Tigers deserve September finish

The Tigers of old? Source: News Limited

RICHMOND president Gary March says he was glad the Tigers fully deserved their breakthrough finals appearance, winning 15 games this season.

The club compared to Fitzroy for its on-field struggles only four years ago will today hit a major milestone taking on Carlton in the Tigers' first September showdown since 2001.

Richmond signed autographs for about 1000 fans at Punt Rd Oval after completing an incident-free training run yesterday.

While controversy surrounds Carlton's path to the finals, having replaced a disqualified Essendon in the eight, March said the Tigers' earned their place in September this year.

March said the club's own research into its list profile indicated the team was ready to compete on the big stage.

"Some people might have expected us to get there last year, but the numbers say we would have cheated, because were under average 90- games (per player)," March said.

"History tells you that you need to be at 90-plus and that's where we are at now.

"I'm just pleased we didn't limp into the finals. We won 15 games and we deserve our place.''

The Blues were handed their spot in the eight with 11 wins after Essendon was booted out of finals as part of its supplement scandal punishment.

While there were excited scenes at Richmond training yesterday, there was heartbreak for midfielder Nathan Foley, who put on a brave face despite being dropped for the eliminator.

As he signed autographs for sympathetic fans, Foley said it was a good sign he was a victim of the club's improved depth.

March said he owed the club's recruiting team, led by Francis Jackson and free agency specialist Blair Hartley, a "few dinners" for helping overhaul the list in quick time.

But he said the team's progress this year was reward for their long-suffering fans who stood by the club through its darkest hours.

"We are pretty proud of where the club has got to, but we are not there yet, there is still a lot of work to do,'' March said.

"It was probably only a few years ago that quite a few people were comparing us to Fitzroy but it just proves if you stick to the path, footy can change.

"I'm just pleased for the supporters who kept coming to the games when we were getting beaten in all those games.''

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Can Blues ruin Richmond fairytale?

Will Carlton play the villain? Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

EVERY great fairytale needs a knight on a white steed and an evil enemy hell-bent on destruction.

Richmond is the feel-good story of this year's finals series, and Carlton is happy to play the dastardly villain from Visy Park.

The Tigers haven't played finals since 12 years; have six of the top seven players on the list of most AFL games without a final.

Carlton, meanwhile, was dead and buried six weeks ago and only is only playing finals because of Essendon's peptides scandal.

So while the Richmond army stampeded to Punt Rd on Saturday, a single rousing version of the Old Dark Navy Blue was Carlton's concession to finals.

Mick Malthouse was keeping a low-key presence in a short training session, but assistant coach Brad Green was happy to concede the Blues' role as the villain.

Nothing would be sweeter for Carlton than dumping their inner-city rivals from September after so much talk and so much hype.

"It is the romance of Chris (Newman) and not playing finals, and Richmond haven't played finals in a while," Green said.

"I hope (Chris does play) ... it's great for footy and it's great for him.

"But we are looking to knock them off, no doubt about that. It is finals footy, the atmosphere is going to be red-hot. It is a contested game, finals footy, and our boys have got to be ready for it, and I have got no doubt they are."

The Tigers might have won 16 of their 22 finals against the Blues, but that is ancient history right now.

More relevant is Carlton's record of 11 of the past 12 wins, with that record only tainted by a Round 1 Chris Yarran miss that denied the Blues.

The best part for the Blues is that they haven't even had to beat Richmond in recent years when they have faced off in Round 1.

Instead they bunker down, let Richmond over-hype themselves, then watch on with glee as the Tigers implode on game day.

The Blues have tried that tactic again this week, refusing all but the most limited media opportunities and locking out fans from their mid-week session.

The edge between these two sides was evident when Richmond boxing coach John Vickery turfed out a Carlton spy from Tigers training this week.

But the Blues know this is a different Richmond side, a flint-hard Tigers team boasting 15 wins and a host of matchwinners.

Green reeled off the names - Dan Jackson, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin.

Cotchin was trounced by Ed Curnow just a month back with Martin worked over by Zach Tuohy.

Green made no promises about repeating the dose with those match-ups, but you can be assured Carlton won't gift Richmond another fast start this time.

Back in Round 21 Josh Bootsma was obliterated by Jack Riewoldt early - Malthouse won't make that mistake again.

On Saturday Malthouse was seen but not heard, but Green said he had his fingerprints all over the week.

"Look, he's got a lot of finals experience, he has been great. Mick has been Mick. He has kept it a normal week. He's kept it pretty calm towards the boys. No doubt he has got them firing up and ready to go."

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Bowen given dream home farewell

Matt Bowen leads the Cowboys out against the Tigers. Source: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images

QUEENSLAND'S hopes of ending a seven-season NRL premiership drought rests solely with the Cowboys.

9 Tries 4
Robert Lui 5'	James Tedesco 8'
Wayne Ulugia 23'	Curtis Sironen 31'
Johnathan Thurston 37'	Tim Simona 47'
Wayne Ulugia 40'	James Tedesco 49'
Jason Taumalolo 60'
Antonio Winterstein 64'
Matthew Bowen 69'
Matthew Bowen 74'
Wayne Ulugia 76'
7 Conversions 3
Johnathan Thurston 6'	Benji Marshall 9'
Johnathan Thurston 38'	Benji Marshall 48'
Johnathan Thurston 40'	Benji Marshall 50'
Johnathan Thurston 61'
Johnathan Thurston 66'
Johnathan Thurston 70'
Matthew Bowen 75'

And while they will have to do it from seventh at best, after Saturday night's 50-22 demolition of the Wests Tigers at 1300SMILES Stadium swept them to a sixth straight triumph, the state could hardly be in better hands.

Just as importantly, though, champion Cowboy Matt Bowen got a deserving send-off in his final hit-out in front of his faithful ahead of his retirement at the end of the finals campaign.

Almost 20,000 packed in to pay tribute to the greatest Cowboy there has ever been and their cheers could be heard as far north as Cairns when he sealed the victory with a trademark stepping and jinking try 12 minutes from time.

Five minutes later he was at it again, latching onto a Robert Lui grubber to make it two.

They were Bowen's 129th and 130th career tries in his 269th NRL game - both North Queensland club records.

Then, just to cap it off, he kicked the conversion for his second to send Townsville into party mode.

Despite the comfortable margin, the Cowboys were given a fright by the out-of-contention Tigers.

After North Queensland went to halftime looking comfortable when two late tries put them up by 12 points, the Tigers gave them a giant jolt when Tim Simona and James Tedesco went bang, bang to level the scores at 22-all.

But a powerful run and put-down by Jason Taumalolo all but ended the Tigers' charge.

Within 16 minutes of the young gun's four pointer a level score had become a blow-out.

Cowboys rookie winger Wayne Ulugia finished with his first career hat-trick.

There was a concern for North Queensland, though, with Brent Tate forced from the field with a shoulder injury and Joel Riethmuller also forced from the field with what appeared a rib complaint.

While it was fitting last hurrah for Bowen, it was a sad way for Benji Marshall to farewell the Tigers before his journey to rugby.

The Cowboys knew before kick-off their finals place was assured, with the Warriors and the Titans losing in the earlier games.

But there was still reason to perform as they looked to farewell Bowen and, while there were a couple of lapses to worry about, everything was going to plan at halftime as North Queensland led 22-10.

It was an emotional start, with Bowen making his way out through a guard of honour filled with family and friends, fireworks and an enormous roar from the Townsville faithful while carrying his children Diaz and Matthew Jr.

The sentiment may have taken its toll early too, as the teams went try for try in and were locked at 10-all after 30 minutes.

But an unfortunate intercept pass thrown by Robbie Farah, who had set up both of the Tigers' tries, appeared to turn the tide.

Johnathan Thurston latched onto the ball and ran 70m to cross before rookie winger Wayne Ulugia scored right on halftime to give the home team a 22-10 lead at halftime.

Tiger Ben Murdoch-Masila was put on report for a 57th minute high shot on Bowen. 

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Lyon bristles at target claims

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FIRED-UP Fremantle coach Ross Lyon angrily defended Zac Dawson as his Dockers threw the AFL premiership race wide open.

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While many had Hawthorn and Geelong pencilled in for the flag decider, the physical and well-drilled Dockers thumbed their nose at convention, inflicting just the Cats' second loss in 45 matches over six years at their home ground.

The stunning 15-point win wound Fremantle into a $4 second favourite for the flag by pitching the arch rival Hawks and Cats into the same half of the draw and giving the WA team its first home preliminary final.

But while Lyon urged his team to "stay incredibly focused", he bristled at suggestions he'd charged Dawson - and others - with the task to intimidate the Cats physically.

Dawson gave away a free-kick and was booked for a clash with Geelong forward James Podsiadly before the opening siren.

The pair jostled several times during the match and the former Saint was also involved in a clash with Geelong skipper Joel Selwood that could come under scrutiny.

But Lyon stood by his full-back, saying the Cats had contributed their fair share to the physical clash.

"(That's) out of line because what I saw was some Docker players go down off the ball," he said.

"It is silly question – we played within the rules. Just go to the behind-the-goals footage and have a look, you'll see what comes out.

"I reviewed them (as) marginal free-kicks at best (with) some body work.

"I just happen to be the coach of the team. I have behind-the-goal vision, I have broadcast vision that I replay and I saw them and they were incredibly marginal, marginal free-kicks.

"That is OK if they get paid, but to then focus on them is really disappointing in the context of the effort we have delivered."

The Dockers will also sweat on a clash, one of several, between gun forward Chris Mayne and Geelong's Steve Johnson, who was left lying on the ground after intitial contact between the pair propelled the Cat into Geelong runner Nigel Lappin.

Lyon was "really pleased for the players that they created an opportunity" after admitting to a mistake in sending chief tagger Ryan Crowley to Mathew Stokes while Johnson threatened to tear apart the game early.

"It was a powerful response in face of a great challenge by the team. We want to be `anywhere-anytime' team and this is a significant challenge and they got it done today."

Lyon walked away from the "garbage" of the debate about playing a final in Geelong for the first time since the 19th century, and also said resting half his team in Round 23 had likely been beneficial.

"It's hard to measure, but the analogy I used is I watched Hawthorn win last night and (then) everyone espouses that they have got a week off to freshen up for a preliminary final, so in theory it is the same model," he said.

"You would not want to be doing it every week, but after 22 home-and-away rounds, it clearly helped."

Lyon said the decision to play key defender Luke McPharlin for the first time in two months after a Round 15 calf injury had been "bold and strong".

Utility Nick Suban was subbed off with an ankle injury, but was walking around without discomfort in the rooms afterwards.

Lyon said Freo had "some sore boys that had plenty of whacks ... and there was plenty of on and off ball things that will probably be looked at I would suggest".

He said big man Aaron Sandilands played his best game of an injury-cruelled season.

"I thought he was significant when he went forward ... a real threat.

"They threw some challenges at him on spread, but we're really confident we can handle that.

"A few of the things they were doing we certainly adjusted to and it was needed ... and then (he and Zac Clarke) were able to play to their strengths, rather than having their strengths taken off them and chasing around opposition ruckmen."

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Tomic's father guilty of assault

Thomas Drouet with his bandaged nose from an altercation with Bernard Tomic's dad. Source: AFP

THE father of tennis ace Bernard Tomic has been found guilty of an assault on another player and handed a suspended eight months sentence.

A court in Madrid today ruled Ivana John Tomic did headbutt Bernard Tomic's French tennis practice partner Thomas Drouet in May this year outside a hotel in the Spanish capital.

While he was sentenced to eight months jail, the sentence was suspended for him to be of good behaviour for a set period of time.

But the sentence is likely to see Tomic Snr, who is still listed as his son's coach, banned from all ATP tournaments. The ATP had banned him pending the outcome of the court case.

"This is good news," Drouet, 30, said today of the sentence.

"He should never be allowed to attend matches again."

The sentence will come as a crushing blow to world No.41 Bernard Tomic who recently bemoaned the fact his father was being treated unfairly for being banned.

Last month a court in Madrid heard how Drouet, who had been a member of Team Tomic for seven months, had been complaining about how Tomic Snr had been treating him.

The dispute began in Nice in southern France and continued all the way to the check-in desk of a hotel in Madrid. Tomic Snr then asked Drouet to step aside for a quiet word, Drouet followed expecting to receive an apology but instead was spat in the face by Tomic and then headbutted unconscious to the ground.

He suffered a broken nose and a bruised vertebrae and has had to have corrective surgery. The assault saw him unable to work for a number of weeks; he also worked as a part-time model but has been told his crooked nose may now end that career.

Drouet will be seeking damages in the civil court.

During the hearing Tomic Snr burst into tears as he denied the allegations and said it was Tomic who appeared to want to assault him. But he could not explain how the French man ended up on the ground.

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Out of exile Carney targets 'Roos

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AFTER a year out of the game, David Carney is back - a little older, a little wiser, and a little more determined to regain his Socceroo spot in the face of increased competition.

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Carney, who's just signed a deal to play with New York Red Bulls in America's MLS, has endured a rollercoaster twelve months, after his stint in Uzbekistan with Bunyodkor came to a close.

His attempts to kick start his career stalled because of injuries, broken promises and - by his own admission - some questionable choices.

"I had interest from New York a few months ago, but I'd already agreed something with another overseas club.  Then, the coach of the club I was due to join left, and it all fell to bits," says Carney, speaking from the Big Apple.

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The unnamed club wasn't the only one interested in Carney's services.

"Coming home was an option. Tony Popovic was keen on me at Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC were interested too, and before that, Central Coast Mariners wanted me to play in the Asian Champions League.

At the time though, I didn't think I needed to come home - but the longer it went on, I did wonder if I'd made the right decision. I regret not making decisions eight months ago, but I can't change that now." says Carney.

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"I also spoke to Esteghlal in Iran - agreeing terms, but when I got there it just wasn't for me." he added.

Carney spent his year away from the game overcoming a long-term injury, training for a while with his old club, Blackpool, and he feels he's now stronger than ever.

"I worked a lot on my strength and conditioning - and on my shoulder (he's had three reconstructions).  I'm not frightened about it popping out any more," says Carney.

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Now, the former Sydney FC winger has found a home alongside fellow Socceroo, Tim Cahill and ex-Arsenal star, Thierry Henry. He made his debut in the 2-1 win over DC United last weekend, and is grateful to his national team colleagues for helping smooth the way for his move to the States.

"The Sporting Director, Andy Roxburgh, played a big part - I think he spoke with Holger (Osieck), and Tim (Cahill) spoke to me about the move. They did their research, and now I'm here for three months with the chance of a longer-term deal.  It's not much of a gamble for them, and it's up to me to prove myself," says Carney.

If he can earn a regular slot, then attentions will turn to the World Cup in Brazil next year - but with Matt McKay, Michael Zullo, and, potentially, Adama Traore, all in the frame, competition for the left-back role is fiercer than for some time. Carney however, remains confident in his own abilities.

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"I think when I'm fully fit, I can get that spot back. Matt is a clever player, and Michael is up and coming.  I've made it harder for myself but Holger is always pushing me. He is happy I've signed here, and says he wants me back in the squad if I'm playing well," says Carney.

At nearly 30, it's probably now or never for Carney, who has made just 60 senior appearances at club level since leaving Sydney FC in 2007. It's a stark reminder of a talent that remains largely unfulfilled.

"I didn't know that. Look, three shoulder reconstructions haven't helped, and I played for some good teams too.

Twente in Holland, Blackpool in the Premier League.  I'd never change those experiences, but there's nothing like playing. It's a World Cup year, and I want to be in it. It's the best tournament in the world, but I have to take one step at a time," says Carney.

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Paper Talk: WAG storm hits England

England players' WAGs are famous for causing disruption. Source: AAP

DESPITE an absence of Premier League action this weekend, the English football press have been keeping busy with matters off the field.

But before we get into that, check out this solo golazo from Botafogo's Hyuri in the Brazilian Serie A.

WAG STORM HITS ENGLAND

The Three Lions play host in lowly ranked Moldova in World Cup qualifier on Saturday morning (EST), but the pre-match hype has revolved around a WAG storm hitting Roy Hodgson's camp.

In what would have been banned under previous boss Fabio Capello's strict reign, the glamorous wives and girlfriends of England players have checked into the same hotel less than 24 hours before kick-off.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand complained the national team had turned into a circus when the same thing happened at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

WAGS were banned from staying with the English team in South Africa in 2010, but that has changed under new boss Hodgson, who'll be hoping the lovely ladies don't distract his players.

UNITED DOWN AND OUT… IN SEPTEMBER

BBC football pundit Robbie Savage says Manchester United can kiss goodbye their Premier League title.

Despite the season only being three games old, the former United junior has already ruled out the Red Devils following their transfer window shortcomings.

"I am concerned that Manchester United will live to regret their deadline-day scramble - because I think they can already kiss goodbye to being No.1 in the Premier League," Savage wrote in the Daily Mail.

"From what I saw against Chelsea and last weekend at Liverpool, when United struggled to unlock two resolute defences instead of slicing them open with surgical passing, Mesut Ozil - who was available before he signed for Arsenal - would have been a better fit." 

NANI STAYING ON

His hot and cold nature has seen him fall down the pecking order at Manchester United, but David Moyes has re-signed Nani for a further five years.

The Portuguese's re-signing is a baffling one. No one doubts his talent, but injury and inconsistency have punctuated his time at the club.

There was no shortage of suitors lining up for the winger during the transfer window either, with Monaco, Juventus and Galatasaray all sniffing about, yet Moyes has elected to keep the faith.

Will it pay off?

STEVIE G IN THE ANFIELD DUGOUT

In news to warm the hearts of Merseysiders everywhere, Steven Gerrard has revealed his desire to manage Liverpool when he hangs up the boots.

"The dream come true would be to manage Liverpool, when the Liverpool job becomes available," the Reds legend told twentyfour7 Football magazine.

"I definitely see myself as a manager rather than a coach, but that could change. I remember speaking to Jamie Carragher and he really fancied it but he's decided media is what he wants to do.

"It's strange seeing him on Sky but I'm really delighted he's doing it… He can leave managing Liverpool to me!"

Stevie G should be aware of the pitfalls though. Great players don't always become great managers. Just ask Roy Keane and Paul Ince…

CURIOUS CASE OF DEMICHELIS

Atletico Madrid must be laughing all the way to the bank.

Just a month after signing Martin Demichelis on a free transfer, the Spanish club offloaded the Argentina international to Manchester City for $7 million.

It gets better.

Now Demichelis – who City signed as cover for injured skipper Vincent Kompany – will be out of action for six weeks after damaging knee ligaments in training.

Atletico couldn't have timed it better, City have serious problems.

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Rebels sign All Blacks centre

Ellison is a fantastic addition to the Rebels backline. Source: AFP

MELBOURNE Rebels have pulled off a major coup with the signing of Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison on a one-year deal.

Ellison, who has played four Tests for the All Blacks, will add a wealth of experience to the Rebels' backline following the departures of Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor.

The former Highlanders star is currently playing with the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan's Top League.

New Rebels coach Tony McGahan was thrilled to have secured Ellison for next season.

"Tamati has the ability to play at a high level across a number of positions in the backline, which makes him a very important part of a Super XV squad in such a fast and demanding competition," McGahan said.

"He is a player who likes to express himself on the rugby field, and with this he will fit into the type of rugby we aim to play next season."

Ellison has 77 caps for the Highlanders and will link up with the Rebels in their 2014 pre-season.

"My family and I are really excited about moving to Melbourne and the new opportunities that lay ahead," Ellison said from Japan.

"The Rebels are building a very competitive team, and I'm looking forward to being a part of that."

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Why Paul Roos will pay his way

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THE killjoys were in full voice 24 hours after it became apparent Paul Roos was likely to become the next coach of Melbourne.

Was the potential $1.5 million price tag worth it, considering the AFL was bailing out the Demons to the tune of $2.7 million?

But that money will be mainly used for redundancies and payouts to staff, not for paying Roos.

And the AFL is prepared to endorse that type of salary because the bail-out is a one-off, not annual.

The recruitment of Roos would be a game-changer for the Dees and could set off a ripple effect, stopping the club being an "impediment" to the league.

RETAINING PLAYERS

Anyone who saw Jack Watts on The Footy Show would believe he is on his way out.

Anyone who has seen the powerful effect Roos has on players would know Watts will stay if Roos signs.

It is not to say Roos is the best coach ever, because his Sydney support staff, which included John Longmire and Ross Lyon, might be the greatest in the modern era.

But players want to be in his company, and surely his first task would be to sit down with Watts. Free agent Colin Sylvia is also in that bracket.

The leadership group that met Roos last week would have spread positive feedback.

A side that lost Brent Moloney, Jared Rivers and Stefan Martin last year would be confident it could prevent more bleeding.

RECRUITING

Melbourne was the laughing stock of the trade and free agency market last year because it wanted everyone, but players wouldn't even talk to them. That included midfielders Sharrod Wellingham and Josh Caddy.

Roos not only would ensure the Demons did not pay massive overs for those who did sign (think Chris Dawes), but if he could recruit Swans talent-spotter George Stone, he could effectively get the band back together.

No Victorian side has bigger salary cap room, and more need for genuine midfielders.

The pick No.2 they will receive in the draft is said to be on the table if they can secure a 22-to-24-year-old star. And it might not just be players they recruit. With Roos in charge, surely Geoff Walsh would think favourably about joining Melbourne as football manager.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Melbourne must find a new major co-sponsor after car company Opel pulled the plug in August. Those deals are worth $2 million-plus. With Roos on board, the Demons could ask for the kind of money that might bridge the gap between the $1 million many coaches require and the $1.5 million it might cost to get him.

CROWDS/MEMBERS

Melbourne looked at its fixture this year and immediately stripped $1 million from its bottom line, so bad did it look from a commercial viewpoint.

Then the side started playing, and those home crowds slumped to an embarrassing 35-year low.

The Demons had 33,177 members this year, one of only two sides to lose members (down 6 per cent).

Even Demons legend Garry Lyon said he could not get his kids to go to the footy this year. The Roos name, plus the expected improvement, could not fail to swell the coffers. An extra 5000 members would cover the premium to get him.

PRIORITY PICK

Does Melbourne deserve a priority pick after it was fined in February for trying to tank? Maybe not. But there is no doubt an AFL Commission keen for Melbourne to stop being a basket case would look more favourably on a side that was coached by Roos.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan has said the Demons have a "pretty strong argument", but it will still be a hard sell to rival clubs.

Demons coach Neil Craig speaks to his team at quarter-time. Source: Getty Images

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Transfer dealings show Utd cracks

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IF a week is a long time in politics, 24 hours can be life-changing in football. Not just any 24 hours, but the final gripping spasms of the transfer window. Rarely has so much action off the field acted as a window on shifting fortunes off it.

If Arsenal created the most striking deadline headline by landing Mesut Ozil, it's tempting to see the bigger story unfolding in the background of hairline cracks appearing in the edifice of Manchester United.

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So much went so wrong for the champions, on the last day of dealing, as it has throughout the transfer window, that the eventual signing of Marouane Fellaini felt like a consolation prize - and an expensive one at that.

When David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson there was strong talk from within United of a "statement signing" to stamp the new man's authority - and that of Ed Woodward, the club's new CEO.

Instead, after the forlorn pursuit of various names including Cesc Fabregas, United just looked bewildered and then out of their depth on the final day.

The pursuit of Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera became mired in farce - not just in trying to persuade Atletico to take a fee lower than Herrera's buyout clause, but in the bizarre involvement of a gang of officials who tried to seal the deal in Spain but were denounced as imposters by the English club.

Unfairly that just adds to the sense that United's aura is shrinking. After a limp start to the season, United's need for outstanding creativity sits uneasily with Moyes's purchase of Fellaini - imposing and skilful but no Fabregas, let alone no Ozil.

The great irony is that the growing list of names that Arsene Wenger had chased and lost for Arsenal was becoming the story of the off-season - but in one fell swoop Arsene the Ascetic has become Wenger the Spender, and made United look bumbling by comparison.

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Ozil is indisputably world class, and exciting enough to mute suggestions that what Wenger needed most of all was a top drawer striker.

You could argue that Arsenal created rather alot of chances last season that went unfinished, but his signing adds more than just creativity - it harks back to that of Dennis Bergamp in 1995, a move that changed perceptions of Arsenal. Finally Wenger's team are buyers again, not just sellers.

There is a similar well of optimism at Liverpool, thanks to the club's best start to a season since 1994 and the fact they faced down Luiz Suarez and won.

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On deadline day Liverpool spent again, though with little fanfare - acquiring central defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori plus winger Victor Moses on loan from Chelsea.

But most of Brendan Rodgers' spending for Liverpool was done earlier in the window, as it was with Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.

The fact that so few clubs felt the need to go to the wire - Real Madrid's purchase of Gareth Bale was finally confirmed late on but Spurs had already bought seven players against the money they knew was coming for Bale - just highlighted United's indecision.

One window does not make a season, but the uncertainty of transition was already lapping around the feet of Moyes and United. In 24 hours the pressure accruing on Wenger has shifted north to Old Trafford.

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Revealed: Heather Mills' diva demands

Heather Mills kisses American Melanie Schwartz after competing in an event in Queenstown last month. Source: Getty Images

HEATHER Mills is competing in Thredbo as part of her bid to qualify for the 2014 Winter Paralympics. But don't try asking her for an interview.

The publicist for Sir Paul McCartney's ex-wife has issued a strict set of conditions for interviews - and questions about her one-time marriage to the Beatles frontman and her reported $42 million divorce settlement are out of bounds.

Mills has also demanded she be allowed to edit the story, write the headline and pick the photo for any interview she acquiesces to. Questions about her private life and general negativity is also forbidden.

"The parties agree that no question will be put to HM regarding her marriage to and divorce from Paul McCartney; his new marriage, her private life; any legal proceedings that have involved HM nor any negative media stories," a statement from her publicist outlines.

"The purpose of the interview is for it to feature HM discussing her ski training for 2014 Paralympics, veganism, her general life, how she lost her leg and how and why she started with charity work.''

The publicist added that Mills, and her management, would retain editorial control including approving the headline and photo to be used.

The agreement also asks whether the interview involves a photo shoot and if not, asks where the photos are being sourced from.

UK media have to go a step further by providing the name of the journalist doing the interview "to check if they have ever done nasty interviews with anyone".

"It is agreed that no negative comments (footage) of HM will be used," the contract states.

"Agree that HM will view the final edit to be published/broadcast and have approval over same (not to be unreasonably withheld). Any items not agreed by HM will be deleted and replaced with agreed footage."

It also demands the story - on Paralympic sport which often has to unfairly battle for media coverage - be published only once and any edits or clips must not be used anywhere else or sold to a third party.

Mills, 45, lost her left leg below the knee following a collision with a police motorbike in London in 1993.

In 2002 she wed Sir Paul McCartney and they had a daughter before their high-profile divorce in 2008 resulted in Mills being awarded a multi-million dollar settlement.

After showing promise as a skier, Mills was invited to trial with the Great Britain team and last year won four gold medals at the US Adaptive Alpine Skiing National Championships in Colorado.

Last week she won a silver medal at the New Zealand IPC World Cup and on Tuesday finished fifth in the women's standing giant slalom at Thredbo where she has been sharing the slopes with recreational skiers basking in unusually warm 13-degree temperatures.

Mills is one of 40 inspirational athletes currently competing in the NSW Snowy Mountains, including those who are visually impaired or amputees yet have the courage and skill to ski down a mountain at in excess of 60km/h.

Her journey to what she hopes will lead to selection with Great Britain for the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games has included crashes and injuries to her shoulder and thumb.

"I'm quite a good dancer so eventually I may be able to skirt around the slalom gates, so watch this space," Mills reportedly told the BBC in an interview last year.

"Being older is normally a handicap usually as far as physically is concerned, but mentally you tend to be much stronger because you realise that this (being an athlete) is just a privilege."

The Thredbo event is the first Paralympic alpine skiing world cup ever staged in Australia and runs until Thursday.
Australia won four medals - including gold to Victorian Mitch Gourley - on day two of competition on Tuesday.

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Wenger's audacious transfer flurry

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AN already landmark deadline day could have been even better for Arsenal if stunning late offers for Wayne Rooney and Christian Benteke were accepted.

The Gunners ended up with one deadline day signing, but what a special one it was, Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil for a club record £42.5m.

But the Daily Star reports that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wanted to strengthen his squad and made three audacious late bids to bolster his squad.

The paper claims the north London club lodged a bid for Aston Villa hitman Benteke, despite the striker last month signing a contract extension.

A deadline day move for Manchester United's Wayne Rooney was also made, though unsurprisingly, this came to nothing.

Paris Saint-Germain's Javier Pastore was also targeted on a hectic deadline day at the Emirates.

News of the failed dealings won't dampen spirits at the Gunners, after the club finally opened the transfer warchest on a landmark day.

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Bomber still unsure on Dons job

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ESSENDON assistant coach Mark Thompson says he's still struggling with the emotional toll of the AFL club's supplements saga and unsure if he wants to be the interim coach.

Thompson was last week nominated by banned Essendon coach James Hird as the obvious choice to fill the role for the 12 months Hird has been suspended by the AFL.

Thompson, who coached Geelong to the 2007 and 2009 premierships but quit the Cats in 2010 saying he was burnt out, said he still found the idea difficult to contemplate.

"I'm still no clearer. I just don't know whether (I can). Right now the way I feel probably no,'' Thompson told Fox Footy's AFL 360 on Monday night.

Thompson acknowledged he was still in a ``dark spot'' emotionally as a result of the stress imposed by the anti-doping investigation the Bombers have endured.

He said he was not in a good state to be making decisions on his future.

"Probably not. I need to go away. I go away this weekend,'' he said.

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Vote: all-time worst howler

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THE touch judge who allowed play to go on in a Queensland Cup match on Sunday when, frankly, the ball couldn't have been further out, got us to thinking - was it the worst decision ever made by a sports official.

No doubt it's up there, but a search of the archives reminded us of a litany of howlers over the years from a range of sports, which have entertained as much as they have baffled.

So sit back and enjoy as we take you on a trip own memory lane, and vote in the poll to let us know which is the biggest howler of all.

---

TOUCH JUDGE STINKER
Words don't do justice to this horror decision that confounded players, commentators and spectators alike. Despite perfect positioning the touch judge fails to raise his flag when the ball goes several metres behind him and the player who runs it down to bat it back in-field takes several steps the wrong side of the sideline. Truly baffling!

NICK, WHAT NICK
When things are going as horribly as they are for our Aussie cricketers, we'll take any excuse to bash the Poms. Thankfully, we've got Stuart Broad. Good cricketer, Broady. Not so big on the humble traditions of the game. Despite nicking the ball to slip (via the outside edge of the keeper's glove) Broad stood his ground. And umpire Aleem Dar was so confused by Broad's defiance, he forgot to raise his finger.

BASEBALL'S BEST
How could we compile a list like this without including everyone's favourite crime fighter Frank Drebin? When he wasn't solving mysteries, Drebin did some of his best work on the baseball diamond. His outrageous umpiring decisions were only matched by the gestures he sent batters packing with.

BASKETBALL'S GREAT DISGRACE
The 1972 Olympic men's basketball final was one of the most controversial in Olympic history. With the USSR leading the USA 49-48 with seconds to play, a more dramatic chain of events could not be scripted. The last three seconds included an unexplained horn, an apopleptic coach, a time-out that never was, a clock malfunction, an illegal substitution, an inbound play taken three times over, and two lead changes. After all that the USSR were awarded the game and the gold.

LAMPARD DENIED
A chapter was added to the rivalry between old enemies England and Germany when they met in the round of 16 in the 2010 FIFA World Cup - the Germans progressing with a 4-1 victory. But it wasn't the ease at which the Germans ousted the Poms from the tournament that stole the headlines, after a thumping Frank Lampard strike was ruled not to have crossed the line... when it most certainly had. Despite video replays clearly showing the ball bouncing about a metre over the line after rebounding off the crossbar, the goalkeeper was allowed to pick the ball up and play on. The controversy made such a splash that FIFA were finally forced to consider the addition of goal line technology.

SHUTE SHIELD SHAME
There may not be any other club competition with an official in the video box. But if this decision is anything to go by, perhaps they'd be better off without it. It's Parramatta v Gordon. Gordon get the ball down in the corner, but surely the try scorer has gone out by about five metres? Think again. The ref plays it on the safe side and referes the decision - try or no try? After several replays that show every part of the try scorer's body over the touch line before he grounds the ball, the TMO makes his decision. You may award the try. What?!

OBVIOUSLY, THE TRACK IS SAFE
750 horsepower, slick tyres and a wet oval track is a recipe for disaster, just ask any IndyCar driver racing at Loudon in 2011. With rain falling, drivers couldn't believe Race Control elected to restart the race – the treacherous conditions triggering a multi-car crash before the field even reached the green flag. Australia's Will Power made his opinion clear, angrily flipping off the officials on live TV.

HANDBALL? WHAT HANDBALL
As handball's go, this is a goodie. It's Australia v Equatorial Guinea, FIFA Woman's World Cup, 2011. It's a good close game, then something bizzare happens. An Australian strike on goal goes crashing into the post, rebounding into the path of Equatorial Guinea defender, Bruna. Bruna picks the ball up, carries it a couple of steps, then drops it next to her goalkeeper - nothing to see here. I saw it, you saw it, everyone saw it. It's as plain as day that a penalty should be awarded. What's that? The referee said play on. You must be kidding!

ST KILDA'S GRAND FINAL CURSE?
The 2009 grand final between Geelong and St Kilda was an absolute belter. It had it all. It was won and lost in the dying moments. And a team that will go down as one of history's all-time greats got the biscuits. But one thing about that game that will stick uncomfortably in the craw of all Saints fans forever was a Tom Hawkins goal in the second quarter that never should have been awarded. Hawkins took advantage of a Zac Dawson turnover to take a shot at goal, which rebounded quite obviously off the inside of the post as it went through. But these were the good old days, before video review, and the goal umpire somehow missed the deflection. He signalled the goal, it was chalked up in the score book, and the rest is history. 

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Battle-tested Blues ready for Tigers

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says the Blues are ready. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse says his battle-hardened side goes in to Sunday's blockbuster MCG elimination final fully equipped to challenge Richmond after playing two "mini finals'' in a row.

Captain Marc Murphy said the Blues could ill-afford to give the Tigers a five-goal head start as they did in Round 21, but said they would take heart from the good things they did in the eventual 10-point win.

Malthouse also stated emphatically that his team deserves its place in the finals.

Carlton won 11 games for the season, one less than seventh-placed Port Adelaide and three less than Essendon, but were promoted to eighth-spot after the Bombers were relegated to ninth last week by the AFL Commission.

"How are we lucky to be there? We've won enough games to be in the finals. I can't see what's wrong with it,'' Malthouse said.

"Why don't we (deserve to be in the finals)? Are we supposed to hand it back to someone? Who's supposed to have it, do you think? If we're not supposed to be there, who should have it?''

Murphy said it did not bother him if people label the Blues as lucky to feature in September.

"We're in the eight now and we're playing off for the opportunity to go forward,'' Murphy said.

"We don't consider ourselves lucky at all.''

The availability of dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd remains clouded, but Malthouse said if the midfielder was to return after three games out with a knee injury he will be fit to play.

Star ... Carlton hopes to have Chris Judd back against Richmond. Source: News Limited

The coach said Brock McLean (quad) and Heath Scotland (quad) were also doing everything possible to prove their fitness.

"Anyone who runs down the race in a finals game has been through the griller,'' Malthouse said.

"Are we confident? We're confident that (Judd) has trained pretty well last week, he trained again pretty well today and, I would suspect by Thursday, the medical staff will make a decision on whether they are able to be picked.

Then it's up to us to pick them.

"If we have too many players like that, you've got to be careful. You don't carry injured players in to finals.''

Malthouse described games against Essendon and Port Adelaide in the last two weeks as mini finals and said those games "certainly stiffen you up'' and "make you a little bit more aware of what's required'' in September.

"If you can get through those games unscathed injury-wise ... it's a great lead-in,'' he said.

"And we've got the added day break. There's a simple thing about finals if you live in the same town, Richmond and Carlton, playing at the MCG, is not a disadvantage to either side.

"So finishing fifth or finishing eighth is Even Stevens, that's just the way it works out.''

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Gutsy Eels win last home game

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IT has been a lousy year at Parramatta.

5 Tries 4
Fuifui Moimoi 19'	Mitch Rein 8'
Semi Radradra 28'	Tyson Frizell 15'
Fuifui Moimoi 37'	Daniel Vidot 42'
Semi Radradra 53'	Jack Stockwell 74'
Ken Sio 60'
3 Conversions 3
Ben Roberts 21'	Chase Stanley 9'
Joseph Paulo 30'	Chase Stanley 16'
Joseph Paulo 54'	Chase Stanley 74'

Rubbish results, a team that has a second successive wooden spoon, boardroom dramas, poor management decisions, players sacked and a coach who may walk.

These are truly dark days in Sydney's golden west. Last night though a ray of light peeped through and a tiny smile re-emerged on the faces of the once-mighty Eels.

On Monday Parramatta won just their second game since May with a 26-22 win over a disappointing St George Illawarra at Parramatta Stadium.

It was a miraculous turn-around from last weekend's embarrassing 64-4 loss to Melbourne.

The year has been a complete write-off at Parramatta Stadium.

But at least the club's final home game of the season - in front of 8,910 dedicated fans - will be remembered for the one reason. A win.

It was fun hearing the old Parra victory song played over the public address system after such a horrid season.

The match wasn't brilliant - yet it was entertaining.

Defeat will sting Saints, as would any loss to a last-placed side.

St George Illawarra didn't offer up too much last night. It will be a summer of soul-searching for the joint venture club.

It was the Dragons sixth consecutive loss - a record for the joint venture.

Parramatta's four point half-time lead quickly evaporated within two minutes of the second half.

Saints winger Daniel Vidot strolled over out wide to level the scores at 16-all.

It was an easy try and would have annoyed Parramatta given how hard they had worked to get back into the match.

But the game kept flowing back and forth and Parramatta snuck ahead again minutes later.

And it was a sensational effort to winger Semi Radradra, his second try.

Radradra collected the ball 60 metres from the Saints tryline and flew down field.

He ran around fullback Jason Nightingale to score a spectacular try which thrilled the small crowd.

Radradra looks a player of promise.

Eels forward Joseph Paulo converted to give Parramatta a 22-16 lead midway through the second half.

Parramatta pushed further ahead in the 60th minute when halfback Luke Kelly laid on a lovely short ball to replacement fullback Ken Sio, who ran a good line to score out wide.

Paulo missed the concersion but the Eels had grabbed a handy ten point lead going into the final stages of the game.

Parramatta scored three first half tries - two to prop Fuifui Moimoi - to lead 16-12 at the break.

The Dragons scooted out to an early lead through hooker Mitch Rein. And it was a soft try too.

Rein simply got into dummy half, threw a small dummy and cut through some weak Eels defence to score.

Saints centre Chase Stanley converted from near the posts to give his side a 6-0 lead.

In the 14th minute, the Dragons went further ahead through yet another easy try.

Dragons back-rower Tyson Frizell burst over on the Parramatta right edge to score the simplest of tries.

Stanley converted again to give Saints a 12-0 lead.

Parramatta had no clout in defence and Saints looked far superior early.

But things were about to change.

The Eels hit back minutes through a stunning try to Moimoi.

Parramatta halfback Luke Kelly bombed across field with Moimoi somehow jumping above the pack to catch the ball and ground it, despite four Dragons players attempting to hold up the ball.

It was a remarkable try for a prop forward who yet again switched to the back-row last night Parramatta five-eighth Ben Roberts landed the conversion to cut St George Illawarra's lead just six points.

And with some handy momentum, Parramatta scored again in the 28th minute through rookie winger Semi Radradra.

Hooker Matt Keating went the short side before a long ball caught out the Dragons defence and Radradra crossed untouched.

It was another soft try.

From the sideline, Parramatta's Joseph Paulo converted to level the scores at 12-all.

And then Parramatta hit the front through Moimoi's second try.

Standing wide again, Moimoi crashed over and past three Dragons defenders.

The big fella was on fire. It was a try of great strength.

Paulo missed the conversion but Parramatta had somehow snatched a 16-12 lead.

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Halves not good enough to win comp

James Maloney and Mitch Pearce. Source: News Limited

IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on round 25 of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

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Broncos v Knights at Suncorp Stadium

At half-time and throughout periods of the game it looked like Brisbane were going to run away with the match. The Broncos had plenty to play for and seemed to be in control in what was quite an exciting game. On the back of an unfortunate injury to Newcastle skipper Kurt Gidley, the visitors showed enormous character. Joseph Leilua produced some great runs and tries for the Knights. The Knights are on 27 points now which will hurt either the Warriors or the Cowboys if they can get to 29 this week. Wayne Bennett will be pleased to leave his former club Brisbane with a win in what was an unsuccessful year for the Broncos. Anthony Griffin will come under some pressure for failing to get the club into the finals and reach the potential they should.

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Tigers v Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium

Four Burgess brothers, Sam getting sent off in the first five minutes, the Wests Tigers leading in Benji Marshall's 200th game - this game had it all. I think Mick Potter will be happy with their start and the new style he is trying to introduce to the team. I don't know whether this game showed the class of South Sydney to get back into the game and blow the Tigers away or highlighted the gap between the top five sides compared to the rest of the competition. The four Burgess brothers coming at you along with Chris McQueen, who was very good, just wore down the Tigers. Greg Inglis is playing on one leg but that seems good enough for the Rabbitohs to still be able to score points. Now the last round will determine whether South Sydney or the Sydney Roosters take out the minor premiership.

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Warriors v Raiders at Mt Smart Stadium

It was the Warriors' last home game of the season and probably their best performance of the season. Shaun Johnson was outstanding. The nearer he is to the ball, the more dangerous they look. He recorded the fastest hat-trick in the history of the game which took him about six minutes. Manu Vatuvei also scored three tries along with Jarrod Crocker from Canberra. 18-10 at half-time with the game on the line, the Raiders showed they have had too many distractions to win. The concern going forward is who will coach and how will it impact the players. They have one game left at home which will see them playing for pride. The Warriors travel to Wollongong and, while they have a horrible record at that ground, when they take the pitch they are a side that can make anything happen.

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Bulldogs v Panthers at ANZ Stadium

I think the Bulldogs can still win the competition. They are a very tough defensive side and they know how to handle the finals series when under pressure. This year they will have no pressure on them upon arriving to the finals. They will scare some people off the back of the main thing they did this week, which was wake up the sleeping giant Tony Williams. This is the time of the year you want him firing. Josh Morris is starting to look more and more comfortable at fullback while they will welcome back Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard come the finals. Penrith will be proud of their season. It was a positive year with a big recruitment drive. For them, the next season is about continuing to improve.

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Sea Eagles v Storm at Brookvale Oval

Manly sent everyone a timely reminder on Saturday night that they have the ability to win the competition. The Sea Eagles have the best back-line in the competition. Glenn Stewart has returned to form and the right edge was potent, whether it was Stewart to Daly Cherry-Evans or vice versa. The ball would then go left to Kieran Foran and the key for Manly is Brett Stewart. Hopefully his hamstring scare is nothing serious because they need him to win the big games. The Sea Eagles were too physical and skilful for Melbourne on a night some of the Storm stars were off their game.

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Sharks v Cowboys at Remondis Stadium

Prior to the weekend, North Queensland had the best for-and-against record of any team on that magical 24 points which meant their destiny was in their own hands. If they win their last game now no one can pass them on for-and-against. Cronulla were a little bit flat off the back of what was a good performance last Monday night. Without Todd Carney the Sharks were missing their attacking flare and played more direct. Matt Bowen announced he will retire at the end of the season and showed us all some glimpses of the Bowen of old. The Cowboys now return home to face the Wests Tigers for a place in the finals. If they make the finals they will have won six games straight and will certainly scare some sides. 

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Roosters v Titans at Allianz Stadium

Most people would have expected the Sydney Roosters to respond following last Monday's loss to Cronulla, but it was a massive effort from the Gold Coast. It showed enormous character after going down on the wire to the Warriors last week. Their side has been injury ravaged, it showed their character. A former Rooster in Brad Takairangi produced a massive play which got the visitors back in front before David Taylor put the nail in the coffin. The pressure now has to mount on the Roosters. They have lost two games in a row, against sides they should have beaten. They look disorganised and that falls on the shoulders of their halves. I don't think the Roosters can win the competition with the halves they have. The last two weeks we have seen when things aren't going right or they need to produce something new their halves don't have the ability to adjust. It will be interesting to see how Trent Robinson handles this situation. You would hate to head into the finals with three losses. Are the wheels coming off? That is yet to be determined but I look forward to seeing how they fare against South Sydney on Friday night in the battle for the minor premiership.

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Dogs fight off Demons for last win

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IT STARTED ominously for Melbourne when key forward Chris Dawes tweaked that troublesome calf muscle again in the warm-up.

4.3 (27)	Q1	4.5 (29)
13.6 (84)	Q2	6.5 (41)
14.8 (92)	Q3	9.7 (61)
16.11 (107)	Q4	13.9 (87)

Tory Dickson 3	Jack Watts 4
Adam Cooney 2	Dean Kent 2
Daniel Giansiracusa 2	Lynden Dunn 1
Lachlan Hunter 2	Colin Garland 1
Tom Campbell 1	Jeremy Howe 1
Daniel Cross 1	Matt Jones 1
Jarrad Grant 1	Nathan Jones 1
Liam Jones 1	James Sellar 1
Thomas Liberatore 1	Jack Viney 1
Will Minson 1
Mitchell Wallis 1

Aside from a spirited opening quarter and late flurry, the day steadily degenerated against a more energetic and disciplined Western Bulldogs unit.

High ... Jeremy Howe flies over the pack but it wouldn't count. Source: Getty Images

As a collective examination for a future senior coach, few Demons would have gained a pass mark in the 20 points loss at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

And, remember, this was against a 15th placed opposition that had been one of Melbourne's two victims earlier in this lamentable season.

Yes, there were flashes of hope. Like teenager Jack Viney's sprint from the centre and goal on the run late in the third quarter. And a reminder of Jack Watts undisputed if untapped talent with straight shooting set shots bagging four goals.

Retiring forward Aaron Davey several times reminded of his exciting contribution in 178 games with that breakaway pace and pinpoint passes.

His standing was emphasised by a pre-game guard of honour that contained former skipper and Carlton assistant coach Brad Green, Geelong defender Jared Rivers, Brisbane onballer Brent Moloney and former goalkicking great David Neitz.

But back to the future. And there's plenty of summer work for Melbourne's new boss. Like the basic necessity of sustained pressure for far more than one of four quarters.

The contested ball count told a sorry story for the Demons, thrashed 148-103 by these hungrier Doggies in a final scoreline that didn't truly reflect their dominance. The contested possessions discrepancy was a whooping 40 by half-time.

That Bulldogs' grunt around the contest was led by sons-of-guns Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis, aided by brave Daniel Cross in his 210th and final game in the red, white and blue.

Perhaps, it was Cross' job application for the next Demons' coach. His work ethic, to run and keep running often became a lesson for opponents.

Dawes pulled up short after sprinting in one of the first run-throughs during the pre-game warm-up for what would have been only his 13th game this season.

He immediately consulted a trainer and stayed on the oval to test the leg with a few short kicks before walking disconsolately back to the dressing rooms.

The Demons had to tell James Sellar to hastily prepare and he lined up at the opening bounce in Dawes' post as a tall forward target.

Luckily, Sellar was pulled out of VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions' elimination final team last Friday night just in case.

It started out as an entertaining, free-flowing contest, laced with appealing match-ups. Liberatore against Jack Trengove, Wallis and Nathan Jones, Ablett-tamer Jordie McKenzie running with Ryan Griffen. And the Bulldogs paid Davey the ultimate compliment by assigning designated stopper Liam Picken to the Demon dasher.

Melbourne's spirit and skills were admirable as the lead swapped early in the contest. And the Demons were right in the mix when the teams traded spectacular goals from Melbourne springheel Jeremy Howe and talented Bulldog Jarrad Grant just after the quarter-time restart.

When Sellar steered through a long goal eight minutes into the second quarter, the Demons had grabbed back the lead. Alas, it would be the last hurray.

The drop-off in intensity and seemingly interest by too many Melbourne players was as sudden as it was damning.

The Demons simply wilted when the Bulldogs ramped up their attack on the ball and the contest. From that two-points lead, Melbourne sat back and watched the more determined Doggies slam on seven unanswered goals in 18 minutes to put the game out of reach by half-time.

When an after-the-siren clash between Minson and McKenzie on the city wing inevitably snowballed into an ugly, brawling mass, several Melbourne players displayed far more commitment to that futile fight than the task of winning the hard ball in the previous half hour.

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Warner dropped from ODI squad

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DAVID Warner will return home early from Australia's tour of the UK after being dropped for the one-day matches due to a lack of form in the format.

Despite top scoring with 53 in Australia's 29-run loss to England in the second Twenty20 at Chester-le-Street, Warner failed to survive the cut for the 50-over format.

Paceman Mitchell Starc will also return home due to lower back soreness.

Australia's squad was reduced from 18 to 15 ahead of the one-off ODI against Scotland on Tuesday and the five-match series against England starting on Friday.

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Steve Smith was also released from the squad early due to a minor injury.

The decision to drop opener Warner comes despite him playing only four one-day international games this year.

He scored 9 against in his only appearance in June's Champions Trophy, before being suspended from the rest of the tournament following his altercation with Joe Root in a bar.

Warner played in three games against Sri Lanka in the Australian summer, averaging almost 25, and had largely disappointing one-day campaigns in England and the UAE last year.

''David has been left out of the Australian ODI squad for this tour purely due to his recent lack of form in this format,'' Australian coach Darren Lehmann said.

FAWAD AHMAD IMPRESSES BUT AUSTRALIA GO DOWN IN T20 INTERNATIONAL TO ENGLAND BY 29 RUNS

''By his own admission, David would acknowledge that unfortunately he hasn't scored the weight of runs that he would like recently in one-day cricket for his country.

''Like all selection matters, it was a tough decision but like all players he understands the situation and knows he needs to get back to playing (domestic one-day cricket) and making a heap of runs that we can't ignore.''

Lehmann said he had spoken at length to Warner about what was required to win his place back in the team.

''I've been impressed with his attitude since I've come into the Australian setup,'' Lehmann said.

Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said the decision to send Starc home was precautionary.

''Mitch reported some lower back pain in recent days so we have decided its best for him to return to Australia for further assessment and investigation.''

Australian ODI squad: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vc), Fawad Ahmed, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Matthew Wade, Shane Watson

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Penthouse and Outhouse: Round 23

Finals ... Carlton players celebrate after the final siren. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

FOX FOOTY expert Julian de Stoop casts his eye over another action-packed round of the AFL season.

In The Penthouse

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Carlton
After their shock loss to Essendon last week the Blues were relegated to the 'Outhouse' and they were headed for back to back appearances when they trailed by 39 points against Port Adelaide in the third quarter.
But led by their often maligned skipper Marc Murphy Carlton staged an amazing fightback with 8 final term goals to seal an unlikely finals berth.
Credit must also go to another of the Blues other whipping boys Bryce Gibbs who along with Murphy was the best player on the ground.
The Blues may have snuck in the backdoor but given their dominance over Richmond in recent times and the fact they beat them just two weeks ago, they will fancy their chances of progressing to week two.

Final Round drama
While it was heartbreaking for those who love the red and black, Essendon's expulsion from the finals set up a thrilling final round and you couldn't have written a script for what unfolded at Simonds Stadium and AAMI Stadium.
If it wasn't for Steve McBurney's lightning whistle (see the 'Outhouse') Brisbane would have been temporarily in the final eight before eventually being knocked out by the Blues following their remarkable win in Adelaide.
The downside of Carlton's victory was it ruined what would have been a thrilling match between North Melbourne and Collingwood. A Blues loss would have opened the door for a Roos finals spot by defeating the Pies.
For the Roos it summed up their season. If 10 losses by 16 points or less wasn't bad enough, Matthew Broadbent's last minute poster at AAMI Stadium was the final nail in their coffin.
The Roos finished in 10th spot when really they could have been knocking on the door of the top 4.

Jarryd Roughead
'The Big Rough' is one of the most popular players in the game and everyone is delighted to see him win his first Coleman Medal.
68 goals isn't a big tally but given Roughead spends plenty of time in the ruck his achievement is significant.
But the man that has so often lived in the shadow of Buddy Franklin still has some unfinished business after a poor finals series by his standards last season.

Sydney Swans
The Swans may have lost to Hawthorn after leading by four goals in the third term but there was plenty to like about the reigning premiers performance.
Remember the Swans lost three of their last four matches last year heading into the finals to exactly the same teams they have lost to this year – Hawthorn, Geelong and Collingwood.
For their return bout against the Hawks they will still be missing Adam Goodes but Kurt Tippett, Dan Hannebery, Nick Smith and Lewis Jetta are all set to return.
It will be tough from 4th but don't write the Swans off just yet.

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Jack Ziebell
He's been in the 'Penthouse' before but with every game he plays Jack Ziebell reminds footy fans more and more of Luke Hodge and Joel Selwood.
Ziebell was best man on the ground with 27 disposals and 4 goals as the Roos pipped the Pies.
If you want an early smoky for next year's Brownlow Medal you could do worse than put a few bob on North Melbourne's number 7.

In The Outhouse

Final at Simonds Stadium
This is a joke.
Simonds Stadium is a much improved venue but with a capacity of just 33,000 (and that's questionable) it is not big enough to host a final.
Finals isn't about denying fans entry and when you have a 52,000 seat stadium not being used just an hour away it defies logic.
Geelong and Fremantle have played two finals at the MCG in recent years with crowds of 44,000 and 45,000. The AFL argue the MCG members make up about 10,000 of those figures but would the majority of those not be Geelong fans that won't be able to get in this week?
And who can blame Fremantle for a being a little peeved. Where did this idea for a final at Simonds Stadium come from? It hasn't been on the agenda up until Friday.
Baffling decision all round.

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Steve McBurney
Steve McBurney has been a great umpire over the years but as former Bulldog and Tiger Nathan Brown said on The Sunday Footy Show he froze at the most important time in Geelong's thrilling win over Brisbane.
If McBurney didn't blow his whistle so quickly Paul Chapman would have been pinged for holding the ball and Daniel Rich would have won the game for Brisbane.
Thankfully Carlton beat Port Adelaide otherwise this decision would have been talked about for years.

Port Adelaide v Carlton jumper clash.
How many times is the AFL going to stuff this up?
Watching Port Adelaide play in their prison bar strip against Carlton in their away strip was a nightmare.
It really isn't rocket science.

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Buddy Franklin
It wasn't malicious but Buddy has to ban the bump.
It's cost him weeks before and it's set to cost him a spot in Hawthorn's team for their qualifying final against Sydney.
At 6 foot 6 Franklin simply can't bump players that are shorter than him because more often than not contact will be to the head and Buddy will be banned by the match review panel.

Critics of Ross Lyon
It nearly back fired because of Brisbane's performance in Geelong but you can't be critical of Ross Lyon for resting a host of big names against the Saints.
And for those who suggested it was akin to tanking are kidding themselves. Unlike some other clubs in the past, Fremantle wasn't attempting to manipulate a result for their own gain. It's called player management and despite suggestions to the contrary, there is nothing the AFL can do to stop it happening again late in the season in the future.

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