Macca

The deal with Princes Park I had in mind didn't necessarily feather Carlton's nest (like previous deals) A new deal could be struck where everyone wins. If it's not a fair deal, you don't do the deal. Obviously the Blues have to get some benefit, but it doesn't have to be one-sided. Talks could be had between all relevent parties before anything is settled. As for a boutique stadium at Casey, unless the AFL are behind the push, I can't see it happening. Reckon the AFL are far more interested in fast tracking the Docklands ownership.

The easiest fix is to refurbish Princes Park. Build a decent sized carpark or fix up the existing car parking arrangements. Forget about how non Carlton games were played there in the past. A new deal involving all the relevent parties could be arranged. Open the ground up for all the low drawing fixtures and make sure all the participating home teams all make good cash out of it. Kardinia Park has merit too. Geelong will want more games down there to help pay off the cost of the new stands. As it is, the ground is only used 6 or 7 times a year. Might be a much better fit for North or the Bulldogs and if the Cats were confident about making 500-600k out of these type of games, then offers may be made.

We can't be making much money out of any of our fixtures against GWS, GCS, Freo, Port, Crows or the Eagles. We've got 7 home fixtures against interstate sides this year including a Darwin game against Brisbane. The Crows are the only interstate team we don't play at home this season. We could probably expect more of the same in the coming years if we don't march up the ladder. A legacy of CH7 wanting more and more 'high rating' games is that the low drawing teams will play each other more often. It's already happening. Just checking the crowd numbers at 'AFL Tables' confirms that whenever we play an interstate team, we don't often reach the standard 23,000 to 27,000* break even mark. And that break even mark is for the MCC/MCG Trust. Although we do have some sort of 'other' deal with the MCC, I'm not sure if that's dependant on our team playing a minimum amount of home games at the MCG. We've been known to pull decent crowds against Sydney and Brisbane but against the other 6 interstate sides we continually struggle to reach the break even mark. Most of the time we're nowhere near it. When we've been travelling well, our crowd numbers against Freo, Port, the Eagles and Crows haven't been great. So what's the answer? Do a deal with the interstate team we're playing? (like the Brisbane deal) Princes Park would be a real option if it is brought up to AFL standard. And then there's Cairns, Canberra and Darwin. We've heard that Jackson is projecting a loss of between 2.5 and 3 million this season. The media are forecasting another substantial loss next year (which the club didn't deny) If we're going to be fixtured 5 - 7 home games against interstate teams on a regular basis, then the club needs to find a way to make decent money out of these games. We were drawn to play 7 home games against interstate teams in 2011 and we had another 6 home games against interstate teams in 2012. *Figures need confirmation.

Can't keep him out of the news ... ... Sources: Pats to sign Tim Tebow

Bruins through in 4. Not sure what happened to Pittsburgh. All over very quickly ... extended highlights Anyway, the Blackhawks have a chance to wrap things up tomorrow.

Spurs win game 1 ... highlights and recap ... game 2 is on Monday at 10am (our time)

WJ summed it up well in the above post, 'dl' Swann is going to be a handful regardless of the conditions. He looked in great form in those 2 tests. The English commentators were also not exactly complimentary towards Nathan Lyon. I was quite surprised with that attitude because I believe he's quite a decent bowler and their batsmen won't want to underestimate him. Whilst not in Swann's class he's quite capable and can turn the ball. Anyway it's looking almost certain that Fawad Ahmed will join the Ashes squad after being called up for the Australia 'A' squad (currently in England) ... Ahmed's call-up a 'dream come true'

Big news on the PED controversy ... ... MLB seeks to suspend A-Rod, Braun

I agree. It's at least healthy competition for Nathan Lyon. The commentators in the 2 England/New Zealand tests were of the opinion that the wickets were quite dry for that time of year. They went on to say that Swann would really trouble the Australians if the wickets presented during the Ashes series were just as dry (or drier) Another good reason why Fawad could be added to the squad. Apart from anything else, we need some sort of X factor in order to compete well in the series. Of course, if our batting doesn't improve substantially, we're in a bit of strife. In other news ... Taylor calls for Watson to be Ashes opener

Miami through to the finals after beating the Pacers today. Wade had a good game and LeBron scored 32 ... highlights Anyway, it all starts in Miami on Friday at 11am (our time) The 2nd game is on next Monday. San Antonio are well rested but hopefully not rusty. Should be a fascinating series. I reckon it can go either way. Head says Miami but I'd like the Spurs to win.

Watto made 135 the other day in a warm up game. And he's bowling again!! Does that count

Start playing as a team and win as many games as we can. Hopefully a few at least. By the end of the season or shortly after, we will hopefully have a well structured FD, with the right people in place and a Board that has a clear vision and is well led. Ideally, the new CEO will have set us on a pathway of relevancy and viability and in the process, he unites the club. Not lose any players that we don't want to lose. Pick up 2 or 3 reasonable midfielders from the list of free agents or with trades. To snag a top notch midfielder is a big ask but we have to at least make an offer or 2. If a priority pick comes our way, well and good.

Chicago win game 1 and that was no huge surprise, but the Bruins winning the way they did, certainly was. Watched a fair bit of the game and Boston did seem to put the Pens off their game ... here's a wrap-up

Miami just don't appear to be that good, compared to last year. Certainly not as good as I thought they would be. San Antonio would match up ok against the Pacers, but would they be that worried about facing the Heat? Miami have been really good at times and then they struggle. Maybe in game 7 they will bring their A game? I reckon we've got a good final coming up, regardless of who the Spurs meet. The rest up would have to help the veterans from San Antonio but against that, they don't want to come out rusty in game 1. I still think the Heat will get through. They get the Birdman back for Tuesday's game (our time) and it would be a huge story if they missed. I'm tipping a close finish.

Whichever way you look at the media reports and speculation re Mark, it just doesn't look good for the club. If Neeld has been hung out to dry, it's obviously the wrong way to do things. And if rumour isn't true, get on the front foot and come out and defend one of your own. The club has had a whole week to refute the claims in the media - what do we get? Silence. As much as I've critiqued Neeld and his coaching attributes, he deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. There's the goodwill going forward to think of as well. Sacking Bailey the way we did had it's consequences. That's apart from a long list of recent veteran players finishing under a cloud. Neitz is about our only recent veteran player to have a decent ending at the club. With nearly every other veteran, there's been a 'story' attached. TJ, Yze, Robbo, Junior, Bruce, Moloney, Green, Rivers and others head a long list of 'interesting' departures or exits. Too many departed the way they did for it all to be a coincidence. The club doesn't handle it's exits well and this is possibly shaping up as another one. Neeld will know stuff that the footy world doesn't know. That intellectual property has to be protected. So you treat the man with respect. I just hope we don't get that lousy excuse of 'appeasing the supporter base' like we got when CS was moved on. I felt at the time that the 'polarises the supporter base' excuse was a way of deflecting the blame away from those who should have been to blame. Edit: The above is not meant to be an endorsement of Mark nor should it be seen as a critical analysis of his coaching abilities. That stuff has been covered in various threads. It is simply my view on how the club should treat those people employed by the club and other people who are connected to the club.

The Pacers force a game 7. Regardless of whether the Heat win the final game in Miami or not, the Spurs must be feeling reasonably confident of beating either team in the finals. Miami only scoring 77 points must be a concern. They'll possibly step it up and win game 7 but too much is being left to LeBron. ... Today's highlights ... Hibbert and George had very good games.

Conference finals kick off tomorrow. 7am for the LA/Chicago game and 10am for the Bruins/Pens. On Fox1 for those who have cable. Here's a bit of a preview of the Pittsburgh/Boston series with the focus on Crosby and Chara ... ... Sidney Crosby is 'The Kid' no more

... Channel Nine's board has granted its senior managers clearance to go ahead and clinch the rich cricket broadcasting rights for the next five years.

... Birdman suspended for game 6

One from 'Devo' followed by a track from the 'Talking Heads' Macca 13.2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVGINIsLnqU

Apparently this is what they might be talking about. Not sure I'd 'pet' it. Gruesome little creature ... Tell you what though, if the CFL was on cable, I'd probably be watching :-) Central American Tiger-Cat

Only 11 days to go!

O/T win to the Blackhawks in game 7. I reckon they might carry that momentum into the LA series. Could go either way though, same as the Boston/Pittsburgh series. At least 6 games in each series with the Pens and Chicago getting through. ... Today's highlights

Spurs/Pacers final would be interesting. If the Heat are at their best they'll get through, but Indiana winning game 2 in Miami will give them a lot of confidence. I reckon the Pacers have to win game 5 to have a real chance. On ESPN from 10.30am tomorrow. Work gets in the way again - not happy about that

Red Wings and Chicago go at it today in game 7. The Blackhawks have come from 3-1 down and the final match is on home ice. Winner plays LA in the Western conference final. Bad luck to San Jose who made it a great series. Game 1 of the Boston/Pittsburgh Eastern conference final series starts on Sunday (our time)