: Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Ryan O’Keefe
F: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Adam Goodes
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh P. Kennedy, Luke Parker
I/C: Nick Malceski, Craig Bird, Mike Pyke, Mitch Morton

Emg: Nathan Gordon, Andrejs Everitt, Tommy Walsh

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Josh Gibson, Benjamin Stratton
HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Ryan Schoenmakers, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Brendan Whitecross, Lance Franklin, Liam Shiels
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Xavier Ellis, Jordan Lewis, Matt Suckling, Jack Gunston

Emg: Max Bailey, Shane Savage, Bradley Hill

In: Lance Franklin, Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson
Out: Chance Bateman, Stephen Gilham, Shane Savage

Milestones: Matt Suckling – 50 games

Gold Coast Suns v Carlton

MS – Sat Aug 25, 7:40pm

Gold Coast Suns

B: Taylor Hine, Michael Coad, Jeremy Taylor
HB: Daniel Stanley, Matthew Warnock, Jarrod Harbrow
C: Kyal Horsley, Gary Ablett, Matt Shaw
HF: Jacob Gillbee, Tom Lynch, Brandon Matera
F: Alik Magin, Steven May, Campbell Brown
Foll: Charlie Dixon, Josh Caddy, Harley Bennell
I/C: Maverick Weller, Piers Flanagan, Trent McKenzie, Tom Hickey

Emg: Josh Toy, Henry Schade, Andrew McQualter

In: Trent McKenzie, Charlie Dixon, Jacob Gillbee
Out: Jared Brennan, Josh Toy, Andrew McQualter

Carlton

B: Andrew McInnes, Simon White, Zach Tuohy
HB: Dennis Armfield, Nick Duigan, Christopher Yarran
C: Heath Scotland, Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs
HF: Andrew Walker, Jarrad Waite, Kade Simpson
F: Jeffrey Garlett, Levi Casboult, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Brock McLean, Marc Murphy
I/C: Andrew Carrazzo, David Ellard, Edward Curnow, Tom Bell

Emg: Jordan Russell, Rhys O’Keeffe, Pat McCarthy

In: David Ellard
Out: Mitch Robinson (Eye)

West Coast Eagles v Collingwood

PS – Sat Aug 25, 5:40pm

West Coast Eagles

B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Sam Butler
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Patrick McGinnity
F: Chris Masten, Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui
Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey
I/C: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Quinten Lynch, Adam Selwood

Emg: Andrew Strijk, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan

In: Sam Butler, Matthew Rosa, Josh Kennedy
Out: Bradd Dalziell, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan

Collingwood

B: Chris Tarrant, Heritier O’Brien, Nathan Brown
HB: Ben Johnson, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey
C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Jarryd Blair
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Chris Dawes, Heath Shaw
F: Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Steele Sidebottom
Foll: Cameron Wood, Ben Sinclair, Dayne Beams
I/C: Alan Didak, Tyson Goldsack, Alex Fasolo, Paul Seedsman

Emg: Martin Clarke, Josh Thomas, Kirk Ugle

In: Dane Swan, Alan Toovey, Ben Johnson, Tyson Goldsack, Cameron Wood
Out: Nick Maxwell (Groin), Martin Clarke, Darren Jolly (Soreness), Jamie Elliott (Groin), Caolan Mooney (Ankle)

Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs

SS – Sun Aug 26, 1:10pm

Geelong Cats

B: Matthew Scarlett, Tom Lonergan, Josh Hunt
HB: Andrew Mackie, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Mitch Duncan, Allen Christensen, Joel Corey
HF: Paul Chapman, James Podsiadly, Steven Motlop
F: Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins, Jimmy Bartel
Foll: Trent West, Steve Johnson, James Kelly
I/C: Travis Varcoe, Jonathan Simpkin, Taylor Hunt, Billie Smedts, Cameron Guthrie, Josh Walker, Jordan Murdoch

In: Travis Varcoe, Allen Christensen, Billie Smedts, Cameron Guthrie
Out: Joel Selwood (Soreness)

Western Bulldogs

B: Robert Murphy, Brian Lake, Easton Wood
HB: Christian Howard, Lukas Markovic, Lin Jong
C: Liam Picken, Matthew Boyd, Jason Johannisen
HF: Dylan Addison, Tory Dickson, Shaun Higgins
F: Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Jones, Jordan Roughead
Foll: William Minson, Ryan Griffen, Mitchell Wallis
I/C: Adam Cooney, Jarrad Grant, Nathan Djerrkura, Zephaniah Skinner, Clay Smith, Michael Talia, Tom Campbell

In: Jarrad Grant, Liam Jones, Christian Howard, Michael Talia, Tom Campbell
Out: Ayce Cordy (Back), Fletcher Roberts

North Melbourne v Fremantle

ES – Sun Aug 26, 3:15pm

North Melbourne

B: Scott McMahon, Luke Delaney, Michael Firrito
HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Samuel Wright
C: Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Sam Gibson
HF: Liam Anthony, Robert Tarrant, Lindsay Thomas
F: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett, Jamie Macmillan, Kieran Harper, Cameron Delaney, Aaron Mullett, Will Sierakowski

In: Cameron Delaney, Aaron Mullett, Will Sierakowski
New: Will Sierakowski ()

Fremantle

B: Adam McPhee, Luke McPharlin, Zac Dawson
HB: Clancee Pearce, Michael Johnson, Paul Duffield
C: Michael Barlow, Ryan Crowley, Tendai Mzungu
HF: Stephen Hill, Kepler Bradley, David Mundy
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Christopher Mayne
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Nathan Fyfe, Matthew de Boer
I/C: Garrick Ibbotson, Zachary Clarke, Michael Walters, Dylan Roberton, Cameron Sutcliffe, Lee Spurr, Nicholas Suban

In: Zachary Clarke, Dylan Roberton, Cameron Sutcliffe

Melbourne v Adelaide

MCG – Sun Aug 26, 4:40pm

Melbourne

B: Joel Macdonald, Colin Garland, Tom McDonald
HB: Jack Watts, James Frawley, Lynden Dunn
C: Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie, Jack Grimes
HF: Sam Blease, Jared Rivers, Rohan Bail
F: Jeremy Howe, Brad Green, Neville Jetta
Foll: Jake Spencer, Colin Sylvia, Nathan Jones
I/C: Matthew Bate, James Strauss, Jordan Gysberts, Luke Tapscott, Daniel Nicholson, James Sellar, Thomas Couch

In: Matthew Bate, Jordan Gysberts, Daniel Nicholson

Milestones: James Frawley – 100 games

Adelaide

B: Sam Shaw, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock
HB: Michael Doughty, Daniel Talia, Brodie Smith
C: David Mackay, Nathan van Berlo, Bernie Vince
HF: Richard Douglas, Taylor Walker, Jared Petrenko
F: Matthew Wright, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield
I/C: Brent Reilly, Aidan Riley, Jarryd Lyons, Ian Callinan, Tom Lynch, Luke Brown, Josh Jenkins

In: Jason Porplyzia, Aidan Riley, Brodie Smith, Jarryd Lyons, Tom Lynch
Out: Chris Knights, Rory Sloane (Elbow)

Milestones: Kurt Tippett – 100 games

Hot off the heels of Super/Mega/Unbelievable Tuesday, join Adrian, Matt, Tomo and podcast debutant Ruben Norris to discuss the new NRL broadcast deal, Laurie Daley’s appointment as coach of NSW, David Gallop’s move to FFA, and Ben Hornby’s retirement.

Also included is an extended chat with Ruben, who is a passionate Warriors fan, on the departure of Brian “Bluey” McClennan, the current state of the club and where he sees them headed into the future – a must-listen for all Warriors supporters.

There’s all the usual NRL, AFL, Rugby Championship and EPL coverage, and Tomo gets us thinking about possible inclusions for The Expendables 3 in the Think Tank… All of this and much, much more – get listening!

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