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Phoenix sign young Fulham striker

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 09 Februari 2013 | 14.23

Corey Gameiro ... joins Wellington Phoenix. Source: Marwan Naanmani / AAP

Under-siege Wellington Phoenix have signed Fulham's young Australian striker Corey Gameiro on loan until the end of the A-League season.

Gameiro, 20, had an outstanding under-19 AFC championship, remarkably scoring all six of Australia's goals at the tournament to help them qualify for the 2013 under-20 World Cup.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Central Coast 20 12 6 2 22 42
2 Victory 20 11 3 6 3 36
3 Western Sydney 19 11 2 6 10 35
4 Adelaide 20 11 2 7 3 35
5 Newcastle 19 6 5 8 -8 23
6 Brisbane 19 6 3 10 -1 21
7 Heart 19 6 3 10 -3 21
8 Sydney 19 6 3 10 -9 21
9 Wellington 20 5 5 10 -15 20
10 Perth 19 5 4 10 -2 19

A hard-working speedy forward, Gameiro has recently been on loan with top Dutch club FC Eindhoven where he made eight appearances.

The Phoenix are struggling in ninth place on the A-League ladder, and have won just five games from 20 starts.

They were destroyed 5-0 by competition leaders Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Friday night.


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Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert says he's delighted to secure Gameiro's services until the end of the season, and his arrival will add pace and depth to the squad.

Herbert says the youngster's signing is another step in the further development of the club.

"It's important to establish relationships with clubs around the world and it's exciting that we are now forming one with an English Premier League side,'' he said.

"Having players coming this way is good for the future of the club.''

The Phoenix will be seeking an international clearance for Gameiro on Monday and he should be available for the trip to Brisbane Roar next week.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Quade keen to keep boxing

Career ... Quade Cooper wants to get in the ring again. Source: Patrick Hamilton / AFP

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Being a Wallabies playmaker may sound like a dream occupation - but Quade Cooper reckons it pales in comparison to being a professional boxer.

In the strongest sign yet that he will follow the lead of great mate Sonny Bill Williams, Cooper said he had savoured his professional boxing debut in Brisbane on Friday night - and did not rule out throwing on the gloves again this year.

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The Queensland Reds five-eighth spectacularly announced himself on the pro circuit by softening up Brisbane car crash insurance agent Barry Dunnett with a lightning combination before dropping him with a huge right - all within the first round of their cruiserweight bout.

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Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has been diplomatic about Cooper's boxing future, sticking with the "we will cross that bridge when we come to it'' line.

However, it seems Cooper would like another boxing fix sooner rather than later after lapping up the limelight at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre ahead of ex-All Black Williams' WBA international heavyweight title fight with South African legend Francois Botha.

"Once I go into the ring there's all the lights, all the cameras - that's where I want to be,'' a gushing Cooper said.

"I said to my guys afterwards I didn't want to get out of the ring.

"I would love to have another one later on this year although I have a big year of rugby.

"So I will just continue to train so when the window of opportunity arrives in December or something like that I will be fighting fit.''

Car crash assessor Dunnett (1-2 record) said ahead of his bout with Cooper that he wanted to end the "annoying'' habit of code hoppers like the Reds playmaker switching to boxing.

And Dunnett tried to keep up his end of the bargain with a sparkling start to their fight, almost toppling Cooper in the first round in a sobering introduction to the sport for the Wallabies star.

Dunnett had talked the talk ahead of the fight and appeared to walk the walk, looking every bit the fighter who had drawn respect in Brisbane circles from his Muay Thai background.

However, Cooper bounced back magnificently to hurt Dunnett with a powerful combination, before ensuring his opponent had another car crash to investigate by sealing the fight within three minutes.

"I had so much fun, I can't explain the feeling. It was such a buzz,'' Cooper said.

"I am not going to lie but I was doubting whether my skill and athleticism was going to be enough.
 

"But once you get in there you've just got to trust your ability.''

Cooper looked tense ahead of their fight following Dunnett's pre-fight barbs but claimed he had not taken offence.

"I wasn't disrespected by what Barry said,'' he said.

"He did a great job of building up the tension before the fight.

"He was just telling the truth (about Cooper). But I am glad I got through this and gained some experience.''

The only downside for Cooper was that his Reds teammates had missed out on his debut - Queensland played their final pre-season trial against defending champions the Chiefs at the Sunshine Coast on Friday night.


14.23 | 3 komentar | Read More

T20 wary of baseball-style doping

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 08 Februari 2013 | 14.23

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Concern ... Cricket bosses don't want to see doping in Twenty20. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

Aware of the doping problems Major League Baseball (MLB) has suffered over the years, Cricket Australia (CA) says it is on high alert for athletes using muscle-building drugs in Twenty20 cricket.

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CA's general manager of team performance Pat Howard says he's confident cricket is clean but stressed the need for vigilance, especially given the explosion of the Twenty20 game around the world.

The power-hitting sought by sluggers in professional baseball is different to the endurance and skill requirements of Test cricketers.

However, the physical needs of baseballers and T20 batsmen are similar.

Howard pointed to the natural athleticism of Australia's ODI opponents the West Indies as an example of the physical benchmark being legally set by cricketers in the shorter forms.

"Baseball has been a long way down this track, so we'd be naive to think that it's not possible,'' said Howard.

"But I'm really confident where we are at the moment.''

Doping problems in the MLB over the years have largely involved baseballers obtaining illegal substances from personal doctors and trainers.

Last week, the MLB submitted information to the US Drug Enforcement Administration suggesting a ring for illegal performance-enhancing drugs might exist in south Florida - where players often head for spring training.

The Crime Commission report that rocked Australian sport on Thursday said there was evidence of criminal networks involved in illegal drug supply in Australian sports.

CA doesn't believe Australian players seeking supplements from private trainers is a problem.

Team staff only supply Australian cricketers with Australian-made supplements, Swisse and BSC.

CA chief executive James Sutherland believes most young and lower-level cricketers couldn't afford to buy supplements, which can costs thousands of dollars, from external suppliers.

But Sutherland said the game was moving quickly to introduce a national register for trainers.

"We'll look at hardening up the environment. Whether it's registers or sharing information, it goes to the heart of our national high performance program,'' Sutherland said.

"Sharing information about our cricketers and also the people who are treating them ... it's the sort of things that will come out of our review.''

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said the only work he did with personal trainers was related to lifting weights and sprints.

Lee said he and other cricketers would happily commit to blood testing to prove the sport is clean.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gillard says doping in sport 'sickening'

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says she is "sickened" by a report that has found many Australian sportspeople have been taking banned substances and have links to organised crime.

The Australian Crime Commission (ACC) on Thursday identified widespread doping in professional sport, along with possible match-fixing and manipulation of betting markets.

Ms Gillard, who is in Queenstown for bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, said it was a dark day for Australian sport.

"We are people who go and sit at grounds or watch sport on TV and marvel at amazing sporting prowess," she told reporters.

"We cheer on the deeds, and the sense that anything we've seen has actually been fuelled by banned substances would be pretty sickening for sports fans. It's pretty sickening for me."

Sports bosses have criticised a lack of detail in the report, saying it has tarred all athletes with the same brush.

Ms Gillard said she understood the public's desire for more information, but it was up to the ACC to decide its next steps.

The New Zealand government on Friday ordered its own reports from three sporting bodies, to determine whether any New Zealanders or teams playing in Australian sports leagues were implicated in illegal practices.

Ms Gillard will discuss the report with Mr Key on Saturday morning, and Australian Sports Minister Kate Lundy has spoken with her counterpart, Murray McCully, about it.

Mr Key said his government was taking the report very seriously.

"We've got no particular reason to believe there are issues, but obviously we play Australasian-type sporting events so, therefore, we can't rule it out."

He said the integrity of sport was very important and if New Zealand sportspeople were taking banned substances or participating in match-fixing, the public would be "shocked, stunned and extremely disappointed".


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bennett hopeful on drug scandal

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 07 Februari 2013 | 14.23

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Wayne Bennett ... is hopful that drug use in NRL is minimal. Source: Paul Miller / AAP

Veteran NRL coach Wayne Bennett says he's hoping the drugs scandal that has enveloped rugby league is limited to individuals and not whole teams.

An explosive report from the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) delivered on Thursday lifted the lid on widespread use of banned drugs in Australian professional sport and links with organised crime.

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Following the report's release, Federal Justice Minister Jason Clare said there was evidence entire teams, from an unspecified code, were being doped with the support of sports scientists.

New NRL CEO Dave Smith revealed information supplied by the ACC affected more than one NRL player and more than one NRL club.

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Seven-time premiership winner Bennett said he was still trying to get his head around the explosive findings of the year-long probe.

"I understand there are no particular allegations against any particular (NRL) team or any particular player," said Bennett.

"They've obviously got a lot of evidence.

"I'm not that naive to think things don't happen at clubs but certainly clubs I've been a part of have never been involved in things that are being suggested now.

"I hope they're on a small scale - I think they probably are in our game.

"Back in the late 1980s, I didn't think we had a drug issue but I was wrong then - there was a drug issue," he said.

"I just hope we're not on a scale where teams have been heavily involved in it.

"A the end of the day, the choice is up to the individual and he has to pay a price for whatever he decides. It remains to be seen just how widespread it is."

Bennett, who's followed the Lance Armstrong cycling drug saga for years, said some young athletes in all sports were not strong enough to say 'no'.

"The people who advance this type of stuff are pretty good at manipulation," he said.

"The older you are, the better chance you have of standing up for yourself.

"When you are a young player trying to make it, you think 'this is what I have to do'."

Bennett said he was wary of the risks posed by sports science.

"I don't employ anyone who talks in mystique and gets around the place wanting to give people injections," he said.

"They don't get a job with me or any club I am involved with."
 


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Blackest day in Australian sport'

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Darkest day in Australian sport ... former ASADA chairman Richard Ings. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

As Australian sport plunged into an integrity crisis over links to drug use and criminal activities, the former chief of Australia's anti-doping agency said professional athletes have shamed their codes on the "the blackest day in Australian sport."

What It Examined

  • The market for Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs)
  • The involvement of organised criminal identities and groups in the distribution of new generation PIEDs
  • The use of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited substances by professional athletes in Australia 
  • Current threats to the integrity of professional sport in Australia.

What It Found

  • The investigation identified widespread use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs in professional sport. 
  • It also found that this use has been facilitated by sports scientists, high-performance coaches and sports staff. 
  • In some cases, players are being administered with substances that have not yet been approved for human use.
  • The ACC also identified organised crime identities and groups that are involved in the distribution of PIEDs to athletes and professional sports staff. 
  • The report concluded that some coaches, sports scientists and support staff of elite athletes have orchestrated and/or condoned the use of prohibited substances.

National sports leaders reacted to an Australian Crime Commission report released on Thursday that lifted the lid on the widespread use of drugs in sport and links to organised crime.

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Federal Justice Minister Jason Clare highlighted a frightening link between the prevalence of banned drugs in Australian professional sport, which was uncovered in ACC findings, and the other major finding of the report - fraudulent manipulation of matches and betting markets.

He suggested athletes are risking being coerced into match fixing by criminal organisations supplying them with performance-enhancing drugs.

"Wherever criminals are involved in influencing players, there is the risk that they will use that influence over players to fix matches," Clare said.

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But Ings, the chief executive and chairman of ASADA from its creation in 2006 until 2010, told foxsports.com.au that he was troubled by the behaviour of athletes, adding: "this is not a black day in Australian sport, this is the blackest day in Australian sport."

"The most troubling part is athletes, who would appear successful and highly paid, have abused the trust of the Australian public.

"They have brought themselves, their club, and their sport into disrepute, which is unfair and unwarranted, because their sports are great institutions with long histories and deserve better than this."

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David Garnsey, CEO of the Rugby league Players Association, said that corruption was not starting with players.
 
"Whether it be match-fixing or the use of performance enhancing drugs it doesn't start with the athletes themselves, there's either some organised crime element involved or it's a result of trusting officials of clubs who they would feel entitled to trust," Garnsey said.

Coates welcomed the inquiry by the ACC and the government, although he clearly felt it had not happened soon enough.

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"As far as cheating in sport goes the "gloves are now off" -  we now have the powers to properly investigate doping and match fixing," said Coates in a statement.

Coates said new powers would help information of illegalities to emerge from behind the dressing shed doors.

"The introduction of the new powers allows the flow of information from athletes who hear things in gyms and in locker-rooms. There is definitely a need for more investigative work off the field of play.

"To those involved in illegal activities in sport, now is the time to put your hand up and tell ASADA what you know. As of today you will get caught."

Coates said members of the Australian Olympic team have been banned from betting since before the Sydney 2000 Games.

"Anyone in our team caught betting on Olympic events, or even providing information to family or friends, faces automatic expulsion from the team. When it comes to illegal betting in our team, we name, shame and put them on a plane home."

Australian cyclist Brad McGee said the issues facing sport were not merely in elite ranks but stretched back to grassroots involvement.

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"If [parents] are willing to give a kid a Mother drink or a Red Bull to win a cycling race then we have a problem, and that's happening out there," McGee said.

"[Doping] is s a global problem. It's a human problem. We can fight it. This problem has to be criminalised."

The announcement of the ACC findings was a baptism of fire for new ARL Commission CEO Dave Smith, who started the job Monday.

Smith confirmed that specific players and clubs had been identified by the investigation – an admission that could cost the code as much as $100 million after naming rights sponsor Telstra revealed it would be reviewing its association with the code.

"We've worked with the crime commission in the last week or so and information has come forward for NRL specifically that affects more than one player and more than one club," Smith revealed.

"We need to be strong, the sport deserves it, our fans deserve it, the majority of our athletes deserve us to be strong."

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Telstra boss David Thodey said his company would be monitoring the story. "Our brand image is very tightly tied up with those who we sponsor so if there is untoward behaviour that we don't agree with we make our position very clear, so we'll always do that," Thodey said.

ARU chief Bill Pulver, himself new to the job, said he was proud of rugby's track record in the fight against drugs.

"While being quite proud of our record it would be naive of the ARU to think this is not an issue that spans all Australian sports," Pulver said.

"I think we were aware for some time about issues relating to performance-enhancing drugs but less aware of connections to organised crime and potential match-fixing.

"In the case of the Australian Rugby Union, in April 2010 we put in place an integrity office … and I can tell you quite openly that over the last two years – over 2011 and 2012 – that office has actually prosecuted four cases in relation to our anti-doping code."

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Cricket Australia says it will immediately review its systems to deal with "heightened integrity risks" uncovered by the ACC, but chief executive James Sutherland insists there is no evidence or links related to cricket in the ACC's report.

Australia national team coach Mickey Arthur added: "Luckily with cricket we have a whole integrity committee who are very vigilant in the way they patrol our sport. We sit quite comfortably at the moment."

The ACC findings came just a day after world football was rocked by a giant match-fixing saga.

As Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton noted a recent A-League football match in Melbourne attracted $40 million in bets from a single Asian-based bookmaker, FFA CEO David Gallop said his organisation was being vigilant.

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"You'd be aware that we've recently engaged an overseas agency to assist us with surveillance over football matches," said Gallop.

"It's simple to make the point but it's a good one. Where things are difficult to detect, the level of deterrents must be high.

"That's what we're dealing with here both in relationship to the doping issues and match fixing.

"We are vigilant about it. We have internal and external resources in place and we don't specifically have evidence at this stage. But we join the general concern and we're all too happy to be here supporting the government and the ACC."

Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou said it was the responsibility of football to remain on high alert – because human nature can be vulnerable to temptation.

"We're talking about money and it can corrupt the most stable of environments," Postecoglou said.

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"It's about vigilance, it's about making sure you don't get complacent, it's about constant education and understanding that even in the best environments and with the best intentions, if you get complacent or don't educate people there is potential there.

"And that's where they (crime figures) prey on. All we can do is try and maintain our standards and keep a constant eye on what going on."

Veteran NRL coach Wayne Bennett says he's hoping the scandal is limited to individuals and not whole teams.
He said some young athletes in all sports were not strong enough to say 'no'.

"The people who advance this type of stuff are pretty good at manipulation," Bennett said. "The older you are, the better chance you have of standing up for yourself.

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"When you are a young player trying to make it, you think 'this is what I have to do'."

Former Olympic long jump finalist David Culbert told Fox Sports News that some athletes would go to any lengths to win.

"Any time there's a big prize, whether it's the Olympics or there's a premiership, we saw with the Melbourne Storm, people go to extraordinary lengths to win the big prize," said Culbert.

"And you know in the AFL whether it's a player trying to get on the list, trying to stay on the list or it's the coaches trying to keep their job or a staff member that's trying to be part of the premiership team, people will do stupid things and it's happened from the ancient Olympic games: athletes will cheat to try and win."


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clarkie's profiles: NSW Waratahs

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 06 Februari 2013 | 14.23

Adam Ashley-Cooper, Ollie Atins, Berrick Barnes, Peter betham, Tom Carter, Mitchell Chapman, Cam Crawford, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Bernard Foley, Israel Folau, Damien Fitzpatrick, Grayson Hart, Michael Hodge, Luke Holmes, Jed Holloway, Rob Horne, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tom Kingston, Matt Lucas, Sam Lane, Pat McCuthcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Drew Mitchell, Wycliff Palu, Greg Peterson, Tatafu Polta-Nau, Paddy Ryan, Benn Robinson, Jeremy Tilse, Lopeti Timani, Sitaleki Timani, Lachie Turner, John Ulugia, Ben Volvavola.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dermie feels for Essendon players

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Feeling a bit of heat ... Dermott Brereton feels for the Bombers. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Essendon are under siege as they reel from potentially the biggest crisis in AFL history but Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton feels for the players.

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Security guards kept fans and media out of the Bombers' new Tullamarine facility as the players trained on Wednesday morning, less than a day after the club became the subject of an anti-doping investigation.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) is joining with the AFL integrity unit to look into supplements that were given to Essendon players last year as part of their fitness regime.


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If the investigation shows that players were given banned substances, the ramifications are massive.

"The jury is out on this at the moment," former ASADA chairman Richard Ings told Fox Sports News.

"But if this substance does come back and it turned out to be a prohibited substance, (then) it's a house of cards.

"This could be very serious for the players involved and extremely serious for the club."

The Bombers went to the AFL with their concerns about the supplements and the league referred the matter to ASADA.

Essendon say they only became aware of the potential problem this week, but rumours had been circulating for months.

Hawthorn great and FOX FOOTY expert Brereton has sympathy for the Essendon players caught up in the scandal.

Brereton, who is working with Greater Western Sydney in a part-time role, said that players would have put full faith in club staff.

"If you turn up to training and your fitness advisor, who is entrusted by the coach and the club, tells you to do something then you do it," Brereton said on Wednesday.

"We are all beasts of our own environment and the environment is a football club. You do what the rest of the team does.

"If the rest of the team tells you to do something then you toe the line and you do it.

"You trust that those people are making the right choices.

"I feel for these players and I feel for the club. They are going to go through a bit of heat."


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Troubled Jurrah cuts ties with Port

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 05 Februari 2013 | 14.23

No thank ... Liam Jurrah rejects Port Adelaide's offer to play in their SANFL team. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Former Melbourne footballer Liam Jurrah has walked away from Port Adelaide's offer to represent its SANFL team in 2013.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Port Adelaide said it offered Jurrah "extensive support" amid his turbulent life away from football.

Jurrah is wanted after failing to answer to charges of assault and drink driving at Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

"...it appears that complex circumstances in his life away from football have prevented him from making the commitment required by the club." the statement read.

"Port Adelaide has been genuine in its desire to help and has attempted to maintain dialogue with Liam over recent months, but it is clear that he now needs to focus entirely on the matters he is dealing with in his personal life."

Jurrah faces serious charges stemming from an incident at Little Sisters town camp, outside Alice Springs where he allegedly wielded a machete in March last year.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Loss will end my career: SBW

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Risk ... Sonny Bill Williams concedes a loss could end his boxing career. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Sonny Bill Williams says a loss to South African Francois Botha will end his boxing career.

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Speaking exclusively to Fox Sports, ahead of his fight for the vacant WBA heavyweight title, Williams conceded he was concerned about Botha's power and experience in the ring.

Botha has previously said the the newly-signed Sydney Roosters player was "stupid" for getting into the ring with him.

Williams said it was the biggest challenge of his career and it was win or go home.

"If I lose this fight, this will probably be the end of it (my career), he said.

"If I'm beaten I don't see a future in the sport."

The former All Blacks centre is undefeated in his five fights so far and didn't want to continue his career with a loss on his record.

Botha has fought some of the greatest heavyweights in recent history, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.


Watch Sonny Bill Williams take on Francois Botha as well as Quade Cooper's boxing debut Live and Exclusive on Main Event, from 9am on Friday, February 8. Purchase the fight here.


The "White Buffalo" promised to pound Williams into the canvas.

"He's got a lot of big balls, and I don't mean rugby balls," said Botha.

"Why is he taking this chance? He should stick to rugby because I will hit him so hard that when he tries to catch the ball, he'll just miss it."

Williams said he believed he had the upperhand in athleticism and could overcome Botha's experience.

"Apparently, he's lost a lot of weight and is looking pretty good," he said.

"Athletically, I think I've got the advantage but he's got a lot of experience.

"I've trained pretty hard, all through my sporting career I've taken risks and there's a pretty big risk and reward."

Williams and Botha headline a card that also features Wallabies and Reds playmaker Quade Cooper's boxing debut against Barry Dunnett at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Friday, February 8.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vettel wary of Webber threat

Written By Unknown on Senin, 04 Februari 2013 | 14.23

Rivals ... (L-R) Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Renault/Nissan president Carlos Ghosn. Source: Nelson Almeida / AAP

World champion Sebastian Vettel insists he is not the overwhelming favourite for a fourth successive Formula One title and believes his main threat could come from Red Bull teammate Mark Webber.

The season roars into action on March 17 in Melbourne, with 19 races scheduled over nine months with the season closer in Brazil on November 24.

  • Lotus E21
    January 28, Enstone, GBR
     
  • McLaren MP4-28
    January 31, Woking, GBR

     
  • Force India VJM06
    February 1, Silverstone, GBR
  • Ferrari F138
    February 1, Maranello, ITA

     
  • Sauber C32
    February 2, Hinwil, SWI
     
  • Red Bull RB9
    February 3, Milton Keynes, GBR
     
  • Mercedes W04
    February 4, Jerez, ESP
     
  • Toro Rosso STR8
    February 4, Jerez, ESP
     
  • Caterham CT03
    February 5, Jerez, ESP
     
  • Williams FW35
    February 19, Barcelona, ESP

"It's one thing to look back at what we have achieved as a team, but really I feel that we all start again from zero," said Germany's Vettel, who became the youngest man to win three straight titles in 2012 at the age of 25.

"So we've all got the same chances and it will be a long year, a lot of races and a very tough challenge waiting for all of us.

"If anything the expectations are there, people expect something, but more than that, we expect ourselves to do well again so there's a lot of pressure.

"It will be tough - tough to beat Mark (Webber), tough to beat the other guys and the other teams because they will try everything to beat us.

"The best drivers are in the best teams. I think it's easy for you to work out who they are -- Fernando (Alonso) certainly is one of them.

"Mark is one of them, Lewis (Hamilton) is one of them and there are others, but I usually don't like to name them as there's a chance of forgetting one of them and that's not the idea. I think it's the usual suspects."

Red Bull unveiled their car for the new season on Sunday with team boss Christian Horner saying the desire for more success is as great as ever.

"As always the competition is phenomenal, so to have won three in a row is quite remarkable. It's testimony to all the hard work that has gone on," said the 39-year-old.

"We're still a young team, but we're evolving and there is a fierce determination to keep those trophies for another year."

Horner also defended recent criticism by team advisor Helmut Marko who questioned Webber's capacity of maintaining a season long challenge for the title.

Horner said they are happy to have extended the contract of Webber, who has won only three races in the last two seasons.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

SuperCoach X-factors

Smokie ... Eagle Andrew Embleycould be a surprise gem for SuperCoaches. Source: Daniel Wilkins / PerthNow

SuperCoach is back and so are the selection headaches that come with Australia's biggest and best fantasy sports game.

Those playing SuperCoach CLASSIC will be looking to pick a mix of elite, fringe and young players (cash cows) ready to make an impact on the big stage.

But it's a whole different ball game if you're playing SuperCoach DRAFT.

Ablett, Franklin, Cox and Swan will be gone after a handful of picks in your private league draft. Add Pendlebury, NicNat, Selwood and Watson to that list.

Tough decisions will need to be made, especially in the latter rounds of your SuperCoach DRAFT parties.

Enter the fringe dwellers of fantasy football.

A talented crop of bargain buys who, with little help from injury, from and a slice of luck, can boost their numbers and help turn your SuperCoach fortunes around.

None of these players are household names, and some might bomb. But it only takes one gem to make you a SuperCoach genius.

ADELAIDE: Shaun McKernan $274,500 ruck/fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 57

McKernan was restricted to just six games last year with injuries, form and Kurt Tippett cruelling his 2012 campaign. Tippett's departure leaves an opening for a tall forward/ruckman - McKernan just has to beat Josh Jenkins to the gig.

BRISBANE LIONS: Todd Banfield $234,100 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 43

Big wraps on the speedy goalsneak who had a less than inspiring 2012 marred by knee tendonitis and stress fractures. Banfield was one of the Lions' best small forwards in 2010 and 2011 and has the potential to play further up the ground. Expect Banfield to shoot up the rankings in his fourth AFL season.

CARLTON: Simon White $291,100 def
2012 SuperCoach average: 54

White is all the rage at Visy Park, training the house down in his first full pre-season since joining the club in 2010. The 190cm 88kg key back is doing everything right to make an impact in the Blues backline. Bargain buy.

COLLINGWOOD: Brent Macaffer $128,000 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

A proven goalkicker who can drift into the midfield, Macaffer looms as one of the bargain buys of the season. The 2010 premiership player missed all of last season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the Magpies' NAB Cup opener. He played four games in 2011 battling through back and foot injuries. But back in 2010 he was one of the Pies' best small forwards, averaging 80 SuperCoach points a week.

Brent Macaffer makes a comeback to training after a long-term injury. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON: Elliott Kavanagh $139,100 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 26

Don't expect Kavanagh to get too much time in the Bomber midfield just yet, but he could prove handy in second half of the season. Kavanagh, 19, was pick 19 in the 2011 draft and boasts silky skills with both hand and foot.

FREMANTLE: Alex Silvagni $256,800 def
2012 SuperCoach average: 60

If Silvagni can break back into the Dockers' best 22 he could prove to be a handy SuperCoach acquisition. The key defender endured a torrid 2012 managing just five games as the third back behind Luke McPharlin and Zac Dawson. Silvagni possesses strong hands can mix it with the best forwards in the comp.

GEELONG: George Horlin-Smith $198,000 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 37

The hyphen is in line for greater opportunities in 2013. The Sturt product has put together a strong pre-season adding bulk to an already impressive frame. Look for Horlin-Smith to make an impact in the NAB Cup.

George Horlin-Smith in action against Port Adelaide. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Geelong Advertiser

GOLD COAST: Joel Wilkinson $171,200 def
2012 SuperCoach average: 32

Don't let Wilkinson's lowly average scare you off. A complete athlete, he looks ready to blossom rebounding out of the Suns' backline after starting his career as a tagger. The 20-year-old of Nigerian descent led the Suns' time-trial recently while last week breaking the bench press record for Queensland-based AFL players. Hasn't got a lot of the ball in the past but expect that to change.

GWS: Liam Sumner $217,200 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 58

A a class act who will be in the thick of the action after overcoming foot problems last year. He made his debut against Carlton in Round 6, picking up 92 SuperCoach points. The No.10 pick in the 2011 draft attacks the contest hard and is a good user of the ball.

HAWTHORN: Xavier Ellis $284,100 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 59

It's not a skill issue with Xavier but a body issue. The smart left-footer has struggled with injuries and will be looking to re-ignite his career after playing just 14 games in the past two seasons. Averaged 70-plus SuperCoach points per game between 2009-11. Don't discount Ellis racking up a heap of touches at both ends of the ground.

MELBOURNE: Shannon Byrnes $230,100
2012 SuperCoach average: 43

Byrnes was starved of opportunities at the Cattery but the proven goalkicker will slot into the Demons midfield taking the pressure off young stars Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas. The 28-year-old will be hoping to wind back the clock to his 2009 and 2010 seasons where he averaged 18 disposals per game and kicked 30-plus goals. If he does, get on.

NORTH MELBOURNE: Kieran Harper $275,500 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 51

Arden St is awash with praise for the young half-forward expected to take his game to the next level in 2013. Don't read too much into his numbers last year as Harper was often shared substitute duties with former Kangaroos speedster Matt Campbell. The exciting prospect boasts clean hands, explosive pace and silky footy skills.

PORT ADELAIDE: Oliver Wines $169,500 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

Wines is primed for SuperCoach selection given his ball-winning ability. The hard-nosed midfielder oozes class and looks ready to play senior football straight away. Watch for Wines burrowing in at stoppages during the NAB Cup.

RICHMOND: Chris Knights $248,300 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 46

Knights will be looking to re-launch his 96-game career at Punt Rd after moving during free agency. Knights booted 43 goals in 2009 but saw his time at half-forward reduced in the following three seasons due to injury and form. Knights has the talent to play AFL footy and will prove dangerous inside the arc alongside Jack Riewoldt, Robin Nahas and recruit Aaron Edwards.

Richmond recruit Chris Knights. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA: Tom Lee $115,900 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

St Kilda has a good track record of recycling forwards (refer Ahmed Saad, Terry Milera). And there's little to suggest Lee, a mature-aged recruit from West Australia, won't be given similar opportunities at the start of the season. The 21-year-old kicked 60 goals in a premiership season with WAFL side Claremont last year.

SYDNEY: Tom Mitchell $115,900 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

The highly-rated father-son selection is a proven ball magnet on the cusp of senior selection. Mitchell was plagued by a niggling knee injury last year but collected 42 disposals in 70 minutes of a reserves game. He also clunked six marks and kicked a goal in the standout NEAFL performance. He's certainly one to keep on the radar.

WEST COAST: Andrew Embley $283,600 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 53

Disregard Embley at your peril. The veteran midfielder averaged 22 disposals a game between 2008-11 and despite missing most of last season after a shoulder reconstruction, he topped the 20-disposal mark in four of his five games after his return. Loves drifting forward to kick a goal.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: Koby Stevens $176,600 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 33

Stevens failed to fire a shot for the Eagles last year despite starring in the WAFL. An inside midfielder, Stevens will be given every chance at proving himself at the Doggies. Will rate highly in contested possessions and clearances at Whitten Oval.


Reckon you've got what it takes to pocket the $50,000 top prize? Then pick your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach squad now.


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Will it be Liverpool's lucky 25?

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 03 Februari 2013 | 14.23

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Drought ... will Liverpool finally crack the wall against the big boys? Source: Paul Ellis / AFP

For 24 matches they have been consistently inconsistent in all but one area – their inability to win against anyone who currently occupies a place in the top half of the Premier League.

For a club that sits in seventh place it beggar's belief.

At the halfway point of the Premier League Liverpool will travel to face the Champions, Manchester City, early Monday morning (EDT) looking for their first three points of the season against a team that currently sits in the top 10. 

P W D L GD Pts
1 Man United 25 20 2 3 29 62
2 Man City 24 15 7 2 26 52
3 Chelsea 25 13 7 5 24 46
4 Tottenham 24 12 6 6 12 42
5 Everton 25 10 12 3 10 42
6 Arsenal 25 11 8 6 20 41
7 Liverpool 24 9 8 7 12 35
8 Swansea 25 8 10 7 6 34
9 West Brom 24 10 4 10 0 34
10 Stoke 25 6 12 7 -6 30
11 West Ham 25 8 6 11 -8 30
12 Sunderland 25 7 8 10 -5 29
13 Fulham 25 7 7 11 -6 28
14 Norwich 25 6 10 9 -15 28
15 Newcastle 25 7 6 12 -11 27
16 Southampton 25 5 9 11 -11 24
17 Reading 25 5 8 12 -14 23
18 Wigan 25 5 6 14 -18 21
19 Aston Villa 25 4 9 12 -26 21
20 QPR 25 2 11 12 -19 17

They have gone close repeatedly. 

Midweek they drew with Arsenal after having led 2-0. 

Leading 2-1 against City early in the season they drew after Martin Skrtel's horror back pass allowed Edin Dzeko to make it 2-2 . 

Bitter rivals Manchester United were allowed to come back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Anfield and there were encouraging draws away at Everton and Chelsea. 

But three points eluded them. 

The task that confronts Liverpool at Ethiad Stadium against a team that is 18 points ahead of them is a considerable one.  

Whilst City have struggled away from home this season they have lost at home just once when Robin van Persie scored from a free kick to send the red half of Manchester delirious with joy. 

Last season, City despatched Liverpool 3-0 at home to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League. 

Missing Luis Suarez through suspension that day the Reds were easily brushed aside by the eventually champions. 

City should face a much sterner examination this time around with Suarez available.

The controversial Uruguayan has been in sensational form scoring 17 league goals and with City captain Vincent Kompany ruled out through injury the champions will face a big task in keeping him quiet. 

Kompany is not the only injury concern for City with fellow centre backs Matija Nastasic struggling with a knee injury and Kolo Toure away at the African Cup of Nations. 

With Kompany missing Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will fancy his chances of causing City's makeshift defence problems. 

New addition Daniel Sturridge is likely to figure heavily in his plans with the striker having scored three times in his first five games for the club since his switch from Chelsea.


Enjoy all the action on Fox Sports 1 HD from 2.45am (EDT).


The key for Rodgers will be ensuring his side dominate possession.

When they have been allowed to do so they have generally controlled the match as was the case with impressive wins against Norwich and Wigan. 

In the second half against Arsenal and the first half against Manchester United at Old Trafford they struggled to keep the ball and looked extremely vulnerable. 

This may explain why they have been unable to beat anyone in the top 10.

Against teams struggling in the lower half of the table they have been given time and not been aggressively pressed. 

The better teams in the Premier League have not given them this opportunity and they have found life difficult as a result. 

Rodgers would have recognised this and the return of Jamie Carragher to the heart of defence seems to be a move aimed at making them more resilient when they are put under pressure. 

It also adds more aggression into the back four and equips them better to deal with physical threats like Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, who caused them huge problems earlier in the season. 

City are unlikely to pose a huge physical threat to Liverpool but the craft of Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero is no less dangerous. 

The pair were guilty of missing a host of good chances in their nil all draw with QPR midweek but are unlikely to have repeat performance. 

City Boss Roberto Mancini could look to bring Dzeko into the starting 11 but the Bosnian striker has proved much more effective when coming off the bench. 

For a club with 18 league titles Liverpool's inability to beat anyone in the top half of the table by the midpoint of the season represents a worrying statistic. 

For City there have been no such issues as they have set about building their own success laden history. 

 Come Monday morning the kings of the present will be eager to ensure they continue to rise whilst those who ruled the past will be looking for a sign that the glory days are moving closer once again. 

Follow me on Twitter @beaubusch 


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Maxwell the IPL's million-dollar man

Million-dollar man ... Glenn Maxwell was a popular player at the IPL auction. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Glenn Maxwell is cricket's new million-dollar man after being bought for a whopping $US1 million in the Indian Premier League auction.

Mumbai Indians won a fierce bidding war for the Victorian all-rounder, whose reserve price was $US200,000. Just minutes before he was snapped up in the auction, Maxwell was dismissed for a golden duck in Australia's one-day clash with West Indies in Perth.

Maxwell will be joined at Mumbai by fellow Aussies Ricky Ponting and Phil Hughes.

Ponting still seems to be highly valued by some in world cricket after Mumbai outlayed for $US400,000 for the former Australia captain.

Ponting was joined in the $400K-club by his replacement as Australia skipper, Michael Clarke, who was bought for the same price by Pune Warriors.

Another to go for that price was young all-rounder James Faulkner - an impressive effort given his reserve was just $US100,000 - capping a great week for the Melbourne Stars player in which he also made his one-day international debut against West Indies.

South Africa and Adelaide Strikers all-rounder Johan Botha was picked up by Delhi Daredevils for $US450,000 - making him the most expensive player at the auction until Maxwell blew everyone out the water.

One of the biggest winners was Brisbane Heat batsman Luke Pomersbach, with the reformed bad boy bought for $US300,000 by Kings XI Punjab after a massive bidding war with Mumbai. His base price was a measly $US50,000.

Another Australian to profit from the Indian riches was Phil Hughes, who went for his reserve of $US100,000 to Mumbai.

Surprisingly there was no bid for the man named player of the KFC T20 Big Bash League, Aaron Finch, with no teams willing to pay $US200,000 for the Victorian.

More to come...


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