Emerton to lead A-League All Stars

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Brett Emerton ... is the perfect candidate to lead A-League All Stars against Red Devils. Source: Paul Ellis / AAP

A-LEAGUE All Stars captain Brett Emerton knows what it's like to both win and lose against Manchester United, the team he will confront one more time next Saturday.

The experienced Sydney FC midfielder has played several times against the current English Premier League champions, including twice for the Socceroos when they last toured Australia 14 years ago.

"We got beaten both times and I remember chasing the ball quite a lot,'' Emerton said.

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Emerton enjoyed some success against the English glamour club during his time with English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.

"I've had some positive results against them, I've beaten them a couple of times at old Ewood Park (Blackburn's home ground) and also beaten them at Old Trafford and got on the scoresheet a couple of times,'' Emerton recalled.

All Stars coach Ange Postecoglou said Emerton epitomised what the A-League was about.

"He's played at the highest level overseas and played for his national team and played here in our own league,'' he said.

"He's the kind of person that shows the growth of our competition and he's a good person as well.

"I'm sure with his experience of having played at the level we're going to be playing at on Saturday night, will help some of the other guys.''

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Both Emerton and Postecoglou warned the recent appointment of manager David Moyes would ensure the United players would be up for the game in Sydney as they tried to make an impression on their new boss.

United captain Nemanja Vidic and England striker Wayne Rooney will be among the handful of injured players who haven't made the trip to Australia.

Postecoglou wasn't convinced the absence of those players would make United any easier to beat.

"Sometimes those kind of things work as a motivating force for the players coming in,'' Postecoglou said.

"I'm sure the players who replace Rooney and Vidic will be looking to try and get into the new manager's eyes and make sure that they are part of the new season, so there won't be a lack of incentive for them to do well.''

Postecoglou was philosophical about taking on United without all the players in the Socceroos squad for the East Asian Cup in South Korea starting next weekend.

"That's coaching, whether it's at club level or international level, you never get everyone you want,'' Postecoglou said.

"Obviously when you are pulling guys from different clubs together and different styles it will be a big challenge this week to get them all heading in the right direction. But that's the bit I'm looking forward to.''

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Cats belt dismal Dees

Saturated ... Billie Smedts celebrates his wet-weather goal Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Melbourne have had a record-low inside-50 count as Geelong belted them by 68 points in a saturated AFL match at Simonds Stadium.

The Demons also equalled their lowest score at the ground as the Cats dominated from the start to win on Saturday 13.20 (98) to 4.6 (30).

4.5 (29)	Q1	1.2 (8)
7.10 (52)	Q2	2.4 (16)
11.12 (78)	Q3	3.5 (23)
13.20 (98)	Q4	4.6 (30)

Josh Caddy 2	Shannon Byrnes 2
Tom Hawkins 2	Chris Dawes 1
George Horlin-Smith 2	Jeremy Howe 1
James Podsiadly 2
Mitchell Duncan 1
Steve Johnson 1
Steven Motlop 1
Billie Smedts 1
Jesse Stringer 1

Melbourne had only 19 inside 50s - a record low since the statistic was first recorded for the AFL in 1999.

All the improvement that the Demons have shown since Neil Craig took over from Mark Neeld last month was washed away in the miserable conditions.

Melbourne's performance was not as terrible as the 186-point humiliation at the same ground two years ago that cost coach Dean Bailey his job, but it was bad enough.

Geelong's inaccuracy meant they became the first team this season not to score 100 points against the Demons.

Cats star Steve Johnson returned from suspension to be best afield.

While he had plenty of ineffective possessions in the sodden conditions, Johnson still amassed a career-high 38 disposals and had a game-high 15 clearances.

Melbourne led the inside-50 count at 15 minutes into the match, 8-5.

At 15 minutes into the final term, the inside-50 count was 62-16 Geelong's way.

Melbourne only went inside 50 six times in the second half.

The game total was an amazing 70-19.

Key forward Tom Hawkins marked and goalled in the second minute to set the Cats on their way.

They had two more on the board before former Geelong player Shannon Byrnes kicked Melbourne's first at 11 minutes.

The Demons did not kick another goal until 23 minutes into the second term and kicked one in each quarter.peMelbourne were too slow when they tried to clear the ball from defence, giving the well-drilled Cats ample time to intercept and drive the ball back inside 50 at will.

Midfielder Josh Caddy had his best game since joining the Cats last year, kicking two goals in the third term and racking up

22 possessions.

Captain Joel Selwood marked his 150-game milestone with 30 possessions.

Melbourne onballer Nathan Jones also played his 150th and was a rare shining light for the Demons.

Jones continued his strong season with 31 possessions.

Click here to get all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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Blues blow as injury claims Gallen

Paul Gallen confers with medical staff and coach Laurie Daley over his injury. Source: DEAN LEWINS / AAP

WHEN Paul Gallen made an early morning call to Laurie Daley, the New South Wales coach realised he would be without his skipper for the State of Origin decider.

Can the Blues win the Origin decider without Paul Gallen?

Daley said up until then indications from Gallen had been positive that he would be right to play at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday but a fitness test soon after his call delivered only bad news for the Blues.

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Gallen had wanted to be given until Sunday to prove his recovery from damage to his plantar fascia tissue in the arch of his left foot but after some light running team doctor Nathan Gibbs doubted there would be much improvement in the next two days.

"It was no good prolonging the agony and we decided that we needed to push forward," Daley told a press conference this afternoon.

Robbie Farah was then told by Daley he would captain the Blues for the first time with his Tigers teammate Aaron Woods to come into the squad.

Daley said Gallen was distressed that he wouldn't be able to lead the team and help the Blues try to break Queensland's Origin stranglehold.

"It's a big game for him, a big game for our state (but) we had to make a call in the best interests of our team and unfortunately he is not going to be right," Daley said.

"It's disappointing news for Gal, he is quite distressed he can't be there.

"In the end he made a courageous decision because he put the team before the individual.

"Gal is a big tough guy but this means so much to him. He has probably dreamt about it for 12 months and to have something like this taken away from you when you want it so much is devastating."

Daley said Woods would come straight into the starting team with Andrew Fifita to remain on the bench.

"Andrew has played his best football off the bench this year and I don't want to tinker with that," Daley said.

Gallen will remain in the Blues camp until Wednesday.

The Blues are now $2.50 to beat Queensland at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday.

"Early betting has been a mirror image of game two with all the interest for Queensland," said TAB's Matt Jenkins.

"With Gallen now out, interest for QLD should only increase in the coming days, even at the short price.

"The last time the series was on the line at ANZ Stadium back in 2008, the Blues started $2.35 and lost by six points."

Blues captain Robbie Farah has opened $7 to be named man of the match; the shortest priced player in his team.

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Spot opens up for Cordner

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Boyd Cordner could come into the Blues team on the bench following Paul Gallen's injury. Source: Gregg Porteous / The Daily Telegraph

YOUNGSTER Boyd Cordner is in line for a State of Origin baptism of fire after NSW's plans for the series decider were thrown into disarray by the loss of skipper Paul Gallen.

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The Sydney Roosters back-rower, who only turned 21 on June 9, has been training with the Blues team all week after being included in an extended squad by coach Laurie Daley on Sunday and he's now a strong chance to debut.

Daley held a two-hour conference call meeting on Friday with chief selector Bob Fulton and the NSWRL board after Gallen was ruled out of Wednesday's deciding game three by his foot injury from Origin II.

The meeting ratified hooker Robbie Farah as the new captain for the ANZ Stadium match but the biggest discussion point was the make up of the bench as the Blues try to secure their first series in eight years without their talismanic skipper.

Canterbury-Bankstown five-eighth Josh Reynolds looks likely to drop off the bench in favour of another forward to cover for the loss of Gallen, whose starting front-row spot goes to Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods.

Like Cordner, game two debutant Woods was initially included in the extended squad as a precautionary measure, but with Gallen capable of playing long minutes there is a strong case for disposing of the utility bench spot occupied by Reynolds who got little playing time in the first two games.

Daley said he had not yet decided the make-up of his bench, but he must make a decision on Reynolds before Sunday, with the Bulldogs keen to have him available for their big NRL game against Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.

Gallen was forced to admit defeat in his quest to overcome damage to the plantar fascia tissue in his left foot after running for the first time in training on Friday morning.

Although he was able to run, he was experiencing sorenesss around the area and team doctor Nathan Gibbs persuaded him he should not risk further damage by playing in the game.

Daley admitted he was always confident his skipper would be able to fully train on Sunday in an opposed session and then lead the team out at ANZ Stadium next week.

However, he got news he didn't want from his captain before training when Gallen admitted for the first time he may not be right to play.

"I thought he may have been right due to the indications he was giving me," Daley said.

"But I had some doubt about ten to eight this morning when he came and saw me and said he wasn't real confident in his leg.

"So I said 'go for a run and see where you're at and it might be able to put your mind at ease'.

"But it wasn't real great and he could feel it."

"There was no point prolonging the agony so we decided together it was in the best interest of the team we needed to push forward."
 

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NSW will win with or without Gal

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Paul Gallen and Greg Bird walk while the rest of the team train at NSW Blues Origin training. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

NEW South Wales is again plagued by a less than ideal preparation heading into a State of Origin match.

Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Brett Morris, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, James Tamou, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (c), Ryan Hoffman, Luke Lewis, Greg Bird. Interchange: Anthony Watmough, Andrew Fifita, Trent Merrin, Josh Reynolds, James McManus, Boyd Cordner, Aaron Woods.

After the off-field debacles which hindered the team's build up to Game two, the Blues are now in a race against the clock to ensure a number of key players are fit to take the field come Wednesday night. 

None, however, are as important as their gallant skipper, Paul Gallen.

Despite not possessing the match-winning electricity of Jarryd Hayne or the athleticism of Greg Bird, Gallen's titanic performances have been the most consistent part of the Blues' past 7 Origin campaigns, apart from the losses of course.  

But, if you believe in omens, some loose statistics and history repeating itself,  there is still hope for long-suffering New South Welshman even if Gallen succumbs to his foot injury and is unable to take the field for the game he defined as 'the most important of his career'. 

When I first caught wind of Gallen's injury and the possibility he may have to withdraw from the match, I was immediately taken back to the 2004 Grand Final between the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters; a match the boys from Belmore were able to clinch despite the absence of their stalwart leader Steve Price. 

Then it dawned on me, despite Price being one of Queensland's greatest ever front-rowers, the similarities between his story and the plight of NSW's long-suffering captain are remarkably striking. 

Price too ventured to hell and back before finally tasting glory. 

In 2002 his club was stripped of 37 competition points and ultimately the minor premiership for breaches of the salary cap.

In 2003, after the long process of re-building the club, the team crashed out in the semi-finals to defending premiers the Sydney Roosters. 

And in the 2004, whilst in an off-season camp in Coffs Harbour, a number of players were accused of sexually assaulting a young woman. 

An incident which brought the wrath of sponsors, police and the media all before a single ball had been kicked in the 2004 season. 

 But despite what a distraction this off-field adversity was for the team, Price was still able lead his troops to premiership glory only 7 months later.  

A feat made substantially more impressive by the fact Price did not line-up alongside his team mates for the decider after surrendering to a medial ligament strain he sustained in the first two minutes of the preliminary-final.  

This is the same type of leadership and passion I believe Gallen has inspired his teammates with over the past handful of Origin series. 

Gallen has been playing State of Origin since 2006, making him the only man to play in all 7 straight series losses for NSW. 

Since taking over the captaincy in 2011 he has lost two nail-biting deciders. He has an Origin winning percentage of only 37% despite averaging the most metres, hit-ups and second most tackles for the past two series. 

This season alone, Gallen has dealt with the loss of Blake Ferguson and James Tamou for disciplinary reasons, the injury to Jarryd Hayne which has ruled him out for the decider and the ASADA scandal which has been following him and his club like a bad smell since the pre-season.  

He, like Price, has endured the most resounding heartbreak and adversity our great game has to offer, and has still stood tall, refusing to relinquish hope. 

This is why his team will prevail on Wednesday regardless of whether he plays. 

It is obvious Price's unyielding passion, drive and leadership throughout such turbulent seasons had a profound effect on his teammates and his influence on them throughout the 2004 decider was evident, despite his physical absence.

In the Grand Final, four of the five forwards ran significantly more metres than their season average. In addition, the same four also ran significantly further than they did in the last game Price played. 

They stepped up and put in immense performances to not only repay Price for the 12 years of faith and service he had given to the club but to compensate for the mountain of work he would plough through.  

The blues will do the same. 

The 'do it for Gal' mentality each player will no-doubt carry in the front of their minds regardless of whether he plays will get them over the line.

Just like the Bulldogs, they will channel all the disappointment, pain and embarrassment their captain has endured over the past seven years and conjure up titanic performances to fill his void. 

And this is not just wishful thinking; the stats are on my side. As Ben Ikin highlighted in an article earlier this year: 

In 11 games this year Cronulla won all three matches Gallen missed (100 per cent) but only three of the eight he played (37.5 per cent).

Over the past two seasons the Sharks have won seven of 12 (58 per cent) without Gallen, but dropped to 11 of 24 (49 per cent) with him.

Over five years, the win percentage shifts from 31.3 per cent with Gallen, to 49 per cent without him.

Some call this coincidence, some see it as Gallen's propensity to put his own agenda above the team, but too me it represents a change in the Shark's attitude.  

His teammates feel the need to step up and shoulder their skipper's mountainous workload when he is not on the field. 

Resultantly, each player will go out there not only adopting the 'Queensland mentality' to run and hit harder, but to do it more often too. 

Also, there is the possibility Gallen is just the jinx and without him we may finally win.

Either way I'm happy.

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Teams: Milne expected to return

Stephen Milne is expected to return to face the Blues.

STEPHEN Milne looks set to end his leave of absence and bolster St Kilda's forward line for Saturday night's clash against Carlton.

Milne has missed three matches since being charged with four counts of rape and he made a brief appearance at Melbourne Magistrates Court last week. Milne booted two goals in the Saints' shock Round 7 victory against the Blues this season.

But the veteran goalsneak is unlikely to be joined by Justin Koschitzke. The Saints will make a final call on their Round 16 side this afternoon, with Kosi still stuck on 199 AFL games.

Collingwood is expected to pick Dayne Beams for what would be his first match since last year's preliminary final.

Beams made a stellar VFL return last week, booting two crucial goals from 28 disposals to signal he is ready to return.

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But when the teams drop at 6.20pm tonight, all eyes will be on Gold Coast's inclusions. Will Gary Ablett be named? The superstar captain – and skipper of nearly all of our SuperCoach sides – was a shock withdrawal with a calf last week.

The Suns expect him to play, but confirmation will be music to our ears.

Port Adelaide must replace suspended forward Justin Westhoff for its clash against Hawthorn, while Geelong will be boosted by the return of Stevie Johnson.

The Cats could also recall Travis Varcoe after the playmaker got through a VFL return last week, while Richmond is hoping Bachar Houli and Ivan Maric make the trip to Cairns to face Gold Coast.

Essendon must find a replacement for Jobe Watson for Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs, while there will be no Beau Waters or Luke McPharlin for Sunday's western derby.

Eagles dynamo Daniel Kerr is certain to miss the derby. Kerr failed to train with his Eagles teammates in Perth on Thursday.

Classy on-baller Luke Shuey is closer to a return after missing the past two weeks with a hamstring problem, but boom recruit Sharrod Wellingham is expected to spend another week in local ranks as he recovers from his second bout of ankle troubles in his injury savaged first season in the west.

Fremantle looks sure to name Alex Silvagni for a recall as a replacement for injured star defender Luke McPharlin and possibly even an assignment on star Eagles power forward Josh Kennedy.

The Dockers could also name developing ruckman-forward Jack Hannath as a back-up to Sandilands and Zac Clarke to take on the athletic running prowess of Naitanui.

Western Bulldogs running defender Easton Wood is set to play his first game since Round 3 - but in the VFL reserves.

"We are optimistic that provided he doesn't get injured again we will get him back in two to three weeks, which will be good for him," Dogs coach Brendan McCarntey said of Wood today, who has been plagued by hamstring injuries.

SUPERCOACH NOTES FOR EVERY CLUB

ADELAIDE
Patrick Dangerfield has dominated in his last three interstate trips, racking up 141, 150 and 123 points respectively. He has averaged 26 disposals, 15 contested possessions, seven clearances, two goals and four tackles per game in the process. He's a solid captain choice based on those numbers.

BRISBANE LIONS
Brent Staker's 110 point return last week against the Suns in the QClash was his biggest return for the year, increasing in value by $41,300. He finished with 16 disposals, nine marks (three contested) and an equal game-high nine score involvements and three goals.

CARLTON
Marc Murphy didn't look right last week against Collingwood and his numbers reflected this, finishing with only 54 points – suffering his 11th straight price fall along the way. Despite being at a season-low price, avoid him until he returns a decent score.

COLLINGWOOD
After a poor return in his last match, Dane Swan responded last week against Carlton in the only way he knows – finding the ball. He racked up a season-high 41 disposals on his way to 148 points – the second-best return of any player on the ground behind teammate Scott Pendlebury.

ESSENDON
Over 103,000 coaches have to replace Jobe Watson this week after he suffered a collarbone injury last round against Port Adelaide. Expected to miss up to six weeks, there are no shortage of replacements, with a straight swap for Joel Selwood a possibility. If money isn't an issue then the in-form Patrick Dangerfield r eally stands out.

FREMANTLE
Nat Fyfe's form in recent Derbies has been exceptional, averaging 24 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six inside 50s and 110 points per match since 2011. He recorded 21 disposals and 13 contested possessions when they last met in Round 1 on his way to 96 points.

GEELONG
Stevie Johnson returns from his two-match suspension this week in time to face Melbourne, a team he has averaged 150 points per game against in his last three appearances. He finished with 35 disposals, four clearances, six inside 50s, three goals and three score assists when these sides last clashed in Round 6 last season.

GOLD COAST
Harley Bennell's match last week against the Lions was his first since Round 8 and he didn't miss a beat, finishing with 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, four clearances and two goals. He is definitely worth considering as a point of difference for your midfield.

GWS GIANTS
Dylan Shiel's 115 points last week against the Western Bulldogs was his biggest haul since the season opener against the Sydney. Coincidently he comes up against the Swans this week, finishing with 26 disposals, 17 contested possessions, seven clearances and six inside 50s in the season opener.

HAWTHORN
Sam Mitchell continued his recent dominance over Geelong last round with another 36 disposals. He is extremely under-priced given his season average of 108 points per match – ranked 13th among all midfielders in the AFL.

MELBOURNE
Dean Terlich's numbers have boomed since Neil Craig took the helm, returning scores of 88, 107 and a season-high 119 in that order. He has averaged 105 points per match since Round 13 which ranks him No.1 among all defenders in the competition.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Bastinac is in red-hot form, racking up 121, 137 and 110 points in his last three games to rank second in the competition for total points scored behind the Bulldogs' Ryan Griffen in this period. His value has skyrocketed by $81,600 as a result.

PORT ADELAIDE
Chad Wingard has averaged the third-most points (97) of any player at the club this season, increasing in value by $188,900 along the way – the third-biggest at the club. He has been a dangerous player forward of centre, ranking second at the club for scoreboard impact and equal-fifth in the AFL for score involvements alongside Lance Franklin.

RICHMOND
Owners of Nick Vlastuin should be looking to offload him immediately. He could only manage six disposals and 35 points from 84% game time last week against the Kangaroos – dropping in value by $45,200 as a result. With a breakeven score of 150+ points this round the decision is an easy one.

ST KILDA
Tom Lee was handed his third AFL match last week against Fremantle in his home state of Western Australia, finishing with 67 points. He was St Kilda's most used target inside 50 in the absence of his skipper, recording eight disposals, six marks (two contested) and a team-high three goals.

SYDNEY
Josh Kennedy will be looking to emulate his Round 1 performance against the Giants this week. He finished with 28 disposals, six clearances, two score assists, one goal and a game-high 147 points. He won 24 of his possessions in a contested manner which remains the equal second-highest tally by any player this year.

WEST COAST
Scores of 73 and 79 points in his last two games has seen Nic Naitanui's price hit a season-low. With a breakeven score in excess of 160 points this round, Wait one more week before even considering him.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Michael Talia earned himself the Rising Star nomination last round on the back of a team and season-high 129 points. A different player to his brother and reigning Rising Star winner Daniel at Adelaide, he finished with 32 disposals and eight intercept possessions.

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Video: F1 pit stop in slow motion

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Red Bull shows us how you're supposed to do a Formula 1 pit stop. Source: Mark Thompson / Getty Images

AFTER leaving Mark Webber piloting a tricycle at the Nurburgring, Red Bull Racing show us they really do know how to change tyres on a Formula 1 car.

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And fast.

The team got out the slow motion cameras this week to record one of their regular pit stop practices at their British base.

The co-ordination between the mechanics makes the chaotic activity look perfectly choreographed.

In fact, so smooth and so perfect are their movements, it's hard to see how they could manage to mistakenly send their Australian driver into battle one wheel short.

Twice.

But then comes the end of the clip - the pit stop shown at real speed. The team carries out a complete four-tyre change in just 2.05 seconds.

Quite literally, blink and you'll miss it.

Yes, they sometimes make mistakes. But with just two errors out of 52 stops during races so far this season and the fastest crew at six out of nine Grand Prix, Red Bull's pit lane warriors far more often than not make magic.

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Smith beats Warner for Ashes spot

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Steve Smith is set to be picked ahead of Dave Warner for the first Ashes Test. Source: Andrew Yates / Getty Images

STEVE Smith appears to have beaten Dave Warner for Australia's middle order batting post.

Smith's innings of 68* and 43 in the tour game against Worcester seem to have won over the selectors, who were mulling over whether to reinstate Warner directly after his suspension.

Smith is set to join a batting order that includes Shane Watson and Chris Rogers as openers.

Ed Cowan and Phillip Hughes look to be duelling for the No.3 spot. Cowan is considered a slight favourite given the nature of the Trent Bridge pitch and the fact he has been playing with Nottinghamshire for most of the county season.

Cowan has scored 619 first class runs at 41.26 in England this season.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Peter Siddle appears to have retained his place in the Australian team.

While doubts surrounded Siddle after poor lead-up form his absence from an optional training session is a strong pointer to his inclusion in the team.

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Siddle and fellow pacemen James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc were the only players who did not train.

It is also significant that the trio were rested from the last warm-up match, a four-day game against Worcester.

In recent years the fast bowlers chosen in the Test XI have almost never trained the day before the match.

Australia is refusing to release their side to keep England guessing.

Captain Michael Clarke confirmed at his pre-match press conference that all the players had been told so they could prepare for the Test if they were playing.

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The batting order following the earlier announcement of Shane Watson and Chris Rogers as opening batsmen is expected to be Ed Cowan, Clarke, Phil Hughes, David Warner and in-form wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. Usman Khawaja appears out of contention after missing the Worcester match.

Warner has been pencilled in at number six for some time and Clarke has continued to talk up the explosive left hander despite his month-long suspension ruining the chance of any lead-up cricket before the Ashes.

The only question is whether the selectors will hold their nerve on Warner or opt for Steve Smith, who played well against Worcester for 68 not out and offers a more comfortable right-handed option against the off-spin of Graeme Swann.

Despite taking just four wickets in three first-class matches with Australia A and Australia, and no more than one in an innings, Siddle has received strong support from the team hierarchy this week.

Vice-captain Haddin pointed strongly to Siddle's high ranking. He sits fifth on the International Cricket Council's official table, with captain Michael Clarke rated fifth among the batsmen.

Siddle, 28, is by far Australia's most experienced bowler and is the only one among the six pacemen and spinner Nathan Lyon to have previously tour England.

Moreover, Siddle has been a clear leader of Australia's attack since having his game refined by then bowling coach Craig McDermott during the tour of Sri Lanka almost two years ago.

In that time Siddle and Lyon are by far Australia's most successful bowlers with 76 wickets each.

Likely Australian team: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Michael Clarke (c), Phil Hughes, David Warner, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

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Harry's issues can't compromise Pies

Nathan Buckley and Harry O'Brien fell out after a throwaway comment. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

NATHAN Buckley played hard ball on Harry O'Brien on Monday and then today put his arm around his troubled player.

Buckley knew more than everyone about O'Brien's past. "I knew from day dot,'' he said.

Still, Buckley laid down the law to O'Brien.

As a professional footballer, clubs demand standards and O'Brien needed to remember the team came first.

Yes, O'Brien has serious issues, but they can't compromise the footy club.

The six-day fiasco begun when O'Brien told the coach, and others, to "get f...ked'', on the back of a tongue-in-cheek question from Buckley.

Yesterday, this columnist told O'Brien he needed to harden up.

If it was known O'Brien was "going through a history ... of things for a long time, including a long and very complicated history of sexual abuse, suicide, depression, seeing someone get murdered, knowing that who murdered that person and not being able to say anything, knowing that person will probably murder you'', then clearly a different column would have been written.

O'Brien has asked for help and the media will give him space and respect, and the club will give O'Brien the support he needs.

Yes, O'Brien sooked it last week and stormed out.

Today, he offered a reason as to why his recent behaviour was erratic.

He needs understanding and good grace.

Still, it's been a curious week for O'Brien and Collingwood.

Last Thursday the club wanted to put out a press release, saying O'Brien was taking leave for personal reasons.

O'Brien refused to sanction it.

Late Monday, after Buckley had laid down the law to an apologetic O'Brien, the club again offered to explain to the public that O'Brien was dealing with personal issues.

Again, O'Brien refused the club permission.

Then today, O'Brien became obviously aware of public comment about the situation -- and the majority negative attitude towards him -- and chose to approach the media for a what we call a doorstop press conference.

The club, anxious ahead of Buckley's press conference at noon, was waiting for O'Brien inside the club and was not aware of what was being conducted outside.

Indeed, a lot of people at Collingwood weren't even aware of O'Brien's personal issues, namely sexual abuse and depression.

This columnist's inquiries with Collingwood people at the weekend certainly weren't met with a warning to "tread warily''.

Such a warning for journalists is Code Red for deeper, serious issues.

That the club wasn't allowed to release ''personal issues'' as an explanation, gave further credit that it was mainly a football issue and not a personal one.

Hence, the column to toughen up.

Hence, O'Brien's response this morning that he was "going through quite a tough time at the moment'' dealing with suicide, sexual abuse, depression and murder.

While O'Brien was congratulated on social media for his declarations this morning, his sudden need to present his situation without Collingwood's knowledge, further exasperated the club.

They want to help Harry, yet he is still acting rogue.

The fact is, as explained in today's Herald Sun, everybody has issues, some greater and some infinitely smaller than O'Brien's.

That doesn't excuse him telling the coach, fitness boss David Buttifant and football boss Geoff Walsh to "get f..ked'' and storming out.

As it is, the club won't or cannot penalise O'Brien in any shape or form for disrespecting the coach and senior club officials.

It would be deemed insensitive to O'Brien's predicament.

Indeed, O'Brien has to harden up it when it comes to his footy and his involvement with the Collingwood Football Club.

But he also needs our empathy when it comes to life.

It's a difficult balance for everyone involved.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Richmond to face Cairns hoodoo

Cazaly ... Richmond must beat the Suns and the Cairns hoodoo on Saturday. Source: Brian Cassey / AAP

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin wants his men to proceed with caution in Saturday's AFL clash with Gold Coast, instead of bombing away like they did against North Melbourne.

The Tigers were being talked about as top-four contenders going into last week's clash, but Richmond's pride took a hit with a 62-point loss to the 10th-placed Kangaroos.

Sixth-placed Richmond have suffered embarrassing losses in home games in Cairns against the Suns in the past two years and face another challenge on Saturday with the game's best player Gary Ablett set to return to the Gold Coast side.

"We've just got to be smarter with the way we go inside 50,'' Cotchin told a media conference on Tuesday.

"We kicked it to their spare quite a bit.

"You can't allow a player, probably (Lachie) Hansen was the one who had the most impact, to drop off like that and take so many uncontested marks.

"There'll be a few little changes to the way we've been playing, especially last week with our bombing inside-50.

"We'll be okay.''

Cotchin says the Tigers are determined to learn from their mistakes up north. Richmond's three-year deal to play Gold Coast in Cairns expires this weekend and, so far, the Tigers have a 0-2 record.

"We've let ourselves down in the past couple of years but we're a different team. Aside from last week, we've really come a long way,'' Cotchin said of the Tigers, who are on track for their first finals appearance since 2001.

"The conditions up in Cairns are a little bit different to down in Melbourne. We've prepared for that.

"We've had two years of it now and we know what to expect.''

Cotchin was among his side's better players last week but the 2012 All-Australian's numbers are down this season, averaging 25.38 possessions per game compared to 27.55 last year.

The Brownlow runner-up is also hoping to have a greater impact on the scoreboard after booting only three goals in 13 matches.

The 23-year-old said he'd been hanging around half-forward less and spending more time in defence in 2013.

Richmond face tough battles against top-five sides Fremantle, Sydney and Hawthorn after their clash with 13th-placed Gold Coast.

"We've got to make sure this week is a building block to playing the most consistent and quality footy that we have all season,'' Cotchin said.

Cotchin is confident Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin will re-sign with the club.

"It's a great place to be. We're building towards something,'' said Cotchin, who will celebrate his 100-game milestone on Saturday.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Thiago fits Man United mould

Is Thiago Alcantara the missing piece in Man United's midfield jigsaw puzzle? Source: Ariel Schalit / AP

As good as Leighton Baines is, you could almost sense the concern of Manchester United fans when the club was linked with a move for the Everton left-back.

Not only is Patrice Evra a popular figure, but here was confirmation that David Moyes was intent on transforming United into a souped-up version of the Toffees rather than closing the gap on Bayern Munich. Supporters could be forgiven for readying themselves for the arrivals of Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jagielka.

The prospective signing of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona will do much to banish those thoughts. The 22-year-old Spain international is a hugely talented midfielder more than capable of playing the brand of football to which supporters aspire. With Paul Scholes finally retiring, there is huge anticipation that Thiago could fill that creative void in midfield - much to the annoyance of Barcelona fans who were hoping he could one day inherit the mantle of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta at Camp Nou.

"There's lots of excitement about him, which is natural because he's a very talented player," Spanish football expert Sid Lowe told ESPN. "There's also a real irritation in Barcelona because they think it is ridiculous letting him go. I think a lot of Barcelona fans feel he should get more minutes. They certainly think that he should have got enough minutes to make sure that this buy-out clause loop-hole didn't exist because it is making him available for a relatively good price."

That loop-hole comes into play because Thiago failed to play 30 minutes or more in 60 per cent of Barcelona's first-team fixtures last season. The consequence of this is that it will cost United €18million to buy-out Thiago's Barca contract rather than the €90m fee that would have applied. As such, the Italy-born player is available at a bargain price and represents a minimal-risk purchase for the Premier League champions. More significantly, he might also happen to be exactly what they need.

Michael Carrick is a reliable figure in the centre of the pitch and, as a good all-rounder, is capable of operating alongside a variety of different types of player. Tom Cleverley will be optimistic about securing the spot alongside Carrick in the United midfield with his tidy use of the ball but a lack of fantasy to his play could count against him - Thiago is a footballer with the ability to make things happen for his side.

Lowe adds: "He's a central midfielder - a kind of halfway house between Xavi and Iniesta - and a guy who could be a really good player but he may need that little bit of time to adapt. He's technically very gifted. He uses the ball extremely well, he's got great vision, great creativity and he combines really well with the forwards.

"The question mark over him would be the occasional overplaying and the occasional giving the ball away. One of the things that Pep Guardiola really tried to drive into him when he was the Barcelona manager was to play more simply, to be a bit smoother in possession and just move the ball on."

That tendency to overplay is likely to be a source of excitement rather than concern for United fans. While Cesc Fabregas attempted a dribble every 101 minutes in La Liga last season, Thiago tried to beat a player every 38 minutes. As with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Mousa Dembele, a central midfielder with the ability to dribble can open the game up from the middle of the pitch.

Of course, Thiago is unlikely to satisfy the long-held demand at Old Trafford for a ball-winning midfielder. There will be doubts over whether Thiago can adapt to that defensive aspect of the midfield role but the statistics suggest that he is better equipped for that task than some might think. Despite seeing far less action than Xavi and Iniesta, he managed almost as many tackles and interceptions as the two men combined. A Thiago-Carrick partnership might not seem overtly combative but it could still prove effective.

If there is an area in which United would be hoping for more from the midfielder it is in terms of end-product in the final third. Thiago's came up with fewer goals and assists than his peers at Barcelona with just two goals last season. But perhaps that may be deference to the senior men - his hat-trick in the final of the European Under-21 Championship earlier this summer suggests he can deliver in front of goal when entrusted with greater responsibility.

It looks likely that David Moyes' Manchester United will be the team given the chance to hand Thiago that opportunity. At worst, the Red Devils will help develop Thiago's game and send him back to Barcelona a better player. At best, they may well be acquiring a game-changing superstar at a knockdown price. Either way, it wouldn't be a bad start for the bloke from Everton.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11096/8810967/Thiago-s-time

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kennedy to solve the stutter

Firepower ... Josh Kennedy is set to drop the stutter run-up. Source: Theron Kirkman / AAP

Ace West Coast scoring force Josh Kennedy could unveil a totally revamped kicking style without his controversial stutter approach in Sunday's western derby against arch enemy Fremantle.

Kennedy's heavily scrutinised unorthodox stuttered kicking style could be gone, if not by a potentially defining derby next Sunday but by season's end, Kennedy disclosed.

Kennedy, 25, heads this year's Coleman Medal race for the league's leading goal-kicker and confessed on Monday he is revising his set-shot kicking run-up that has bagged 45 majors from 13 outings so far this season.

The All-Australian key forward contender sent nation-wide advice to aspiring young goal-kickers not to imitate or try to adopt his shaky and stuttered kicking style.

The affable big Eagle confessed he has growing doubts in his wobbly finishing despite bagging 45.16 this season.

He has been remodelling his style for up to three weeks since the Eagles mid-season bye week.

"I've been trying to work on suppose the kicking routine for probably this last three or four weeks," Kennedy revealed.

"With the stutter is was probably getting to the point where it was a bit risky and I was losing a bit of control on the way I wanted to kick.

"So that's something I'm working on coming into this last half of the year and to try and minimise it, if you want to say that.

"Not cutting it out, but to try and get it back to the point where I'm comfortable in kicking for goal.

"It's getting to a point where in some cases it is getting out of control."

Kennedy was blunt in his advice to youngsters around the nation not to even start his stuttered kicking style.

"Don't start it. It's a bad habit," he said.

"But I am a big believer whatever works for you in a goal-kicking routine."

Kennedy recalled early goal-kicking routine advice from decorated former Eagles scoring champion Peter Sumich in his time as West Coast forwards coach.

Kennedy dismissed any prospects of any remedial assistance from Sumich in any kicking regeneration, with the seven times leading West Coast goal-kicker among his club-record 514 majors now senior Fremantle assistant coach.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Swans win soured by Reid injury

Just enough ... Sydney Swans hold off a fast-finishing Melbourne side at the MCG. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

SYDNEY lost key forward Sam Reid to another leg injury in Sunday's regulation 31-point AFL win over Melbourne at the MCG.

Reid was playing his first game in four weeks after recovering from a quadriceps injury.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	14	12	0	2	140.96	48
2	Geelong	14	12	0	2	127.96	48
3	Sydney	14	10	1	3	131.58	42
4	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
5	Fremantle	13	9	1	3	124.55	38
6	Richmond	14	9	0	5	116.55	36
7	Collingwood	14	9	0	5	107.84	36
8	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
9	West Coast	14	7	0	7	109.95	28
10	North Melbourne	14	6	0	8	118.60	24
11	Carlton	14	6	0	8	109.19	24
12	Adelaide	14	6	0	8	104.89	24
13	Gold Coast	14	5	0	9	89.26	20
14	Brisbane	14	5	0	9	78.08	20
15	Bulldogs	14	4	0	10	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	13	3	0	10	85.61	12
17	Melbourne	14	2	0	12	55.27	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	14	0	0	14	52.21	0

But the premiership player limped from the field in the first term and was subbed out of the game immediately.
Ice was applied to Reid's left quad as he sat out the rest of the game.

Melbourne were competitive, but were no match for the Swans' relentless pressure and better ball use as Sydney won 16.20 (116) to 13.7 (85).

Swans co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack starred in the win.

Jack's younger brother Brandon came on for Reid and kicked his first four goals in the AFL.

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Re-live the action with our AFL Match Centre, featuring detailed match stats!

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Defender Dean Terlich and forward Jack Fitzpatrick impressed for the Demons.

In Neil Craig's third game as caretaker coach, Melbourne took the game up to the Swans and only trailed by eight points late in the first term.

Star Sydney recruit Kurt Tippett broke clear of James Frawley's close attention to snap a great goal and put his team 14 points up at quarter-time.

Sydney put the game out of Melbourne's reach in the second term, but should have been further ahead than 35 points.

They kicked a wasteful 4.9 after using their celebrated pressure to keep the ball up their end of the ground for much of the term.

Melbourne kicked the first two goals of the final term to reduce the margin to 30 points.

Demons fans were furious when a holding the ball decision was not paid against Tippett midway through the last quarter, allowing him to set up a goal for McVeigh.

The Swans quickly kicked another two goals to snuff out the Demons' faint hopes of an upset.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cordner, McManus named for NSW

The Country Origin team's Boyd Cordner is pictured after training. Source: Tim Hunter / News Limited

SYDNEY Roosters lock Boyd Cordner cheered loudly for NSW via twitter before State of Origin II.

"Lets go boys!!," he posted to Roosters team-mates Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney and Michael Jennings.

"Come on NSW! #uptheblues."

Cordner, 21, could now swing from fan to player and be playing alongside Pearce, Maloney and Jennings in State of Origin III at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday week.

NSW coach Laurie Daley named Cordner along with Newcastle winger James McManus in a 20-man Blues squad for the decider against Queensland.

Cordner is on standby for injured NSW lock Greg Bird (ankle), McManus will cover for injured winger Jarryd Hayne (hamstring) while Origin II prop Aaron Woods will come in if skipper Paul Gallen (left foot) is ruled out.

Nathan Merritt has been dumped.

A former NSW under 20s State of Origin skipper, Cordner has been sensational this year for the high-flying Roosters. He is from Taree and represented Country this year.

"Boyd is someone we identified as being an up-and-coming player," Daley told The Daily Telegraph.

"He has been playing some really good footy at the Roosters. He can play tight or on an edge.

"He will come in if Bird is no good. Boyd has been playing with a successful side this year.

"He is in-form and when you pick players for Origin you want them in-form.

"I am sure he wouldn't let anyone down if given the opportunity. Boyd will be up to the task.

"We have named these players as cover but anything is possible."

Former NSW prop Steve Roach tipped Cordner's Origin elevation in May.

"Boyd Cordner has Origin written all over him. The kid's tough," Roach said.

And ex-NSW and Roosters Luke Ricketson said recently: "He wouldn't be out of place (in Origin). He's the type of player that can play for 80 minutes, make all the important tackles, clean up the ruck a little bit. He's got speed, he's got fitness, he's got endurance."

Cordner does have a strong combination at club level with NSW halves Pearce and Maloney. He will though miss out if Bird is cleared.

Hayne was picked on the wing for NSW despite being ruled out of Parramatta's match against Manly at Brookvale Oval tonight.

"He's just not right," said Eels coach Ricky Stuart.

Daley hopes Hayne can be running at full-pelt by Wednesday or Thursday. 

If not, McManus will return to Origin football after playing one match for NSW back in 2009.

Playing an outside back with a hamstring injury could be dangerous for NSW.

"We will speak to Jarryd (today) and liaise with our medical staff to see where he's at," Daley said. 

"We will make a decision then.

"James has been in good form for Newcastle and has been in Origin before. He is a very reliable player and would do a good job if required."

Gallen continues to work hard in his quest to be fit.

It is difficult to even imagine an injury would prevent Gallen from leading NSW onto ANZ Stadium for the decider.

"We need to speak to Paul to determine his progress," Daley said.

"He is our leader and mean a lot to us. We will give him time to be fit and to start running."

With Hayne on the wing, NSW opted to retain St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan at fullback while suspended star James Tamou returns to the side as a starting prop.

The bench is the same as Origin II with Josh Reynolds retained.

True to his word, Daley proved again last night he will remain loyal to the players he thinks can finally arrest the interstate title from Queensland.

NSW side for game III: Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Brett Morris, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, James Tamou, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (c), Ryan Hoffman, Luke Lewis, Greg Bird. Interchange: Anthony Watmough, Andrew Fifita, Trent Merrin, Josh Reynolds, James McManus, Boyd Cordner, Aaron Woods.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More