Diamond_Jim

one could say never in doubt but of course it wasn't. At last the Aussies got the rub of the green but they deserved it as they made their own luck. Well predicted Macca. Now all I need is some tickets to Russia in tomorrow night's draw

Wasn't a number one issue for me but had no trouble voting yes. Bit concerned that the were 40% almost against in the sense that my take was that you had to be really against the concept to vote no. Anyway it's done now and time to move on to governing and please don't get me started on the dual citizenship fiasco (Only in Australia !!)

Now you're talking DS..... AFL in Westworld ... bring it on

we missed that about five years ago... we could have been the mother and daughter club but we didn't see it coming that horse has well and truly bolted

Milan is a wonderful city and the stadium has tours and a museum. I was there in August but it was just too hot. The club websites are well used to foreign ticket enquiries so that could be a good place to start. You may find the big clubs have a local supporters club in Australia which could also be a great source of leads. Sounds like a great trip. Don't forget the Lords cricket museum. Not very big but some very special exhibits.

I was thinking of a launcher like they use for clay pigeon shooting where you are not sure which way it's going to go. Bring back white coats for the Goal Umpires.... Iconic and internationally famous

Unless we come up with a new base we will always be the 14th most powerful team financially in an 18 team competition. Grow ... or Wither and Die

Ok 1.to make it work you need say 3 game memberships of the other sports included in the MFC membership. Q: How much extra would an MFC fan be willing to pay 2. Why would these sports align themselves with a club that ranks 15th or thereabouts in terms of membership in an 18 team competition? 3. Similar to 2 but why would these other clubs risk alienation of their supporters who might support other AFL teams. Good idea overall and I think Collingwood would love to use its money and its supporter base as you suggest. Strangely enough I like the idea of an E Sports team. Not sure how to work with it but it could just get you a new supporter base and dare I say it some international flavour. Not sure how you keep out new entrants if it looks successful. (The perennial barriers to entry question). By the way I think your concept is great ... just not sure we have the oomph to make it work.

11 shots to one in the first half ..... sounds very familiar

Italy misses out..... wow Will be interested to read the analysis. Understand that many of the team were aged in their 30's. Perhaps the Italian League is not much better than the EPL for bringing through the local talent.

actually there is a stack of out of copyright and open source music http://www.openmusicarchive.org/

touchy .... I'll stick to the fact that it was boring .. each to his own

must say I agree with your assessment Redleg. Another view is that they are playing a slightly longer game and have taken players on one year contracts with the intention of going big next year either in the draft or free agency.

Obviously not a big music budget based on those clips. Interesting use of the drone.... would like to see it trialled at VFL games along with a free youtube upload of the footage. Whoever was the operator could have done with some practice in zooming. Amazing technology these drone cameras.

Thanks ... very enjoyable ... even though I got every one wrong

Coming to grips with the ticketing system for the forthcoming World Cup. Next round opens on Thursday our time. I will never complain about the complications of the AFL ticketing system again. It seems that the GWS membership twist is well alive in Russia. The equivalent is you apply to follow Saudi Arabia and thus maximise your chances of getting semi final and finals tickets. You then don't bother going to the Saudi games. The system works because individual countries are given an allocation to all games and of course the demand from Saudi is apparently low. Ends up costing an extra US$800 or so for the tickets in the foregone early matches but I suppose that for one of the hottest tickets in sport it's not a bad idea.

NRL has traditionally not been a finals play off sport but I admit it has well and truly gone that way in the last 20 years. Traditionally being on top at the end of the home and away was the ultimate and of course SOO was huge. First became involved with Qlders and NSW people in the mid 80's and their interest in this mid year series fascinated me. It is still the ticket they all want even more so than the finals. Amazed that European soccer at the national level has not gone down the play off route. The various European cup play offs are examples of how popular it is with the fans.

Pendlebury .... finger

10. Billy Stretch as in the "stretch of a river"

I think this format has run its race well and truly. Hope the tickets were free. Cannot see the financial or promotional reason for the game. Perhaps others could fill me in. Smacks of desperation to be considered "international". The Rugby League World Cup is miles better ... at least that has two teams and a couple of others to make it interesting

makes sense shallow draft... young player, now proven etc etc The only question is his bulk and ground skills. Have been saying for months he is late second or early third. Perhaps he could end up at the Eagles as one of those several mid 20 picks they have. Cannot see him at the MFC as we are once again short of outside mids. The flip side is that the VFL lists do not seem to be throwing up a large number of late bloomers. Surprising because numerically they should be there.

agree .. it was brilliant

Is no 6 James Cook In the sense ... hey Captain Cook it's time to get out of here as the Polynesians were about to spear him?

leave it run ds it could get quite exciting when/if we get down to the last two Is Max Spittle .... the answer to the Rivers question.... went through 100 years of players and other than Hunter couldn't find a river or a strean cheers The second rate magpie hack has me very intrigued

NZ v Peru in Wellington. No score after 24 minutes. Memories of past Australian qualifications in the Oceania Group