Macca

The big question now is whether Starc is rotated back into the line-up . And if so, who makes room for him ? Not sure it can be a workload issue this time if they 'rotate' one of the 3 quicks (the 'workloads' is what the whole rotation policy seems to be about) Unless the Sri Lankans can somehow turn this around there will be a full 5 days break between this Test and the Sydney Test . Besides that , our bowlers have certainly not been overused in this Test . It might have to be Siddle again and that just doesn't make sense . On a positive note, we are building up a bit of an arsenal of 'Quicks' . And Cummins and Pattinson are not even under consideration right now (because of injury) Edit : A few weeks ago Stuart Clark made mention on Foxtel's 'Inside Cricket' that our fast bowlers were often required to bowl an extra 8-9 overs in the nets after a t20 game . This was designed by CA to bring their workloads up to a certain 'quota' . He also made mention that 'ice baths' were no longer in vogue and that they aren't a requirement after a days play . Stuart's general attitude to how our quicks are being handled came across as being quite sceptical .

They just can't seem to get him right ... Here is the link to the story . I've heard the fitness work they do is right up to speed . They have fitness camps and are expected to get through 'Commando' style training courses (they happened under Buchanan, at least) Bowlers have always been breaking down - more often than not it's stress related but sometimes it's just freak accidents (Thomson, Alderman, Gillespie, McDermott and others) . Watson does bowl medium/fast and although his action looks nice and easy, underneath it all there would be a decent level of stress . Enough to break down as much as he does - who knows ? He's done very well to make 83 with a strained calf . Overall though, it's still quite baffling how he keeps breaking down with these soft tissue injuries ... I thought the last paragraph of the article was interesting - a negative slant on figures that are quite reasonable (for an all-rounder) . His overall value is better than many give him credit for ...

Yeah, I should have explained that possible Rams win in Seattle . The Seahawks may decide to 'rest' their starters at some stage (if they believe the 'Niners' have got the game in hand vs Arizona) . Both games will be played at the same time but it is 'somewhat' traditional to sometimes rest a teams starters before the playoffs . Doesn't always work as you well know but it doesn't stop teams from doing it . Indi could rest Luck and Baltimore and New England could rest a few of their starters . Interesting that Cinci are favourites to win against Baltimore this week . Baltimore (in theory) could face Indi at home in week 1 of the playoffs then be at Houston (if the Texans win this week) in week 2 of the playoffs . The Ravens might prefer that scenario as opposed to going to Denver or New England in week 2 (of the playoffs) . Losing at Cinci this week is possibly the best option for Baltimore .

Won't mention the nickname (on this thread) that the Packer fans give Minnesota but it's quite funny, really . You probably know what it is ! The teams in our division are in such close proximity that it's any wonder there's animosity between the four of them . Rich history with all the teams in our division as well, of course . Every year I learn a bit more about the sport and the rivalries - it's very complex . Our game has been switched to 8.25am (our time) and I'd be surprised if it's not covered by Foxtel or OneHD . Bradford is coming along nicely . The whole sacked vs interceptions is an interesting stat . More chance of being sacked if you hang on to the ball and not risk having the ball intercepted . Rodgers is a prime example of this - 46 sacks and 8 interceptions (our offensive line isn't great but Aaron is often prepared to wear a sack) If you beat Seattle that will give you a winning season (8-7-1) . That's coming off a 2-14 season so it's quite an improvement .

I swear this thread has a mozz factor attached . You want to pass on your congratulations but you just know there's a caveat involved ... Every Single Time Watto holes out now - there goes Wade - I'm outta here ...

Another ton to Pup ! He could easily go on and make it a big one . What a grand player he's become .

Unless Arizona can cause a huge upset (the Niners are 16pt favourites) the Seahawks will remain in the 5 seed and will go to Dallas or Washington in week 1 . They are in hot form and who could confidently tip against them ? They could end up in Atlanta in week 2 unless the 6 seed wins in week 1 . Been reading the Packers fan site and crikeys, the fans have sure got some hate for their divisional rivals . It's mainly reserved for the Bears but the Vikes sure do cop it - Ponder especially ! All good fun though cos it's no doubt reciprocated Here is the 'B.S Report' with Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal . Quite an entertaining hour this week . Sal is a Dallas fan and never gives them a chance ... I'll post the TV games later this evening or when Foxtel and OneHD decide to post up the games (might be tomorrow)

St Louis have had a good season and if a couple of results had gone the other way you'd be in contention right now . You reverse those close losses to Detroit and Miami early in the season and it's a whole different story . The Saints are a team that should be in the playoffs - all the off season stuff and not having their coach available destroyed their chances . Every year there are those 'If only' stories .

Test cricket, t20 style ! Fair dinkum, what were those Sri Lankans doing out there ? Bird looks alright, nice compact action and has a high release . Ripper catch by the Taswegian .

Nice one 'Vim' ... keep posting ... Louis Armstrong and friends with 'Christmas in New Orleans' ... Macca's jazz 5.5

Seattle are in some hot form . Leading 35 - 6 and looking for more points . The 49ers are at home vs Arizona next week so they should win the NFC West, regardless of today's result . Both the Packers and Vikes will be highly motivated to win next week - should be a cracker. Think you've got Arizona covered next week - in fact, I reckon you'll win quite easily and sew up the division . As you know, the Packers have a tough one at Minnesota (who are in top form) so it's nowhere near done yet (re the seedings) As for the Giants , I'm loathe to put a line through them yet . If Washington win (as many would expect) and Green Bay and Detroit win (the Lions are at home to Chicago and would have to be a chance to win) then New York would make it if they take care of the Eagles at home . If that all happened then the Giants would play San Francisco in the 1st week of the playoffs (assuming Seattle win today) I've got to stop using that 'Playoff machine' don't I ? Edit : Just heard that the Redskins / Cowboys game is the SNF match next week . A virtual playoff game - the victor wins the division and the loser misses out altogether (though Washington could still sneak in if they lose)

Normally I'd be saying the same thing but the Sri Lankan's don't really capture the imagination . Expect the Aussies to win the next 2 tests quite easily (weather permitting)

Yeah, Minnesota were very impressive today and I've no idea how my blokes are gonna stop AP next week The Packers need to keep winning as that no.2 seed won't be decided until after next week's games . The Texans will need to win next week to ensure the no.1 seed - they are at Indi (who have banked a wild-card spot and can't move from the 5 seed) It's most likely that Indi will be at Baltimore in the 1st week of the playoffs . Dallas and the Giants losing today means that if the Vikes win next week then you're in the playoffs . You still have a small chance of making it if you lose but that's not likely - you really have to win the game. It will be 'game on', 'cfh' ! If Dallas win at Washington next week they will win the NFC East (and vice-versa) . Steelers losing rules them out - you sort of expect them to make it every year with Big Ben at the helm - they will be smarting but .... well done to the Bengals . Some very big games next week ... Here's the Playoff picture and the week 17 games . To do the game predictor here is the playoff machine .

The best of 'C'mon Man' for 2012 . Quality not great but good for a bit of a laugh ...

Here we go - I know we're not supposed to like this 'sport' but there are such things as 'remote controls' . You can always watch 'The Manor Reborn' or 'Border Patrol NZ' (there's some 'riveting' tele!) I've only just started watching the games as I see t20 as a bit of a 'Holiday mode' sport . You've switched off from work and just need some entertainment that doesn't require much brain power ! Anyway, the 2 Melbourne teams are flying and aren't far off securing semi-final berths (already) . Double header tonight (starting soon) with (hopefully) a big knock from Chris Gayle when the 'Thunder' bat .

Yep, I tend to agree re Atlanta and if they don't make a statement this season then there is something wrong . They finally shook off the Lions to win 31-18 (thus securing the no.1 seed) . They'll most likely face one of the Giants, Vikings, Dallas, Seattle, Chicago or the Redskins in week 2 of the playoffs . Any of those teams are capable of beating Atlanta . However, if they win their 1st playoff game that could get the 'monkey off the back' and they might get on a roll . Hope we don't get months of Tebow stories - I'm a bit over it though I do wish him well Obviously the Jags are a good fit but he's got to be able to consistently hit a target . He might have improved in that area but how would we know? Not sure he's thrown too many balls this season .

Now it's 21-16 (early in the 4th quarter) C'mon Lions !

Atlanta are flexing their muscles here . 21-3 nearing half time . Or maybe the Lions are just not a good team . They've gone backwards this year and they've got no excuses .

One for Christmas ... Amy Grant with one of her big hits ... Macca 11.8

MNF and Thursday night games are done for the season . We do get one Saturday night game this week only . SUN, DEC 23 12.30 PM Atlanta (12-2) at Detroit (4-10) ESPN MON, DEC 24 5.00 AM Cincinnati (8-6) at Pittsburgh (7-7) OneHD 5.00 AM Minnesota (8-6) at Houston (12-2) Fox3 8.05 AM Cleveland (5-9) at Denver (11-3) Fox3 8.25 AM NY Giants (8-6) at Baltimore (9-5) OneHD 12.20 PM San Francisco (10-3-1) at Seattle (9-5) OneHD & ESPN For all other games you can go to this link And here is another look at the playoff picture

Heard Jimmy Johnson talking about 'kickers' and Crosby and he likened a field goal kicker missing consistently to a golfer's putting 'yips' . McCarthy is showing a lot of support for Mason (publicly) so we'll see . Just on the Vikes ... have gone through that 'Playoff Machine' a few times (it can be found here) and even if you give Minnesota 2 more wins to finish the season, they can still somehow miss out if certain other results are factored in . Have no real idea how that works out, except maybe that the other teams in contention can improve their 'conference' record against Minnesota's 'conference' record . Quite confusing really, when you consider your blokes hold the 6 seed right now . Or maybe the 'playoff machine' has no idea what it's talking about ! Damn machines Edit : Russell Wilson would now have to come under consideration for ROTY . It might depend on whether RG3 gets back soon and also how Luck and the Colts finish off . Fairly sure the award is announced around the time of the Super Bowl (finalists are announced earlier and then the fans vote) so it may be decided by which of the 3 player's teams goes the furthest in the playoffs (assuming at least one of Indi , Seattle or the Redskins figures in the playoffs) .

Packers win the division - beauty It's been a less than spectacular year for Green Bay but we've managed to win when needed and Rodgers has had another excellent season . Not a 'supreme' season but excellent all the same . A home playoff game awaits and we're an outside chance of the 2 seed (that last game at Minnesota will be tough) . Big, consolidating wins to Atlanta, Houston, Seattle, Denver and the 49ers (though San Francisco got a bit of a scare for a while there). Seattle are in hot form and next weeks game vs the 49ers should be a cracker (SNF) Huge, important wins to Minnesota , Washington and Dallas . All 3 teams have to keep winning and of course Dallas play at Washington in the final week of the season . The Vikings have 2 tough games but who could discount them when 'MVP' AP is playing so well - he is seriously good . And now for the casualties of week 15 . The Giants, Ravens, Patriots, Colts, Steelers and the Bears all lose . Only the Pats and Baltimore have clinched playoff spots . Indi should win next week to sew up a spot . New England drop to the 3 seed and it's hard to see them wrenching the 2 seed back off Denver (who should win their final 2 games) . The Giants could end up missing altogether - they are at Baltimore next week . The Bears should beat Arizona next week but then are at Detroit in the final week . The Rams bowed out today but they've had a much improved season . Anyway, confused ? I sure am It's gonna be a frantic end to the season with 10 teams vying for 5 spots (roughly) . Trying to figure out the end of season positions of the playoff teams is a bit like figuring out 3 dimensional chess - impossible ! Here is the playoff picture and for a sneak peak at next weeks games you can visit this site

Bill Simmons column this week takes a lighthearted view on all the current NFL QB's using 'Movie' connections . To read the full article you can visit this site ...

Here's Oscar Peterson and Buddy DeFranco with the Gershwin classic 'It Ain't Necessarily So' . Duke Ellington described Peterson as the 'Maharaja of the keyboard' . Oscar does a wonderful job in bringing great feeling to this song. Buddy is equally as good on clarinet Macca's jazz 5.4 Oscar Peterson ... "It Ain't Necessarily So" .

Ben Westbeech with 'So Good Today' from his 2007 album 'Welcome to the Best Years of Your Life' . Ben's 2nd album 'There's More to Life Than This' was released in 2011 . By clicking on the above links you can sample some of the music contained on these albums . Macca 11.7