Storm v Knights key match-ups

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THE key battles to watch as the Melbourne Storm take on the Newcastle Knights in Saturday night's semi-final.

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GARETH WIDDOP v JARROD MULLEN

Gareth Widdop was well under-done against South Sydney last week - something that was to be expected considering the man spent three months on the sidelines with a dislocated hip.

It's a miracle he is even playing. But he will be better this week. His match fitness will have improved significantly, his timing will more appropriate and his confidence will be on the rise with each touch he manages.

At his best, he is close to one of the best five-eighths in the competition, and more than a worthy adversary to Jarrod Mullen.

Right now, however, the Knights No. 6 has it all over him. Last week, Mullen provided a try assist, an offload and 16 kicks that won Newcastle valuable field position, and eventually the game against the Bulldogs. 

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BILLY SLATER v DARIUS BOYD

They were equally damaging at the back for Queensland in this year's Origin series, but now Billy Slater and Darius Boyd will be trying to inflict the same angst they have caused NSW in recent years... on each other.

Boyd will be out to show he can be just as damaging and elusive as the man many regard as the greatest fullback of all time.

Boyd was terrific in the Knights' sudden-death victory over the Bulldogs last week, providing a try, 128m of go-forward and 10 tackles from the back - a few of which were try-savers.

But statistically, Boyd is still far behind the Melbourne wizard, who leads in every key statistical comparison between the two.

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WILL CHAMBERS v JOEY LEILUA

Will Chambers was the best in a beaten side last Friday night against South Sydney.

The Melbourne three-quarter scored a try, carried the ball for a staggering 197m, threw two offloads and forced a drop-out.

If he maintains such impressive form, he will be in terrific stead to inherit the Queensland No. 4 jersey from Justin Hodges in coming years.

But, firstly, he has to outplay Joey Leilua, the 18th man for NSW last year before off-field indiscretions derailed his career.

This promises to be one of the most exciting battles of the game. The big, barrelling Leilua will no doubt looking to exploit Chambers' propensity to miss over three tackles a game.

The Melbourne centre will rely on his service players to get him outside Leilua, where he will back himself with pace.

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RYAN HOFFMAN v BEAU SCOTT

Beau Scott was awarded man of the match last week for his steely defence, which repelled a rampant Bulldogs side close to the Newcastle line.

Without doing anything statistically brilliant, he was the corner stone of their victory and he will need to repeat this effort this weekend if he is any hope of holding out on one of the game's best attacking back-rowers.

Ryan Hoffman has scored four tries this year, made eight line-breaks, busted 32 tackles and provided eight try assists down that lethal left-hand side. He will no doubt be peppering the Novocastrian all game long.

On the other hand, the Storm hard man will have his work cut out for him in defence as well, with Beau Scott likely to take up a personal vendetta against the man who ultimately replaced him in the NSW side this year.

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BRYAN NORRIE v WILLIE MASON

Generally, veterans don't go to battle. In fact, the title of "veteran" is given to a soldier once their days of fighting are all but over - but not these two troopers.

Despite having an aggregate age of almost 63 years, Willie Mason and Bryan Norrie will go toe-to-toe this weekend in a front-row battle capable of deciding this sudden death semi-final.

In what will no doubt be a low scoring, grinding game, the battle for the advantage line and the notion of controlling the ruck will be crucial.

Both men will call on their years of experience to muster their packs and attempt to secure a place in a preliminary final against the Roosters.

But it all starts with their ability to lead by example.

So, individually, how do they stack up?

They both average around the same amount of carries and subsequent metres per week, but Willie Mason has thrown six more offloads than Norrie this season.

This is probably why he has accrued 12 or so more errors.

No doubt, Wayne Bennett will be telling him to just tuck the Steeden under his wing and charge forward this weekend in what will be his 250th match.

Everyone knows if you invite Melbourne in to your half with stupid penalties and errors, they will hurt you.

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Swans, Dockers face pressure test

Pressure ... Jude Bolton attempts to smother a Nat Fyfe kick. Source: News Limited

EVER played chess against an opponent who makes identical moves to you or plays with the same plan?

Inevitably the board ­becomes gridlocked in a messy battle that frustrates both combatants. Eventually someone breaks and drifts away from their plan.

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Prepare for this to happen on Saturday night, with Ross Lyon and John Longmire's methods ­almost mirror images.

All statistical indicators say Fremantle will prove too strong and advance to the Grand Final. But how can Longmire and Sydney do it again?

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The Swans' ethos demands the players run harder and stronger both ways for longer than the opposition. It's an ­expectation that their leadership stars have driven all season.

Longmire's defensive game plan is designed to thwart ­opposition inside-50 entries using basic strategies such as midfielders not allowing opponents to get goalside.

These methods have produced the competition's best defensive 50m results, allowing a score from only 37 per cent of entries. The Swans tackle and spoil more than any other team, which encourageencouraging more stoppages and more contests.

Tough ... Ryan O'Keefe locks up Ryan Crowley. Source: News Limited

The Swans want the game played in the trenches and, if you're not prepared physically and mentally, they'll break you.

In saying that, Sydney's defence ranks No.2 in the AFL, conceding an average of 77 points a game.

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Which team does it better? Fremantle, which gives up a miserly 69 points each week.

Put simply, Fremantle's ­defence starts further up the ground than Sydney's and the Dockers are more likely to take intercept marks.

But the Swans win back the ball more often than Freo at ground level.

The Swans' slingshot football of late 2012 can challenge the Dockers. Patersons Stadium lends itself to gut-running forward of Fremantle's pressing defenders.

It's not easily executed but, without the ­injured Garrick ­Ibbotson holding his intercept post, it's an area of opportunity for the visitors.

The Swans must run themselves ragged as never before. They will not win without physical exhaustion and concentration over for 120 minutes of organising and decision-­making. They must capitalise on opportunities to score, particularly early, as momentum swings against Fremantle are not common.

When the Dockers lose possession, they immediately retreat, getting back to deny their opponents entries and options. Often we see three, four or five Freo players with their heads down, oblivious to the exact location of the football, working feverishly back across the bottom of our TV screens.

Heat ... Michael Johnson wraps up Josh Kennedy. Source: News Limited

It's a standard Lyon doesn't ask for, but ­demands. Things are black or white with Ross. There are no excuses — and the players love it.

The main style difference between the sides is the Swans prefer to kick forward, not laterally, and they run and gun with handball around the boundary. compared to Fremantle, which plays the sideways kicking game across half-back before sizing up a free target in the corridor to hit the "go button". There is minimal handball.

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This gives the Swans a chance to handball through the Dockers squeeze, if they can handle the Fremantle harassment in close.

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The Swans average more than 160 handballs a week, but had more than 200 last week as they made the Blues chase their tails. They must remain composed in traffic — no ­fumbles or apprehension. Fail the pressure test and Freo will embarrass them.

The main points of conjecture revolve around Fremantle's extra week's rest, the loss of Kurt Tippett and the home-ground advantage.

Internally, the Swans would recognise these obstacles, ­embrace the challenge and become excited by the prospect of achieving a win against the odds.

The legend of the "Bloods' oath" would grow two-fold if, through sheer determination and effort, they can knock over a full-strength Fremantle.

Longmire needs to assert control from the coach's box. Ryan Crowley must be dragged inside Sydney's forward 50 as often as possible and exploited, as he was by Patrick Dangerfield in Round 10 and, more importantly, by Sydney's Dan Hannebery in Round 8.

The Swans' rucks must dominate hit-outs to advantage versus Zac Clarke while minimising the damage against Aaron Sandilands. Challenge Shane Mumford to play angry and on the edge. That first centre bounce must be his Shane Mumford's most brutal and he must set the scene.

Imagine Clarke facing the old-school warrior at full tilt. It's a final and the Swans must take no prisoners.

Composure in finals is ­crucial and given the margins in the past four meetings ­between the sides — draw (SCG), 13 points (Swans, SCG), 11 (Freo, SCG) and 11 (Swans, Subiaco) — we are guaranteed a two-hour arm wrestle.

Lyon has converted an AFL participant to a powerhouse. The Dockers are almost at full strength, at home and rested, but the grandest of hurdles awaits them.

If the Swans could find a way to win — brilliant or brutal — it would be their greatest achievement outside ofbeyond standing on the premiership dais.

Against all odds, beware the Bloods.

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Panic Room: Take Rioli to bank

Cyril Rioli heads towards goal. Source: Michael Klein / HeraldSun

ON THE back of last week's betting bonanza courtesy of Paul Chapman kicking the opening goal at the juicy odds of $17, we are dedicating this preliminary final edition to making money.

We will give you three options from each team for opening goalkicker but the fairytale script would see Cyril Rioli not starting as the sub and instead kicking the first goal at $15.

HAWTHORN: 1. Cyril Rioli ($15) 2. Lance Franklin ($6.50) 3. Jordan Lewis ($21)

GEELONG: 1. Steve Johnson ($15) 2. James Podsiadly ($13) 3. Travis Varcoe ($26)

There are two betting strategies to approach this game and they make it easier. If you like the Hawks then back them to win by plenty. Here are some options:

* Hawthorn over 39.5 points $3.90
* Hawthorn over 15.5 points $1.95
* Hawthorn to lead at half-time -7.5 points $1.87
* Hawthorn to win 40-59 points $6.25
* Quarter breakdown - Haw/Haw/Geel/Haw $17
* Quarter time margin Hawthorn 13+ $3.15

If you are a Geelong person it's easy because there is no surer thing than backing the Cats to win by a small margin.

* Geelong under 39.5 points $3.90
* Geelong 1-19 points $4.75
* Quarter breakdown - Haw/Haw/Haw/Geel $21
* Half-time/Full-time double Haw/Geel $7.25
* Top goalscorer James Podsiadly $15

If you want to increase any of those odds, throw them into Fremantle to win at $1.30.

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SELECTION WHISPERS

The calls to talkback radio started early.

"I've got good mail that Shane Kersten is playing," the caller with the big scoop said.

The million dollar question is - How did Tom Hawkins woke up this morning?

It would take a big call for the reigning club champion to not play given his back had showed improvement last week, but Chris Scott keeps saying it's a day-to-day proposition.

The Cats coach is clearly keen to play Kersten and would have no problem letting the debutant loose on the preliminary final. He is a big strong boy who is a lot quicker than Hawkins so maybe the forecast rain might yet be a factor.

Over in Perth, the Dockers are confident Michael Johnson will get up for his scheduled return from a calf injury.

And while the Swans copped a beating last week, all selected players trained without incident including Ryan O'Keefe, who rolled his ankle in the final minutes of the win against the Blues.

Geelong forward Tom Hawkins in action against Port Adelaide. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun

SUPERCOACH ALERT

If you're still in the running for your league win in SuperCoach Finals, there is one name you can't ignore this weekend: A. Sandilands.

Aaron is usually a $600,000 player in the fantasy game. But in the finals version he is available for a crazy $226,400. That is thanks to a torrid run with injuries but Ross Lyon has timed his run to perfection.

We know he doesn't like SuperCoach but the fact there is a finals version of the game may have escaped his attention. If Zac Clarke can do the job in the ruck watch for Sandi to wreak havoc in front of goal.

Jesse White breaks away from Carlton's Brock McLean. Source: Getty Images

ON NOTICE

JESSE WHITE

He's seemingly been there since Gerard Healy was a Swan so his coming out parade is well overdue. While he has shown some promising signs in the second half of the season, tomorrow night has to be White Night.

No Kurt Tippett means White has to play deep forward and impact the scoreboard. If he does that the Swans are a chance and, more importantly for him, if he fires his currency will rise as he is out-of-contract and almost certain to be playing elsewhere next year.

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Play Brownlow Bingo

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin at last year's Brownlow count. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

BRYNNE, beards, Bruce and bow ties. How many can you spot? Add to the fun of Brownlow night with our interactive game.

The rules are simple. All you need is a group of mates and a TV (assuming you're not lucky enough to score an invite to the count itself).

Ultimate Brownlow preview, pic galleries and more

Keep your eyes and ears peeled during the coverage and you could be a winner. Which player will sport the most ridiculous facial hair? Who's name will Andrew Demetriou pronounce wrong?

Save this page in your favourites for Monday night - and study up by clicking "play game" below.

Let the fun begin!

Stick with SuperFooty on Monday night for live coverage of Brownlow night from the first red carpet arrivals with live chat, pics, video and news from the venue - and follow every vote live on our Brownlow tracker

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Aussie Steelers beaten in opener

Ryley Batt and Australia were beaten by the US. File pic

THE Americans have overcome the Australian Steelers in a fiercely-contested wheelchair rugby battle in Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral Square.

Seeking revenge after losing their No.1 ranking to the Americans in June, London Paralympics gold medallists Australia were defeated 56-43 in the opening match of a three-day Tri-Nations tournament - the first to be played outdoors.

The Australians remained confident they could bounce back to contest Friday's final.

"We're pretty resilient,'' said Australia's Curtis Palmer, who recently changed allegiances from the competition's other participant, New Zealand, to join the Steelers.

"We had one day's training and I don't think that did enough to load the cobwebs out.

"There's no question we'll come back strong.''

The sun streamed down from the heavens but the action on the purpose-built court was anything but reverent as about 3000 people watched players race, ram and lock each other up in an effort to free up their goal-scorers.

Scores were neck and neck in the first quarter but the US pulled away in the second to build a five-point lead.

Australian co-captain Ryley Batt busted a few wheelies on his way to 22 goals - the most in the game - much to the delight of the crowd who included school students and NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell.

"It hurts a lot, being No.2 in the world again,'' Batt said.

"We were hopefully coming here to get some confidence over them with a couple of wins.

"Unfortunately, we didn't do that today, but there's two more days.''

Batt was looking forward to his post-game ice bath.

"It's a totally different experience (playing outside), something that I enjoyed, something that I'll have to get used to,'' Batt said.

"The heat and the sun factor was a huge thing for me. I'm a very heavy sweater, and water and tyres don't mix so it made it slippery out there.''

The Americans were out for a vengeance of their own kind after the Sydney and Beijing Paralympic gold medallists were demoted to bronze in London, as Australia took the gold.

They smeared black war paint under their eyes.

"We kind of had fun with it, did a little face painting and went out there and just played,'' said team USA co-captain Joe Delagrave.

"To have a constructed court, and the fans, the hugeness of it was really neat.''

But Delagrave added this tournament is just one step on the way to a much bigger end goal.

"Our rallying cry is the road to Rio,'' he said.

"The major medal we want is the gold medal, and Australia has that.

"We're gonna go out there and know that they have what we want.''

Wheelchair rugby combines elements of rugby, basketball and ice hockey and requires participants to have a disability involving function loss of both upper and lower limbs.

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This is a sordid, story tale

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FOOTBALL Federation Australia have requested FIFA provide compensation for the $43 million spent on Australia's unsuccessful World Cup bid.

The FFA's bold move comes in the wake of FIFA manouverings to play the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during the winter months to avoid the Arab state's searing summer temperatures.

Australia's bid was predicated on the tournament being played during the European summer, as per tradition, to avoid a clash with lucrative club competitions.

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The FFA have asked FIFA to make "an in-principle decision that just and fair compensation should be paid to those nations that invested many millions, and national prestige, in bidding for a summer event" if the tournament is shifted to Qatar's winter.

Australia's football governing body has also suggested that, should FIFA shift the tournament to Qatar's winter, "a transparent process should be established to examine the scheduling implications for all leagues and a method developed for agreeing appropriate compensation for those affected."

"We will be seeking compensation for the full amount spent, every cent, if the tournament moves (to Qatar's winter)," an FFA source said. "We'll be looking for a full refund."

FFA chairman Frank Lowy advised FIFA not to rush a decision on shifting seasons for the 2022 World Cup at their executive committee meeting on October 3. Lowy clarified Australia's position in a letter to FIFA president Sepp Blatter in July.

"Australia invested heavily in the World Cup process and the entire nation was behind the bid," Lowy said. "Since December 2010 Australia has been careful not to let its misgivings about the process be interpreted as sour grapes.

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QATAR 'COULD LOSE 2022 WORLD CUP' 

FOX SPORTS' SIMON HILL LAMBASTS FIFA'S PROCESSES

A TIMELINE OF THE FARCE SINCE FIFA AWARDED 2022 WORLD CUP TO QATAR

SEPP BLATTER ADMITS THE QATAR DECISION WAS A MISTAKE

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"But now, with increasing speculation about a change that will impact on us as one of the bidding nations, and because our competition will be affected, we have made our position public.

"Our season takes place during the Australian summer to avoid a clash with other local football codes, a move that was necessary because the A-League simply could not get access to the high standard stadiums required as they were being used by other codes during the Australian winter.

"If the World Cup were to be staged in the middle of our A-League season it would impact on our competition, not just for 2022, but for the seasons leading up to and beyond that date.

"Clubs, investors, broadcasters, players and fans would all be affected.

"FIFA has an opportunity now to make the best of a bad situation by embarking on a transparent and orderly approach, unlike the process that led to the original flawed decision in December 2010.

"FIFA champions the notion of 'Fair Play' and that principle should apply to the decisions it makes in the coming months."

Lowy added that FIFA should not make a decision on shifting the seasons for the Qatar tournament until FIFA's ethics committee, chaired by Mr Michael Garcia, finished its inquiries into the 2022 World Cup bidding process.

"Better to let the independent investigative process run its natural course and then, with those issues settled, make a clear-eyed assessment about rescheduling and its consequences," Lowy said.

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Cat questions "soft" suspension

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GEELONG has accepted Paul Chapman's one-game ban, ruling him out of Friday night's preliminary final against Hawthorn.

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But the Cats have expressed their unhappiness with the verdict and the way the match review panel runs, while Chapman has questioned if the game is turning soft.

Cats coach Chris Scott confirmed on Tuesday morning Chapman would plead guilty, accepting a 25 per cent discount that allows him to accept a one-match suspension.

"We're not going to challenge that one, that's not to say that we agree with the decision," he said.

"I think there will be a time for the AFL as an industry to discuss the merits of these decisions, the process by which they are arrived at, but that's not this week.

"We are focussing on a preliminary final and at the end of the season everyone will get together to talk about these things."

Scott said Chapman was coping well.

"He's actually pretty good, he's pretty philosophical about these things. We understand the system is stacked against you."

Earlier, Chapman said he was frustrated with the decision and the direction the game was heading.

"They have their rules and I suppose I broke them, but, you know, is the game getting softer?" he said.

"These are the questions you sort of have to ask."

Chapman was hit with a one-match suspension for rough conduct against Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray.

Geelong would have had to challenge the verdict at the AFL Tribunal if it wanted Chapman for Friday night's preliminary final against Hawthorn.

But the move would have carried a big risk - if Chapman's challenge failed he could have been rubbed out for two games, ruling him out of the Grand Final if the Cats make it.

The match review panel deemed Chapman's bump on Gray to be reckless (two points), of low impact (one point) and high contact (two points).

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Chapman was yesterday hit with a one-match suspension for rough conduct against Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray.

Geelong would have had to challenge the verdict at the AFL Tribunal tonight if it wanted Chapman for Friday night's preliminary final against Hawthorn.

But the move would have carried a big risk - if Chapman's challenge failed he could have been rubbed out for two games, ruling him out of the Grand Final if the Cats make it.

Chapman said this morning he was frustrated with the decision and the direction the game was heading.

"They have their rules and I suppose I broke them, but, you know, is the game getting softer?" he told the AFL website.

"These are the questions you sort of have to ask," he said.

The match review panel deemed Chapman's bump on Gray to be reckless (two points), of low impact (one point) and high contact (two points).

It drew a total of 225 demerit points - and a two-game penalty - that can be reduced to one match by pleading guilty.

Sydney fared better when key defender Ted Richards escaped suspension for his hit on Carlton's Levi Casboult.

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Genia faces fight to displace White

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IF Will Genia thought it would be easy to win back the Wallabies starting halfback role, he would have quickly changed his mind on Saturday night.

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Brumbies No.9 Nic White put in an impressive display in his starting debut as the Wallabies broke their four-match losing run with a 14-13 win over Argentina in Perth.

White's kicking for touch was crucial in the wet and windy conditions, while his composure under pressure also earned high praise.

New Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie was so pleased with White's performance that he didn't even feel the need to call upon Genia's services from the bench.

The Wallabies have a week off before taking on South Africa in Cape Town, and McKenzie admits he faces a tough decision over whether to start White or Genia.

White is intent on keeping the No.9 jersey, and he made a strong case to back up his argument.

"The big stage didn't slow him down. he didn't go into his shell,'' McKenzie said.

Nic White clears the ball. His kicking game provided a boost for the Wallabies against Argentina. Source: Getty Images

"Nic would have one of the strongest kicking games in the country.

"He has a strong running game too.

"I don't think we have to be embarrassed about having two international-standard halfbacks. I think it's a great thing for Australian rugby.

"You want to have selection headaches. If you haven't got anything to think about at the selection table, it would be disappointing. You want pressure.''

White admitted he was nervous before the match, but he enjoyed the experience.

He hopes Saturday's performance is just the start of bigger and better things to come.

"I thought it was going to be tough to get that No.9 jersey off Will. He's had his hands on that jersey for a long time now,'' White said.

"I knew that if this opportunity came, it wouldn't come very often. I had to make the most of it.''

However, Genia's credentials will be hard to ignore for McKenzie.

Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who is now an adviser with Argentina, said a return to form for Genia would prove crucial to Australia's chances of once again matching it with New Zealand.

"I thought he was the best halfback in the world a year ago,'' Henry said.

"When I was coaching the All Blacks he was the real worry for us.

"We used to spend quite a bit of time practising defence against Genia and (Quade) Cooper type players, because they were the major threat.

"That threat isn't there as it used to be. So something's going on. And maybe this is the way to reignite him.

"He'll come again, because he's too good a player not to.''

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Ten arrested in match-fixing probe

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TEN people have been arrested in Victoria in a multi-million dollar match-fixing scandal that has rocked Australian soccer.

The Purana taskforce has been investigating $2 million in betting on Victorian Premier League soccer fixture, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

Ten people have been arrested over the probe.

Players and staff from one club are embroiled in the investigation, a police statement said.

Many of the players arrested are from the United Kingdom and were playing in the Victorian league in their off-season.

Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton said detecting, disrupting and deterring this kind of illegal activity was crucial to maintaining the integrity of sport in Australia.

"Further match fixing risks are imminent in Australia, partly because of localised overseas betting on Australian sporting events due to our favourable time zone," Mr Ashton said.

"It is vital that we continue gathering intelligence to take preventative action to make it difficult for organised crime to infiltrate our sporting codes.

"Our Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit plays an important role in this space and will continue to conduct high level intelligence investigations across a range of serious organised and emerging crime within the sporting and racing industries.

"It's believed there has been estimated betting winnings in Australia and overseas of more than $2 million identified to date in connection with this particular operation.

"We will continue to work with the relevant sporting codes and the Australian Crime Commission to create an environment that is hostile to those seeking to engage in illegal activities involving our sporting codes."

The investigation started in August after information was received from Football Federation of Australia.

Those arrested could face match-fixing charges, which carry a penalty of up to 10 years in jail.

The arrests have shocked Australian soccer chiefs with Football Federation Victoria - the state's governing body - holding urgent talks with Football Federation this afternoon to establish how the scandal could have occurred and what response to take.

FFA CEO David Gallop welcomed the investigation relating to suspicious betting activity and welcomed the investigation by the Sports Integrity Intelligence Unit within the force.

"The integrity of football is paramount,'' said Gallop.

"We provided information to Victoria Police within 24 hours of receiving an alert from our international betting integrity monitoring agents Sportradar, who then worked closely with the investigation team.

"The arrests today show that the integrity measures put in place by FFA are working to detect illegal betting activity.

"We're determined to keep football clean. Alongside other sports bodies in Australia and globally, we must eradicate corrupt behaviour from sport.''

In addition to the criminal proceedings in Victoria, FFA will charge the people arrested today under FFA's National Code of Conduct.

They will face a range of sanctions including life bans from football which would apply worldwide.
 

A source said Victorian soccer chiefs were "absolutely shocked" by the news.

A tall man was escorted into St Kilda Rd Police station about 1pm today with a blue hooded top covering his face.

But police refused to say if the arrest was linked to the match fixing bust.

The State Government and soccer officials are expected to comment later today.

The investigation comes after the Herald Sun revealed last week that the AFL had warned the State Government match-fixing syndicates could infiltrate the league.

- with AAP

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