Twilight race a new dawn for Volvo

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THE Red Bull domination was easy enough to pick - but their biggest challenger was a what? A Volvo?

Craig Lowndes won last night's Clipsal 500 Race 2 twilight fight but there was only one man who owned Adelaide on the opening day of the new V8 Supercars season - Volvo sensation Scott McLaughlin.

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The 2013 rookie of the year Scott McLaughlin took his rookie Swedish ride to second in last night's second 125km sprint, holding off defending champion and Race 1 winner Jamie Whincup and upstaging established rivals and manufacturers with a drive built on guts and defiance.

McLaughlin, who also qualified second, was faced with holding off Whincup for 11 long laps after the five-time champ caught him on the 28th lap.

Whincup took second spot at the final hairpin but McLaughlin regained position when Whincup ran wide at the thrilling final turn, prompting a standing ovation on the home straight.

"I gave it some jam and f*** yeah," an exuberant McLaughlin said of the final move.

"My boys, man, I can't thank them enough. All the fans, you guys were playing Volvo jokes, but I guess they're gone now.

So popular was McLaughlin's victory, the Adelaide crowd booed Whincup for almost snatching silver

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Volvo's outright speed and the 20-year-old's skill behind the wheel halted a Red Bull double one-two.

The pre-race concern about glare from the setting sun at turn four amounted to little on track, with no major incidents at the blinding run out of the chicane.

But turn six, with a similar view, tossed up a brush that is likely to reappear on an end-of-season bloopers reel.

James Courtney was left with an open suicide door when his passenger side peeled back after he dived for a tight gap between South Australian Scott Pye and Erebus driver Lee Holdsworth.

The 2010 drivers champion tried to scrape the outer wall to lose the door but was shown a mechanical black flag.

Mechanics yanked the offending bodywork free and Courtney was cleared to continue racing with a door-sized air vent.

Whincup suffered an early setback when he was held up in his pitstop. Just as teammate Lowndes suffered a wheelnut problem in Race 1, there was a delay changing the Whincup's right-rear tyre.

The setback left Whincup behind Lee Holdsworth, who was among the first to pit, and was later dropped behind Mark Winterbottom.

McLaughlin held his second position off the line, sandwiched between Lowndes and Whincup.

Foreshadowing the closing tustle, it took only until the hairpin on the second lap for Whincup to make his move up the inside.

But McLaughlin refused to be intimidated and swiped the nose of his Volvo past Whincup's rear bumper searching for a quicker exit.

The pair went shoulder to shoulder - the sport's undisputed alpha lion and the kid tipped to one day usurp him - but Whincup stuck the move at the next turn.

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Stunning Heart hammers Victory

It was a night for Heart to savour. Source: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

THE Melbourne Heart juggernaut rolls on with the A-League's form side inflicting a derby record 4-0 defeat on Melbourne Victory to close within four points of the top six.

Heart dominated from the outset with Orlando Engelaar and Mate Dugandzic scoring within 15 minutes and Victory was never in the contest thereafter.

A dubious red card to Nick Ansell killed off any chance of a Victory comeback and rub salt into the wound Harry Kewell unleashed from distance for the fourth just two minutes after coming on -goal-machine David Williams added the other.

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Heart got off to a perfect start at AAMI Park. Source: Getty Images

Heart is now unbeaten in seven games having picked up 19 of a possible 21 points, leaving a mere six-point gap between it and Victory with finals now a serious prospect.

Engelaar was immense in midfield while Heart's gamble to play winger Ben Garuccio paid rich dividends with the teen full of energy in place of suspended Aziz Behich.

While much has been made of Victory's hectic schedule, it was no excuse last night with two goals scored before Victory players even had a chance to work up a sweat.

It was another magnificent derby stage. Source: Getty Images

While John van't Schip's selection of Garuccio mirrored him plucking Craig Goodwin from obscurity for the same fixture two seasons ago, Kevin Muscat dropped Nathan Coe for his Guangzhou Evergrande howler on Wednesday, starting Lawrence Thomas.

Thomas, in just his third A-League start and first of the season, was put under pressure from the get-go although he didn't get much help from the players ahead of him.

He turned the ball over to Engelaar after nine minute and the Dutchman's technique allowed him to swiftly release Iain Ramsay.

Nick Ansell pleads for mercy from Strebre Delovski. Source: Getty Images

The winger crossed first time and Engelaar effortlessly volleyed the ball home from close range after a Williams flick on.

Heart's second was fortuitous, as Mate Dugandzic delivered a floating cross which ended up in the back of the net surprising everyone including the in-form winger himself judging by his almost subdued reaction.

Thereafter tensions rose as tasty tackles flew in everywhere and even a melee ensued after Adama Traore lashed out at Williams just before the break.

It was perhaps ignited by Nick Ansell's dubious red card moments earlier for tugging Williams' shirt when he and was racing to get a foot on the ball before onrushing Thomas reached it.

Muscat dropped Leigh Broxham into Ansell's position and alongside another makeshift stopper in Traore, while Gui Finkler sat in alongside Mark Milligan.

Victory players can't believe the decision. Source: Getty Images

After appearing rattled in the first half Victory steadied in the second despite being a man down but it didn't result in any clear cut chances.

Muscat made a double change on 63 minutes bringing on Kosta Barbarouses and Connor Pain for Archie Thompson and James Troisi.

Kewell puts the icing on the cake. Source: Getty Images

But it was former Victory player Dugandzic with the next two chances, the first a volley over the bar from a tough height before his 70th minute shot was blocked by Thomas.

Williams' 83rd minute tap in and Kewell's strike just three minutes later compounded the night for Victory.

Heart even had time to hand an A-League debut to youth team captain Ross Archibald in the dying stages.

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Duke blasts Mariners past Sydney FC

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FRANK Farina lamented his side's failure to exploit the staggering Mariners as Central Coast beat Sydney FC 2-1 last night to snap a five-game losing streak.

A sloppy start, plus wonder-goals from Mariners Kim Seung-yong and Mitchell Duke, saw the Sky Blues' run of two wins end at a sodden Central Coast Stadium.

Sydney FC completed a hat-trick of losses to the Mariners this season and have little breathing space in sixth place, with Wellington two points behind.

Central Coast was coming off a 4-1 thrashing to the Phoenix in the A-League and an exhausting midweek Asian Champions League loss in Seoul, yet bossed 55 per cent of possession in the first half to infuriate the besieged Farina.

"In the first half we wanted to keep possession, we wanted to run them around," he said.

"Coming off the back of the week that they had, we didn't do that well enough. We wanted to keep the ball, keep moving them from side to side, make them run and they'll tire in the second half.

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Kim Seung-yong announced himself to the Bluetongue faithful. Source: Getty Images

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"But we turned over too much possession in the first half without any real pressure.

"That first half we were our own worst enemies Again, we'd win the ball but we'd give it away too cheaply, too easily.

"That's an area were constantly saying we've got to improve. It's just coming down to bad decisions, bad passes and we were back on the back foot."

Mariners coach Phil Moss was ecstatic with his side's gutsy effort, which left them cemented in the finals positions despite a horror form slump.

Even with senior players Nick Montogomery and Matt Simon missing with knocks from Seoul and Eddy Bosnar (groin) and Josh Rose (head) going off injured mid-match, the Mariners found a way to win.

"I'm extremely proud," Moss said.

"There's been a lot of long hours done this week in particular with the travel to Korea, but over the last four weeks with every loss, we work harder.

"I thought tonight was just reward for all the effort that's been put in and the belief."

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While Central Coast is barely recognisable from last season's championship winning side thanks to an exodus of players, Moss said he wouldn't cop that as an excuse for any form downturn.

"It's been often said how many changes we've had but I really do believe it's time to look forward and not backwards," he said.

"The windscreen's a much bigger piece of glass than the rear vision mirror - that's the attitude that we're taking now.

"But certainly to integrate new players, no matter how good they're quality, into a structure defensively and Into a pattern of play with the ball, it takes time."

Kim put the Mariners ahead in the 26th minute after winning a a free-kick on the edge of the area in a challenge that earned Sydney's Aaron Calver a yellow card.

Marcel Seip jostles with Matthew Jurman. Source: Getty Images

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The recently signed Korean, 28, notched his first A-League goal with a superb right-foot strike that found the right edge of goal as Sky Blues goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic was left rooted to the spot. Kim celebrated with a dance that had the crowd roaring approval.

Sydney captain Alessandro Del Piero slowly warmed into the game and forced a world-class save from Mariners custodian Liam Reddy on 54 minutes. Reddy dived full stretch to deny a trademark ADP free-kick bound for the top corner.

Substitute Richard Garcia equalised for Sydney on 62 minutes, firing home from an acute angle after Nikola Petkovic's shot was deflected by Reddy. It was just reward for some quality Sydney play.

Yet the Mariners found a 75th minute winner with a sensational team goal that ran the length of the pitch.

Substitute Bernie Ibini burst forward and found Nick Fitzgerald, who slid the ball down the right for Mile Sterjovski, who squared a crisp pass to Mitchell Duke just left of goal outside the area.

The Socceroos striker cut back inside and his powerful right foot finish gave Janjetovic no hope.

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Live: Warner on fire in Cape Town

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DAVID Warner has let his bat do the talking with typically imposing domination.

After days of controversy, a $2900 fine and in house punishment for accusing South Africa of ball tampering, Warner ensured Australia made a flying start to the deciding third and final Test at Newlands.

The powerful left-hander raced to 50 at a run a ball and by lunch on the first day was 75 not out from just 73 balls with seven fours, leaving Australia 1-118. It appears a very good toss for Michael Clarke to win, with the dry, shaved pitch playing few tricks.

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Chris Rogers (25) was the only wicket to fall, caught at first slip playing a loose drive during the first over of Dale Steyn's second spell.

Despite his seemingly inevitable controversies, Warner has been in exceptional touch for much of the summer, and showed it again during the opening session with some murderous drives and cuts.

He was the leading run scorer during the Ashes with 523 runs at an average of 58, including two centuries, and his scores in the first two Tests were 12, 115, 70 and 66, to make him the highest run scorer in this series as well.

Chris Rogers was dismissed by Dale Steyn. Source: Getty Images

With the series tied at one all, Warner has helped to once again lay a strong foundation as Australia attempts to preserve its outstanding record in South Africa.

Since reconciliation two decades ago Australia has never lost a series in South Africa, winning four and drawing two. Australia is the only team to win a series against South Africa during the past eight years, although it has lost the last two in Australia.

The seemingly benign pitch rolled out for this Test is a far cry from the seaming strip Australia played on at Newlands two and a half years ago, when South Africa was bowled out for 96 in its first innings and Australia was rolled for just 47 in its second, losing by eight wickets.

Australia and South Africa both made two changes.

Shane Watson is playing his first Test of the series, replacing Shaun Marsh, while James Pattinson has been included in the place of Peter Siddle.

It continues Marsh's topsy turvey career. After more than two years out of Test cricket he scored a fine century in the first Test at Centurion Park and then made a pair in Port Elizabeth.

Watson, who missed the opening two Tests with a calf problem, was listed to bat at number six, with Clarke moving up one spot to replace Marsh at number four.

For South Africa the injured Wayne Parnell was replaced by fellow seamer Kyle Abbott while opening batsman Alviro Petersen has recovered from his illness and played instead of debutant Quinton de Kock.

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Benji snubbed as Blues blitz Crusaders

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BENJI Marshall sat on the bench for the entire match as the Blues downed the Crusaders 35-24 in the Super Rugby clash in Auckland.

The much-hyped rugby league convert looked on as 20-year-old Blues five-eighth and debutant Simon Hickey steered the Auckland-based franchise to an impressive comeback victory with 15 points off the boot.

Hickey, a surprise choice at No. 10, showed some nice touches and landed six of his seven shots at goal, including three penalties.

MATCH CENTRE: Scores, stats and video highlights from Blues v Crusaders

Blues coach John Kirwan axed five-eighth Chris Noakes following last week's loss to the Highlanders and it was thought former NRL star Marshall would get a crack at No. 10.

But Marshall was merely a spectator as the Blues produced a scoring blitz either side of half-time to secure a remarkable come-from-behind win.

George Moala is mobbed by Blues teammates after scoring a try.

"A few players had individual moments of brilliance and it was awesome to get the momentum ... we tried to catch the Crusaders off guard,'' Hickey said.

The Crusaders appeared to be racing away with the game when they pulled out to a 17-3 lead midway through the opening spell.

But the Blues turned the match on its head with four tries in 13 minutes.

The result at Eden Park means the Crusaders have started the season with two straight defeats.

Crusaders captain Kieran Read said his players failed to maintain their intensity after a good start.

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"You've got to keep your foot on the throat when you're up 17-3,'' he said.

"The Blues are a quality side and if you give them opportunities they'll take them.''

For the Blues, it was a spectacular way to end to a seven-game losing run going back to last May.

There was plenty of encouragement in the performance of their young brigade, with Hickey, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and winger Tevita Li all contributing.

The Blues made the early running but their repeated failure to secure their own lineout ball meant they couldn't capitalise.

Blues fullback Charles Piutau tries to get by Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw.

They then saw the opposition score from their first real incursion, hooker Corey Flynn displaying a winger's skills to dot down in the corner.

While that try came off a counter-attack, it was traditional Crusaders patience that produced the second touchdown to fullback Colin Slade.

Seven minutes from half-time the Blues flicked the switch.

Firstly, a great turnover by lock Tom Donnelly was finished off by winger Frank Halai.

Then the Blues' other lock, Tuipulotu, snared the kick-off and sent the other winger, 18-year-old Li, away to the tryline to close the gap to two points at the break.

George Moala of the Blues fends off Andy Ellis of the Crusaders at Eden Park.

A minute after the restart, the home side went ahead for the first time, when the Crusaders couldn't clean up a Hickey kick-ahead and centre George Moala grabbed the loose ball to score.

Inside centre Jackson Willison put them further in front after he latched on to halfback Piri Weepu's deft kick to the in-goal for the bonus-point try.

The Crusaders mounted a comeback and, with Blues flanker Steven Luatua binned for a breakdown offence, they got a late consolation try to inside centre Ryan Crotty.

BLUES 35 (Frank Halai, Tevita Li, George Moala, Jackson Willison tries Simon Hickey 3 cons 3 pens) bt CRUSADERS 24 (Ryan Crotty, Corey Flynn, Colin Slade tries Tom Taylor 3 cons pen) at Eden Park. Referee: Mike Fraser.

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Brown to return

Brisbane star Jonathan Brown in action during intra-club match. Picture: Glenn Barnes Source: Glenn Barnes / News Corp Australia

THE Lion King was finally let out of his cage at Burpengary.

And nobody was happier about Jonathan Brown's appearance in Brisbane's intra-club practice match than the famous No. 16 himself.

He has now roared from outside shot for Brisbane's Round 1 clash with Hawthorn on March 22 to a sure thing for the daunting Launcestion assignment.

A foot injury has relegated the triple premiership star to a pre-season spent doing stationary drills or running straight lines away from the main group.

Like a kid outside a lolly shop, he stalked the sideline with intent at the new multi-million dollar AFL precinct at Burpengary yesterday for the first third of the practice match before finally being let rip for the remaining two periods of play.

The 32-year-old kicked two goals in his first competitive hit-out for 2014 with his first major coming from a trademark set shot on a tight angle.

Brown was rusty early but slowly worked his way into the typically scratch match, getting involved in a number on contests with his trademark vigour.

Brown then spent another 20 minutes on the training track doing extras.

He will also play part of next Saturday's practice match against the Sydney Swans at Burpengary.

"I was getting pretty sick of running around on back ovals, to be perfectly honest,'' Brown told The Courier-Mail.

"I rocked up today and saw my name wasn't on the list for running so I was pretty excited to get out there and finally play some footy.

"I was great to have a fair dinkum hit-out. I had no worries with the foot either so I'll progress to the Swannies game and play part of that hopefully.

"I've still got three weeks to go until Round 1 so there is plenty of training to go under the belt too so I'm pretty confident about where I'm at.''

Brown's direct opponent, rookie listed defender Jordan Bourke, continued his impressive pre-season form while new recruit Lewis Taylor was busy in his first full-scale competitive run.

Daniel Rich was a standout with his booming left boot and improved running ability seeing him play almost a 'quarterback' role off half-back along with Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley.

Brisbane's game plan to stay in constant motion, get numbers to contests, quickly switch the ball after a turnover and applying manic defensive pressure inside the attacking 50 was also on show.

Ruckman Trent West, new recruit James Aish and on-baller Brent Moloney also had some nice touches.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast will rest captain Gary Ablet from tomorrow's practice match against Collingwood due to a corked calf.

The Suns have added Jaeger O'Meara, David Swallow, Dion Prestia, Michael Rischitelli and Trent McKenzie to the side that took on Brisbane last Sunday in Townsville.

The Magpies have name a star-studded side lead by captain Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Travis Cloke and Dayne Beams.

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Brisbane roars back into form

Thomas Broich (L) of the Roar celebrates with teammate Liam Miller after scoring. Source: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

A-LEAGUE leaders Brisbane Roar have snapped a three-game winless streak with 3-1 victory over Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium.

Having scored only one goal in their previous three matches, the Roar found it difficult in the opening half to break down an opponent happy to sit back and play on the break.

But once they scored their first goal in the 57th minute through Socceroos fullback Ivan Franjic, the floodgates opened.

Further goals to playmakers Liam Miller and Thomas Broich sealed Brisbane's 13th win of the season and their first since a 2-1 home victory over Central Coast Mariners on February 2.

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Perth grabbed a late consolation through Shane Smeltz after Brisbane skipper Matt Smith passed the ball straight to the Glory striker, but it was too little, too late for the visitors.

The win moved Brisbane seven points clear at the top of the ladder, however closest rivals Western Sydney Wanderers will have the chance to reduce the deficit back to four points on Sunday when they host Newcastle Jets at Pirtek Stadium.

Perth are now without a win in their past seven matches, a run that's included four straight losses.

The defeat has also resulted in the Glory dropping below Melbourne Heart at the base of the ladder on goal difference.

But it was the Glory who started the better last night despite arriving at the ground less than an hour before kick-off due to a traffic delay.

The visitors should have taken the lead in the third minute their Brazilian winger Sidnei Sciola.

Running onto a through ball and in heaps of space, Sidnei only had to pull the trigger on his favoured left foot.

But he instead cut back inside, with his right-footed effort saved by Roar goalkeeper Micheal Theo.

Glory coach Kenny Lowe yelling instructions from the touchline. Source: Getty Images

The Roar soon took control in front of the small crowd of 10,896 fans but found it hard to break down a dogged Perth, who were happy to defend in numbers.

But the two-time A-League champions were finally rewarded for their dominance when Franjic headed home a well-placed free kick from Broich in the 57th minute.

The Roar sealed their win in the 81st minute through former Glory midfielder Liam Miller, but they almost butchered the chance after it was gifted to them by Perth defender Brandon O'Neill.

O'Neill surrendered possession, allowing Miller and Berisha to confront Perth goalkeeper Danny Vukovic in a two-on-one situation.

Miller, who was close to being ruled offside, eventually scored but not before the pair's attempt to be pretty and walk the ball in almost brought them unstuck.

A Broich cracker from 20 metres was the icing on the cake for the Roar, before Smith's late blunder at least gave the small band of Glory fans something to cheer about on another sorry night for the besieged West Australian club.

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No joke, Volvo is a force to fear

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SO WHAT'S the difference between a Volvo and sandals with socks?

Well, it's far less embarrassing when your friends see you in sandals and socks.

Or at least, it was.

For so long the butt of Australian humour, Volvo driver Scotty McLaughlin on Friday used the opening day of the 2014 V8 Supercars series to hit back at the gags, wisecracks and outright sledges -- steering his new GRM Volvo to second and fifth in the two Clipsal 500 qualifying runs.

Not only the youngest driver in the V8 field, 20-year-old McLaughlin arrived at the tough Adelaide circuit inside the new car of a new V8 manufacturer -- one, no less, that owns such gags as 'what do you call a Volvo at the top of Mount Panorama? A miracle'.

Indeed, the surprising result -- "we were thinking top 15, maybe top 10,'' McLaughlin conceded afterwards -- was the undisputed highlight of a blockbuster Clipsal 500 opening day. But is it enough to bring all those Volvo jokes to a screeching holt?

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"Geez, I hope so,'' the youngster grinned. "I've heard that many of them lately.

"And I know, coming here, a lot of people were doubting us heaps. But now they've got to believe in us I guess. But the jokes, yeah, they're everywhere."

So too, on Friday, were Red Bull.

Chasing an unprecedented sixth championship title, Red Bull star Jamie Whincup drove as if greatness is a mere formality.

Winning the opening qualifying race of the afternoon with a time of 1:20.59, he then backed up in the second race to finish third -- behind stablemate Craig Lowndes and McLaughlin.

Scott McLaughlin drives the #33 Valvoline Racing GRM Volvo during practice for the Clipsal 500. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

Lowndes also finished the first qualifier in second spot, suggesting that Whincup's greatest threat could, for the third consecutive year, come from inside his own garage.

And as for the rest?

Well, Will Davidson -- the man who switched from Ford Performance Racing to drive a Merc -- struggled through the day like a steer in a steel trap, finishing his two drives in 24th and 17th respectively.

And Ford Performance Racing star Mark Winterbottom, the man he left behind, meanwhile, finished third and fifth respectively while Holden Racing Team's James Courtney secured fourth on the poll for the first of two races today.

Yet still the day belonged to McLaughlin, the man charged with bringing down such gags as 'What's the difference between a Volvo and a shopping trolley? The shopping trolley is easier to push".

Emerging from the car after his sizzling second run, the youngster told his Channel Seven interviewer: "I stuffed it up. I should've, ahh ..."

Asked afterwards if he was about to say that he should've stolen poll from Lowndes, McLaughlin continued: "Yeah, but I didn't want to sound like a w**ker.

"I stuffed up around the back. But what's done is done. You move on."

McLaughlin also paid tribute to his new garage.

"It's a massive credit to the boys, who had to build two new cars, work with body kits, engines, everything," he continued.

"This is dedicated to them, everyone at GRM and the guys back at the workshop.

"The car is awesome. All the guys' hard work is making me looking pretty cool."

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Players ‘guinea pigs’ for pink balls

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THE next era in cricket begins in a blaze of pink on Monday afternoon.

The only problem is, those doing the ushering aren't sure yet how it will pan out.

Cricket Australia has introduced a round of day-night Sheffield Shield matches to take its experiment with first-class cricket under lights to the next level.

Specifically, CA wants to learn how its new pink balls will behave under lights and against a black sightscreen as night falls with an eye to possible Test matches in coming seasons.

Victoria will host Tasmania at the MCG with all-rounder John Hastings admitting yesterday that the players felt a little like "guinea pigs".

Michael Klinger gets an early look at a few of the pink balls. Source: News Corp Australia

"My initial thoughts are they (the pink balls) are quite good — they're quite hard, so they come on to the bat well and it will be interesting to see if they swing as much," Hastings said at Bushrangers training.

"But we'll just have to wait and see — a good four days of Shield cricket will test them out.

"CA want to do something different (and) we're going to test that out thoroughly and give them feedback on how the process went.

"Nobody knows what to expect ... we think the hardest (time to play) will be that 8-9.30pm period (because) it probably hasn't been tested out as much under lights.

"But it's still a cricket ball — you've still got to bowl it, hit it and catch it."

Ben Hilfenhaus practices with a new pink ball at Tasmanian training at Blundstone Arena. Source: News Corp Australia

One Victorian with an extra concern is captain Matthew Wade, who is colour blind.

But Wade tried out the pink balls on Thursday and wasn't overly fazed, seeming to pick the ball up well in the nets.

"The interesting thing will be when the lights come on, that will be the challenge for me," Wade said.

"It's not so bad during the day, but we'll find out (under lights), I suppose."

Victoria's season is effectively over, sitting last with two rounds to play and not having banked a point since November 16.

The Bushrangers must win both remaining matches outright to avoid the ignominy of finishing last for the first time since 1996.

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Fanning hooked on titles

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MICK Fanning says winning world titles is an addiction but he doubts he or anyone else will eclipse Kelly Slater's phenomenal record of 11 championships.

The Gold Coaster clinched his third world crown in a thrilling showdown with Slater in Hawaii last December, equalling the three won by Americans Andy Irons and Tom Curren.

On the eve of the Quiksilver Pro world championship season-opener at his home break of Snapper Rocks, Fanning said the victory had taken a huge emotional toll.

"Just the stress you put yourself through, how much you think about it (winning the championship), it takes a toll on you,'' he said of his last-gasp quarter-final win in the Pipeline Masters which sealed the title.

"You strive for it but once it's done, you go 'far out, I don't know if I can go through that emotion again'.

"But it's like an addiction where you want to keep winning more.''

Asked if he saw himself toppling 42-yearold Slater's record, Fanning said: "Records are there to be broken but I can't see it happening for a very long time, if ever.

"There might a freak-of-nature kid come through but then, with the calibre of guys on the tour at the moment, there's not one person who is so far beyond everyone else.

"I'm sure Kelly's going to be real fired up again this year. He probably wants another one (world title) before he retires.

"You've got to be worried about everyone because they're all at such a high level. You've got to be on your A-game from the first wave.''

Fanning last won the Quiksilver Pro in 2007 on his way to his first world title. It was his second victory in his home event after his maiden win in 2005.

Slater has a record four Quiksilver Pro wins, the latest coming last year when he trumped Fanning in the semi-finals and fellow "Coolangatta Kid'' Joel Parkinson (then the world champion) in the final in spectacular Kirra barrels to seize an early lead in the title race.

"It was one of those heats which could have gone either way,'' said Fanning, who was leading the semi until Slater launched into a perfect 10-point tube ride.

"He got the nod but just being able to surf perfect Kirra with only one other guy out was epic.''

After a month's break over Christmas, Fanning started back training for his title defence in mid-January, though he sees it more as a title attack.

"A lot of people say 'defence' but exactly what are you defending?'' he said.

"Everyone comes in at zero. It's not like you're so many hundred points ahead. You've got to start fresh like everyone else.

"I don't see it as a defence, everyone starts from scratch and it's game on.''

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Firebirds are all systems go

New Firebirds signings Verity Simmons, Amorette Wild, Stephanie Puopolo and Clare McMeniman. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

NETBALL great Liz Ellis says Clare McMeniman's short-lived retirement interrupted her likely elevation to the Australian team.

The Queensland Firebirds recruit could be the pick-up of the ANZ Championship, which starts its seventh season when the Tactix host Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Christchurch on Saturday.

A fierce one-on-one defender, McMeniman retired on a high after Queensland's 2011 Championship win.

Her hunger to once again contribute to a dominant defensive unit has returned and Ellis believes the 28-year-old remains a chance for a belated Diamonds selection.

"Clare's a brilliant pick-up,'' said Ellis who will once again commentate for ANZ Championship broadcaster Fox Sports.

"I've been a huge fan of hers and I think she was on the cusp of the Australian team when she retired.

"If she can get back to that form it will be a good couple of years for her.''

McMeniman's comeback is typical of an unprecedented off-season of player movements.

West Coast captain and former Firebird Natalie Medhurst is one of 25 players to find new homes this season.

A further 13 recruits have the opportunity to make their debuts, while six players have returned after taking a break from the trans-Tasman league.

Most of that movement has been across the ditch.

Six-time finalist the Magic is almost unrecognisable after losing skipper Laura Langman (Mystics) and Irene van Dyk (Pulse).

Bew mum Anna Harrison's comeback has strengthened the Mystics, although her return has been delayed by a foot injury.

The comings and goings make it almost impossible to tip a championship favourite, according to Australia and Queensland captain Laura Geitz.

"Everyone's fierce. There's no frontrunners," said Geitz who will lead the Firebirds into Sunday's Round 1 clash with the Southern Steel in Invercargill.

"I think we'll finally see more New Zealand sides in the top four.

"They get two rounds against each other, and their recruitment has been really smart.

"They've recruited key players, especially the Mystics and Pulse, and built really good combinations around them.''

Much of the hype in Australia surrounds West Coast Fever and the New South Wales Swifts.

The Swifts had a horrible trot last season but the addition of Queenslander Gretel Tippett and Caitlin Thwaites has strengthened an already powerful front end.

West Coast has been a sleeping giant for several seasons, and promises great things after assembling their most talented list under former national coach Norma Plummer.

Ellis has recognised their potential but does not believe the Fever can reach their maiden finals series.

"I'm reluctant to say it's the Fever's year because I've tipped them so often in the past," the former Australia captain said.

"Last year they had the scorers but their midcourt didn't have the flow.

"It's difficult trying to nail down a culture when you've got players coming from different states.''

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SuperCoach scores: Sydney v WC

Sharrod Wellingham (no. 12) was a handy contributor for the Eagles. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / News Corp Australia

WOULD one sub-par performance have any SuperCoaches thinking of putting most of their eggs in the Buddy basket re-thinking their strategy?

It wasn't a night for key forwards at a wet Blacktown International Sports Park, but Lance Franklin's modest 23-point return against the West Coast Eagles on Thursday night might have some wondering whether the former Hawk ($487,700) is worth his price tag.

It was a difficult night to get a kick in attack, but down the other end Franklin's teammate Heath Grundy made it look easy.

SUPERCOACH DRAFT CHEAT SHEETS

The Swans stopper, who has become part of John Longmire's running backline in recent seasons, had 35 touches but a remarkable 161 SuperCoach points to lead all comers.

Grundy topping the SuperCoach charts may have had something to do with the ball being in the Sydney backline so often as West Coast ran away in the second half to win by 35 points.

Big men Scott Lycett (120) and Callum Sinclair (102) showed they are more than capable of mixing it at AFL level. They could be bargains in SuperCoach land, however getting opportunities remains the question mark for that pair. Dean Cox, Nic Naitanui and Josh Kennedy were all missing from the Eagles side that beat the Swans.

New Eagles Elliot Yeo and Xavier Ellis both impressed, while Swans addition Jeremy Laidler could be a hidden gem in 2014.

Nick Malceski was prolific against the Eagles but would have preferred to have seen less action. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

EVERY SCORE FROM THE SYDNEY-WEST COAST CLASH:

Player

Heath Grundy 161

Scott Lycett 120

Mark Hutchings 116

Craig Bird 116

Nick Malceski 110

Callum Sinclair 102

Chris Masten 100

Ryan O'Keefe 99

Brant Colledge 97

Harry Cunningham 95

Andrew Gaff 91

Matt Rosa 90

Scott Selwood 86

Jeremy Laidler 84

Sharrod Wellingham 84

Blayne Wilson 73

Brandon Jack 73

Daniel Robinson 72

Gary Rohan 71

Jake Lloyd 71

Elliot Yeo 69

Jack Darling 66

Nick Smith 64

Shannon Hurn 63

Rhyce Shaw 60

Fraser McInnes 60

Brad Sheppard 58

Daniel Hannebery 58

Mike Pyke 56

Dean Towers 55

Jeremy McGovern 54

Jamie Cripps 54

Xavier Ellis 52

Dane Rampe 52

Tom Derickx 47

Sam Reid 46

Dom Sheed 46

Mitchell Brown 44

Murray Newman 43

Lewis Jetta 42

Sam Naismith 39

Will Schofield 39

Adam Carter 35

Xavier Richards 29

Luke Parker 28

Jamie Bennell 27

Lewis Roberts-Thomson 27

Josh Hill 24

Lance Franklin 23

Patrick McGinnity 18

Harry Marsh 11

Aliir Aliir 2

* Sydney players in BOLD

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Game bigger, brighter, better: Smith

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THE NRL is finally back…and rugby league has never been bigger, brighter or better.

That was forceful yet passionate message NRL chief executive Dave Smith sent out to 600 fans, officials, sponsors and players at Wednesday's glamorous season launch at The Sydney Exhibition Centre on Glebe Island.

Smith said proudly: "The game has never been more healthy. It has never been so strong.

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"The 2014 season is going to be bigger and better than ever.''

And few could argue. What a season it will be.

The game's stars are back and ready to rip-in after a five-month off-season.

Among the guests last night were Paul Gallen, Kurt Gidley, Terry Campese, Robbie Farah, Ben Creagh, Braith Anasta and Sydney Roosters premiership-winning halfback Mitch Pearce.

Anthony Minichiello at the 2014 season launch held at The Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island. Source: News Limited

The vibe last night was amazing.

Millions of fans are already counting down to Thursday night's huge season-opener between 104-year rivals South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters.

Roosters skipper and fullback Anthony Minichiello officially launched the season.

"Like everyone here tonight, I can't wait for the season to start,'' Minichiello said.

"Even though a ball hasn't been kicked, we already have plenty to celebrate. The footy gets more exciting every season.''

Adam Reynolds and Jade Albany (from Big Brother) at the 2014 season launch. Source: News Limited

Smith spoke of optimism at all levels.

He talked about a pre-season "which saw the fierce but friendly rivalry between traditional foes – in both the Charity Shield and the World Club Challenge where the Roosters again established that the world's best club side comes from Australia.

TAKE PART IN OUR SUPERCOACH CHALLENGE!

"On top of this, the NRL has delivered its strongest financial performance on record and set out a clear strategy for the future.

"So it's been an amazing few weeks, the best pre-season in many years. One to whet the appetite of all of our members and fans. And members and fans is where much of our focus will be in 2014.

"That's where our advertising is aimed – at encouraging more people to become members. These are the fans who go the extra step to support their club.

Tim Mannah , Paulini ( Parramatta fan ) and Jarryd Hayne at the 2014 season launch. Source: News Limited

"Their stories are amazing. They sleep out overnight to buy tickets; they travel all over Australia to see their teams play.

"They never miss a game. Tonight is all about bringing people together.''

The night attracted some business heavyweights with group managing director of Telstra Media, Rick Ellis, attending, as did Gold Coast CEO and former NSW Sports Minister Graham Annesley along with current State Ministers Gabrielle Upton and Stuart Ayers.

Kieran Foran and Geoff Toovey at the 2014 season launch. Source: News Limited

Souths chief executive Shane Richardson mingled among guests, as did Dragons counterpart Peter Doust and NRL chairman John Grant.

Big-wigs aside, Smith then made an announcement to please the battling fans.

"I am pleased to announce another major initiative - that anyone with an NRL ticket will be able to travel free to all 27 games at ANZ Stadium this season,'' he said.

"In other words, when you buy a ticket in advance for any game at ANZ you get the transport thrown in. And we have negotiated direct trains from Central to Olympic Park for every game at ANZ.''

Anthony Minichiello and Terry Biviano at the 2014 Season Launch. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Smith extended his speech to cover State of Origin.

"On the representative scene we have the 100th State of Origin match in Brisbane on May 28,'' he said.

"Just imagine what the atmosphere will be like.''

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Wanderers lose ACL debut to Ulsan

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THE euphoria of Brendon Santalab's 45-second wonder strike lasted just 35 minutes as the Western Sydney Wanderers got their first AFC Champions League campaign off to a losing start.

The Wanderers were defeated 3-1 by impressive Korean outfit Ulsan Hyundai, still in their preseason, at a soggy Pirtek Stadium on Wednesday night.

With a new manager in Cho Minkook and several fresh faces at Ulsan, Tony Popovic admitted before the game it had been tough to do thorough research on their opponents.

But the Wanderers manager would have been delighted with the way his team announced themselves on the premier Asian club stage in the opening minute.

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Shinji Ono's delightful pass picked out Brendon Santalab, whose sensational finish - and certainly one of the fastest in the tournament's history - stunned the visitors and raised the decibel levels of the Red and Black Bloc.

Ono had an excellent game for the Wanderers, showing just how big of a loss he will be when he leaves the club at the end of the season.

It was wonderful, end-to-end football for the remainder of the half, but the Wanderers failed to take advantage of their dominant periods. Nikolai Topor-Stanley headed wide in the 17th minute and Jerome Polenz dragged his powerful, left-footed shot wide of the post minutes later.

Brendon Santalab scores after just 42 seconds at Wanderland. Source: News Corp Australia

Ulsan upped their tempo and, coupled with the heavy rain around Sydney, began causing the Wanderers problems, especially down the flanks.

Ante Covic was forced into a slippery, diving save to keep Masuda Chikashi's shot out, but the Wanderers goalkeeper couldn't keep Ulsan at bay for much longer.

The visibility was already poor when a section of Wanderers fans lit up flares directly behind Covic's goal. The smoke drifted onto the field as the ball fell to Kim Shin Wook, but there was no stopping the giant striker's perfect finish to level the scores.

Kim Shin Wook of Ulsan Hyandai celebrates his goal with teammates. Source: Getty Images

Standing at 2.08m tall it was always going to be a challenge for the Wanderers to mark Shin Wook, but the goal was no more than the visitors deserved after recovering well from their early shock.

Santalab should have snatched the lead in the 40th minute, but he shot straight at the goalkeeper. Instead, the Koreans went into the break 2-1 up when Ko Chang Hyun found the back of the net.

The soggy conditions didn't slow the tempo in the second half, but a poor defensive header from Iacopo La Rocca allowed Kang Minsoo to stab home Ulsan's third in the 66th minute.

Popovic was delighted with the way his team announced themselves on the premier Asian club stage in the opening minute, he admitted the result was a rude awakening.

"We learned some harsh lessons tonight, that's for sure," Popovic said.

"The harsh reality is you make three mistakes you get punished at this level, but I wouldn't say they dominated the game.

"The way we started was excellent. It was a fantastic goal we scored, great combination play, great goal and their goals came from set-plays."

Santalab made way for Labinot Haliti in the 73rd minute, but the Wanderers just couldn't find a way to deal with the Korean side's skill and pace, especially on the counterattack.

and then at 11.00pm when Victory travels to Guangzhou or follow it in our live blog below.

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Polec proves he’s worth the fuss

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PORT Adelaide has hailed Jared Polec's standout midfield display against Essendon, with defender Jack Hombsch saying the former Lion had "added another element for us''.

Hombsch predicted Polec, who played just 16 games in three injury-riddled years at Brisbane, was on track to more than double that tally in his first year at Alberton.

Hombsch said Polec, 21, had been so impressive at training and in the club's two NAB Challenge fixtures that only an unforeseen injury would stop him from becoming a permanent fixture in the Power side.

"He's got everything to be a really good AFL player,'' Hombsch gushed about Polec, who had 23 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency in the 25-point win against the Bombers.

"He's extremely talented and is benefiting from getting a full pre-season under his belt.

"He's really handy and he's shown us all pre-season how good his finishing skills are.

"He, along with Mattty White, gives us that extra bit of pace and flair.''

Polec - the subject of an off-season tug-of-war between the Power and Crows - underlined his value against the Dons, showing why he was selected at pick five at the 2010 national draft.

His 23 disposals included nine score involvements and the game's only Supergoal and resulted in him scoring a whopping 115 SuperCoach points.

"His kicking is exceptional,'' Hombsch said.

"He hit a couple of forwards lace-out (against Essendon) and if he can keep his body right he'll be terrific for us.''

Port secured Polec for pick 34 at last year's draft and a swap of first round draft picks from 14 to 21.

Coach Ken Hinkley also praised his new midfield flying machine, who looks like a bargain investment.

"We're pretty happy with our decision with Jared, we're pretty pleased that he's playing for us," Hinkley said.

"From what he's doing, he's doing everything right and we look forward to him playing lots of footy for us.

"He knows that he's in an environment that will help him learn and keep him accountable to learning.

"That's not a reflection of where he's come from, that's just a reflection of a young man maturing.''

POWERFUL POLEC

Jared Polec's coming of age party

v Essendon

Disposals - 23

Contested Possessions - 8

Kicking Efficiency - 81%

Score Involvements - 9

Goals - 1

SuperCoach points - 115

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Freo pressure too much for Dogs

Michael Walters starred with four goals for Fremantle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Corp Australia

YOU can outrun Fremantle, you can get lucky against them, and you can even beat them with sustained individual brilliance.

But no one, repeat no one, out-pressures a Fremantle side coached by Ross the Boss.

Last night a Western Bulldogs side with the patterns and pressure of a young Geelong outfit on the rise did just that against a full strength Dockers outfit.

It was only the NAB Challenge, it only lasted for three quarters, and the Dockers still flexed their impressible muscles to effortlessly draw away.

And yet a side that for Brendan McCartney's first 30 games was so easy to play against brought the heat like never before.

When Lyon picks a side with 20 players from last year's Grand Final you know he is playing for keeps.

His Dockers spent three quarters absorbing the best the Dogs could dish out, then doled out some of their own tough love.

Still, it was hard not to love so much of what the Dogs did last night despite a 28-point loss.

Adam Cooney (26 possessions) rediscovered his afterburners, the Dogs led by 14 points at half time, and managed 24 shots (a wayward 9.15) against the miserly Dockers.

None of it meant as much as the swarming Dogs hunting in a pack against 2013 Grand Finalists Fremantle and for a time forcing them into turnover after turnover.

Midway through the second term Matthew Pavlich was surging into space with the deadly Michael Walters needing only to find him in space.

Less than 60 seconds later the Dogs had not only repelled that attacking thrust, they had forced the Dockers 120 metres backward by sheer pressure and numbers at the ball.

Scott Gumbleton was a dejected figure after hobbling to the bench late in the first term. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Koby Stevens' refusal to give up the chase saw him rewarded with a goal from the boundary to cap the ultimate Bulldogs team goal.

And with Tom Liberatore being kept quiet by Ryan Crowley — building a reputation as one of the AFL's great all-time taggers - the kids and Cooney just kept stepping up.

Stevens, recruited as part of the Brian Lake deal, and Mitch Wallis (11 tackles), rediscovered as a tagger, joined Jackson Macrae (30 touches) as the best of the emerging pack.

When Luke Dalhaus fought tooth and nail to overcome two Dockers and set up Stewart Crameri with the simplest of shots, the Dogs should have led at three quarter time.

By then they had cracked 100 contested possessions to Fremantle's humble 72, as clear as any indicator of their willingness to crack in.

Crameri missed, and pretty soon the dam wall broke.

The clinical, battle-hardened Dockers just worked into the contest as a team with stars like Michael Barlow and David Mundy does on a weekly basis.

They would pour on seven consecutive goals, with the Dogs kicking 2.9 in the second half with Stewart Crameri quiet and inaccurate when he did find the ball.

Walters (four goals) got on the end of Fremantle's second half dominance, but it was Aaron Sandilands who controlled the air.

He was exceptional against All-Australian ruckman Will Minson, winning not just his usual tally of hit-outs (47, a dozen to advantage) but thrusting his hands high to mark around the ground.

So by game's end, Fremantle had an ideal tune-up for their season-opener against Collingwood in 16 days time and the Doggies were had their own substantial gains too.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 0.2.3 (15) 0.7.6 (48) 0.8.10 (58) 0.9.15 (69)

FREMANTLE: 0.4.4 (28) 0.5.4 (34) 0.9.5 (59) 0.15.7 (97)

GOALS

WESTERN BULLDOGS: Giansiracusa 2, Stevens, Cooney, Dahlhaus, Hunter, Wood, Honeychurch, Crameri

FREMANTLE: Walters 4, Ballantyne 2, Pavlich 2, Mzungu 2, Barlow, Mayne, Sandilands, Mundy, Suban

BEST

WESTERN BULLDOGS: Stevens, Macrae, Cooney, Wallis, Boyd, Morris, Giansiracusa

FREMANTLE: Sandilands, Mundy, Barlow, Walters, Crowley, Johnson

NEW BOY

Jackson Macrae is in his second season, but he plays like a seasoned veteran. He kicks is beautifully, finds space effortlessly and doesn't mind putting his nose in the trough. The former pick 6 is a 200-game certainty who oozes class.

Mitch Honeychurch showed glimpses he could be a great value pick (selection 60 at last year's draft) for the Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

HIGHLIGHTS REEL

Play of the day came from new Dog Mitch Honeychurch, who embodied the pressure applied to Fremantle when he harassed Paul Duffield so relentlessly the Docker retreated over the goal line.

The deliberately rushed behind was converted with a lovely left-foot banana.

WHITEBOARD

Tom Williams has waited nine years to become a key forward at the Dogs, and while the former defender eased into the action off the subs bench he did enough to show a position in attack might suit him best. The injury-cursed Williams is surprisingly fast, creating separation with his opponent.

After his recent injury woes, Tom Williams would have been happy just to get through unscathed. Picture: by Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

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