Macca

Just on NSW Grade cricket , Canterbury / Bankstown had Thommo and Pascoe as their opening bowlers in the 70's . And no helmets !

Yeah , though I reckon not producing 1 regular Test batsman in nearly 20 years isn't good enough . And it's got nothing to do with parochialism . NSW country cricket is very strong and their Grade system is even stronger because of it . And they're not afraid to promote youth . Now when it comes to Victorian cricket we've done very well in the Shield lately but this doesn't convert to good representation at National level . Whilst I agree with you Rhino ( in part ) that it doesn't matter where they come from re the Test team , I would still ( As a proud Victorian ) like to see 1 or 2 batsman in the team from Victoria . A bit like Demon players being All Australian . Though we don't get many of these honours for obvious reasons .

I'm all for the new policy though I was a bit surprised nonetheless ! It's certainly a departure from the immediate past . And the Vics haven't produced a regular Test batsman since Dean Jones ( last Test 1992 ) Quite absurd when you think about it . Especially given Victoria's rich history in this area . The Vic selectors need to realize that winning Shields doesn't mean much anymore ( to the Australian selectors ) NSW keep producing Test batsman because they promote youth whenever possible . And 19yo Nic Maddinson will possibly be next cab off the rank ( much to the ire of most Victorians ! ) Here's a short video of him .

The 12 man squad for the 1st Test in Brisbane has been released . 4 new faces ! http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/victorian-paceman-james-pattinson-named-in-test-squad/story-e6frfg8o-1226206870598

Macca 3.4

Macca 3.3

How good were Pink Floyd ! - Innovators and led the way like no others . British Rock will be back soon enough - it probably already is .

Macca 3.2

Maybe I'm not used to one of my Teams winning all the time ! And , as you know - in the NFL you just can't get ahead of yourself - One Player ( usually the QB ) is so important . I'm still filthy about losing to the Giants in the '08 Championship game btw . And I well remember what happened to the Pats that same year . I reckon in this sport anything goes sometimes - a late hit on a QB is always on the cards . If I was a Bears fan I'd be annoyed - just starting to come good and bang - down goes Cutler . Bit the same with Houston and Schaub . Though hopefully Leinart steps up to the plate .

Yeah WJ , there's a few on this thread that follow the 49ers . It's always good to see new Teams in the hunt - Detroit , Houston and to a lesser extent Oakland , Cincinatti and Denver have made the season really interesting . You had a huge win against the Giants 2 weeks ago and this week @ Baltimore should be a beauty and a tough game . All 3 games are on the box tomorrow ( foxtel and ESPN ) And ONEhd have got the 2 early games on live as well ! I'll watch the Packers early , then 2 games for Friday night - Ripper !

You Blokes and Ladies may already be aware of the ESPN Podcasts but here's the link http://espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/ My favourites are the ones that are posted Tuesday morning ( our time ) In order of preference 1 - The B.S Report with Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal - they go through next weeks NFL games - often good for a laugh as well . 2 - The Tony Kornheiser Show - it's his Washington based radio show - again , some laughs and is sports based with a fair bit of NFL . 3 - The Thundering Herd - Colin Cowherd - topical , hard hitting , opinionated , big on NFL . 4 - Football Today - They go through their NFL rankings in the Tuesday (our time) Podcast . PTI , ESPN Daily , First Take are worth a listen as well - I usually watch PTI though - the podcast is the total audio from the TV program .

Macca 3.1

Miami are playing quite well and the Cowboys are often their own worst enemy . Will Vick be back (fit) this week vs the Pats ? Young was very good last week . Edit - just heard that Vick is a longshot this week against the Pats .

I had to cheat but yes , it is Pia Miller Great 1st post . I'm enjoying the music that's been posted - there's so much good rock out there - endless really . Currently listening to a bit of Flyleaf and Lacuna Coil - will post 1 or 2 of their songs in the future . This thread is a great way of introducing new ( and retro ) music to others - keep posting "Jack Jack" , cheers .

If Detroit can get at Rodgers they've got a big chance - he had a couple of concussions last year but this year he's hardly been touched . The Packers protect him better now but Detroits defensive line is very good ( if they're all healthy ) . There's a few QB's that have gone down lately so fingers crossed . All 3 games are beauty's hey - I'm picking Miami ! And the Ravens by a field goal ! If the 49ers can win this then the no.1 seed might be their's . And if the Saints beat the Giants and the Eagles beat the Pats ................................

Nice bracket of tunes the H_T . Some good Aussie stuff in there - we've produced some great bands over the years hey ! A lot of us have been brought up on Pub Rock which is a very Australian thing . Lost count on who I've seen live !

Macca 3.0

We never play enough Tests in a series against the South Africans which is a shame . And it isn't going to change in the foreseeable future . Though it looks like we might play them more frequently . Obviously the fact that both our summer's clash is a major issue , but they should find a way to play 4 or 5 test series ( home and away ). The 2 big stumbling blocks are the T20 Champions league every September and the IPL in April / May every year . Here's the link to the "Future tours" program . http://icc-cricket.y...ch_zone/ftp.php Interestingly , we host South Africa late next year for 3 Tests and we're in South Africa in early 2014 for another 3 Tests . The "Future tours" program is adjusted from time to time though . Another major item is that we're in England for 5 Tests in 2013 and play them again a couple of months later for 5 Tests in the Summer of 2013/14 .

Great win by the Aussies and hats off to Punter , Haddin , Johnson and Khawaja for some well played knocks . I've advocated change and still do despite the memorable win . At some stage we will have to move on from our current line up though injuries will play a part in the short term . Cummins and Uzzie prove somewhat that youth is the go and we need to stay on this path - albeit incrementally . Reckon another young quick should be blooded against the Kiwi's . Cutting is the smoky for Brisbane though Pattinson , Starc and Hazelwood have strong claims . With maybe Watson and Marsh out injured it gives us a chance to blood a new batsman - Warner seems to be the next cab off the rank according to the selectors . Worth a punt IMO . Paine and Wade are terrific prospects as Keepers but they may have to bide their time for now . Fantastic win by the Team and if we were offered a series win against the Sri Lankans and a drawn series vs the South Africans I think many of us would have taken it . Inverarity , Marsh , Bichel , Arthur and Clarke have a few very interesting meetings coming up !

Macca 2.9

Cutler out for at least 6 weeks apparently so the Bears might be in a bit of strife now . Detroit should be able to take advantage in the wild card race Watched my Packers this morning and Tampa took it right up to em' ! The Eagles had a great win with Vince and though it's gonna be tough , they're only 2 games back and ANYTHING can happen in that division . Any more losses and you'd reckon it's curtains for Philadelphia but while there's life there's hope . Your blokes , the 49ers just keep powering on - well coached obviously and Alex Smith is way better than solid . I'm getting a liitle concerned esp if you get the no.1 seed - The Pack have got some tough games coming up so it will be interesting . Atlanta might be the smoky's and the Bengals had a dip but it's once again looking like the Ravens or Pittsburgh for the AFC North . Oakland seem to back in business but who knows in that division ! Tebow certainly knows how to win and surely the Chargers will fire up soon ? Hoping Matt Schaub gets back soon because I'd like to see the Texans in amongst it in post season . KC are at New England tomorrow - go Chiefs ! ( if only to keep both divisions keenly fought )

Macca 2.8

Macca 2.7

Macca 2.6

Yep , and he's 18 . He's got McDermott as his Coach at international level as well , which might help him develop a good outswinger . Early doors but you'd reckon he will get quicker and better with maturity - huge prospect .