Mapgies powerless in loss to Port

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Screamer ... Jamie Elliott climbs over three Power players to take the mark. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited

Port Adelaide decked another AFL heavyweight with a 35-point belting of Collingwood at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

4.2 (26)	Q1	2.3 (15)
7.3 (45)	Q2	4.5 (29)
8.6 (54)	Q3	5.6 (36)
13.8 (86)	Q4	7.9 (51)

Jay Schulz 3	Travis Cloke 2
Justin Westhoff 3	Sam Dwyer 2
Angus Monfries 2	Jamie Elliott 1
Chad Wingard 2	Ben Kennedy 1
Travis Boak 1	Nick Maxwell 1
Brad Ebert 1
Oliver Wines 1

A week after downing Sydney, the Power entrenched their spot in the top eight with a 13.8 (86) to 7.9 (51) triumph before 31,121 spectators.

Port's Justin Westhoff and Jay Schulz both kicked three goals while midfielder Brad Ebert was outstanding with 30 disposals.

Power captain Travis Boak (28 possessions) and sweeping backman Matthew Broadbent (34 touches) were influential as Port restricted Collingwood to just three goals after halftime.

Port are on track for a return to finals, with eight wins this season - the same number they managed in the two bleak previous years.

Power coach Ken Hinkley was full of praise for his team but was careful not to look too far ahead.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"For all the Port fans ... be proud of the boys, be really pumped for what they have been able to do,'' he said.

"But understand it's still a journey. I'm not trying to hose that (excitement) down in any way - other than to say this is a young team still with lots to learn.''

They rose above Collingwood on the ladder as the Magpies cracked under the relentless Port pressure.

Magpies defenders Paul Seedsman, Harry O'Brien and skipper Nick Maxwell were among the visitors' best while Travis Cloke booted two goals.

Port won every quarter in a performance which drew praise from Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, who said the Power's intensity was "finals-like''.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It was definitely top eight pressure,'' Buckley said.

"That young side will win a lot of games.''

Cloke and Maxwell scored early goals for a 13-0 break and a perfect start for the Pies.

But Port responded with a four-goal burst in 11 minutes, with Ebert's classy 50m bomb on the run creating a 4.2 to 2.3 quarter-time lead.

Port lost Dom Cassisi to a leg injury early in the second quarter with the former captain substituted for Ollie Wines.

Despite missing Cassisi's midfield grunt, Port controlled the second term with impressive 19-year-old Wingard kicking two goals.

Port stretched their lead to 7.3 to 4.5 with a sluggish Collingwood provided an opening half highlight provided by Jamie Elliott, who leapt onto Ebert's shoulders for a spectacular mark and then slotted a goal.

Collingwood pressed and when Cloke kicked his second goal just two minutes into the third term, the visitors were within 10 points.

But Port took everything the Magpies could throw before Angus Monfries slotted his second for a handy 18-point buffer at the last break, 8.6 to 5.6.

The Power then accelerated from a sagging Magpie line-up, kicking five unanswered goals before two token late goals for Collingwood, who meet arch foe Carlton on Friday night.

Port travel to play Essendon next Sunday.

The Power have eight wins this season and it's not just the wider AFL community that is surprised.

---

Re-live Port Adelaide's big win over Collingwood in our AFL Match Centre, featuring all the stats and SuperCoach scores.

---

"From the day we got here, I don't think we quite realised the ability of the group to want to play tough,'' said first-year coach Hinkley.

"They went through some horrible times last year.

"We have come in and they have been in a really good space but they have been in a really demanding space of each other. And so far they have got the results they deserve.''

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Carter stars in Crusaders' big win

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Superb ... Carter again played a significant role in the Crusaders' win. Source:Getty Images

The Crusaders kept in touch with the business end of the Super Rugby ladder with a bonus-point 40-12 win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

2 Tries 4
Ben Smith 8'	George Whitelock 30'
Hosea Gear 56'	Andrew Ellis 43'
	Daniel Carter 68'
	Telusa Veainu 80'
1 Conversions 4
Colin Slade 9'	Daniel Carter 30'
	Daniel Carter 44'
	Daniel Carter 69'
	Daniel Carter 80'
0 Penalties 4
	Daniel Carter 3'
	Daniel Carter 40'
	Daniel Carter 59'
	Daniel Carter 65'

In a match which featured two yellow cards and the competition's first red, the Crusaders had too much firepower, opening up in the second half after holding a narrow six-point lead at halftime.

All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter was in outstanding form, slotting all eight of his kicks at goal and running in a well-taken try as he racked up a game-high 25 points for the Crusaders.

The game featured some poor discipline from both teams, Highlanders flanker Jarrad Hoeata receiving his third yellow card of the season midway through the first half.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Teammate Ma'a Nonu was issued a red soon after he was subbed on in the second half for a tip tackle on Crusaders winger Tom Marshall, while Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn spent 10 minutes in the sin bin after a high tackle on halfback Aaron Smith.

Carter opened the scoring with an early 45m-plus penalty, but in-form All Blacks back Ben Smith put the home team ahead after nine minutes when he latched onto a miracle Tamati Ellison behind-the-back offload to score.

Carter sliced through the midfield for the break which led to George Whitelock's try on 30 minutes, then slotted another penalty right on the half-time whistle to give the Crusaders a 13-7 lead at the break.

The Crusaders extended their lead four minutes after the restart, halfback Andy Ellis taking advantage of some lacklustre Highlanders defence to touch down.

The Highlanders pulled one back 13 minutes later, Hosea Gear celebrating his 100th Super Rugby match by finishing off a superb end-to-end effort to narrow the Crusaders' lead to eight.

Carter grabbed the Crusaders third try on 66 minutes, then Telusa Veianu's 90m run to score under the posts secured the bonus-point win right on the fulltime siren.

Review all the stats and watch video of the big plays at Match Centre!

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wests Tigers sink sloppy Storm

Wests Tigers ... Benji Marshall and Liam Fulton embrace after try against Melbourne. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

Two extraordinary long distance runs by unheralded winger Tim Simona provided the spark for lowly Wests Tigers to beat second-placed Melbourne 22-4 on Saturday at a rain-sodden Leichhardt Oval.

4 Tries 1
Tim Simona 28'	Maurice Blair 23'
Blake Ayshford 37'
David Nofoaluma 69'
Benji Marshall 80'
2 Conversions 0
Benji Marshall 30'
Benji Marshall 80'
1 Penalties 0
Benji Marshall 48'

Simona scored one try and set up another for Blake Ayshford in the first half, while fellow winger David Nofoaluma smashed his way over with 11 minutes to go.

Five-eighth Benji Marshall capped a memorable victory when he toed ahead a loose Melbourne pass and scored the Tigers fourth try.

The young wingers were brilliantly backed up by NSW State of Origin forwards Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods.

Prop Woods ran for 181 metres while hooker Farah pulled off 52 tackles.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

It was a fourth win in their past five starts for the Tigers, who produced their best defensive display of the season, as they kept the opposition to single figures for the first time this year.

The committed Tigers bustled Melbourne into a host of uncharacteristic errors in the treacherous conditions.

The result meant Melbourne suffered successive losses and could drop to third if the Sydney Roosters beat Manly on Monday.

The Tigers had the Storm on the back foot for most of the first quarter, but Melbourne scored on one of their first forays into the Tigers 20 after 23 minutes.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A perfectly timed pass from veteran five-eighth Brett Finch set up a try to centre Maurice Blair.

The Tigers finally had some reward for their efforts, with 21-year-old New Zealand born Simona at the forefront.

On the half-hour, Simona ran 80 metres to score after swooping on the ball when winger Sisa Waqa dropped a pass from fullback Billy Slater.

Seven minutes later, Auckland-born Simona set up one of the tries of the NRL season.

Collecting a Slater kick in his own in-goal area, Simona charged 60 metres into Storm territory and linked with Farah and Marshall to set up centre Ayshford for a top-drawer four-pointer

Veteran Storm prop Jason Ryles left the field within the first 40 seconds of the second half with a suspected medial ligament knee injury.

The Tigers extended their lead to eight points in the 48th minute, when Marshall kicked a close range penalty after Melbourne were caught offside.

Without their injured skipper Cameron Smith, Melbourne lacked direction and Nofoaluma killed them off with his try. 

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Penrith claw luckless Dragons

St George's ... Brett Morris tackles Penrith's Matt Moylan. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Penrith fullback Matt Moylan continued his magnificent maiden NRL season on Saturday night, outgunning NSW No.1 Josh Dugan to lift the Panthers to a 25-10 home win over St George Illawarra.

4 Tries 2
Matthew Moylan 24'	Jack De Belin 8'
Brad Tighe 49'	Chase Stanley 65'
James Roberts 77'
James Segeyaro 79'
4 Conversions 1
Luke Walsh 25'	Josh Dugan 9'
Luke Walsh 51'
Luke Walsh 78'
Luke Walsh 80'
1 Field Goals 0
Luke Walsh 40'

Moylan scored his side's only try of the first half, provided much of their attacking spark and also made a couple of telling tackles at Centrebet Stadium.

Dugan was understandably below his best after being hammered by Queensland in State of Origin II on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old's hopes of bolstering his bid to retain the NSW fullback spot ahead of Jarryd Hayne weren't helped by a second-half high shot from Penrith prop Tim Grant that left him dazed.

Jack de Belin scored his first NRL try when he broke the deadlock in the eighth minute after a couple of early handling errors from the hosts, and the Dragons had all the initial momentum.

It was Moylan who helped turn the tide with his creativity, bringing the Panthers into the game with a couple of deft passes and jinking runs.

The 22-year-old was rewarded with a try in the 24th minute when he latched onto a kick from halfback Luke Walsh, beat Dugan to the ball and burrowed under Nathan Fien, who failed to knock it dead.

Walsh gave Penrith a 7-6 halftime lead with the final play of the opening stanza, his second attempt at a field goal.

The home side started the second half brightly, with Clint Newton forcing a goal-line drop-out with an impressive tackle on Dugan.

Five-eighth Issac John then put Penrith further ahead, with try-scorer Brad Tighe and Matt Robinson both in a position to touch down after his pinpoint grubber.

Dragons No.6 Chase Stanley crossed in the 65th minute to give his side hope of reeling Penrith in, but Dugan missed the conversion to leave them behind 13-6.

After some resolute defending, the Panthers scored two tries in the final four minutes as James Roberts and James Segeyaro applied the icing in front of 6271 fans.

Walsh slotted all four of his conversions.

Mose Masoe and captain Kevin Kingston, two men who will leave the Panthers at the end of the season, were influential for the hosts.

Dragons prop Dan Hunt suffered a right knee injury.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Juric makes Socceroos squad

Tomi Juric training ... with former club Adelaide United. Source: News Limited

Western Wanderers recruit Tomi Juric is the surprise selection in a 20-man Socceroos squad of A-League based players chosen to prepare for next month's East Asia Cup.

 Juric played seven games for Adelaide at the end of last season, scoring twice, before signing a two-year deal as a replacement for misfiring Dino Kresinger for 2013-14.

Juric, 21, has spent the past five years playing in Croatia for Croatia Sesvete, Lokomotiva and Inter Zapresic.

This is the first Australian call up at any level for the western Sydney native.

Socceroos head coach Holger Osieck will get the players together at Tuggerah and Gosford on the NSW Central Coast from Monday to Friday next week.

Among those in the squad who featured prominently in Australia's recent World Cup qualifiers are Adelaide's Dario Vidosic, Archie Thompson on Melbourne Victory and Michael Thwaite of Perth Glory.

Socceroos training camp squad:

Dario Vidosic (Adelaide United), Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Jade North (Brisbane), Matt Smith (Brisbane), Joshua Rose (Central Coast Mariners), Mitchell Duke (Mariners), Trent Sainsbury (Mariners), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Mark Milligan (Victory), Mitch Nichols (Victory), Nathan Coe (Victory), Craig Goodwin (Newcastle Jets), Mark Birighitti (Jets), Ruben Zadkovich (Jets), Joshua Risdon (Perth Glory), Michael Thwaite (Glory), Scott Jamieson (Glory), Aaron Mooy (Western Sydney Wanderers), Tomi Juric (Wanderers).

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chiefs take bonus-point win

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Chiefs star ... Aaron Cruden goes for a run against the Hurricanes. Source:AAP

The Chiefs jumped to the top of the Super Rugby table with a bonus-point 34-22 win over the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.

4 Tries 3
Matt Vant Leven 18'	TJ Perenara 14'
Bundee Aki 26'	Beauden Barrett 29'
Tawera Kerr-Barlow 64'	Alapati Leiua 77'
Ben Tameifuna 75'
4 Conversions 2
Aaron Cruden 19'	Beauden Barrett 15'
Aaron Cruden 27'	Beauden Barrett 77'
Aaron Cruden 64'
Aaron Cruden 75'
2 Penalties 1
Aaron Cruden 9'	Beauden Barrett 35'
Aaron Cruden 57'

The four-tries-to-three win means the defending champions leapfrog the Brumbies to top the overall table by 61 points to 59 with a game in hand, as the Australian teams take a two-week break for the British and Irish Lions tour.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Chiefs had an indifferent first half, but the Hurricanes also mixed good with bad in equal measure.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

They scored two well-taken tries through TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett and looked dangerous with the ball in hand, making plenty of breaks and kicking intelligently.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But they also conceded too many turnovers, with the Chiefs more effective at the breakdown.

Perenara's try gave the Hurricanes the lead after 15 minutes, the nuggety halfback burrowing over after Jeremy Thrush did some good work in recycling Barrett's raking cross-field kick.

It didn't take the Chiefs long to reply, No.8 Matt Vant Leven latching on to a poor Hurricanes defensive lineout throw four minutes later to swoop through for the try.

Inside centre Bundee Aki extended the Chiefs' lead at 26 minutes in a nicely worked move from the set piece, showing good pace in running onto Aaron Cruden's perfectly weighted kick through.

But Barrett narrowed the gap on 30 minutes, making the initial break then showing good strength out wide to touch down after a quick Hurricanes recycle, leaving the Chiefs to take a 17-15 lead into halftime.

The Chiefs scrum started to gain ascendancy as the second half wore on, but had only a Cruden penalty to show for it until the 63rd minute.

With his line under pressure, Barrett couldn't find touch with his clearing kick from a 10m scrum and Lelia Masaga made him pay with with a scything run which set up halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow for the try.

Replacement prop Ben Tameifuna powered over for the bonus-point try with five minutes remaining, although the Hurricanes replied almost immediately through Alapati Leiua as the Chiefs' usually organised defence slipped up. 

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heffernan signs for Wanderers

Former Perth Glory ... star Dean Heffernan goes for a run. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Dean Heffernan will play for a fourth A-League club in an 11-year senior career after signing a one-year deal with last season's Premiers Plate winners, Western Sydney Wanderers.

Foxsports.com.au understands Heffernan, who is currently playing in the Illawarra Premier League with Dapto Dandaloo, has accepted a one-year deal which will be confirmed by the club on Monday.

Heffernan, 33, has played twice for the Socceroos - making his debut in the  2009  Asian Cup qualifying match against Indonesia. He was called up again a year later, in January 2010, and scored in an Asian Cup qualifying 2-2 draw with Kuwait.

Heffernan started his A-League career with Central Coast Mariners, impressing from 2005 to 2010 including selection in the PFA team of the year in his final season. He tried to forge a career in Europe in 2006-07 with a loan spell at FC Nuremberg but failed to make the first team and suffered a broken leg in 2007 when back at the Mariners.

Another later stint at Huddersfield Town was  also cut short and he joined Melbourne Heart for a season before two spells at Perth Glory.

He joined IPL club Dapto Dandaloo last month and the club announced he was leaving on its Facebook page on Friday.

"Dapto Dandaloo Fury would like to wish Dean Heffernan all the best with his recent signing at West Sydney Wanderers for the coming A-League season... Have enjoyed the limited football we got to watch, see you at the end of the season."

Heffernan was released by the club at the end of the 2012-13 season despite playing a leading role in helping Glory reach the finals.

Just before the release he was quoted as saying: "I just want to play any part I can in helping us go as far as we can in the play-offs and then sort out my future at the end of the season.

"I am hoping to sit down and talk to management once it's all over and hopefully I will be able to stay on.

"There have been some initial talks but everything is undecided and as things stand I am a free agent.

"Of course when you are out of contract, it concentrates the mind because it's your livelihood at stake and maybe it provides added incentive. But I am trying to simply focus on the rest of our season for the time being.

"I am feeling as fit as ever and I still believe I can do a good job at this level, so we will see what happens."

Heffernan played centre-back, left-back, left midfield and striker last season and featured in all but five of Glory's 27 regular season games.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Tour win impossible drug-free'

Lance Armstrong ... claims it is impossible to win the Tour de France without drugs. Source: Bas Czerwinski / News Limited

Disgraced US cyclist Lance Armstrong said on the eve of the 100th edition of the Tour de France that it was impossible to win the sport's most famous race without doping.

Asked whether it was possible to win without taking performance-enhancing drugs when he was riding, he responded: "That depends on the races that you wanted to win," in an interview with Le Monde on Friday.

"The Tour de France? No. Impossible to win without doping because the Tour is an endurance event where oxygen is decisive," he was quoted as saying by the French daily.

"To take one example, EPO (erythropoetin) will not help a sprinter to win a 100m but it will be decisive for a 10,000m runner. It's obvious."

Armstrong, who won the Tour a record seven times from 1999-2005, was last year exposed as a serial drug cheat in a devastating US Anti-Doping Agency report that plunged cycling into crisis about the extent of drug-taking in the peloton.

The Texan rider, who insisted for years that he did not take performance-enhancing drugs, was stripped of his Tour titles and banned from the sport for life.

He then admitted in a television interview that he used a cocktail of banned substances, including the blood booster EPO, testosterone and blood transfusions, to win the Tour.

Armstrong told Le Monde that he was not the first athlete to dope and there would always be a doping culture but cycling was being made a scapegoat for the practice in all sport.

"I simply took part in this system. I'm a human being,'' he said, admitting that he could never erase the past but would strive to make up for it for the rest of his life.

Five-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault reacted angrily to Armstrong's comments and his claims that there was a doping culture in cycling.

"We've got to stop thinking that all cycle racers are thugs and druggies," he told BFM TV.

"It depresses me to hear all this. I think that when people do exactly what they have to do, in other words, proper testing in all sports, we're going to be rolling around laughing for five minutes.

"Stop saying it's cultural, for God's sake. It's impossible. There are plenty of young riders who've had dope tests and not tested positive.

"It's constant suspicion," he told the channel from Corsica, where the Tour gets under way on Saturday.

Hinault on Thursday lashed out at claims that his fellow French cyclist Laurent Jalabert took EPO on the scandal-hit 1998 Tour, claiming that people wanted to kill the race.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

QLD star Thurston's hospital shock

Maroon's ... Johnathan Thurston warms up for Queensland State of Origin team training. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Queensland's Origin preparation were thrown into disarray last night with five-eighth Johnathan Thurston spending match eve in hospital.

The Maroons superstar was taken to hospital with stomach pains.

Maroons assistant coach Trevor Gillmeister broke the shock news live on Channel Seven news, just over an hour before kick-off.

Thurston is expected to play in tonight's Origin II having re-joined his teammates today.

The Maroons will start the match 1-17, with no changes to their starting side named by coach Mal Meninga last week.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Just 'shut the f--- up', A-Rod

Twitter bungle ... Yankees boss Brian Cashman to Alex Rodriguez to 'shut the f--- up'. Source: Carlos Osorio / AAP

If the general manager of the New York Yankees tells you to 'shut the f--- up' you'd better listen. Even if you are baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez.

The injured Rodriguez today tweeted that his hip surgeon has cleared him to play and the news sent Yankees general manager Brian Cashman into a fit of rage.

Alex Rodriguez's Twitter feed: Visit from Dr. Kelly over the weekend, who gave me the best news - the green light to play games again!

"You know what, when the Yankees want to announce something, (we will)," Cashman told ESPN. "Alex should just shut the f--- up. That's it. I'm going to call Alex now.

"He has not been cleared by our doctors to play in rehab games yet.

"He's getting closer. There's no doubt about it. But we don't have a date for him to start playing games yet.

The Yankees third baseman had left hip surgery in mid-January and has been working out in Tampa, Florida since.

Cashman said Rodriguez's surgeon had only been approved to perform the operation.

Rodriguez' took swings in a simulated game situation for the first time yesterday.

Manager Joe Girardi said today that no date had been set for A-Rod to start playing in minor league rehab games.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teams: West Coast v Essendon

In ... Courtenay Dempsey returns for Essendon. Source: TONY MCDONOUGH / AAP

Hot off the press, here are the ins and outs for the opening match of round 14 of the 2013 AFL premiership season.

West Coast v Essendon, Patersons Stadium, Friday 6.10pm (WST)

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
3	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
4	Essendon	12	9	0	3	131.57	36
5	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
8	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	12	6	0	6	111.53	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

West Coast
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Mitch Brown
HB: Ashley Smith, Eric Mackenzie, Beau Waters
C: Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Bradd Dalziell
HF: Daniel Kerr, Josh Kennedy, Patrick McGinnity
F: Mark LeCras, Dean Cox, Jack Darling
F: Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Chris Masten
Int: Andrew Gaff, Mark Hutchings, Brad Sheppard, Simon Tunbridge        
Emerg: Ashton Hams, Blayne Wilson, Will Schofield

In: As.Smith , Hutchings, Sheppard, Tunbridge
Out: Hurn (Ankle), S.Selwood (thumb), Wilson (Omitted), Embley (Suspension)

New: Tunbridge 

Essendon
B: Courtenay Dempsey, Michael Hurley, Jake Carlisle
HB: Mark Baguley, Cale Hooker, Michael Hibberd
C: Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard
HF: Alwyn Davey, Stewart Crameri, Nick Kommer
F: Jackson Merrett, Patrick Ryder, Jason Winderlich
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, Brent Stanton
Int: Tayte Pears, David Myers, Jake Melksham, David Zaharakis            
Emerg: Travis Colyer, Joe Daniher, Nick O'Brien

In: Dempsey, Bellchambers
Out: Hocking (Calf), Daniher (Omitted) 

Sydney Swans v Carlton, SCG, Friday 7.50pm (EST)

Sydney Swans
 

Carlton
 

Gold Coast v Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 1.40pm (EST)

Gold Coast
 

Adelaide
 

Port Adelaide v Collingwood, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 4.10pm (CST)

Port Adelaide
 

Collingwood
 

Geelong v Fremantle, Simonds Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm (EST)

Geelong
 

Fremantle
 

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, Saturday 7.40pm (EST)

Melbourne
 

Western Bulldogs

Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions, Aurora Stadium, Sunday 1.10pm (EST)

Hawthorn

Brisbane Lions

North Melbourne v GWS Giants, Etihad Stadium, Sunday 3.20pm (EST)

North Melbourne

GWS Giants

Richmond v St Kilda, MCG, Sunday 4.40pm (EST)

Richmond

St Kilda

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Beale, O'Connor in fast-food gaffe

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Would you like tries with that? ... Beale and O'Connor spotted at 3.50am in Hungry Jacks. Source:News Limited

The Wallabies have been forced to launch an investigation into star players Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor after the pair were snapped in a Melbourne fast-food restaurant in the early hours of this morning.

Beale and O'Connor attended the clash between the Rebels and the Lions at AAMI Stadium and later joined players from both teams at an after-party in the city.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Despite both players being expected to be named in the Wallabies' Test side for Saturday, the pair posed with a photograph with Lions fan at 3.50am at Hungry Jacks.

The photograph and story were published on the UK Daily Mail website late this afternoon.

After conducting a thorough investigation, however, Wallabies management are satisfied neither player was drinking, and were merely in attendance at the party to support their Rebels teammates.

Several witnesses at the function corroborated the fact neither O'Connor - who was driving - or Beale consumed alcohol.

The Wallabies are believed to be on a drinking ban for the Lions series.

While conceding it was "not ideal" the Test stars were out in the wee hours, a Wallabies official said players had a training free day today and had not broken any team protocols.

"They've done nothing wrong," a Wallabies spokesman told RugbyGold.

"They are expected to behave responsibly and show common sense, but there is no curfew."

The issue of Beale being out late at a party is obviously sensitive one, given he recently entered a rehabilitation facility to deal with alcohol-related problems.

But after interviewing both players yesterday, and 10 other individuals, the Wallabies management are content the players may be guilty of poor judgement, but not a major crime.

"When we learned of the photograph we launched a very thorough investigation. We spoke to both players and they were adament they had not been drinking at all," the spokesman said.

"Numerous witnesses backed that up.

"They went out after the game given it was an historic night for the Rebels, and they wanted to spend time with their Rebels teammates.

"They shouldn't have been out that late but they had the day off today and didn't have any commitments until 4pm.

"We are satisfied it is a non-issue."

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Severe bans for all-in brawl

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Brawl ... four players were banned for nine weeks after brawl. Source:FOX SPORTS

A total of nine weeks worth of bans have been meted out to four Holden Cup under-20s rugby league players following Saturday night's ugly all-in brawl at Campbelltown Stadium.

The NRL came down hard on the brawlers after two players were sent off and another two were sin-binned during the Wests Tigers-Canberra game.

All the players involved took early guilty pleas on Tuesday, accepting a range of bans.

Canberra's Tahakilu Pangai and teammate Mitchell Barnett each received three-match suspensions emanating from the brawl.

The Tigers' Nathan Brown, who was sent off but initially refused to leave the field, took a two-match ban.

His teammate Kyle Lovett accepted a one-game suspension.

NRL boss David Smith had issued all clubs a warning in the wake of Paul Gallen's State of Origin I scuffle with Nate Myles that fighting would not be tolerated.

Under the game's new no-biff policy, players will automatically be sin-binned for throwing a punch, the crackdown including the Holden Cup.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Several clubs need pick, not just Dees'

Priority pick ... do Melbourne deserve another early draft pick? Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

After another disastrous season for Melbourne, debate is raging over whether they deserve another priority draft pick.

Melbourne deserve a priority pick.

The club asked for a priority pick at a meeting with the AFL earlier this month as they continue to struggle, with just one win in the opening 13 rounds.

Some argue the Demons' plight is exactly what the priority pick system is in place for, while others say that handing them yet another high draft pick is rewarding mediocrity.

AFL 360 co-host Mark Robinson said after years of compromised drafts, the Demons weren't the only team that deserved a priority pick.

"I think that's fair. I think it is drastically important that we even up the competition and I actually believe that several clubs need one," he said.

"If we're going to give it to one club, give it to others.

"I don't want to see the same four clubs at the bottom of the table every year. We want competition, Gerard."

Robinson co-host Gerard Whateley disagreed saying Melbourne had plenty of talent on their books and hadn't struggled for long enough to deserve the extra help.

"Specific to Melbourne, I'm in the unfair category," he said.

We know what's there ... I think they'll get better regardless, they'll develop the top end talent they have and they have a lot of it.

Get in and develop them and if you're as hopeless as that again next year, I have no problem giving them a draft pick."

Vote in the ME Bank Fair or Unfair poll and tune in to FOX FOOTY's AFL 360 on Tuesday night to listen to Gerard and Robbo debate this week's topic.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crowley pinched me 300 times: Harvey

Pinched ... Ryan Crowley found guilty of pinching Brent Harvey. Source: Herald Sun

Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley has been found guilty of pinching North Melbourne star Brent Harvey.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Crowley denied pinching Harvey but the Kangaroos veteran maintained the Dockers tagger had done so repeatedly.

Harvey twice told umpires during the game about the pinching and repeated the accusation to an AFL investigator on Monday, before giving evidence to the tribunal.

Crowley's advocate Seamus Rafferty put it to Harvey that the reason there was no footage of any pinching was that it didn't happen even once.

"You're right. It didn't happen once. It happened about 300 times,'' Harvey replied.

In the night's other case, Geelong's Steve Johnson had his two-match AFL ban upheld at the tribunal and the Cats star will have extra demerit points hanging over his head for the rest of the season.

Johnson will miss crucial games against the Dockers and Hawthorn, and will carry 79.04 points, rather than 9.28 had he pleaded guilty.

The midfielder-forward instead unsuccessfully argued his high bump on Brisbane's Pearce Hanley during the Cats' shock fade-out loss to the Lions at the Gabba on Sunday was unavoidable.

Coach Chris Scott had earlier admitted earlier on Tuesday it was a big risk by the club to challenge the rough conduct charge, even though the suspension would have been two games either way.

"It's a huge risk, to take that many carryover points into the late part of the season,'' Scott told reporters.

"But we feel really strongly about it that we have an obligation to defend our player.''

It's the second time this season the Cats have gone to the tribunal over a bump and lost, after James Kelly copped a two-match ban for an incident with Essendon's Brendon Goddard in round seven.

Johnson argued that his initial aim was to tackle Hanley, but after teammate Joel Corey reached him first and laid a tackle he changed his mind and braced for contact instead.

His advocate Peter Murdoch QC argued Johnson couldn't have reasonably foreseen that Corey would tackle Hanley before he got there.

But Johnson himself admitted under cross-examination there was nothing unexpected in what happened.

Earlier on Tuesday, West Coast's Andrew Embley (one match), Melbourne's Jake Spencer (three games) and St Kilda's Tom Simpkin (two) all accepted suspensions for various offences.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions boost momentum with Rebels win

Mauling ... The Lions get revenge on provincial side the Rebels. Source: Mark Dadswell / AAP

The British and Irish Lions' build-up to their crunch Test against the Wallabies got a boost with a convincing 35-0 win over the Melbourne Rebels.

0 Tries 4
	Conor Murray 16'
	Sean Maitland 28'
	Sean O'Brien 50'
	Ben Youngs 73'
0 Penalty Tries 1
	Penalty Try 63'
0 Conversions 5
	Owen Farrell 17'
	Owen Farrell 29'
	Owen Farrell 51'
	Stuart Hogg 63'
	Stuart Hogg 74'

The touring side are looking to wrap up their three-match series on Saturday night in Melbourne after taking game one 23-21 in Brisbane.

While their first choice Test players watched from the stands, the Lions had too much class for the Rebels, who were without their Test players James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Kurtley Beale and injured skipper Scott Higginbotham.

Without those players Melbourne lacked strike-power in attack, compounded by the Lions' focus on the breakdown that starved the home side of quick ball.

The Lions led 14-0 at halftime, with their second try one of the best of the tour.

Centre Manu Tuilagi, in his first match back after injuring his shoulder two weeks ago against Queensland, proved a handful for the Rebels defence and was key to that try.

---

Miss something? Re-live the action with Match Centre, featuring video highlights!

---

The English tackle-buster broke through the Melbourne defence and got a one-handed pass away to winger Sean Maitland.

He found No.8 Toby Faletau, who looked certain to score before slipping just short of the tryline.

Faletau, who was among the Lions' best and pushing Jamie Heaslip for the Test role, was able to play the ball back to centre Brad Barritt and he sent the ball on to winger Simon Zebo before Maitland finished off the move.

Their other first half try was scored by halfback Connor Murray, who scooped the ball up as they attempted a pushover try and dived across the line.

The Rebels toiled hard but were unable to build enough pressure on the Lions with a lack of possession.

In front of a sell-out crowd of 28,658, they were attempting to replicate the Brumbies, who delivered the Lions' first defeat by an Australian provincial side since 1971 with a 14-12 victory.

"It's disappointing when you look at that scoreline,'' said Rebels skipper Gareth Delve.

"The boys went out there and tried to do a few things and it was always going to be a bit hit and miss.''

The Lions' other points came in the second half through flanker Sean O'Brien after a set move off a line-out, while referee Glen Jackson awarded the side a penalty try and yellow-carded Rebels No.7 Jordy Reid, who came in cynically from the side with a try beckoning.

Impressive reserve halfback Ben Youngs also touched down after a dashing solo run off a line-out late in the half.

18.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

NRL wins its first fight hands down

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Fight breaks out ... between Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers in Holden Cup. Source: RENEE MCKAY / AAP

It was only a matter of time before the NRL's "one punch and you're off" edict got its first test case.

Less than a week after this newspaper splashed the story across the front page, rugby league had its first punch-up at Campbelltown last night.

And to the NRL's credit, four players from the Wests Tigers-Canberra Raiders Holden Cup match got their marching orders - two players were sent off and two to the sin bin.

The referees were outstanding. No questions asked - they just did their job and got rid of the offenders and then put the entire brawl on report.

It sends a clear message to every rugby league player at every level of the game.

If you want to fight, take up boxing.

If you want to play rugby league, you play by the rules. It's a tough enough game without the violence we witnessed on Saturday night.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers outclass Western Bulldogs

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Routine ... Bachar Houli fires a handball in Richmond's comprehensive win over Western Bulldogs. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

Richmond's bid for a long-awaited finals berth is gathering pace, after smashing the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

The 17.19 (121) to 8.13 (61) victory was the Tigers' third straight and the second time this season they have made light work of the Dogs, having also belted them by 67 points in round three.

3.3 (21)	Q1	4.8 (32)
5.9 (39)	Q2	8.13 (61)
5.11 (41)	Q3	13.16 (94)
8.13 (61)	Q4	17.19 (121)

Jake Stringer 2	Jack Riewoldt 3
Matthew Boyd 1	Reece Conca 2
Adam Cooney 1	Shaun Grigg 2
Daniel Giansiracusa 1	Tyrone Vickery 2
Lachlan Hunter 1	Trent Cotchin 1
Liam Jones 1	Aaron Edwards 1
Robert Murphy 1	Nathan Foley 1
	Bachar Houli 1
	Daniel Jackson 1
	Dustin Martin 1
	Nick Vlastuin 1
	Matt White 1

Bachar Houli and Brett Deledio again gave Richmond strong drive off halfback, despite the close attention of Bulldog taggers Nick Lower and Liam Picken respectively.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Midfielder Dustin Martin gathered 23 disposals, kicked a classy goal in the second quarter and set up several others with penetrating passes.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Former Port Adelaide key defender Troy Chaplin again showed his worth as a recruit for the Tigers, keeping Bulldog spearhead Liam Jones quiet to lead a tight Richmond defence, while hard man Steven Morris blanketed Dogs livewire Luke Dahlhaus.

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals.

The win lifts Richmond to sixth spot, above Collingwood on percentage and two games clear of ninth-placed Carlton, with the Tigers on an 8-4 record.

Only twice in the past three decades have Richmond been as well or better-placed 12 games into a season, in 1995 and 2001 - also the only two years they've played finals in that stretch.

Despite being on top throughout, the Tigers took time to put the Bulldogs away.

They kicked three of the first four goals, but followed that with a string of five consecutive behinds, allowing the Dogs to stay within 11 points at the first change.

Richmond opened the second quarter with four quick goals, but the Bulldogs steadied late in the half and an after-the-siren goal to Jake Stringer from a 50m penalty kept the halftime margin to 22.

But the Tigers blasted 53 points clear with 5.3 to two behinds in the decisive third quarter.

Big man Ty Vickery kicked two goals for the term, including one from a clever pack mark with the flight of the ball.

The last quarter became Tiger party time, with Daniel Jackson snapping a banana goal he could barely believe himself.

But the mood soured slightly when Chaplin went off with a leg injury late in the game, while fellow Tigers defender David Astbury was icing his left hamstring after being subbed off in the third term.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Chaplin's knee injury wasn't believed to be serious.

"Structurally we think he's fine, we just have to work our way through it, whether he twisted his knee we're not too sure,'' he said.

"He seems to think he'll be fine but we'll get some tests.''

Hardwick said he was disappointed Richmond wasted chances in the first half but was pleased to finish off with a 60-point win.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said his young side was simply outclassed.

"We got beaten by a team that's better than us, quite clearly better than us,'' he said.

"They're a good team, they broke our tackles, tackled us, kicked the ball better, got the ball into space and set up some nice goals.''

Captain Matthew Boyd was the Dogs' best, gathering 34 touches and keeping opposing skipper Trent Cotchin quiet, while fellow midfielder Ryan Griffen (38 disposals) was also prolific.

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

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions hold off wounded Wallabies

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Thriller ... the Lions celebrate after Kurtley Beale misses the match-winning kick. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

A brilliant two-try debut from Israel Folau wasn't enough for the battered Wallabies who fell 23-21 to the British and Irish Lions in an epic first Test battle on Saturday night.

2 Tries 2
Israel Folau 13'	George North 26'
Israel Folau 35'	Alex Cuthbert 49'
1 Conversions 2
James O'Connor 15'	Leigh Halfpenny 28'
	Leigh Halfpenny 50'
3 Penalties 3
James O'Connor 52'	Leigh Halfpenny 25'
Kurtley Beale 62'	Leigh Halfpenny 32'
Kurtley Beale 68'	Leigh Halfpenny 66'

In a gripping contest, a courageous Australia almost fought back from an eight-point second-half deficit but Kurtley Beale missed two penalty goal attempts in the final five minutes that would have stolen the win.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Beale had edged the Wallabies to within two points with 13 minutes left in front of a record Suncorp Stadium crowd of 52,499, but he skewed his first match-winning attempt and then slipped as he fired off a last-minute shot from 45m.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The reserve fullback, in his first-class return following his second suspension for alcohol issues, shouldn't shoulder all the blame as poor goalkicking severely cost the home side throughout.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

With first-choice kicker Christian Lealiifano taken off on a stretcher in the first minute, five-eighth James O'Connor stepped up but missed two attempts in the opening eight minutes.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

O'Connor also missed a kickable conversion from Folau's second try, meaning the Wallabies left 14 points in total out on the field.

---

Miss something? Re-live all the action with Match Centre, featuring video highlights!

---

In contrast, Lions' radar boot Leigh Halfpenny slotted five from six.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

There was little in the invigorating contest as momentum swung back and forward and Folau produced one of the best Test debuts by crossing twice in the first half and also saving a try.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Australian scrum also stepped up when required, spoiling the Lions ball five metres out late in the game and also forcing the late penalty for Beale's failed shot at glory.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Lions seemed to be in control as they jumped to a 20-12 lead in the 50th minute when winger Alex Cuthbert brushed off Michael Hooper and then Beale to score a try which had a hint of obstruction with Brian O'Driscoll running into O'Connor.

The carnage for the home side didn't end with Lealiifano, who was knocked out in tackling opposite number Jonathan Davies.

Berrick Barnes (jaw) and Pat McCabe (neck) were also replaced, forcing flanker Hooper to play in the midfield for the last 35 minutes.

In a magnificent first half, the superstar wingers of both sides shone with Folau's double plus Welsh giant George North scoring a sensational 60m solo try.

It was stand-out halfback Will Genia who sparked Folau's opening try with a superb 80m counter-attack by taking a quick tap and bamboozling the Lions' thin defence, before grubber kicking to the former league international and AFL flop.

But the home side's 7-0 lead didn't last long as the tourists gained the ascendancy in the set pieces and North punished a poor high kick by Barnes by blitzing two chasers and then stepping around Barnes to score.

The Welsh 21-year-old almost had a second five-pointer four minutes later but was denied by Folau who held him up in the left corner and his elbow landed on the sideline.

Genia, again, started Folau's second try by wrapping around Kane Douglas and quick hands had the lanky Waratah in space and he burnt Jonny Sexton and Alex Corbisiero to cross.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wallabies v Lions: Brissy breakdown

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Review ... Wallabies star Kurtley Beale after missing the match-winning penalty. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

There was no better advertisement for rugby union than the incredible exhibition of skill, heart and determination on display in the British and Irish Lions win over the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.

Rarely has there been so much hype surrounding a three Test series and the contest in Brisbane lived up to all expectations.

Foxsports.com.au reviews the thrilling first Test.

THE MATCH

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Both teams showed how desperate they were to secure the crucial first win of the three-match series. It was a physical contest from the first collision with Wallabies debutant Christian Lealiifano colliding with the hip of opposition number Jonathan Davies. The impact of the Brumbies sharpshooter being stretchered off was immediate as James O'Connor took over the kicking duties. O'Connor missed two early penalties, but the misses were soon forgotten when Will Genia chanced his hand with a quick tap, travelling 80 meters downfield to send another Wallabies debutant, Israel Folau, over his first Test try. Two penalties from Lions' hitman Leigh Halfpenny and a brilliant solo try from his Welsh teammate George North put the tourist back in front. The Wallabies had their chance to take the halftime lead after Folau scored his second incredible try, but O'Connor missed his third kick of the night. After the break, Alex Cuthbert sliced through the Wallabies defensive line, brushing off several players on his way to the try-line. The Wallabies were always chasing from here, but kept in touch with penalties. Kurtley Beale had the chance to win the match twice. On the second occasion the Wallabies' scrum earn a tight-head penalty, but as the fulltime siren went Beale slipped as he connected with the ball. What a game!

TURNING POINT

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Wallabies had three backline stars stretchered from the field and another leave it late in the game. At one stage in the game Michael Hooper was playing inside centre and replacement halfback Nick Phibbs was grazing on the wing. But it was debutant Lealiifano's absence that really hurt the Wallabies. O'Connor and Beale missed a combined total of 14 points from penalties and a conversion which ultimately cost the Wallabies victory in Brisbane. Lealiifano was selected by Deans for his ability to read the game, his solid defence and his place-kicking prowess.

LIONS STANDOUT

Jonathan Sexton. The Irish five-eighth was simply outstanding. He has an uncanny but effective style, with the ability to control the tempo of the game. Sexton stood so flat when taking on the Wallabies' defensive line that it attracted two or three defenders, creating acres of space for his support players. His pinpoint open-field kicking put a massive amount of pressure on the Wallabies' back-three and forced the homeside's forwards backwards. His variety constantly had the Wallabies' defence in two minds.

WALLABIES STANDOUT(S)

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

How do you separate Genia and Folau? The Wallabies' little general was in everything; covering tackles, creating tries and controlling a breakdown that was constantly under pressure from the Lions. Without Genia the Wallabies could have been facing a much bigger scoreline at the final siren. Was Folau's Wallabies' debut the greatest of all-time? That is a debate best decided in the pub. He is such an incredible athlete. All of Folau's attributes were on display when he scored his two first half tries; power, skill, speed and balance.

WHERE TO NOW?

There are no beds left in the Wallabies' casualty ward. Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe and Berrick Barnes will all undergo scans. The Wallabies found a nice balance to their side in the first Test and need to reassess their team for the do-or-die battle in Melbourne. Will Quade Cooper come into the side? O'Connor didn't set the world on fire and was completely out-played by his opposite number. Beale showed glimpses of why he is considered one of the most dangerous players in world rugby. Does he start at fullback or switch with O'Connor? There will no doubt be a number of backline changes for the second Test. The Wallabies pack held their own against a monster pack and should stay unchanged. The Lions team should be one to 15 for the Melbourne Test, resting several frontline players for the Rebels game.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More