P-man

And to top it off, according to Champion Data we are the only club heading into next season without having a single player in the "elite" category. Keeping in mind that according to CD, Monfries at Port can be considered elite, it is still a damning and embarrassing reflection on this club to be the only one in the competition not to produce any player in this category. Let's hope that is about to change, some potential realised, and the beast awoken. 2013, [censored] you. 2014, you are very welcome.

Kudos to you sue for attempting to explain yourself. Keep in mind that for some posters, one in particular, these are life or death matters that present an opportunity to belittle and achieve self worth. You have to anticipate reactions that are in accordance with that. Pay it the attention it deserves.

After the Bounce is one of the worst shows ever made, period. It's excruciatingly bad. I'm not sure when Danny Frawley decided he was a comedian but I've got news for him, he ain't one. None of them are. They are ex footy players, and Andrew Gaze for some reason, trying to be entertainers and failing dismally. But idiots like the show, so it stays on. I don't watch Fox Footy during the off season and I'd encourage you to do the same.

On reflection that's a fair call on AB. But that's no disrespect to Hads, and I really don't think he's a long way behind at the moment. What he's shown in this series, and through his career, is that he can be relied upon in pressure situations. With his position in the lineup he is often called upon to drag the team out of the muck, and he very often succeeds. Stats alone don't tell you that side of the story.

I'd love to say the turn around is complete but I can't just yet. I still think there are question marks over the batting lineup which could be exposed, partly due to the high number of short form style batsmen we have. But more importantly, England have been that abysmal that we can't say with certainty that this Australian team is the genuine article. At times in this series they've barely been tested at all. How they fare in South Africa will answer some questions about the maturity of a lot of these players. There isn't too much I'd change about the bowling attack, it's just a shame about the age bracket. Fortunately we have some quality coming through, but none of them are at Rhino or Mitch's level yet. In saying all that, there is no doubt a corner has been turned and nothing should be taken away from the performance. With a rampant Mitch leading the attack and Pup in the form he's in, we have two players who are as damaging as any in world cricket, being ably supported with a stack of raw talent. We have every reason to be going to South Africa with confidence.

Very true, simplicity is often a best friend. The second, perhaps more genuine test for this lot comes in South Africa. Even with Kallis retiring, it will be the real mice and men exercise. If they find success there, I think we can call the turn around complete. Happy 2014 fellas.

Deeluded - I think you may well be right re Boof's influence over Pup and the team dynamic. Many fans celebrated his appointment for that very reason. Look at Watson and Clarke. Suddenly they seem to be getting along like a house on fire. Winning will only help strengthen those ties.

So to answer your question as to who has talked him down, the answer would be you. A "backstop"? What a completely daft insult. As Nash says, I can't think of another keeper I'd be swapping him with. He is a "backstop" in career best form, and he has saved our backside more than once to win back the urn. Your lack of respect for his performance is remarkable, but I'll grant you that opinions are like [censored]. Your last sentence makes no sense.

jazza, your lack of comprehension seems to extend to your own posts, which needless to say is concerning. Go back and read what you've said about Haddin in this thread. Hell, on this page alone. Your appraisal of Haddin is just flat out wrong, so clearly you're doing so to stick by your guns. Blind Freddy can see he's been one of the best performers, arguably only behind Johnson. I haven't asked for an apology, so again you're off the mark. There is a difference between apologising and merely acknowledging that perhaps you've been too harsh on someone. Failure to do so doesn't bother me one bit, because it doesn't surprise me. I'm merely stating something which is fact with regard to Haddin's performance.

Silence? I am referring to the series of posts between jazza and others discussing Haddin and Lyon. How does that constitute silence? Haddin has been excellent, he hasn't merely "broken even". He's let very little outside of the unreachable get past him, and he's supported Lyon and the rest of the bowling attack by holding onto the ones he should. Can not say the same of Prior or Bairstow, or indeed Wade. The difference with Hads behind the stumps is marked. Haddin has had his fair share of knockers on the journey, with many cryinh foul when he was recalled. Pup also has his fair share of detractors who seem more focused on his appearance than his ability. Both players have made those knockers look foolish. The bigger person would admit they were wrong about them. I won't hold my breath waiting for that to happen,

I can honestly only laugh at the talking down of Haddin and Gaz. You have to wonder what they would need to do in order to earn praise. Both have had an excellent series. Haddin in particular has been immense with bat and gloves. His role in the resurgence of the team can't be overstated. It is also very apparent that Clarke will NEVER win over some people who seem determined to forever park him in the "ordinary captain and he's a metrosexual nancy boy" pile. He has outdone Cook in every facet in this series and has led the team brilliantly. His being relieved of selection duties appears to have done the trick in removing any divide and he is now not only their captain but their equal. He deserves all the plaudits for what has been achieved here.

As strange as it may sound, I hold more hope for Agar as a batting all rounder. He certainly has age on his side to develop his batting. His poise and downright elegance at he crease was a joy to watch, and he would be a handy option with the ball. Titan is right though, he is no frontline spinner.

"Relax...we've got this" t-shirts for all the coaching staff.

How's that egg tasting WYL?

I can appreciate hesitation on account of his introvert characteristics. On a personal level he doesn't immediately strike you as a leader when compared to the likes of Grimes or even young Viney. But for me the most important quality for a captain, by some margin, is on-field leadership. In this regard, Jones is that far ahead of the pack it doesn't bare thinking. He is the obvious choice for mine, with Grimes to stay on as co-captain.

The English team is like a trainwreck at the moment. It's one thing after another. Christmas really did come early this year.

There would be something amiss if they got every one of our players' names right. Blease and Strauss have played 31 and 24 games respectively. 10 & 6 are their 2013 totals. Keep up the great work Hun.

Beer. If Duvel is on tap I'm having that. Pilsner Urquell not far behind. Basically anything that has a taste. I came across a shop in Paris that specialised in just absinthe. Shelves of the stuff. Definitely one of the better grocery shops I've done.

Not mocking, but in the scheme of things Gillies doesn't even register compared to using pick 12 on a guy who wasn't good enough to play a single senior game. Not one game.

You do the booing, and I'll hiss. He will get the message.

lol I swear you could set your clock to the way these threads turn out on here. Everyone is aware of both those things. It's not about expecting anything, it's about feeling positive at he prospect of picking ourselves up a bargain, with some evidence to suggest that we have.

He'll be a god send if he can permanently fill that small forward position that has been vacant for some time. The training reports have me genuinely excited about JKH. He's been arguably the most consistent theme running through them all.

Beat me to it. Consider your post "liked". (Seriously, can we have that button back now? It's Christmas after all) Pedo seems to have all the hallmarks of a very good VFL player. Something happens between the ears when he makes that next step. He seems capable enough, but it just hasn't clicked for him. He is still depth and that is highly unlikely to change.

Part 2 of the interview has gone up OD.

Rjay, my condolences. Some Landers will be aware that my old man passed away this year and this is our first Christmas without him, so I know to some extent how you're feeling. Stay strong brother. All the best.