Pies flex financial muscle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Perfect ABs all about belief

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We have to live with that now."

There is always a price for perfection.

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McEvoy staying put at Darley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saga hurts Bombers' bottom line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Curator's masterstroke sparks Aussies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sydney set for epic showdown

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

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

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

Cameron Crowe could not have written a better script.

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

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

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

And we aren't going to argue.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lyon finds his winning voice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then he belted out Under the Southern Cross I Stand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was redemption for Lyon.

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

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

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Zoustar stakes claim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

``Buffering is the top dog now.''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Poms feeling the heat from home

A 1-0 Ashes lead is within sight after Australia declared at 7-401 on day three at the Gabba.

IF Friday was English cricket's darkest day then Saturday only served to rub salt into the wound and the UK press didn't take the Gabba pummeling lightly.

Read the View from the UK below.

Bowler battering

England's bowlers took a hammering at the Gabba on Saturday and then followed it up with another hammering in the press back home.

Graeme Swann and Chris Tremlett came in for special attention

Aside from Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, the English bowling attack hasn't looked overly dangerous and that doesn't bode well for the remaining Tests, says The Daily Mail's Peter Hayter.

"Graeme Swann, on a pitch his opposite number Lyon had already demonstrated could help the off-spinner, and third seamer Chris Tremlett (3-69) were especially ineffective - a worrying development for England, not just here but for the four Tests stretching in front of them," he said.

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"Swann, who was mockingly congratulated by his teammates when he reached his 'century' (100 runs conceded without a wicket) did eventually bowl the Australia captain and then beat Bailey's defences to become the quickest bowler, in terms of days taken, to 250 Test wickets.

The Telegraph's Nick Hoult forecast changes for the second Test in Adelaide.

"Tremlett is unlikely to be so lucky. He has bowled way below the pace who terrorised Australia in 2010-11 and confirmed the view of county watchers last season that his form had gone," he said.

While Scyld Berry praised the Aussie bowlers while back-handing his own (except for Broad).

"England's bowlers, except for Stuart Broad, have been outperformed by their Australian counterparts," he said.

Top order troubles.

After a second straight dismissal to a Mitchell Johnson bodyline attack, most of the attention was directed at Jonathan Trott.

The struggling No.3 has made just 10 and 9 in Brisbane and came in for some strong criticism.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted that Trott's effort was the worst performance he'd seen from an England No.3.

While Berry believed there was a deeper problem.

"His twin dismissals here have been more serious, because his decision-making has been one-track-minded. It was all too symbolic that the gloom was gathering over the Gabba when he clipped Johnson to deepish backward square-leg," he said.

However, it wasn't just Trott in the eyes of UK journalists with captain Alastair Cook coming under fire for his lack of runs.

"England have yet to satisfactorily replace Andrew Strauss at the top of the order. Michael Carberry was one of the plusses of that first innings debacle. He is not the problem. Alastair Cook is and his lack of runs is costing England, who have not posted one 400 in the last dozen innings," said the Telegraph's Kevin Garside.

Cook will have his chance to silence the doubters when play begins on day four.

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One fine Day for master class

Jason Day high-fives the Fanatics after yesterday's emotion-fuelled round. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

JASON Day has used an emotional meeting with his mother - and a "heart attack in a box" - to spur himself and Australia to the brink of World Cup glory.

Day met his mother, Dening, for breakfast - the first time they've been face to face since eight of their family perished in last week's killer Philippines typhoon - before firing a near flawless five-under-par 66 to take a one-shot lead into the final round.

His heroics also propelled he and fellow Queenslander Adam Scott into a one-shot lead in the teams event lead at Royal Melbourne.

Day, 26, desperate for his maiden win on home soil as a professional, said it had been an "incredibly moving" moment to see Dening, whose own mother was among those lost in Typhoon Haiyan.

"It was only brief, but special … so good to see her," he said.

"She makes a special chicken. It's salty. We call it salty chicken. It's pretty much a heart attack in a box.

"If I don't show up for the round, you know where I am," he joked.

Day hasn't been a prolific winner and it frustrates him no end.

But what he has done repeatedly throughout his young career is perform well on tough courses and the big stage.

Jason Day plays his second shot at the 15th hole. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

And it won't get much bigger for Day in Australia than on Royal Melbourne today.

The world No. 16 has a happy knack of playing well in tough conditions and famous courses set up to test the world's best.

"I just like playing difficult golf courses," he said.

"Easier (ones) I feel like it's more of a `putt-athon' and anyone can get around an easy golf course.

"That's why I find I play better at difficult golf courses because you really have to grind it out."

And that's exactly what has taken Day to the top this week, on the verge of what would be just his third professional win despite an incredible six top-10 finishes in the past 13 major championships.

Jason Day knows it won't get much bigger in Australia for him than on Royal Melbourne today. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"I feel like I should be winning every week and when you hold that expectation up, you sometimes try a little bit too hard," said Day, who has just four bogeys despite incredibly trying conditions that have left just 16 players under par.

"That just plays you out of golf tournaments … so I have learnt to come in neutral - not really think about winning, or who is coming from behind … just gather all the information that I can possibly gather on every single shot and commit to it.

"But to win my first (tournament in Australia) would be amazing.

"To be at Royal Melbourne with the calibre of player here this week, how tough the course has been and in such a big, big tournament … I would definitely welcome it with open arms."

Jason Day and Ricardo Santos line up their putts on the fifth yesterday. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Day cashed in early in his third round with two opening birdies, then tamed the back nine with the wind up to come home in 33 and sail past overnight leader Thomas Bjorn, who could only muster an even-par 71.

The Queenslander's only blemish came on the short par-three fifth when he blocked his tee shot right and scrambled a bogey.

"Other than that I hit the ball wonderful today and stayed very patient with the greens."

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