Macca

Sometimes the old ways are the best, 'DV'. The sport hasn't changed all that much compared to many other sports (like footy) so we can confidently default to tried and tested ways without taking any undue risks. I have no dislike of Rogers or Bailey but I wouldn't have considered either of them (when they were initially picked) because of their age. They may prove me wrong and if they do, so be it. We've picked other older players previously and apart from Michael Hussey, I can't think of too many batsmen picked at a later age who have had long and illustrious A grade careers (and shouldn't a long and illustrious A grade career of a player/batsman be the aim of the selectors?) It should also be remembered that back in the day, Shield teams seemed to contain more younger players so the selectors had a few more to choose from (older players would retire early as there wasn't much money in the game) To me, the selectors are taking what they perceive to be the "safe" route but it's the opposite in my view. Related is the way the selectors have treated the spinners (post Warne) There seems to very little patience involved and let's face it, Warne was a once in a generation player (probably multiple generations!!)

My philosophy is the same one as the thinking of old - bring one young player in at a time and bat him down the order. If he's any good he stays and then gradually makes his way up the order. It's a tried and true method and it's one that has served us well over many years. Bradman, Greg Chappell, Border and Harvey all started off this way. Many, like Hayden, Langer and Martyn have made their way back into the side after initially being dropped after being picked when young. We could say the same about Smith now (although he hasn't established himself just yet) Obviously not all young players are going to make it but nearly all our great batsmen were picked when in their early 20's. The facts are all there in front of us. I don't like short cuts or stop gap measures. Mine is a conservative view though it might be viewed as high risk - it depends on how you view things jazza

Previously, I've advocated going down the youth path with players like Jordan Silk, Nic Maddinson, Joey Burns and 1 or 2 others. I haven't changed my mind on that but I can understand why the selectors are going for a few older types. I'd prefer to see us build a team for the future and I've always felt that a young batsman can improve when placed at a higher level of competition. We could or should win this Test despite our top 6 not performing when the heat was on (as a collective) Some of the shot selections in the 1st innings was awful and if that's repeated, we may not be able to wriggle out of things again. However, I'd expect to see the same batting order for the next Test. They've all got a chance to consolidate their spots in this current 2nd innings and in the next Test (Clarke has proved himself of course and shouldn't really be included amongst the others) It's great to be in a winning position (at last) but there are 4 Tests to come. To regain the Ashes, our batsmen are going to have to perform at a very good level.

There's a bit of rain about but there's still 3 full days left (and time can be made up on any of those days) Hopeful that we'll go one up - and from there it will be game on. There's 9 full days off until the next Test in Adelaide. If we do go one up, England will want to get it back to square as soon as possible (which may mean they'll need to make the running) It's all set up for a great series now - England will bounce back hard, sooner or later (just not in this Test please )

There's still more than a few doubts about our batting but the teams overall fighting qualities have been on show in the last day and a half. We've played well in the big moments which is when games are decided. I know you place a fair bit of emphasis on Lehmann's role and although it's still early doors, if we go one up, the team can gain a lot of confidence moving forward. As well as that, we looked to have some good plans for their batsmen and that's where a good coach comes to the fore. Some terrific signs but there's still a long way to go. Anyway ... here's Geoffrey Boycott and Jonathan Agnew with a 22 minute podcast from today's play. I'm just about to listen to it myself but I'm betting Geoffrey won't be holding back! ... Test Match Special - England blown away by Johnson

He's in good hands then. He looks very fit and healthy for a 32 year old so that area isn't an issue. We'll need him fit and firing for the 3rd Test in Perth (which is nearly always a "result" Test) I wonder if the selectors have a plan for Mitch? The Perth Test follows the Adelaide Test after only a few days break - Adelaide can be hard work for fast bowlers. At issue here are our reserve or back-up fast bowlers (of which we don't have a lot due to injuries)

Nah, didn't see that coming - at all. Obviously was hoping for the best but that is a huge turnaround from being 6/132 half way through day 1. We'll struggle to lose this Test now and a few of our batsmen have now got a real chance to cash in. There's a hundred sitting there waiting for at least one of our batsmen. DK has been working with Johnno which might explain a few things and having McDermott back as the bowling coach is also a positive move. How things can change in such a short space of time - amazing The series is well and truly alive!

TV games ... Friday 12.30pm New Orleans at Atlanta (ESPN only) Monday 5.00am San Diego at Kansas City (Fox2) 5.00am Pittsburgh at Cleveland (OneHD) 8.05am Indianapolis at Arizona (Fox2) 8.25am Dallas at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Denver at New England (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm San Francisco at Washington (ESPN) ... all the other week 12 games Tips ... New Orleans Carolina San Francisco

Terrific comeback but being 6 - 132 at one stage was another huge disappointment. The lack of century making ability from our top 6 (apart from Pup) is a real concern. Warner had a real chance today to make a big score before his dismissal (which looked soft) Watson and Smith both played at deliveries that they could have left (after both got starts) The less said about the dismissals of Rogers, Clarke and Bailey the better. However, despite all that, Haddin and Johnson did a fine job getting the team out of the mire and you might have even taken 8/273 at the start of the day (all things considered) Haddin's experience came to the fore just when we needed it. We're going to have to bowl well tomorrow all the same. Johnson might be having one of his big games - let's hope so because we're gonna need it! We could do with a bit of cloud cover tomorrow to help our bowlers.

Had a look at your schedule and you could win any of your 5 remaining games - you could also lose any of them with all your injuries! It's just so hard to predict ... reckon you win 3 at least which would get you to 10 wins. The Indi game at home (Cinci) might hold the key - both the Colts and the Pats have a few tough games so it's not done quite yet. I believe the 1 seed will go to Denver or KC in the AFC (the return fixture between those 2 sides may decide a few things - Denver are at the Pats next week on SNF whilst the Chiefs should notch up another win at home against the Chargers) Carolina winning today changes things a fair bit - suddenly they've become a real threat. They played well against a fairly determined New England outfit. Another dubious call right at the end but I thought the Panthers were the better side on the night (just!) Your blokes are doing well despite all those injuries. Agree with you re the Steelers. Big Ben knows how to manage and win games - 8 and 8 should get it done for the 6th seed in the AFC. The question is - which wild-card team is gonna get to 8 wins! (just watch the 6th seed get to 9 wins now just to spite me) Anyway ... no change in the points tally in the tipping comp ... 4 - cowboy from hell 3 - Strafford 2 - Macca 1 - pantaloons, DemonDave 0 - Gorgoroth, 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, bananas, Arrow ... Week 12 games ... The BS Report

Thought the penalty against the 49ers late in the game was a fairly average call. Fair enough if the contact was directly to the head/helmet area of Brees but I thought the tackle was initially to the arms and chest. However, we're most probably going to have to get used to these type of rulings. When the game is in the balance, it just looks like a gift. Where does it all stop? It seems incidental contact is just not allowable at all when it comes to the QB. Anyway ... Chicago are right back in it but they probably still need to finish a win ahead of Detroit to win the NFC North. At least 10 wins might be required to secure a wild-card in the NFC and even then it may come down to tie breaks. The Eagles are on a roll but that division is still wide open. Astonishingly, the Giants are only 1 loss back and they've now won 4 in a row. Cinci might have their eyes on the 3 seed - they would probably have to get to at least 11 wins and hope that the Colts or Pats lose a few down the stretch. Bengals are at home to the Colts in week 14. The 2nd wild-card in the AFC is up for grabs - Pittsburgh are now in the picture but they do have a few tough games to come - you just never know though. A lot riding on tomorrow's game - the Panthers can get a break on their rivals for the wild-card race and ... they still have their 2 matches against the Saints to decide the NFC South.

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am Detroit at Pittsburgh (Fox3) 8.25am San Francisco at New Orleans (Fox3) 8.25am Green Bay at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Kansas City at Denver (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm New England at Carolina (ESPN) ... all the other week 11 games ... and here's this weeks Bill Simmons column from 'Grantland' ... Return to the Island of Dr. Simbeau

lol ... ... the Colts getting up helps a few of us in the comp hey! Luck just keeps leading his team back into games and winning - can he do it in the playoffs? (assuming the Colts win the AFC South and are in the playoffs) At this time of the season, certain teams can start getting 'hot'. My 'Smokies' are the Panthers and the Eagles. I'm also waiting on the 49ers to hit some decent form. If the Giants defeat my blokes, they could be another team to keep an eye on (I'm expecting them to win if I'm being honest)

Here's a interesting doco that aired recently on ESPN ... 30 for 30 - Big Shot (the story of John Spano's short lived ownership of the New York Islanders back in the 90's)

If we do it again next year we could bring in a 2/3 rule (rewarding those who correctly tip 2 out of 3) I reckon picking the 3 roads winners should remain as the main basis of the comp. Say 1 point for 2 out of 3 and 3 points for getting all 3 correct ( 2/3 is quite achievable whilst 3/3 is rather difficult and should have a greater proportionate reward) 'cfh' would most probably still be in front if we had that revamped system but at least the points rewarded to all of us would be far more frequent! We could still have the 4 bonus weeks. I originally thought about picking the winners of each game as a tipping comp but that could easily become rather cumbersome (you kinda need something that's quick and easy if the goal is to have a number of regular participants) I also believe that posters should be able to enter at any time next year - starting late really wouldn't have an effect on those who are already involved (especially if those involved already had a number of points up) Having said all that, if someone was to come up with a whole new concept that was acceptable to all (or most), I'd be happy to roll that way. This years comp could best be described as cruel fun! (and I certainly never meant it that way!)

Points tally in the tipping comp ... 4 - cowboy from hell 3 - Strafford 2 - Macca 1 - pantaloons, DemonDave 0 - Gorgoroth, 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, bananas, Demon Land 7 TV games ... Friday 12.30pm Indianapolis at Tennessee (ESPN only) Monday 5.00am Detroit at Pittsburgh (Fox3) 8.25am San Francisco at New Orleans (Fox3) 8.25am Green Bay at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Kansas City at Denver (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm New England at Carolina (ESPN) ... all the other week 11 games and the BS Report Plenty of good games there - pity OneHD are only doing the 2 games this week but I guess those who have cable are not missing out. Another big test for the Panthers and looking forward to the 49ers/Saints game and the Chiefs/Broncos clash. Tomorrow's match-up is an interesting one - it could go either way. Tips ... Arizona Detroit Indianapolis

Well, I'm taller than a couple of the current QB's so why not! There's at least a few small considerations to take into account though ... like fear and ability! (I'd be good at handing off to a RB - that seems easy enough) Anyway, here's my take on things after today's games (for what it's worth) ... The NFC North is Detroit's to lose now. The Lions schedule isn't too difficult and they should be able to get to at least 10 wins (that might be enough after taking into account their record within the division) 49ers losing opens things up a lot in the NFC. Seattle should win that Division now unless they lose @ the 49ers and lose another 1 or 2 games. I reckon they'll end up 13/3 at worst. They could easily get home field advantage all the way through to the Super Bowl and the 49ers might have to do it on the road (assuming they make the play-offs) The Panthers played very well and that win will strengthen their case for a play-off berth. Saints were impressive at home and kept their hopes alive for a no.1 seed in the NFC. Dallas were disappointing ... the Eagles are within striking distance after today's win (I've no doubt mozzed them now, last week I talked up the Titans - oops!) Bengals had their chances (that 'Hail Mary' was an absolute classic) Still reckon Cinci will win the AFC North though. 9 wins might do it. How about those Rams? Who would have picked that result? (apart from Gorgoroth) The other big news is Peyton's ankle/knee (?) ... as most are aware by now, he copped a late hit to the lower leg (from a player leading with his helmet) He wasn't happy at the press conference and mentioned that he was in a decent amount of pain. Next week's game against KC has a lot riding on it and he'll need to come up otherwise Denver might fall 2 games back in that Division. Even the Jags won - whooda thunk-it

Here are the TV games again ... Monday 5.00am Oakland (3/5) at NY Giants (2/6) (OneHD) 5.00am Cincinnati (6/3) at Baltimore (3/5) (Fox2) 8.05am Carolina (5/3) at San Francisco (6/2) (Fox2) 8.25am Denver (7/1) at San Diego (4/4) (OneHD) 12.30pm Dallas (5/4) at New Orleans (6/2) (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Miami (4/4) at Tampa Bay (0/8) (ESPN)

It's turned out to be one of the most difficult tipping comps in the history of tipping comps. Urgent fine tuning is required but alas, we'll have to wait until next season for those changes to be implemented. In the meantime, it must be remembered, that any of us can still win the damn thing! Keep plugging away 'Gorgoroth'!

Teams generally keep trying to win in this League even though their respective seasons might be shot - well, that's at least the case with teams that have a decent level of talent. That's why teams like Houston, the Giants, Baltimore, Atlanta and 1 or 2 others can't be written off completely and are still dangerous. There's a little bit of tanking that goes on (Colts a couple of years ago?) but because Coaches are let go so easily (8 last year?) there's still a lot to play for. Players are in the same boat - they can get cut very quickly. Teams can play spoiler and that's especially so when it comes to a divisional rival. Minnesota are a case in point - they would like nothing better than to help end the Packers season in week 12. And that's fair enough too - it's a ruthless sport. The Packers knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs last season and that will be well remembered at Minnesota! Carolina have improved a fair bit but if the 49ers are on their game, San Francisco will win. Tennessee are another team that are thereabouts. They've got a few tough games but also some very winnable games and could get to 9/7 or maybe even 10/6.

Momentum is the key. Get past the Eagles and we might win all of the next 3. Lose against the Eagles and it could go the other way. Wallace is going to have to step it up and fingers crossed, that happens. Anyway, for the neutral fan, there's a number of top match-ups in week 10. I've picked Seattle but Atlanta have got to put it together sooner or later. They can definitely win that game and if they do win, it puts the race for the NFC West and the Conference up for grabs. I'm expecting the Saints to defeat Dallas and the 49ers to beat the Panthers this week, so that could leave all 3 teams (New Orleans, 49ers and Seattle) with 2 losses each (overall) The subsequent games involving 49ers @ New Orleans (week 11), New Orleans @ Seattle (week 13) and Seattle @ 49ers (week 14) would then all take on even greater importance. San Diego might be on their "win" week and if they got up against Denver, the Chiefs would then have a 2 game cushion in the AFC West. Cinci have a chance to "virtually" eliminate the Ravens but it's the Lions @ Chicago game which has the most interest for me (apart from the Packers game) ... week 10 games

I just can't see Rodgers getting back for the Detroit game (which is on Thursday the 28th Nov - 19/20 days away) It's normally at least a 6 week injury. Even if he does come back early, he might have to play differently to how he normally plays. McCarthy has a history of being conservative with regards to players coming back from injury. Too many things would need to fall into place for an ideal outcome. But against all that, it may in fact only be a 3/4 week injury. I'm happy for my speculative opinion to be wrong. I've known a few people who have had collarbone injuries and it's a difficult injury to get over quickly. Up until now, I'd never heard of the 3/4 week time span (in terms of recovery time) for a fractured or broken collarbone From the man himself ...

Oh yeah, I'm flat all right 'cfh! I know a lot of sports fans have a built in "hope" mechanism but I don't possess one of those - prefer to face the realities. If we had Cobb, Finley, Matthews and others available then my thinking would be different. Wallace won't have a lot of quality players to throw the ball to. Regardless, Seneca doesn't possess a strong arm. He may step up and prove me wrong - ya never know! Vegas brought the line down in the Eagles game down from -10 to -1 (and Vegas knows all!) As for the rest of the League, there is always high interest (especially in our division) If Detroit win on Sunday then they'll have a reasonable advantage - they would then face a Packers team without Rodgers in week 13 (in all probability) whilst the Bears might have to face the Packers with Rodgers in week 17. And both those teams have to visit Minnesota (the Vikes should get better as the season goes on) I reckon the Bears/Lions match-up is the game of the week in terms of consequences. Having said all that, if the Packers beat the Eagles, I'll be a little more buoyant with regards to our playoff chances - there's a lot riding on the match as we then face the Giants in New York (better to go in there with a win behind us) By the way, I rate the Eagles more than many others might. One of a number of teams who are far more capable than they are displaying. Just calling it as I see it, 'cfh'.

Nice win by the Vikings yesterday but it was no real surprise. Washington have underachieved this season but so have the Vikings (both teams made the playoffs last year) Ponder had a good game after a scratchy start and AP is getting back to his best form. Cassel did ok when he replaced Ponder (they're saying that the injury is not a major one - he may be back next week) As an aside, the Packers will almost certainly need Minnesota's help in order to have any chance of make the playoffs. As for the Packers ... They might be having a look at Matt Flynn but it's doubtful it would make much difference between Flynn, Wallace, Vince Young or any other back-up QB who is not already at another team. You're effectively replacing one of the League's best with another QB who can't even get a back-up role at 31 of the other teams. In other words bringing in a QB ranked in the 70's or worse isn't going to help much (especially in the way Green Bay are set up and with all the other injury concerns) Rodgers just can't be replaced - it's as simple as that. As for having a QB with the team since before the start of the season, they did have Vince Young in that role but there were most probably some major issues with him as well. Besides all that, he's not that good a player. Most of the teams that the Packers are up against in the next 6 weeks have underachieved to varying degrees this season. These teams are almost sure to want to notch up some wins in the last half of the season. Green Bay's improved running game is all that needs to be curtailed in all reality (Lacy is no AP!) Can't see Rodgers returning until at least week 14 (more likely week 16) so it's going to be a colossal ask to win enough games without him. This is apart from any replacement back-up QB having any real effective targets - apart from Nelson. Even with Rodgers playing, the lack of effective targets was always going to be an issue going forward. I suppose there's always hope Anyway ... here's Bill Simmons column from 'Grantland' ... The 18 in Limbo

TV games ... OneHD aren't covering tomorrow's game Friday 12.25pm Washington (3/5) at Minnesota (1/7) (ESPN) Monday 5.00am Oakland (3/5) at NY Giants (2/6) (OneHD) 5.00am Cincinnati (6/3) at Baltimore (3/5) (Fox2) 8.05am Carolina (5/3) at San Francisco (6/2) (Fox2) 8.25am Denver (7/1) at San Diego (4/4) (OneHD) 12.30pm Dallas (5/4) at New Orleans (6/2) (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Miami (4/4) at Tampa Bay (0/8) (ESPN) ... all the other week 10 games Not a bad array of matches this week and even MNF has some added interest now!