Player Ratings: Fremantle

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FREMANTLE midfielder Nathan Fyfe starred while Hayden Ballantyne had a stinker. We give every Docker a mark out of 100.

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NICK SUBAN - 46
Obviously has the WWE series linked at home given his bizarre fish-hook gouge on Mitchell in the first term. That was ordinary, much like his game. Missed an easy shot on the run from 45m.

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MATT DE BOER - 50
Like vanilla ice cream, he was just OK. Showed terrific poise with first touch to create Freo's first shot at goal. Just a participant after that.

HAYDEN BALLANTYNE - 34
Copped an overdose of his own medicine, with the game's chief rattler, rattled. Dropped a sitter 30m out, slipped in the middle of the ground when Freo were away and didn't score from from 40m and 30m with set shots. Didn't handle pressure.

TENDAI MZUNGU - 75
Kicking the Dockers opening goal in the second quarter and never gave up the fight. Not recognised as one of the club's biggest names but he can hold his head high after Saturday's performance.

ZAC DAWSON - 38
Just ugly. Bullied by Gunston in first half to such an extent Ross Lyon's anger bubbled over before half time. Repeatedly outbodied; this was the player who left Hawthorn, not the new and improved version.

Fremantle forward Hayden Ballantyne is rag-dolled off the play. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

NATHAN FYFE - 83
Inspirational. Carried his side when the chips were down in the first half with 18 touches and only a lack of polish stopped him from completely owning this contest. Ran out of puff, but hard to blame him. Did all he could.

DANYLE PEARCE - 48
Butchered it more than those Indonesian abbatoirs. Normally so composed, he shanked running shots ands dropped easy marks. Won points back for running back with flight with supreme guts in the second term when he was poleaxed by Birchall.

MICHAEL WALTERS - 59
Slower to get going than the half-time entertainment and that's saying something. Got Guerra and got well beaten. Kicked two big goals in the third quarter to give the Dockers a chance, but was otherwise anonymous.

MICHAEL JOHNSON - 63
Dogged by a calf injury in lead-in and kicked like it too. Usual precise foot skills abandoned him on big stage. Better defensively helping keep Hawthorn forwards to 11 goals for game.

LEE SPURR - 45
A bit like the two-year old jar of your nanna's relish that sits in the back of your fridge all summer. Hard to identify but was OK keeping Rioli to one goal. Limped through second half. Unsung hero for Freo, just not on Saturday.

Dockers forward Michael Walters stretches out in an attempt to stop Hawk Ben Stratton. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

DAVID MUNDY - 85
Undies were being ripped off everywhere in Freo loungerooms as he led a procession around the stoppages in the third term. Lifted enormously winning hard ball. Had the better of Brad Sewell.

CAMERON SUTCLIFFE - 30
Turned the screws on Hawthorn's small forwards but offered little offensive. Will appear in the highlights albeit when was on the end of a superb don't argue from Gunston.

ZAC CLARKE - 35
Provided the game's only real 'turtle head' moment when he ducked in a contest in the second term. Bit overawed and largely ineffective. At least he kept Pav happy with a Joe the goose handball in the goalsquare in third.   

AARON SANDILANDS - 63
Had more taps than a bathroom decorator but it meant stuff-all when he hit it straight to Luke Breust for the decisive last quarter goal. Tallest bloke since Lurch could only manage one mark.

LUKE MCPHARLIN - 65
Decent performance manning Lance Franklin but turned the ball over on the rebound. Should have taken responsibility kicking a goal after long run down the wing in second term. Skipper not happy.

RYAN CROWLEY - 81
Should post a signed pair of his sweatbands to the All-Australian selectors after shutting down the opposition's biggest danger man, Sam Mitchell, for the umpteenth time.

Sam Mitchell lays a big tackle on Docker Ryan Crowley. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

CHRIS MAYNE - 43
Down day for the bloke who loomed as the difference maker in the Freo forward line. Attacked the contest off the back of the square like mad man in third term but was otherwise blanketed by Josh Gibson, mainly.

MATTHEW PAVLICH - 54
Not a lot of 'wharfie time' from the skipper. Came to life in third term but stinker of a first half will haunt the greatest figure in Dockers' history. Missed set shot from 35m out in second quarter a howler. 

MICHAEL BARLOW - 68
Built up a lot of credits in enormous season but the thing that kept him in the VFL all those years – average foot skills – cost him on the big stage. Hauled Freo off canvas in third but half his touches went down the drain.

LACHIE NEALE - 45
Tried to spark the Dockers coming off the bench as the substitute with seven touches but unenviable task when the game looked gone. One to watch for all the SuperCoaches next season.

STEPHEN HILL - 68
Won't want to rekindle September memories sitting across from his brother, Brad, at Christmas lunch. Put head over the ball but butchered it by foot early, sapping confidence.

PAUL DUFFIELD - 67
A better defender than what many will give him credit for. Only gave up one goal to Jack Gunston in the second half but was invisible offensively.  Didn't win the loose ball or hit up teammates on the wing like normal. Some big tackles, including a huge hit on Ben Stratton, helped his cause.

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Player Ratings: Hawthorn

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HAWTHORN defender Brian Lake was best on, Isaac Smith provided a spark late while Luke Hodge was at his inspirational best. We give every Hawks a mark out of 100.

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LANCE FRANKLIN - 69
A second flag, but how long until his first falafel in Sydney's west? Smashed Crowley twice early and then got down to business. No highlights - just a solid contributor.

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BEN STRATTON - 72
More serene than a rural day spa in a first half in which he did what he liked. Only one brain fart in the third term when he tried to take on the world and turned it over. Late chase down of Crowley epitomised result.

LIAM SHIELS - 62
Started on the bench, but played his role on Stephen Hill when he came on. Did his bit, used it well and tackled particularly well.

PAUL PUOPOLO - 61
The small man who delivered a small performance. Saved one of his least influential game's for last, but still pressured like a maniac which has to be admired.

JONATHAN SIMPKIN - 30
Subbed on at three quarter-time for Bailey for a second premiership in seven days. Not bad for a three-club journeyman.

Hawk Cyril Rioli wraps up Docker Michael Barlow in a chicken wing-style tackle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

CYRIL RIOLI - 77
Memories of 2008. Tackled, tackled and tackled again. The man who admitted he froze in last year's GF stopped the Dockers in their tracks. No silk, but his blue-collar work generated several critical Hawk goals. Clever.

MAX BAILEY - 50
Anihilated in the hitouts, as expected. But he managed to break even with Sandilands and Clarke around the ground, which was crucial. Subbed at three quarter-time and not his greatest performance, but will he give a stuff? No.

JARRYD ROUGHEAD - 71
Couldn't have got a kick in a streetfight in first half when beaten at both ends. But two key goals in third term steadied Hawks and he was mighty in the final term.

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JORDAN LEWIS - 80
Went almost unnoticed early, but his numbers and damage in packs were enormous. Will at the contest and ability to stop Dockers' flow in packs was huge – and deadly.

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SAM MITCHELL - 51
Modelled the latest range of full-body Crowley leggings and couldn't exert his normal influence. Dangerous in space, but it was as rare as Christmas Day snow in Alice Springs.

JOSH GIBSON - 69
One of the best in first half and his composure was exemplary. Battled to keep pace with Pavlich when he exploded in third term, but maintained uncanny knack to be effective third man up.

SHAUN BURGOYNE - 62
Dockers tried to expose him in air against taller opponents, but he was good on the burst. Great defensive pressure on Pearce and Ballantyne and rarely misused it.

BRADLEY HILL - 61
Won cup and bragging rights at next family lunch after having better of his big brother when they crossed paths. Amazing awareness for second-year player.

BRAD SEWELL - 59
As rough and tough as hessian undies. At foot of every pack, but didn't slice Dockers when he got his hands on it. His normal exit routes were blocked and with it his impact.

GRANT BIRCHALL - 84
So much for the outside player some have criticised him for being. Still damaging on outside, but didn't mind mixing it when he had to. Huge numbers at halfback in first half.

LUKE HODGE - 80
Just like Chickenman, the skipper was everywhere. Stood on Zac Clarke at fullback, mixed it in the middle and along with Lake was impenetrable in final term.

Hawk Isaac Smith celebrates a long goal in the second half. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: HeraldSun

ISAAC SMITH - 65
Made amends for shocking miss in first term with massive goal at key time from downtown. Wasn't his best game, but had some really important touches in last term.

BRIAN LAKE - 89
Like Stuart Dew before him in 2008, proved his mettle on the biggest stage to win the hearts of his new club. About as far removed as possible from the Portsea polo.

JACK GUNSTON - 88
Best game ever. Might have led Norm Smith at halftime. Smashed Dockers on lead; wrestled like an MMA warrior and his field kicking was absolutely sublime. Only goalkicking blemish an audacious banana attempt.

DAVID HALE - 61
Like a heart surgeon in an emergency ward, did his best work to keep the team alive when it was most needed. Unsung hero throughout finals and did a lot of little things that won't be on stats sheet. 

LUKE BREUST - 64
Flat first term, but became dangerous as game progressed. Made his name by kicking goals, but made his GF impact by doing team things. Even split a pack wide open when inspired.

BRENT GUERRA - 58
Did some nice things across half-back. Several telling marks in the second half snuffed out Fremantle's attacking forays and helped create counter-attacking opportunities for Hawthorn.

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Hawks hope triumph convinces Buddy

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HAWTHORN defender Josh Gibson hopes Saturday's premiership is the miracle that keeps his best mate Lance Franklin at the club.

The club is bracing for the superstar forward to officially tell club chiefs within 48 hours he will accept a mega $12 million six-year offer to join Greater Western Sydney.

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Franklin was highly emotional in a Fox Footy interview after the game with Hawks great Dermott Brereton, perhaps indicating this was his Hawthorn farewell.

''Words can't explain it. It is an unbelievable experience. I can't explain it. My family has been a massive part of my life,'' he said.

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Franklin said he would spend the next couple of days partying with his premiership teammates before sitting down with his manager Liam Pickering to determine where he played next season.

''I'll sit down with my manager on Monday or Tuesday after I've finished having a party with the boys and work out what I'm going to do,'' Franklin said after the match.

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But while most Hawthorn senior figures have given up hope he will stay, Gibson believes there is a slim chance.

Gibson said a Franklin departure would leave "a massive hole" but backed the spread of Hawthorn goalkickers to continue to flourish in their premiership defence next year.

Gibson, who joined Waverley from North Melbourne, said he would finally talk with Franklin about the agonising decision once flag celebrations had settled.

"If he leaves I've got no bad blood, I love the bloke, everyone knows that," Gibson told the Sunday Herald Sun.

"We'll just go and celebrate this time and hopefully that premiership medal around his neck today helps convince him to stay at Hawthorn

"It is a tough decision but we haven't spoken about it. Maybe we will now that the season is over.

"If he leaves, which I hope doesn't happen, then other guys can step up. But it's going to be a massive whole to fill because he's a champion of the game.

"We've shown that we can still play good footy without him because there's a lot of dangerous forwards down there. That's what we've wanted to do – share the load."

Franklin's tears during his post-match interview were assessed by some as him coming to grips with the move north.

Asked if winning another premiership at Hawthorn made it any easier for him to leave, he replied: ''No, not at all. I wouldn't say it's any easier to leave. The Hawthorn Football Club's been a massive part of my life and my career and made me the person I am today, so I absolutely love the club to death.''

But while he could stay, the second premiership allows him to leave on his own terms if he wants to given he has given such long service to the club.

His manager Pickering confirmed this morning he had met with GWS chief executive Dave Matthews as well as Hawks list manager Graeme Wright this week.

It means he has the exact details of both offers facing Franklin, with Hawthorn's offer potentially over $6 million less than the GWS offer.

Hawthorn's  best offer is five years and around $5.5 million, while GWS can offer him $12 million over six years if he accepts AFL promotional funds.

Most in football - including key Hawthorn figures - have long given up hope Franklin will stay given the scope of the Hawks offer.

But former captain Shane Crawford is one who believes he will never sign up to a GWS deal with days each week of promotion to earn a massive AFL salary too.

Crawford confirmed this week Franklin had this year given  back a luxury car worth over $100,000 to a company because they required him to do several days promotional work.

Franklin had 18 disposals and kicked the second goal of the match to play his part in the Hawks' 15-point victory.

Hawthorn will ask for a decision early in the week to allow them as much planning time given free agency starts on Friday.

Picking had suggested a Wednesday timeline but the Hawks must quickly move on to plan to use the massive salary cap hole if he leaves.

The Hawks have worked hard on a plan for life without Franklin, which could involve luring players including Dale Thomas,  Shane Mumford and 20-year-old Lions ruckman Billy Longer.

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Chooks run riot over weary Knights

The Roosters celebrate a Michael Jennings try. Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

THE fairytale run of Wayne Bennett's Knights has mercilessly been put to an end by the Sydney Roosters after a stunning attacking display from the Bondi boys.

7 Tries 2
Daniel Tupou 31'	Joseph Leilua 66'
Michael Jennings 34'	Joseph Leilua 68'
Aidan Guerra 48'
Michael Jennings 52'
Mitchell Aubusson 57'
Jake Friend 61'
Aidan Guerra 80'
5 Conversions 1
James Maloney 35'	Tyrone Roberts 69'
James Maloney 49'
James Maloney 54'
James Maloney 58'
James Maloney 80'
1 Penalties 2
James Maloney 8'	Tyrone Roberts 26'
	Tyrone Roberts 40'

While they've built their season on fortress-like defence, it was the flamboyant attacking play of Trent Robinson's Roosters that set them on their way to the Grand Final on Saturday night.

With Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney steering the ship expertly, outside backs Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou set-up the victory with some magical tries - the floodgates opening in the second half.

The post-script will mainly be left for the Roosters and their glamour Grand Final with a champion Manly side but a thought should be spared for champion hooker Danny Buderus.

The former NSW and Kangaroos rake was left flat on his back by a legal hit from Jared Waerea-Hargreaves early in the first half, and had to be stretchered from the field before being taken to hospital with concerns over his neck.

It wasn't the way in which a great champion deserved to bow out in the last game of his NRL career.

More to follow...

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Cooper backs JOC to sort attitude

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QUADE Cooper believes troubled friend James O'Connor can follow his example and use a Wallabies exile to sort out his attitude, and rectify off-field behaviour that "hurts the team'".

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O'Connor is currently serving an indefinite suspension for failing to uphold Wallabies' cultural standards, following an incident at Perth airport three weeks ago that saw him denied entry on a flight for being drunk.

Cooper said he'd sent a message of support to O'Connor after hearing of his predicament last week, but said based on his recent experiences, being banished could end up rescuing O'Connor's career.

Cooper found himself on the outer of the Wallabies after last year labelling the team culture as "toxic'' under Robbie Deans, and that he would have turned down Test jerseys had he not been injured.

"For me when I was out of the Wallabies I got a a great opportunity for me to look at my attitude, and things that I was doing wrong that might be impacting upon the team moving forward, and also yourself personally," Cooper said.

"For me, if I look at his (O'Connor's) situation, if you can take any sort of positive out of it, it's a time for him to get things right in his life away from football that are going to help to contribute to the team, and us being a team that people can take serious.

"Each of those little things hurts the team. Even in my situation, those were things I felt strongly about.

"It wasn't that my behaviour was getting in trouble away from football but  I shouldn't have been acting that way with my attitude. You think of each other player, and they're people who put a lot of time and effort into it."

Given his huge talent, the loss of O'Connor from the Wallabies team has left a hole against the Springboks tomorrow morning but it's this trade-off that many argue has led to the 23-year-old not being hauled into line previously.

Senior players have long felt Deans gave O'Connor too much rope on disciplinary matters due to his on-field ability.

When asked if it was a shame the winger wasn't on the field in Cape Town, Cooper indicated that compromise had to end for O'Connor's sake - and the team's.

"You have to be mindful about someone's welfare. From a selfish point of view, you want someone in the team but you also want what's best for them," Cooper said.

"For me right now, it's all about him getting back to a good position and not just taking him for his rugby ability. That's the whole team's standpoint, and if things get worked out, it will be great to welcome him back and see him play some good football."

Cooper's growth and maturity has been the talk of both Queensland and Australian rugby this year, with previously sceptical teammates now warmly talking up the gifted five-eighth.

It is understood the "toxic'' fall-out prompted Cooper to re-evaluate his personal life, and shed a truckload of hangers-on and negative influences.

"When I came back into the team, I felt good. I felt good in myself, that I could contribute to the team. I worked hard in my time away so when I was coming back in, I could be accepted by all the players and go out there work hard to earn my spot in the team. I had to earn my spot in the team, away from football," Cooper said.

"Now this is his opportunity to do that, if he is given the second chance that he might need. That's what I will continue to say if and when I see him."

The investigation of the ARU Integrity Unit into O'Connor and the Perth incident is several weeks away from being concluded, according to ARU boss Bill Pulver.

"We have given James and his manager a week to come back with evidence that's relevant to the inquiry, and we're also seeking further clarification from the Australian Federal police about what went on that evening. So hopefully in the next couple of weeks it will be brought to a conclusion," Pulver said.

O'Connor's future in Australian rugby may hang on the findings of the investigation, with sole Australian suitors the Western Force waiting to see how it unfolds before determining whether they'll continue negotiations.

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Who to barrack for in the GF

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HAWTHORN or Fremantle? It's enough to make supporters of the other 16 clubs sick. But if you had to pick one...

Read on for a guide on which team supporters from each club should support on Saturday.

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ADELAIDE: (Freo)
Any Adelaide fan who reckons they didn't barrack a little bit for Freo when super megastar Tony Modra left West Lakes for Western Australia is probably lying. You've done it once, you can do it again. Get on the Mod Squad.

BRISBANE: (Hawks)
Hawthorn gave you Leigh Matthews, who gave you three premierships in three years. It's as simple as that. Haw-forn.

CARLTON: (Freo)
Remember back in the 1980s when you had to share your home ground with that disgusting mob from the leafy east? What a bloody disgrace that was. Don't move on. Dig up the old grudge and embrace it.

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COLLINGWOOD: (Freo)
James Clement. Brodie Holland. Paul "The Feral Kid" Medhurst. Leigh Brown. Freo rejects you adopted as your own and grew to love. You're halfway there, so throw in the fact that you can't beat Hawthorn and take joy in watching someone else do it instead.

ESSENDON: (Freo)
Do you recall Adam McPhee? Started his career at Fremantle before he came to your club. Thankfully, Freo agreed to take him back. For that you should be eternally grateful. Repay that gratitude with your support today. You know it makes sense. Not to mention the hate-hate relationship with Hawthorn that dates back to the 80s.

GEELONG: (Freo)
Just a few weeks ago you stood at the ballot box and voted, not for the political party you loved the most but for the one you hated the least. It's exactly the same scenario today. Freo. At a pinch.

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GOLD COAST (Draw)
The only thing better than watching the Grand Final at, let's say, the Mermaid Beach Surf Lifesaving Club while drinking icy cold $2.50 schooners of Victorian beer in stunning weather as we shiver down south, is doing exactly the same thing again next week. Lucky buggers. Back the draw.

GWS: (Freo)
My buddy Pauline from Essendon has a son, Jeremy, who barracks for GWS because he likes the orange on their jumpers. Freo used to have orange on their jumpers, so I know he'd pick them over Hawthorn's poos and wees outfit. You should too.

MELBOURNE (Freo)
Fre-o, rhymes with snow,
Only know the numbers not their names you know.
Got my ski lift pass and love the Alpine Road,
I am a Melbourne Docker.

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NORTH MELBOURNE: (Freo)
In the past you worshipped Josh Gibson. Now you think he's just a one-dimensional turncoat Hawthorn hack who gets exposed in finals because the only thing he can do is spoil. Crack a bottle of Shinboner Spirit right over his head today. Go Freo.

PORT ADELAIDE (Freo)
Visualise Kochie. Imagine Hawthorn is Mel Doyle – you know, been around a while, had a good go but getting a bit drab and in need of a service and a paint job. Suddenly Samantha Armytage appears like a breath of fresh air. Think Fremantle. Kochie wants you to.

RICHMOND: (Freo)
Q: Why did the Irish get the potatoes and the Arabs get the oil?
A: Because the Irish had first choice.
2004: AFL draft, pick four. Richmond takes Tambling. Hawthorn gets Franklin at pick five. You wear that draft disaster like a badge of honour. Anchors away.

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ST KILDA: (Hawthorn)
When Ross Lyon was your coach, you played finals. You strangled sides. You were really good. Almost great. Now look at the bloody joint. It's a rabble. Shambolic. A disgrace. But don't blame yourself, blame Ross. It's his fault. He left. Go Hawks.

SYDNEY SWANS: (Freo)
Thought beating Hawthorn last year was fantastic? Then imagine watching the best team of the home-and-away season implode on the big stage on the same day again this year. Dock on.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: (Freo)
You're a Bulldog. You don't believe in fairytales. They suck. Don't get seduced by all this Brian Lake romanticizing bulls***. EJ wouldn't stand for it. Get down to a $2 Shop in Barkly St, buy an inflatable anchor and STICK IT RIGHT UP 'EM!

WEST COAST: (Hawks)
You're probably already in the car heading north to Geraldton, or Broome, or Darwin, busting to get out of the place. Just in case. At least the flights out of Perth will be cheaper next week if things go wrong and Fremantle wins. Pray for Hawthorn.

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A-League ambushes AFL GF

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FOOTBALL Federation Australia will risk the ire of the AFL on Saturday by sending a promotional truck into the Grand Final precinct publicising the opening of the A-League season.

With 100,000 people set to descend on the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the AFL decider between Hawthorn and Fremantle, the FFA will devote eight hours circling the ground with a vehicle displaying Melbourne Heart recruit Harry Kewell and Victory superstar Archie Thompson.

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The A-League season opens with the Melbourne Derby on October 12.

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"I'd be surprised if the AFL saw this as ambush marketing," said FFA Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Kyle Patterson. "We're not in direct competition with the AFL anyway, they finish as we start.

"This is a sign that football is in the mainstream. We have a great story to tell and we're not shy about telling it.

"The A-League season rolls into the FIFA World Cup in Brazil when millions of Aussie fans will get behind the Socceroos. We're banging the drum to get everyone on board."

The 2012 AFL Grand Final between Sydney and Hawthorn drew 99,683 spectators to the MCG. The game, won by the Swans, drew a national television audience of 4.05 million viewers – the highest posted by the AFL in six years. It was the most watched sporting event in Australia for 2012.

The FFA and the AFL have endured a rocky relationship over the years, most notably over the issue of stadium availability during football's unsuccessful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The deployment of an FFA-sponsored promotional truck to the AFL's showpiece event could further fray tensions. 

The FFA is hoping to build on the success of the breakthrough 2012-13 season A-League season with a sizeable promotional blitz before kick-off.

The Heart's signing of Kewell after an unhappy stint with cross-town rivals Victory will be a key feature of the messaging in Victoria.

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Wallabies back bench to overrun Boks

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THE Wallabies will look to a bench boasting almost 200 Test caps experience as the weapon to come home over the top of the Springboks at Newlands Stadium.

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Australia have been poor in the final quarter of each Rugby Championship match to date, and the Boks' hammered home the point particularly in Brisbane by running in three tries.

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A competitive 19-12 scoreline blew out to an embarrassing 38-12 final result, leading to Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie bemoaning a lack of impact from his reserves.

One of the stronger Australian benches in recent times could be the solution, believes McKenzie, with experienced stars like Will Genia and Benn Robinson - and the raw power of Sitaleki Timani - to be injected in the final half-hour.

"When Australia has won over here, it has been at the death. The 78th to 80th minutes, so you have to be there at the death, so having a lot of experienced players coming in, we will be able to lift our performance, not let it fall away," McKenzie said.

"Every game has had moments where we needed to be stronger, particularly towards the back end of the game.

"The fact we can bring on some of our most experienced players in the last part of the game is significant I think. We are looking for a stronger finish, no question."

Winger Adam Ashley-Cooper said the modern game was a 23-man effort, and the sight of strong bench players entering the game in the second half boosted those already in the battle.

"It's being able to close out and grind out a win from 60-80 minutes, and it's about being able to maintain standards we set in the first 60," Ashley-Cooper said.

"That's certainly a big focus, and it's always a big focus when you're playing away.

"The impact we can have this week is pretty good. We have got Robbo there, a lot of experience, we have got big Sita who creates a lot of damage, Benny McCalman is physical. We have some great impact and that's what you want your bench to bring."

McKenzie echoed James Horwill's comments that the Wallabies would look to play with more pragmatism against the Boks in Cape Town, which translates into a bigger kicking game - as already seen in horrific weather in Perth against the Pumas.

While still emphasising the Wallabies' desire and capacity to run the ball from anywhere, McKenzie said current refereeing of the breakdown - particularly by northern hemisphere officials - meant sides were too scared to run the ball from their own half.

Referees are currently letting defending players not support their weight at the breakdown, and not pinging payers to release the tackled player as strictly as the thrill-a-minute years seen in 2010 and 2011.

"It's up to referees and how they view the breakdown, basically, and how many times they penalise the attacking team versus the defensive team," McKenzie said.

"We know when you look at the refereeing stats where that sits ... the confidence you have to play in front of your poles is different depending on where the game is at, at the time.

"At the moment, teams aren't spending too much time in their half because they're frightened which way it is going to go on the penalty side of things.There are good goalkickers at the moment, so you have to make sure you don't get behind on the scoreboard.

"We will continue to play rugby. We can run the ball from wherever. It is just a question of whether where we choose to run it from.

"It is just a balance between how much you run, kick and pass. The All Blacks are leading the competition and they've kicked the most, even more than the Springboks. We understand what's working in the competition at the moment, and where you play and how you play the game."

Five-eighth Quade Cooper said while he loved to run the ball, playing smart rugby sometimes meant smart kicking and building pressure in the opposition half.

"Playing positive rugby is something I always enjoy doing but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and see how the game is being played," he said.

"It is a worldwide game, so you have to take into account how they play it in France and England, not just how we play it in Australia and New Zealand."

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Hawks can beat Docker maze: Woosha

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FORMER West Coast coach John Worsfold says Hawthorn can avoid death by Docker strangulation to win this year's premiership.

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Eagles legend Worsfold played both Hawthorn and Fremantle twice this year and says no one can shut down attack like the Dockers.

But Hawthorn navigated its way through the midfield maze in Round 4 against Fremantle, and Worsfold believes they will do it again tomorrow.

He said the Hawks midfield could provide enough opportunity for Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Cyril Rioli to bounce back from their poor preliminary finals.

The Hawks lethal band of left-footers have found a way to cut through dense zones consistently this year.
''Fremantle's form has been building and they are remarkable how they can strangle teams,'' he said.

''They make teams look shaky and they have no answer to getting through their defensive mechanisms. They are the best at doing that.

''So the challenge is Hawthorn getting it forward enough and I think Hawthorn will be able to do that in the Grand Final. They will get it inside 50 enough and they are then going to be able to win the game and score enough.

''We saw them do that well (against Geelong) with a lot of scoring shots, and it was without much impact from Franklin, Rioli and Roughead. It is rare that they will have another quiet day.''

Dual premiership coach Worsfold provided an insight into the crazy atmosphere in the dying minutes of a Grand Final during an MCC lunch this week.

He said he was so desperate to win the 2006 premiership that he asked his coaches if he should try to hide Eagle Daniel Chick behind a point post while bringing another player on.

He says now it would have been the greatest mistake of his coaching career.

''Not many people would know this, but Chicky couldn't give any more with two minutes left. I was in the coaches box thinking, 'We have to get Ash Hansen on because he's fresh'. So I was asking the guys in the box, "If we send the runner out and tell Chicky to step off the ground near the point post and notify the interchange steward and Ash Hansen runs on, so Ted Richards still thinks Chicky is there...."

''I was throwing this scenario around with two minutes to go and we are a point up, and the (coaches) are all thinking, 'You are mad'.

''I was saying, 'Can we do it, does anyone know the rules?'. We didn't do it, thank god. It would have been one of the worst decisions ever made.''

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Line-ups: Freo unchanged, Simpkin in

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THE teams are in for the biggest game of the season and Jonathan Simpkin is the lucky Hawk to replace the injured Brendan Whitecross, while Fremantle goes unchanged.

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AFL GRAND FINAL
HAWTHORN HAWKS v FREMANTLE DOCKERS, 2.30pm (EST) Saturday at the MCG

HAWKS
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis
HF: Luke Breust, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli
F: Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, David Hale
Foll: Max Bailey, Brad Sewell, Luke Hodge
I/C: Liam Shiels, Jack Gunston, Bradley Hill, Jonathan Simpkin
Emg: Shane Savage, Taylor Duryea, Matt Spangher

In: Jonathan Simpkin
Out: Brendan Whitecross (knee)

DOCKERS
B: Michael Johnson, Zac Dawson, Paul Duffield
HB: Lee Spurr, Luke McPharlin, Danyle Pearce
C: David Mundy, Ryan Crowley, Tenday Mzungu
HF: Cameron Sutcliffe, Chris Mayne, Nathan Fyfe
F: Zac Clarke, Matthew Pavlich, Michael Walters
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Matt de Boer, Stephen Hill
I/C: Hayden Ballantyne, Nick Suban, Lachie Neale, Michael Barlow
Emg: Alex Silvagni, Jack Hannath, Tom Sheridan

In: -
Out: -

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Beaten Up down and out for spring

Beaten Up, a hero of the Brisbane winter carnival, wont race this spring. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

DOOMBEN Cup winner Beaten Up, the one-time Caulfield Cup favourite, will not race again this spring.

Trainer Chris Waller confirmed Beaten Up will go for a spell after a recent injury scare.

Beaten Up was found to have "activity in his tendon" which forced him out of last week's Hill Stakes.

But Waller has decided not to risk the star import this spring and advised Racing NSW stewards yesterday that Beaten Up will now be spelled.

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44-1: Every Grand Final player rated

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JON Ralph ranks the players based on their importance to their team's victory in Saturday's Grand Final.

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1. Sam Mitchell

The Hawks won the 2008 flag without the master extractor's best, but surely Hawthorn needs 20-plus disposals from him this time. If Ryan Crowley dominates him, Fremantle wins.

2. Aaron Sandilands

A huge man and a huge Norm Smith Medal candidate. The 211cm giant has been dominant in both finals with 64 hitouts and eight contested marks combined.

3. Lance Franklin

Will these be his last two hours in brown and yellow? No real influence so far in September. Boasts a brilliant finals record, but has skeletons from last year. Time to step up, Bud.

4. Matthew Pavlich

Born for September. Now in his 11th finals, perfectly poised to take this game by scruff of the neck. The Pav-Brian Lake battle is immense. Monsters teams on the MCG.

5. Luke Hodge

The 2008 Norm Smith Medallist was masterful v Sydney but quiet against Geelong. Builds a wall across half-back. Along with Mitchell, must dominate for Hawthorn to win.

6. Cyril Rioli

Broke the 2008 Grand Final apart, but was smashed by Nick Smith last year. Just one game in a month and modest stats in the prelim. Still, a game breaker.

7. Nathan Fyfe

Another big Norm Smith candidate. How did he miss the All-Australian side again? Does it all, and with a oodles of class. Magnificent year.

8. David Mundy

Exploded into the preliminary final with 12 first-quarter touches. Must be quelled. Liam Shiels maybe? 504 touches and 125 clearances this year. Centre-square warrior.

9. Chris Mayne

The complete package. A tackling machine. A sharpshooter (36.12) this year. And a perfect foil for Pavlich. With straight kicking at a premium, he is the GF money man.

10. Shaun Burgoyne

"Silk" is a hugely underrated finals weapon. He had 10 tackles to go with his 21 touches in last year's GF. Three goals in the prelim. Is an alternate target for Crowley.

11. Michael Barlow

The Shepparton kid has averaged 27 possessions and nearly six tackles, ripping opponents to shreds. His best year by far. 62 touches and four goals in two finals so far this year.

12. Brian Lake

The fairytale is alive. Surely Lake gets Pavlich. Can suffer brain explosions, but the best marking defender in the game. Massive role on game day.

13. Jarryd Roughead

The Coleman Medallist did it all. Sixty-eight home-and-away goals with stints in the ruck and midfield. A quiet finals series so far, and a poor Grand Final last year (0.3). Enormous stakes for the Roughnut.

14. Ryan Crowley

Even this ranking might be too low. Obliterated his opponents this year. Will a Jordan Lewis or Luke Hodge try to legally smash him to help Mitchell?

15. Michael Walters

Another sharpshooter (44.23 this year) in a game where the outcome depends on accurate kicking at goal. Super overhead for his size. Can win it off his own boot in five lethal minutes.

16. Jordan Lewis

Can turn a final, can play a defensive tag at half forward, and is third in the comp at the money kick — hitting a target inside 50. But must lift after two quiet finals.

17. Isaac Smith

No player kicks longer or is more capable of breaking lines in the Hawthorn side. The boy from Cootamundra will likely get tagged with Mzungu, so needs to run him off his feet.

Isaac Smith launches the Hawks into attack. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

18. Josh Gibson

The 2013 All-Australian defender must stop the energiser bunny in Mayne. How does he combat him and yet still get third up against Pavlich? Huge task ahead.

19. Grant Birchall

The Tasmanian smooth mover slaughtered Freo in R4 with 37 possessions, 28 of them contested. Needs to combat the Freo press. Will De Boer go to him?

Grant Birchall brushe Mitch Duncan aside. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

20. Luke McPharlin

Is it a risk for the high-marking defender to play despite calf and groin issues? Can he play the game out? Can he dominate Roughead or Gunston?

21. Michael Johnson

The All-Australian might get Franklin if he pushes further up the ground. A brilliant season but Surely Hawthorn won't let him play loose this time.

22. David Hale

A brilliant finals series this year. Quality GF last year but tired badly against Mike Pyke. Must break even with Sandilands in the centre yet still continue his goal output.

23. Stephen Hill

Average of 19 touches per game doesn't do his impact justice. If he gets it 25 times, Freo just win. Will be tagged, maybe by Shiels.

24. Liam Shiels

Huge role ahead for tagger Shiels, who kept Joel Selwood quiet early last week. Will he get Mundy, or Fyfe, or Hill?

25. Zac Dawson

Poor old Zac. Constantly underrated, constantly written off. He doesn't care because he has delivered on GF day. Has bad moments, but should reduce the effect of Gunston or Roughead.

26. Tendai Mzungu

The midfielder of Zimbabwean descent is the Dockers' Mr Fixit. Can tag, can kick a goal, can get off the chain when others are locked down. Went to Brad Hill, Isaac Smith and Shane Savage in Round 4.

27. Jack Gunston

The former Adelaide sharpshooter came of age in the prelim, with 4.2 plus two goal assists. Has kicked 42.16 this year. Now needs to bury the demons of that last-quarter poster last year.

28. Luke Breust

The prototype for a small forward — a crafty crumber or adept on the hit-up lead. But 2.5 in September so far. Must nail his set shots.

29. Brad Sewell

If one of his two hurried snaps wobbled through last year, he was the Norm Smith Medallist. Instead consistent finals performer Sewell will try to shrug off a quiet preliminary final.

30. Hayden Ballantyne

Can you elevate a player based on his ability to antagonise? When the game breaks open late he will revel in the space provided. Has kicked 34.28 this year.

31. Paul Duffield

The veteran defender provides valuable rebound and stout defence. Could take Gunston at times if Hale pushes forward as the fourth key defender.

32. Brent Guerra

Missed last year and was desolate. But in 2008 was great with 25 touches. If Birchall is tagged he might get off the chain. Must hit targets to penetrate Freo press.

33. Zac Clarke

His impact has dulled with big Sandi back, with just 18 touches in two finals. But can help wear down Hale with his relentless run.

34. Ben Stratton

Stood up when it counted with telling marks against Geelong. Unassuming, but will need to help out Lake (on Pav) if Gibson is busy with Mayne.

35. Lee Spurr

Who, all those Hawks fans say? This bloke has been massive all year, the 26-year-old a cornerstone of the Dockers defence. Could he get Cyril?

36. Danyle Pearce

This bloke could break open a Grand Final but his total of 9.21 has hurt him despite averaging 20 touches. If he dominates tomorrow, it's a recruiting masterstroke.

Free agent ... Danyle Pearce provides Fremantle with line-breaking capabilities. Source: AAP

37. Matt de Boer

The midfielder/tagger was nearly the sub last week, and didn't do much. Could get the green vest. Or could get Birchall and make a mockery of his lowly rating at 37.

38. Nick Suban

A razor of a left foot which helped slice and dice Sydney given his two goals. One of Rossy's success stories. Could be sent to Brad Hill.

39. Bradley Hill

Might be under-rating him given his stupendous preliminary final. If Freo sits on Smith, he is the genuine speed merchant who must fire. Will play on his brother Stephen at times.

40. Lachie Neale

Sucked it up as the sub last week then came up and kicked a big goal. Versatile, underrated, not shaken by the big stage. Another great recruitment story at pick 58.

Hawthorn's Paul Puopolo is the latest Hawk to re-sign. Source: HeraldSun

41. Paul Puopolo

Love his energy, love his bull at a gate style. Two solid finals after 15.6 this year. But the spectre of last year's GF — just six possessions — means he must redeem himself.

42. Max Bailey

Missed last year's GF but has secured his place given his quality tap work. Subbed a comp-high seven times. Needs to impact the game, not just float.

43. Cameron Sutcliffe

Has held his own in September, with the steady midfielder playing his role to a tee. 8.1 for the year, and just keeps stepping up.

44. Jonathan Simpkin

The injury to Brendan Whitecross has opened the door. Could possibly be be the sub so would have to make an impact in 40 minutes of footy.

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When did you last cry at the footy?

This Collingwood fan lets it all out after a Magpies loss. Source: News Limited

Finals footy is an emotional time of the year.

It can make you cheer, it can make you curse, and win or lose it can make you bawl your eyes out.

As part of their lead up to Saturday's grand final, AFL360 is asking you the fans when the last time the footy made you shed a tear, be it an outpouring of joy or a collapse of despair.

You can take part by sharing your best blubbing stories on Twitter before 8pm tonight, using the #360ASKS hashtag, and we're sharing the best so far below.

Mark Robinson and Gerard Whately will reveal their favourites live on the show tonight, with the ultimate winner able to earn themselves a match ball and the top five going into a draw for grand final tickets.

Watch AFL360 tonight at 7.30pm on FOX FOOTY to find out who wins. Competition Terms & Conditions.

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'Singapore a race to forget'

Ricciardo had a dismal Singapore GP, making a poor start before crashing. Source: James Moy / AAP

Well, that wasn't the Sunday we were after.

Singapore's a great place to come to, I love the city and think the track is great – but that's definitely a Sunday to forget.

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Things started going wrong the moment the lights went out. The car didn't get off the line at all well. We were swamped and back from ninth on the grid to fourteenth as things shook out after the first corner complex. I'm still trying to go over some stuff with the guys about what happened; they've got a few readings from the clutch data that don't match what's supposed to happen, so we'll see where that goes.

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It's a shame to do the work over the weekend and then see it all unravel in a few seconds. That put us on the back foot for the first part of the race – but you take it on the chin and set about trying to recover the position.

I don't think we were particularly quick in that first stint but we weren't particularly slow either. Singapore isn't a track that makes overtaking easy so it was clear that to get back up into the points we'd need something a little exotic. We tried to extend the first stint a bit to make a two-stop strategy work but nothing was going particularly well. The pitstop was a little slow, then the prime tyre was taking a long time to get going. It wasn't a disaster, and our times were definitely starting to improve as the tyres came in – and then I hit the wall.

I was pushing very hard because we were out of the points and didn't particularly have anything to lose. I locked up the left front at the wrong part of the track. There's very little room for escape at Turn 18 and if you go in too deep, it's game over. And it was.

It's disappointing. Of course it is. Despite the position I was getting a hell of a lot out of driving the Marina Bay circuit. Street tracks are great anyway but doing this one under the lights is really cool – and how often to you get to do something like this?

At the same time, it's not something that's going to get me down. When you push on a street circuit you won't always get away with it. There's an acceptable level of risk and this time it got me. It's my first crash for a while, and while it's not something I plan to make a habit of, you're going to have these moments. Had I done it while running in the points, that would be disappointing – but that's not what this was.

The positive to take away from the weekend is the good work we did on Saturday. To get into Q3 again was really good. It's a pat on the back for us that we're making this a regular thing as the season progresses.

Anyway, next stop Europe. We've got a bit of work to do before going out to Korea but basically the world tour continues at pace. Korea's been a good circuit for Toro in the past and we've got high hopes for another good performance because it should suit the car much better than Singapore has. Hopefully Jev and I can both score some points and boost the team's spirits after a pretty poor Sunday here.

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Jake White quits Brumbies

White took the Brumbies to this year's Super Rugby final. Source: AAP

WORLD Cup-winning coach Jake White has quit the Brumbies with the Super Rugby franchise granting him a release from the final two years of his contract.

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White, 50, led the Canberra-based franchise from the Super Rugby wilderness to the finals this season.

White was spotted in his native South Africa earlier this month at a Western Province training session at Newlands.

It is believed the former Springboks boss was upset about missing out on the Wallabies job, which went to Ewen McKenzie.

White boasts an impressive coaching resume. He led the Springboks to the Tri Nations trophy in 2004 and the World Cup three years later.

He was named Australian Super Rugby coach of the year last month after leading the Brumbies to the final - a match they would lose to the Chiefs by five points.

The Brumbies had not made the play-offs since 2004 and finished a lowly 13th two seasons prior.

White was courted by England in 2012 but eventually turned down the approach to remain with the Brumbies.

He was interviewed by the Australian Rugby Union in July to succeed Robbie Deans at the helm of the Wallabies. The ARU opted for McKenzie, however, prompting White to voice his displeasure.

"The ARU asked a while ago if I would be interested [in coaching the Wallabies], I've always been interested in returning to international rugby," White said in July.

"It hasn't panned out, they've gone for Ewen and that's fantastic. He's got a fantastic record and I wish him all the best.

"My job is to make sure the Brumbies get to a better place, everyone knows that. I've got a Brumbies job."

The Wallabies have endured a rocky start under McKenzie, losing heavily to the All Blacks and Springboks and only narrowly defeating unfancied Argentina.

White is the second high-profile South African coach to vacate his Australian post this year. Compatriot Mickey Arthur was unceremoniously dumped as coach of the Australian cricket team on the eve of the Ashes due to a supposed decline in team standards.

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IPL founder banned for life

IPL founder Lalit Modi has been banned from cricket for life. Source: AFP

DISGRAGED Indian Premier League founder Lalit Modi was Wednesday banned for life from holding any cricket post, three years after being thrown out of his own popular, but tainted, Twenty20 league.

The general body of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which met in Chennai, accepted the verdict of its disciplinary panel that found Modi guilty of "serious" acts of indiscipline and misconduct.

"The BCCI resolved that Mr Lalit Modi is guilty of committing acts of serious misconduct and indiscipline, and therefore he is hereby expelled from the board," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement.

"He shall forfeit all his rights and privileges as administrator. He shall not in future be entitled to hold any position or office, or be admitted in any committee or any member or associate member of the BCCI."

Modi was found guilty, among other things, of rigging bids during the franchise auction in 2010, selling media and internet rights without authorisation and secretly trying to create a rebel T20 league in England without the knowledge of the Indian and England boards.

The BCCI announced its decision soon after a last-ditch effort by Modi's lawyers to get the meeting put off was rejected by the Supreme Court earlier on Wednesday.

Modi, who now lives in self-exile in London, currently holds no post in the BCCI, having already been removed as IPL chairman and BCCI vice-president after the conclusion of the third edition of the tournament in 2010.

The 49-year-old scion of a business family, who is also being investigated by the government on corruption and money-laundering charges, has in the past denied all allegations against him.

The life ban is unrelated to the spot-fixing and betting scandals currently swirling around the IPL which has led to players, book makers and others being charged over their alleged involvement.

Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of current BCCI chief N. Srinivasan and a former team principal of IPL side Chennai Super Kings, was among those charged with cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy on Saturday over the betting scandal.

Two players from the Rajasthan Royals team, international fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and upcoming spinner Ankeet Chavan, have been banned for life by the BCCI, after they were among those charged over the spot-fixing scandal.

The IPL, which began in 2008, features the world's top players signed up for huge fees by rich business houses and individuals in a glitzy mix of sport and entertainment.

International news organisations, including Agence France-Presse (AFP), have suspended their on-field coverage of matches hosted by the BCCI since last year after the board imposed restrictions on picture agencies.

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'Johnson pushing for Starc's spot'

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JAMES Pattinson has given a ringing endorsement to Mitchell Johnson as the rehabilitated paceman looks to make an Ashes comeback.

Pattinson was impressed by Johnson's performance in the recent ODI series in England, which has many judges tipping a recall for him in the Ashes.

"Mitch Johnson bowled fantastically in the one-day series over in England, he swung the ball well and bowled it with pace. 

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"I think he's up there pushing for a place (of) someone like Mitch Starc if he's out for the summer."

Pattinson has had own injury concerns and is using Pilates as his main source of recovery from his second major back problems in as many years.

Given he'll have to play domestic cricket before he's even considered for a Test spot, it's unclear whether Pattinson will be fit in time for the first Ashes Test.

"I'd probably have to play a Shield game before I play that first Test," Pattinson said.

"I'm still not sure whether I'll be right. We've had a couple other bowlers go down, so the last thing we'd want to do is push it too far."

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If Pattinson makes the field he should be at the head of the welcoming committee for England's Stuart Broad.

Broad is expected to be public enemy No.1 Down Under after being the centre of several controversial incidents during the Ashes series in England.

The fast bowler first drew the Aussies' ire when he refused to walk despite getting a thick edge that was taken by captain Michael Clarke at first slip (after rebounding off Brad Haddin's gloves), and didn't endear himself to cricket fans by constantly wasting time by taking off his shoe during key moments throughout the series.

Pattinson, who didn't play the second half of the series, suspects Broad will be in for a bit of an ear-bashing this summer.

"I suppose there's a quiet bit of banter going on when you're out there – it wouldn't be cricket without that," Pattinson told foxsports.com.au.

"I'm sure the public will give him his fair share when he gets over here."

The average Aussie cricketers' definition of 'a quiet bit of banter' should see Broad the object of plenty of on-field sledging.

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Sharks forced to relocate to QLD?

Cronulla Sharks skipper Paul Gallen. Source: Rohan Kelly / News Limited

THE Cronulla Sharks could be forced to relocate 1450km to central or southern Queensland in 2015 in the wake of the club's administrative failures when the ASADA investigation is complete.

The Daily Telegraph has learned NRL powerbrokers have held talks about the possibility of the Sharks being moved to Rockhampton or southern Queensland, with the club's financial position expected to become stretched to the extreme if the NRL hits Cronulla with a million-dollar fine for bringing the game into disrepute over the ongoing supplements crisis. 

Under NRL rules, the game's governing body has the power to rescind any club's licence if they deem it has become financially insolvent or in "extreme circumstances", such as the black eye the Sharks have caused rugby league due to the club's controversial supplements program from 2011. 

With the ASADA report into the clubs practices due to be handed down after the October 6 grand final, Cronulla are still awaiting what punishments the club will face for implementing a systematic regime of banned peptides for an 11-week window under the guidance of sports scientist Stephen Dank. 

The final rulings on the supplements scandal are expected to drag on well into next season, meaning the most likely time-frame on a Sharks relocation would be at the end of 2014. 

NRL CEO Dave Smith denied plans to move any team in the immediate future but conceded "the footprint of the entire competition" would be "reviewed" for the following year. 

"We don't have plans to move any team," Smith said.

"We are working to assist some clubs in building sustainable ways forward and that is a joint exercise that relies on the clubs being financially viable and continuing to meet corporate governance responsibilities. 

"There's no doubt that as we get to the planned review of expansion at the end of 2014 that the whole competition footprint will be looked at but that is still a while away."

With nine NRL clubs in existence in Sydney and only three in Queensland, NRL powerbrokers believe the possible relocation of the Sharks is a commercial reality rugby league can no longer ignore. 

Cronulla fans will understandably be fuming about details of the potential move being leaked, but The Daily Telegraph has confirmed Smith and some of the other NRL commissioners have canvassed the issue. 

Significantly, the new NRL commissioner set to replace Gary Pemberton, Graeme Samuel, was one of the pioneers on the AFL commission who campaigned to reduce the number of AFL clubs in Victoria. 

During Samuel's tenure on the AFL commission, he oversaw the relocation of the Fitzroy Lions to Brisbane and came under heavy fire for putting relocation and merger discussions on the radar for clubs including Footscray, Melbourne and Hawthorn. 

The Sharks earned the ire of NRL headquarters two months ago when the club's new board made the decision to reinstate sacked trainer Mark Noakes prior to the ASADA investigation being finalised. 

As a result, interim CEO Bruno Cullen immediately quit his post in protest over the way the club had thumbed their noses at the game's governing body. 

The Daily Telegraph has also been told the NRL is preparing to hit coach Shane Flanagan and his support staff during the period in question with severe sanctions, irrespective of whether they claim they knew nothing about what was going on during Dank's tenure in the Shire. 

Crucial to the high-powered NRL discussions is the management failures at Cronulla, where the Sharks hand-to-mouth existence meant it was forced to operate for three years without a chief executive. 

In the AFL, the Essendon Bombers were hit with a fine of $2 million and stripped the club of its first two draft picks next season.

If the NRL was to issue Cronulla with the equivalent fine of $2 million, it could effectively send the club into financial oblivion.

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England's foreign legion Ashes squad

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YOU'VE got the whole world in your team.

This parody of the modern English cricket side, made popular by The Fanatics during previous Ashes series, seems more appropriate than ever after the unveiling of England's Ashes squad this week.

England's selectors have opted to include Boyd Rankin, who represented his native Ireland at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, as well as Gary Ballance, the nephew of Dave Houghton and a former Zimbabwean under-19 representative, in their touring squad. They join a foreign legion that includes the South Africa-born trio of Kevin Pietersen, Jonathon Trott and Matt Prior.

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England have made a habit of recruiting foreign players over the last decade including Darren Pattinson, the brother of current Australian fast bowler James Pattinson, for the Headingley Test against South Africa in 2008.

The younger Pattinson has previously stated that the abuse levelled at Darren from inside the England camp for "defecting" has provided ample motivation ahead of his previous duels with the old enemy. He was more diplomatic when assessing the current England squad, however.

"There's a few of them there, isn't there?" Pattinson said. "Obviously they're fantastic players, they've come through the development squad in England so they've done all the work with the English boys."

Family aside, Pattinson has ample experience of the free movement of labour within modern international cricket. Fawad Ahmed, born in Pakistan and Australia's newest limited overs spinner, is Pattinson's teammate with Victoria.

Pattinson's Australian teammate, Steve Smith, was similarly reluctant to criticise England's selection policies.

"They've obviously come through the system and have qualified to play for England now," Smith said. "So you've just got to put up with it.

"I've seen a few of them play. Gary Ballance, one of the new guys, got a hundred against us in the tour match at Northampton, so he obviously can play a fair bit. Boyd Rankin played in the one-day series, so I saw a bit of him. They've obviously got some good young players coming through, and people that we'll probably have to look to target if they get a game."

Matt Wade, meanwhile, supported coach Darren Lehmann's push for Australia to produce an entertaining style of play. Lehmann raised the ire of elements within English cricket this week by describing their approach to the game as "dour", but Wade was supportive of his coach's approach.

"Boof obviously encourages us to express ourselves on the cricket field, and play the way we want to play, (which is to) be exciting and entertaining," Wade said. "That's the brand of cricket he's after and that's what he's going for especially in our team.

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"I'm not sure about his comments about England being dour and boring – they're a good cricket team, that's for sure. They've just beaten us in the Ashes so we're going to have to play some good cricket to win the Ashes here."

Brett Lee, Lehmann's former teammate, described the coach's comments as pre-series gamesmanship.

"When you talk about the Ashes … there's going to be a bit of stick thrown around the media," Lee said. "We all know how it works.

"As long as no one crosses the line, which Darren certainly hasn't … he's just trying to get one up on the Poms, I think."

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Osieck's bemusing Socceroos squad

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IF the selection of David Carney in the Socceroos squad for the France and Canada clashes was one of the more surprising inclusions by Holger Osieck, the exclusion of Millwall's Shane Lowry at his expense has to be the most bemusing omission.

The national team has gone through almost as many left back's since Scott Chipperfield's retirement as the Australian cricket team has done spinners since Shane Warne called it quits.

So it beggars belief that 24 year old Lowry, who is coming off a 39 game season in the English Championship that saw him feature in an F.A Cup semi-final, has again been overlooked in favour of 29 year old Carney who has played eight club games in the past two seasons. Four of which were in Uzbekistan.

This is not a criticism of Carney's ability. 

Of all the left-backs Australia has used since Chipperfield's departure he has easily been the most capable and after a near, year-long search for a club he has found himself an excellent set-up at the New York Red Bulls in which to relaunch his career. But having played only four times in the MLS since signing, he should be required to prove his form over a longer period of time in order to win a national team recall, especially after such a long absence from regular club football.

This is, though, a criticism of Osieck's continual refusal to grant Lowry his first cap.

After graduating through Aston Villa's academy, the West Australian opted to leave the Midlands club for greater opportunities. Millwall chose to make his loan spell there permanent last season and Lowry flourished in London.

He was unmovable in Millwall's back four, winning over the fans and making the left-back spot his own as well as filling in at the centre of defence when required. And while his attack on the ball fits in perfectly with his club's aggressive culture, his elevation to set-piece taker for both corners and free-kicks proves that his left foot possesses just as much craft as it does tenacity.

The Socceroos would be well served by another option from dead ball situations.

Lowry's start to this season has been slower than the last, and while there's no guarantees that he's the long term solution at left-back, it's perpelexing as to why Osieck hasn't yet made him an option by surveying him in camp.

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The Championship may lack a touch of technical class but there are few leagues in the world that are as gruelling and demanding as the 46 game marathon of English Football's second tier. Socceroo legends Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill could both vouch for its credibility having launched their careers at Millwall too, while Mile Jedinak spent two seasons there before winning promotion to the Premiership with Crystal Palace.

Michael Zullo, Jason Davidson and Aziz Behich have all had their Socceroos chances hindered by the lack of regular club football while Matt McKay has done a serviceable job but as a midfielder he is a potential liability defensively against top class opposition, as Brazil so brutally proved in their 6-0 thrashing of Australia.

Lowry presents the most obvious combination at present of both defensive acumen with regular game time at a quality level in the left-back position, of any Australian player.

In a Fox Sports interview last season, Lowry said he was willing to bide his time but thought his chance might have come in the February friendly against Romania.

Right now, he must be wondering if it ever will.

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Lynn's secret weapon: a titanium box

Chris Lynn's titanium box looks like a sturdy piece of work. Source: Supplied

CHRIS Lynn has become the Brisbane Heat's Man of Steel.

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Well, Man of Titanium to be precise.

The Heat batsman was in excruciating pain for most of last season after being forced to undergo complex testicle surgery when he was struck a sickening blow by a Doug Bollinger delivery.

Lynn, who was at one stage concerned about his long-term prospects of becoming a father, has been taking no chances with his precious "crown jewels" ahead of his return to big-time cricket.

Rather than wearing a traditional plastic cricket box, Lynn has purchased a titanium box off the internet and is wearing it into battle in the Heat's Champions League T20 campaign in India.

It might not create quite the same stir as when Dennis Lillee walked onto the WACA brandishing an aluminium bat in an Ashes Test in 1979, but Lynn is hoping it will save him from watery eyes and more pain in the future.

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Click here to read Ben Dorries' full preview of Brisbane Heat's Champions League T20 campaign.

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It has already survived its first big test when Lynn was recently whacked a blow in the groin while batting in the nets, yet he hardly felt a thing and the titanium box emerged unscathed.

"I have changed my box and I got a titanium one off the net - they are about $30 and it is probably the best $30 I have ever spent," Lynn told The Courier-Mail.

"I recommend everyone should have one ... the titanium is as light as ever and as comfortable as ever.

"I got hit wearing it in the nets recently and the guy was bowling a decent pace and it didn't faze me too much.

"Last season I was totally wrecked, I was in a world of hurt and it was a struggle to get through each day to be honest."

Lynn, 23, is regarded as one of Australia's brightest young batting prospects but has never quite been able to bridge the gap between potential and performance.

But that was hardly his fault last season as his injury kept him from the playing field, and he also didn't have a competitive hit-out in the off-season as he recovered from surgery.

"I just went for a surf, went to the pub on a Friday afternoon, had a bet on Saturday and put the feet up on a Sunday, just the sort of thing that young fellas do," Lynn said.

With the Heat kicking off their Champions League campaign against Trinidad and Tobago in Ranchi on Sunday night, the big-hitting Lynn knows he will have to have a bumper tournament for the depleted Heat team to be successful.

"If I feel like I can hit it for six then I'll have a go - if I get out, I get out," Lynn said.

"If I can score a few runs in India I can put my name forward. And personally and financially it will be rewarding."

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Pressure firmly on Roosters: Noddy

Mitchell Pearce celebrates. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

IN his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts on the semi-finals action in the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

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Sea Eagles v Sharks at Allianz Stadium

The game never reached the level of physicality I thought it would. I expected a brutal arm wrestle but it seemed as if Manly were trying to show everyone they could score points after being held to nil against the Roosters last week. It was like they had to keep the ball alive and try and wear the Sharks out. Manly were extremely tough, very disciplined and super fit, but sometimes they became their own worst enemy. The forward battle ended equal but the halves - Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran - were the difference. Cherry-Evans came up with a result on every play and every kick. His kicking game was the key and made him the star of the match. Cronulla were very brave, as they have been all year. To finish the season so well after all the dramas they faced this season showed the character of the players and the club. The Sharks were unlucky on a number of occasions. Jorge Taufua may or may not have lost control of the ball when scoring a try but he was still able to ground it and there was an unfortunate incident where Paul Gallen scored, but John Morris interfered with the marker. Michael Gordon has been Cronulla's best signing and a shining light for a club that deserve a massive pat on the back, having finishing better than they did last year.

Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs preview:

I think Manly will place South Sydney under some pressure because the Sea Eagles can handle the Rabbitohs physically and athletically which not many sides have been able to do this year. Manly will have a very aggressive defensive line which may unsettled the Rabbitohs, however by being that aggressive in defence they have vulnerable edges. If the Rabbitohs are able to execute their long shifting plays with Greg Inglis chiming in, they could cause concerns for the Sea Eagles. I expect this match to come down to the last five minutes with whoever comes up with the correct decision to win it. This time last year Adam Reynolds broke down when the Rabbits were leading the Bulldogs. He is the key to the victory more so than Inglis. Reynolds has to put Manly under pressure because if he doesn't Manly will march forward and Cherry-Evans will put them away.

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Storm v Knights at AAMI Park

Saturday was a wonderful coaching display from Wayne Bennett. From the first tackle Newcastle showed they didn't want to get in the arm wrestle with Melbourne. They had lost their last nine in Melbourne and there should have been fear going down there but they refused to let the Storm intimidate them. On tackle one, two and three, they moved the ball around and their outside backs got their sets off to a great start. I thought that was the key to keeping Melbourne from getting into that grinding kind of football that they like. Willie Mason, who has been a revelation, made some big metres while Danny Buderus used his nous out of dummy half. A lot has been said of Jarrod Mullen's maturity under Bennett but Tyrone Roberts was outstanding. 12-4 at halftime, they were able to score again and the Storm looked like they were gone. Newcastle's defensive line speed was rushing the Storm until a brilliant individual effort from Cooper Cronk got them back in the game. They got to within two points through Jesse Bromwich but in the end no-one made a mistake to lose the game. The Knights had belief, jumped out to a good lead and in the end were defensively great. They have been the best defensive side in the competition throughout the last month of football. They may be old in age but not in enthusiasm. 

Roosters v Knights preview:

Newcastle are going to have nothing to prove on Saturday night. The pressure will come from Sydney saying the Roosters should not only win but win comfortably. The Knights will be expected to lose. I am interested to see how the Roosters will handle the occasion. Newcastle were able to slow Melbourne down with a grinding style of football. They have certain players in their side who put pressure on ball playing opposition. I expect Jeremy Smith, Beau Scott and Danny Buderus to place plenty of pressure on Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney. It will be interesting to see which outside backs come up with the best plays. The Roosters rely on their backs for a lot of metres to start the sets and score the points at the end of the set, similar to how Newcastle played against Melbourne. There could be an upset on the cards come Saturday night.

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