Rhino Richards

I agree Katich probably had claims but not either of the Clarks/ Clarkes. However, I completely disagree about the wicket. After the first day, the pitch was fine for batting. In fact on day 3 and 4 the TV and radio commentators said it was a cracker to bat on with few cracks and the pitch was hard. The batting from both sides with exceptions was mediocre at best. And given your comments about Lee just makes Johnsons efforts even better. The selectors will be hoping to certainly take Lee to England for the Ashes as none of other bowlers quick or spin will have had English experience. They will give him every chance to make it.

Notwithstanding his good fortune at being in the right place at the right time for 4 flags and his capable on field football ability, off field he is a perennial nutter who blotted his book ultimately at 4 clubs. I'd be careful what he dispenses to the younger players.

Firstly, it was only a bowlers wicket on the first day and Australia batted on that. For the remaining days with the exception of Clarke, Taylor and Katich, no batsman applied the concentration and technique to take advantage of the conditions. Katich's innings put the match beyond NZ. The match was already defined by the low scores of the first innings and the big question mark over NZ' batting application. Clarke with a century in the making and just before stumps went out to a one day trundler. Then inexplicably ran himself out in the 2nd innings. Two bad lapses of concentration. Clark bowled well but his results on every measure were inferior to Johnsons. Credit where credit was due, Johnson performed with bat and ball. Lee is struggling at the moment and much is starting to rest on Johnson with the new ball in the near future. Lee may have taken his 300th wicket but his 1/53 off 9 was rather pedestrian. I doubt he will be around for 400 wickets.

Beyond pandering to a few posters' anxiety complexes, I dont see any need to show your cards before the day you announce. Its got nothing to do making a few overly strung fans feeling included.

Good summary Graz. Throughout this whole circus where there has been much to be cynical about, Benny's attitude all along has been cynical and in denial of the problem (forget the press release apologies etc). Its no wonder AFL clubs are highly suspicious of the whole affair. You have probably answered your problem in those two sentences about culture. Cousins was front and center of that malignant culture that ultimately destroyed the Clubs opportunity for further success.

White was never voted on the leadership group. Neitz was already in it as a consequence of being "given" the captaincy publicly by the Club pre-season. Yze was voted on then voted off mid season. It did seem like the younger players started to learn something about leadership.

No. One was an outstanding line breaking midfielder that was cut down by injury. The other is an average footballer, limited thinking under pressure and poor defensive skills.

There is enough anecdotal evidence to indicate the Cousins has been "involved" with drugs for many years. His consumption may have varied over that time. How long have the AFL been testing for? Again there are reasonably stories of him attending training and club functions under the influence of substances. I am not sure if he ever played affected. There is absolutely no doubt that Worsfold (the Pharmacist ) and the rest of the WCE knew Cousins was juiced on stuff and they turned a blind eye to his and other players behaviours for expedient reasons. Its a big call to suggest Benny was juced for a GF. There is no doubt that Judd knew of Cousins habits generally. There was clique culture at WCE, one of the most influential involved the party boys, Cousins, Gardiner and Chick. Worsold has denied any knowledge of the drug problem involving Cousins and Co. There is a heavy sense of "Pull the other one". Cousins habits and friends have been well known in Perth for years.

NZ all out 156. Kerry O'Keeffe has said that there is little sideways movement and the pitch is going to become easier for batting. Then Hayden goes first ball to Martin!!! Is this vale Hayden?

Very good JAck. A few others ... "Great second efforts" - has no real first efforts. "Strong in the contest" - throws weight around but does not get the ball. "We expected him to fill out over the next year" - he does not have the physique and needs to get on the weights fast. "He is over the injury and will join the senior group after Xmas" - he is still injured, we took a punt and hope that with a modified program that he does not have OP".

Certainly needs to play smarter and harder. At the crossroads for mine. Its make or break this year.

In these conditions, there is no certainty that any batting side will take a stranglehold. Rain delays aside, this could be a short Test match with the ball dominating the bat. But you are right about the 1st session. Our front line bowlers will need to take wickets otherwise some Test spots are in jeopardy. FWIW, Watson, Haddin and Hayden for mine are definitely in the gun. Watsons shot selection when he went out was dumb in the conditions partcularly for a Qlder. He may bat 3 for the Maroons but gee he looks wooden at Test level.

While I have loved Dogga's attitude and spirit at MFC (not always his disposal) I hope he comes back as a net benefit to a younger playing list. I hope he is not the start of Casey being an "old boys" side for ex MFC players that are no longer AFL standard. I dont want Dogga's selection to block the opportunities for young aspiring MFC players. I certainly dont want Neaves and Ferguson at Casey.....and no I certainly dont want that "team" player Saunter there either!

When the Club has stated that it is focussed on rebulding the list through youth why we would take a 25 to 28 filler player? And if he is not seen as part of any real tilt at success why would you bother with him? The age bracket problem will disappear as our junior players mature and step up.

Agree. Scott West could really teach our guys a few things.

LOL Its Jamar.

I have been regularly amused by the marketing pundits on this site that have claimed that Cousins is a sponsorship and marketing coup for Club (even to the point that TAC and Quit would be keen on backing him ) North have learnt that he is not. http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/spon...6770650664.html He is clearly percevied as damaged goods in the public's perception. It is unknown whether he will be rehabilitated and after a stellar career and nearly 2 years out of the game and with questionable hamstrings may or may not play good footy again. In addition, throughout this whole process, Cousins has regularly thumbed his nose at the AFL and other organisations regarding his disposition and his apologies and confessions are cynical at best. Its no wonder so many clubs have steered clear of him.

And retain Carroll now that he has had a haircut. BBP, your more likely to see Powell back than Cousins. You've been out of town awhile...its shows.

He is only a rookie who is raw with potential. Barring injuries I would be surprised if he got a run before mid 2010. With good reason too.

Underrated big time. There is no coincidence that when MFC made the finals in 1994 and 1998, Tingay was up and running and in that period in between he was crippled by injury. I would love to have another (fit) Tingay in MFC in the coming years.

....at times when there were injuries and lack of other ruck options at Sandy.

NZ wins toss and decides to bowl on a greenish pitch. Aust 0/4 with Krejza 12th man.

Article lacks merit. I doubt Martin will be a regular ruck option if Jamar and PJ are there. This wont change in 2009 even if we get Natanui. It would highly unlikely that Niknat would be prominent in our ruck in his first year unless they were prepared to burn him out early in his career. BTW, good video M2W. Hell, there would need to be a good footballer around for us not to Watts. Although there were some great marks by Watts, he will have to expected far greater contests in the air. But Watts looks good.

Generally agree but neither Brock or Jones are a first rate player. They may both become such over the course of their careers but they are not there yet. Here's hoping. In fairness to Jones its his fourth season coming up while McLean is in his sixth season. Injuries aside, McLean should be coming into the prime of his career and I am interested to see what that delivers in the coming years.

Agree. If there is a green tinge in the pitch, Krezja will mix the cordials and Watson will play on his home turf with Symonds to provide some spin if needed. Krezja will have stacks of chances this summer to impress. There is hardly a queue of worthy spin challengers beating down the selector's door at the moment.