Let big names play Big Bash: Gilly

Adam Gilchrist in action for the Kings XI Punjab. AFP PHOTO/RAVEENDRAN Source: RAVEENDRAN / AFP

ADAM Gilchrist has called for Australia's Big Bash League to replicate the Indian Premier League by having our biggest names available for the Twenty20 tournament.

Gilchrist, who will be part of Channel 10's commentary team for the BBL, believes continued growth of the domestic Twenty20 extravaganza is reliant on finding a window that allows Australia's Test stars to take part.

Administrators originally hoped to have them available for the majority of the tournament when designing the BBL, but face continued scheduling headaches.

Cricket Australia will not shift the iconic Boxing Day and New Year's Tests, however the same holiday period is also viewed as the most lucrative for the BBL.

Gilchrist, who played six seasons in the IPL for Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab, said while the Indian Twenty20 competition attracted big overseas names, its true strength was the fact the host nation's biggest names all took part.

"I know it's very difficult to schedule, but in time it would be great to see more and more opportunity for our Australian heroes to be playing with and against each other,'' he said.

Michael Clarke hasn't played a significant part in the BBL. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

"I think that would add to the intrigue. It would be brilliant to have our national stars playing. That is the feature of the IPL.

"The international cricketers bolster that tournament and have always been very lucky to be invited to play in it. But the key is the Indian stars all play in it and they love seeing their own up against their own.''

Gilchrist, the No.1 ticketholder for the Perth Scorchers, was adamant Twenty20 cricket was as skilful and tactically nuanced as Test cricket.

Shane Warne was a massive drawcard for Melbourne Stars. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

"The mind battles and the mental challenges are on par with Test cricket. The only thing is you've got less time to think, therefore the decision-making process is even more important,'' he said.

"I'd love the purists to come and have a look at a game of T20.

"Tactically it is so challenging as a captain. It really is. And as a bowler. And as a batsman.

"It's almost like a staring competition where the first one who blinks is out. You've got to show real character and courage and precise decision making to get it right.

"Don't compare them. Just come and appreciate the cricket. Appreciate the spectacle.''

Twelve months ago the record-breaking wicketkeeper predicted the demise of one-day international cricket following the 2015 Wold Cup to be held in Australia an New Zealand.

But Gilchrist now believes all three forms of the game will survive.

"I was umming and aghing about one-day cricket, but I'll admit I've probably changed my tune a little bit on that,'' he said.

"I think there's definitely room for three formats. The evidence of one-day cricket that I've seen all around the world in the last 12 months tells me that there's an interest there, a hunger there from patrons and viewers to watch the cricket.

"I believe, if it's well administrated, all three formats can survive and function well. It's just a case of not having too much of any of them.''

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Time for the annual Reds implosion

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IT'S Groundhog Day at Adelaide United … time for the annual Christmas implosion.

I wanted to write about the quality of football in the A-League so far, but in light of Josep Gombau's dummy spit on Friday it would be remiss of me as a commentator not to mention it.

MIGLIACCIO: WHY DID JOSEP GOMBAU ATTACK MY FAMILY?

As reported in Saturday's Advertiser, Gombau had a crack at football writer Val Migliaccio's son, or more specifically his footballing ability.

Publicly the club has dismissed this as a personal disagreement between the two parties and refused to discipline Gombau.

Personal it may be but Gombau took it into the public arena and that is wrong. And for the club to take no action means it has actually sanctioned his behaviour.

The club is saying it's ok to attack someone's family publicly.

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I wonder how CEO Glenn Elliott or chairman Greg Griffin would react if someone in a position of responsibility, as Gombau is, were critical of their sons in front of a camera.

Knowing them as I do, they would be far from happy. And it cannot be written off to cultural differences either. That would be a cop out!

What makes it even worse is that Gombau has never even seen the kid play, so that makes it a real cheap shot.

Someone close to Gombau has obviously given him that opinion.

If Gombau had something to say about Migliaccio's son then he should have pulled him aside and faced him, mano e mano, said it and accepted the consequences, whatever they may have been.

Gombau's public displays of emotion of late are symptomatic of the team's results and he is not coping too well with the scrutiny.

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It's is really simple … the A-League is about winning. If someone in management gave him the idea that it's not, as it appears, then they should be sacked!

Gombau has disrespected the league, the club and its fans by saying its okay not to win because there is no relegation so we can build.

Hey, there's eight players off contract this season and the distinct possibility that the best of the lot, Marcello Carrusca, could move interstate, so how does he explain the rebuilding next season?

I have said before, remembering that it's Groundhog Day, that if similar problems keep arising at the club year after year then you have to look at the people who are there year after year.

They are responsible - not the coach, not even the players - it is management that dictates and drives culture … I rest my case!

I'll have to save my view on the quality of the league for another day.

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Root dismissal tough to swallow

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ENGLAND remain "bitterly disappointed" by the controversial dismissal of Joe Root which tilted the balance of the third Test at the WACA on Saturday.

Root walked off the WACA shaking his head after a marathon third umpire review saw him given out caught behind off what the umpire Marais Erasmus believed was a feathered edge off Shane Watson.

Real Time Snicko picked up no edge on Hot Spot and an unusually scrambled sound wave which was just enough for the decision to stand.

Root was so adamant he did not hit the ball he did not even speak to his captain Alastair Cook before reviewing the decision.

"It was a disappointing and a key dismissal for us," opening batsman Michael Carberry said.

"He felt he did not hit the ball so he reviewed it. Obviously we are bitterly disappointed by that.

"We don't control decisions by the third umpire so it is one of those things we have to swallow I am afraid.

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"We were of the opinion he did not hit it. We don't control the decision of the third umpire so it is one of those things we have to swallow I am afraid."

Channel 9's Ian Healy felt Root was unlucky.

"I didn't think technology supported the decision that he should have been out," Healy said.

"I think there was a lack of evidence that could have overturned the umpire's decision. I think Joe Root was hard done by."

Carberry, who made a fighting 43, still feels England are in the game.

"Ideally we would have liked to have lost less wickets but Australia bowled well and it was a good scrap," he said.

"We are still in the hunt. They shut down the scoring and when that happens wickets are likely to come."

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Binga building head of steam for BBL

Brett Lee in training at the SCG ahead of the Big Bash League. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

FIERY quick Brett Lee is building up steam ahead of the third edition of the Big Bash League and says he is itching to get his cricket fix in.

The 37-year-old hasn't played competitive cricket since the Indian Premier League season ended more than seven months ago, but the break has made him "super keen" to get back into the Sydney Sixers' magenta strip.

Lee has spent the last few weeks commentating on the Ashes series and admits watching so closely made him miss some aspects of playing the game.

"Doing the commentary stuff for Channel Nine on the cricket the last couple of Test matches has actually made me miss being in that team environment," Lee said.

"I haven't missed Test cricket or ODI cricket because it was my idea to step away and to call it a day there. But to still be playing Twenty20 cricket at a very competitive level I still get my cricket fix in, which is nice."

Lee tried to set up a bowling date with another former Test great Michael Hussey, but their conflicting commentary commitments meant they couldn't find a time.

Brett Lee checks on Brendon McCullum after he was hit by a ball. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

Instead, he will continue his preparations this week in the nets at the WACA before heading back to Sydney for the start of the campaign.

At his prime Lee regularly hit bowling speeds of 160km and while he may not be able to reach those figures now, he is still quick enough to terrify the Big Bash batsmen.

"I've been training five days a week now for close to 12 weeks," he said.

"I'm super keen for this season. It's been a long time since playing in the last game of the IPL, so it's been a good break in terms of cricket, but there's been plenty of time to get the body right.

"I've been doing all the stuff behind the scenes from a non-bowling point of view and doing the gym workouts five days a week over the last 12 weeks. I think it has been a great build up and great preparation."

The Sixers' campaign begins with the huge Sydney Smash next weekend, when the new-look Thunder side make the short trip across to the SCG.

Hussey is just one of their new recruits this season, but they also boast the talents of Tillakaratne Dilshan, Eoin Morgan, Ajantha Mendis and David Warner.

After struggling in the previous two seasons, Lee believes the Thunder will be a different prospect this time.

"They certainly have assembled a fierce squad," he said.

"We know they've got a great squad on paper. They obviously didn't play the way they wanted to last year, but they've changed stuff around, they've changed staff and players too. They'll be looking to dominate this year and actually get a few wins on the board."

The Sixers go into the game with a far superior record, but Lee insists the pressure will be on both teams to perform.

"We'll be under the pump against them because people expect us to win against the Thunder," he said.

"They haven't had a great record, but then obviously I think the pressure is on them as well now because they've got a good squad and they're expected to go out there and play well. So there's pressure on both teams."

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Takairangi centre of battle at Titans

Brad Takairangi during Gold Coast Titans training at All Saints Anglican College, Merrimac. Pics Adam Head Source: Adam Head / News Limited

GOLD Coast centre Brad Takairangi has welcomed the increased competition at the Titans next season believing he became "too relaxed" with the lack of depth at times in 2013.

Takairangi cemented himself as the centre partner for Jamal Idris, but has a serious battle on his hands keeping the jersey with Maurice Blair arriving from Melbourne and Siuatonga Likiliki joining from Newcastle.

He returned to Titans training this week after playing for Cook Islands at the World Cup and has immediately noticed the step up in intensity among the players during field sessions.

"I've only just come back and the boys are in real good shape," Takairangi said.

"(2013) was good, I got a position there in the centres and I got a bit more game time than I did at the Roosters.

"It's a brand new year, brand new season, they've got a few more centres so it's going to be a bit more competition which is good.

"Last year there weren't too many centres and I felt at times I got a little bit relaxed. But with the two new centres coming in there is definitely going to be heat on each week.

"It's up for grabs and they're definitely going to be putting heat on all of us."

Takairangi admitted to some bittersweet feelings watching his former teammates at the Roosters claim the premiership last October after leaving the club in the preseason, but was confident he'd soon have his own title ring to celebrate.

"We're building towards something special up here," he said.

Siuatonga Likiliki during Gold Coast Titans training at All Saints Anglican College, Merrimac. Pics Adam Head Source: News Limited

Tongan international Likiliki said he was ready to apply the pressure for a starting position. While the 98kg wrecking ball can cover any position from the outside backs to the second row, he wants a spot in the centres.

"I don't mind playing anywhere, second row centre or wing, growing up I was playing centre and that's where I'm most comfortable," Likiliki said.

"I'm just hoping I can bring my best game over here and play some good footy for the Gold Coast."

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Rush to justice a loser

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou. Source: CAS Hamish Blair / News Limited

ANDREW Demetriou has bunkered down ready for the war of his professional life. The urbane boss of the AFL thought he had his ducks in a row when he announced smugly that the Essendon anti-doping saga had been handled with great skill and aplomb back in August, just in time for his showpiece finals series.

The file was closed, Demetriou style, and the amazing world of the AFL - the one of ivory towers, big money and club ties - was all in one beautiful piece.

That was until two weeks ago when the wheels fell off the Andrew Demetriou machine. All hell has broken loose over the Essendon saga, and the AFL boss is now perched on the brink of disaster. All of that public relations glossing over, all of the deceit and the back room deals are coming home to roost for the once impregnable footy boss.

The great irony is that the undisputed golden boy of the AFL, James Hird, could be the very man to bring the whole thing crashing down. He walked away from his coaching job at Essendon with a big fat weekly pay packet. Yesterday came a claimed resolution. This time the spin is that Essendon will pay Hird what he's owed before the 2014 season starts. Regardless, Demetriou's seemingly perfect outcome was in tatters.

Meanwhile, in rugby league land, a newish chief with a plain name and a banking background opened a file last weekend and started going through it in a painstaking manner, at snail-like pace.

NRL CEO Dave Smith. Source: Getty Images

Dave Smith won't be rushed. This is infuriating for the media types like me waiting for an outcome to the Cronulla Sharks doping saga. It is even worse for those at the Sharks, eager to wipe the slate clean and get on with life after eight months of accusations, allegations and innuendo around the coach and player group.

Smith has sat back and watched with great interest the drama that has engulfed the AFL. He might be a novice in sports administration but he knows a crisis when he sees it. This, he says, will not be repeated at the National Rugby LeagueNRL.

Smith set up his own investigation into the Cronulla doping allegations. He told ASADA to go on their way and continue with an independent investigations. He did not interfere, like Demetriou did, in ASADA's work. He never said a single time that his model was the best (as did the AFL chief) and nor did he skite about the smooth handling of things at his end.

Smith did not make deals with the federal government to ensure players were given favourable treatment. He did visit the prime minister, however, when he realised the AFL had attempted to move the goal posts by seeking lighter penalties for their players. He insisted on a letter that spelt out very clearly the AFL would not get off as lightly as they had hoped.

Smith did not take part at any level in the NRL's investigation either. He left that to the integrity unit led by Jim Doyle and the new in house counsel, Nick Weeks.

The result is a report that has left no stone unturned and an ASADA investigation that is now uncovering more failings and findings because of its new powers. By next week, or the week after, those who oversaw the Sharks' alleged doping program will know their fate. It will be a measured, calculated and fair outcome.

ASADA is preparing to release its findings into the Cronulla Sharks doping allegations Source: DailyTelegraph

The Sharks will not be in a position to complain like the Essendon Bombers did. They will not be allowed to go behind closed doors and broker secret deals. The evidence will be there for all to see and those closest to the doping will receive their just penalties.

Unless I'm a bad judge, that will include severe punishments for those who ran the doping program in 2011. The ASADA findings will deliver a double whammy for those officials.

The wait has been long, tedious and often gut-wrenching. The AFL's outcomes were swifter and much smoother. The result of their haste is now laid bare for the world to see - the Essendon doping saga is as far from resolution as it was in February when the federalgovernment announced we had a problem.

He may not have the communication skills of Demetriou or the fearless approach of David Gallop, but Smith is emerging as his own man. He will infuriate the media by being the tortoise to Demetriou's hare, but he will deliver an outcome that cannot be queried as anything but right and thorough.

The ultimate judgment for both men will come in coming months. Demetriou is long odds to survive his last big battle, while Smith, as unlikely and wide-eyed as he appeared at the beginning, might just be settling in for the long haul.

HUMBLE APOLGOIES

Dear top six Aussie batsmen,

I unreservedly apologise for daring to question your skills and ability to score runs. Some of you have disappointed but those early warning signs of an Aussie batting disease ripping the heart out of Aussie cricket were premature. Sincerest agologies.

Dear England top six batsmen,

You are not what you promised to be. I'm sorry on behalf of the Barmy Army, but I'm not really. Sincerest...

CLUBS OUT OF STEP

Penrith Panthers cheerleaders in action. Source: News Limited

In defence of cheergirls - I have never been remotely interested in taking up cheer leading (um, wrong shape perhaps) but I will say that those young women who do, all work very hard at it. The cheerleaders of the NRL train hard and have to perform difficult routines under what are at times trying circumstances. I wonder why the Bulldogs and the Raiders have decided to do away with them when they only bring a smile to most of us. Get over your political correctness and give them a go.

GREAT JOB, GREG

Farewell to one of the great unsung sporting administrators of Australia, Greg Hartung, who this week retired after 16 years at the helm of the Australian Paralympic Committee. Hartung has overseen a rapid growth in the development of paralympic athletes and a huge surge in success for Australia at international level. Australia always finishes in the top five nations of the world in international competition. Cheers and a huge thank you from all Aussies.

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Young promises to entertain

Sam Young promises to entertain Sydney Kings fans. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

SAM Young wants to make you, the Sydney sports fan, a promise.

"Should we click as a team this Saturday,'' the Kings US import grins, "should we find our chemistry this weekend and finally get everyone in the same zone . . . yeah, then we're going to start making things interesting."

Undoubtedly the biggest name to ever wear a Kings jersey, Young will look to ink his name among this city's most exciting sportsmen -- think Dave Warner, Del Piero, even Sonny Bill Williams -- when he finally debuts at the Kingdome.

Up against the Wollongong Hawks, Young not only has the potential to draw the biggest Sydney crowd in years but -- with all respect to Dwayne McClain and Neon Leon Trimmingham -- push to establish himself as the most entertaining Kings player ever.

"And I look forward to entertaining,'' the 102kg swingman insists. "It's not something that takes up any time within the team, because our focus is on winning. But you run enough wins together and, yeah, you can start to look at ways to make the result more interesting.

"And with guys like AJ Ogilvy here, I'd love to see who can be the most entertaining among us. But, first, you need a chemistry which can take a week, a fortnight, a month . . . or it might just happen this Saturday at home."

And so, sports fans, we wait. Wondering if this Young fella really can take us back in time to when Neon Leon, well, he was starring in Thins potato chip commercials while McClain sauntered around court in his very own D-Train pumps.

Certainly opposing defences believe he can.

"Yes, I'm being marked fairly heavily but that's to be expected,'' the star of five NBA seasons continues. "Coming from the States, you're going to have a target on your back, especially with the way my arrival has been promoted.

"It's not like I've just walked off the street and someone has thrown me a jersey. So sometimes when I'm coming through the line they'll bump me for no reason, just to say 'yeah, we know, we know who you are'. That's fine."

More than anything right now, however, Young wants results. Even better, he and his fellow Kings want redemption after a sloppy 73-69 road loss to the Hawks last Saturday.

"That's what it is all about,'' he says. "We want to be a championship team and, to do that, you need to build the chemistry. So that's our most important task -- you start winning games and everything else comes off the back of that."

Standing at 198cm tall, Young is the latest name in a long list of entertaining Kings imports. Names like McClain, Trimmingham and, way back in 1991, Kenne Young -- who produced arguably the most memorable quote in NBL history with: "I like dunking more than sex".

Sadly, hampered by bung knees and bad form throughout his short tenure in Sydney, poor old Kenne did little of either in his time Down Under.

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Swann surprises, Smith delights

Steve Smith can bat, Graeme Swann can bowl. Source: HeraldSun

ALL the talk leading into the Perth Test was about the pace-friendly WACA pitch, but it was a pair of spinners that stole the show on day one.

Steve Smith rightfully stole all the plaudits after his brilliant hundred that pulled Australia out of a sticky situation.

But the surprise success was England's Graeme Swann, who picked up the key wickets of Michael Clarke and David Warner.

Read on for our review of the best batting and bowling performances of day one.

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Can Bat - Steve Smith

It was asked during the day one telecast, "if Australia weren't two-nil up, would Steve Smith be in the team?".

Coming into Perth with scores of 31, 0, 6 and 23 not out, it was a fair question but the spinner-turned-batsman proved the doubters wrong with an innings-saving 103.

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After scoring his maiden Test century against England at The Oval earlier this year, it was another watershed moment, this time on home soil.

It could not have been more timely with Australia on the ropes following the loss of David Warner and George Bailey, Smith - together with Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson - carried the home team to 6-326 at stumps.

Nor could it have been more resounding as he thumped a Ben Stokes delivery to the fence for four before jumping into the air in joy.

Smith's dismissal of Ian Bell in Adelaide might just prove to be a turning point for the promising youngster and he followed it up with the bat in Perth.

Can Bowl - Graeme Swann

Many were questioning Graeme Swann's worth to the team after two lacklustre performances in Brisbane and Perth.

He was outshone by Monty Panesar in Adelaide and had combined figures of 4-397 in two Tests after racking up 26-755 in the five Tests played in England.

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Swann's 2-71 may not seem like stellar figures but he is the reason the English had Australia on the ropes on day one in Perth.

Brought on for the last over before lunch, the spinner picked up the prized wicket of Australia captain Michael Clarke for 24.

One of the leaders of the English dressingroom, Swann then claimed David Warner's scalp as he looked to be heading for a century.

As the Perth pitch dries out even more over the next four days, Swann could be in his element.

Now he will need to turn his performances around with the bat as well.

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Wanderers baulk at Hersi deal

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WESTERN Sydney Wanderers won't be bounced into re-signing Youssouf Hersi as the Dutch winger seeks a deal of more than $500,000 to stay with the ­Premiers next season.

Newcastle Jets became the latest side to be linked with Hersi this week, but The Daily Telegraph understands that all interested parties have been taken aback by Hersi's salary ­expectations - with a two-year deal also his preference.

Sydney FC have already made inquiries, though it's understood their interest has cooled despite Hersi's barnstorming first season in Australian football as a major factor in Western Sydney reaching last year's grand final, as well as finishing top in the regular season.

Aware of the timing of the Jets' interest becoming public - on the eve of Saturday's encounter between the two teams at Hunter Stadium - the Wanderers declined to be drawn on it, with chairman Lyall Gorman prepared only to talk in general terms.

"As a club we've built our playing roster for the league and Asian Champions League campaigns, and it's certainly not our practice to release players in Janaury," Gorman said of the suggestion that Hersi could even leave when the transfer window opens next month.

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"Our policies are all about giving players the security and environment to flourish, and clearly that works both ways, whoever the player is. We're in talks with a number of players about next season, and in all cases there's no rush to finalise anything."

Hersi struggled with a succession of injuries amid a peri­patetic career before joining Western Sydney and making as many appearances in a single season as he had since 2004, thanks to the Wanderers' highly regarded conditioning ­regime.

A severely bruised toe sustained in the Sydney derby kept him out for four weeks, but he started last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Melbourne the Heart and is expected to face the Jets.

Newcastle coach Gary van Egmond is likely to stick with Jacob Pepper as right-back in light of Scott Neville's season-ending injury, with marquee striker Emile Heskey also having to be content with a place on the bench.

"It will be pretty much the same starting XI for this game, but on the bench there may be a few areas that we might look at so that we ensure that we get the right balance for this match," van Egmond said.

Meanwhile, reports that Juventus have signed off on a deal to play against the A-League All-Stars in August ­appear premature.

It's understood a deal was close a fortnight ago, but the prospects appear to have receded because Juventus are likely to have more than a dozen players at next year's World Cup.

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Clarko back to school

Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson will attend Harvard University. Source: Kim Eiszele / News Limited

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson is going back to school.

But it's just not any school.

The Hawks have enrolled their dual premiership coach into a leadership and management course at the prestigious Harvard University in Boston.

He will be in America for nearly two weeks in the New Year but will be back a couple of days before Hawthorn's first clash in the pre-season NAB Challenge series against the Brisbane Lions on February 13.

It will be left to Clarkson's assistants to prepare the reigning premiers for their first competitive hit-out of the year against the Lions at Etihad.

Study and further education are not new to 45 year-old Clarkson, a qualified teacher who has university degrees in sports science and business.

Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold said the Hawks have a history of sending their executive overseas for further studies, including former chief executive Ian Robson and more recently football operations manager Mark Evans who completed a month-long management course at Harvard earlier this year before joining the AFL.

Cartoon: Macca Source: Supplied

"It's a self-improvement thing for him (Clarkson)," Newbold said.

"We are big on those sort of courses for our people. It's just part of our professional development, I guess.''

Newbold said that putting Clarkson through the course showed that the role of a coach had changed dramatically over the years and they weren't just involved in football but in managing people which perhaps they hadn't been previously trained in.

"I think this is to just round him out and make him better in the job," he said.

AFL Coaches Association chief executive Danny Frawley said it was great that coaches were trying to better themselves and it was an example of why Clarkson was so good at his job.

The Hawks head of football operations Chris Fagan said the club had plenty of coaches to take charge of the players until Clarkson returned.

He said everyone supported Clarkson improving his knowledge through a leadership course at Harvard.

"Clarko is always keen to develop himself and it's good for him to freshen up a bit after being at the club for nine years," Fagan said.

It's not uncommon for AFL and club executives to do Harvard University courses with the most recent being|Geelong chief executive Brian Cook who returned there this year for a six week advanced management course.

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Postecoglou happy with Roos base

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SINCE Guus Hiddink arrived the Socceroos have become used to doing FIFA World Cups in luxury but their 2014 abode is modest in comparison.

The Socceroos will call the Ilha do Bois Hotel will be home for at least three weeks next June as they undertake the almighty challenge of advancing from the World Cup 'Group of Death'.

Though located atop an island offering sweeping views of Vitoria's coastline, the unpretentious facade is a far cry from the luxurious former hunting lodge Wald-und-Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe in 2006 or the 2010 base at Kloofzicht Lodge, a secluded wildlife and fishing lodge in rural Johannesburg.

Last week a standard double room cost $209 (440 Reais) while $644 (1359 Reais) lands you the most expensive room, a double master suite.

Built in 1979, the Ilha do Bois was Vitoria's crown jewel until 2007 according to 'Guia 4 Rodas', Brazil's main hotel guide, which considers it a three-star hotel.

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But respected travel guide Lonely Planet is far more complimentary: "For a real night of luxury this is an excellent choice. The service is impeccable and the amenities delightful, including a tennis court, solarium, piano bar and, pools and saunas."

With the players set to face a punishing training schedule leading into the first game against Chile on June 13, the 23 players will at least get a chance to unwind back at base, by an outdoor pool which takes in stunning views.

"Our plan is to get into Vitoria early June and pretty much stay there for the duration," coach Ange Postecoglou said.

"We'll probably have exclusive access to it and it's a good location, it's quiet, it's comfortable and it will allow the players a place where they can switch their mind off in between training and preparing for games.

"It will depend on the kick-off times, with the one o'clock kick-off times we might leave two days before but if that happens we'll fly back straight after the game so again it'll only mean two nights away from the base."

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NRL pre-season injury update

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GOLD Coast second-rower Greg Bird has joined the high-profile list of NRL stars requiring off-season surgery.

The Kangaroos' World Cup winner carried an elbow injury for the majority of 2013 and is hoping to go under the knife next week.

Bird is expecting to be back on deck for the Auckland Nines competition in February, as is Australian teammate Billy Slater, who had an arthroscope on Thursday on the knee injury which almost sidelined him from the Cup final.

Injury news at the Roosters is also positive, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck avoiding surgery for a leg fracture and Shaun Kenny-Dowall ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken jaw suffered in the grand final.

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However, the news isn't so good for Cronulla and Penrith.

Luke Lewis will miss the start of the Sharks' season after the shoulder injury he suffered in the World Cup when he went crashing into a fence.

And the Panthers will be without Tonga strike weapon Sika Manu for up to six months after he also returned from England needing a shoulder reconstruction.

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Bird said his elbow injury had become "ugly" but is hopeful it won't stand in his way of starting for the Titans' Nines team. "I'm hoping to have surgery on it next week. I see the specialist on Monday," he said.

"I think it's a four-to-six-week recovery and that will put me back on the paddock about the time the Nines starts.

"I got a knock on it in Origin II and it's got a bit of bone floating through it and the bursas, which protects the elbow joint, keeps swelling up every time it gets a bump."

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In other injury news, Tigers playmaker Tim Moltzen had surgery last week after virtually cracking his kneecap into two pieces.

The Tigers have centre Tim Simona (shoulder) out for six months and Chris Lawrence (ankle), Curtis Sironen (groin) and Keith Galloway (toe) unable to train.

At Manly, co-captain Jason King (shoulder) is hopeful of returning to full training in the new year, with Richie Fa'aoso (neck) also a chance to continue his career.

Canterbury's Frank Pritchard picked up a hamstring injury during the World Cup, Parramatta's Darcy Lussick had groin surgery, while at Souths Nathan Merritt and Beau Champion are overcoming niggles.

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Mariners park the bus in Sydney

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IT'S a whole new take on the football concept of parking the bus - or in this case, marking the bus as the Mariners make another bid to take over Sydney FC territory.

Posters advertising the champions' game with Wellington at North Sydney Oval a week from today have been driving around Sydney this week, noting that "marquee players are not required".

It's not the first time the Mariners have sought to spread southward, but Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth said this will be the most concerted effort yet.

"I've not had a response from Sydney FC yet, maybe they haven't seen it though they will now," Charlesworth told The Daily Telegraph.

"From our point of view it's lighthearted, but also makes the point that we're in town. We're not moving (from Gosford) but we are expanding into the north Sydney region."

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'Sheene Medal win humbling'

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CONGRATULATIONS to my Red Bull Racing Australia teammate Jamie Whincup on winning his fifth V8 Supercar Championship.

Already the weekend's races in Homebush (Sydney) seem a long time ago but fundamentally, we really needed to win both 250km legs to have a chance of taking the crown, and we just didn't have the speed to do it.

Everyone at Triple 8 Race Engineering did a great job all year and I can't thank them enough for giving me such a competitive car and making the year so enjoyable - for the team to end the championship with another one-two is the perfect illustration of just how good they are.

Sunday night the whole team got together at a nearby trackside restaurant for a serious and very relaxed celebration, and we all really let our hair down, the pressure of the season finally over.

Craig Lowndes accepts the 2013 Barry Sheene Medal at the 2013 V8 Supercars Gala Dinner. Source: News Limited

And then of course there was the annual V8 Supercars Gala Awards night, the full on Black Tie affair, on the following evening at Sydney's Star City Casino.

That was also another great night, a chance to recognise the achievers in V8 Supercars for season 2013, relax and party after a long hard year, and have a few laughs.

I was completely blown away when it was announced that I had won, for a record fourth time, the 'Barry Sheene Medal', the annual Best & Fairest Award voted on by the sport's industry media.

It's a great honour to be viewed by others that way, and it was totally unexpected for me, and came on top of being voted V8 Supercar's Most Popular Driver in a new fan pole conducted by V8 Supercars.

Humbling is the only word to describe recognition like that.

Craig Lowndes accepts the 2013 Fans Choice Award at the 2013 V8 Supercars Gala Dinner. Source: News Limited

Ahead now there's some down time through to and through Christmas, and then before we know it thoughts will turn to the new season and what will undoubtedly be a busy time.

Early in 2014 I will finally get to test the Maranello Motorsport's Ferrari GT racer I'll drive in February's Bathurst 12 Hour event and I am really looking forward to that.

That's a new challenge for me for 2014, one of several new things that I am hoping will open up, and that's what keeps all of this fresh for me.

I am really enjoying the break now - especially after someone commented to me on Sunday that it is just nine weeks to the annual Test Day at Sydney Motor Sport Park, the official start of the 2014 V8 Supercar season.

I'd just like to wish everyone a very happy and safe festive season, I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

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Bat for hire Hodge loving life

Brad Hodge unleashes for Melbourne Stars in the BBL. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

JUST shy of his 39th birthday, Brad Hodge is still loving cricket.

He's playing it differently to how he once did, but there's a freedom that comes with being a bat for hire.

The Victorian legend is playing up to 60 games of Twenty20 a year as he shares his wares with franchises across the globe, including Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars.

This very modern late career move suits him and his wife Megan, son Jesse (7) and daughter Sophie (4), to a T.

"I'm with my family probably seven to eight months a year, it's pretty much daddy daycare and having fun with the kids and the other four (months) I'm pretty much switched on to performing as a professional sportsman," Hodge said.

"It's actually a nice balance, it's worked out pretty well.

Brad Hodge in Melbourne to play with Melbourne Stars. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

"There's a number of times, early on, you sacrifice a lot as a cricket player to try and play at the highest level and family often misses out.

"I missed my son's probably first two years of his life and it's nice to be able to give it back and try and give them exactly what a father should be doing."

Hodge injured the medial ligament in his knee in an outfield collision with Shane Watson playing for Rajasthan during October's Champions League.

He resumed playing last weekend for his Victorian Premier Cricket side Melbourne (he made 28 and 50) and next Friday night will mark his return to the big stage when the Stars open the BBL season against cross-town rival Melbourne Renegades.

He said his knee was feeling good but admitted he was lacking batting practice.

"It's been a little bit difficult not being able to run and bat and do all the things you need to do, but having said that, it's no big deal," Hodge said.

"I'm experienced enough to be able to work it out and do as much as I can in the next 10 days before Big Bash starts. It's all on track."

Brad Hodge smashes a huge six off Scorchers quick Jason Behrendorff. Source: News Limited

And the plan was for not much running between wickets on Friday week.

"The surgeon said don't worry about it, just hit it over the fence, you won't have to run," Hodge said with a laugh.

"That sounds like a good game plan to me."

Hodge, who with 5676 T20 runs sits second behind only West Indian master blaster Chris Gayle (5752) as the format's leading runscorer, said he had been in the form of his career.

"Cricket is still hard work but I'm loving it, I'm enjoying it and I'm not going to stop any time soon," he said.

"I got asked just recently do you think you're just as good now as you were 10 years ago and the answer for me is yes, I reckon, if not even better.

"There's no signs in any of my body which suggest that I'm going to slow down. My eyes are still perfect, I'm hitting the ball as good as ever. I'm hitting it further than probably a decade ago, so for T20 purposes it's perfect.

"I think three years is definitely the maximum, but we'll see how we're going after two."

Hodge retired from four-day cricket at the end of 2009 and in January last year called an end to his one-day career with the Bushrangers.

He has no regrets about giving away Sheffield Shield when he did.

In doing so he gave up any, however faint, hope of playing for Australia's Test side again (he played six Tests between 2005 and 2008).

"I'd sort of given up trying I guess," he said.

"Greg Shipperd (Victoria's coach) was talking the other day and he said, `I should have probably tried a little bit harder to talk you into not giving up then because you probably would have been playing a few more Tests'.

"But then maybe I wouldn't be where I'm at now. It's one of those sliding doors things.

"I tried my best, the best I could for a long period of time and I got out of cricket exactly what I wanted to and I'm still playing and still loving it now.

"I have no regrets at all from the path that I took."

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Quiet Boxing Day for Spithill

James Spithill celebrates with the America's Cup trophy. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

HE won the America's Cup but sailing hero James Spithill has revealed he hasn't had an offer to do this year's Sydney to Hobart.

World sailing's hottest property also confirmed he has been approached by numerous teams to do the next America's Cup - although not Bob Oatley's Australian campaign - but said he is close to re-signing with American billionaire Larry Ellison and his Oracle team.

"Oracle is where I really expect to be,'' Spithill said. "I expect to have some news by Christmas.''

But while he is set to sail in the America's Cup again, Spithill has denied speculation he will be on one of five supermaxis preparing for the 69th Sydney to Hobart.

"I actually haven't had any offers,'' Spithill revealed from the US.

"I plan to be on my couch with a beer in one hand, watching the fleet sail up the harbour and then flicking across to the cricket on Boxing Day.''

Spithill will return to his home town of Sydney for a brief holiday with family over Christmas before returning to the States.

The man who steered Oracle Team USA to a 9-8 victory over Team New Zealand to win this year's America's Cup said he is delighted Hamilton Island is the Record of Challenger for the next Cup.

"It is just great to have them back and it is awesome the Oatley's are the ones behind it,'' Spithill said.

The Daily Telegraph understands Spithill's close mate Joey Newton and also Newcastle young gun Kyle Langford will rejoin the Oracle team for the next America's Cup.

Spithill's tactician Tom Slingsby, competing in his first Sydney to Hobart this year on Perpetual Loyal, has already signed on with Oracle for the next challenge.

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ASADA lowdown: What happens today

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WITH NRL sanctions set to be handed out today, we answer the key questions.

* What will happen today?

NRL boss Dave Smith will discuss code of conduct punishments against Cronulla with the ARLC board. These are distinct and separate from ASADA sanctions. They will most likely result in a large fine and deregistration of key staff.

* Who is in the firing line?

The NRL sanctions are likely to reflect those handed down to Essendon by the AFL in August. Those responsible for establishing and overseeing the 2011 supplement program are likely at risk. They include head coach Shane Flanagan, former high performance coach Trent Elkin (now at Parramatta) and trainer Mark Noakes.

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* What about the players?

The NRL will not suspend any players until ASADA completes its investigation into the club and makes any recommendations that infringement notices be handed down. ASADA is not expected to be in position to do so until early next year. The NRL could still take code of conduct action against players it believes did not co-operate satisfactorily in their ASADA interviews.

* What will happen to Cronulla?

The Sharks board is sweating on word from Smith following today's meeting. Should Flanagan be deregistered, assistant coach Peter Sharp will take over for the short term. Tim Sheens is unlikely to be hired, given his frosty relationship with former Tigers players and the fact he's touring Europe until January.

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ADP returns to boost Sky Blues

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RANKO Despotovic benefited from Alessandro Del Piero's absence against the Mariners, but the Serbian striker hopes Del Piero returns for Sydney FC this weekend.

The club's Italian star missed the trip to Gosford with a hamstring strain, which opened the door for Despotovic to make his first A-League start.

Del Piero indicated he would return for Sunday's game against Melbourne Heart and Despotovic says the team needs his experience.

Patient Kesi Cook (1) given a present by Tiago of Sydney FC. Source: News Limited

"He's a great player and he means a lot to the team, so I hope he's going to be ready for this week," Despotovic said at the Sydney Children's Hospital, where Sydney FC players handed out presents Tuesday.

There's plenty to enjoy in episode nine of the Fox Football Podcast. Adam Peacock and Simon Hill are joined in the studio by a special guest, Australian defender Eddy Bosnar, back at home after a 13 year career abroad. We also chat to Socceroos keeper Mat Ryan on the phone from Belgium about Australia's World Cup draw and life abroad and Daniel Garb joins us from London to talk about football in Europe, headlined by Manchester United's malaise.

Subscribe now at the iTunes store or listen to it on the iPP Podcast Player app.

"I hope he will come back as soon as possible because his knowledge is very important, especially for this moment in the league. We need one intelligent player, a smart player with great experience, so I hope he's going to be ready as soon as possible."

Del Piero didn't train with the squad on Tuesday and only joined up with them at the end of their hospital visit, but he is expected to play against Heart.

Patient Ashlee Walker (15) with Ali Abbas, Ivan Necevski, Brett Emerton of Sydney FC. Source: News Limited

Sydney's four-match winning streak came to an end against the Mariners at the weekend, but Despotovic says the 1-0 defeat hasn't dented their confidence.

"It was a really hard game. Playing away against a really hard club, it was tough, but it was a new experience and of course I hope the next game is going to be better,'' he said.

Despotovic has scored two goals in three games. The tall forward says he feels fantastic at Sydney, where his new teammates have helped him settle in, and he can't wait to play again this weekend.

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The new Usain? He's an Aussie

Sprinter James Gallaugher is quicker than Usain Bolt at the same age. Source: Simon Bullard / News Limited

ATHLETICS Australia officials are finding it increasingly difficult to hose down expectations for the schoolboy sensation who is faster than a teenage Usain Bolt.

For all that effort it has been a fruitless exercise downplaying the weekend performance in Townsville of James Gallaugher whose 21.73secs for the 200m was a world best for his age group and 0.08sec quicker than the six-time Olympic champion ran as a 14-year-old.

So much can happen between the age of 13 and progressing to open ranks, but the young West Australian has so far justified his growing reputation in track and field.

"We don't want to put too much pressure on a 13-year-old," said national junior high performance manager Sara Mulkearns of Gallaugher who is coached by former Olympian Lyn Foreman at the WA Institute of Sport.

"He's in good hands and will definitely be a part of our junior programs.

"But he is pretty exciting."

Originally from the NSW southcoast, Gallaugher has been targeted by at least one NRL club but has previously indicated a preference for track and field.

He is one of a throng of confident young juniors marching towards selection for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Victorian high jumper Eleanor Patterson may not wait that long.

Eleanor Patterson could compete for Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow. Source: Supplied

No 17-year-old has jumped higher than her Australian All Schools Championship-winning jump of 1.96m, a height that would have won gold at the past three Commonwealth Games.

Barring injury, Patterson will skip next year's world junior titles in Eugene, Oregon, to jump for a Commonwealth title in Glasgow.

"I was hoping for a personal best but to come away with a performance like this is out of this world. It's so exciting, and I couldn't be happier," Patterson said.

Queensland finished second, behind NSW, in Townsville.

The team was led by thrower Matthew Denny, a teenage giant from Allora, on the Darling Downs, and Brisbane's Aliyah Johnson, both of whom qualified for the world juniors.

Discus world youth champion Denny won three individual gold medals - discus, hammer throw and shot put - and Johnson took out the under-18 triple jump.

Johnson, coached by long jump national record holder Bronwyn Thompson and Queensland Academy of Sports jumps guru Gary Bourne, jumped 13.15m, narrowly missing a qualifying mark for Glasgow.

Deaf sprinter Sekou Kanneh, 13, seized the moment to win the under-14 100m national title after Gallaugher was disqualified for a false start.

"I've been going to these titles for eight years and Townsville was the best I've been to," Mulkearns said.

"Some of these kids are very, very talented. Hopefully they'll shape the way through to Rio."

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Time questions asked of Victory?

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TWO dominant performances, one goal, zero wins.

Should questions be asked of Kevin Muscat's Melbourne Victory or is this just a minor bump on the road?

Former Socceroo turned commentator Mark Bosnich led calls after Sunday's home loss to Newcastle to ditch the 4-2-2-2 formation in favour of placing a central striker, ­Archie Thompson, up front.

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But it's hard to say Victory is toothless in attack.

There's plenty to enjoy in episode nine of the Fox Football Podcast. Adam Peacock and Simon Hill are joined in the studio by a special guest, Australian defender Eddy Bosnar, back at home after a 13 year career abroad. We also chat to Socceroos keeper Mat Ryan on the phone from Belgium about Australia's World Cup draw and life abroad and Daniel Garb joins us from London to talk about football in Europe, headlined by Manchester United's malaise.

Subscribe now at the iTunes store or listen to it on the iPP Podcast Player app.

This season, Victory has scored 12 goals, equal second behind Brisbane, while Adelaide has also netted a dozen. It has scored three goals twice and two on two ­occasions.

Recruit James Troisi is joint top of the A-League's goalscoring charts with six.

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Since Muscat took over from Ange Postecoglou, Victory has rank­ed third in the league for total shots (87). But Fox Sports Stats reveal , outside of the frustrating performances against New­castle and Central Coast,Victory may have stalled in attack.

Under Postecoglou, Victory scored 53 goals in 32 games (an average of 1.7 a game) and ­failed to score only four times.

Under Muscat, Victory has scored nine goals in six games (an average of 1.5 a game) and failed to score twice.

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The team's shots per goal and shooting accuracy have also dipped. From Round 1 last season to Round 3 this season, Victory scored a goal on average from every 7.1 shots and had a shooting accuracy of 41.8 per cent. Since Round 4, those figures have dropped to 9.7 shots a goal and an accuracy of 33.3 per cent.

Against the Jets, Victory won the shot count 21-15, made 162 pass attempts in the attacking third to Newcastle's 119, had 57.6 per cent possession and 50.9 per cent territory.

In the 0-0 draw at Central Coast the previous week, the stats were more lopsided: 12 shots to five, 170 pass attempts in the attacking third to 79, 53.2 per cent ­possession and 62.8 per cent territory.

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Bosnich said domination meant little if the team couldn't score.

"You heard James Troisi say, 'We had our best performance last week (against Central Coast) but we didn't win or score'," Bosnich said on Fox Sports' Shootout. "And that's the whole thing. That's what football is all about.

"They are going to win nothing until they have a complete rethink about this system that they play with this 'false No.9' as they call it and not to have a central striker."

Connor Pain of the Victory reacts after missing a goal against Newcastle Jets. Source: Getty Images

When Bosnich put to Muscat that Thompson should be played as that focal point, the coach said he had "considered a lot of things" since taking over from Postecoglou.

"We've been playing some good stuff, apart from (against Newcastle) we've played some really good football," Muscat said.

"We've created a number of chances and regardless of what position you want to call someone we've created a number of chances and controlled most games we've played in."

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Time for Reds to go the distance

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COMETH the hour, gone are the Reds.

Adelaide United is a great side until the 60th minute mark this season.

If games were just an hour old Adelaide would have had five wins and an extra draw - 19 points - instead of six points in nine matches this season. Adelaide has dropped vital points because of its inability to keep the opposition from scoring after the 60th minute including Friday's 2-1 loss to Brisbane Roar at Coopers Stadium.

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But any mention of Adelaide not being fit enough to compete with their A-League counterparts at the business end of matches have been dispelled by club officials.

Adelaide coach Josep Gombau has dismissed the claims repeatedly and so have some of his players. But world famous sports physiologist Martin Buchheit believes some football clubs can be nonchalant when it comes to fitness.

Buchheit has worked with the French national football team and super club Paris Saint-Germain.

Buchheit - head of Aspire Football Performance and Science Department at the Academy for Sports Excellence in Qatar - was in Adelaide a fortnight ago helping to create a fitness plan for the Crows with Nick Poulos, the AFL club's physical performance manager.

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"In football you always have players who are not as fit but are skilled enough to get by,'' Buchheit said. "There are some positions that don't require much running at all and defenders can cut corners and still do their jobs.

"They don't have to do as much running, as much sprinting, so players can be part of a top team with an average level of fitness.

"Of course you have to have a minimum base fitness.

"The professional football now is to make sure everyone is fresh enough to play but make sure they have the minimum range that's OK, and as long as they avoid injuries that's OK too."

Roar, arguably the A-League's fittest side, has been the best exponents of scoring goals - seven this season - after the hour while Adelaide is the leading side to score goals (3) inside the first 15 minutes.

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Johnson must remain 'cool killer'

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THE mighty All Blacks rugby union side have a post-match tradition which involves some of game's greatest names sweeping the sheds.

Once the team has finished its celebrations (or, rarely, commiserations), captain Richie McCaw, super boot Dan Carter and other team leaders scurry around and make sure the sheds are swept and left in a presentable fashion.

The thinking behind this quaint little custom is that the All Blacks believe its impossible to dominate the world unless it comes from a base of having your feet firmly planted on the ground, of cutting off the emotional chord from your just-completed game, centring yourself for the next challenge and staying humble and composed.

This is the rare and unexpected challenge for the Australian cricket side now as they move in the rarefied air of being 2-0 up in an Ashes series which will surely deliver the famous urn, probably in Perth.

Both Tests have been hot-blooded affairs and the emotional kettle is still on the boil despite tempers being conspicuously held in check yesterday after a rough-house day four.

Australia promised they would play in-your-face cricket and so they have and after going nine Tests in a row without a victory they deserve a rousing celebration after winning two in a row.

The key now for Australia is not to get carried away by all the verbal ferocity or their sudden success.

They don't have to lose their heads to win in Perth. None of the England team were even born when their country last won in Perth in 1978, their only win from 12 Tests there.

The rampant forces of form, ability and hunger should do the trick for Australia against a side who seems to lack that electric crackle of desperation that drove them to the top of the world.

Mitchell Johnson destroyed England three years ago in Perth when he was not the bowler he is today.

In five Tests in Perth he has taken 36 wickets at 19 and has never taken less than five wickets in a Test there.

He can do it all again but he may have to revert back to being a cool killer for that is when he is at his best.

Johnson went for 1-73 in the second innings after his 7-40 in the first.

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There were times on the fourth afternoon when England seemed to verbally challenge him and, while always dangerous, it was not his best work as the verbal stoush flowed back and forth.

England might well try it again hoping to distract him in Perth in front of his home crowd on wicket where everyone who has watched the series expects him to be the pivotal force.

Johnson knows he bowls best with a clear head and only three weeks ago said of Ashes combat "I have learnt in the past you can build it up too much and get too involved and emotional.''

Earlier this season he bowled a bouncer in Perth which bounced just twice before hitting the sight screen. The match strip is expected to be even bouncier than any Shield deck so it is all there for him.

Both teams have chirped away and pushed each other close to the line and sometimes beyond it in this captivating series which has revived cricket interest in Australia.

It's been incredibly watchable but at times it hasn't been pretty.

Public opinion has been split between those relishing the ferocity of it all and some who feel it has got a touch ugly.

Ben Stokes and Johnson were found to have done nothing wrong when they ran into each other on Sunday but they were originally charged with breaking the rules so it must have been a close run thing.

Players consistently talk about not crossing the line but no-one, the umpires included, seem to be quite sure where that line is.

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Bojic endorses Ibini for Sydney FC

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PEDJ Bojic isn't aware of any contact between Sydney FC and Bernie Ibini, but says his former teammate would be a great addition to any club.

Ibini recently returned to Sydney from China, where he has been playing for Shanghai East Asia since leaving the Mariners at the end of the last A-League season.

Despite having two years left on his contract the homesick Ibini has no desire to return to China and it's understood the Mariners are competing with both Sydney clubs to land the player.

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Bojic, who moved from the Central Coast to the Sky Blues at the beginning of the season, has been in contact with Ibini since his return to Sydney.

"Wherever he goes Bernie will be a great player for the club," Bojic said.

"Me and him formed a very strong partnership on the right-hand side at the Mariners, and if that's what Sydney is after that's up to the club and Bernie himself."

Bojic made an unhappy return to Gosford on Saturday night. He was booed by the Mariners fans every time he got near the ball and left with a 1-0 defeat.

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"I didn't really notice it until people mentioned it after the game, so I guess that's football and it is what it is," he said.

"It was an interesting game. But going in there I was just in the mind-frame of playing for Sydney FC and treating it like any other game."

Bojic felt the Sky Blues could have come away with something if they had shown a bit more patience, but he insists the club's first loss in five games hasn't dented their confidence.

Former Central Coast Mariners player Bernie Ibini-Isei is on the lookout for a new club. Source: News Limited

"We're sitting third on the table and it's only nine games in," he said.

Sydney host an improving Melbourne Heart side this weekend and Bojic is expecting a tough encounter.

"It's only a matter of time before they start getting into gear and in recent weeks they've started to show that," he said.

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Dogs boot 'traditional' cheerleaders

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TRADITIONAL cheerleaders - and their knee-high boots and short skirts - have been high-kicked out of Canterbury.

The Bulldogs last week ended their partnership with the dance studio responsible for choreographing match-day routines for the past 12 seasons. Instead, from next year onwards, dancing will no longer be the priority of the squad.

Pre-match and half-time performances are set to be abandoned in favour of off-field work, such as hospital visits, corporate entertainment and further education. Different outfits will be designed to suit each occasion, but none will be anywhere near as revealing as last season's costume.

And, when auditions start over the next few weeks, aspirants will need more than just the right moves.

'Traditional' cheerleading has been given the flick at Canterbury. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

"They'll also go through an interview, because we want to take this through a more professional evolution," Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle said.

"A big part of that is bringing the girls in-house and employing them directly through the club.

"We invest a lot in our cheerleaders and we want to maximise that investment by having them exposed to the same community and learning programs as everyone else in the club.''

Ms Castle, the former chief executive of Netball NZ, said she understood there would be "debate over the merits of keeping scantily-clad girls dancing''.

"We want to go in a more professional direction, where they do more than just dance in revealing outfits,'' she said.

"They'll still be doing cheerleading at the game, they will still have pompoms, but we're going to give them more opportunities as well.

"I can't see how that's a bad thing."

'Traditional' cheerleading has been given the flick at Canterbury. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

But several members of last year's squad - known as "the Belles'' - can.

Opponents have established an online petition to "Save the Belles'', which yesterday had attracted several hundred messages of support.

Ms Castle revealed "The Belles'' name was not assured to survive because the cheerleading would be reduced to a small component of their future role.

"We probably wouldn't call them cheerleaders in future," Castle said.

"We want them to be ambassadors and have a much greater role in promoting what this club stands for."

'Traditional' cheerleading has been given the flick at Canterbury. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

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Baby face but a big heart

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HE'S the skinny No.3 who looks like a 12 year old but has England's biggest ticker - Joe Root says quelling Mitchell Johnson is just another day at the office.

Root, playing just his 13th Test, upstaged experienced teammates who have been criticised as "petrified" and "soft" under fire with a gallant 87 in England's belated rearguard action against Australia in Adelaide.

"We had to make sure everyone watching and playing knew we were in a battle and weren't going to lie down, show a bit of courage and be there at the end of the day," said Root, a product of former Australian paceman Jason Gillespie's program at Yorkshire and a 2010-11 graduate of the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy.

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"I really enjoyed the challenge, I knew it would be a different sort of mindset and I think you have to find a way to play the situation.

"I think everyone has their own ways of dealing with a left-arm seamer, we just played him better as a side today. He has obviously bowled well through the series and we will have to find a way to combat him as a side."

Conceding Michael Clarke's henchmen had attempted to get 'under his skin', Root said it was crucial to send a message that England was broken but wouldn't be bowed by tearaway Johnson and company.

"We had a scrap on and had to front up today and show we were up for a fight," said Root, promoted to face the music at No.3 following Jonathan Trott's stress related departure from the tour in Brisbane.

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"I think we did that to a certain extent but we will have to take that into tomorrow as well."

There was an element of irony in Root succumbing to his former Prospect grade club mate Nathan Lyon (1/78) having blunted the best Johnson (1/53), Peter Siddle (2/21) and Ryan Harris (1/45) could muster.

Root may just have bought enough time for England to scrape a draw with a 269 minute stay the crease, primarily in a 111-runs stand with veteran Kevin Pietersen (53). It was true to character for the 22-year-old who grinded England's sixth longest debut innings against India at Nagpur last December, making 79 from 229 balls.

Pietersen was the senior partner in name only - protecting Root from some heated words with Johnson and Shane Watson but little else.

Out of touch keeper Matt Prior (31) and Stuart Broad (22) will resume today with the tourists 6/284 and requiring 284 to win or the heavens to open heavier than forecast.

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"We will have to be out there for as long as possible and stay out there for as long as we can," said Root.

"If there is a bit of weather about we might be able to. With Matt and Stuart in they showed a lot of fight."

Root put his half century in a mature perspective, saying it would be hollow if England heads to Perth 2-0 with little hope of retaining the Ashes.

"If we are losing Test matches, regardless of your scores you are not going to pride yourselves on your performance and hopefully we can do that for the rest of the series," said Root.

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Wild Oats eyes Syd-Hobart glory

Wild Oats XI skipper Mark Richards, left, with Perpetual skip Anthony Bell. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

THEY may have been down for a while but Wild Oats XI has proved beyond doubt she is not out of the race for Sydney to Hobart glory after claiming a race record in a major lead-up event.

Skipper Mark Richards said Wild Oats performed without incident as she took the fastest time honours in the Port Hacking to Bird Island race just two days after having her damaged mast put back into the 100-footer.

While playing catch-up in terms of on water time, Richards said the win was a confidence booster for the crew was left high and dry for a fortnight while repairs were made to the new mast which fractured on one of its first Sydney to Hobart training sails.

"It's all good, all good,'' Richards said after completing the race and then a 24-hour qualifier for the Sydney to Hobart yesterday.

"This was a real confidence thing for us and we had a great time out there.''

Wild Oats is one of five 100-footers in the 69th Rolex Sydney to Hobart with one of her rivals, the Grant Wharington skippered Wild Thing, yesterday claiming the handicap honours in the newly established Port Hacking to Bird island race.

Wild Oats covered the 118 nautical mile race in eight hours 51mins 41 secs to finish almost an hour ahead of Wharington's team over the line.

"We've still got a few bits and pieces to do, a tweaking her and there," Richards said.

"We still have our other mast in great condition - so we've got time to decide between now and Boxing Day if we want to change it."

The next outing for Wild Oats, Wild Thing and fellow supermaxi Perpetual Loyal is in Tuesday's SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour.

This is the only time the headliners in the Sydney to Hobart will race on the harbour before the 1pm start of the race on Boxing Day.

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A nation is riding with Johnson

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JEFF THOMSON went along for the ride when Mitchell Johnson took Australian cricket fans on a nostalgic journey back to the roaring 70s on the weekend.

Johnson's Ashes rampage got the highest praise from Thomson who was reminded of the hurricane force that he and Dennis Lillee were in the 1974-75 series against England.

"It really was shades of 74," Thommo said on Sunday, "I was really pleased for him. He was superb. The Poms are used to playing on flat decks but they are not used to having to play backfoot cricket and he exposed that.

"He made the rest of the bowlers look like medium pacers. It's great to see a bit of feeling back in the game. It was old fashioned cricket.

"What I liked about him was that even though it was a flat deck he never dropped his pace back and went through the motions like some did."

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PERTH PERIL

ENGLAND probably don't want to hear any more bad news but here's some anyway.

In a recent Sheffield Shield match at the WACA one of Johnson's bouncers hit the sight screen on the second bounce.

If England's middle and lower order were trembling at the sight of Johnson in Adelaide things will only get worse in Perth.

England's batsmen are likely to be back on the step ladder as they were in bouncy Brisbane.

CRICKET'S BACK

A little bonus of Johnson's stunning first innings rampage was that it happened on a Saturday.

Tens and thousands of youngsters were home watching and hopefully in future years a future star will say the day he headed to the back yard to become a fast bowler was the day he saw Johnson in Adelaide.

Channel 9 were thrilled to have 2.5 million viewers tuned in when Cyclone Mitchell was blowing England away.

Mitchell Johnson verbals England's Ben Stokes on day four. AFP PHOTO / Saeed KHAN Source: AFP

BEST LAID PLANS ...

Sometimes a cricket team can have too many meetings for its own good.

The word around the Adelaide Oval on Sunday was the England batting coach Graham Gooch cancelled a personal engagement to host a special meeting of England's horrendously out of form top order.

One of the messages was to try and be positive but it didn't really hit the spot. Reckless early pull shots by Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry saw England's second innings wobble on the tarmac.

GIVE US A (LEG) BREAK

Steve Smith did some nice work for Australia on Sunday but the search for a frontline leg-spinner must continue.

The Australian team is heading in the right direction but it won't feel totally at peace with itself until it can find a decent Test match leggie.

We're not talking Shane Warne - just a serviceable wrist-spinner who can thrive on wearing wickets.

In a poignant reminder of how hard these fellows are to find, next man in line Fawad Ahmed was dropped to 12th man by Victoria on Sunday.

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SPIN OUT

IT's happening again. We huff and puff about Adelaide being a spin bowlers haven but where are the results?

Spin bowlers from both teams have collectively taken seven wickets while conceding more than 500 runs in the Adelaide Test.

It's difficult to compare this Test to previous ones here because this is the first dropped-in deck but it does continue the tradition of Adelaide being an over-rated slow's mans deck.

A quirk in Nathan Lyon's honorable Test record is that, surprisingly, his record in the fourth innings of Tests, where he averages around 36 per wicket, is worse than the other three innings.

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SPEED KILLS

No-one has to tell the England team their lack of collective pace is killing them.

The London Telegraph has revealed that a study by England team analysts claims that the potency of fast bowlers is by far at its greatest when the ball is delivered at above 135kph.

It's not too bad between 135-130kph but drops off substantially after that.

England's bowlers were anchored in the low to mid-130kph while Mitchell Johnson soared into the 150s and the first five balls he bowled in England's first innings were faster than anything England bowled in 150 overs in the Australia first innings.

STOKED UP

England face a major rebuild of their team over the year and hopefully allrounder Ben Stokes will be pencilled in as a player of the future.

The statistics returned in his debut Test may not be spectacular but he is swift enough with the ball and courageous enough with the bat to be a long term international player.

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Fire still burns in resilient Dokic

Jelena Dokic at Royal South Yarra Tennis club she is back in training. Source: Stuart Milligan / News Limited

It hurts Jelena Dokic to admit that she can't win this week's Australian Open wildcard play-off.

Her competitive instincts want that spot in next month's singles main draw, but the reality is she's a long way off being ready for a major championship.

Dokic is bravely launching another comeback after being sidelined for the past two years with a chronic right wrist injury that eventually needed reconstructive surgery.

``For so long I've felt like I was retired, but I don't think my career is over,'' she said at Melbourne Park yesterday.

``I've had a horrible two years, it has been so bad going from doctor to doctor and then finally making that decision to have surgery because it was quite a complex one.

``I ended up having that probably a bit too late and then the recovery took so long. Now I'm at a stage where I'm so happy just to play my first competitive match.''

The former world No.4 will tomorrow face Australian Fed Cup member Jarmila Gajdosova whose own year was wrecked by mononucleosis, virtually confined to bed for four months by the viral infection.

``It's kind of ironic that both of us haven't played. It will be pretty much who can put the ball into the court more often,'' Gajdosova said.

Dokic said it will take her at least six months to build the fitness needed to play matches in consecutive weeks if she's to get back on to the women's tour in 2014.

`Always when you're competing, you give yourself a chance. But to be honest, I don't give myself a chance (in the play-off) this year,'' the 30-year-old said.

``I'm just happy to play my first competitive match in almost two years. For me, that's a win because I thought I would never play again.

``I'm just excited about that, I don't really care whether I win or whether I lose and how I play. I just want to be out there and have that feeling of competing, you know, being nervous and the adrenalin.

"For sure, it will take me months to get back to being able to play well in matches. There will be a lot of bad matches, but I'm prepared for that. I have to start somewhere and I'm just happy to be playing.''

The play-offs start today with the first round of the best-of-five-sets, knockout 16-player men's draw on Melbourne Park's outside courts.

Queenslander Ben Mitchell, who won last year's wildcard, meets Tasmanian Harry Bourchier, runner-up in the 18s singles final at the weekend.

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