Macca

I heard Starc's comments prior to the Boxing day Test but didn't think it was any huge drama. I can't remember seeing your comments HT - I'll have a squiz back when I get a chance. I generally tend to ignore that kind of stuff from a fast bowler. It's water off a ducks back to me. 'Quicks' tend to shoot from the hip - isn't that just a fast bowlers way? There is an undercurrent of opposition to the 'rotation' policy. Many of our retired greats have been questioning the policy. He's just a young bloke and may have just got caught up. I'm happy to give him the benefit of the doubt. Anyway he seemed to have changed his tune on December 30 ... ‘Disappointed’ Starc says dropping him for Boxing Day Test ‘right’ for team

I haven't heard too many comments from Starc, 'dl'. He showed a bit of disappointment about being 'rotated' after the Hobart Test. These blokes are competitive beast and want to play. I've made comments about the rotation policy in earlier posts so won't repeat myself too much. An overview of the 'rotation policy' is if they're going to do it, do it right. That includes sitting down with the players and explaining their motives and reasoning. Many times at top level sport you either get picked or you don't. There's not always a soft landing. With 'rotations' there would need to be a fair bit of dialogue. Let's see what they do in India. Tests 1 and 2 are back to back. They get a break then Tests 3 and 4 are back to back. Edit : Had a read of the rest of your edited post. You make some good points. Last night on 'Inside Cricket' there were some observations made that we've got a lot of 'openers' in the squad. I'd rather that than the other way round so it may not be a huge problem. Replacing 'Mr Cricket' is gonna be tough though. Hussey brought so much to the table. One more point on rotations in India - it's vital that we have a fresh, talented attack ready to go for the 4th Test. That Test could easily be the series decider. It's almost like they have to work backwards in rotation policy rather than the other way round. If you were to bite the bullet, you'd want your best attack in the 1st and 4th Tests. We're still largely in unknown territory with this new way of selecting teams.

The South Africans won their 6th series in a row after beating Pakistan overnight. Pakistan had their chances and 'My Man' Saeed Ajmal had match figures of 10 for 147 Aussies are 'following on' in the tour match. The Indian spinners took 9 wickets between them. He might have been exaggerating but I once heard Mark Waugh say that India always have about 30 or 40 class spinners in their ranks. It's any wonder that they rarely produce grassy wickets. I hope you're right re our quicks 'TD' My series prediction is done with a 'largish' optimistic hat !! We'll need to bat really well. Watson has opened the batting in both innings of this tour match. Got 84 in the 1st dig and is currently 17 not out in the 2nd innings. Reckon he's best suited to opening but he's also needed in the middle order. Warner is still trying to overcome a thumb fracture and may be unavailable for the 1st Test. The Kiwi's will take it up to England and we know they can be 'feisty' customers. Series win to England though.

This whole saga has dragged on far too long but we are finally started to see some semblance of balance in the media (possibly because they've realised that the club isn't going to suffer draconian like penalties). And the court of public opinion is switching somewhat as well. The AFL have no doubt come to the realisation that this is far too complex for a black and white decision. Finally, the big picture is being seen. So it may not be a such a wise thing for this to end too quickly. We need to see this thing through to it's fairest possible conclusion. We've come this far and we've seen the worst of it come our way (we think) so we should hold out for as long as we can. I suspect that it's our club that is dragging this thing out now. The AFL would have gone 'Whack' by now if they could have. Those calling for expediency have got a point but we don't want to go 'too early' just because we want it over with. I've felt for the most part that we'd have a 'no case to answer for' verdict and we should maintain that edict. Of course, if an 'agreed settlement' absolves us of any sort of serious penalties then we may be best suited to get out now. A half million dollar fine and suspensions of Connolly and Bailey should not be agreed to. Ray Finkelstein helped write the AFL rules back in the 90's. If ever you were going to trust anyone, it's him. I don't think it will end up in court. The AFL will probably have to water things down to our liking. The main problem for the AFL (all along) has been the 'vagueness' of the possible indiscretions.

Girls win! That's 6 World Cups - well done

Ellyse Perry has 3-2 off 3 overs. With a crook ankle. Great action and a rocket arm. Windies now 3-41 off 15 overs. Beware the injured athlete!

Classic description there '45' The Aussies got to 259 in the end. Hopefully it will be enough.

Exactly, it's quite amazing that there has been no follow up. What is he doing now? I mean, if you resign from such a plum job, surely you'd have something to walk into. It's getting on to 10 weeks since he resigned. It's like Angry has completely disappeared. I know this might sound too obvious, but maybe Vlad 'Let him go' because he was leaking stuff to the media. That, and the fact that he was largely responsible for this investigation starting in the first place. This whole thing took a turn when the club engaged Ray Finkelstein. From there the AFL knew they had a fight on their hands. Angry departs, Haddad and Clothier start looking at the Richmond game in a desperate measure. The Schwab ashen face farce. Fumbling. What a joke. If we get off with nothing more than the equivalent of a rap on the knuckles, the media in this town are going to look like a bunch of amateurs. If they had of taken a more balanced view from the start then it may not look so embarrassing for them now. Some are getting in for their chop now to save face. It's taken a while though. Caro went so hard that she now has no room to move. Her credibility has to take a downward turn from all this. Her 'real' football knowledge has always been negligible. If this were Patrick or Robbo I feel our wrath would be so much stronger. Likewise for Sheahan (who called our team pathetic and disgusting last season) As it is, it looks like the AFL may have possibly leaked the latest bit of information. It's like they're saying "This is what we'd like to do to them but legally we may not be able to". If the penalties are light or negligible, some in the media might point out that we only got off due to 'legal reasons.'

1-86 now off 19 overs. Hope I don't mozz her but Jess Cameron looks comfortable at the crease.

Alright, I'm predicting an Aussie series victory then ...... 2 - 1 Clarke will dominate and lead from the front. All our players will chip in and the Indian public will be beside themselves with grief! Aussies will return home as heroes and the 'Ashes' will be there for the taking! You read it here first 'TD' Edit : I tend to agree with you re our spinners but I do rate Lyon. Is Agar up for selection? I thought he was just over there for an internship but he's played in both practice games. Don't know much about him. Our spinners fought back a bit in that tour match but were still quite expensive ... India A vs Australia

Interesting point re Miami, LeBron James, the Bulls and Michael Jordan ... Was watching Sportscenter and it was pointed out by one of the presenters, that the same 'Negative' questions that were asked about LeBron, were also asked about Michael Jordan 'back in the day'- it's just that the fans don't remember how they felt at the time. Michael had so much success that it's totally superseded the negatives that surrounded him before his 'Championship' wins. Bit like the handbags and the Cats. Both were 25 years old when they won their 1st MVP and both were 28 years old when they won their 1st Championship. Of course, it remains to be seen if James will get to 6 Championships like Jordan did, but who would bet against it? He is having another standout season and is surely heading for his 4th MVP and maybe another Championship. And he's fast becoming quite a favourite. Everyone loves a winner.

Starc is possibly only one big Test away from becoming a star. If he has a stellar match in India then look out. He's got good pace, is left arm over and has a high release (obviously aided by his height) . India may not suit him but if he has a big game over there it will be some sort of achievement. Our batting stocks aren't great but a few of them have got a chance to consolidate their spots on the tour of India. Look for Hughes and Khawaja to do well. Hughes has tightened up his technique and has come back a better player whilst Usman has a nice batting style. Clarke, Warner and the often unfairly maligned Watson are the mainstays.(although Watson needs to start turning his good starts into big scores) I like Ed Cowan. He's a solid player but needs to churn out some bigger scores. It's maybe out of Cowan and Khawaja for that top order spot - Hughes can open if needs be. What's with all the 'indifference' aimed at our players these days? Clarke, Hughes, Johnno, Watto and Lyon all seem to cop it at various times. Thankfully the Clarke bashers have largely disappeared. Is it to do with off field? I couldn't give a rats toss bag about that stuff. Gossipy rubbish as far as I'm concerned. How would Dougie Walters go these days with the social media reporting his every move? (re the ciggies and the 'odd' beer!) Walters was a great player on the field and in the end, that's all that matters.

Reckon Lyon will probably play in all the Tests. There is a strong chance that all the wickets will be devoid of grass thus nullifying the effectiveness of the quicks to a fair degree. Expect low, slow turning tracks. I wouldn't be too concerned about a practice match although I do agree that it could prove difficult to bowl them out twice. They might have the same trouble bowling us out twice. They'd be shaded in their own conditions but their team isn't of the same quality as in years past. We could get some close finishes and a couple of draws. I reckon it will be a 1-1 result (which would mean that we'd retain the 'Border-Gavaskar Trophy') If all goes well we may even win the series (though I'm nearly always reasonably confident with the fortunes of the Test side) Apart from anything else, I can't stand the thought of losing. Have the same attitude with our footy club but a lot less confident with the predictions! It's always great cricket from India, and because it's on at a user friendly time, we get to see most of the game time (if people have got cable, of course). At this stage it doesn't look like ABC radio are covering the series (which is a shame)

Yeah, was a fair effort. I remember Luton back in their 1st division days (before it was renamed the Premier League). They had a couple of top 10 finishes from memory. Now they're in the Conference. They've done well to reach the 5th round (regardless of what happens tonight)

The 5th round of the F.A Cup returns this weekend ... Here is the fixture ... F.A Cup Fifth Round Proper The games are being covered by ESPN. 5 of the big guns are in still in the action (Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal) but historically there are quite often some upsets. Oldham vs Everton could be an interesting game (Sunday morning 4.55am)

The 'Pinkish Hue' ...

She's now just talking for talking's sake in her latest rant. I truly believe she can't handle being talked about in the wrong fashion. The way she's 'gone after' certain people in the footy world suggests she's had 'run ins' with them. Pays everyone back in her columns. Read too much of her scribblings and your IQ levels drop rapidly. She's claiming victory on something that hasn't been finalised yet. Preaching to the masses like some sort of demigod. How can she possibly be taken seriously with her limited football knowledge. We've got a gossip columnist as a chief football writer - it beggars belief how this can happen.

Balance from the H/S. A one-sided view from the Broadsheet, full of embellishment and mistruths. The clubs view was not accurately stated. Of course, they could only get the clubs view if they were able to talk to them. It's doubtful that there is any meaningful dialogue between the Club and the big paper. The reality is that the H/S article is fair and measured and the other one is very poorly written re the content and obvious bias. There is no real attempt at balance. Imagine if the stories were reversed in the time they were published. Most of us would be largely dismissive of the 'later' article. There was mention of the disequalisation strategy with regards to the 'possible' fine. And the possible ban on Connolly could apply to the football dept only. Of course, we still have no real idea of the absolute truth. We just have to wait. Everything said in both papers could be pure speculation. Though the H/S article is at least 'believable'. Obviously still prefer to hear directly from the AFL or the Club.

Why should we believe one word that this woman says? Ever again? She has zero credibility and is not a reputable source. She simply doesn't care if she's wrong. If she's wrong on this she won't care and the public won't care. That's why she's so outspoken. There is no accountability - none. It's hard to completely ignore her rantings but we should wait until official word from the AFL or the club. She's told too many 'porkies' to be taken seriously again. Take the Schwab example - totally wrong. Any repercussions? No. Will she apologise? No chance. If we end up in a strong debate / argument over her latest 'piece' she will have won.

Garry didn't seem greatly concerned tonight considering we may have news soon (hopefully). I'm guessing that he knows something. If we find out tomorrow, then well and good. Let's hope it's great news. As an aside - the show itself (Footy Classified) lacks so much punch without Thommo. Can't see Matty Lloyd being the answer. It's not his kind of show. It's got to be an ex footballer who shoots from the hip a bit. Archer didn't work either although Carey was reasonable. Someone who is always going to challenge Wilson is needed. Thommo was near perfect. Dermie would probably work. Can't see myself watching the show in the future with any great enthusiasm. It's like the Caro hour. I actually put her on mute after the Melbourne segment. Trouble was I had to look at her until she stopped yapping.

Round 10, Pick 76 Yuvraj Singh (India)

Couple of 'Blasts from the past' ... Shocking Blue with 'Venus' along with Norman Greenbaum with 'Spirit in the Sky' Some classic videos here ... Monkeys swinging in the background and some 'flashing visions' in the 1st clip (shades of 'The Exorcist') and the 2nd clip has a rather 'Pinkish hue' about it. Love these old clips ... Macca 12.5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6TFW1F6oY0

Many of us have taken umbrage at Caro's articles because her writings can carry so much weight. She can be very influential and is quite popular (unfortunately) People are drawn to what she writes. I'd hazard a guess that she is one the most read footy journalist in the land.(remembering that to read the Herald/Sun online will cost you a subscription of about $150 a year, so 'The Age' would have become quite popular 'online') Her articles often get 'Top billing'. I can't stand her writings lately as she has gone down quite an unpleasant path. This morning's piece was just totally over the top and full of mistruths. Her current style is quite nasty and vindictive. Journalists will often write what the people want to read so Caro 'feeds' the masses. She is treating our club as if we're expendable and the level of callousness is beyond the pale. What has been lacking since this investigation started has been balance in the media. Maybe we should have expected a lack of balance? She wouldn't have any influence over the AFL but if she can influence the footy public's thinking, then that in turn could influence the AFL. There is a touch of the 'Populist' at AFL HQ's. They've been known to make decisions that could be termed 'Politically correct'. The AFL punishing our club could easily be viewed as a somewhat 'popular' decision (unfortunately). Reckon the reason we have a delay in the decision is because they can't find a solution that suits all parties. I'm more than convinced that the AFL do not want any sort of court involvement. Also reckon that the club may have 'surprised' the AFL with the way we've come back at them. Don McLardy's comments today were succinct and will carry a lot weight (especially if the media give his comments a good airing and in turn, have some favourable comments attached) I'm much happier with Gillon McLachlan overseeing things but am still a little concerned about whether a sensible decision will eventuate. Clothier is still involved in the process and he may want to justify his involvement. I'm hoping wiser heads prevail and we can quickly put this saga behind us.

Welcome aboard Eelesie. I echo your thoughts, well said !

'Ha! By the time we get this all done, Watto will be bowling again anyway ... Besides, don't believe everything you read in the papers 'Rogue'. Especially those 'broadsheets!' :-)