Crocker named Bunnies skipper

Michael Crocker ... named South Sydney captain. Source: Brett Costello / AAP

South Sydney have dumped their co-captaincy structure, installing Michael Crocker as their sole skipper for the 2013 NRL season.

The Rabbitohs blossomed into a finals team last season under the leadership of five co-captains, one of them Crocker, where they fell just one game short of a grand final appearance.

But 32-year-old Crocker, a Queensland and Australian representative, stood above Roy Asotasi, Sam Burgess, Matt King and John Sutton in the eyes of the players and coach Michael Maguire.

"We are one group here at the Rabbitohs and the players and staff decided that the way to go, in terms of leadership this year, was to have a leadership group directing things with Michael to act as the captain on field and as a spokesperson off the field,'' Maguire said in a statement.

"Crock has demonstrated over a number of years that he is a strong leader on and off the field, and really acted in this role for the latter part of last season as it was.

"I'm delighted to be working with Michael at this level again and I'm looking forward to him and the leadership group developing their skills to lead further, as well as helping nurture the next group of players coming through as leaders at this club.''

Crocker said the leadership would still be shared among the senior players.

"Part of our culture is that we are one group and, as captain, I will simply be the spokesperson on the field and, in some cases, off the field as well for the playing group,'' he said.

"The leadership group is full of strong characters and people who want to see the team achieve everything it can, and we know that the whole squad will be working in the one direction to make that happen.

''... it's an honour to captain this side and we will do everything we can to have a successful season in 2013.''

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Indigenous boys storm to victory

Stars ... Inglis and Barba were on their game for Indigenous All Stars. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

The dark cloud hanging over Australian sport received a welcome silver lining as Canterbury-Bankstown sensation Ben Barba inspired the Indigenous All Stars' 32-6 win over an NRL 'who's who' at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

After an Australian Crime Commission investigation uncovered systemic drug use in sport with links to organised crime, Barba tried to provide the shot in the arm disillusioned NRL fans craved in the official season kick-off in a sublime display.

Stealing the limelight in an All Stars game is no mean feat.

But reigning Dally M Medallist Barba effortlessly stole the show with three tries, forming a deadly combination with North Queensland five-eighth Johnathan Thurston.

And Barba appears destined to again combine with Thurston this year in Queensland State of Origin colours after picking up on Saturday night where he left off in his breakthrough 2012 NRL season.

Barba did his best to keep the 41,021-strong Suncorp Stadium faithful on their feet after the All Stars concept came under fire in the lead-up to the fourth annual clash, held for the first time in Brisbane this year.

A lucrative pre-season nines tournament mooted for New Zealand next year has placed pressure on the existence of the All Stars showcase.

Barba provided one good reason to keep the faith with the concept, although a lacklustre second half ensured a restless crowd resorted to starting a Mexican wave.

The lack of second-half highlights coincided with Barba being rested in the final quarter after opting to ice a hamstring niggle.

The Indigenous All Stars squared the ledger at 2-2 with their NRL counterparts thanks to hat-tricks by Barba and flying Canberra Raiders winger Reece Robinson.

The feel-good vibe in the Indigenous camp threatened to turn sour when Thurston was felled by Willie Mason contesting a bomb in the dying minutes.

After the heart of Indigenous coach Laurie Daley - and, no doubt, Queensland mentor Mal Meninga - skipped a beat, Thurston eventually regained his feet and gave a thumbs up to team staff.

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Wanderers win, march into second

Scorer ... Youssouf Hersi celebrates with the crowd. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Western Sydney Wanderers' dream debut A-League season continued as they climbed to second spot with a 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday night at Campbelltown Stadium.

Youssouf Hersi and Mark Bridge scored in either half as the Wanderers registered their fifth-straight win, the best streak of any team this season.

The win in front of 10,589 fans lifted the newcomers two points above Melbourne Victory, with the sides to meet at AAMI Park next Saturday.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	20	12	6	2	22	42
2	Western Sydney	20	12	2	6	11	38
3	Victory	20	11	3	6	3	36
4	Adelaide	20	11	2	7	3	35
5	Heart	20	7	3	10	-1	24
6	Newcastle	20	6	5	9	-9	23
7	Brisbane	19	6	3	10	-1	21
8	Sydney	19	6	3	10	-9	21
9	Wellington	20	5	5	10	-15	20
10	Perth	20	5	4	11	-4	19

The Wanderers trail leaders Central Coast by four points.

A change away from their regular home base at Parramatta did little to halt Western Sydney's momentum, though they were made to work hard by the Jets.

The visitors had the best early chance when they hit the post in the 18th minute.

Sam Gallaway set up the opportunity with a brilliant piece of skill out wide and Emile Heskey looked certain to score only for Nikolai Topor-Stanley to deflect his close-range shot on to the crossbar.

Hersi also squandered an excellent chance in the 25 minute, shooting straight at Mark Birighitti after breaking on goal.

The Wanderers mounted pressure in attack but couldn't finish a brilliant team move when Bridge was denied by Birighitti's outstretched foot in the 38th minute.

But Western Sydney were finally rewarded for their dominance just before halftime however when Hersi made the breakthrough.

The Jets failed to clear a Shinji Ono free-kick and Hersi's shot rebounded off Birighitti and dropped just inside the goal.

The visitors muscled their way into the game in the second half, but there were few genuine chances for either side until the late stages.

Tony Popovic withdrew Hersi and Ono but Bridge provided the spark to put the home side up 2-0 in the 83rd minute.

The striker collected the ball from Jerome Polenz and showed great strength to hold off the challenge of Josh Mitchell and finish brilliantly from a tight angle.

Jets captain Ruben Zadkovich ensured some nervous moments when he scored from outside the box in stoppage time.

There was a heated exchange as Heskey and Ryan Griffiths fought with Ante Covic to get a quick restart but the Jets ran out of time.

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Victoria pull off miracle win

Hero ... John Hastings proved to be the match-winner for Victoria. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited

A stunning late batting assault by John Hastings delivered Victoria a two-wicket win against South Australia on Saturday and a spot in the domestic one-day final.

Chasing 256, the Bushrangers appeared doomed until Hastings smacked 69 not out from 57 balls to steal victory at Adelaide Oval.

Despite Redbacks' quick Kane Richardson making a triumphant return with five wickets, Victoria won with three balls to spare.

ODD - Adelaide Oval

9 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Victoria 1st Innings

J. Hastings	69	57	6	3	121.05
D. Pattinson	16	16	0	1	100
D. Christian	11.2	0	56	0	4.94

Victoria's triumph takes them to 23 points and they can finish no lower than second after the tournament's minor round.

SA, with 18 points and two games remaining, are favoured to take the other berth in the February 27 playoff.

Queensland (15 points) and Western Australia (14 points) remain chances but both have just one match left.

Hastings' heroics came after Victoria stumbled to 4-60 in their chase before David Hussey (87) raised the visitors' hopes.

But when Hussey fell in the 40th over, Victoria were still 69 runs shy of their target.

Hastings then smashed six fours and three sixes in a match-winning display which overshadowed Redback quick Richardson's superb bowling.

Richardson had not played top-line cricket since being banned from further bowling for running on the pitch during his Australian limited-overs debut last month.

But intensive remedial work on his bowling stride paid instant rewards with 5-61 from 13 overs.

Earlier, SA strokeplayer Callum Ferguson struck 110 and Michael Klinger made 87, as Victorian legspinner Fawad Ahmed made an eye-catching debut.

The Pakistani-born tweaker took 3-47 and earned rave reviews from Australian legend Allan Border and Tom Moody, both television commentators calling for Ahmed to be considered as a late addition to Australia's tour of India.

But Ahmed, who fled Pakistan fearing for his life for supposedly promoting western values and was granted asylum last November, is ineligible for Australia until next November.

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Del Piero: It's a world problem

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Global problem ... Alessandro Del Piero says Australia is not alone its sporting problems. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Italian soccer superstar Alessandro Del Piero, playing his first season with the A-League's Sydney FC, says issues of doping and match-fixing are a global problem.

The Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report into drugs in sport has illustrated that despite the tyranny of distance the country is not immune to the shadowy networks seeking to influence and profit from modern sport at all levels.

As disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong faces the prospect of jail time, Europol raised allegations of match-fixing in hundreds of games worldwide and Spain's anti-doping agency is investigating allegations doping practices have spread from cycling into football.

It is a situation that has evolved over the past 24 hours in a shocking parallel to events in Australia.

During Del Piero's time at Juventus the esteemed Italian football club was involved in a match-fixing scandal in 2006, when their punishments included being relegated and stripped of two Serie A titles.

Asked for his reaction to revelations from the ACC regarding widespread doping and possible match-fixing Del Piero said on Friday: ''It is a serious problem''.

''It's not only an Australian problem it's all the world a problem, it's not a good thing.''

Asked if Australia could learn anything from Italy's experiences with corruption Del Piero said: ''I don't know if there is corruption here.

''I don't know what is the level of doping, it's just the start of the situation now.''

In Paris, tennis great Rafael Nadal has echoed the sentiments of the likes of senior rugby league figure Phil Gould here in Australia that all sportspeople are being tarred with the same brush of doping.

Nadal wants the names of those implicated in the ''Operation Puerto'' trial into blood doping to be provided to clear others of wrongdoing.

''I don't understand why we never get to the bottom of these things,'' Nadal said.

''We need to clean everything up. I believe this doctor has worked with foreign athletes but because he is Spanish it is Spanish sport that is being prejudiced.

''As an athlete that hurts me. Because of people like (US cyclist Lance) Armstrong, we all have a dubious image.''

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Reds end Victory's winning streak

Jeronimoooooo ... celebrates with Casio after scoring against Melbourne Victory. Source: Ben MacMahon / AAP

Their coach was banished but Adelaide United's players bashed Melbourne Victory into submission in a rough-house 1-0 triumph in Friday night's A-League match.

Adelaide's Jeronimo Neumann scored the winner in a foul-tempered affair at Hindmarsh Stadium featuring six yellow cards and one red.

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

Snapping a three-game losing streak, Adelaide rose to within a point of the second-placed Victory on the ladder, adopting brutal tactics on their arch rivals who lost star striker Archie Thompson to injury.

The red-lining Reds copped five yellow cards in the initial 40 minutes, resulting in caretaker coach Michael Valkanis snapping at referees.

Volcanic Valkanis' eruption resulted in him being sent from the sidelines, and Neumann scored as he was marching down the tunnel.

Neumann leapt high to meet Dario Vidosic's sweet, sweeping cross from near the by-line, the Argentine crunching a close-range header into the net in the 42nd minute.

Adelaide celebrated wildly, suitable given their testy first-half mood in which they aggressively knocked the Victory off-course.

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Miss something? Relive the action at our interactive Match Centre.

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The Reds saved special force for their former teammate and now Melbourne playmaker Marcos Flores, who was fouled five times in the first half.

Adelaide's savage tactics worked: the Victory failed to register a single shot at goal in an opening half marred by Thompson's 35th minute departure with a cramped left hamstring and back spasms.

Ironically, it was Melbourne who went a player down when defender Adama Traore copped a straight red card for a late tackle on Jon McKain in the 75th minute.

The Victory had only recorded their first shot at goal some four minutes earlier when Marcos Rojas sprayed a speculative right-footer metres wide of the target.

Melbourne logged just three scoring attempts for the match, with just one on target.

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Watson stars in Australia win

Great start ... Australia players celebrate the wicket of West Indies batsman Johnson Charles (R). Source: AP

Opener Aaron Finch again failed to cement his place in the one-day picture looking towards the 2015 World Cup, but batting partner Shane Watson continued to flourish at the top of the order in Australia's comfortable game-four win over the West Indies.

4th ODI - Sydney Cricket Ground

8 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Australia 1st Innings

M. Wade	13	7	1	1	185.71
G. Maxwell	4	2	1	0	200
T. Best	9.5	0	41	2	4.17

Finch was out for 25 and missed another golden opportunity to score runs in Australia's five-wicket win at the SCG on Friday night.

But Watson continued to take his chances and prove he's best suited to opening the batting in all forms with a rock-solid half century.

Watson smashed a brilliant ton on Wednesday in Canberra in his ODI return from injury, and followed up with 76 from 84 balls on Friday, as Australia chased down the West Indies' meagre total of 220 with 5.1 overs to spare.

Vice-captain Watson's timing is perfect given he's determined to return to opening in the four-Test Test series against India.

The West Indies were 6-55 and facing the embarrassment of another sub-100 total on Friday, before a dazzling rearguard century from allrounder Kieron Pollard saved face.

But his 109 not out couldn't prevent Australia going up 4-0 and within arms reach of an all-too-easy series clean-sweep in Melbourne on Sunday.

On an individual front, though, things don't look as rosy for Finch.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that selectors made a decision to give him a sustained crack at nailing down a short-form spot this summer.

But Finch hasn't been able to convert his excellent Ryobi Cup (averaging 99.4) and Big Bash (66.4) form and lock up a position ahead of June's Champions Trophy and, in turn, the World Cup in two years.

In ODIs this summer, Finch has averaged 21 with a highest score of 38.

Earlier, Australian pace bowler Mitchell Johnson (3-36) had the Windies reeling at 3-17 after eight overs.

Ben Cutting (3-45) also nabbed his first three-wicket haul in ODIs after being called into the team for the rested Mitchell Starc - who also won't play in Melbourne.

Adam Voges (28) replaced George Bailey, who was ruled out with a slight hamstring strain and captain Michael Clarke made 37 before falling with one run required for victory.

Man of the match Pollard came to the crease at 3-17 in the eighth over, and his third ODI century at least kept the groaning 18,161 fans interested for longer.

Watson was dropped by wicketkeeeper Devon Thomas on 32 with the score 1-78.

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Cooper KO's Dunnett in debut

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Quade Cooper ... Ko's Barry Dunnett. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

All of a sudden, there is another car crash to investigate for Barry Dunnett.

Power-punching Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper made a spectacular professional boxing debut by dropping Brisbane insurance agent Dunnett in the first round of their cruiserweight bout on Friday night.

Car crash assessor Dunnett (1-2 record) said ahead of his bout with Cooper that he wanted to step up for all frustrated pro fighters and end the ``annoying'' habit of code hoppers like the Queensland Reds playmaker switching to boxing.

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

However, Cooper bounced back magnificently to fell Dunnett with a stunning combination, ensuring the fight was all over within three minutes.

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

However, Cooper bounced back from an early Dunnett assault to stun his opponent and ensure a perfect start to his professional career.

The only downside for Cooper was that his Reds teammates had missed out on his historic debut.

Queensland were playing their final pre-season Super Rugby trial against defending champions the Chiefs on the Sunshine Coast on Friday night.

"I wish him well but it is on the same time so we can only see it on TV,'' Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie said.

"It's a bold initiative from him to stand up in front of everyone. I will be interested how he goes.''

Reds captain James Horwill said the Reds were filthy that they could not attend Cooper's debut.

"But I am sure I will see enough highlights. It's not like they will miss it.''

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Investigation finds widespread drug use

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United front ... Australia's top sporting CEOs pledged to crack down on drug cheats. Source:News Limited

The findings of a year-long government investigation which found widespread use of banned drugs in Australian professional sport and links with organised crime "are shocking and will disgust Australian fans".

What It Examined

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

What It Found

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

The Australian Crime Commission released the findings of a 12-month investigation into the integrity of Australian sport and the relationship between professional sporting bodies, prohibited substances and organised crime.

It said the links may have resulted in match-fixing and fraudulent manipulation of betting markets.

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The key findings of the investigation identified widespread use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs in professional sport.

It said that in some cases players were being administered with substances that have not yet been approved for human use.

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Looking for a simplified version of the ACC's report? Check it out here!

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Justice Minister Jason Clare said one possible case of match-fixing was already under investigation, though he did not identify the sport.

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"The findings are shocking and will disgust Australian sports fans," Clare said.

The ACC also identified organised crime identities and groups that are involved in the distribution of PIEDS (Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs), to athletes and professional sports stars.

The ACC report noted increasing evidence of personal relationships of concern between professional athletes and organised criminal identities and groups.

"The ACC has found that professional sport in Australia is highly vulnerable to infiltration by organised crime. Multiple athletes from a number of clubs in major Australian sporting codes are suspected of currently using or having used peptides," Clare said.

"Official from clubs have also been identified as administering, via injections and intravenous drips, a variety of substances."

Clare added: "It's cheating, but it's worse than that: it's cheating with the help of criminals."

Sports Minister Kate Lundy said revelations from international cycling showed that doping could be well organised and systemic and conducted in parallel with a comprehensive testing regime.

"With doping becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is less likely that anti-doping violations will be detected through analytical means alone," she said.

The National Rugby League CEO Dave Smith said rugby league would be strong in meeting emerging threats in world sport.

"As sports we have to get this right and we will," Smith said.

"We are committed to working with ASADA and the Government in dealing with these threats and in addition to that will strengthen our own investigative capability.

"Regardless of the outcome of those investigations, there is an opportunity here to take the initiative in terms of the integrity of sport.

"Our fans and the absolute majority of our players deserve nothing less."

Federal sports minister Kate Lundy said the government was moving to introduce tough new measures to crack down on the use of banned drugs and unethical behaviour in sport.

"Today is about the integrity of sport in Australia," Lundy said.

"If you want to dope and cheat, we will catch you. If you want to fix a match, we will catch you.

"And as you can see by the investigations that have taken place, that we are well on the way to seeking out and hunting down those who will dope and cheat."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he doesn't know how many individual clubs are involved in the potentially illegal drug use.

"But everybody here is very clear about the rules we operate under," he said.

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

The report concluded that some coaches, sports scientists and support staff of elite athletes have orchestrated and/or condoned the use of prohibited substances.

Some sports scientists have indicated a willingness to administer substances to elite athletes which are untested or not yet approved for human use.

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Finch to lead A-team against Lions

Opener Aaron Finch has been named Australia A captain ahead of Tim Paine while selectors have also put a reinvigorated Shaun Marsh back into their 50-over plans.

Australia's selection panel has looked ahead to the 2015 World Cup by choosing the strongest available 12-man squad to play a five-match one-day series against the England Lions this month.

As well as Victorian power-hitter Finch, the squad includes current Australian one-day team members Ben Cutting and Adam Voges.

Former international batsmen Marsh and Callum Ferguson are back in the selectors plans as well as wicketkeeper Paine, bowling allrounder John Hastings and NSW quick Josh Hazlewood.

"In selecting this 12-man squad ... the panel had the development of players for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup very much in mind," chief selector John Inverarity said.

"With the Test squad being in India, these 12 players will have a chance to push for higher honours by doing well against a strong England Lions outfit."

But with Australia's 17 best players in India, and the next rung of 12 playing against the Lions in Hobart and Sydney from February 16 to March 1, the states will be robbed of many of their best players for crucial Sheffield Shield and Ryobi Cup matches.

The interstate one-day competition will be most affected as the last four matches and the final will not feature Test or A-team players.

Australia A squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Tim Paine, Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Callum Ferguson, Adam Voges, John Hastings, Ben Cutting, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Boyce.

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Top class Mariners sink Phoenix

Top class ... Central Coast Mariners thump Wellington Phoenix. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

A Bernie Ibini brace helped A-League leaders Central Coast to an emphatic 5-0 win over battling Wellington on Thursday in Gosford.

Ibini scored in the 30th and 87th minutes as the Mariners ran riot to move six points clear at the head of the A-League ladder.

The in-form Ibini was ably backed up by Daniel McBreen who continued his incredible goal-scoring run, and Central Coast kept their impregnable home record record intact.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	20	12	6	2	22	42
2	Victory	19	11	3	5	4	36
3	Western Sydney	19	11	2	6	10	35
4	Adelaide	19	10	2	7	2	32
5	Newcastle	19	6	5	8	-8	23
6	Brisbane	19	6	3	10	-1	21
7	Heart	19	6	3	10	-3	21
8	Sydney	19	6	3	10	-9	21
9	Wellington	20	5	5	10	-15	20
10	Perth	19	5	4	10	-2	19

The Mariners are two wins clear of Melbourne Victory on top of the A-League table and, with a massive goal difference of 22, are looking increasingly difficult to reel in.

Ibini's second goal, created by a superb through ball from McBreen, was followed by another from substitute Mitchell Duke on a memorable night for the home side.

McBreen, the league's leading goal-scorer, claimed his 15th of the year in the 69th minute as the Mariners extended their undefeated home record this season to 10 games - nine wins and one draw.

In the lead-up to the clash, Mariners' coach Graham Arnold challenged his side to aim for 50 premiership points, as they seek a second straight premiership, and they responded in kind.

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Re-live all the action from the Mariners big win, including video highlights, at our A-League Match Centre.

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Ibini's first-half goal was added to by John Hutchinson strike in the 65th minute and a bullet header from the irrepressible McBreen from a corner in the 68th minute.

Earlier, Pedj Bojic had missed two golden chances to extend the Mariners' lead. But that mattered little as they decimated the second-last Phoenix who have little to look forward to in the final third of the season - in stark contrast to their conquerers.

Arnold heaped praised on his side after the win.

"I thought we were very, very good," he said.

"I'm very happy - it was fantastic.

"(But) it could have been 10 ... I was disappointed with the execution over 90 minutes."

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert pulled no punches in assessing his side's effort.

"I thought we were hopeless tonight ... we were dreadful," he said.

"It was an embarrassing night for the club. It wasn't acceptable."

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SBW ready for familiar foe

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Familiar ... Sonny Bill Williams knows a lot about his opponent thanks to YouTube. Source: Dan Peled / AAP

Watching YouTube footage used to be Sonny Bill Williams' only training tool when he took up boxing.

And the man who kept appearing in his search results was a certain "Francois Botha".

Now the code-hopping Williams wants to kick-start his own boxing highlights reel - with Botha as his first big-name victim.

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Williams, 27, became a big fan of South Africa's Botha - dubbed the "White Buffalo" - when he took the unorthodox step of preparing for his first three pro fights by surfing through YouTube for hours.

These days, ex-All Black Williams takes his boxing a lot more seriously - and he had to after agreeing to take on his hero in their WBA International heavyweight title bout in Brisbane on Friday night.

"Hopefully I earn his respect but I won't be asking for an autograph," laughed Williams after weighing in at 107kg on Thursday before Botha, 44, tipped the scales at 115.25kg.

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Watch Sonny Bill Williams take on Francois Botha as well as Quade Cooper's boxing debut Live and Exclusive on Main Event, from 7pm (EDT) on Friday, February 8. Order the fight now!

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Williams (5-0 record) stared down Botha (48-8-3) after their weigh-in - but the Sydney Roosters NRL player already had a good look at the South African on his computer.

"When I first got into the boxing game, I watched a lot of fights on YouTube and obviously when you type in 'boxing', Frans' name comes up a lot," Williams said.

"I have seen a lot of his fights and studied him a lot. I have got a gameplan but one punch could change that."

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The quietly spoken Williams was in contrast to a boisterous Botha who took over their pre-fight media conference, even interrupting the weigh-in for Quade Cooper who will appear on Friday night's undercard.

"If he wins and bulks up, I am willing to fight him," Botha laughed, pointing to the Wallabies five-eighth.

Williams compared taking on the hulking Botha with tackling a 115kg Springbok prop.

"They breed them big over there and they just keep coming," he smiled.

"I will hit him with all I have got ... it will be a massive challenge.

"What's the worst that could happen - get knocked out? At least I tried.

"He's trying to play mind games but I have been involved in professional sport for 10 years so I know how all that works.

"I hopefully do all my talking in the ring."

In contrast to Williams, Cooper curiously didn't bother doing any research ahead of his professional boxing debut against car crash assessment officer Barry Dunnett, who has a Muay Thai background.

"I haven't seen any of his fights and I am not going to bother watching them," Cooper said.

"I am just going to follow the gameplan that I have."

The usually reserved Cooper (87.1kg) looked like he wanted to start the fight early in an intense face to face with Dunnett (88.6kg) after their weigh-in.

But clearly Dunnett wasn't intimidated.

"He doesn't look like an overly confident person - he couldn't even show up to this on time," Dunnett said.

"I don't go back to a $100,000 rugby contract after this so I will be going out there fighting hard."

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Berlusconi in Balotelli racist jibe

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Derogatory ... Mario Balotelli caught up in racism row at AC Milan. Source: Alberto Lingria / News Limited

Mario Balotelli is at the centre of a race controversy after he was called 'a little n---er' by the brother of Italian president Silvio Berlusconi.

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Newspaper boss Paolo Berlusconi, 64, made the shock remarks about Balotelli, 22, at a political rally just hours ahead of the former Manchester City player's debut for AC Milan - owned by Silvio Berlusconi - following his return to Italy.

According to the Daily Mail, Berlusconi was attending a rally for Fabrizio Sala, the candidate for his brother's right wing coalition People of Freedom party when he made the comments, which were greeted with laughter from the audience.

After initially cracking a joke about Costa Concordia captain Francesco Schettino, Berlusconi turned his attention to striker Balotelli and said: "I've finished. Right, we are all off to see the family's little n---er. He's a madhead. All the young ladies are invited as well - you can even have a chance to meet the president (Silvio Berlusconi)."

Paolo Berlusconi's comments were greeted with laughter by the crowd and video footage of the rally in Monza on the outskirts of Milan showed him smiling at himself.

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Wayne's blueprint to fix Uate defence

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Akuila Uate ... says Wayne Bennett has fixed solved his defensive issues. Source: Renee McKay / AAP

Attacking sensation Akuila Uate believes his Newcastle NRL coach Wayne Bennett is the man to rid him of his defensive demons and take his career to new heights.

The broad-smiling Knights flyer, at home beating players with sheer pace or running over the top of them with brute power, lost his NSW State of Origin jumper last year because he was considered a defensive liability against Queensland.

The triple Dally M winger of the year - described by Newcastle great Andrew Johns as the best athlete he had laid eyes on when he came to the club in 2008 - admits it cut deep being dumped for last year's Origin decider.

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"It was tough, very tough at the time, but I got over it," he told AAP ahead of his second NRL All Stars appearance on Saturday night.

"You have to move on."

All Stars coach Bennett didn't say anything to Uate after his tough Origin axing.

But he's been working with him on his defensive decision-making and technique during the pre-season.

"I've been working with Wayne, more on my defence, and I know it's getting better," said the 25 year-old powerhouse, on the verge of signing a new lucrative deal with the Knights.

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"I know it's going to get better in the future with Wayne's help - he's a genius in everything."

Uate didn't care too much about what people said about him.

"In the end, it is about me and what I can do on the field," he said.

"I know I am going to get better and better."

Uate has established himself as one of the most destructive ball-runners in the NRL having scored 70 tries in 90 games for the Knights.

With Bennett's expertise and impressive record of transforming average defenders into solid defenders, he is excited about a representative recall in 2013.

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"Definitely - Wayne can make me a heaps better player," he said.

"He's already taught me heaps like not just doing the big things, but also the little things."

Bennett believes Uate burns himself out by racing into dummy half too often.

"You can't just come in when you want. Wayne's been teaching me to come in at the right time. That's one of the things I am working on at the moment," he said.

Excited to again be back in the All Stars, Uate has taken over from Petero Civoniceva as Fiji's favourite NRL player.

"There is a lot of pride in that,'' he said.

"Petero will always be there forever but I know a lot of people are following me.

"You know that when you get back home and get treated like an idol."

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Watson ton sets up Aussie victory

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Big wicket ... Mitchell Starc picks up key man Dwayne Bravo at Manuka Oval. Source: Lukas Coch / AAP

A blistering century from Shane Watson has delivered a one-day international series victory to Australia as the West Indies let another win slip through their fingers in Canberra.

The West Indies were bowled out for 290, 39 runs shy of Australia's massive total of 7-329 at Manuka Oval.

3rd ODI - Manuka Oval

6 February 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

West Indies 1st Innings

D. Sammy	8	7	0	1	114.29
K. Roach	1	1	0	0	100
J. Faulkner	8.3	1	48	4	5.65

The win gives Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-game series.

The visitors were cruising at 2-195 before Mitchell Starc (1-50) was reintroduced into the attack and knocked over Dwayne Bravo for 51.

Bravo's exit sparked a middle-order collapse as Chris Gayle's (2) lean trot with the bat continued when he was clean bowled by James Faulkner (4-48).

Faulkner then backed it up three balls later, knocking over danger man Darren Bravo for 86.

West Indies all rounder Kieron Pollard was then run out by a brilliant piece of fielding by Mitchell Johnson - leaving the tourists well and truly reeling at 6-234.

Late cameos from Andre Russell (43) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (12) weren't enough to get the West Indies across the line and the tail was soon knocked over.

Australia's win was built on the back of a classy century from Man of the Match Shane Watson, who belted boundaries all around Manuka Oval, including a massive 114-metre six.

In his first innings back since injury, Watson constructed his patient century at just under a run a ball, before putting his foot down on the accelerator to finish at 122 off 111.

Phillip Hughes (86) fell short of his third one-day century of the summer when he was caught behind off the bowling of captain Darren Sammy.

Aaron Finch (38) and Michael Clarke (15) both failed to capitalise on steady starts.

Million dollar man Glenn Maxwell (4) improved on Sunday's golden duck before he was caught by Pollard one handed in one of the all-time great boundary-rope catches.

The ball looked to be heading for a certain six before Pollard leapt up, plucked the ball out of the air, and rolled back onto the earth just centimetres from the rope.

He pulled off a similarly impressive vertical leap on the boundary just two overs later when he dismissed George Bailey, who backed up Sunday's match-winning century with 44 off just 22 balls.

Sunil Narine returned the best bowling figures for the visitors with 2-55 off 10 overs.

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Ponting, Sachin joining forces

Legends ... Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting to join forces again. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar have begun plotting the Mumbai Indians' IPL game-plan via text message.

Ponting was picked up by Tendulkar's franchise for $US400,000 ($A386,000) in the IPL auction last week.

It caused one Indian media outlet to describe the pair playing together, and possibly opening the innings, as an "unprecedented miracle''."

I sent him a message as soon as the auction was over just to say I'm looking forward to playing with him,''

Ponting told reporters after making an unbeaten 138 for Tasmania at Bellerive.

"He sent a message straight back saying the same thing.

"It will be great fun for us to play together.

"We've played a lot against each other over the years and spent a little bit of time together off the field.

"I think I can still learn a fair bit from him as well.

"Hopefully he might even learn a few things off me.''

Ponting has embraced Twenty20 cricket after playing a full tournament for the first time, the Big Bash League with the Hobart Hurricanes.

"I never really felt that I'd got into the momentum of the game and I felt I did that this year with the Hurricanes and really enjoyed it,'' he said.

"I felt like, coming away, I had a really good grasp on how I needed to play to be a good Twenty20 player.''

The former Australian captain says he's still undecided about whether he'll play more domestic and T20 cricket next season.

"I really enjoyed the Big Bash and you enjoy a day like today,'' the 38-year-old said.

"No doubt I'll enjoy the IPL.

"But the thought of another pre-season's not overly exciting.''

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AFL probes Bombers training

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Training methods ... the Bombers are under investigation. Source: Jay Town / News Limited

The controversial fitness regime that helped ruin Essendon's AFL season last year could now bring the club to its knees.

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Ten days before Essendon's first NAB Cup match, they announced a joint investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and the league's integrity unit.

The investigation will look into unnamed supplements that the club gave to players.

ASADA's involvement raises the worst-case scenario for the the club and the AFL that Essendon players took substances that are banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency code.

If that has happened, it will be one of the biggest crises in AFL history.

Essendon's stunning revelation on Tuesday came after months of rumours surrounding supplement use by their players.

AFL commentator Gerard Healy has claimed that 12 months ago, the Bombers were inquiring at a Gold Coast sports medicine conference about the banned growth hormone GHRP6.

He added another club might be involved, but at this stage only Essendon are under investigation.

"There had been some officials from Essendon quietly asking about the substance known as GHRP6,'' Healy said on 3AW.

---

How is your team training ahead of FOX FOOTY SuperCoach this season? Select your team and get in the race for $50,000 now.

---

"From what I've heard over the last 12 months and today, it could not look any worse for the Bombers and, sadly, possibly one other club.''

Essendon's fitness program had already come under intense scrutiny last season when they suffered a shocking run of soft-tissue injuries and plummeted out of the top eight.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank has since left the club.

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Former Essendon player Kyle Reimers has accused the club of pushing the boundaries with supplement use.

There are also explosive claims that last year the players were asked to sign a form that effectively made them responsible for their supplement use.

Reimers, who was delisted at the end of last season, told Channel Nine he had concerns about what the players were being asked to take.

"Speaking to blokes from other clubs, I don't think anyone has ever thought about signing it or doing some of the stuff we were doing,'' Reimers said.

"They gave a brief outline, but never really went into too much detail about it.

"They admitted to us it was right on the edge.''

Essendon will not comment on any specifics - who is involved, the supplements involved or the circumstances of the controversy.

They claimed on Tuesday they only became aware of the issue in the last two days.

"Over the last 48 hours, Essendon have received information about supplements that have been given to our players as part of the fitness program in 2012,'' said club chairman David Evans.

Acting AFL football operations manager Gill McLachlan called the claims serious and concerning.

Evans and coach James Hird are confident that performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) are not involved.

But the grim looks on the faces of Evans, Hird and Bombers chief executive Ian Robson as they fronted the media highlighted the seriousness of the investigation.

"We certainly don't want to be sitting here, talking about this,'' Hird said.

"We want to get this investigation started. We want to get it done. We want to come out with a clean bill of health.

"We want to move on with the footy season.''

Evans described the issue as a minefield, while Hird admitted the potential scandal had blindsided him.

"The supplements our players were given, in my opinion and my knowledge, were all approved and within the regulations we all play the game by,'' Hird said.

"I'm very disappointed - shocked is probably the best word.

"I believe we followed processes, we put in place the right sort of processes.

"My understanding is we worked within the framework given to us by the AFL and WADA.

"I'm shocked to be sitting here.''

Evans and Hird said the club wanted a clean bill of health about the supplements that players had taken

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Gatland: I feel sorry for Deans

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Sympathetic ... Gatland (R) with Lions and Wales assistant coach Rob Howley. Source:AAP

British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has revealed he feels sorry for fellow New Zealander and Wallabies counterpart Robbie Deans.

As both Lions and Wales head coach, Gatland is no stranger to the pressure that comes with the job, but he sympathises with the extreme scrutiny Deans comes under.

"I feel a little bit sorry for him, as a fellow kiwi, for the expectations he's had in Australia," said Gatland.

"Continually Robbie's been under a bit of pressure."

The Lions are coming to Australia to face the Wallabies in June this year and, despite Australia's rough patch in 2012, Gatland worries about the prospect of facing a, albeit rare, full-strength side.

"I think they're going to improve by having some real quality come back into the side," he said.

"You look at players like Will Genia, Quade Cooper, (James) O'Connor and James Horwill."

"So when you put in that x-factor, and if they're all available to them when we play them in June/July, it's going to be a really top quality series."

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Probe scientist worked for Manly

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Probe ... Stephen Dank (right) used to work with NRL premiers Manly. Source: Alan Pryke / News Limited

He's the mystery man who made a name for himself with innovative sports science methods including delving into the genetic build-up of players.

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Stephen Dank would research the DNA of star NRL players to help structure their training programs.

He worked at Manly with Dean "The Weapon" Robinson before the pair reunited at Windy Hill.

But 2012 didn't go to plan and Dank was a quick casualty. The club and Dank parted company late last year. The Weapon has been stood down by the club pending the investigation from the AFL and ASADA.

Most of us had not heard of Dank before the Essendon press conference, and while it is not known if he is linked to the current investigation, let's find out more about him...

WHO IS STEPHEN DANK?

- A physiologist from Sydney who became known in Australia's sporting landscape a decade ago, when working for NRL outfit Manly Sea Eagles

- Dank grabbed headlines in 2004 when, working for NRL club Manly, he pioneered testing players' DNA to increase performance.

- This allowed Manly to tailor speed, power, weight and endurance programs to suit the make-up of their stars.

- In 2008 Dank put it on the record that he did not do media interviews

- Dank was known to work with calves' blood, altitude training machines, while his DNA program made Manly global pioneers

- Dank worked closely with Manly coach Dessie Hassler before joining Essendon

- Dank was sacked from the Bombers at the end of last season amid the fallout from the injury epidemic and Essendon's dramatic demise in the second half of the year

- It is believed Dank has since taken up a role at a different AFL club.

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Horwill wants to take on Lions

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Reds ... James Horwill is looking forward to returning from injury. Source: Rohan Kelly / News Limited

Keen to make up for lost time from his career's most frustrating injury, Queensland captain James Horwill wants to play in the Reds' clash with the British and Irish Lions and does not believe a "blanket ban'' should be thrown on Wallabies players for the tour match.

Horwill's first priority is ditching "Team Rehab'' and running out for the Reds in their final pre-season trial against the Chiefs on the Sunshine Coast on Friday.

It will end a frustrating eight-month battle with a hamstring tear suffered against the ACT Brumbies last May.

However, Horwill admitted he also had the visiting Lions in his sights despite the Reds being tipped to rest their Wallabies stars in the June 8 tour match.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has indicated he would prefer a long camp build-up to the Lions series, ensuring representative stars would be withdrawn from Australian Super Rugby franchises ahead of the series opener on June 22 at Suncorp Stadium.

But Horwill hoped Wallabies players' availability was assessed on an individual basis ahead of Lions tour clashes.

The Lions play five matches in Australia leading into the Test series, including two with their full-strength side - against the Reds and NSW Waratahs (June 15).

"You would love to play against the Lions but that's something you have to weight up on an individual basis, how they are feeling and how much football they have played,'' Horwill said on Tuesday.

"I don't think you can have a blanket rule, that would make it tough for players.

---

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---

"There's obviously guys who may not have played a lot of footy and would love the chance.

"Me, personally I would love the opportunity to play for Queensland against the Lions.

"But that's a bridge you've got to cross when you come to it. There's a lot of rugby before then.''

In the meantime, Horwill is simply relieved to be back in Reds colours as he counts down to their Super Rugby season opener against the Brumbies on February 16 in Canberra.

"Unfortunately I have been through a number of long term injuries and this has definitely been the most frustrating due to the uncertainty about the injury,'' he said.

"It has been a guessing game because initially no one knew how exactly how to handle it.

"You just have to keep pushing through and I am glad to be out on the other end.

"But it feels good. I am ready to go.''

Horwill will be welcomed back into the Reds line-up on Friday night along with fellow new faces Saia Faingaa, Jake Schatz, Dom Shipperly and Chris F'Sautia while lock Rob Simmons is back after serving a five game ban.

The only unexpected omission was Wallaby Radike Samo (knee).

Scans will assess this week whether he is in doubt for the season opener.

Meanwhile, Jono Lance will slot into five-eighth for Quade Cooper who makes his boxing debut in Brisbane on the same night.

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CA backs rotation, welcomes Warne

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James Sutherland ... has welcomed Shane Warne's advice on the national team. Source:AAP

Cricket Australia's board has unsurprisingly backed its contentious selection and player management policies and welcomed its biggest critic Shane Warne back into the fold.

The CA board on Monday gave its "unequivocal support" for the team performance division's controversial methods and believe it's already proving a success.

Pat Howard, the general manager of team performance, and John Inverarity, chief selector, addressed the board of directors in Melbourne.

Chairman Wally Edwards said he was convinced of the merits of the policies formulated after the release of the Argus report 18 months ago, which aimed for a return to the No.1 ranking within four years.

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"To build a new cricket side is a long term thing ... I'm confident we're on the right track," Edwards said.

"They explained to us that they are seeking to build sustained success over the long term.

"They noted that since the appointment of the current team performance leadership group Australia has played 15 Tests of which we've won 10; we've lost two and had three very creditable draws.

"In that time Australia has moved from fifth to third on the world Test rankings.

"The CA board unequivocally supports the strategy and endorses the high performance team led by Pat Howard as they work to implement the Argus strategy.''

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Edwards said players couldn't perform at their best playing every day of the year in three forms of the game and a crowded calendar.

He rebutted a claim that the "rotation policy" cheapened national representation, saying that it gave more talented players opportunities to showcase their skills.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said the board recognised that it needed to improve its communication surrounding selection to the fans and media to make it more "transparent''.

He said other weaknesses identified were the top order of batting at times during the summer and the depth of spin bowling talent.

Former great Warne has described the policies as a joke and the people implementing them as "muppets".

On Monday he released the second installment of his manifesto for re-invigorating the game and the national team, calling again for selectors to do away with the controversial rotation policy and name the best available side for each match.

Sutherland said he had a "robust discussion" with the spin king when they met on the weekend and invited him to work with Australia's spinners.

"There's no doubt about his passion and enthusiasm for Australian cricket team to be successful," Sutherland said.

"Hopefully there are opportunities for him down the track to be closer to us and have an even greater involvement.

"I wouldn't want to preempt when those opportunities may be ...he has a very busy schedule."

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AB Medal: Brett Geeves blogs live

The best ... will Michael Clarke take home the Allan Border Medal again? Source: Fox Sports

Get the best seat in the house for cricket's night of nights with foxsports.com.au's coverage of the Allan Border Medal.

Join foxsports.com.au cricket editor Antony Pinshaw for LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the Allan Border Medal, featuring all the best reaction from social media.

And, in a special treat for foxsports.com.au users, we'll have the funniest man in cricket (it's an unofficial title, but if it were awarded at the Allan Border Medal, we're pretty sure he'd win it), former Aussie ODI paceman Brett Geeves, on hand to provide his unique commentary throughout the night.

Send in your questions for Brett by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

For all the best pics from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, check out our red carpet gallery here.

And of course you can complete the perfect two-screen experience by watching the AB Medal LIVE on Fox Sports 2HD from 8.30pm (EDT).

[View the story "Allan Border Medal Live Blog" on Storify]

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More disciplinary woe for Sydney FC

Sydney FC goalkeeping coach Zeljko Kalac is set to watch his side's next three A-League matches from the stands after Football Federation Australia took exception to his abuse of an official.

Kalac was banished from the sideline during the Sky Blues' 2-2 A-League draw with Newcastle, seemingly for offering his stern opinion on the legitimacy of a first-half penalty awarded to the Jets.

The former Socceroos stopper was charged with the "use of offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures against a match official."

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Kalac copped a mandatory one-match suspension because he was expelled from the ground, with the league's Match Review Panel (MRP) adding two additional matches to the ban.

Sydney FC have until noon on Tuesday (EDT) to advise FFA whether they wish to appeal the additional two-match suspension.

The MRP also reviewed Terry McFlynn's red card from the clash with Newcastle, but opted against taking any action further to McFlynn's mandatory one-match ban.

The Sky Blues have had a torrid time at the MRP recently, with Joel Griffiths banned for three matches last Friday for abusing a linesman.

Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata said the nature of Griffiths' ban was `"inconsistent with previous MRP cases".

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Probe reveals 380 shady matches

Match fixing ... Rob Wainwright delivers Europol's investigation into 380 matches. Source: Peter Dejong / AAP

The European police agency has revealed that a wide-ranging investigation into match fixing has uncovered more than 380 suspicious matches.

The games include Word Cup and European Championship qualifiers and two Champions League games.

Europol's chief Rob Wainwright said the investigation uncovered "match fixing activity on a scale we have not seen before."

Wainwright revealed the probe uncovered around £7m in betting profits and £1.27m in bribes to players and officials and has already led to several prosecutions.

The investigation identified about 425 corrupt officials, players and serious criminals in 15 countries.

Wainwright also stated that the involvement of organised crime "highlights a big problem for the integrity of football in Europe."

It was not immediately clear how many of the matches mentioned have been revealed in previous match fixing investigations at a national level in countries including Germany and Italy.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11945/8470654/Europol-investigation-uncovers-more-than-380-suspicious-matches

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Aldo wins, Overeem KO'd at UFC 156

Champion ... Jose Aldo defends his Featherweight belt against Frankie Edgar. Source: Eric Jamison / AAP

The disappointment that was the match between Rashad Evans and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is exactly what was needed prior to the fierce showdown that was Aldo vs. Edgar.

Don't confuse this. Ideally all of the fights at UFC 156 would have been outstanding. However, having a letdown (a unanimous decision won by "Little Nog") just before the UFC Featherweight Title bout made the ensuing 25 minutes of headlining action that much more sweet.

Frankie Edgar is the modern day "Rocky". The New Jersey native easily had all of the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Vegas in his corner, but Jose Aldo was just too strong, retaining his belt by unanimous decision.

For the opening three rounds, all went according to Aldo's plan. The Brazilian unleashed devastating leg kicks, bruising Edgar's thigh early and often. Edgar's speed, which was a bigger advantage to him in the 155-pound division, was matched by Aldo, who picked apart the defense of "The Answer" landing jabs at will. Edgar's toughness shined bright as he battled through the first 15 minutes despite being stuffed on the majority of his takedown attempts.

Then the tide shifted.

Edgar, whose gas tank knows no bounds, kept dancing around the ring despite the early damage. Aldo began to slow. Edgar gritted his teeth and began to land the combinations and takedowns that eluded him, finally pressuring the champion. Breathing heavily through his mouthpiece, the champ's demeanor changed. The smile that was on Aldo's face during the first three rounds morphed into something much more serious. In the final 10 minutes, Aldo threw flashy kicks and flying knees in an attempt to steal the later rounds, but frequently missed his mark.

In the end, Edgar's late onslaught was not enough and the judges ruled against him, 49-46, 49-46, 48-47. Yet no one will begrudge him the merits of a hard-fought battle. Especially when that battle was awarded the bonus for Fight of the Night.

In other action, the return of Alistair Overeem was met with mixed reviews. Some were excited to see such a presence return to the heavyweight division of the UFC. Others were thrilled to see Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva knock Overeem out. In a finish that no one saw coming, Silva was easily behind two rounds to none heading into the third. Seconds into round three, Silva caught Overeem off guard and absolutely unloaded. Overeem, the former Strikeforce champion, fell to the canvas like a mighty oak as the victim of the Knockout of the Night. Silva took a moment to hulk over him and demanded respect before being pulled away by referee Herb Dean. In less than 30 seconds, Antonio Silva turned the UFC heavyweight division into what might officially be the hardest algebra equation in MMA.

In what could be called the "Dave Herman" special, submission specialist Demian Maia (6 of 11 UFC wins via submission) faced the best jiu jitsu defense the UFC has to offer in Jon Fitch. Maia initiated the submission attack early, mounting a still-standing Fitch within the opening seconds. Maia continued to apply the submission pressure throughout the first round. And in fitting fashion for a fight on Groundhog Day, Maia did the same in rounds two and three. The fact that Fitch was not forced to tap is amazing, but not even close to being worthy of an Octagon win.

Note: Jiu Jitsu works. Still.

And in the pay-per-view opener, Joseph Benavidez helped prove why the flyweights are a division to watch in the UFC. Some may criticize the division for a lack of power and ferocity, but anyone who watched this fight would have to disagree. Benavidez brutalized McCall's thigh, face and anything else he could swing a fist or kick at, while McCall leveled dozens of hammer fists on Benavidez when the fight hit the ground. The activity level in the fight was high and after Benavidez's unanimous-decision victory, the Team Alpha Male phenom should be on everyone's radar for a title shot.

Read more: http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-aldo-retains-title-overeem-knocked-out-020213

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The unheralded cog in Ange's machine

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Star performers ... Melbourne Victory have quality at both ends of the pitch. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Ange Postecoglou knows what he wants out of his team, and after a shaky opening couple of weeks, he found one of the cogs missing in his re-built Victory.

Nathan Coe.

Lawrence Thomas and Tando Velaphi came and went within weeks, as Postecoglou hand-picked a player he knew from Australia's youth teams earlier in the decade - a player he thought he needed so his new side could play the style of play he demanded. 

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	19	11	6	2	17	39
2	Victory	19	11	3	5	4	36
3	Western Sydney	19	11	2	6	10	35
4	Adelaide	19	10	2	7	2	32
5	Newcastle	19	6	5	8	-8	23
6	Brisbane	19	6	3	10	-1	21
7	Heart	19	6	3	10	-3	21
8	Sydney	19	6	3	10	-9	21
9	Wellington	19	5	5	9	-10	20
10	Perth	19	5	4	10	-2	19

"I've known Coey for a long time. He was an outfield player until his teens, so I know he was good with his feet and could adapt to how I wanted a keeper to play in our system," Postecoglou told foxsports.com.au. 

"It's taken him a while – more for his goalkeeping than anything else. He didn't have a pre-season and came to us after the season started. 

"So it's taken him a little while for us to see the best of him, but he's coming into form at a good time for us. 

"He's a really good guy to have around the club. He's popular with his teammates.

"He comes to us with the right intentions. He wants to be successful and he's showing that on the field now."

Nathan Coe v Andrew Redmayne isn't normally the duel you'd go to the Melbourne derby to see, but these two shot-stoppers created a highlights reel of their own during the pulsating clash at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Redmayne continued his outstanding form, picking up an Alex Tobin point. But he couldn't pick up back-to-back Save of the Week awards. 

This week, the nod goes to Coe, who pulled off a number of stunning saves, with his top-corner leap off Gol Gol Mebrahtu's free-kick earning him Mark Bosnich's vote this week. 

"This save was absolutely outstanding," Bozza said on Sunday Shootout.

"He brought out a point blank save reminiscent of Gordon Banks earlier … and this save is the hardest save to make except for the bottom corner." 

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Bailey, Starc lead Aussies to victory

Hundred ... Bailey saved Australia's innings at the WACA Ground. Source: Stefan Gosatti / AAP

A superb hundred from George Bailey and another five-wicket hall by Mitchell Starc helped Australia beat West Indies by 54 runs at the WACA Ground on Sunday.

The Windies were on track for an unlikely victory when Kieran Powell (83 off 90 balls) lead an impressive rearguard action, but his dismissal prompted a mini-collapse that the tourists never recovered from.

Earlier, Starc reproduced his incredible form from Friday as he once again destroyed the Windies top-order, finishing with figures of 5-32 off eight overs.

The hero for the hosts was Bailey, who rescued Australia from a dire situation at 6-98 and played a measured innings before exploding towards the end to finish on 125 off 110 balls.

More to come...

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Evidence of a Roar revival?

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Beautiful ... Besart Berisha scored a ripper against the Mariners. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

It's the goal to warm the hearts of all Brisbane Roar fans.

Entrants must be 18 or over and hold a current full Australian driver's licence.

The competition commences on, 27 January 2013 at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on 5 April 2013 at 5:00pm AEDT and is divided into 10 weekly periods.

Each weekly period opens on Sunday at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on the following Friday at 5:00pm AEDT.

One entry per weekly entry period.

This competition is authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00440, ACT TP13/00141, Victorian Permit No. 13/117 & SA Licence No. T13/61.

Shane Steffanuto steaming down the left flank, getting in behind, before squaring a picture perfect ball for Besart Berisha to turn home. 

Signs of the free-flowing, adventurous football that made the Roar famous in recent seasons.  

While that tempo, and consistency, has been sorely lacking so far this season, Friday night's 2-2 draw has the side back in the top-six. A dark horse, perhaps? 

In even better news for Mike Mulvey's side, the killer ball to play Steffanuto in behind the Mariners backline was played by new recruit Stefan Nijland. 

Check out the goal in the video selection at the top of the page, which also features two pearlers from the Melbourne derby.

David Williams was in electric form at Etihad Stadium and he rifled home a brilliant finish to deliver a late scare for the Victory; the third choice is the sublime Archie Thompson strike that opened the scoring in the same game.

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Fox Sports and Hyundai are giving fans the chance to win by voting in the Goal of the Week competition. 

The major prize winner will drive home the all-new Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. Delivering both street presence and dynamic performance, with 150kW of grunt and 265Nm of torque delivered by a twin-scroll turbocharged engine, you'll be the envy of all of your friends.

The runner-up prize winner will win tickets to a corporate box at the Hyundai A-League grand final including return economy flights, transfers and two nights' accommodation to enjoy with three friends.

There is also a weekly cash prize of $300 up for grabs.

Enjoy the video, good luck, and don't forget to return weekly from 830pm (EST) each Sunday for your feast of great goals and chance to win! 

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