Viney almost certain to debut

Young gun ... Jack Viney shows good form for Casey Scorpions. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

Jack Viney is almost certain to debut for Melbourne against Port Adelaide next Sunday after a strong performance for Casey Scorpions on Saturday.

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And the Demons have not given up hope that Mitch Clark and Jack Trengove could also play after both players got through three quarters unscathed of the game against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields.

Viney was one of the Scorpions' best players while Clark and Trengove were a little rusty after long layoffs.

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney confirmed Viney would likely make his debut next weekend, while Clark, Trengove and Chris Dawes (who did not play) would be assessed over the coming days.

Clark kicked one goal in his first game since a foot reconstruction after Round 13 last year.

He attacked the ball - and at times his opponents - with intent, but was sometimes frustrated by the opportunities that were presented to him.

Trengove looked a little underdone after overcoming stress fractures and struggled to have an impact.
Both he and Clark left the field midway through the last term.

Dean Kent, who had impressed the Demons during the pre-season, was reported after an incident just before quarter-time.

Meanwhile at Frankston, Adam Schneider put his hand up for selection in St Kilda's Round 1 side with a second strong performance for Sandringham in two weeks.

Schneider has been carefully managed through the pre-season after hamstring and foot problems restricted him to eight senior appearances last season. He followed up his 60 minutes of game time a week ago with 80 minutes today and was clearly one of the Zebras' best.

Key defender Tom Simpkin also played well.

He may be needed by the Saints after Rhys Stanley failed to take his place in the VFL team today.

Stanley was named to play after hurting his knee early in the NAB Cup, but the Saints haven't ruled him out of Round 1 calculations after he trained strongly during the week.

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Tasmania bat-fest finally ended

All-rounder ... Luke Butterworth made a valuable contribution with the bat. Source: Rob Blakers / AAP

Tasmania were in the driving seat after day two of the Sheffield Shield final against Queensland at Bellerive.

SHEF - Blundstone Arena

22 March 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

Queensland 1st Innings

L. Pomersbach	4	19	1	0	21.05
P. Forrest	8	16	0	0	50
L. Butterwort...	3	1	8	0	2.67

The Tigers were all out for 419 in their first innings, having forced the weary visitors to bowl a massive 173.4 overs and needing only to draw the decider to grab their third Shield title.

Queensland were struggling at 1-12 at stumps after Ben Hilfenhaus (1-4) bowled opener Greg Moller (0) with the first ball of the innings.

Luke Pomersbach will resume on four with Peter Forrest not out eight.

Tigers allrounders Luke Butterworth (86) and James Faulkner (46) all but ended the Bulls' title defence with a superb eighth-wicket partnership of 125 after the match had been in the balance with the home side 7-269.

Butterworth continued his phenomenal record in Shield finals at Bellerive, where he has previously made 66, 106 and 88 in deciders.

The 29-year-old smacked 13 fours in his 135-ball knock to have the Tigers dreaming of delivering champion Ricky Ponting his first trophy with his state.

Queensland's bowlers toiled stoically with skipper James Hopes claiming a stunningly economical 4-71 from 40.4 overs and former Test paceman Ryan Harris 3-107.

But the chances of the Bulls conjuring a victory for an eighth Shield title looked slim.

Resuming at 2-176 after a go-slow on day one, the home side were 4-252 at lunch before losing captain George Bailey (42), Jonathan Wells (5) and Tim Paine (0) in the middle session.

Harris struck twice to have Wells caught behind, Paine lbw and the Bulls, at least briefly, back in the match.

Bailey had looked in good touch before he was trapped in front by Cameron Gannon (1-88), bringing Butterworth and Faulkner together.

Earlier, Queensland's attack was buoyed by the dismissal of Ponting for 35, at 3-199, in the morning session after the former Test skipper had added just 15 to his overnight score.

Young opener Jordan Silk notched his second century in as many Shield innings, and in just his third match, after more than seven-and-a-half hours at the crease.

The 20-year-old's marathon 108 came from 358 balls before he was out top-edging Michael Neser (2-71) to deep backward square leg at 4-240.

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Watch the Sheffield Shield final LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.

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A-League rivals can't have Smeltz

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Perth Glory ... striker Shane Smeltz will not play for an A-League rival next season, but an overseas move could be on the cards. Source: Justin Benson-cooper / News Limited

New Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards says there's no way star striker Shane Smeltz will play for an A-League rival next season, but an overseas move could be on the cards.

Rumours are building that Smeltz may leave the Glory at the end of the season - one year short of when his contract expires.

Edwards, who has been appointed coach for the next three seasons, said Smeltz had given him no indication that he wants to leave.

But if an overseas club came knocking with a big enough offer, Edwards conceded Perth may have little choice but to let him go.

"He's committed to the club," Edwards said.

"But the reality of football is there are multi-million-dollar contracts available. Not so much in Australia, but in Asia and Europe.

"If there's an opportunity for him to get a multi-million-dollar contract, then of course he's going to look at that opportunity.

"But in terms of him leaving this club to go to another A-League club, not a chance."

Smeltz is the A-League's most prolific striker with 73 goals in 121 games.

But the 31-year-old has scored just seven times this season, with injuries and Perth's poor form curtailing his influence.

Edwards has set out a three-to-five-year plan in a bid to transform the Glory into a powerhouse of the A-League.

One of his key aims is to lure West Australian talent back to the club.

Perth are still in the finals hunt with just two rounds remaining, but will likely need all three points against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

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Buddy counts down to season opener

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Footy's back ... get ready for it with our AFL 360 Extra blog. Source:AAP

Footy's back, and it's not just you who is excited.

Join Hawthorn star Buddy Franklin in counting down until the to the start of the AFL 2013 premiership season.

We revisit the big stories of the week via the sport's premier news show, as we take the AFL360 experience on line on Friday afternoons.

Start by checking out Mark Robinson and Gerard Whateley in the video above as they look back on the week that was and what they are most looking forward to in round one. You can also re-cap all the big stories here.

[View the story "AFL360 Extra" on Storify]

">On mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience.

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[View the story "Re-live AFL360 Extra" on Storify]

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Kings recall foreign players

Heading home ... Argentina's Leonardi has left the Kings' four-match tour. Source: AAP

Southern Kings have recalled an Argentine and French player from their touring squad in New Zealand as the South African Rugby Union investigates the Super Rugby newcomers for breaking its rules on foreign players.

The Kings said Tomas Leonardi and Virgile Lancome will return to Port Elizabeth and be replaced by two South Africans for the four-game tour of Australasia.

Kings president Cheeky Watson also travelled to New Zealand to talk to the players after the team was threatened with a caution, fine, suspension or even expulsion by SARU in its debut Super Rugby season if found guilty of fielding too many foreigners in a game against the Chiefs last week.

But Super Rugby chief Greg Peters said on Twitter that SARU did not have the authority to suspend or expel the Kings, as that would affect the whole three-country tournament and only a South African rule had allegedly been broken.

It leaves the Kings facing a warning or fine of up to 1 million rand ($A105,000).

"That (the suspension or expulsion of the Kings) can only be done by us and it is not our rules that have allegedly been breached," Peters, the chief executive of Super 15 organiser SANZAR, tweeted.

Leonardi, fellow Argentine Nicolas Vergallo and New Zealander Hadleigh Parkes were in the Kings' matchday squad for the home loss to the Chiefs on Friday and all played some part in the game.

South African teams are allowed only two foreign players per game, according to contracts they sign with the national union.

The Kings play seven-time Super Rugby champions the Crusaders - the competition's most successful team - on Saturday, while SARU chief executive Jurie Roux told South African media he hoped the investigation would be concluded next week.

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Swans re-live grand final triumph

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Fond Memories ... John Longmire and Adam Goodes re-live the 2012 premiership. Source:AAP

FOX FOOTY brings you exclusive first-hand accounts of the Sydney Swans' historic 2012 AFL Grand Final win this Sunday March 24 at 8.30pm AEDT in 2012 Grand Final Re-call: The Premier's Cut.

Paul Roos and Dwayne Russell join Sydney Swans Coach John Longmire and a host of Swans superstars including Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh and Ryan O'Keefe for a private screening of the game, commentated by the players themselves as they reflect on the elation of their Grand Final victory.

Don't miss 2012 Grand Final Re-call: The Premier's Cut – Sunday March 24 at 8.30pm AEDT on FOX FOOTY.

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Kings recall foreign players

Heading home ... Argentina's Leonardi has left the Kings' four-match tour. Source: AAP

Southern Kings have recalled an Argentine and French player from their touring squad in New Zealand as the South African Rugby Union investigates the Super Rugby newcomers for breaking its rules on foreign players.

The Kings said Tomas Leonardi and Virgile Lancome will return to Port Elizabeth and be replaced by two South Africans for the four-game tour of Australasia.

Kings president Cheeky Watson also travelled to New Zealand to talk to the players after the team was threatened with a caution, fine, suspension or even expulsion by SARU in its debut Super Rugby season if found guilty of fielding too many foreigners in a game against the Chiefs last week.

But Super Rugby chief Greg Peters said on Twitter that SARU did not have the authority to suspend or expel the Kings, as that would affect the whole three-country tournament and only a South African rule had allegedly been broken.

It leaves the Kings facing a warning or fine of up to 1 million rand ($A105,000).

"That (the suspension or expulsion of the Kings) can only be done by us and it is not our rules that have allegedly been breached," Peters, the chief executive of Super 15 organiser SANZAR, tweeted.

Leonardi, fellow Argentine Nicolas Vergallo and New Zealander Hadleigh Parkes were in the Kings' matchday squad for the home loss to the Chiefs on Friday and all played some part in the game.

South African teams are allowed only two foreign players per game, according to contracts they sign with the national union.

The Kings play seven-time Super Rugby champions the Crusaders - the competition's most successful team - on Saturday, while SARU chief executive Jurie Roux told South African media he hoped the investigation would be concluded next week.

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Swans re-live grand final triumph

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Fond Memories ... John Longmire and Adam Goodes re-live the 2012 premiership. Source:AAP

FOX FOOTY brings you exclusive first-hand accounts of the Sydney Swans' historic 2012 AFL Grand Final win this Sunday March 24 at 8.30pm AEDT in 2012 Grand Final Re-call: The Premier's Cut.

Paul Roos and Dwayne Russell join Sydney Swans Coach John Longmire and a host of Swans superstars including Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh and Ryan O'Keefe for a private screening of the game, commentated by the players themselves as they reflect on the elation of their Grand Final victory.

Don't miss 2012 Grand Final Re-call: The Premier's Cut – Sunday March 24 at 8.30pm AEDT on FOX FOOTY.

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'Loss, draw disastrous for 'Roos'

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Must-win ... Mark Schwarzer says the Socceroos' match against Oman is do or die. Source: Craig Greenhill / News Limited

Socceroos captain Mark Schwarzer says a loss or a draw in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Oman in Sydney would be a "disaster".

The Socceroos go into the clash at ANZ Stadium clinging to second position in Group B in the final round of the Asian qualifying tournament.

They need to hang on to that position to qualify automatically for the World Cup in Brazil next year amid fierce competition from Oman, Iraq and Jordan.

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"Anything less than three points will be a disaster for us," said veteran goalkeeper Schwarzer on Wednesday.

"It's going to be a very, very tough task for us."

With three of the Socceroos' remaining four qualifiers to be played at home, Schwarzer said winning each of those was the key.

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"We've ended up being the team that plays three of the first of the four games away, and that was always going to be tough," he said.

"Obviously, if you look at where we're sitting on the table, it has worked out ok.

"We would have liked to pick up a couple more points along the way.

"Now with the four remaining games, every one of them is obviously vitally important, particularly the three home games."

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Australia, Oman, Iraq and Jordan are locked in a tight contest for the second automatic qualification spot behind runaway leader Japan.

The Socceroos head Oman and Iraq on goal difference, with Jordan a point behind.

Schwarzer is captain for the clash with Oman in the absence of suspended regular skipper Lucas Neill.

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The country's quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil re-starts on Tuesday night. Australia are locked in a dogfight with Oman, Iraq and Jordan for the second automatic spot in Group B, eight points behind Japan. You can watch this vital clash live and in stunning HD from 6.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 HD, with kick-off from 7pm.

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'Keeper suffers double calamity

Carl Ikeme ... breaks his hand punching a change-room tactics board. Source: Nick Potts / AAP

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme compounded an embarrassing mistake against Bristol City by punching a changing-room tactics board and breaking his hand, Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Dean Saunders revealed on Tuesday.

Ikeme was partly responsible for conceding a comical goal in Saturday's Championship game with Bristol when he allowed Wolves defender David Davis' overhit back-pass to squeeze between his legs and into the net.

The 26-year-old failed to appear for the second half of his side's 2-1 victory at Molineux and Saunders has admitted it was because he allowed his frustration to get the better of him at halftime.

"Carl was frustrated at making his mistake and has punched the tactics board, which is only cardboard but there is a metal bar at the back of it which has damaged his hand,'' Saunders said.

"Every single one of us has punched something or pushed something out of frustration, but you don't expect to cause yourself injury.

"I'm not sure whether he will be out for the season, but it will be for some weeks.''

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Aussie coach Mickey Arthur quits Twitter

Australia's head cricket coach Mickey Arthur has deleted his Twitter account. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA cricket team coach Mickey Arthur grew tired of the vitriol he was receiving on Twitter and closed his account on Tuesday.

His action led to more criticism, jibes and abuse from some frustrated followers of the injury-hit and inexperienced Australian team who lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Monday when they slumped to the third straight Test loss of their India tour - where Australia has won only one Test series since 1970.

Last week's bombshell - when Arthur announced four players including vice-captain Shane Watson had been suspended from the third Test for failing to submit required assessments on how the team could improve - was clearly a sore point for some Twitter followers.

First the controversies during the summer of the resting of key players during a busy playing schedule, and now this.

And for Arthur, it was also the last straw.

With his third-ranked side trailing three-nil in the four-match series against India and the final Test starting in Delhi on Friday, Arthur will be bothered no longer by abusive Twitter followers.

"Thanks twitter,has been fun but deleting my account now!Thanks to all the genuine supporters out there," Arthur said on Twitter on Tuesday.

He later told reporters: "I just used it (Twitter) as a medium to get news really.

"For me, it just wasn't really worth it now.

"I used it to stay in contact with a lot of mates.

"If you're on it you just open yourself up to that (abuse).

"There has been some very positive stuff as well, but it's not worth it. I've got bigger things to worry about than Twitter to be honest."

A sample of the latest advice dished out to Arthur by one frequent tweeter @jimmyob13 may indicate why Arthur stopped using social media.

"Hey Mickey Mouse @MickeyArthur do you have enough quicks for 3rd test? Now it's going to be a seamer so I suggest you play 4 spinners...," the user posted on March 12.

The following day he wrote: "@MickeyArthur How's the team spirit this morn? Did they all wear the correct uniform? Did Hughes and Warner scrub skippers whites for him?"

Arthur's decision to close his account was greeted with more scorn on Twitter.

One tweeter, @adam_pearce13 said "It's about time you focus on the cricket anyway "

Another, @willderen tweeted to Arthur "You're an idiot.", @MarkCooper said "you suck", while @KevinWilde described Arthur's move to delete his account as "weak".

Arthur last week described the decision to suspend Watson, James Pattinson, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson as a line-in-the-sand moment to create a better culture within the team after a series of disciplinary lapses by the team in general including lateness, backchat and attitude issues.

The homeworkgate affair was widely ridiculed in Australia, especially by ex-players.

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Live: NRL round three teams

Michael Morgan ... gets his shot at partnering Johnathan Thurston in the halves. Source: Zak Simmonds / News Limited

We bring you all the NRL team news for round three as the squads are announced on Tuesday.

Melbourne Storm v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, AAMI Park, 8.05pm (EDT) Thursday

Storm: Billy Slater, Matt Duffie, Will Chambers, Junior Sa'u, Mahe Fonua, Gareth Widdop, Cooper Cronk, Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith (c), Bryan Norrie, Tohu Harris, Ryan Hoffman, Ryan Hinchcliffe. Interchange: Jason Ryles, Lagi Setu, Slade Griffin, Junior Moors, Maurice Blair

Bulldogs: Drury Low, Mitch Brown, Josh Morris, Krisnan Inu, Sam Perrett, Josh Reynolds, Kris Keating, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis (c), Martin Taupau, Tony Williams, Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Dale Finucane, David Klemmer, Tim Browne, Tim Lafai

Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels, Leichhardt Oval, 8.05pm (EDT) Friday

Tigers: Tim Moltzen, Joel Reddy, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Marika Koroibete, Benji Marshall, Jacob Miller, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (capt), Jack Buchanan, Braith Anasta, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair. Interchange: Ben Murdoch-Masila, Ava Seumanufagai, Matt Bell, Eddy Pettybourne, Masada Iosefa, Suaso Sue

Eels: Jarryd Hayne (c), Vai Toutai, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Cheyse Blair, Ben Roberts, Chris Sandow, Mitchell Allgood, Matt Keating, Tim Mannah, Ken Edwards, Matthew Ryan, Ben Smith. Interchange: Joseph Paulo, Darcy Lussick, Fuifui Moimoi, Kelepi Tanginoa

Gold Coast Titans v Manly Sea Eagles, Skilled Park, 5.30pm (EDT) Saturday

Titans: William Zillman, Kevin Gordon, Brad Takairangi, Jamal Idris, David Mead, Aidan Sezer, Albert Kelly, Luke Douglas, Matt Srama, Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Ben Ridge, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Dave Taylor, Luke Bailey, Ryan James, Beau Falloon, Luke O' Dwyer

Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Jamie Buhrer. Interchange: Richie Fa'aoso, Joe Galuvao, David Gower, Tom Symonds

Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos, Allianz Stadium, 7.30pm (EDT) Saturday

Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Sam Moa, Boyd Cordner, Sonny Bill Williams, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala. Interchange: Daniel Mortimer, Martin Kennedy, Mitchell Aubusson, Luke O'Donnell, Dylan Napa

Broncos: Corey Norman, Josh Hoffman, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Lachlan Maranta, Scott Prince, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday (C), Alex Glenn, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, David Stagg, Scott Anderson, Dunamis Lui, Nick Slyney

Cronulla Sharks v Warriors, Sharks Stadium, 2pm (EDT) Sunday

Sharks: Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Matthew Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jon Green, Jayson Bukuya, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese

Warriors: Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Bill Tupou, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Steve Rapira, Simon Mannering (c), Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Pita Godinet, Ben Henry

Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs, Centrebet Stadium, 3pm (EDT) Sunday

Panthers: Dean Whare, Josh Mansour, Wes Naiqama, Geoff Daniela, David Simmons, Tom Humble, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston (c), Tim Grant, Sika Manu, Lewis Brown, Nathan Smith. Interchange: Adam Docker, Nigel Plum, James Segeyaro, Clint Newton, Matt Robinson

Rabbitohs: Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt, Dylan Farrell, Bryson Goodwin, Andrew Everingham, John Sutton, Adam Reynolds, Sam Burgess, Issac Luke Roy Asotasi, Chris McQueen, Ben Te'o, Ben Lowe. Interchange: Nathan Peats, Michael Crocker (c), Jeff Lima, George Burgess, David Tyrrell, Justin Hunt, Jason Clark

Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons, Canberra Stadium, 6.30pm (EDT) Sunday

Raiders: Reece Robinson, Sandor Earl, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, Edrick Lee, Josh McCrone (c), Sam Williams, David Shillington (c), Glen Buttriss, Brett White, Josh Papalii, Joel Edwards, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Matt McIlwrick, Shaun Berrigan, Dane Tilse, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Mark Nicholls, Jake Foster, Joe Picker

Dragons: Gerard Beale, Brett Morris, Chase Stanley, Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, Jamie Soward, Nathan Fien, Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Leeson Ah Mau, Tyson Frizell, Ben Creagh (c), Bronson Harrison. Interchange: Michael Weyman, Trent Merrin, Matt Prior, Cameron King, Jack Stockwell

Newcastle Knights v North Queensland Cowboys, Hunter Stadium, 7pm (EDT) Sunday

Knights: Darius Boyd, James McManus, Anthony Quinn, Timana Tahu, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Kurt Gidley (c), Kade Snowden, Matt Hilder, David Fa'alogo, Beau Scott, Chris Houston, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Tyrone Roberts, Neville Costigan, Robbie Rochow, Alex McKinnon

Cowboys: Matthew Bowen, Ashley Graham, Brent Tate, Kane Linnett, Antonio Winterstein, Johnathan Thurston (c), Michael Morgan, Matthew Scott (c), Scott Moore, James Tamou, Gavin Cooper, Glenn Hall, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Anthony Mitchell, Ashton Sims, Scott Bolton, Jason Taumalolo, Blake Leary 

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Video: was Clarke out of a no-ball?

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Close call ... is this a no-ball? Source:Fox Sports

Cricket, like many sports, is a game of inches.

This fact was once again on display in Mohali on Monday, although 'a game of millimetres' would be a more accurate statement in the case of Michael Clarke's dismissal by Ravindra Jadeja.

Clarke was given out after edging a ball from Jadeja onto his pad and being caught by Cheteshwar Pujara at short leg.

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Watch the video of Clarke's dismissal at the top of the page and decide for yourself!

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The Australia skipper appeared to have no qualms with the decision, but he was given a reason to stop walking to the pavillion when umpire Richard Kettleborough got out his walkie-talkie to check with the third umpire if Jadeja had over-stepped.

Both teams had an anxious couple of minutes as the TV official, Sudhir Asnani, poured over countless replays that focused on Jadeja's foot.

The main conjecture appeared to be weather the back part of the India all-rounder's heel initially landed behind the line before sliding forward, or if there was never a part of his foot that was behind the line.

Judging by the reaction on Twitter (check the responses @FoxCricketLive) most Aussie fans believed it was the latter, but Asnani disagreed and upheld the original decision.

Just to rub salt in the wound, Jadeja celebrated by raising his hand to make out the number five - the amount of times he's dismissed Clarke in this series.

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Follow the final day of the third Test between India and Australia with our Match Centre, and watch it LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports 2.

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Eagles hit by raft of injuries

Nic Naitanui ... one of several key Eagles missing in round one. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

West Coast skipper Darren Glass is confident his team has the depth to cover for a host of injuries in Saturday's AFL first round showdown with Fremantle.

The Eagles will be without ruckman Nic Naitanui (groin), midfielder Daniel Kerr (knee), former Pie Sharrod Wellingham (ankle), forward Mark Nicoski (hamstring) and wingman Matt Rosa (thigh) this week.

In contrast, Fremantle will be close to full strength, with Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) being the only notable omission.

West Coast enter the season as one of the premiership favourites, and Glass said the club had plenty of options to replace the injured players this week.

"It's very rarely you're at full strength week in, week out. I'm very comfortable with our depth," Glass said.

Nicoski missed all of last year after undergoing hamstring surgery, and has again been placed on the long-term injury list after a slower-than-expected recovery.

Glass remains hopeful the 29-year-old can overcome his injury troubles in time to play a key role this year.

"He's had a terrible run of luck, but he remains positive and still a good opportunity to play lots of good footy this year," Glass said.

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LIVE: Australian F1 Grand Prix

Live blog ... follow all the F1 action from Albert Park this Sunday with SPEED. Source: Fox Sports

Which team has the fastest F1 car this year? Will Mark Webber finally win on home soil? Can anyone catch Red Bull? Is one of F1's minnows set to spring a surprise?

Follow all the action from Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix with SPEED's live blog of all the action!

Our new-look live blogs include content from all over the web. You can join in through a variety of ways!

You can leave a comment at the bottom of the page, tweet us at @SPEEDTVAUS or use the #SPEED512 hashtag, or share your views via our Facebook page at http://facebook.com/SpeedTVAustralia

Check out our Storify blog of all the action from the day so far!

Also, check out or Dynamic Guide to Formula 1, 2013-style right here:

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Tigers roar home over Panthers

Wests Tigers ... Liam fulton tackles Penrith Panthers' Tim Grant on Sunday. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Wests Tigers have secured their first win of the season with a 28-18 victory over Penrith Panthers at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.

5 Tries 3
Benji Marshall 17'	Sika Manu 5'
Jacob Miller 33'	David Simmons 55'
Aaron Woods 46'	Sika Manu 72'
Aaron Woods 64'
Marika Koroibete 67'
4 Conversions 3
Benji Marshall 18'	Luke Walsh 7'
Benji Marshall 34'	Luke Walsh 56'
Benji Marshall 46'	Luke Walsh 73'
Benji Marshall 65'

Wests Tigers are off the mark for 2013 but might have paid a heavy price for Sunday's win with prop Keith Galloway suffering a suspected torn pectoral muscle.

The Tigers, hammered 42-10 by Newcastle in the opening round, rebounded with a five tries to three win, prop Aaron Woods scoring a double for the home side as he continued his recovery from minor knee surgery.

He might be forced to play without engine room buddy Galloway for a while, however, after the NSW Origin prop went straight up the tunnel just moments after halftime clutching his arm.

The Panthers also lost a key player to a similar injury, with Lachlan Coote forced off after only 11 minutes to spark a major reshuffle with skipper Kevin Kingston forced to fill in at five-eighth.

The Panthers started the match well with Sika Manu crossing for his second try of the season courtesy of a David Simmons kick.

Benji Marshall soon crossed to level the scores six all.

Approaching half-time Jacob Miller scored to give his side a six point lead.

The Tigers started the half in style with Aaron Woods crossing six minutes into the second half.

The visitors narrowed the margin when Simmons crossed in the corner to get them to within a converted try of the home side. 

Marika Koroibete pounced on a Benji Marshall kick to extend the lead 28-12.

Manu steamrolled across in a solo effort to secure his second try and Walsh's conversion made it 10 points the difference with seven minutes remaining. 

Miller left the field for the Tigers in the 52nd minute with an ankle injury while Chris Lawrence limp off late in the game.

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