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Stoner takes pole after crashing

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 27 Oktober 2012 | 14.23

Remarkable ... Casey Stoner on his way to claimin pole position on Saturday after crashing. Source: Jake Nowakowski / News Limited

Casey Stoner proved he was human.

Then, perhaps that he's superhuman.

Stoner claimed pole position at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in extraordinary style on Saturday, clocking his best lap after being flipped off his bike at high speed.

Already carrying an ankle injury, the Australian dusted himself off, got on a new bike, then immediately clocked a flying sub-1min 30sec lap time to give himself the best possible shot at a sixth successive win at Phillip Island in Sunday's race.

He backed up that amazing effort with even quicker laps for the rest of the session.

His best of 1:29.623 put him on pole ahead of Yamaha's championship leader Jorge Lorenzo (1:30.140) and Stoner's Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa (1:30.525).

Another record attendance of more than 40,000 watched Stoner on Saturday in his home MotoGP farewell before he retires.

He started the day with more head-shakingly quick laps in morning practice, following on from dominating both practice sessions on Friday.

But after a fast early qualifying lap, all held their breath as Stoner was bucked off a bike which trailed desperately close to his injured leg as both slid off the circuit.

After limping away and visiting the pits to get some new wheels, Stoner then came out and did what no one else has yet been able to do at Phillip Island this weekend - break 1min 30sec.

He has now done it six times this weekend - auguring well for his shots at history and destiny on Sunday.

Stoner said he was thrilled to be on pole for his farewell Australian race, especially after his fall.

"I was on my 'out' lap on a hard tyre, and the thing just decided to flick me,'' Stoner said.

"I was very fortunate it didn't come down on my foot.

"I'm very happy to be on pole considering all that's happened for my home Grand Prix."

Lorenzo leads Pedrosa by 23 points in the championship going into the penultimate race of the season.

They are the only two riders who can win the MotoGP title.

Australian Kris McLaren, making his MotoGP debut as a late replacement rider for the Avintia team, failed to qualify inside the cutoff time for Sunday's race.

McLaren, from Leongatha in Victoria, had a fall just prior to Stoner's.

He improved markedly on his Friday practice times, but was still the slowest of the 20 riders.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ocean Park wins Cox Plate

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By a whisker ... Glen Boss rode Ocean Park to victory at Moonee Valley. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

New Zealand star Ocean Park has produced a sweeping run from the back of the field to give glamour jockey Glen Boss a third Cox Plate triumph.

In a stirring finish, Ocean Park wore down the three-year-old All Too Hard to claim Australia's weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

"I feel like this is my finest moment .. this horse is just a winner," Boss said.

"To all those who doubted him, stick that up your shirt.

"He gave me a great ride and always felt like he was going to win throughout the run."

Settling in the second half of the pack, Ocean Park made a long, sustained run to put himself into the race at the 400m.

In search of a fourth successive Group One triumph, Ocean Park levelled up to All Too Hard at 100m before edging ahead.

"It's the epitome of every trainer's career," Ocean Park's trainer Gary Hennessy said.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained Pierro finished third, just ahead of Ethiopia.

Modern-day great Makybe Diva gave Boss his breakthrough Cox Plate win and he partnered So You Think in the first of the horse's two victories in the race.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Woods, McIlroy gear up for showdown

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 26 Oktober 2012 | 14.23

One-on-one ... McIlroy and Woods will go head-to-head on Monday. Source: AAP

The world's top two golfers, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, are just days away from a much-anticipated one-on-one showdown in China.

The extraordinary match play event will pit current world No.1 McIlroy against the greatest golfer of this generation, 14-time major winner Woods.

No other competitors will take part in the 18-hole event at Jinsha Lake Golf Club in Zheungzhou, China, for which there will be no prizemoney.

"It's an exciting concept and it will be a lot of fun going head to head with Tiger," McIlroy said.


Watch McIlroy v Woods, LIVE and in High Definition from 3.30pm Monday (EDT) on Fox Sports 3HD.


"The Duel at Jinsha Lake will be the first time Tiger and I have come together to play a one-off match like this, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"I've always looked up to him as a player. What he's achieved is remarkable."

The pair's battle comes just a month after both players took part in a memorable 2012 Ryder Cup in which McIlroy and his Europe teammates pulled off the greatest comeback in tournament history to defeat the USA team featuring Woods.


In a rare bonus for fans, both players will be 'wired for sound' throughout the event, providing viewers with fly-on-the-wall insight into the personalities and strategies employed by two of the world's genuine golf superstars. Watch it all unfold on Fox Sports 3HD!


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ponting cashes in on draw with Vics

In form ... Ponting made 262 runs in the match without being dismissed. Source: Chris Eastman / News Limited

Tasmania's Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG ended in a draw on Friday after Test veteran Ricky Ponting scored 262 runs without being dismissed.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

23 October 2012 - Day 4, Session 3

Tasmania 2nd Innings

A. Doolan 60 118 7 0 50.85
R. Ponting 60 121 8 1 49.59

Tasmania had already claimed first-innings points.

The visitors reached 2-165 in their second innings, an overall lead of 284, when play was called off at 5.17pm following several rain interruptions.

Only 48.5 overs overs of play were possible on Friday, withPonting left unbeaten on 60 and Alex Doolan on the same score.

Ponting has scored 350 runs at an average of 175.00 in three games to top the Shield scoring table ahead of Doolan (330 at 82.50).

The 37-year-old Ponting and Doolan, 11 years his junior, added 123 for the third wicket.

Tasmania had resumed on 0-6 after bowling Victoria out for 320 in reply to the visitors' 5-439.

Paceman James Pattinson (2-24) warmed up for the November 9 Gabba Test against South Africa by picking up two wickets in the first session for Victoria on Friday.

Mark Cosgrove was caught and bowled for 24 and Test opener Ed Cowan poked a catch to Andrew McDonald at short mid-on for 16.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tasmania in control after day three

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 25 Oktober 2012 | 14.23

Big wicket ... James Faulkner (L) and Tim Paine celebrate Matthew Wade's dismissal. Source: Hamish Blair / News Limited

Tasmania hold a lead of 125 with 10 wickets in hand going into the final day of their Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

23 October 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

Tasmania 2nd Innings

E. Cowan 2 11 0 0 18.18
M. Cosgrove 4 6 1 0 66.67

Pace bowler Jackson Bird put his hand up for a place in the Australia A side to be named on Friday by taking 4-73, lifting his tally of victims to 13 at 22.92 from three matches this season.

In reply to Tasmania's 5-439, Victoria had resumed on Thursday on 4-132 and were bowled out for 320.

Tasmania reached 0-6 from 2.5 overs before rain stopped play early in the final session.

The Bushrangers showed a lack of composure with the bat as they lost Matthew Wade (19), Andrew McDonald (64) and Glenn Maxwell (51) before lunch.

Wade was run out after McDonald hit a ball straight to mid-wicket and charged off for a quick single. McDonald hit six fours before playing a loose off-drive to cover, ending a promising partnership of 57 in 49 minutes with Maxwell.

The aggressive Maxwell casually chipped a short ball from James Faulkner (3-65) to fine leg at 7-247 and Bird trapped Peter Siddle lbw for one after the lunch break.

Tailenders John Hastings (46) and James Pattinson (19 not out) added a valuable 54 for the ninth wicket to allow Victoria to pass the follow-on mark of 290.


Watch every ball of the final day between Victoria and Tasmania with our LIVE STREAM.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Verbeek says Socceroos' future grim

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Concern ... Pim Verbeek paints a very grim future for the Socceroos' next generation. Source: Toby Zerna / News Limited

Former Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has painted a grim picture for the future of the national team and says there should be serious concern about about the quality of the next generation of players.

Verbeek, who led Australia to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, said replacing aging stars like Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell would be successor Holger Osieck's biggest challenge as they build towards the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

But the Dutchman believes the talent pool may not be there and that it could take another generation for Australia to rebuild.

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In an interview with Qatari sports website Doha Stadium Plus, Verbeek, now Morocco's under 21s coach, said a dwindling youth talent pool was one of the reasons he did not stay in the job after the World Cup, along with the gruelling travel schedule.

"Working with the Australian national team is a really tough job because you've got to fly all over the world,'' Verbeek said.

"Your players are in Europe, Asia and Australia. So I seriously got problems with jetlag. Physically, it was a tough job.

"Second, if you see the performance of their youth teams at the moment, it isn't that encouraging.

"In the third round of the 2012 Olympic Games qualification, they (the Olyroos) played six games, but couldn't score a single goal.

"If that's the future of Australian football, then you would be seriously worried about that situation.

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"That's the kind of difference between the generations.

"The current crop of youngsters prefers to stay at home and play in the A-League, unlike in the past when the boys used to get to Europe in their teens and develop there.''

Asked about suggestions from Osieck that Australia's young talent stocks were getting thin, Verbeek agreed.

"That was one of the things I always said when I was in Australia. But it's a difficult thing to say because the people in Australia are very proud,'' he said.

"They're proud of the A-League. There's nothing wrong with the league as such.

"... The A-League is OK and players like Alessandro Del Piero want to come there. But if you look at the quality and development of youngsters, that's tough.

"I'm afraid, it'll take at least a generation to change.''

Verbeek led the Socceroos from 2007 to 2010 and achieved strong results before Australia failed to progress beyond the group stage in South Africa.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tomic needs new coach: Cahill

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 24 Oktober 2012 | 14.23

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Struggles ... Darren Cahill says Bernard Tomic needs a rest and a new coach next season. Source: Peter Parks / AFP

Former Australian Davis Cup coach Roger Rasheed says Bernard Tomic needs a heart-to-heart with his father to nut out just what he wants from tennis.

Tomic's troubles continued on Tuesday night with a 6-2 6-0 first-round loss to Russian Mikhail Youzhny at the Swiss Indoors.

The lopsided defeat was his ninth first-round exit in 13 tournaments since the French Open and is likely to cost Tomic his place in the world's top 50.

Tomic, who turned 20 on Sunday, withdrew from last week's Stockholm Open citing fatigue after admitting to only giving "about  85 per cent'' in his previous outing at the Shanghai Masters.

His effort in China followed condemnation from grand slam champions John McEnroe and Australian Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter for a similarly-lacklustre display at the US Open and led to the youngster being cruelly branded #tomicthetankengine on Twitter.

Respected analyst Darren Cahill, the former coach of world No.1s Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi, on Tuesday urged Tomic to call an immediate end to his flagging season.

"Someone needs to put Bernie Tomic on the flying kangaroo. Year was done weeks ago. Charge up the batteries, get faster & stronger for 2013," Cahill tweeted.

"For what it's worth, I think Roger Rasheed would be a good coaching fit for Bernard Tomic. Plenty of support in Rafter, Roche, Todd.W & co."

Rasheed, also a one-time coach of Hewitt and Frenchman Gael Monfils, says Tomic needs to have a serious talk with his father and coach John.

"Ok, time for Bernard Tomic to sit down with his father & work out what he (Bernie) wants from the sport - A long term plan & Enjoyment needed,'' Rasheed tweeted from Paris.

Tomic, who reached a career-high No.27 in the world after making the second round at Roland Garros when seeded at a grand slam for the first time, hasn't beaten a higher-ranked opponent since the Australian Open.

It was at Melbourne Park after Tomic lost to Roger Federer in the fourth round that the Swiss great challenged Australia's two-time grand slam junior champion to carry his form onto the smaller stages.

Tomic has always proven a big-stage performer, last year becoming the youngest player since Boris Becker in 1985 to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals and also being the youngest player ever to win a main-draw men's singles match at the Australian Open in 2009.

But he has failed miserably to meet Federer's challenge in 2012, suffering a dozen first-round losses in total.

His best result was a semi-final showing at the season-opening Brisbane International and quarter-finals in Bangkok, Munich and Delray Beach.

Tomic's latest loss has him in danger of slipping from world No.48 to outside the top 50 and also vulnerable to being overtaken by the 51st-ranked Marinko Matosevic as Australian No.1.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kurt Tippett could be deregistered

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Still a stand off ... wantaway Adelaide Crows star Kurt Tippett. Source: Alex Coppel / News Limited

Adelaide are refusing to say why they effectively dobbed themselves in to the AFL for a secret deal which could kill Kurt Tippett's bid to join Sydney.

The Crows face fines and loss of draft picks, and Tippett could be deregistered as an AFL player, if an investigation by the AFL finds they broke the league's rules.

Tippett became Adelaide's highest-paid player in 2009 when agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the club.

But since the signing, speculation has been rife of a clause which enabled Tippett to be traded at the end of the contract to the club of his choice, in return for a second-round draft pick - compensation well below the key forward's market worth.

Crows' management repeatedly denied the existence of the clause in the contract.

But the Crows are believed to have admitted to the AFL last week they had a secret agreement, outside the contract, with Tippett.

Tippett's contract with the Crows has expired and he has walked out of Adelaide and requested a trade to the premier Swans.

The move shocked Adelaide, who believed Queensland-born Tippett would likely return home if he left the club.

And with the AFL trade period ending on Friday at 2pm (AEDT), any Tippett trade now hinges on the findings of the league's investigation.

The key players in the controversy refused to elaborate beyond carefully-worded statements on Wednesday.

The Crows released a statement, saying "the process began when the Adelaide Football Club notified the AFL of its concern relating to the matter and submitted relevant information to the league.

"The club welcomes the investigation and continues to assist the AFL with its enquiries.''

Crows' officials refused further comment.

The AFL confirmed it "has recently become aware of a matter regarding the contracting of player Kurt Tippett to the Adelaide Crows in 2009, to cover the 2010-2012 AFL seasons''.

"The AFL is still in the process of investigating this matter and how it relates to the operation of the AFL player rules,'' the league said in a statement.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tour Down Under laments saga

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 23 Oktober 2012 | 14.23

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Shock ... Lance Armstrong rode the Tour Down Under, in South Australia, for three years. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Lance Armstrong came to the Tour Down Under after a bending of the rules and left the Adelaide cycling race in a bizarre getaway moment.

But in between, it was an amazing success - for Armstrong, for his Livestrong charity, for the Tour, for the South Australian Government.

Armstrong started his three-year cycling comeback at the 2009 Tour and returned for the next two editions.

While he never cracked a big result at the race, that was never the point.

Armstrong's massive profile and his close alliance with the Tour took it to the next level.

He gave the Tour a quantum leap in spectators and international profile. Then-Premier Mike Rann associated himself closely with Armstrong.

The cyclist also used the Tour Down Under as a promotion platform for his Livestrong cancer charity.

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Livestrong is officially associated with a new cancer clinic at the Flinders Medical Centre, south of the Adelaide CBD.

The Livestrong logos remain at the centre, but pictures of Armstrong have apparently been removed.

Whatever the state government paid to Armstrong as an appearance fee - the speculation ranges from $1-2 million per race - it was an investment that paid off handsomely.

Of course, now that Armstrong is at the centre of the biggest doping scandal in sports history, no-one associated with the race is smiling about it anymore.

"I thought the benefits would be massive and they turned out to be bigger than my wildest expectations,'' race director Mike Turtur said.

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"But that was back then, when we weren't aware of all this other business.

"I feel it's a pretty severe kick in the guts ... it was welcomed with open arms, but we were deceived.''

Current premier Jay Weatherill said on Tuesday there was no way the government could recover any of the appearance fees.

Strictly speaking, Armstrong should not have been able to race at the 2009 Tour.

He had not given world governing body the UCI the required six-months official notice that he was returning to competition.

The UCI made an exception - a classic case of "it seemed like a good idea at the time''.

During Armstrong's final visit to the race last year, Sports Illustrated published a major feature on Armstrong that focussed on doping speculation.

Armstrong clearly became tired of interest in the article and his undoubted generosity to local journalists suddenly ended.

That led to the strange exit from his last Adelaide Tour.

After waving goodbye to fans at the post-race presentation, Armstrong was ushered past journalists to a waiting car at the back of the stage.

He was driven away, across the parklands, like Armstrong was escaping some sort of security threat. Just like that, Lance was gone - now, probably for good.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL Trade Period: Confirmed trades

Deals ... Brian Lake's move to Hawthorn is the big news of the trade period. Source: Nicole Garmston / News Limited

The trade period runs from October 8 to October 26 and each and every confirmed trade will be posted here.

Don't miss a beat when it comes to the new look, extended AFL trade period.

From the blockbuster trades to clubs swapping draft picks, we will have every deal as it happens.

The AFL free agency period runs from 9am, October 1 to 5pm, October 19.

The AFL trade period runs from 9am, October 8 to 2pm, October 26.


DAY 15: Tippett, Stevens, Toy

DAY 12: Tippett, Young, Graham

DAY 11: McIntosh, Rivers, Jacobs

DAY 10: Gumbleton, Greenwood, Young

DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

DAY SIXTEEN

Port Adelaide secure youngsters Jack Hombsch and Jake Neade (NT zone selection) for draft pick No.29.

WRAP: We're into the home stretch and should see more trades in the final few days. Tuesday saw two youngsters traded from GWS to Port Adelaide. The move strengthens the Giants' draft position and the Power's depth. Kurt Tippett's move to Sydney continues to be drawn out.

DAY FIFTEEN

WRAP: Nothing doing on the first day of the trade period's final week. There's plenty of talk about Kurt Tippett as Adelaide pull the plug on the key forward's move to Sydney. Koby Stevens' move to Victoria is still up in the air and no takers for GWS's top draft picks as nobody seems willing to part with a big name.

DAY TWELVE

Richmond offload ruckman Angus Graham to Adelaide Crows to gain 10 spots in the draft (draft pick No.50 for No.40).

WRAP: Only one free agent moves on the final day, with Hawthorn failing to keep Clinton Young who moves to Collingwood. The Magpies say their dealings are done, again. Elsewhere the Tigers decided they'd rather have an earlier draft pick than keep Angus Graham on their books, who moves to the Crows.

DAY ELEVEN

Geelong also use draft pick No.36 to secure North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh.

WRAP: Thursday was definitely the day of the Cat. They traded a second-round pick for Kangaroos bigman Hamish McIntosh and lured Demons defender Jared Rivers through free agency. The free agency period ends on Friday so expect a few late moves before the compensation picks are dished out at 5pm (EDT). 

DAY TEN

Melbourne secure key forward Chris Dawes and draft pick No.58 from Collingwood in exchange for draft picks No.20 and No.45.

WRAP: Offical paperwork was lodged to send Chris Dawes from Collingwood to Melbourne. Otherwise, North Melbourne and Port Adelaide are working on swapping Matt Campbell and Ben Jacobs and Collingwood rule out chasing Hawthorn winger Clinton Young.

DAY NINE

WRAP: Not much happened during the day but late on Tuesday the Demons and Magpies agreed on a deal to send Chris Dawes to Melbourne. Dawes, 24, and pick No.58 in the national draft were acquired by the Dees for selections 20 and 45. Dawes signed a four-year deal with Melbourne.

DAY EIGHT

WRAP: Very little action to open the second week of the three-week trade window. No paperwork was lodged with the AFL but Jonathan Giles ended his stand-off with the Giants and inked a three-year deal. Hamish McIntosh moved a step closer to joining Geelong after talks between the two clubs.

DAY FIVE

WRAP: There weren't any trades but at least we saw some action. Brent Moloney's move to Brisbane Lions was confirmed and Tom Murphy chose to leave Hawthorn for Gold Coast. In demand forward Chris Dawes also nominated Melbourne as his club of choice.

DAY FOUR

WRAP: Another day without a confirmed trade. Melbourne announced its intentions to sign key forwards Chris Dawes and Scott Gumbleton while the fallout of Kurt Tippett's exit from Adelaide continued with ex-teammate Josh Jenkins saying Tippett had burnt some bridges at the Crows.

DAY THREE

WRAP: Unfortunately, there were no confirmed trades on day three. There was still plenty of action as Geelong looks to have secured Josh Caddy from Geelong while Brent Moloney has agreed to terms with Brisbane Lions and now has to pass a medical. Stay tuned.

DAY TWO

Melbourne Demons give draft pick No.3 and No.13 to Greater Western Sydney to secure mini draft pick No.2 (Jesse Hogan), draft pick No.20 and Dom Barry

Collingwood trade Sharrod Wellingham to West Coast for draft pick 17

WRAP: A quieter day on the trade front but a late breakthrough saw Collingwood's wantaway midfielder Sharrod Wellingham traded to West Coast. Earlier in the day Melbourne secured two young guns by giving Greater Western Sydney its No.3 pick.

DAY ONE

FREE AGENT DEALS

Chris Knights (Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Brendon Goddard (St Kilda): Signed with Essendon

Quinten Lynch (West Coast): Signed with Collingwood

Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide): Signed with Fremantle

Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Shannon Byrnes (Geelong): Signed with Melbourne

Brent Moloney (Melbourne) : Signed with Brisbane

Tom Murphy (Hawthorn): Signed with Gold Coast

Jared Rivers (Melbourne): Signed with Geelong

Clinton Young (Hawthorn): Signed with Collingwood

Gold Coast Suns' draft pick No.2 traded to Greater Western Sydney in return for mini draft pick No.1 (Jack Martin)

Essendon's Angus Monfries traded to Port Adelaide in return for draft pick No.48

St Kilda send draft pick No.12 to Greater Western Sydney for WAFL star Tom Lee, draft pick No.24 and No.43

Western Bulldogs send Brian Lake and draft pick No.27 to Hawthorn for draft pick No.21 and No.41

WRAP: Who said the AFL trade period was slow? The day started out with Gold Coast securing another future superstar - Jack Martin - through the 17-year-old mini draft. It ended with a massive trade that saw Western Bulldogs' former All Australian full back Brian Lake traded to Hawthorn.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Trade Wrap D15: Tippett, Stevens, Toy

Written By Unknown on Senin, 22 Oktober 2012 | 14.23

Trade ... Get all your AFL trade week news here. Source: FOX SPORTS

We keep you up to date with the latest offers, moves and rumours doing the rounds in the AFL trade period.

The AFL trade period runs from 9am October 8 to 2pm, October 26.

Got a whisper? Got a question? E-mail us now and join the conversation.


DAY 12: Tippett, Young, Graham

DAY 11: McIntosh, Rivers, Jacobs

DAY 10: Gumbleton, Greenwood, Young

DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

Well guys that's all for today. Hopefully, we will see some action throughout the night and can talk about all the gossip and rumours on Tuesday. Thanks for your involvement, no doubt it will be an interesting end to almost a month of trade and free agency.

1650 Tyrone says: It seems that although Tippett can nominate his terms in the Pre-season draft, he cannot back-load his contract. This would be a major problem for the Swans, who can only afford to pay him $600-800k in 2013 (and 1.2-1.4mil by 2016). Even if that is incorrect and he is able to nominate back-loaded terms, the fact remains that the first year of that, at 600-800k would be affordable to those clubs. Still tough to say whether those clubs would bother with someone who does not want to be there, but at the very least they could trade him themselves after 2013, without the threat of him walking into the draft, as he would be bound to the club for a minimum of two years. Hard to see how that's not worthwhile.

Ben Higgins says: For starters I would think Sydney and Tippett have already come to an agreement. They approached him earlier this year and have been in talks during the trade period so he will nominate whatever the two parties have agreed to. Secondly, a player can say no on draft day and must sit out the following year of football. GWS, for example can gain no benefit from drafting Tippett then trying to trade him.

1645 Shane says: Do you think Collingwood will use their 3 first round picks on youngsters or maybe trade one of those picks for an established player. Maybe using 3 first rounders on youngsters and trading their 2nd round pick out, maybe for Stefan Martin or other quality players.

Ben Higgins says: Sorry Shane, I don't think this will be happening. In fact I reckon Collingwood are done and dusted at the trade table. They've got Lynch for the forward line and they've got Young off halfback. Salary cap space is also an issue. Nathan Buckley and Derek Hine will look to secure the club's future in the draft.

1605 Gazza says: Appreciate the questions being answered mate so the last one from me today is why do WCE underate Cripps so much. He was a top draft pick and had a good year unlike Stevens and Brown who couldn't crack the rotation. They're the same as Gold Coast why are these clubs being so stubborn towards the Saints or are the Saints just as bad?

Ben Higgins says: The Eagles don't necessarily under rate Cripps but he's already left the Saints and is back in Perth. They don't have to do anything. In terms of stubbornness, I think that's just the nature of the beast. Clubs don't want to give up too much and don't want to part with a players for less than a premium. Mitch Brown is a prime example. Not only is he contracted but a key position player who they've put a number of years into.

1550 Alan says: Quick one, when a player, such as Tippett goes into a preseason draft, he nominates a pay deal, does it have to be say $1M a year for 3 years or can it be $3M over 3 years, and back ended to fit salary cap requirements?  If so what happens if no one has the salary cap room?

Ben Higgins says: That's a fine question Alan. Tippett is out of contract so Sydney has no doubt offered him what it can afford. When he enters the pre-season draft he would nominate whatever it is Sydney has offered him, whether that be $1M or $3M. Only uncontracted players and delisted players can enter the pre-season draft so they would already have agreements in place.

1545 Gazza says: Any saints news today heard jackson from richmonds name flying around? Hows the mitch brown and tom hickey saga turning out?

Ben Higgins says: Just the usual whispers about the Saints, nothing concrete unfortunately. I doubt Richmond would be prepared to give up Daniel Jackson but I've been surprised before. Mitch Brown from West Coast is going nowhere, while Tom Hickey didn't train today with the Suns so expect him to be at Seaford when the Saints' pre-season begins.

1540 Johan says: Simple question - why don't the Saints and Eagles do a straight Cripps - Stevens swap?

Ben Higgins says: That's a fair point Johan. Koby Stevens probably has more currency than Cripps but West Coast aren't exactly demanding much for him from other clubs. St Kilda might need to sweeten the deal with a late round pick to get the deal done.

1503 Damien says: If Carlton have been asleep, then Freo have been barely awake.  Only nabbing Pearce seems a bit poor for a club that should be on the rise.  Have you heard anything else?

Ben Higgins says: It's probably a bit harsh on the Dockers. They've got good depth on their list and Ross Lyon obviously feels he has to cattle to achieve success. Pearce will add some much needed pace, which will be handy on the wide-open spaces of Patterson Stadium.

1450 Clint says: If Adelaide send Tippett to the draft and GWS can afford his self imposed price tag and pick him does he have to go or can he say NO and wait for the Sydney pick? Thanks

Ben Higgins says: From what I understand GWS can pick him in the draft - and they have the cap space to do so - and Tippett would be forced to sit out a year if he said no. As much as Crows supporters would love to see it, the AFL community is in not this petty so chances are the Giants will just let me pass to the Swans.

G'day guys, AFL reporter Ben Higgins here, taking over for Clarky until we wrap up the day's proceedings. Keep those questions coming and I'll get to them as soon as possible.

1415: TRADE WHISPER: Gold Coast Suns have returned to training on Monday. That's frightening. But youngsters Tom Hickey and Josh Toy were not on the track. Hickey looks likely to join the Saints while Toy's weighing up his future.

1350: Dave says: Heard any talk of Tom Gillies going to Port and anything on Mitch Brown of Geelong?

John Clark says: New Power coach Ken Hinkley has a connection to Gillies having come from the Cats. If he likes him he can certainly offer him some game time given the lack of experience down back for Port Adelaide. Not much happening on the Mitch Brown of Geelong front. He surely gets another chance.

1335: Rick says: G'day John. Why would the Tigers want to part ways with Robin Nahas?? He has been great for the Tigers over the years. I reckon Andrew Demetriou would like to see him leave the AFL so he doesn't have to read out his votes at the Brownlow award night. Doing a fine job John.

John Clark says: Hey Rick, thanks for the kind words. Not sure who would come in and play Nahas's role if he were to be moved on. David Rodan, if given a second chance, would be a handy small forward. Maybe he's cheaper? Maybe they've had a good deal for Nahas offered to them, too good to refuse. Just to clarify, that is just a rumour at this stage, he's not been linked with any clubs.

1330: Nathan says: Why aren't the eagles playing hardball with koby stevens? He was a first round draft pick (pick 23 i believe). Given that the eagles have put a lot of time into him, he's highly regarded, and given that the bulldogs hold pick 22, I would have thought that that would be the draft pick that they would be seeking and subsequently look to break even. As it stands, it looks like they will give him away for a draft pick around 50. Thoughts?

John Clark says: Stevens has been at the Eagles for three seasons and played just 11 senior games. He added only four this year. If he'd played 30-plus games then maybe West Coast would fight a bit harder. They want pick No.41 for him but the Bulldogs can stand firm because he's uncontracted. The Bulldogs felt like the Eagles ripped them off in the Josh Hill deal last year so want to get one back on them.

1320: Mark says: Hi John, Collingwood have been much more active in the trade period than I think people would have expected, do you think players are actively trying to get to the club or are the Pies hunting these players?

John Clark says: G'day Mark. Interesting question. I think the the Pies are an attractive proposition for players around the country. They play in front of 70,000 people most weeks and are still in the premiership mix. Clinton Young's move from Hawthorn to Collingwood was a blow for the Hawks. Collingwood were also willing to move a couple of their players on so they had space and money. Sharrod Wellingham went with a clip and they didn't fight too hard to keep Chris Dawes. They're looking to rejuvenate.

1315: Hawk Claw says: I keep hearing that the Hawks want speed out of the midfield - does that mean they don't think Bradley Hill will be quite ready for seniors? He showed a lot of pace to me in his brief seniors stints in 2012. He was a bit erratic, but if he gets some composure I thought he would be a great addition to the Hawks line-up.

John Clark says: I think Hill will play more footy next year but he's only 19 and is realistically a couple of years off having an impact. The Hawks are obviously in premiership mode so adding outside run for next year would help. I heard Terry Wallace suggesting David Rodan would be good for them. Interesting idea.

1300: Pete says: If Tippet goes to the draft will a club with a pick before the swans grab him?

John Clark says: Not many will be able to afford him if he whacks $800,000 on his head. Sydney have the space, as do the Giants, and I wouldn't rule out the Lions coming to the party. However, if a player wants to go a particular club he usually gets there.

1250: Daniel says: Are the Hawks likely to bring in anyone else during this trade period? I had heard whispers about an interest in Toy from the Gold Coast but nothing since.

John Clark says: All the Josh Toy talk has gone quiet with his heart condition clouding his future a little. Essendon, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn have met the 20-year-old but I think he'll sign the one-year extension being offered by the Suns. The Hawks could do add a bit of outside pace in the midfield but that's easier said than done.

1235: Ty says: Hi John. Just regarding the carlton Situation Mick Malthouse was standing behind me in line for the logride at Dreamworld last week so that might be a good reason Carlton aren't existent in trade week period. Also heard a rumour Parker might be traded to Carlton which in turn would give Sydney two first rounders to trade onto crows. And any possible chance Rohan to crows as part of tippet trade?

John Clark says: G'day Ty, thanks for the update on 'Malthouse Watch'. He hasn't started work yet with the book tour going around the country. But I guess he's happy with what the players he's got for next season. Luke Parker was one of the Swans players I tossed up earlier. He'd cost a first-round pick for sure. Garry Rohan won't be going anywhere. He's a starting 22 next year and gives them some real pace.

1155: Ben says: Hello, John. We are back to the live blog because this is the final week we are discussing the trades and the rumours, yes! Here's a question: Any word on Cruize Garlett, I'm sure he will come back to WA.

John Clark says: Hey Ben. Garlett was offered a one-year deal by the Roos but knocked it back. He is keen on a return to Perth but would keep his career alive by moving anywhere. Hasn't been a lot of interest in him so I would expect to enter into the draft and be taken late on. Aaron Edwards, Ben Warren and Ben McKinley are also a chance to move from the Kangaroos. I have heard Warren linked with the Dees but no movement on that front in the past few days.

1145: Pat says: Gday John. Realistically how much trade currency do players such as Pettard and Morton have?  Also to me Stef Martin seems to have demonstrated some ability in a team that has consistently struggled for a couple of years. Why arent clubs being more proactive
in their approach for him given his versatility etc?

John Clark says: Big blokes seem to rocket in value at this time of the year. Martin would probably attract a second-round pick while Morton and Petterd will be more likely to be a third-round choice. There are a number of players at Melbourne still out of contract. Lucas Cook, their first-round pick two years ago, is one of them. He's a key forward and would be of some interest, surely. Mark Neeld has made it clear that he'll be stripping this list back and doing it his own way.

1140: Dogs rebuild centre of Western suburbs says: Any chance Jarrod Grant of the Bulldogs is on the trade table, heard a whisper that is all. he isn't a bad player but he lacks effort sometimes and i think the dogs try to play him as a hit up forward and maybe he needs to play down back. Is he worth anything? Maybe we can swap him to Melbourne for Bate who wanted to be traded to the dogs last year?

John Clark says: The Dogs are in the rebuilding phase, that's for sure. Jarrad Grant hasn't really come on in the past two years. He could be shopped around. Melbourne will be willing to let Bate go and probably should have 12 months ago. He deserves a fres start. I think both players could have an impact with a new team. Grant down back sounds a good idea. Let him follow a player and work really hard. Bate finds the ball well enough and is a good-sized midfielder. He could add size for the Bulldogs.

1125: Hawker of Hobart says: Howdy John - Any word on the Hawks? What would they want for Gilham? Also what are your thoughts on the compo pick for Young?

John Clark says: If Gilham wants to go then the Hawks will settle for a late second-round pick or something in round three, I think. He's surplus to requirements, like Tom Murphy, and would be given the club's best wishes. As for compensation, I don't think clubs should be getting anything for losing a free agent. The salary cap and draft are there to keep the competition even. Yes, the Hawks were dudded on their draft pick for Clinton Young, but the fact that they're getting anything for him leaving is wrong in my book.

1108: Gazza of Greensy says: Any Saints news? Heard Gold Coast being ridiculous like West Coast and playog hard ball with there players who want out?

John Clark says: Hey Gazza, the Saints are a bit stuck at the moment with their pursuit of Mitch Brown (West Coast) and Tom Hickey (Gold Coast) held up by the two clubs. The Eagles won't budge on Brown. He'll stay. Hickey will be handed over, probably for St Kilda's second-round pick. Jamie Cripps will get his wish to join the Eagles but that might take a while. Koby Stevens was offered last week in a deal for Cripps but the Saints turned that down. I'd be interested if Saints fans would accept pick No.2 for Sam Fisher to move to the Giants.

1100: TIPPETT UPDATE: Plenty of questions coming in asking for the latest on Kurt Tippett. Well, we can tell you there's no movement. If anything happens we'll let you know but the longer this drags on the closer Kurt gets to going in the draft. Here's the latest out of Adelaide this morning.

1035: Gigs says: JC, any news on the possible move of Farren Ray to Melbourne? Have the Dees actually offered anything and, if so, what is the offer?

John Clark says: Hey Gigs. The Demons haven't got a lot left in terms of draft picks to deal with. Pick No.58 might be a bit light on for Ray while their No.49 selection looks likely to be sent to North Melbourne for Cam Pedersen if they can't get something lower. I think they'll dish a player somewhere - either Stef Martin, Cale Morton, Ricky Petterd or Matthew Bate - to get a pick. St Kilda might have interest in Martin who could be a back-up ruckman if the Tom Hickey deal doesn't go their way. Ray's manager said he was more likely to stay at the Saints this time last week but Melbourne look to be in front in the race for his services today.

1030: TRADE WHISPER: Word has it that Carlton free agent Jordan Russell toured the Westpac Centre, home of the Magpies, on Friday. Collingwood have been very active and might not be done with yet.

1025: Mark says: Any news on the tigers exept david rodan club already said it would only rookie draft him.

John Clark says: Hey Mark, the Tigers have done pretty well to this point with free agency. Now for a bit of trade action. I don't think David Rodan will end up back there. There is some speculation about Robin Nahas finding a new home. They might be able to get something to fill a need for him.

Mark says: Any word on GWS trading high draft picks for players?

John Clark says: They're on the table, apparently, so if a club is looking to get in at the top end of the draft they may get active. Sam Fisher's name keeps cropping up. If the Giants are offering pick No.2 to get their hands of the Saint then I'd be listening.

1015: Dave says: Morning John, firstly, interested in your prediction of the Koby Stevens deal with the Bulldogs. Word on the interweb is 51 is likely, but Eagles fans like myself are expecting 44. Secondly, your thoughts on Jamie Cripps. I'd hope the Saints will give up their Mitch Brown fantasy and accept pick 41 from the Eagles. I'd prefer that outcome to picking him up for free in the draft as he's a good player and it's never good to see clubs get nothing in those instances.

John Clark says: Hey Dave, thanks for your interest. I think pick 51 for Stevens is a fair swap. He's a midfielder with promise but clearly not in the Eagles' best 22. Because he's nominated the Dogs as his club of choice the deal will be done. Cripps is in a similar position. Mitch Brown won't be going anywhere this year but in 12 months' time he could walk for nothing. Is it better to do a deal now and get something in return?

1010: CJ of Mornington says: Gilham back to Port perhaps? Thornton is another option. Other than that the cupboard looks bare!

John Clark says: Morning CJ. Not many key defenders out there at the moment. Gilham was linked with the Power but it sounds as though the Suns are keener. Stefan Martin could be groomed as a key back. Tom Gillies from Geelong is a youngster with some talent and is keen to find a new home. I think the Cats will deal on him.

Badas of goldy says: Carlton anything?

John Clark says: I am going to go down to Royal Parade this afternoon to see if the joint is still open. Nothing happening at all at the Blues. They're making some room to go to the draft. What do you think they need?

0920: POWER LOOKING FOR PLAYERS
Port Adelaide will enter the last week of trade talks still searching for a key defender to support Alipate Carlile and Jackson Trengove. New coach Ken Hinkley's notes from Geelong could influence a move on Cats defender Tom Gillies. Ben Jacobs's wish to be traded to North Melbourne may put Kangaroos defender Luke Delaney before the Power.

0900: HELLO AND WELCOME
Morning all, John Clark here with you to see if we can't do a deal in this final week. Send us through your thoughts, questions, problems ... anything you like. We'll be here with our live blog all the way through the final week of the trade period.


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Why Cadel met with Ferrari

Cadel ... has explained a meeting with disgraced doctor Michele Ferrari. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Cadel Evans says the only reason he met with disgraced sports doctor Michele Ferrari was to conduct a field test about his road cycling abilities.

Evans stressed he only spoke to the Italian once and that the test in 2000 of the cyclist's road climbing ability had nothing to do with doping.

Ferrari is a key figure in the Lance Armstrong case and, like the Texan, is banned for life because of doping offences.

"I have never seen or had contact before or after this test," Evans told SBS.

"There was never any discussion of doping (with Dr Ferrari) or any sign of anything illegal.

"My only motive at the time ... was to understand my capabilities as a road rider.

"At that time, Mr Ferrari's opinion was very highly regarded by teams and team managers, and therefore helpful for me to gain opportunities with road teams."

Key figures in the sport, including disgraced American cyclist Tyler Hamilton and Australian anti-doping expert Anne Gripper, have hailed Evans's 2011 Tour de France win as a victory for clean cycling.

Ferrari posted on his website last year that Evans's management contacted him in 2000 about assessing the Australian's climbing abilities.


The UCI will hand down its verdict on Armstrong on Monday night. Watch the Live Stream here!


It was a crucial stage of Evans' career, with the Australian on the verge of switching from mountain biking to road racing.

Ferrari used the VAM test, which is based on short climbing repetitions, to assess Evans's potential.

The test results on a climb at St Moritz, Switzerland were impressive and in 2001 Evans switched full-time to the road.

Evans is yet to comment at length on the Armstrong case.

His Australian manager Jason Bakker, who has worked with Evans for the last few years, strongly backed the rider's credentials.

"I have absolute and utter faith in Cadel Evans - he's a man of the highest principles that I have met, without doubt," Bakker said.

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The Armstrong saga now has Bakker busy on two fronts - Jack Bobridge, another Australian cyclist on his books, is reeling from Rabobank's announcement on Friday that it was pulling out of cycling sponsorship.

Bobridge joined the Dutch Rabobank team from Orica-GreenEDGE on a two-year deal several weeks ago.

Rabobank announced the end of its sponsorship in the wake of the Armstrong case.

"When you hear news like that, you have to have some concerns," Bakker said.

"But I'm hopeful they (the team management) will honour the next 12 months, as has been reported.

"I spoke to a pretty disillusioned young man on Friday night about it.

"We've since got a level of confidence that they will honour the contract at least for 12 months."

It is too late for Bobridge to go to another top-level team for next season.


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Polished Diamonds thrash NZ

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 21 Oktober 2012 | 14.23

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Goal machine ... Australia's Catherine Cox (C) scored 29 of her 36 attempts. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

World champions Australia recorded their highest-ever score against New Zealand as they thrashed the Silver Ferns 68-48 in their Quad Series netball clash in Sydney on Sunday.

The Australians' points tally eclipsed their previous best against their arch-rivals of 67 set in 1992.

It was also the Diamonds' biggest winning margin over New Zealand in 12 years.

Susan Pratley made 29 of 32 attempts while fellow Australian shooter Catherine Cox made 29 of 36 in front of 13,640 at Allphones Arena.

The Diamonds surged out to lead 19-9 at quarter-time and increased the margin at every break.

After three rounds, they are now the only unbeaten team at the midway point in the Quad Series which also involves England and South Africa.


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Davison snatches Gold Coast win

Davison ... celebrates with Mika Salo after his Gold Coast 600 win. Source: Brendan Radke / News Limited

Ford's Will Davison ended rival TeamVodafone's V8 Supercars winning run with victory in Sunday's thrilling final 300km race at the Gold Coast 600.

The Ford Performance Racing pilot recovered from a basic error in Saturday's race to storm to his seventh-race win of the season and end TeamVodafone's 11-race winning run.

Davison finished ahead of championship leader Jamie Whincup, who had a running battle with rival Mark Winterbottom over the final laps of the Surfers Paradise street circuit but held off Davison's teammate to finish second.

His victory came after a great stint by his international co-driver, ex-Formula One driver Mika Salo, with the Finn driving 56 laps - 22 more than the minimum requirement - to put the No.6 Falcon in a position to secure the win.

Winterbottom had to settle for his second third-place finish of the weekend and heads to the next round in Abu Dhabi desperately trying to close the gap to Whincup in the championship race.

Davison's win ends a horror recent run of form and also ensures his slim hopes of competing in the title hunt stay alive.

Craig Lowndes claimed his second sixth-place finish of the weekend but has fallen behind both teammate Whincup and Winterbottom in the championship hunt.

The Yas 400 in Abu Dhabi will be held from November 2-4.


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