Casualty ward: Fifita out for six weeks

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IN bad news for Cronulla, Andrew Fifita has injured his wrist at training keeping him out of the game for six weeks.

The Sharks are yet to reveal how the injury occurred and are yet to release a detailed statement, only mentioning it when announcing their team for the round 15 clash against the Sea Eagles.

"In a continuation of his wretched year, Andrew Fifita has his wrist in a cast and has been ruled out for a period of up to six weeks after a training accident. Siosaia Vave, who has done a solid job in the absence of Fifita, will start in the front row against the Sea Eagles."

Fifita had been expected to make his return this week from an ankle injury but that has now been delayed.

Canterbury duo Sam Perrett and David Klemmer are also expected to be sidelined for around six weeks due to injuries suffered in Sunday's loss to Parramatta.

Both Perrett and Klemmer left the field in the first half of the Eels' 22-12 win and didn't return.

The Bulldogs confirmed on Monday that fullback Perrett suffered a medial ligament injury in his knee which will likely rule him out of NRL action until round 20.

Interchange forward Klemmer suffered a syndesmosis injury which means he is also unlikely to return to the field before round 20.

David Klemmer injures his ankle. Source: Getty Images

The news is another blow to the Bulldogs who have dropped three games straight and fallen from the NRL competition lead, after emerging as the in-form team in the first half of the season with seven successive wins.

The Bulldogs face another test against Canberra in the nation's capital on Friday, with their NSW halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds set to back up just 48 hours after State of Origin II. Prop Aidan Tolman missed the Eels match with a hamstring injury and is a 50/50 proposition to take on Canberra.

Canterbury also have Josh Morris (knee) sidelined until round 18 and Frank Pritchard has been ruled out for the season with a pectoral muscle injury.

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ROUND 14 CASUALTY WARD

Joel Reddy (Quad, TBC) - pre-game

Bryson Goodwin (Elbow, TBC) - pre-game

George Burgess (Ankle, TBC)

Joe Picker (Concussion, round 15)

Krisome Auva'a (Ankle, TBC)

Dene Halatau (Concussion, round 16)

Tyson Frizell (Ankle, TBC)

Kevin Naiqama (Cramp, round 16)

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Concussion, round 16)

Jeremy Smith (Collarbone, TBC)

Manu Ma'u (Broken arm, TBC)

Sam Perrett (Knee, TBC)

David Klemmer (Ankle, TBC)

Albert Kelly (Leg, TBC) - pre-game

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FULL NRL INJURY LIST

Brisbane Broncos

Ashley Taylor (Shoulder, Round 18)

Mitchell Dodds (Knee, Season)

Martin Kennedy (Calf, Round 18)

Canberra Raiders

Edrick Lee (Foot, Season)

Jeff Lynch (Knee, Season)

Joel Edwards (Fractured cheekbone, Round 16)

Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Knee, Round 18)

Josh Papalii (Ankle, Round 18)

Paul Vaughan (Suspension, Round 16)

Canterbury Bulldogs

Frank Pritchard (Pectoral, Season)

Moses Mbye (Foot, Round 20)

Josh Morris (Knee, Round 19)

Sam Perrett (Knee, Round 21)

Chase Stanley (Knee, Round 18)

Aiden Tolman (Hamstring, Round 15)

David Klemmer (Ankle, Round 21)

Cronulla Sharks

Andrew Fifita (Wrist, Round 21)

Luke Lewis (Knee, Round 15)

John Morris (Neck, Indefinite)

Eric Grothe Jr (Back, Round 15)

Todd Carney (Hamstring, Round 15)

Anthony Tupou (Ribs, Round 15)

Matt Prior (Back, Round 15)

Sosaia Feki (Hamstring, Round 15)

Jonathan Wright (Hamstring, Round 15)

Ricky Leutele (Knee, Round 15)

Jeff Robson (Hamstring, Round 15)

Gold Coast Titans

Aidan Sezer (Pectoral, Round 24)

Jamie Dowling (Knee, Season)

Ashley Harrison (Neck/concussion, Round 14)

Beau Falloon (Back, Round 14)

Paul Carter (Stood down, Round 17)

Albert Kelly (Leg, Round 16)

Manly Sea Eagles

Glenn Stewart (Ankle, Round 15)

Daly Cherry-Evans (Knee, Round 15)

Jamie Lyon (Hamstring, Round 15)

Melbourne Storm

Justin O'Neill (Knee, Round 20)

Richard Kennar (Hip, Round 17)

Cooper Cronk (Broken arm, Round 19)

Billy Slater (Shoulder, Round 15)

Matt Duffie (ACL, Season)

Mitchell Garbutt (Knee, Round 20)

Slade Griffin (ACL, Season)

Joel Romelo (Ankle, Round 14)

Dayne Weston (Neck, Round 15)

Cody Walker (Hamstring, Round 16)

New Zealand Warriors

Thomas Leuluai (Groin, Indefinite)

Ben Henry (Knee, Indefinite)

Glen Fisiiahi (Shoulder, Round 15)

Sione Lousi (Knee, Round 15)

Kevin Locke (Ankle, Indefinite)

Newcastle Knights

Alex McKinnon (Fractured neck, Season)

Joey Leilua (Throat, Indefinite)

Marvin Filipo (Arm, Round 15)

Kade Snowden (Suspension, Round 16)

Adam Cuthbertson (Knee, Round 18)

Jeremy Smith (Collarbone, Indefinite)

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North QLD Cowboys

Lachlan Coote (ACL, Season)

Patrick Kaufusi(Pectoral, Season)

Gavin Cooper (Dislocated hip, Round 22)

Cameron King (Knee, Season)

Tariq Sims (Suspension, Round 15)

Parramatta Eels

Jacob Loko (Knee, Indefinite)

Nathan Peats (ACL, Season)

Darcy Lussick (Knee cap, Round 15)

Kaysa Pritchard (Shoulder, Round 15)

Mitchell Allgood (Suspension, Round 15)

Manu Ma'u (Broken arm, Indefinite)

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Penrith Panthers

Jamal Idris (Personal leave, Indefinite)

David Simmons (Knee, Round 20)

Isaac John (Achilles, Season)

George Jennings (Dislocated elbow, Season)

Kevin Naiqama (Cramp, Round 16)

Adam Docker (Concussion, Round 16)

Nathan Smith (Back, Round 18)

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Suspension, Round 18)

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South Sydney Rabbitohs

Kirisome Auav'a (Ankle, Indefinite)

Bryson Goodwin (Elbow, Indefinite)

George Burgess (Ankle, Indefinite)

Beau Champion (Wrist, Indefinite)

Aaron Gray (Knee, Round 24)

Joel Reddy (Quad, Indefinite)

Dylan Walker (Broken hand, Round 20)

Joe Picker (Concussion, Round 16)

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St George Illawarra Dragons

Dylan Farrell (Pectoral, Round 18)

Jack Stockwell (Foot, Round 16)

Brett Morris (Dislocated shoulder, Round 21)

Kyle Stanley (Hamstring, Indefinite)

Michael Witt (Knee, Season)

Dan Hunt (Groin, Indefinite)

Tyson Frizell (Ankle, Indefinite)

Sydney Roosters

Boyd Cordner (Ankle, Round 17)

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Concussion, Round 16)

Wests Tigers

Tim Moltzen (Knee, Indefinite)

Dene Halatau (Concussion, Round 16)

Liam Fulton (Concussion, Round 16)

Cory Paterson (Finger, Indefinite)

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Players confident of beating drug bans

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ESSENDON players left Monday's meeting with lawyers confident they would beat claims they took banned drugs.

One of the lawyers acting for the players, David Grace, QC, told the players they should be ''very confident'' evidence they took thymosin beta 4 would not stand up.

It's believed Grace was responding to a question from one of the players.

SOMEONE'S BLUFFING AT THE DRUGS SAGA TABLE

AFL CLUBS FACE PROBES ON SUPPLEMENTS

ASADA MUST FREEZE PROBE

In what was a wideranging discussion, the players are understood to be confused about the show cause notices which alleged they received thymosin beta 4 from former sports scientist Stephen Dank, amid claims not one player admitted to using TB 4 in their interviews with ASADA and AFL investigators.

The point being the players had effectively already answered the show cause allegation.

At their initial interviews, it's believed a handful of players admitted to using thymosin. Others are believed to have answered vaguely with ''I don't know'', that "rings a bell'', "it's familiar''.

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The Bombers believe the thymosin the players took was the safe version, called thymomodulin.

ASADA can issue a show cause if it believes there has been a possible breach of doping rules.

In this case, they are more pointed, alleging the players took TB 4 and ASADA believe its legal advice, contrary to Essendon's, is strong.

The players are understood to be angry at what they believe was an insinuation at the weekend by ASADA boss Ben McDevitt that they didn't fully tell the truth at their initial interviews with ASADA and AFL investigators.

McDevitt said at the weekend: "We still need to know that the players have been honest and fulsome and fully co-­operative.''

The anger comes because the players are aware ASADA has said the majority of the players fully co-operated in their initial interviews.

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A source close to the players said no player would accept ASADA's inducement of a six-month penalty if they now co-operated, a stance backed by Essendon chairman Paul Little.

Essendon lawyers, meanwhile, are seeking a commitment from ASADA to freeze its investigation into the players until the club's Federal Court challenge to the legality of the probe is resolved.

Coach James Hird has also made a similar request, via his lawyers.

It was reported yesterday the players have not ruled out joining the case against ASADA.

A source close to the players said yesterday the players were bemused that discussion on the anti-obesity drug, AOD-9604, had disappeared.

Articles criticising Essendon and its players for the ­alleged use of AOD-9604 won awards last year.

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At the time, AOD-9604 was considered an evil combination of numbers and letters and was widely reported to be a banned drug, which fuelled the "drug cheats'' landscape.

It was officially banned midway through 2013, but was not banned when the players used it in early 2012.

Sixteen months after the ­investigation began, which included claims the players and officials would be grilled about 35 drugs and supplements, the players have being asked to ­answer just one allegation — the use of TB-4.

Essendon claims there is no proof the players took it despite text messages between drug supplier Shane Charter and Dank, which included the ordering of "Thymosin'' vials.

ASADA says its proof is strong and the authority is prepared for a legal stoush.

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Dutch genius begins to blossom

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HE'S Manchester United-bound, just masterminded a 5-1 trouncing of World Cup champions Spain and now Louis van Gaal's sophisticated tactical web must be untangled by Ange Postecoglou and his Socceroos.

The Dutchman with a modest playing career announced himself in 1995 when he led a young Ajax to Champions League glory and since it's been a mixed bag.

Perhaps unfairly, he was identified by his two bitter divorces with Barcelona plus failing to qualify an outrageously talented Dutch side for the 2002 World Cup.

But turning 63 in August, he appears to be in his prime.

Australian-born keeper Joey Didulica was signed by van Gaal for $3m in 2006 and was his no.1 until a shocking collision saw him miss almost two years.

"I've had some good coaches but he was the only one who could pick apart a game and then change it in a five-minute half-time speech,'' said Didulica, whose former coaches include Germany's Joachim Loew and Ronald Koeman.

"He's a master of the game, a tactical genius. He knows football on a different level to most coaches.

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"He's a perfectionist, he's hard working and he's big on the minor details.

"Some call him a dictator. From the gear steward to lady making the dinners, he want to be in control.''

It's this stubborn streak which has led to most of his conflicts and raised questions about his coaching longevity.

He quit after his first stint at Barcelona, where he displayed his famous disdain for journalists: "Friends of the press, I am leaving. Congratulations.''

There he butted heads with some of the stars, including Brazilian Rivaldo.

Louis van Gaal celebrates with Robin van Persie after the star striker scored against Spain. Picture: Manu Fernandez. Source: AP

His 2002 World Cup failure was followed by a second stint at Barcelona - he lasted half a season before he was sacked.

He was then appointed technical director of Ajax, a role that was never going to work.

The last straw was when he sanctioned the sale of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Juventus on the eve of the 2004-05 season, leaving coach Ronald Koeman furious.

Next season he joined AZ, where he started coaching as a playing-assistant in 1986.

"He can't be a sports director and I think he realised he needs to be on the pitch making decisions,'' Didulica said.

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"When he came to AZ, it wasn't the last straw but there were a lot of questions about whether he his time was up and if he could handle the new generation.

"But when he won the league at AZ (2008-09) that got him back on the map.

"We scored over 100 goals and conceded 24, then going to Bayern Munich got him back on the world map.''

Van Gaal, who will be replaced by Guus Hiddink as Dutch national team coach after the World Cup, signed fellow Aussie Brett Holman at AZ from NEC Nijmegen in 2008 for $5m.

Holman, who retired from the Socceroos on the eve of the World Cup, said his training sessions were spectacular.

"It was a tough time, I didn't play a lot, but I still learnt so much,'' Holman said.

"His sessions were unbelievable, he's a manager I actually sat there and took notes from they were that good.

"He makes players better and he changed and won games with his tactics.''

Questions were still raised a week before the World Cup, when the Dutch produced a lackluster performance against Wales.

"After Euro 2012 they put in a whole new generation and a lot of these guys won the U17 Euros a couple of years ago,'' FFA technical director, Dutchman Han Berger said.

"There was a lot of criticism about that in Holland because he abandoned the traditional playing style.''

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While van Gaal cares little about popular opinion, his style is abrasive and he's fallen out with many in his time, he does form special bonds.

He and Arjen Robben were tight during their time together at Bayern Munich, where van Gaal won the German League-Cup double and got to the 2009-10 Champions league final.

And despite talk of tension between he and Robin van Persie, it did not seem that way in the win over Spain.

"I think he'll go well at Man United. Bayern were at crossroads, but he got things back on track,'' Didulica said.

"I think van Persie will play a big part in that. You saw with the high five with van Gaal after the goal, that was a signal of respect.''

While United fans might be beaming, happy Dutch stars do not augur well for the Socceroos ahead of tomorrow's clash in Porto Alegre.

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Who is the best mark in AFL?

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AFL ROUND 13 might have seen the goal of the year thanks to Eddie Betts' audacious snap from the pocket at the Adelaide Oval and Buddy's five-goal blitz was breathtaking, but for the footy purests, the most promising highlight came in the very first game.

Levi Casboult's towering mark was impressive for its power, level of difficulty and unfortunately, for its rarity in the modern game.

Levi Casboult crashes the pack to pull down this mark. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Casboult — all 100kg of him — crashed through a pack of players like they were pins in a bowling alley, to haul down the mark and kick one of his four goals for the night.

The high mark is one the hallmark features of our game and one of the crucial elements of its individuality, however in the modern game this spectacular skill is being rarer.

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Boomers Dream Team on hold

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AUSTRALIA'S version of the Dream Team will have to wait until the Brazil Olympics with Andrew Bogut ruling himself out of this year's basketball World Cup.

The Golden State Warriors centre is still battling to overcome a broken rib and ankle injury as he prepares for 11th season in the NBA.

"It's a tough one for me," Bogut told The Daily Telegraph.

"I could play but it would jeopardise my main goal which is playing in the Olympics (Brazil). Unfortunately to get there I have to give something up and it will be the worlds this year."

"My rib is not 100 per cent and I'm still not back into full training. I can't see myself playing through the Worlds and a full NBA season."

The No.1 draft pick from 2005 admits the challenge of playing a decade in the world's best basketball league and battling a continuous run of injuries has also affected his decision to miss the World Cup, which take place in Spain in August and September.

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"It's been a huge grind for my physically and mentally with the injuries," Bogut said.

"I've spent the last three or four seasons rehabbing injuries so this is the first time I can get focused on getting in the gym and getting better."

Like all Australian basketball fans Bogut was fixed to his TV on Monday watching Patty Mills and Aron Baynes become the latest Aussies to become NBA champions.

"It's great for the game here in Australia and they thoroughly deserve it," Bogut said.

"Patty Mills has had a great season and Finals series and going into free agency so hopefully he will get a good contract out of it and Baynesy as well."

Andrew Bogut is battling a broken rib and ankle injury. Source: News Limited

Australia's basketball stocks are their best in more than a decade. Mills and Baynes have championship rings, Matthew Dellavedova impressing at the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dante Exum on target to be a top five pick in the draft and high schooler Ben Simmons another super prospect.

"It's an exciting time for the game in Australia," Bogut said.

"There is a lot of upside for the team with a lot of young guys coming into the team."

Currently at home in Melbourne, the Warriors centre had a surprise visit from his new coach Steve Kerr.

"It showed a lot of respect to come here and see me," Bogut said.

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"He had some good things to say about the direction of the team and what he wants to do. I'm really excited about Steve.

"The question is that he hasn't coached before but the way he spoke to me when he was here it seemed like he knew what he was doing."

Kerr also caught up with Luc Longley, who he won three championships with at Chicago and Andrew Gaze, who he won one with at the Spurs.

Bogut is hoping he can join them as another Australian to team up with Kerr and win a ring.

"It would be nice if it happened I would definitely love that," Bogut said.

"We have a roster that can push to get there. We all need to be on the same page and the Spurs have shown that you don't need a team full of superstars to win."

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Burgess ties for lead in Dally M battle

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THE battle for the 2014 Dally M medal is on in earnest as Sam Burgess draws level with Jarryd Hayne at the top of the leaderboard.

Burgess's man-of-the-match display in the Rabbitohs victory over the Tigers earned him the maximum three points with he and Hayne now locked on 18 points each at the midway point of the season.

They are two clear of the Cowboys' Johnathan Thurston with the Broncos's Ben Hunt and the Bulldogs Josh Reynolds a further point back on 15.

Also earning three points for their exploits in round 14 were the Panthers' Josh Mansour who caused havoc for the Dragons from the wing, Roosters prop Sam Moa, who led from the front for the Roosters, while Chris Sandow was a revelation filling in for Jarryd Hayne at fullback.

CORRECTION: Last week Jarryd Hayne's three Dally M points he received in State of Origin I. That was incorrect and Hayne's points have been adjusted accordingly.

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Round 14

Rabbitohs v Tigers

Judge: Andrew Johns

3 S Burgess (SOU)

2 G Burgess (SOIU)

1 A Johnston (SOU)

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Panthers v Dragons

Judge: Gary Belcher

3 J Mansour (PEN)

2 G Widdop (SGI)

1 B Kite (PEN)

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Roosters v Knights

Judge: Mark Gasnier

3 S Moa (SYD)

2 D Napa (SYD)

1 J Mamo (NEW)

Bulldogs v Eels

Judge: Brad Fittler

3 C Sandow (PAR)

2 P Pauli (PAR)

1 J Graham (CTB)

Titans v Storm

Judge: Ben Ikin

3 J Bromwich (MEL)

2 B Roberts (MEL)

1 M Minichiello (GCT)

Sam Burgess led from the front in the Rabbitohs victory over the Tigers. Source: Getty Images

LEADERBOARD

18 J Hayne (PAR)

18 S Burgess (SOU)

16 J Thurston (NQL)

15 B Hunt (BRI)

15 J Reynolds (CTB)

14 D Cherry-Evans (MAN)

12 C Sandow (PAR)

12 R Farah (WST)

12 G Widdop (STI)

10 G Burgess (SOU)

10 C Cronk (MEL)

11 M Gillett (BRI)

9 J Bromwich (MEL)

9 D Walker (SOU)

9 A Milford (CAN)

9 A Woods (WST)

9 T Hodkinson (CTB)

9 T Merrin (STI)

9 G Bird (GC)

9 P Wallace (PEN)

9 G Inglis (SOU)

9 J Graham (CTB)

8 L Brooks (WST)

8 J Mansour (PEN)

8 M Scott (NQL)

8 C Smith (MEL)

8 J Tedesco (WST)

7 M Pearce (SYD)

7 SB Williams (SYD)

6 S Moa (SYD)

6 S Thaiday (BRI)

6 E Taylor (PEN)

6 S Johnson (NZ)

6 B Slater (MEL)

6 N Myles (GCT)

6 A Kelly (GC)

6 S Tomkins (NZ)

6 B Matulino (NZ)

6 K Foran (MAN)

5 N Peats (PAR)

5 W Graham (CRO)

5 S Matai (MAN)

5 A Sezer (GC)

5 J Croker (CAN)

5 B Stewart (MAN)

5 T Peachey (PEN)

5 J Segeyaro (PEN)

5 C Parker (BRI)

5 S Radradra (PAR)

7 J Soward (PEN)

4 B Cordner (SYD)

4 J Dugan (STG)

4 J Sutton (SOU)

4 J Lillyman (NZ)

4 J Waerea- Hargreaves (SYD)

4 T Carney (CRO)

4 B. Scott (NEW)

7 S Mannering (NZ)

4 J Leilua (NEW)

4 A Tolman (CTB)

4 D Mead (GCT)

4 J Jackson (CTB)

4 M Morgan (NQL)

3 W Mason (NEW)

3 Robert Lui (NQL)

3 J Friend (SYD)

3 A Glenn (BRI)

3 J McGuire (BRI)

3 B Hampton (MEL)

3 M Ma'u (PAR)

3 T Campese (CAN)

3 J Taumalolo (NQL)

3 S Fensom (CAN)

3 K Hurrell (NZ)

3 M Moylan (PEN)

3 B Marshall (STG)

3 M Gordon (CRO)

3 T Williams (CTB)

3 J Wighton (CAN)

3 A McCullough (BRI)

3 P Gallen (CRO)

3 D Taylor (GCT)

3 B Tate (NQL)

2 C Norman (PAR)

2 F Nuuausala (SYD)

2 G Stewart (MAN)

3 D Tupou (SYD)

2 B Thompson (WST)

2 T Sims (NQL)

2 J Tamou (NQL)

2 D Boyd (NEW)

2 R Tuivasa-Sheck (SYD)

2 P Pauli (PAR)

2 J Buhrer (MAN)

2 A Watmough (MAN)

2 S Perrett (CTB)

2 A Guerra (SYD)

2 D Gagai (NEW)

2 A Minichiello (SYD)

2 A Fifita (CRO)

2 M Taupau (WST)

2 T Roberts (NEW)

2 M Rein (STG)

2 P Hiku (MAN)

2 B Lawrence (MAN)

2 B Kite (PEN)

2 B Barba (BRI)

2 D Napa (SYD)

2 A Reynolds (SOU)

2 B Roberts (MEL)

1 D Copley (BRI)

1 B Takairangi (GCT)

1 M Jennings (SYD)

1 L Maranta (BRI)

1 N Plum (PEN)

1 J Papalii (CAN)

1 J Lyon (MAN)

1 M Ballin (MAN)

1 D Shillington (CAN)

1 M Dobson (NEW)

1 D Farrell (STG)

4 J Maloney (SYD)

1 N Stapleton (CRO)

1 A Koriosau (SOU)

1 J Gavet (WST)

1 W Chambers (MEL)

1 A Blair (WST)

1 J Taufua (MAN)

1 R Rochow (NEW)

1 P Carter (GCT)

1 W Hopoate (PAR)

1 G Buttriss (CAN)

1 J McCrone (CAN)

1 N Friend (NZ)

1 E Taylor (PEN)

1 K Mann (MEL)

1 A Johnston (SOU)

1 J Mamo (NEW)

1 M Minichiello (GCT)

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Loss leaves Titans at crisis point

Sisa Waqa takes out Kevin Gordon after a bomb. Source: Adam Head / News Corp Australia

THE Gold Coast Titans' season is on life support and the club's supporters seem to be heading the same way.

A crowd of just 6497 turned up at Cbus Super Stadium on Monday night to watch the Titans fall 24-20 to Melbourne, their fifth straight loss.

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Sisa Waqa takes out Kevin Gordon after a bomb. Source: News Corp Australia

State of Origin had ripped Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Dave Taylor, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith Ryan Hoffman from the contest, and Cooper Cronk was missing with injury.

But it was nearly 3000 less than the club's previous worst home crowd (9482 against the Cowboys in Round 4).

Ashley Harrison injures his shoulder. Source: News Corp Australia

Three of the four worst crowds in the club's history have been this season and last night's was just 41 more than the 6456 that turned out to watch the Tigers and Cowboys at Campbelltown in Round 6, which was the lowest in the NRL this year.

After a 6-2 start to the season which saw them sit equal first on the ladder, the Titans are now 6-7 and languishing in 12th spot heading into Sunday's home game against the struggling Dragons.

Sisa Waqa saves the day. Source: News Corp Australia

Aside from the Origin absences, first-choice halves Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer were also sidelined along with Paul Carter, who was stood down by the club for two weeks after being charged with high-range drink driving.

And their casualty ward grew after just eight minutes when halfback Beau Henry left the field with a suspected posterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee.

Tohu Harris tackled. Source: News Corp Australia

Lock Ashley Harrison, who bravely returned from a fractured neck, went into the match still feeling some of the effects of the injury, including weakness in his left arm, and left the field after 24 minutes.

All eyes were on Titans speedster James Roberts, who was making his Gold Coast debut, but it was another Roberts who stole the show early.

Brad Tighe pounces on the ball to score. Source: News Corp Australia

Parramatta discard Ben Roberts slipped past veteran Titans prop Luke Bailey in the 11th minute, then fooled fullback William Zillman.

Centre Will Chambers, who was released from Queensland camp on Sunday, stretched Melbourne's lead soon after.

Ben Roberts in action. Source: News Corp Australia

But the Titans rallied with Maurice Blair producing two deft kicks for Brad Tighe and Kevin Gordon to score.

Kevin Gordon added to his highlights reel of freakish tries, but the Titans couldn't find the match-winning points in the final minutes.

MELBOURNE 24 (W Chambers 2 B Hampton K Mann B Roberts tries B Roberts 2 goals) bt GOLD COAST 20 (K Gordon 2 J Roberts B Tighe tries K Gordon 2 goals) at Cbus Super Stadium. Referee: Jared Maxwell, David Munro. Crowd: 6,497.

Re-live the conversation in our blog below:

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Intruder risks life running alongside horses

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A CRAZY spectator has narrowly avoided serious injury after deciding to try and outrun horses at Leicester racecourse in England on Saturday.

According to sources, the intruder jumped the fence and ran on to the course proper as the 10-strong field charged towards him during penultimate race of the day, the Cream Gorse Handicap.

The competing jockeys, whether it be good fortune or they were aware of the situation ahead, managed to steer their horses either side of the man, who was wearing a pink shirt and black trousers, to avoid him.

No-one was injured, with pre-race favourite Illustrious Prince taking out the event.

The spectator's desperate attempt at fame takes us back to a naked man's foolish dash during a race at a Moruya meeting in New South Wales in 2008.

The intruder's sprint comes to an abrupt ending as he slams head first into the turf in the shadows of the post, but not before spooking the leader and costing it the race.

Again no one was injured, but the drunken invader may have picked up a few unwelcome splinters before being arrested.

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Ebert’s outside route ends lean road run

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BRAD Ebert entered Saturday's game against Sydney at the SCG aware his form away from home could have been better this season.

In six games at Adelaide Oval Ebert had averaged more than 25 disposals but that dropped to 18 in five road games and the only match he was at his best was against former side West Coast.

His determination to show he can play anywhere was on display against the Swans as he racked up a career high 40 disposals.

Ebert was in the thick of the action all day, playing a huge part in Port's ability to arrest momentum in the first term and then helping his team dominate in the final quarter.

"My role was being aware of Kennedy around stoppages and from that starting point I was able to find some space and get some outside run," Ebert said.

"It was good because I've been quiet for a few away games."

All the numbers suggested Port's midfield stood up in its biggest test of the season.

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The Power had more inside 50s, more disposals and significant advantages in clearances and marks inside 50s.

"I thought it was OK. You're coming up against some quality players," Ebert said.

"I thought we handled it relatively well. We probably just needed to get on the outside a little bit more and get a bit more run from the stoppages."

Kane Cornes was at his restrictive best, keeping Daniel Hannebery — who was hampered by an ankle injury — to 13 disposals.

"Kane is demanding of everyone to help him out and support but when push comes to shove he's right there and not letting them have any space at all," Ebert said.

In the end it was a few sloppy errors which proved the difference in the four point defeat.

"Look at the turnovers ... What was it 8.10 from turnovers? That's the big one," Ebert said.

"Against these top sides you see as soon as you make an error — even if it's just a ball in front of a player on the ground — they've got the ability to react quick enough to chop it off and make you hurt the other way."

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Crows on pathway to September

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FREMANTLE captain Matthew Pavlich has signalled the prospect of Adelaide making a late charge on the AFL premiership by noting the Crows have enough stars to "drag" the club to September.

But as Adelaide prepares to replace Gold Coast in eighth spot, Crows coach Brenton Sanderson does not want to rely solely on his high-profile players — and warns Adelaide cannot afford such a theme to develop at West Lakes.

Adelaide once again squared its win-loss count (now 6-6) with a promising 36-point win against North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night when Sanderson demanded his players keep challenging each other.

And the third-year coach revealed how much he craves the player-driven team spirit Adelaide needs to be a finals contender rather than a side that, as Pavlich suggested yesterday, can thrive off star talent.

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"My favourite game in my coaching career was the preliminary final loss to Hawthorn," Sanderson said reflecting on his first season in 2012. "In that game we had 22 players who played out of their skins — they could not execute any better.

"Our boys gave everything they possibly had. That is what our fans want to see — win, lose or draw, they want to see the effort they saw (against North Melbourne) consistently.

"Some games we will lose. But if there is the energy, excitement we had against North Melbourne; if there is the passion, the aggression, almost the anger at times, if that is there consistently our fans will be happy."

Adelaide will face a scarred Essendon group — tormented by the ASADA supplement saga — at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night with its own demons to slay. The inconsistent Crows have not won consecutive games since April 27 when they first square their win-loss ledger (3-3).

"We cannot accept this up-and-down, good week, bad week," Sanderson said. "It has to stop. It has to end."

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Adelaide reported no injury on Saturday night when Sanderson delighted in the prospect of adding depth and flexibility to his selection list with the return of utility Ricky Henderson (ankle), forward Tom Lynch (jaw) and young midfielder Brad Crouch (leg) to full training or SANFL action.

Crouch will need to beat a striking report at the SANFL tribunal this week to keep up his claims for AFL selection.

Lynch, whose pre-season was wrecked by a shoulder injury, has played just three games this season.

His year has been on hold since May 3 when Adelaide's controversial loss to Melbourne was marked for Demons midfielder Jack Viney being reported and then cleared for the bump that cracked Lynch's jaw.

He is to end his six-week stint on the sidelines on Sunday when Adelaide's SANFL team plays North Adelaide at Prospect Oval.

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