Time to be brave and head abroad

Linton is the sole Australian entrant at Sha Tin in the big mile race next Saturday. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

AUSTRALIAN trainers sneer at the supposed one-dimensional mindsets of their overseas contemporaries.

The view seems to be that the hyphenated Lords who train, the squires of Newmarket, prepare horses the same as their dad, who trained the same as his.

Yet it is these supposedly blinkered Europeans who are hopping around the world's premier race meets with their best horses, not the supposedly innovative and adventurous Australians.

Even Hong Kong, which is in our region, seems all a bit too hard for us when in fact it should be embraced as not just a challenge but an essential port of call.

It seems embarrassing that we are insular whereas we should be game.

If Peter Moody hadn't reluctantly accepted the Royal Ascot challenge with Black Caviar, her story would simply be a lesser one. Phar Lap was only immortal because he took on the Yanks and beat them.

At best we muster a trickle to the Hong Kong international races each December. Some years we don't have a runner at all to pit against the world's best.

At Sha Tin next Saturday Australia will be represented by Linton in the big mile race.

Last year it was Alcopop and Sea Siren.

In the decade before that, we were hardly there at all, besides a reasonable representation in the sprint.

Hong Kong's not easy, even if it is relatively close.

This year a vaccination hiccup affected nominations. Some horses, like Buffering last year, react poorly to the horse flu injections.

Quarantine - two weeks going in, two weeks going out - is also a greater hindrance to us than the Europeans.

But you wonder about our reluctance to flock to Hong Kong - and Dubai, and other hot spots - when you consider the almost casual ease of such trips for blokes like Ed Dunlop and Mikkel Delzangles.

In 2011 Dunaden skipped from his Melbourne Cup win to Hong Kong, where he won the Vase, then crammed in France, England, Flemington, Hong Kong, Dubai, then back to the UK, then Flemington, in a lucrative 18 months.

Red Cadeaux was nosed out by Dunaden at Flemington in 2011, ran third in Hong Kong, then ran in the UK, Japan (twice, six months apart), Hong Kong again (where he won), Dubai and Singapore.

Our big prizemoney is some reason to stay home and plunder but Dunaden and Red Cadeaux, who wouldn't earn two bob at home, have won $7 and $6 million worldwide.

These top class European based stayers are global gypsies, cherry picking the world's most lucrative prizes, no matter when they appear on the calendar.

Yet our trainers are shackled to a mindset that horses can peak only for one grand final per rigid campaign; five or six runs, the target, then an essential six weeks in the paddock. Some overseas horses have never seen a paddock.

The Europeans might think we complicate the training of these horses.

They seem to get them fit, hold that fitness, and plunder, much the same as human athletes who campaign year-round.

You have to wonder if it's our trainers who lack innovation, not theirs.

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Hopeful Whincup holds no fears

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JAMIE Whincup does not fear Sydney.

The four-time V8 Supercars champion will be the first to tell you that he has never even scored a podium on the streets around Sydney Olympic Park. He will even push that line because he loves being the underdog.

Delve a little deep into the Red Bull top gun's failure to win the Sydney 500 and you will actually find the roots lie in success.

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Yes, Whincup has never won a Sydney 500 race, but the concrete walls, narrow straights, and suspension busting kerbs have delivered him four championships.

He has sacrificed a small trophy for a much bigger one. Played it safe to win it all.

"Yeah, that's right,'' Whincup says. "I guess I have been a bit conservative. I have been trying to win championships not races.''

Whincup's best result at the Sydney 500 is fifth.

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Incredibly, it is the only race he has not won on the V8 circuit. But he hasn't had to win it. He has always entered the season-ending race only needing to protect his position in the championship.

This is the only track where Whincup is yet to go for broke, where he hasn't pushed the limits. The only time of year when he won't do anything to win a race.

"I haven't had to win,'' Whincup says. "I have had to be conservative and make sure we have enough points to secure the championship.''

. Jamie Whincup celebrates a Red Bull Racing win. Source: News Limited

So for those saying he won't win the championship because Sydney is his bogy track, take note: Whincup actually likes Sydney.

That will change this weekend because he has teammate Craig Lowndes breathing down his neck and FPR's Mark Winterbottom ready to capitalise on any Red Bull mistake.

"I don't fear it,'' Whincup says of the Sydney 500. "I have had good pace there and been in the box seat a couple of times. A blew a tyre once and other years I have had bad luck.

"But we have had really good speed there and it is a track I really enjoy. So I don't fear we won't have the pace and I know it is going to be dog eat dog. I don't want to talk ahead of myself, but I do feel we have all the ingredients to do a good job.''

Whincup has done what has been needed to win the championship at Sydney in the past. So his history of failure will tell you he is about to win.

"This year is different,'' he points out.

"I don't have that luxury, we just have to go for it. I can't sit back. There are not just two in it this year but four. If you are watching just one of them then one of the others will pop up.''

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Record-breaking Sydney march on

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SURGING Sydney chalked up a club record fourth straight win, with new striker Ranko Despotovic again finding the net in a 2-0 A-League home victory over Newcastle.

The 30 year-old Serbian striker, who scored the match-winner against Wellington last week after making his debut off the bench, produced a longer super sub cameo on Saturday.

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His match-clinching goal on the hour pushed Sydney up to second spot.

Despotovic entered the game at Allianz Stadium after 43 minutes, when skipper Alessandro Del Piero walked off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.

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Del Piero, who struggled to have any impact, was booked by referee Ben Williams for leaving the pitch before the officials were notified of any substitution.

Any frustration Sydney felt then dissipated two minutes later, when they took the lead on the stroke of halftime.

Joel Chianese, who scored the opening goal of the season against the Jets seven weeks earlier, again ended a scoreless stalemate.

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He pounced on a fine cross from left back Ali Abbas, controlled the ball with his first touch and drilled it past goalkeeper Mark Birighitti with his second.

The match tilted decisively towards Sydney in a three-minute period early in the second half.

With Newcastle 1-0 down, an unmarked Nathan Burns blazed over from close range.

The Jets, who'd been undefeated after round one, were made to pay for his profligacy on the hour, as Despotovic brushed past Taylor Regan and beat Birighitti inside his near post.

Sydney had the edge in possession in a frenetic and tightly contested first half, but they also had the busier goalkeeper.

Vedran Janjetovic knocked down a stinging shot from in-from Jets striker Adam Taggart and he dealt comfortably with a weak effort from Scott Neville.

Sydney almost lost their lead in the first 30 seconds of the second half after midfielder Nick Carle lost possession in his own half.

Taggart, who had scored six goals in the Jets' last three games, was right through, but his attempted chip over Janjetovic, was acrobatically headed clear by the Sydney shot stopper.

Former England striker Emile Heskey, who was making his first start of the season for the Jets, was replaced in the 58th minute, and Taggart shot wide from close range just before the end.

Our Match Centre features video highlights, play-by-play updates, stats and polls.

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No rest for Ryano, says Boof

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DARREN Lehmann won't trash his own anti-rotation policy, insisting Ryan Harris will spearhead an Australian side hell-bent on proving they're no "one hit wonders" in Adelaide.

Australia will also push cricket's dangerous bowling laws to the limit with lethal left-armer Mitchell Johnson, Harris and Peter Siddle continuing their bouncer barrage against England. However, there will be no on-field mention of fallen England batsman Jonathan Trott in the second Test starting Thursday.

The first key change of the Lehmann reign as Australian coach in June saw the controversial rotation policy of bowlers dumped in Test series.

It won't be revived in Adelaide with Lehmann wanting the quality that's bankrolled Harris' 76 wickets in 17 Tests.

"We don't rotate, if you are fit you play. The best XI will play for Australia each and every game," said Lehmann.

Lehmann's incredible title success coaching Queensland and Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League was predicated on astute tactics. The former Test batsman respects sports science but won't be ruled by it.

Asked if Harris, 34, remained the key to reclaiming the Ashes, Lehmann said: "Very much so, a world class bowler."

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"Ryan is a key player. If he is fully fit he will play, I have said that all along. We are not changing our stance. I reckon he will be fit."

Resting "Ryano" and his fragile frame goes against the grain for Lehmann - desperate to fuel the power shift started in Brisbane with a knockout blow and 2-0 scoreline in Adelaide.

"It is just one Test win. We have to back that up and show we are the side we want to become not just one-hit wonders. We can't rest on our laurels after one Test," said Lehmann, preferring to tweak 'plans' rather than a winning combination.

England questioned match officials during the 381-run first Test loss on the rules of bowling intimidation. Lehmann won't pull back Australia's short pitched onslaught that saw England fold for 136 and 179 at the Gabba - even on a flatter Adelaide deck.

"We will use our (short ball) quota where possible and work our plans as we have done. Brisbane had some pace and bounce in it, Adelaide might be different, it might reverse or swing a bit more," he said.

"It is a case of looking at the best XI to get a result here."

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Lehmann indicated England counterpart Andy Flower's public offer to discuss a sledging code of conduct was not needed.

Outspoken opener Warner had been counselled by Lehmann over comments directed to "weak" Trott. There will be no reference to the No.3 - back in England on stress leave.

"He understands where the line is,' said Lehmann of Warner. He said himself he crossed the line so that is a better understanding of the game," Lehmann said.

"Obviously we didn't know what was going on with Jonathan Trott. That certainly won't be talked about in this Test match at all."

Lehmann said allrounder James Faulkner was unlucky to miss out in Brisbane but Australia wanted a spin option and were repaid by Nathan Lyon's four wickets. Lehmann also foreshadowed an increased bowling workload for allrounder Shane Watson - lessening the strain on veteran Harris.

"I thought our bowling group as a whole did a great job," said Lehmann.

"Nathan Lyon got some wickets, Shane Watson didn't have to bowl as much as we thought he would in the first one. That is an advantage as well."

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White's lucky escape

Simon White back at training after overcoming a broken neck. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: CAS Hamish Blair / News Limited

SIMON White doesn't like to think about what might have happened had a fractured vertebrae in his neck remained undetected and he played for Carlton just week a week later.<image-web-group channel="Web" group="SpecialElement"> <image-web dtxInsert="Gallery Portrait (366x488)" fileref="/NewsLimited/Content/MET/Images/NWK/Sport/AFL/Cropped/2013-11-27/NEWSMMGLPICT000019270519-ksa-GalleryPortrait366x488-366x488@Web-HeraldSun.jpg?uuid=1e6075c2-5802-11e3-8974-69a7d7a3124c" height="488" id="GalleryPortrait366x488" tmx="366 488 366 488" width="366" xtransform="1 0 0 1 0 0"></image-web> <image-web-caption> <p>Simon White in a neck brace. Source: Twitter</p> </image-web-caption> </image-web-group>

In a bizarre chain of events, the Blues defender trained and complete a pilates session only a few days after suffering a direct hit to his head while playing for the Blues' VFL affiliate side Northern Bullants in July.

He had taken possession of the ball and was on his feet with his head lowered to avoid a Box Hill Hawk tackler when he heard a crack after receiving a bump to the head.

"It was just a bit of a wet day and I sort of jumped up to grab the ball and I saw a guy coming at me and I thought I could side step him and go under his arm and I don't know whether I slipped or misjudged him but I had my head down and he hit me straight on top of the head," he said.

"At that stage it just felt like my neck had cracked and I didn't think anything of it."

Amazingly White, who had a free kicked awarded against him for holding the ball, had little discomfort at the time and even a couple of days later experienced only what he described as a stiff neck.

In an indirect way Blues coach Mick Malthouse saved him from what could have been a disastrous outcome when he went to the bench after White came from the ground and said don't put him back as he'd be playing for Carlton against Gold Coast the following Saturday.

"It was on the Saturday and I didn't think much of it and on Sunday I got it checked by the doctor again and he was reasonably happy with it and at the start thought it was just whip lash," White said.

"I trained on Monday and they had another look at it on the Tuesday and I was still moving fine but the doc said he wouldn't mind having a look at it and I went down and had a scan.

"I went off and did pilates and after that I had about eight missed calls and there were a couple of messages from the doc who told me to ring him urgently."

A neurosurgeon told him he'd have to wear a cervical brace, from his neck to his waist, for the next two months after explaining that the scan had revealed the C3 vertebra was fractured three quarters of the way through.

Simon White is helped off the ground after hurting his knee against Werribee. Source: News Limited

White, who says he'll be available for the NAB Cup, said he definitely would have played, risking serious spinal cord damage, if hadn't been ordered to have the scan.

"It was all a bit of a shock and I was fairly lucky in the end," he said.

"The brace wasn't terribly comfortable and I was in it nearly all day except when Í took it off to have a shower."

White wasn't allowed to drive for the two months he wore the brace and had to rely on teammate and housemate Michael Jamison to chauffeur him and cook dinner.

The most worrying aspect for White was knowing that he was coming out of contract but Malthouse quickly told him that he would be offered a new contract for 2014.

"When you've just come out of a 12 month contract you think you might be in a bit of trouble here," he said.

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Warner set for Barmy reception

Barmy Army Trumpeter Billy Cooper picked up a new instrument on Thursday. Source: News Limited

THE Barmy Army takes its role as England's 13th man very seriously - as David Warner is about to find out.

The Army, who yesterday added a match against an Indigenous XI in Alice Springs to their chant-writing duties, has promised a renewed attack on the Aussie opener during the second Test in Adelaide next week.

Trumpeter and spokesman Billy Cooper, who brought the house down when he managed to get a few notes out of a didgeridoo he was presented, said Warner's inflammatory words during the Gabba Test had sent the Army's writers into overdrive.

"I probably shouldn't tell you too much, but David Warner is probably our No.1 target (in Adelaide). Obviously in the (northern) summer, we've been giving him all that stuff about picking on poor Joe Root," Cooper said as he broke into the theme from "Rocky" on his trusty trumpet.

"We'll be giving him some more of that … but we're going to be coming up with stuff while we're here in Alice Springs.

"Warner has upset a few of the team (and) we wouldn't be doing our job properly, as the Barmy Army, if we didn't give him a bit of stick."

Cooper smiled when asked if his vocal travelling partners were in any position to be giving grief for some pointed chatter.

"I would never be in a position to criticise someone for sledging because essentially our role, if we can get on top of some of the Australian players and put them off a bit, then we can help our team in that way.

"But I thought it was a bit much Michael Clarke picking on Jimmy Anderson. He's our No.11 batsman.

"He's only going to be score five runs against you anyway. It seemed a bit much when you're about to win.

"But it makes for an interesting series."

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'It hurts - that's why I like it'

Luke Durbridge on his way to winning at the Gold Coast Festival of Cycling. Source: News Limited

AS ALL road cyclists know all too well, the time trial _ the race of truth, they call it _ hurts. A lot. Which is one of the reasons Luke Durbridge likes it so much.

"It's just you out there against the clock and it's a suffer-fest all the way to the line. That's what I've always been good at," he said yesterday.

Durbridge, 22, confirmed his status as one of Australia's most talented and versatile young road cyclists when he became the first to win both the road race and the time trial in the same year at the national championships in Buninyong last year.

Speaking at the launch of this year's titles, which will run from January 8 to 12, Durbridge said the time trial would be his priority.

That is unusual in that among riders and fans alike the road race has a much higher profile, although the time trial has attracted plenty of attention in Australia recently.

Most remember Cadel Evans clinching his historic Tour de France win in 2011 with a superb ride against the clock in the second last stage, and last year Orica-GreenEDGE won the team time trial at the Tour and then _ with Durbridge joining the squad _ failed by a whisker to repeat the feat at the world championships.

Luke Durbridge celebrates as he wins the men's under-23 time trial in Denmark. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Source: News Limited

Before that, veteran Australian Michael Rogers won three successive individual time trial world titles between 2003 and 2005.

Durbridge's 2013 season in Europe, his first with GreenEDGE, yielded only moderate results after his powerful start at the nationals, but that was of no great concern given he was riding big events such as the Paris-Roubaix one-dayer and the Tour of Italy for the first time.

"These are hard races to finish let alone perform in, so it was a year of learning rather than achievement," he said.

"This year will be different."

Durbridge will do the Italian three-weeker again hoping for a win in the TTT, which would then hopefully propel him into the Tour de France, which has always been a huge ambition.

He also has the Commonwealth Games in sight "so there are a few big goals."

He has decided to specialise in the time trial because, he says, the strongest rider usually wins, which is not always the case in the road race where various factors, including luck, can influence the results.

"The time trial is never going to have the hype of the road race but it is always going to have a place in cycling," he said.

"It's a show of strength. The Grand Tour guys like them because it's a chance to put a time difference into the others and show who really is the strongest.

"Yes, it hurts _ but if you don't like that, don't do this race."

ron.reed@news.com.au

TWITTER: @REEDRW

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King hit could be end for Brown

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CAMPBELL Brown is facing the sack after a drunken punch left Suns teammate Steven May with a suspected broken jaw.

The Suns have lost patience with the veteran forward after his second overseas fight in three years.

Brown is alleged to have punched May after a night of drinking in Los Angeles following the club's altitude camp in Arizona.

The Suns have been told the told the punch was unprovoked and May did not retaliate.

Hawthorn premiership player Josh Gibson is also believed to have been present. The players were given two days R and R during which they took in an Arizona Cardinals NFL game and also visited Las Vegas.

It was reported the argument between Brown and May flared up over a restaurant, bill but the Suns have not heard that version.

Brown is not a big drinker and his off-field record is reasonably clean, but the Suns will not tolerate the latest incident if the allegations May was king-hit are true.

Glenn McFarlane and Jay Clark say Campbell Brown may have played his last game after an off-field incident in Los Angeles.

No other players were involved but there were five other Suns present. These players will arrive back on the Coast on Friday and have been summoned immediately to the club.

They will be grilled extensively and Brown's only hope of extending his 205-game career is if an alternative version of events arises from those interviews.

Brown and May have struck a truce and shared a flight back to Australia after being ordered home.

They were grilled by football manager Marcus Ashcroft on Thursday. It is not known how Brown defended himself.

BAD BOY BROWN'S LONG RAP SHEET

Neither Ashcroft or CEO Travis Auld returned calls but the club issued a brief statement confirming the incident took place.

"The club is in the process of establishing exactly what happened and all other relevant facts, and is discussing the matter with the two players concerned, who have since returned to the Gold Coast ahead of their teammates,'' the statement said.

"The Gold Coast Suns are considering appropriate actions and will not make further comment at this stage in relation to the incident.''

Brown remains a favourite of the fans and media because of his open and engaging manner but the Suns are concerned at his volatile temperament.

He was demoted from the leadership group after becoming involved in a brawl in Thailand at the end of the 2011 season.

He was spared further punishment then because he had intervened to help teammate Maverick Weller, who had become embroiled in a fight.

The Suns hit the trail during their Arizona camp, in a picture posted on the club's Facebook page. Source: Supplied

During the 2012 pre-season he had to be separated from Weller after an argument at training.

Brown has always walked a tightrope because of his poor on-field disciplinary record.

The 30-year-old is the most-suspended player in the game and was set to start his second consecutive season on the sidelines after being rubbed out for a month for kicking Melbourne player James Strauss in the head at Metricon Stadium last season.

He was suspended for four weeks in his second game for the Suns in 2011 after incidents with Bulldogs players Callan Ward and Barry Hall, and started this season with a six-week ban for a shirt-front on Adelaide player Aiden Riley.

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Stolz men set to make history

Andre Stolz with his son Zac will both play in the Australian Open. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

PARENTS make sacrifices for their kids and Andre Stolz can still remember the club that copped it for his son Zac.

Though his baby boy was only just up on unsteady feet, Stolz took a hacksaw to the graphite shaft of Ping 7-iron and slipped it into Zac's tiny hands.

"Apparently they were worth about $500 a club," Stolz laughs. "I can still remember that club. I cut it down. It went from grip to the head.

"He wouldn't remember but he's seen video of him wobbling around, whacking balls around the backyard."

Eighteen years on, with both Zac and his golf clubs are now fully grown, the sacrifices will pay dividends when the teenager and his Dad make history in the opening round of the Australian Open at Royal Sydney.

Andre and Zac will become only the second father and son to play together in the tournament after Stolz junior won a spot in qualifying on Monday.

Andre Stolz with his 18 year old son Zac who will both be playing in this weeks Australian Open Golf at Royal Sydney Golf Club. pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Limited

Given the genes - and a childhood on the golf circuit - it's not a huge surprise. Andre Stolz is a 25-year tour professional who has played on the PGA Tour, and mum Cathy is a golf pro as well.

"He's beaten me a few times already so its nothing new if it happens again this week," Stolz senior laughed.

"He was always going to play in the Australian Open, whether it was this year or next year or somewhere down the line. We're very proud obviously."

Andre Stolz in action at the Queensland Open at Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Picture: Chris McCormack. Source: News Limited

"He hits the ball properly and strong, he has good ball flight and all those things. If he can settle into the round and play his game, he'll be plenty good enough."

Zac, who is set to go to college in the US next year on a scholarship, said the nerves had eased since Monday, but only "fractionally".

"They are still well and truly there. I can't wait to turn up and play," Zac said.

Stolz senior was regarded one of Australia's top talents and won a PGA Tour event in 2004 but chronic wrist injuries hampered his career.

He was set to skip this week's tournament after a recent flare up but Zac's achievement convinced him to play.

The parental pride is obvious, and so too is good-natured competition between the Stolz clan.

"He has one PGA Tour win up on me, so he uses that call all the time," Zac says.

Andre adds: "I have told him he has to pass me on the career money list before he can hang shit on me. He probably will."

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Tigers must remain tight: Bradtke

Mark Bradtke in his playing days. The Tigers great has called on the club to stick together. Source: News Limited

FORMER club great Mark Bradtke says the Melbourne Tigers can bounce back in tonight's crucial NBL clash against the New Zealand Breakers if they stick together.

The tough road trip comes on the back of Sunday's home loss to Townsville, which was labelled by coach Chris Anstey as a "reality check."

Bradtke - who was at The Cage on Sunday - says his former club will turn it around quickly as long as they remain tight.

"You can see the hustle and desire is there," he said.

"Sometimes the execution is just not though because of good defence from the opposition or maybe because shots just don't drop.

"But as long as you're all together on the same page, eventually it will turn.

"You just have to make sure everyone knows their roles, executes and then good things should happen because you're doing the right things."

The Tigers coach has been highly critical of his side's poor starts this season.

Tigers coach Chris Anstey talks with Lucas Walker. Picture: GEORGE SALPIGTIDIS Source: News Limited

They trailed the Crocodiles by as much as 15 points in the first term on Sunday and Anstey said it was inexcusable.

Bradtke believed it was a confidence issue.

"The way they started (against Townsville), they were trying to target (centre) Scott Morrison inside," Bradtke said.

"And I thought they executed right well but they just couldn't quite finish.

"It's a fine line because if he makes three of the four shots then they're off and rolling.

"It's all about confidence so one of the ways to help that area is to work on the small things."

Tonight will be replacement guard Mustapha Farrakhan's second NBL game.

The guard had six points and three assists in almost 20 minutes on the floor against the Crocodiles.

Bradtke urged Tigers fans to be patient while Farrakhan adjusted to the league.

"It's always difficult coming into a new environment and a new country," he said.

"You don't want to step on toes but there are also a lot of expectations so you have to try and perform.

"He'll be a lot better after a week's worth of training.

"With replacement players it does take time."

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Poms loving Alice Springs oasis

ALICE Springs is about the last place you'd come to escape the heat.

But, as the mercury nudged towards 40C in central Australia yesterday, the English cricketers took the opportunity to jump as far out of the fire as they've been since they arrived on our shores last month.

For the third time in as many days after their Gabba pounding left them 1-0 down in the Ashes, the Englishmen didn't address the Aussie media.

So instead of being the constant target of prying eyes as they have would been in Adelaide before the second Test, the Poms scurried to all parts of the red centre, delighting in the anonymity the expanses offer.

With no training scheduled until late today, six of the team ventured to Uluru on Tuesday; many played an early-morning round of golf yesterday without a soul on the course to bother them.

Kevin Pietersen's camel (right) gets close to England teammate Graeme Swann's beast at Uluru. Picture: Twitter

Captain Alistair Cook even took a hire car and was last seen heading with a mate towards Glen Helen Gorge - an hour west of the Alice - where he was reliably informed by locals that he could spend a relaxing day checking out the scenery and grabbing some pub fare without hassle.

It's a far cry from the glitz and glamour of England's high-profile celebrations of recent Ashes triumphs, but a break in which they're understood to be revelling.

Sources close to the team say it's just the tonic for the embattled tourists after the fierce spotlight of their epic Brisbane flop.

They say that while some weren't sure why the Northern Territory was on the itinerary when it was first produced, they're absolutely delighted now to have found their own little oasis in the hottest of deserts.

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Jolly 'shattered' by rookie snub

Jon Ralph and Jay Clark name the surprise picks of the rookie draft and the likely winners next season

DUAL premiership ruckman Darren Jolly is "shattered" and "disillusioned with the game" after his decorated AFL career effectively came to an end on Wednesday.

Jolly, 32, was overlooked in Wednesday's rookie draft after initial approaches from Essendon and St Kilda amounted to nothing.

In an incredible fall from favour, Jolly was still Collingwood's first-choice ruckman during the first half of this season before knee issues and the emergence of young ruckman Brodie Grundy cost him his position within the team - and ultimately at the club.

Jolly could not be contacted yesterday, but sources close to him suggested he was devastated he would not get another AFL chance.

He was still dealing with the fallout and has not yet decided whether he would play football at a lower level next season.

ROOKIE DRAFT - WHO DID GET PICKED?

It's believed he would likely have been taken as a rookie at St Kilda if Scott Watters - his former assistant coach at Collingwood - had not been sacked last month.

The appointment of Alan Richardson as Saints coach brought about a change of heart and the Saints looked elsewhere.

The Bomber made a last-minute play to secure the former Magpie, Swan and Demon, and a meeting with the club on Tuesday raised his hopes of a reprieve.

But those hopes were crushed when Essendon opted to bypass the veteran and choose young Queensland ruckman Fraser Thurlow instead.

To add some salt to the wounds, Carlton resurrected the career of 26-year-old Cameron Wood, whom Jolly kept out of the Collingwood side for the best part of three seasons.

THE BEST ROOKIES WE'VE EVER SEEN

Jolly played 237 games for three clubs, including Grand Finals wins with Sydney (2005) and Collingwood (2010).

Only three years ago he was credited as being the difference as the Magpies secured the premiership in his first year at the club.

Jolly endured a tough season on and off the field this year, battling knee issues and courting controversy by criticising former teammate Josh Fraser in a newspaper column.

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Pies flex financial muscle

Collingwood CEO Gary Pert and president Eddie McGuire have plenty to smile about. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

COLLINGWOOD re-affirmed its status as the AFL's biggest financial powerhouse by posting a net operating profit of more than $5.2 million for the past season.

And if you include two grants - $10 million from the Federal Government and $1.15 million from the Melbourne and Olympic Park Trusts - the club's overall net profit swells out to more than $16.3 million.

As the debate over equalisation and revenue sharing hots up at AFL Commission and club levels, the Magpies have once more blown their rivals out of the water with their financial bottom line.

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert dismissed suggestions the club's swelling booty compared to many struggling AFL clubs was a sign that the AFL needed to take a harder line on equalisation.

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"Revenue sharing is already happening - the debate at the moment is whether there needs to be more," Pert said.

"Collingwood very much supports having that debate and discussion, even though there are quite clearly pros and cons.

"A key part of that revenue sharing program is that the clubs, with the support of the AFL, need to very quickly get themselves to industry best practices to ensure the money is being maximised in every opportunity."

Collingwood lifted its annual turnover to more than $75 million, raising its year-to-year revenue by $2.6 million, largely off the back of record club membership of 80,456.

The Magpie army ensured a healthy profit for Collingwood. Source: News Corp Australia

The club's football department spend was also boosted to $22,459,510, up from $21,167,238 last year. The club has net assets of more than $35 million and is now effectively debt-free.

"As per our promise to supporters, the profits will continue to be invested back into the club's two key stakeholders, being the playing group and fans," Pert said.

"This year we invested an extra $600,000 into our membership services and an extra $1.3 million into our football department.

"The rest of the club profits are earmarked to help fund the new community facilities bordering our Westpac Centre training ground, which will require extra club funding of $15 million over the next three years.

"It has never been more important in Australian sport to be financially sustainable, to be able to determine our own future, retain our identity and protect our brand."

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said: "The club's strong financial position has allowed us to create the ultimate Collingwood vision of Australian sport's best training and administrative complex, a facility that can hold its own against the best sports clubs around the world.

"We know that to provide our players, coaches and staff with the best facilities and opportunities to succeed in an increasingly difficult environment that we must remain financially healthy and independent.

"The next development phase will be pay off (the facility) for our social club members and the broader community.

"With a special focus on women's sports and fitness activities, it stands to be a wonderful asset for the people of Melbourne."

Collingwood's annual general meeting will take place on February 11 next year, at the MCG.

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Perfect ABs all about belief

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PERFECTION came 84 seconds after the final bell, long after all but those in black thought it was possible to conjure victory at Lansdowne Road against an inspired Irish team.

New Zealand had conquered every opponent this year, winning all 13 previous Tests. But when it was time to complete the 2013 sweep, to become the first international side of the professional era to go through an entire year unbeaten, they got stage fright.

The men in green turned Hulk, it was they who played the game like invincibles.

After 20 minutes they led 19-0, after 64 minutes they led 22-10, and after 81 minutes they led 22-17.

After 108 long years, Ireland had their first win over the All Blacks in the bag.

But what transpired next broke the hearts and backs of Irish support, and confirmed that this All Blacks team went undefeated this year because they didn't know how to lose.

They didn't realise that the effort was futile when they received a turnover penalty 10 metres from inside their own half with the final bell already rung.

They could not comprehend that after winning 26 of 27 previous Tests against Ireland and drawing the other, it was finally time for the cruel streak to be broken.

New Zealand could not accept that after running the ball from left to right, end to end all night and being thumped by Ireland's raging tacklers, it was pointless to try again post-siren from deep inside their own half.

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And so they went, left to right, end to end, with locks charging up the middle, centres clearing out rucks, playmakers shifting the ball, flankers running dummy lines.

They didn't drop the ball. They didn't drop their heads.

And after testing Ireland's defence at every turn the split-second opportunity came.

Who else but replacement hooker Dane Coles would be required to draw the last defender and pop a deft pass in contact to replacement back Ryan Crotty. The No.16 and the No.23 finished the magnificent play to remind all why their side is No.1.

After 81 minutes and 24 seconds, New Zealand were level, the first time in the entire game they had not trailed.

And only then did the drama start. Five-eighth Aaron Cruden missed his conversion attempt from the sideline, but a handful of Ireland players had jumped the gun to chase the kick down.

Referee Nigel Owen ordered them back, and allowed Cruden to take another attempt. Of course he nailed it - 24-22 the final score in a game history won't soon forget.

"It comes down to belief," All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said. "When I was a young player, I was in a provincial game and we were down by a similar 29 to very little. I thought the game was over and the captain said: 'Believe'.

"We got home and forever since then I've never, ever given up.

"I've always been proud of All Blacks teams, you never give up and never stop believing there's a chance. We had 15 guys out there still believing right to the last minute and it's amazing what can happen."

The first professional perfect Test season followed New Zealand's 12 wins from 13 wins last year.

It was another reminder of the gulf between them and the chasing pack.

The Wallabies are only on the cusp of rebuilding, having won three in a row now.

Against Wales this weekend Australia will aim to win four Tests in a row for the first time in five years.

New Zealand will start next year with history in their sights. Incredibly, the world record for most successive wins is ongoing and held by Cyprus.

While their second- and third-tier opponents give an unnatural context to the record, the All Blacks will nevertheless be aiming to add another three to their streak of 14 when the fast-improving England side visits them mid-next year.

Of top tier nations, New Zealand and South Africa jointly share the record of most successive wins with 17.

If the All Blacks win all the Tests against England, their chance to top that record will likely come against the Wallabies in a Bledisloe Cup showdown.

In the aftermath of his side's crushing defeat on Sunday, Ireland's Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt said: "You've got to be prepared to defend until the final seconds and we didn't.

"We have to live with that now."

There is always a price for perfection.

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McEvoy staying put at Darley

Peter Snowden and Kerrin McEvoy after winning with Paximadia in Melbourne earlier this month. Source: Colleen Petch / News Corp Australia

KERRIN McEvoy won't be following trainer Peter Snowden out the door at Darley at the end of next autumn.

And regardless of which trainer replaces Snowden at Sheikh Mohammed's powerhouse set-up, McEvoy will remain No. 1 rider.

McEvoy first linked with Godolphin in 2003, and has been with Snowden in Sydney since Darley took over Woodlands in 2008. He signs a new contract every season and is employed by Darley - not Snowden.

When Darley sit down to commence interviews this week to find Snowden's replacement, one thing that definitely won't be negotiable is the position of McEvoy.

It won't even matter if the successful applicant has a preference for using a rival rider.

"Kerrin has been with us for years, so that does give him a bit of tenure,'' Darley boss Henry Plumptre told The Daily Telegraph.

"It's a question of law of averages with jockeys, and how many races do they lose when they should have won. With Kerrin, he would have a very very low percentage when it comes to that category.

"Nobody is more focused on improving than Kerrin is, and I've known him since he was an apprentice. We're pretty happy with the all-round package there.''

McEvoy is no stranger to being on the wrong end of criticism from punters.

He's arguably marked harder than other riders because of the opportunities he gets to ride regally-bred horses who are generally in the market.

But McEvoy has well and truly emerged as one of Australia's best jockeys, and finished along side Hugh Bowman as champion Group 1 rider last season with seven majors. Rival riders will tell you he is one of the most gifted in the game.

McEvoy already has three Group 1s this season, and would love nothing more than to notch a few more big carnival wins before Snowden finishes up.

McEvoy returns from suspension this week, and said he was just as shocked as anyone by last week's news Snowden and his son Paul would go it alone at the end of next autumn.

"The news came as a big shock. I suppose the racing public didn't expect it,'' said McEvoy, who never goes any longer than two days without speaking with Snowden.

"It will be a funny feeling teaming up with a new trainer.

"I've still got the autumn to look forward to with Peter, and then the transition begins.

"It's a shame Peter is leaving, we've had a great run of success, but I am contracted with Darley, and I'm hoping they can find a fantastic replacement to fill the void left by him.''

Snowden has asked to be excluded from any talks about his replacement, and McEvoy says he's also happy to let Darley handle all negotiations.

"If they want to chat to me about any ideas, so be it, but my main focus is to keep the ball rolling with Pete for the next six months,'' he said.

Complacent and Guelph are just two Darley horses who are sure to add to their own Group 1 tallies in the autumn for McEvoy and Snowden.

While McEvoy is the top dog, Darley have also used Christian Reith and Josh Parr in Sydney, journeyman Grant Buckley rides a lot of work for Snowden, while Steven Arnold and Vlad Duric ride the bulk of the team's horses in Melbourne.

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Saga hurts Bombers' bottom line

Essendon chief executive Ray Gunston said despite the club experiencing a difficult year it was in a stable financial position. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Corp Australia

THE ASADA scandal has hit Essendon's hip pocket hard with the club recording a $3.2 million trading loss.

This includes the Bombers record $2 million fine from the AFL and associated legal costs involved in the ASADA investigation which is still ongoing.

Despite this heavy loss the club still technically finished in the black on its profit and loss statement thanks to donations received to help fund its new Melbourne Airport facility.

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The overall profit came in at $2.148 million which included $5.3 million of funds received for the state-of-the-art training facility which officially opened last week.

Essendon chief executive Ray Gunston said despite the club experiencing a difficult year it was in a stable financial position.

``It has been a difficult year both on and off the field for the club with a number of unbudgeted costs contributing to our financial result," Gunston said.

``The overall profit of $2.148 million is slightly misleading as the result includes funds received this year for the development of the new training facility at Melbourne Airport.

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``However, a number of positive factors also contributed to this result including the strengthening of commercial partnerships, membership growth and improved return on investments."

The Bombers have a staggered payment plan with the AFL for the fines but have elected to include it in this year's balance sheet.

They are hoping to grow their membership from 56,407 to 60,000 for next season.

The move from Windy Hill to the $27 million development at Melbourne Airport has also drained the club's cash reserves and placed it into debt.

Gunston said the Bombers planned to have paid off the debt within two years.

"With the investment of $20.5 million in the new training and administration facility this year, the club has exhausted its cash reserves and has therefore drawn down $5 million of its $7 million debt facilities," he said.

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``Although the club had planned for this, it is important that the club works hard to reduce this debt over the coming years."

The Bombers total revenue for the financial year was $63.7 million while its net assets exceeded $37.7 million.

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Curator's masterstroke sparks Aussies

Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell. Source: Angie Simms / News Corp Australia

GABBA curator Kevin Mitchell could have helped Australia towards winning the Ashes.

It may only be 1-0 after the Brisbane romp but the respected groundsman's decision to get players off the field 10 minutes before a violent hailstorm savaged the ground on Sunday afternoon was masterstroke.

A Hail storm hits the Gabba on the fourth day of the Test. Picture: Mark Kolbe Source: Getty Images

It left a bone dry pitch when the storm passed and meant only 72 minutes of play was lost when it could have easily several more hours.

Who knows what would have happened if the rest of Sunday had been lost and play resumed this morning?

Australia took full advantage of the earlier than expected resumption, rattling through the Poms who had been 4-142 when the dark storm and hail clouds had dumped their load on the Gabba.

Fans were thanking Kevin Mitchell and his men because cricket lovers have vivid memories of some great escape acts by the Poms in the Ashes in England earlier this year.

Although losing the series in England 3-0, Australia had been in a commanding position in two Tests before the bad British weather intervened and helped the Poms wriggle out of jail.

Mitchell, a familiar face around the Gabba, was typically matter of fact at stumps on day four and said he was just doing his job.

Groundsmen cover the pitch before a hail storm hit the Gabba. Picture: Cameron Spencer. Source: Getty Images

''We were tracking the hail on the radar and knew it was getting close,'' Mitchell told The Courier-Mail.

''There was only a couple of drops of rain here and there at the time, but it was the right moment to get the players off the field.

''The umpires and match officials were really awesome, they were happy to listen to what we were saying.''

The scenes were a hark back to an incident involving Mitchell's dad, Kevin Mitchell Senior, who tended to Gabba from 1975 to 1989.

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Once in a one-day game, Mitchell Senior ran onto the ground only to be waved away by the umpires - one of whom was a Brisbane local.

But Mitchell Snr kept coming, and within a minute or so the ground was inundated, but the pitch was saved.

During another Gabba hailstorm, Australian 12th man Dean Jones brought out a swag of helmets to protect the ground staff while they put on the covers.

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Sydney set for epic showdown

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THE COUNTDOWN to the Sydney showdown has begun with the closet championship in V8 history to be decided on the streets of Homebush in just 13 days.

An epic weekend of racing at the Sargent Security 360 on Phillip Island has set the scene for a thrilling finale at Sydney Olympic Park with four fired up drivers a chance of taking out the title in a Holden v Ford classic.

The Sydney 500, which begins on December 5, will also usher in a new era for the sport with the 28 V8 Supercars to light up the sleepy precinct with the first ever twilight race.

Cameron Crowe could not have written a better script.

Holden's two championship charges Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup will go head-to-head with Ford duo Mark Winterbottom and Will Davison in an intriguing fight that reached fever pitch over the weekend.

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Little more than a race win separates all four and the gloves are already off following all the biff, barge and bash at Phillip Island.

Sydney born and raised Winterbottom, who was in the thick of the action on Sunday, predicted the Sydney 500 will become an "all-time best'' event.

And we aren't going to argue.

"It is going to be awesome,'' Winterbottom said.

"It is always good and always a tough race because anything can happen there because of the nature of the track. But this year is even better because there is a championship battle between four guys. It will become even more special.''

Record crowds are tipped for the new look event with twilight racing and a genuine championship decider expected to see the fans roll in.

Jamie Whincup celebrates his race win at Phillip Island. Photo: Jake Nowakowski Source: News Corp Australia

"Last year we went in and Jamie (Whincup) had already won the championship,'' Winterbottom said.

"He just had to finish a race. It took a bit of the flair away. You could go in 200 points down this year and still win it.''

Winterbottom predicted the twilight first would prove a challenge for driver with fading light proving a challenge for adjusting eyes.

"It is going to be cooler which is a good thing,'' Winterbottom said.

"But it will also be a challenge. But we are all up for it because it will make for a hell of a spectacle. It is a good thing for the sport and something we are all looking forward to it. I think it makes more sense for the fans and they can come out and avoid the heat and just watch the big show.''

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said the Sydney 500 would be the crowning jewel of a spectacular season.

"It's been an amazing season and for it to come right down to the wire will cap a magnificent year," Warburton said.

"We have had multiple winners, the new generation car has been simply superb and the racing just sensational. It just shows how close this Championship is, nothing separates the field. That's why V8 Supercars has such a great reputation world-wide, the product is unbelievable.

"There will be nothing better than watching these guys battle it out as the sun sets in Sydney, we can't wait."

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Lyon finds his winning voice

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NATHAN Lyon found voice in the first Test in Brisbane, both with the ball and with hymn sheet in hand.

The much-maligned Australian offspinner has been dropped twice this year, but after being backed in for the Ashes opener at the Gabba he delivered with crucial wickets in both innings.

Retired batsman Mike Hussey passed the treasured baton of team song custodian down to Lyon after the January Test against Sri Lanka in Sydney.

However, until now Australia has not won a Test - going nine matches without Lyon having the chance to make his singing debut.

On three of those occasions the 26-year-old wasn't even in the team.

But Lyon's performance in Brisbane was a breakthrough moment in every respect.

Matt Prior walks off as Nathan Lyon celebrates. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Often criticised for his failure to bowl Australia to victory, Lyon was inspirational in England's batting collapses in both innings.

Then he belted out Under the Southern Cross I Stand.

``It was quite emotional when we sang the team song,'' said captain Michael Clarke.

``As you know, Nathan has a very good voice and sang it loud and proud.

``He's been a huge part of our team over a long period of time, his record speak for itself in the Test format.

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``I think he's performed as well in this Test match as he has done for a long time.

``It's great seeing him bowling well and with confidence and it's even better listening to him lead the team song.''

Last year in the second Test against South Africa in Adelaide, Lyon had a chance to bowl Australia to victory on day five with the Proteas on the ropes.

But despite having just six wickets in hand, South Africa - led by centurion Faf du Plessis - held on for a series-changing draw, with Lyon coming up empty.

This was redemption for Lyon.

He knocked over key man Ian Bell and Matt Prior in successive balls in the first innings, part of England's dramatic collapse of 6-9.

Then on day four, he closed it out for Australia - dismissing Alastair Cook and Prior again in rapid succession.

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Zoustar stakes claim

Buffering jockey Damian Browne (right) rides his mount to victory past Moment of Change in the Winterbottom Stakes. Source: Theo Fakos / News Corp Australia

JIMMY Cassidy reckons Zoustar would start "odds-on'' in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes next autumn.

Buffering's trainer Rob Heathcote says Zoustar "now needs to step into the ring against the older horses''.

Either way, Origin will arrive early next year with Sydney champ Zoustar and Queenslander Buffering to go head to head for the title of Australia's best sprinter.

Perhaps Buffering already earned top billing after he made it three straight Group 1 victories in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in Perth on Saturday night.

The popular six-year-old took his career earnings past $4 million, and will now return next year for the Challenge Stakes in Sydney en route to the TJ Smith Stakes where Zoustar will await.

``I don't think there are any doubts Buffering is the best sprinter in the country,'' Heathcote told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.

``The only horse who has beaten him this preparation is Samaready, and she's gone amiss, and Buffering came out of that race (against Samaready) with a bruised heel.

``He's won three Group 1s in succession, and I think that makes a statement. There are no accolades for being `top dog' in Australia, no prizes, no trophies, but at the end of the day I'll enjoy the Christmas break knowing I've got him.''

Heathcote said Zoustar, the $18 million colt who won the Golden Rose, Roman Consul Stakes and Coolmore Stud Stakes this spring, would now be required to take on the older horses.

``Zoustar looks an up-and-coming champion, he's taken all before him against the three-year-olds, but he's now got to step into the ring with the older horses,'' Heathcote said.

``That's hard to do. The classic example is Buffering. Buffering is a six-year-old now and he's clearly in the best form of his career. Admittedly when he was three and four, he had to take on the likes of Black Caviar, Hay List, Sepoy, horses like that.

``Buffering is the top dog now.''

Cassidy said Zoustar was untapped and would start ``odds-on'' in the TJ Smith Stakes if there were no hiccups between now and next April.

``He's be odds-on and I'd have Buffering `6/4','' Cassidy said.

``Buffering has put together three Group 1s now. But I rode Sea Siren, I think Buffering beat her home once, and Zoustar would give Sea Siren a cold.''

Buffering again showed his toughness after he blew away Perth pin-up Barakey at the top of the Ascot straight on Saturday, then dug deep to hold off Moment Of Change in a photo finish.

Heathcote said time and again Buffering had brought undone rival horses who tried to match it with him early.

``They're the first horses brought undone,'' Heathcote said.

``As (jockey) Damian (Browne) says, to sit half a length in front of him, it doesn't allow that horse to get into their proper breathing rhythm, and they run with a feeling of apprehension of something happening just behind them.'

``Buffering showed his usual kick and fight and toughness and determination. Even with 50m to go on Saturday, `Browney' could feel Moment Of Change coming, but Buffering surged again.''

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