Macca

The Nations League has been a huge step up from the 'Friendlies' that we've otherwise been subjected to during the International weeks. And the Countries involved are seemingly taking the games seriously too. The concept is quite easy to understand with the winners of each of the 4 groups within the B, C & D Leagues all being promoted whilst the last place-getter within the groups in the A, B & C Leagues all being relegated. And of course the 4 winners within the 4 groups in League A all get to play off for the Nations League trophy (on a biennial basis) Thus because of the greater importance of these Nations League games (replacing a lot of friendly games) the FIFA World rankings will therefore have greater credibility. The games also count towards the next European Cup qualification. I reckon it's a terrific concept. Nations Cup Standings

He's obviously had a jab or 2 to get back out there but knee injuries are notoriously difficult to evaluate unless it's an ACL (which it isn't) We're going to have to wait until Wednesday and even then we probably won't know all the details. MCL strains can be 2 weeks up to 2 months yeah? We've got the Vikings at home next week but if it is to be Kizer for a time, we can at least compete at the QB position. Happy to see the end of Hundley. I watched the movements of Rodgers very closely and he moved reasonably well, all things considered. But I'm no Doctor haha

Good luck with all that Dappa ... I'm busy trying to figure out a trifecta combo in the 7th at Moe tomorrow! ? Anyway, a number of ex-players are making mention of the rustiness of teams early in the season with references to the lack of intensity in the practice games. I guess we're just going to have to live with it as the teams don't want to risk their stars until the main games begin. It's only week 1 but a number of the better credentialed teams have limped over the line or have failed to win when favoured to do so (Steelers, Saints, Chargers, Dallas, Seahawks)

As you know, I'm an Andy Reid fan as he keeps getting his teams into contention. KC keep racking up the wins and often fly under the radar. Mahomes with 256 yards with 4 TD's and no interceptions at the Chargers is impressive. A lot of the teams were all a bit rusty though ... as an example, Green Bay couldn't advance the ball with a fit Rodgers in the first half but did advance the ball with an injured Rodgers in the 2nd half. Ravens are worth keeping an eye out for same for the Panthers. Jury is out on Cinci but the Pats won as expected. The 2 games tomorrow are of high interest for all sorts of reasons. The Rams @ Raiders game especially. Gruden might have some surprises in store for us. And such is the divisional implications in the NFC North I'll be barracking hard for the J.E.T.S tomorrow! That's divisional football for you.

Rodgers just keeps doing these sorts of things but that was out of the box great. But his lack of mobility helped the team advance the ball in a different way (quick, short 5 - 7 yard passes that I have been advocating) Loads of other highlights from the day of course ... but it's only week 1 - we'll know more in a month. Washington, KC, Jags, Ravens & Vikes the most impressive? And Tampa won't be easy next week for your blokes.

Leaderboard in the Comp 0 - All of us

In shock! That was some sort of comeback victory .... and as you said, adds to the legend. So many twists and turns including the Fuller dropped interception that could have ended it. To be honest, once the injury happened (MCL perhaps but to what degree we don't know) all I could think of was long term. But Rodgers has said that he will play next week. McCarthy was forced to play a conservative game-style and we looked quite effective because of it (apart from the 2 game-changing TD's) The Bears played well, especially early, but couldn't finish it off. It's going to be a dog-fight in the NFC North though, all the same

Racing's worst kept secret? Prizemoney percentage and who gets what was probably the issue Nature Strip to win Everest slot after McEwen Stakes victory

Nothing available from the Valley but you can go to Racing.com/Moonee Valley to view any of the replays from yesterday. But here's The 'Run To The Rose' from Rosehill yesterday and the G1 Sprint from Haydock (UK) raced overnight.

We only missed on the Collingwood game (by 1 lousy point) so we've done quite well this weekend DZ. Novak is still to play of course but who would bet against him? Might re-load with some more Nations cup soccer.

It was a difficult day in terms of trying to find a winner that wasn't at prohibitive odds today. Landed one decent trifecta but went awfully close with 3 or 4 others ? It was that kind of day and The Autumn Sun was a good thing beaten as well. Best Bet Strike Rate 21: 7 - 3 - 4 Australian Group & Listed Races I'll post up a few more replays when they become available but here's the Theo Marks Stakes from today ...

And Magic Consol wins the other feature event at the Valley ... and therefore gains automatic entry for the Cox Plate. Not bad for a 9YO! Not sure the connections will bother but 2nd carries around $1Million whilst 3rd earns $500k in the Cox Plate so finishing behind Winx is not always a bad result.

Course record for the horse so Houtzen running a close up 2nd was no slight on Nature Strip. Decent gap to Shoals and then another decent gap to Viridine. It gets an Everest slot on the back of the course record you'd reckon DZ. There aren't too many other candidates anyway apart from 'Home of the Brave' and the American horse 'Bound for Nowhere'

'Home of the Brave' wins well ... track conditions a bit questionable but the horse looks the goods and beat home some very likely types. Firmed into $17 for the Everest and with 2 slots left, Home of the Brave might get snapped up.

Best Bets Nations Cup Sunday 2.00am Switzerland Win & +2.5 Match Score $3.00 vs Iceland Nations Cup Sunday 4.45am England vs Spain +2.5 Match Score $2.30

Best Bets Mooney Valley Race 1 Number 2 Naantali $2.90 Rosehill Race 4 No.1 The Autumn Sun $2.15 Morphettville Race 4 No.3 Freehearted $3.10 Morphettville Race 8 No.8 Romancer $4.40 About 50-1 combined odds Good luck to all !

Osborne Bulls has been scratched Wadda ... out with an elevated temperature ?

The other games in week 1 promises a bit though ... 49ers @ Vikings Texans @ Pats Jags @ New York (Giants) KC @ Chargers Seattle @ Denver Dallas @ Panthers Bears @ Packers Rams @ Oakland There's no shortage in the NFL.

Oh, and by the way, we do it all again next week week with the NFL/Demons double. Ravens @ Cinci then Demons vs Hawks - let's ride this one out right through September hey NFL fans? It's novel, but we're alive and kicking.

@JV7 would have to be disappointed even though the win was there for the taking at the death. As for the Eagles, as Barassi once said when he coached us, a win is a win is a win. Bank the win and go to Tampa and hopefully advance to 2 & 0.

So often happens - hype exceeds the actuality. Both teams looked out of sorts although the Philly special was a highlight. Season proper will deliver though - it always does. When a whole bunch of games played at the same time happens, the drama eventuates.

Just got to the end of the game ... average/ordinary affair to be honest - a fizzer. Ryan seemed out of it in terms of a winning throw at the death - 'rust' all round with 1 team coming out on top. Not sure we learned a lot Dappa, if anything.

Fantastic win! That's a win for the ages ... our destiny is in our own hands.

Ha ha ha!

Really? I quite admire Man Utd ... they have been incredibly successful and other clubs should aspire to be as successful. As long as those other teams have the money to do so of course ... but there are at least 5 other clubs with enough money.