Shootout Awards: season's bests

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Best of the best ... Adam Peacock and Mark Bosnich select their A-League highlights. Source:AAP

The 27 rounds of the regular season have concluded and even with a grand final winner yet to be decided, it's widely accepted that this has been the best A-League competition we've ever witnessed.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Wanderers' fairytale run to the Premiers' Plate has captured the hearts of fans while three high-profile marquee stars delivered on the enormous hype that came with their announcements.

Ange Postecoglou worked wonders with a youthful team in his first year at the Victory while on the other end of the age spectrum, veterans Daniel McBreen picked up the golden boot and Alessandro Del Piero the Alex Tobin Medal.

On Fox Sports' Sunday Shootout, Mark Bosnich and Adam Peacock reflected on the end of the regular season by offering their highlights, including best goal, save, player and match.

Did the Italian magician and his one-man mission at Sydney FC earn him a nod or did the duo opt for one of Tony Popovic's inspirational troops or an ever-consistent Mariner?

Sit back and enjoy the great video at the top of the page and let us your choices of best goal, player, save and match of the season below.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

How Poppa inspired an entire squad

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Thrilling scenes ... Western Sydney celebrate their Premiers' Plate success. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Rocky Visconte put the icing on the cake of Western Sydney Wanderers' history-making win over Newcastle Jets with a searing strike.

The same Rocky Visconte who couldn't get a game at Brisbane Roar for the first-half of this season, and who was making just his second appearance for Tony Popovic's side.

But that's the Wanderers. The A-League Premiers' Plate winners. And the great sports story of the year. 

"Since day one, he's (Popovic) brought in the culture that everyone's important, whether you're 17 or three years old," Wanderers striker Labinot Haliti told Sunday Shootout. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"And at some stage of the competition you'll be called up to do your job – the best you can." 

So on a night where the pressure was on to grab the point needed to secure top spot - missing Shinji Ono, Aaron Mooy, Adam D'Apuzzo, Jerome Polenz and Iacopo La Rocca - the Wanderers rose to the mark - yet again.

---

Was Visconte's goal the best of the round? Watch the contenders for Goal of the Week above and and vote right here for your chance to win!

---

Their 3-0 win ensures they remain undefeated in 12 rounds, having capitalised on Central Coast Mariners' brief stumble a few weeks back to siege control of the A-League ladder. 

Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich paid tribute to Popovic's ability to rotate his squad through the season.

Indeed, Haliti found himself on the bench in the derby despite scoring a brace the week before against Heart, while being the goal-scoring hero against the Mariners. 

"One of the most difficult things, especially in a successful team, is to keep people who are not playing happy," Bosnich said. 

"We're seeing that game in, game out. Tarek Ehlrich … comes in against Newcastle and looks like he's been playing all season. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Great team spirit … the easiest thing in the world for a player when he's left out is to put his head down and that can sometimes spread through the whole dressing room." 

Players have sung Popovic's praises all season for the way he has moulded his squad so quickly. Haliti joins that chorus. 

"Credit goes all to the coaching staff and to the boss," he said. 

"The way he prepares the team is like nothing I've seen before – probably the best I've been under.

"I've learnt a lot and I'm sure the rest of the guys have learnt. It's showing on the field."  

---

Labinot Haliti: from Kosovo to the Jets to the Premiers' Plate.

---

Haliti was renowned as a bit of a super-sub after 12 goals in 66 games at the Jets. But like so many in the squad, he has found a new gear this term. 

"(The preparation is) a level I've never experienced before," he said.

"I go into every game comfortable, ready, and I'm sure the rest of the players feel the same." 

The Wanderers' season has made the broader Australian sporting audience sit up and take notice. 

But have they convinced the football purists with their pragmatic style? Bosnich went into bad for the side. 

"I'm sick and tired of people diminishing their achievement," he said.  

"These guys play winning football in the right areas of the pitch. 

"When they've got the chance they can play as good a one and two touch football as anyone in the competition … it is a phenomenal achievement." 

So as Haliti and his teammates dream of finals success to go with their Premiers' Plate win and AFC Champions League qualification, does Haliti envisage himself scoring the grand final winner and flinging his short off in his renowned jubilant style?

ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT

ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:

Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:

Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST

GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:

Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST

"I guess I'll have to ask the boss!," he quipped. 

Indeed, that says a lot about the side's success. 

"They can celebrate now in the change room and enjoy the bus trip back," Popovic said after the game on Friday night. 

"But there's still more to come. There's still more to do."

And with him in charge, good luck to the others trying to stop them.

---

POPPA'S PIONEERS

There's been plenty said about how the rookie coach has brought together journeymen and players looking for another chance to earn the most unlikely of A-League Premierships. It's no cliche. Here's the proof:

Ante Covic: unwanted at Melbourne Victory by Ange Postecoglou

Jerrad Tyson: clubless after Gold Coast United folded

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Shannon Cole: out of favour at Sydney FC after 95 games. 

Reece Caira: looking to prove his worth after coming through ranks at Aston Villa

Iacopo La Rocca: 29-year-old journeyman Italian trying something new in Australia. 

Adam D'apuzzo: after 102 matches with Newcastle, D'apuzzo gave up on his football career to pursue career in accounting - before Popovic called. 

Jerome Polenz: the under-19 and under-20 German international's career was at the crossroads before the 26-year-old joined the Wanderers in August. 

Tarek Elrich: also on the outer under van Egmond at Newcastle, the western Sydney local was one of the first men lured to Wanderland looking to kick-start his A-League career. 

Nikolai Topor-Stanley: an inspired signing by Popovic. The former Sydney FC, Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets was always a regular performer in the competition, but Popovic has taken him to new heights.

Michael Beachump: he might have been to two World Cups, but Popovic's skipper hasn't quite been settled at club level, moving from the Mariners to Germany, Denmark, the UAE before Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart. Like NTS, has gone to another level of consistency.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Aaron Mooy: an important signing for the club and an important move for a player at St Mirren in Scotland. Deal has been an inspired one for both. 

Shinji Ono: a great example of Popovic's ability to motivate and inspire. The 33-year-old Japanese legend, with 56 national caps, left Shimizu S-Pulse disillusioned. It's fair to say he loves the game again. 

Jason Trifiro: plucked from the Victorian Premier League. 

Mateo Poljak: 23-year-old former Croatia under-19 international, looking for a fresh start after failing to graduate from Dinamo Zagreb's youth squad. 

Youssouf Hersi: 30-year-old Dutchman was a shrewd pick-up by Popovic. After a slow start he has shown lived up to his reputation after a decade in the Eredevise to become one of their x-factors 

Rocky Visconte: joined Popovic's squad mid-way through the season from Brisbane Roar, looking for a chance. 

Tahj Minniecon: dubbed overweight and seemingly on the scrapheap, he was thrown a lifeline by Popovic. 

Mark Bridge: an extraordinary renaissance. Had it all ahead of him after moving from the Jets to Sydney FC, but slipped off the radar. A star this season, who has found his goalscoring boots again. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Labinot Haliti: from a super-sub to a genuine match-winner.

Kwabena Appiah-Kubi: Popovic has shown he's willing to throw youth in, and the exuberant 20-year-old has shown great promise when used this year in his rookie season.

Dino Kresinger: the 31-year-old Croatian has been a polarising choice up-front for Popovic's side - yet he has persisted with him and sees him as a vital cog in his side, despite his lack of goalscoring prowess.

Joey Gibbs: a perennial fringe A-League player, Gibbs trialled and trialled and trialled until Popovic had to give him a go. 

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Knights put the sword to Canberra

Adam Cuthbertson ... scores his second try for Newcastle. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Move over Kurt Gidley - there's a new halfback in town.

5 Tries 2
Akuila Uate 15'	Joel Thompson 29'
Anthony Quinn 21'	Josh Papalii 33'
Tyrone Roberts 51'
Adam Cuthbertson 63'
Adam Cuthbertson 77'
4 Conversions 2
Kurt Gidley 17'	Jarrod Croker 30'
Tyrone Roberts 52'	Jarrod Croker 34'
Tyrone Roberts 65'
Tyrone Roberts 79'

For the second successive week young Tyrone Roberts has laid claims to being Newcastle's long-term No.7, scoring a superb try to help his side to a come-from-behind 28-12 win over Canberra on Sunday at Hunter Stadium.

Skipper Gidley missed last week's impressive victory over North Queensland with a calf injury and although he returned to face the Raiders, it was at hooker, before being forced out of the game with concussion at halftime.

But seven-time premiership-winning coach Wayne Bennett said Roberts is likely to keep his spot - for now.

"He sold one dummy there and I was waiting to see someone else running and he got to the line before I realised he still had the ball," Bennett said of Roberts' 51st-minute try.

"He does that well, Tyrone, he has that little bit of class.

"It's a great show and go he's got and it works for him. It confuses defenders.

"But no-one is No.1 for anything. He's doing a good job there at the moment and Kurt has got a head knock.

"Kurt only made himself available yesterday, no-one thought he was going to play and I wasn't going to change the team at that late notice."

Trailing 12-10 at the break after squandering a 10-0 lead, Roberts restored the Knights' advantage 11 minutes after the restart, with an outrageous right-foot step that fooled the Raiders defence, then ran through the subsequent gap to score.

It was almost a carbon copy of the his try against the Cowboys last Monday and on this evidence Gidley may have to get used to sharing hooking duties with Danny Buderus this season.

The Knights opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark through Akuila Uate who hauled in a delicious kick from Jarrod Mullen that curled over the head of Jack Wighton and into the arms of the NSW winger.

Bennett's side continued to press and the advantage was stretched six minutes later when Anthony Quinn scored his first try since returning to the Knights from Melbourne.

The Raiders claimed there was an obstruction against Josh McCrone in the build-up to the try, but the video referee ruled in favour of the home side.

Gidley missed the extras but Quinn's four-pointer woke up the Raiders who scored two unanswered tries to take the lead.

Joel Thompson grabbed the first when he got his fingertips onto a well-judged Sam Williams grubber-kick before Josh Papalii added a second when he ran straight over Gidley to score from 10 metres out, while Jarrod Croker converted both.

But Roberts' try settled Wayne Bennett's side down in the second period and despite close efforts from Blake Ferguson and Thompson, who could only put the ball down on the foot of Uate as he lurched for the line, were good value for their win.

Back-rower Adam Cuthbertson iced the result for the hosts just after the hour-mark when he bulldozed his way to the line and scored his first try since the 2011 semi-final for St George Illawarra against Brisbane.

The former Manly and Cronulla man then added his second just before the siren to seal a third win of the season for his side.

In a further blow for the Raiders, Wighton left the game with an arm injury.

Raiders coach David Furner was seething at his side's insipid second half display and slammed the kicking game of his halves combination Josh McCrone and Sam Williams.

"Our last play options and kicking game were pretty ordinary in the second half," Furner said.

"We didn't give ourselves a chance in the first half, we visited their line four times and didn't even get a repeat set, it makes it hard," Furner said.

The Raiders mentor was also upset about a shoulder charge by Danny Buderus on Blake Ferguson that went unpunished.

The Knights hooker poleaxed the centre, but referee Brett Suttor ruled the incident was merely a collision and allowed play to continue.

"I just saw it again on the video, and I was very surprised," he said.

"There's been a lot of hoo-ha about this recently, and what I saw summed it up.

"Going off what we've been going off it was most certainly a mandatory penalty."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Knights put the sword to Canberra

Adam Cuthbertson ... scores his second try for Newcastle. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Move over Kurt Gidley - there's a new halfback in town.

5 Tries 2
Akuila Uate 15'	Joel Thompson 29'
Anthony Quinn 21'	Josh Papalii 33'
Tyrone Roberts 51'
Adam Cuthbertson 63'
Adam Cuthbertson 77'
4 Conversions 2
Kurt Gidley 17'	Jarrod Croker 30'
Tyrone Roberts 52'	Jarrod Croker 34'
Tyrone Roberts 65'
Tyrone Roberts 79'

For the second successive week young Tyrone Roberts has laid claims to being Newcastle's long-term No.7, scoring a superb try to help his side to a come-from-behind 28-12 win over Canberra on Sunday at Hunter Stadium.

Skipper Gidley missed last week's impressive victory over North Queensland with a calf injury and although he returned to face the Raiders, it was at hooker, before being forced out of the game with concussion at halftime.

But seven-time premiership-winning coach Wayne Bennett said Roberts is likely to keep his spot - for now.

"He sold one dummy there and I was waiting to see someone else running and he got to the line before I realised he still had the ball," Bennett said of Roberts' 51st-minute try.

"He does that well, Tyrone, he has that little bit of class.

"It's a great show and go he's got and it works for him. It confuses defenders.

"But no-one is No.1 for anything. He's doing a good job there at the moment and Kurt has got a head knock.

"Kurt only made himself available yesterday, no-one thought he was going to play and I wasn't going to change the team at that late notice."

Trailing 12-10 at the break after squandering a 10-0 lead, Roberts restored the Knights' advantage 11 minutes after the restart, with an outrageous right-foot step that fooled the Raiders defence, then ran through the subsequent gap to score.

It was almost a carbon copy of the his try against the Cowboys last Monday and on this evidence Gidley may have to get used to sharing hooking duties with Danny Buderus this season.

The Knights opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark through Akuila Uate who hauled in a delicious kick from Jarrod Mullen that curled over the head of Jack Wighton and into the arms of the NSW winger.

Bennett's side continued to press and the advantage was stretched six minutes later when Anthony Quinn scored his first try since returning to the Knights from Melbourne.

The Raiders claimed there was an obstruction against Josh McCrone in the build-up to the try, but the video referee ruled in favour of the home side.

Gidley missed the extras but Quinn's four-pointer woke up the Raiders who scored two unanswered tries to take the lead.

Joel Thompson grabbed the first when he got his fingertips onto a well-judged Sam Williams grubber-kick before Josh Papalii added a second when he ran straight over Gidley to score from 10 metres out, while Jarrod Croker converted both.

But Roberts' try settled Wayne Bennett's side down in the second period and despite close efforts from Blake Ferguson and Thompson, who could only put the ball down on the foot of Uate as he lurched for the line, were good value for their win.

Back-rower Adam Cuthbertson iced the result for the hosts just after the hour-mark when he bulldozed his way to the line and scored his first try since the 2011 semi-final for St George Illawarra against Brisbane.

The former Manly and Cronulla man then added his second just before the siren to seal a third win of the season for his side.

In a further blow for the Raiders, Wighton left the game with an arm injury.

Raiders coach David Furner was seething at his side's insipid second half display and slammed the kicking game of his halves combination Josh McCrone and Sam Williams.

"Our last play options and kicking game were pretty ordinary in the second half," Furner said.

"We didn't give ourselves a chance in the first half, we visited their line four times and didn't even get a repeat set, it makes it hard," Furner said.

The Raiders mentor was also upset about a shoulder charge by Danny Buderus on Blake Ferguson that went unpunished.

The Knights hooker poleaxed the centre, but referee Brett Suttor ruled the incident was merely a collision and allowed play to continue.

"I just saw it again on the video, and I was very surprised," he said.

"There's been a lot of hoo-ha about this recently, and what I saw summed it up.

"Going off what we've been going off it was most certainly a mandatory penalty."

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shootout Awards: season's bests

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Best of the best ... Adam Peacock and Mark Bosnich select their A-League highlights. Source:AAP

The 27 rounds of the regular season have concluded and even with a grand final winner yet to be decided, it's widely accepted that this has been the best A-League competition we've ever witnessed.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Wanderers' fairytale run to the Premiers' Plate has captured the hearts of fans while three high-profile marquee stars delivered on the enormous hype that came with their announcements.

Ange Postecoglou worked wonders with a youthful team in his first year at the Victory while on the other end of the age spectrum, veterans Daniel McBreen picked up the golden boot and Alessandro Del Piero the Alex Tobin Medal.

On Fox Sports' Sunday Shootout, Mark Bosnich and Adam Peacock reflected on the end of the regular season by offering their highlights, including best goal, save, player and match.

Did the Italian magician and his one-man mission at Sydney FC earn him a nod or did the duo opt for one of Tony Popovic's inspirational troops or an ever-consistent Mariner?

Sit back and enjoy the great video at the top of the page and let us your choices of best goal, player, save and match of the season below.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

How Poppa inspired an entire squad

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Thrilling scenes ... Western Sydney celebrate their Premiers' Plate success. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Rocky Visconte put the icing on the cake of Western Sydney Wanderers' history-making win over Newcastle Jets with a searing strike.

The same Rocky Visconte who couldn't get a game at Brisbane Roar for the first-half of this season, and who was making just his second appearance for Tony Popovic's side.

But that's the Wanderers. The A-League Premiers' Plate winners. And the great sports story of the year. 

"Since day one, he's (Popovic) brought in the culture that everyone's important, whether you're 17 or three years old," Wanderers striker Labinot Haliti told Sunday Shootout. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"And at some stage of the competition you'll be called up to do your job – the best you can." 

So on a night where the pressure was on to grab the point needed to secure top spot - missing Shinji Ono, Aaron Mooy, Adam D'Apuzzo, Jerome Polenz and Iacopo La Rocca - the Wanderers rose to the mark - yet again.

---

Was Visconte's goal the best of the round? Watch the contenders for Goal of the Week above and and vote right here for your chance to win!

---

Their 3-0 win ensures they remain undefeated in 12 rounds, having capitalised on Central Coast Mariners' brief stumble a few weeks back to siege control of the A-League ladder. 

Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich paid tribute to Popovic's ability to rotate his squad through the season.

Indeed, Haliti found himself on the bench in the derby despite scoring a brace the week before against Heart, while being the goal-scoring hero against the Mariners. 

"One of the most difficult things, especially in a successful team, is to keep people who are not playing happy," Bosnich said. 

"We're seeing that game in, game out. Tarek Ehlrich … comes in against Newcastle and looks like he's been playing all season. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Great team spirit … the easiest thing in the world for a player when he's left out is to put his head down and that can sometimes spread through the whole dressing room." 

Players have sung Popovic's praises all season for the way he has moulded his squad so quickly. Haliti joins that chorus. 

"Credit goes all to the coaching staff and to the boss," he said. 

"The way he prepares the team is like nothing I've seen before – probably the best I've been under.

"I've learnt a lot and I'm sure the rest of the guys have learnt. It's showing on the field."  

---

Labinot Haliti: from Kosovo to the Jets to the Premiers' Plate.

---

Haliti was renowned as a bit of a super-sub after 12 goals in 66 games at the Jets. But like so many in the squad, he has found a new gear this term. 

"(The preparation is) a level I've never experienced before," he said.

"I go into every game comfortable, ready, and I'm sure the rest of the players feel the same." 

The Wanderers' season has made the broader Australian sporting audience sit up and take notice. 

But have they convinced the football purists with their pragmatic style? Bosnich went into bad for the side. 

"I'm sick and tired of people diminishing their achievement," he said.  

"These guys play winning football in the right areas of the pitch. 

"When they've got the chance they can play as good a one and two touch football as anyone in the competition … it is a phenomenal achievement." 

So as Haliti and his teammates dream of finals success to go with their Premiers' Plate win and AFC Champions League qualification, does Haliti envisage himself scoring the grand final winner and flinging his short off in his renowned jubilant style?

ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT

ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:

Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:

Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST

GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:

Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST

"I guess I'll have to ask the boss!," he quipped. 

Indeed, that says a lot about the side's success. 

"They can celebrate now in the change room and enjoy the bus trip back," Popovic said after the game on Friday night. 

"But there's still more to come. There's still more to do."

And with him in charge, good luck to the others trying to stop them.

---

POPPA'S PIONEERS

There's been plenty said about how the rookie coach has brought together journeymen and players looking for another chance to earn the most unlikely of A-League Premierships. It's no cliche. Here's the proof:

Ante Covic: unwanted at Melbourne Victory by Ange Postecoglou

Jerrad Tyson: clubless after Gold Coast United folded

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Shannon Cole: out of favour at Sydney FC after 95 games. 

Reece Caira: looking to prove his worth after coming through ranks at Aston Villa

Iacopo La Rocca: 29-year-old journeyman Italian trying something new in Australia. 

Adam D'apuzzo: after 102 matches with Newcastle, D'apuzzo gave up on his football career to pursue career in accounting - before Popovic called. 

Jerome Polenz: the under-19 and under-20 German international's career was at the crossroads before the 26-year-old joined the Wanderers in August. 

Tarek Elrich: also on the outer under van Egmond at Newcastle, the western Sydney local was one of the first men lured to Wanderland looking to kick-start his A-League career. 

Nikolai Topor-Stanley: an inspired signing by Popovic. The former Sydney FC, Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets was always a regular performer in the competition, but Popovic has taken him to new heights.

Michael Beachump: he might have been to two World Cups, but Popovic's skipper hasn't quite been settled at club level, moving from the Mariners to Germany, Denmark, the UAE before Sydney FC and Melbourne Heart. Like NTS, has gone to another level of consistency.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Aaron Mooy: an important signing for the club and an important move for a player at St Mirren in Scotland. Deal has been an inspired one for both. 

Shinji Ono: a great example of Popovic's ability to motivate and inspire. The 33-year-old Japanese legend, with 56 national caps, left Shimizu S-Pulse disillusioned. It's fair to say he loves the game again. 

Jason Trifiro: plucked from the Victorian Premier League. 

Mateo Poljak: 23-year-old former Croatia under-19 international, looking for a fresh start after failing to graduate from Dinamo Zagreb's youth squad. 

Youssouf Hersi: 30-year-old Dutchman was a shrewd pick-up by Popovic. After a slow start he has shown lived up to his reputation after a decade in the Eredevise to become one of their x-factors 

Rocky Visconte: joined Popovic's squad mid-way through the season from Brisbane Roar, looking for a chance. 

Tahj Minniecon: dubbed overweight and seemingly on the scrapheap, he was thrown a lifeline by Popovic. 

Mark Bridge: an extraordinary renaissance. Had it all ahead of him after moving from the Jets to Sydney FC, but slipped off the radar. A star this season, who has found his goalscoring boots again. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Labinot Haliti: from a super-sub to a genuine match-winner.

Kwabena Appiah-Kubi: Popovic has shown he's willing to throw youth in, and the exuberant 20-year-old has shown great promise when used this year in his rookie season.

Dino Kresinger: the 31-year-old Croatian has been a polarising choice up-front for Popovic's side - yet he has persisted with him and sees him as a vital cog in his side, despite his lack of goalscoring prowess.

Joey Gibbs: a perennial fringe A-League player, Gibbs trialled and trialled and trialled until Popovic had to give him a go. 

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Moment that sunk Sydney's heart

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Clutch save ... Vukovic broke Sydney's hearts with his last-ditch save. Source: Tony McDonough / AAP

Perth Glory fans have a lot to thank Danny Vukovic for.

If he hadn't clawed Dario Vidosic's superb free-kick away with the last touch of Perth Glory's 1-1 draw with Adelaide United on Saturday night, Sydney FC would have progressed to the finals at his side's expense.

Simple as that. A clutch play from a player whose heroics in the final two rounds have gone a long way to seeing Perth seal a remarkable rise from the foot of the table to a finals spot. 

"Bottom line was that Danny Vukovic's save kept Perth in the six," Mark Bosnich said when explaining his choice for the round 27 Save of the Week. 

ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT

ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:

Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:

Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST

GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:

Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST

"Had that shot gone in, Sydney would've made the six.

"For the importance of the moment, I gave it (the vote) to Danny Vukovic."

 It certainly caused a huge sigh of relief from Alistair Edwards, the architect of Perth's admirable revival. 

 "The last seven weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster. It's just great to be in the finals," Edwards said.

 "It was a bit nervy I must admit, when they get a free kick with a few seconds to go. 

 "But Danny Vukovic does what he does best and keeps the ball out of the net."

While Bosnich doesn't give the Glory as much of a chance as he gives Brisbane Roar of causing damage in the finals from spots No.5 and No.6, he says their revival has been a success in its own right. 

"After the way they've come from last - I was one of those people who said they can't make the six. So congratulations for proving me wrong. 

"I think this has been an achievment in itself, coming from last.  

"They'll find it very difficult playing Melbourne Victory with Archie Thompson and  Marco Rojas at home." 

But with big-stage displays in recent weeks, inspired selections - like Dean Heffernan up front on Saturday night - and experience cashing in on late-season form after making last year's grand final, could Perth cause an upset in this sudden death finals format?

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Moment that sunk Sydney's heart

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Clutch save ... Vukovic broke Sydney's hearts with his last-ditch save. Source: Tony McDonough / AAP

Perth Glory fans have a lot to thank Danny Vukovic for.

If he hadn't clawed Dario Vidosic's superb free-kick away with the last touch of Perth Glory's 1-1 draw with Adelaide United on Saturday night, Sydney FC would have progressed to the finals at his side's expense.

Simple as that. A clutch play from a player whose heroics in the final two rounds have gone a long way to seeing Perth seal a remarkable rise from the foot of the table to a finals spot. 

"Bottom line was that Danny Vukovic's save kept Perth in the six," Mark Bosnich said when explaining his choice for the round 27 Save of the Week. 

ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT

ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:

Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:

Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST

SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:

Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST

GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:

Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST

"Had that shot gone in, Sydney would've made the six.

"For the importance of the moment, I gave it (the vote) to Danny Vukovic."

 It certainly caused a huge sigh of relief from Alistair Edwards, the architect of Perth's admirable revival. 

 "The last seven weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster. It's just great to be in the finals," Edwards said.

 "It was a bit nervy I must admit, when they get a free kick with a few seconds to go. 

 "But Danny Vukovic does what he does best and keeps the ball out of the net."

While Bosnich doesn't give the Glory as much of a chance as he gives Brisbane Roar of causing damage in the finals from spots No.5 and No.6, he says their revival has been a success in its own right. 

"After the way they've come from last - I was one of those people who said they can't make the six. So congratulations for proving me wrong. 

"I think this has been an achievment in itself, coming from last.  

"They'll find it very difficult playing Melbourne Victory with Archie Thompson and  Marco Rojas at home." 

But with big-stage displays in recent weeks, inspired selections - like Dean Heffernan up front on Saturday night - and experience cashing in on late-season form after making last year's grand final, could Perth cause an upset in this sudden death finals format?

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dragons upset Sharks in first win

St George Illawarra shocked little brother Cronulla 25-12 to open their 2013 NRL account, the Sharks night made worse with star playmaker Todd Carney helped from the field with a foot injury.

Without a win from the opening three games, the Dragons were given little chance before a bumper 20,130 fans at Sharks Stadium, but they bucked the trend with their most enterprising effort of the campaign.

The Sharks will be keeping their fingers crossed the loss isn't compounded by a serious injury to Carney, who had to be carried from the field late in the first half with what was diagnosed as a sprained foot.

Sydney Sharks coach Shane Flanagan refused to blame the strain the club has been under thanks to the drugs cloud surrounding the club for the letdown.

"I could toss that one up and that might be the case but I'm not going to throw it out there as an excuse," Flanagan said.

"The Dragons were good and they played with some attitude and we didn't have that."

On Carney, Flanagan was hoping for the best.

"He thought he heard something snap but it was his orthotic, that's how much power went through his foot," he said.

"They think it's a mid-foot sprain so it's nothing to do with his achilles or anything like that."

Asked about the relief in the Dragons dressing room, coach Steve Price said:

"I think there is (a feeling of relief) in the dressing room.

"It's not as if the boys haven't been trying, they've worked their backsides off over those losses and we fine-tuned a couple of things and we went out there and replicated that tonight."

Much-maligned five-eighth Jamie Soward was brilliant for the Dragons, scoring one try, nailing a couple of pressure-cooker sideline conversions and a late field goal, but it was the acrobatic genius of Jason Nightingale that had everybody talking.

The Kiwi winger contorted his body sensationally to nab two second half tries, the first with his entire body over the sideline and the second only millimetres inside the dead ball line as he chased a Nathan Fien kick to secure the win.

Having scored 11 first half points in total in their opening three games, the Dragons had 12 on the board inside the first 16 minutes to stun the Sharks Stadium full house.

Aside from coach Steve Price, no-one had copped more of the brunt than the much-maligned Soward, who put together his best performance in a long time to help secure the win.

"One win doesn't make your season but it definitely helps," Soward said.

"We've been under the pump for a month, everyone's been saying what they want to say, we don't really care about it honestly.

"You're never going to keep everyone quiet, you (the media) have to do your jobs and sell papers and we have to do our jobs and play footy."

Asked if he thought some of the criticism, which had mainly been levelled at a struggling Dragons attack, had been fair, Soward said:

"When you're not winning you're going to get more criticism then when you're winning.

"We've put in some good efforts, we've just been unlucky I think.

"It's easy when we're losing for people to come out and write bad stuff about the team and the coach.

"But morale's good in the team, we're not really worried about everyone else.

"We know the job we've got ahead of us, we've put ourselves in a tough position, tonight hopefully is the start of something good."

As for the rubber ball which was thrown from the crowd as he lined up for a crucial sideline conversion, Soward said:

"It didn't hit me, but when stuff like that happens, it's unwarranted.

"What are they going to gain out of it?

"It didn't put me off, I still kicked it. I love kicking them from the sidelines."

Proving far more adventurous with the ball, a Trent Merrin offload sent Fien under the posts and five minutes later Luke Lewis was made to pay for a dropped ball when Soward picked up the dregs and ran 85 metres to double the lead.

The sight of Carney being carried off could have knocked the stuffing out of the Sharks, but Ben Pomeroy came up with his own magic trick, tapping back a ball heading over the dead ball line for Jeff Robson to halve the deficit.

There was no let-up from the Dragons after the break as Nightingale took the visitors back out by two converted tries - Sharks fans revealing their ugly side as some threw what appeared to be tennis balls onto the field as Soward lined up the sideline conversion.

He nailed it to rub further salt into the wounds - as he did again when Nightingale scored his second out wide on 64 minutes after Andrew Fifita had dragged the Sharks back into the contest with a short-range four-pointer.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brumbies sink Bulls after siren

Nerves of steel ... Christian Lealiifano nails a penalty goal after the siren to defeat the Bulls. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

An after-the-siren 45-metre penalty goal to inside centre Christian Lealiifano snatched the Brumbies a dramatic 23-20 Super Rugby win over the Bulls in Canberra on Saturday night.

The Bulls locked the scores up with one minute to go when outside centre Johannes Engelbrecht scored in the corner from a turnover and Morne Steyn converted.

1 Tries 2
Robbie Coleman 40'	Jurgen Visser 49'
	JJ Engelbrecht 79'
0 Conversions 2
	Morne Steyn 50'
	Morne Steyn 80'
6 Penalties 2
Christian Lealiifano 19'	Morne Steyn 21'
Christian Lealiifano 33'	Morne Steyn 54'
Christian Lealiifano 37'
Christian Lealiifano 70'
Christian Lealiifano 74'
Christian Lealiifano 80'

But the South Africans pushed for the win after the hooter and were penalised directly in front of their own posts.

Lealiifano, who had only missed one shot at goal in six attempts all night, stepped up and nailed it in front of 13,735 fans.

The Bulls finished strong for the second week running, working back an 11-point halftime deficit, but once again fell just short of snatching a last-minute Super Rugby result.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	5	1	0	73	3	27
2	Reds	5	2	0	5	2	22
3	Waratahs	2	3	0	-30	1	13
4	Western Force	1	4	0	-31	1	9
5	Melbourne Rebels	1	4	0	-82	1	9
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	5	1	0	84	5	25
2	Hurricanes	3	2	0	1	2	18
3	Blues	2	3	0	16	5	17
4	Crusaders	2	2	0	37	4	16
5	Highlanders	0	5	0	-48	2	6
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Sharks	4	1	0	60	1	21
2	Bulls	3	3	0	-5	3	15
3	Stormers	2	2	0	1	2	14
4	Cheetahs	3	2	0	-22	1	13
5	Southern Kings	1	4	0	-59	0	8

The Brumbies scrum dominated the Bulls throughout the match, culminating in a yellow card to loosehead prop Morne Mellet in the 65th minute for repeated scrum infringements.

With the Bulls scrum one man down, the Brumbies pressed home their advantage and nine minutes later Lealiifano kicked his fifth penalty goal of the night after another scrum infringement.

Both sides began the match playing a very conservative style of rugby, choosing to minimise the risk of being penalised in their own half by kicking it immediately rather than running.

A 9-3 lead to the Brumbies late in the first half gave them the confidence to run the ball more, retaining possession for over a dozen phases before fullback Robbie Coleman scrambled over the tryline after the halftime siren.

---

Re-live all the action from the Brumbies' last-gasp win over the Bulls, with video of the dying stages, at our Super Rugby Match Centre.

---

A rejuvenated Bulls declined a penalty shot directly after halftime and after several phases winger Lionel Mapoe crashed over the line only to lose the ball in a last ditch tackle by Brumbies winger Henry Speight.

However fellow winger Petrus Visser made amends in the 49th minute when he finished off a well worked passage of play from the Bulls.

18.48 | 0 komentar | Read More