H_T

Oh..

Yes, Hewitt has lost his zip thanks to a series of injuries. It's a demanding game physically and emotionally and he has lost the ability to maintain a competitive edge. Let's not forget his young family whilst been the joy of his life, have no doubt also moved the goal posts on his priorities and for some time now - he no longer plays the amount of tournaments he used to - year in, year out. He targets certain tournaments nowadays into his schedule. And that has to effect his consistency and hence results. Anyone who ranks at number one for a large chunk of time as Hewitt had done, plus win a Grand Slam event or two (Wimbledon & US Open) , as well as represent Australia at Davis Cup with distinction over a long time, deserves praise and recognition. Even if he did get a little heated on court. I'll always remember him as a great competitor when his tennis career is over. And I have no doubt so will many of his opponents.

3 x 400metres before the first bounce. Well done on your coaching feat.

Agree on Americain. (see Sports Board). Btw Black Caviar is now a 5yo br mare.

Today's Sunday Herald Sun, Greg Chappell has a view on today's landscape of Australian cricket and what needs to be done. I share his opinion and have touched on some aspects in the odd post in this thread. The Argus review highlighted areas of concern in Australian cricket. One of being the contracts in place for the experienced players. Good informative view. http://www.heraldsun...o-1226173941775 As Chappell mentions, they need to search and back young potential champions, re-assess the steps to top grade cricket and ensure a contract system review.

Maybe if we threw in 5 Kg of Banana's at the latest price along with pick 12 and one of our compensation picks. That might have done it. Sheeds loves banana's.

Same old dee. As Tim Harrington said about 2 % of the stories being floated around trade week come off and are true. The rest is really spak filler. Clearly it gets the blood pumping for some and like our resident member daisycutter it represents a chance to boost their post count. haha. I think it would be worthwhile after 5pm Thursday and at the conclusion on Monday for results.

RIP G.Dilley. Always liked his approach to the crease. Good fast bowler. Deceptively fast.

Sth Melbourne market has "FREE" bananas this morning. Limited time only/until sold out ....taken. That's right...FREE.

Enormous win ! Good on Sammy.

Yeah I know...Matt Thomas.

Let us know what you think of the Oval and it's surrounds 45 on return. I'd be interested in your thoughts. I have toured the ground with a tour by SACA staff including the scoreboard. I think it's a fantastic cricket ground. And one hell of a scoreboard. Unfortunately I'll miss the game and will be in Sydney for work committments and won't get to see it until the weekend after thanks to IQ, unless they have it on somewhere on the Sunday somewhere around the Darling Harbour precinct. Anyone ? Might have to get the work done asap and head to Star City...

So I take it the Red & Blue Print journey might finish somewhere between Base Camp & In the game if this is true ?

Agree regarding Thomas and Lyon having a go at Hutchy. And Hutchy may want to have a swig of Demazin before going to air next time. Very nasily. Regarding Roos, I agree with him on comments made regarding both Richmond and Melbourne's accountability and that good teams would just pick them apart at every opportunity.

Ok, fine. I just thought you might want to support your argument for clarity. It would add some much needed weight to what you find 'unbelievable'.

Ok. You identify the poster(s) who have written off Clarkson by replying to their posts and/or highlighting instances of such comment. And I'll refrain from questionning your post in an "apparent"(IYO) pig headed demonlander fashion. Vague generalisations of such nature of posts regarding comments on Clarkson & Malthouse I believe are distasteful, unless you can hold them to to account by replying to these examples you speak of.

Agree on everything here. But just one point. The issue would be a professional one and what comes with that is a reasonably good relationship (minus Jeff Kennett) with Hawthorn. You cannot discount the manner in which Clarkson has helped create at the Hawks and the relationships formed there. Clearly the Hawks remain a power of the competition and the star players there, their superior midfield, superior FD, would be difficult to let go of, with a 3 year offer apparently on the table to sign.

Caroline has a knack of gathering some information, that others struggle to get. You have to wonder if she obtained it through her FC colleague or not.

And James Hird repeatedly said last year he wasn't going to coach Essendon. Now look. Honestly, if you find it unbelievable, good for you. If the offer to Clarkson is true, it's a good move at precisely the right moment before anything is penned with the Hawks. Surely it must be worth some consideration, former club, 5 year lucrative offer, Lyon, Viney , Connolly - all acquaintances. But it would be hard to let go with what he has helped build and the superstars available on the Hawthorn list as well as Jeff on the way out. It would be a great coup in netting a visionary coach who has his finger on the cusp when it comes to tactical game plans. Although it must be said, he has benefited from the quality players and good recruiting at his disposal.

Our last night game at the G was the win over the Bombers.

Late start though. Twilight.

Any suggestions of players you might like on our list old55 ? (To either suit need, leadership need or two birds with one stone)

I've given a bit of thought to it...ok, a lot then. I 'liked' Nathan Fyfe, but then he extended his contract with Freo. I like Sharrod Wellingham, Tom Rockliff, Sam Reid, Tyson Goldsack to name a few. I've considered ready made small forwards, but they're hard to come by - maybe a Todd Banfield. The Wellingham and Goldsack's of the footy world have been overshadowed by their bigger name teammates but they are very handy in their own right. Goldsack seems to have been on the cusp and is very handy, struggles to get a look in when Maxwell is up and about. Wellingham was excellent Queens Birthday with Swan and Thomas out. Quick reflexes and footy smart. I'm not sure on any of their contract status, but these are the type I think we need. Sam Reid is obviously is one to watch and would have to give up a bit in return - as with all four mentioned. Rockliff is hard at it and passionate about his game; demanding. Both of these latter two would be very hard to obtain - can't imagine their clubs letting them go.

If you had the pick of the crop from the AFL after the season (hypothetical), to target a player who would address a need as well as leadership/purpose on field, who would it be ? And hypothetically what would you be prepared to give up in return ? {thought I'd post this here rather than create a thread of it's own, given this thread covers banana's}

Sick bag Redleg...(s.p.e.w.) You know..."turbulence"