Macca

We really should be known as the 'Green Bay Rodgers' as Rodgers virtually calls the shots ... but the organisation allows McCarthy to allow Rodgers to call the shots. I am obviously not talking about every play but come crunch time, it's Rodgers at play. Which doesn't really work in terms of having a great team. About 3 or 4 years ago someone here on this thread said the same thing and I didn't argue with them because that poster got it right. The truth hurt and I couldn't argue. McCarthy isn't really clueless but he is miles off Belichick. And he is a SB winning coach so there are points in the bank. The Packers won't dump him and I don't want him dumped either. An 'Agreement' can be made however. If we miss the playoffs (as seems likely) he'll get another year. That's how I'm seeing it.

Back onto all matters tipping wise, good call on the Texans layz as they have slipped under my guard. If the Bears win they give themselves a real shot at the division - if the Bears lose the division is the Vikings for the taking. The Packers are probably out of it unless we can somehow beat the Vikings in Minnesota in week 12. Big ask. But it is come on Washington I say - at least for this week ?

McCarthey is not a good coach - he is average and sometimes below or above average. And I'm being generous with that appraisal so as to keep the trolls at bay. The only area we've been good at in the last 10 years is WR. That's it. Our defense has been average or below average, terrible at RB, Secondary useless, Tight ends are non-existent and the offensive & defensives lines below par. Rodgers is the shining light although I will admit he is getting on a little bit. Not much, but a little bit Mate, I am an insanely passionate Packers fan ... I may not show it here very often but that is the truth of the matter. I hate losing and it's the wrong time to engage right now. I am angry. frustrated and pizzed off. Another season wasted because the team isn't good enough and the coach is basically clueless. AAARRRGGH

Back in the day wingmen could win games for their teams so the Flower comparison is quite apt ... he actually influenced a number of our wins when he played. And I witnessed his entire career. Montana only got to 4 SB's ... does that make him a failure in all the other seasons that he played? Of course not. But if I use your logic he is to blame. Favre & Rodgers were/are great players so your focus on them without even mentioning the rest of the team or the coaching is disingenuous. Anyway, how's your own mob going these days layz? Still choking? Or is it tanking time again? ha ha ? Brady has a great road record but he has always been surrounded by a great team and great coaching. And there lies the difference. And I regard Belichick as the greatest coach in any sport of the modern era. Tom is blessed but he is also a great player. Rivers & Brees are about 50/50 on the road like Rodgers is and in real terms, that is a great result, all things considered. But that is just my view. Most starting QB's have a poor to below average road record but that is the nature of the beast - even New England lose 2 -4 road games most years.

Well I liked Ventura Storm in the Zipping Classic and it was DZ's best bet as well ... but as was the case with a number of horses that have been performing well recently, a lot of them had come to the end of their preparations. My choice (Into the Abyss) didn't run on either. If only the horses could actually talk hey Wadda? ? They generally don't show those signs until the moment it happens. Still, I've had a more than decent Spring Carnival and the attention now turns to Ascot (WA) , Sha Tin & the Doomben Summer features a number of races that holds a bit of appeal as well. The Ballarat Cup is on next Saturday and that race is always a keenly contested affair. No doubt targeted by DK Weir of course! ?

It's got more to do with the other choices being risky, high risk or worse ... I thought about the Panthers, Titans, Houston & Tampa but with 2 points on the line, I'm better off picking 3 decent teams. May or may not work as there are no guarantees. Personally, I reckon the Rams will probably win but if KC play great, they might win. I'm more confident with the Steelers and to a lesser extent, the Vikes.

My tips - Pittsburgh, Minnesota, KC Paging @titan_uranus @Dr. Gonzo @DeeSpencer

You didn't miss a great deal from my point of view Wadda ... did a lot of 2nd guessing today and therefore managed to miss with some obvious standouts such as Yogi, Ringerdingding, Cool Passion & The Taj Mahal. Got a decent collect with 'Most Important' saluting in the Stakes race at Doomben but slim-pickings otherwise. However, I fancy my chances in the three Group 2 races at Sha Tin tomorrow ... here's the form. JC Mile G2 1600m Jockey Club Cup G2 2000m JC Sprint G2 1200m

A lot of stats are meaningless but here's a beauty ... In the last 16 times we have played Collingwood in a finals game we have won 15 of the matches. A 15 & 1 record. I delight in enlightening Pie supporters of that stat. Just the look on their faces upon hearing that meaningful stat is priceless. And there is no comeback. None.

You calling a 43-44 record for Rodgers a losing record on the road? 2 wins off a winning record. Favre also has the most home victories by any QB in history. And it's not golf or tennis ... there is strength of team and the coaching to factor in. Using your logic, Rob Flower was an abject failure as he largely played in losing teams home or away. If you watched yesterday's game you would have seen that Rodgers was Green Bay's standout player - by a street. As he is in most games - home or away. As was Favre. And just a week and a half ago Rodgers had a winning road record - that's 11 days ago. 2 weeks ago you weren't talking about his winning record on the road. Goodness knows where Green Bay would be without the Rodgers - same goes for Favre. Both are/were star players playing in teams that are/were never star-studded. Much like Flower at the Demons. Here's a stat for you layz ... Brett Favre's record against your 49ers was 12 & 2. He dined out on your mob - constantly. But at the time Favre played, the Niners weren't often a strong team. So the stat is somewhat meaningless.

These games are being played the weekend after next Wadda as we've got the Nations League this weekend. Leave them up if you want though and we can use them for the following weekend Anyway, here are my tips for this weekend. Bit of value involved so make of them what you will. There are a number of other classic match-ups in League A this weekend featuring the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France & Spain. Nations League Monday 1.00am England Win & +2.5 Goals Match Score ($3.00) vs Croatia Nations League Monday 6.45am Switzerland vs Belgium Win & +2.5 Goals Match Score ($3.40)

This Contiki tour is taking you everywhere Wadda ... it's like one of those Michael Palin adventures. "Wadda's European Extravaganza" which includes Cartwheels in Copenhagen and Dancing in Dubrovnik. The 'Tour Diary' available at all good book stores (I'm hearing) And yeah, that's why I am switching to Sun/Mon picks ... because of the quality of teams and the match-score factor. As an example ... Man City were a moral against Man Utd last Monday morning and we saw 4 goals in the game.

Best Bet Sandown Race 3 No.7 Into the Abyss $3.80

Leaderboard in the comp 6 - JV7, Dr. Gonzo 5 - layzie 4 - Go the Biff, Clintosaurus, Dappa Dan, Dee Zephyr, DeeSpencer 3 - titan_uranus, Gorgoroth, Macca, 2 - DemonDave

For something a little different here's Equestrian legend Andrew Hoy on 'After the Last' shown earlier tonight. A fascinating character and a real high achiever - gives some great insights in the interview. Andrew Hoy - After the Last

Back full circle to Sandown this week although the fields are not overly strong, all things considered. Still, there are some good betting races to be had (Races 5, 7, 8 & 9 have an even spread of chances) The 3 feature races at Ascot (WA) this Saturday holds some interest as well - building nicely to the 3 Group 1's coming up over the next month or so. Pounamu won't be seen though which is a shame - in the paddock at the owners property (somewhere in NSW) after having a minor setback. Trainer not happy. Material Man will be back however after bypassing the Spring over here. Full Card - Sandown Hillside Saturday 17th Full Card - Ascot (WA) Saturday 17th

2 points up for grabs this week which is an ideal time for those trailing to think outside the box and not necessarily pick the obvious standout road winners (do they even exist anyway?) Which teams can be trusted? We'll all find out after the Monday games although KC would have to be some sort of show in their MNF matchup against the Rams. Same goes for the Vikings @ Chicago in the SNF fixture. And how 'bout them Cowboys? Good luck you blokes! Leaderboard in the comp 6 - JV7, Dr. Gonzo 5 - layzie 4 - Go the Biff, Clintosaurus, Dappa Dan, Dee Zephyr, DeeSpencer 3 - titan_uranus, Gorgoroth, Macca, 2 - DemonDave

Turned into a good game this one ... Eagles 20 Dallas 20. Half way through the 4th quarter.

Reckon I might switch back to Sun/Mon overnight sports @Wadda We Sing @Dee Zephyr A lot of the better performed soccer teams in Europe play on Sunday's and that's where I usually try and find some value.

My tips - Saints, Pats, Chargers Paging @titan_uranus @DeeSpencer Leaderboard in the comp 6 - JV7, Dr. Gonzo 5 - layzie 4 - Go the Biff, Clintosaurus, Dappa Dan, Dee Zephyr, DeeSpencer 3 - titan_uranus, Gorgoroth, Macca, 2 - DemonDave

Australian Group & Listed Races Best Bet Strike Rate 57: 21 - 6 - 9

Yeah the horse never really got going DZ - jumped well and was ok early but didn't quicken at the 2 furlong mark. There will be easier races against lesser rated horses for El Mag at this stage of the horses career. It can still get in at a good weight in a BM70.

Yeah ... the DZ plunge! A couple of the tipsters marked it on top ... if the horse runs up to its usual speed down the grandstand side, it's a chance. Equal 2nd favourite now!

So the MVRC refuses entry for 'Trap for Fools' in the Cox Plate and then the horse comes out and wins the $2Million McKinnon Stakes in fine style. Beat off 2 Derby winners with Blair House beaten off as well ... they ran 02:02.31 for the 2000m so it's not like it was a dawdling run. Too good. Extra Brut came into $4.60 2nd favourite after the @Wadda We Sing plunge ? Ran a terrific race to finish 3rd.

Santa Ana Lane supreme in the Sprint ... to beat that field is something very special. Winner of 4 Group 1's and a Group 2 now in the space of just over 12 months - lays claim to being our best 1200m - 1400m runner. Keeps winning.