The Football (all sorts) Thread

[dirge]

Rugby League -> Rugby and Rugby -> Rugby League converts tend to struggle, including many some backgrounds in the other codes (such as Timana Tahu). I can't see this working for Hunt. But hey, for the Gold Coast AFL club it's a success because it generates the headlines they're after. Smart move by them, getting themselves on TV - but a very risky move by the player.

[i_amtrunks]

Very risky by the Gold Coast Club.

Hunt is an injury prone player, and I dont know if he can bulk up to AFL level and not continually injure himself.

Hodges or Inglis would be better AFL players, but I think Hunt will give it a fair go for 3 years before returning to league.

[jacksplatt11]

It's all publicity, what better way to is there gain supporters for a new AFL team in a opposition codes state than by signing up one of the opposition codes players, and one of their biggest ones at that? Interesting to see how it all goes, and I agree that someone in the mould of GI or Hodges etc would make a better AFL player, but we'll see I guess, long time to wait to check him out in action though, in a competitive sense anyway, I'm sure we'll see training footage sometime soon

[Bartrim]

I don't know about Hodges playing AFL. Inglis would be good. Someone like Chris Lawrence would be a good AFL player. He's very athletic, solid, quick hands and has a good long range kicking game (according to Tim Sheens)

[Golden Phoenix]

I can guarantee you all that St Kilda Fans are like this right now
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jimmey-11/Cartoons/petergriffin.gif

What did everyone think of the game?

[fatbot]

GO PARRA!

Boys and girls, as big kev would say, " i'm excited!"

GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!
GO PARRA!

[Fungal Infection]

Dont worry, the Storm will end your fairytale next week. ;)

[i_amtrunks]

Can't wait for the Storm to wipe the floor with Parramatta. It'll shut all the bandwagoners traps for them.

And it will be nice to know the NRL failed to get Parra to win a premiership, considering all the help they have given them with the refereeing and judicial decisions.

[Bartrim]

Can't wait for the Storm to wipe the floor with Parramatta. It'll shut all the bandwagoners traps for them.

And it will be nice to know the NRL failed to get Parra to win a premiership, considering all the help they have given them with the refereeing and judicial decisions.

Gotta agree with you there Trunks. I almost wannasee parra win just so Fatbot will be happy but I think they had a bit of luck. I thought that touch judge had money on Parra goingoff some of his decisions. Oh and what's the difference between Jarryd Hayne's knee drop and Bryce Gibbs' knee drop. Why was Hayne only given a grade1 and Gibbs a grade 2 !? (thats a rhetorrical question. Being an NRL fan I know they are pushing their new golden boy)

[i_amtrunks]

Gotta agree with you there Trunks. I almost wannasee parra win just so Fatbot will be happy but I think they had a bit of luck. I thought that touch judge had money on Parra goingoff some of his decisions. Oh and what's the difference between Jarryd Hayne's knee drop and Bryce Gibbs' knee drop. Why was Hayne only given a grade1 and Gibbs a grade 2 !? (thats a rhetorrical question. Being an NRL fan I know they are pushing their new golden boy)

I missed the game (couldn't care less about dogs/eels) but when I saw the footage of Hayne kneeing an opposition player in the neck when he should have just jumped over him my first thought was "4 weeks". Then my second thought was, "no, the NRL is trying to get Parra a premiership, he'll get off."

If it had have been Slater doing the exact same thing (or any melbourne player) he would have been given 3-4 weeks easy.

Chicken wing was iffy, I don't think the intent was there, but it was still a chicken wing tackle. Good decision to put him on report then dropping the charge after the game.

[Fungal Infection]

I missed the game (couldn't care less about dogs/eels) but when I saw the footage of Hayne kneeing an opposition player in the neck when he should have just jumped over him my first thought was "4 weeks". Then my second thought was, "no, the NRL is trying to get Parra a premiership, he'll get off."

If it had have been Slater doing the exact same thing (or any melbourne player) he would have been given 3-4 weeks easy.

Chicken wing was iffy, I don't think the intent was there, but it was still a chicken wing tackle. Good decision to put him on report then dropping the charge after the game.

What a load of BS that ruling was. Cam Smith was suspended last year for the final and both Hayne and Keating get off with a slap on the wrist. Anyway, this is the final I wanted anyway, since Slater will show Hayne why he's the incumbent Test fullback. People seem to forget that Slater has been consistent all year but Hayne suddenly decides in last 10 weeks he wants to play and now he's the golden child. :rolleyes:

[mknell]

What a load of BS that ruling was. Cam Smith was suspended last year for the final and both Hayne and Keating get off with a slap on the wrist. Anyway, this is the final I wanted anyway, since Slater will show Hayne why he's the incumbent Test fullback. People seem to forget that Slater has been consistent all year but Hayne suddenly decides in last 10 weeks he wants to play and now he's the golden child. :rolleyes:

Actually Hayne has been good all year when at fullback not at 5/8 where we started him this season


Gotta agree with you there Trunks. I almost wannasee parra win just so Fatbot will be happy but I think they had a bit of luck. I thought that touch judge had money on Parra goingoff some of his decisions. Oh and what's the difference between Jarryd Hayne's knee drop and Bryce Gibbs' knee drop. Why was Hayne only given a grade1 and Gibbs a grade 2 !? (thats a rhetorrical question. Being an NRL fan I know they are pushing their new golden boy)

I think with the grading he got a Grade 1 due to the fact that it was from a kick and he was going for the loose ball initally but with Gibbs one Burt already had the ball in his possession before even going for the try. I know the debate would rage on but I think they got it right and it will make for a better and more entertaining game, like come off it who wouldn't want Hayne VS Slater.

[i_amtrunks]

Actually Hayne has been good all year when at fullback not at 5/8 where we started him this season

That is what makes Hayne an okay footballer, not a great one. He can only play fullback/wing. Put him anywhere else and he is a liability.


I think with the grading he got a Grade 1 due to the fact that it was from a kick and he was going for the loose ball initally but with Gibbs one Burt already had the ball in his possession before even going for the try. I know the debate would rage on but I think they got it right and it will make for a better and more entertaining game, like come off it who wouldn't want Hayne VS Slater.

The fact that Burt took a dive didnt hurt either. Kneeing someone intentionally (he went to his knees when there was no need) in the neck is much worse than copping it to the backside.

And I don't know about anyone else, but I would have preferred to see Lachlan Coote, Gidley or Bowen vs. Slater in the grand final. They are all better fullbacks than Hayne. (so are Stewart and Hunt, but I dont like either player)

[mknell]

That is what makes Hayne an okay footballer, not a great one. He can only play fullback/wing. Put him anywhere else and he is a liability.



The fact that Burt took a dive didnt hurt either. Kneeing someone intentionally (he went to his knees when there was no need) in the neck is much worse than copping it to the backside.

And I don't know about anyone else, but I would have preferred to see Lachlan Coote, Gidley or Bowen vs. Slater in the grand final. They are all better fullbacks than Hayne. (so are Stewart and Hunt, but I dont like either player)

Hayne's problem at 5/8 is he tried to do more than he should, where at fullback he can rove a bit more, it's the same with Slater really put him at 5/8 and it just wouldn't work. Where a player like Gidley it does work as he is a great utility player in that way. Just remember Hayne is only 21, in previous years he has done quite well for himself, in 06 he was great in his first year, was very good in 07, last year he was way too quiet coz he was stupid and got shot at and I think that really shook him up.

You must really really hate Hayne don't you?

[Fungal Infection]

I personally think Hayne is great, Slater's just a better, consistent player all round. What I don't like is the fact that alot of people are now jumping on the Hayne/Parra bandwagon now that they're winning. My mate at work who is the biggest Parra suporter I know, wrote off Parra this year and was bagging out the players and coach and how Finchy was pushed out, Anderson is a crap coach blah, blah, blah, now they're winning he's singing their praises!!! Where's the loyalty??!

[i_amtrunks]

You must really really hate Hayne don't you?

Not at all, he is fine Fullback, just nowhere near as good as the media have pumped him up to be over the past 10 weeks. I think his experience with the Fijian national side stopped him from turning into a SBW type player, and having solid role models like Hindmarsh and Cayless around would not have hurt.

What I hate is the complete inconsistency concerning the NRL.

Still, I fully expect the Eels to do a 2001 and choke.

[mknell]

I personally think Hayne is great, Slater's just a better, consistent player all round. What I don't like is the fact that alot of people are now jumping on the Hayne/Parra bandwagon now that they're winning. My mate at work who is the biggest Parra suporter I know, wrote off Parra this year and was bagging out the players and coach and how Finchy was pushed out, Anderson is a crap coach blah, blah, blah, now they're winning he's singing their praises!!! Where's the loyalty??!

I'm a huge parra fan & season ticket holder, barely missed a game this year bar ones overseas & interstate. I loved that we got rid of Finchy, he is a player that buckles when he is the main focus to organise the team & get the job done where at Melbourne he has players like Cronk & Smith to do this instead. All season I thought Anderson was doing a great job but in my eyes he was looking to the future and building a team not really thinking about getting it this year.


Not at all, he is fine Fullback, just nowhere near as good as the media have pumped him up to be over the past 10 weeks. I think his experience with the Fijian national side stopped him from turning into a SBW type player, and having solid role models like Hindmarsh and Cayless around would not have hurt.

What I hate is the complete inconsistency concerning the NRL.

Still, I fully expect the Eels to do a 2001 and choke.

Yeah I agree that he could have very much turned into a SBW, if we loose I wouldn't call it a choke because we weren't the raging favorites and leading all year, I think we have exceded expectations.

[Bartrim]

Not at all, he is fine Fullback, just nowhere near as good as the media have pumped him up to be over the past 10 weeks. .

QFT

The media makes Hayne out to be some sort of super freak with ESp or something. No he just has more time because he is a fullback. We saw what happened earlier in the year when he was in the number 6 jersey. Put any playmaker in the fullback attacking position and watch them shine.

[fatbot]

That is what makes Hayne an okay footballer, not a great one. He can only play fullback/wing. Put him anywhere else and he is a liability.




Your 100% right, Hayne can only play the two positions, but then they aren't many footballers today who can play more then that. Slater can't, Cam Smith can't, yet people recognise these two as being among the best footballers ever produced. The only player, past or present that i can think of that can play mutiple roles would be Lockyer. Even if we go back a few years men like Webke, Andrew Johns, Langmack, Fittler, Langer, Lewis and many many others who are considered to be among the greats only ever played ONE position successfully, yet you think a players no good unless he can play 3 or more positions?

Part of a successful football side, not matter what the shape of the ball, is picking the right player in the right position, it doesn't matter if that player can only play in the one position. it would be nice if players could be moved and swapped around willy nilly, but in reality, it's better to have players play in a position that they can excel at, no matter what that position is, Hayne and every other player in the Eels squad proves that point.

Further poof for this point comes from the Bulldogs and Eels squads from the '80's, every single player played in the one position, and between the two squads dominated rugby league for eight years.

[dirge]

Lockyer was always a 5/8th, but Bennett stuck him at Fullback until 5/8th became available (he debuted at 5/8th during an Origin series when the Broncos were depleted). It's testament to him that he thrived at fullback.

There are players from time to time who can excel in multiple positions - Greg Florimo & Jason Croker are (older) examples, but they're the exception in league, rather than the rule. I can't think of any top players in the last few years who have been able to serve as true "utility" players. Mannering at the Warriors is very versatile, but he's not quite at the same level that Lockyer is (and Croker and Florimo were).

[jacksplatt11]

Ahh just got back from NZ where we watched the AFL grand final, Cat's didn't win the GF, Saints lost it by not taking advantage of their chances, so many missed goals and opportunities. I was going for the cats anyway so didn't bother me, Storm getting through to the GF was pretty epic though and we've done it in good form, so I can't wait for this Sunday. Fingers crossed we'll make it 2 from 4 and not 1 from 3 :mad:

[i_amtrunks]

I can't think of any top players in the last few years who have been able to serve as true "utility" players. Mannering at the Warriors is very versatile, but he's not quite at the same level that Lockyer is (and Croker and Florimo were).

Luke Lewis is probably the only everywhere player, he might not be in the top 3 players at any position (as a specialist) but put him where you need a player and he won't do you wrong.

Gidley is probably the best ball player in terms of versatility, he can play backs (wing, fullback) and in the halves, and do well enough. (Considering he has this role at Origin level).

Fatbot is right on the money that players are more or less specialised, and this starts at the under 12 level. Only similar roles can be switched (wing, fullback.) Most #7 cannot play at #6, nor can many wingers even play centres these days!

Hayne is like most fullback/wing/centres, great because is young, fast and strong when allowed to run, but in a few years time when he slows down, he'll have to bulk up and move into the forwards, as he doesnt have the ball skills to run the game as a half/ five eighth.

[dirge]

Yeah I forgot Gidley...

Hayne will probably end up in the second row, but the outside back moving into the pack isn't a new trend. Those that tend to stay in the backs are usually those who don't rely on speed in the first place, like Sailor & Mick Hancock. Wendell had speed, but it was never his greatest asset.

BTW Sam, I'm curious. What made you follow the Storm? A 20 something yeah old Sydneysider into league would normally have had a team already by 1998. Did you suddenly start following league (a late bloomer) or did you switch from Norths?

[Bartrim]

Your 100% right, Hayne can only play the two positions, but then they aren't many footballers today who can play more then that. .

DANIEL FITZHENRY!!!!!!

When was the last time you saw a player who has worn 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 9

What a champion he was.

[Fungal Infection]

Yeah I forgot Gidley...

Hayne will probably end up in the second row, but the outside back moving into the pack isn't a new trend. Those that tend to stay in the backs are usually those who don't rely on speed in the first place, like Sailor & Mick Hancock. Wendell had speed, but it was never his greatest asset.

BTW Sam, I'm curious. What made you follow the Storm? A 20 something yeah old Sydneysider into league would normally have had a team already by 1998. Did you suddenly start following league (a late bloomer) or did you switch from Norths?

I actually used to support the Doggies but then Super League happened and I became disillusioned with the Doggies for turning their backs on the regular comp. Then when the NRL comp started, and the Dragons were playing the Storm in the 99 finals, everyone around me was going for the Dragons (being Sydney and all) so I decided to go for the underdogs. Been a supporter since. :)

[dirge]

Fair enough. You do realise the Storm were Superleague's baby, right? (just askin)

[i_amtrunks]

Fair enough. You do realise the Storm were Superleague's baby, right? (just askin)

But at least they never defected from the NSWRL/ARL... :p

Does anyone else find it sad that Sydney media is waxing lyrical over a team they all were bagging as a spoon contender 2 months ago?

At least it isnt Manly this time! :D

[Fungal Infection]

Fair enough. You do realise the Storm were Superleague's baby, right? (just askin)

Yup, but as trunks stated, they didn't defect like the dogs did and turn their backs on their fans.

[dirge]

How did the Dogs turn their back on their fans? I know there was the Oasis development thing which would have seen them move from Belmore to Liverpool, but I wouldn't call that turning their back? I'm not disagreeing with you, just not sure what you're referring to.

Of course the whole "loyal" thing is relative - I recall how weird the perspectives got back in 1996/1997.

For instance... when Penrith went to Superleague, Brad Fittler was seen as "loyal" by signing with the ARL (and then being able to sign a big fat contract with Easts). Effectively he dumped Penrith and went to the cashed up club (Easts were spending an awful lot on players in the mid 90s). It's a nice way to walk away mid contract and sign a bigger one. I'm not saying that Fittler went to Easts with this motivation (he might have, he might not have), but yeah, despite walking away from his club he was perceived as "loyal".

Ian Roberts was seen as "defecting" when he left Manly and went to North Queensland, because he went to Superleague. Of course, he was defecting from his club. I doubt that North Queensland would have offered a whole lot more than Manly, but he's really in the same boat as Fittler - both walked away from their clubs.

To me it seemed (and still seems) warped that players were expected to be loyal to a competition rather than the team - after all, it's the _team_ that the player signs for, it's the _team_ that the player sweats for (against other teams).

The clubs were very much walking away from the competition, of course - and in many ways that is disloyal. They weren't contractually obliged to stay with that competition (which is what the Supreme Court ruled when it gave Superleague the green light, anyway), but were certainly disloyal. It could be argued that they had justified reasons for abandoning the ARL (Brisbane certainly felt shortchanged, whether or not their reasons were sound is another matter) although some jumped simply because Superleague had signed all their players (Perth, Cronulla).

[Fungal Infection]

When I can't follow my team because I have to pay extra to do so (with super league being a Pay TV exclusive), then as far as I concerned, they've turned their back on me.


How did the Dogs turn their back on their fans? I know there was the Oasis development thing which would have seen them move from Belmore to Liverpool, but I wouldn't call that turning their back? I'm not disagreeing with you, just not sure what you're referring to.

Of course the whole "loyal" thing is relative - I recall how weird the perspectives got back in 1996/1997.

For instance... when Penrith went to Superleague, Brad Fittler was seen as "loyal" by signing with the ARL (and then being able to sign a big fat contract with Easts). Effectively he dumped Penrith and went to the cashed up club (Easts were spending an awful lot on players in the mid 90s). It's a nice way to walk away mid contract and sign a bigger one. I'm not saying that Fittler went to Easts with this motivation (he might have, he might not have), but yeah, despite walking away from his club he was perceived as "loyal".

Ian Roberts was seen as "defecting" when he left Manly and went to North Queensland, because he went to Superleague. Of course, he was defecting from his club. I doubt that North Queensland would have offered a whole lot more than Manly, but he's really in the same boat as Fittler - both walked away from their clubs.

To me it seemed (and still seems) warped that players were expected to be loyal to a competition rather than the team - after all, it's the _team_ that the player signs for, it's the _team_ that the player sweats for (against other teams).

The clubs were very much walking away from the competition, of course - and in many ways that is disloyal. They weren't contractually obliged to stay with that competition (which is what the Supreme Court ruled when it gave Superleague the green light, anyway), but were certainly disloyal. It could be argued that they had justified reasons for abandoning the ARL (Brisbane certainly felt shortchanged, whether or not their reasons were sound is another matter) although some jumped simply because Superleague had signed all their players (Perth, Cronulla).

[dirge]

When I can't follow my team because I have to pay extra to do so (with super league being a Pay TV exclusive), then as far as I concerned, they've turned their back on me.

Fair enough.

Mind you, both sides actually shunted a lot of their stuff to pay-TV (ARL on Optus, Superleague on Foxtel) and both comps were on Channel 9. But the entire thing did make league more expensive to the average punter.

[i_amtrunks]

hahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaa!

The NRL tried so hard to give Parramatta the title, and the stuffed it. The refs may as well have been wearing blue and gold.

Completely outclassed, the score makes the game look much closer than it actually was. The Storm set plays worked a treat, the Storm dominated for 65 minutes before that nice Fui try (cant believe Melbourne was penalised for Parra not kicking a drop out ten metres...).

Hindmarsh was great as usual, and that was the first game that Grothe has ever played where I think he did okay, but the eels were soft in defense, and woeful for the first 50 minutes with their kicking game.

Not going to argue with Slater getting the Churchill medal, even with that clanger knock on, but I think Cronk probably deserved it.

Pretty good game, but Parra were steamrolled... just like in 2001! :D

[jacksplatt11]

Geez I got nervous when Fui scored with about 10 mins to go. But we got up so WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOO

[Bartrim]

Hmmmm the Parra fans a bit quiet in this thread now aren't they?;):p

[i_amtrunks]

Hmmmm the Parra fans a bit quiet in this thread now aren't they?;):p

Havent seen a blue and yellow jersey since Sunday... yet they were everywhere on Saturday...:rolleyes:

What do we think of the Australian team? No Dragons in the side, personally I dont mind, but I find it a little strange that they were snubbed.

[Bartrim]

What do we think of the Australian team? No Dragons in the side, personally I dont mind, but I find it a little strange that they were snubbed.

I feel sorry for Keith Galloway. I feel he deserved a spot. If any dragon deserved a spot I would of said Ben Creagh but it's hard to get a spot in the back row these days as it is definitely one of Australia's strongest points.

[mknell]

Havent seen a blue and yellow jersey since Sunday... yet they were everywhere on Saturday...:rolleyes:

What do we think of the Australian team? No Dragons in the side, personally I dont mind, but I find it a little strange that they were snubbed.

Still wearin mine proudly just been in mourning

They were saying Weyman would have been in the side if he wasn't ruled out from injury but the only other dragon I would have seen in there is Creagh but there were many good backrowers picked, I think it's quite a strong side & only shillington was a suprise.

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm sure everyone's heard about the recent tragedy surrounding the Togolese Football team.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/two-arrests-in-attack-on-togo-football-team-20100112-m2yh.html?autostart=1

:( :( :(

[Bartrim]

No!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26677194-5018866,00.html

[mknell]

No!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,26677194-5018866,00.html

MIght not be all bad, yay for Footy season comming back

[5FDP]

Anyone else here watching the Superbowl next Monday?

[mknell]

Anyone else here watching the Superbowl next Monday?

Indeed I shall be watching it while at work lol

[Bartrim]

Not live unfortunately but will probably catch a reply of it. My interest in NFL has sort of dropped since St Louis went from "The Greatest Show on Turf" to "The Lamest Show on Turf"

[i_amtrunks]

4 and a half hours for a 14 minute game... :D

I'll probably have it on in the background during the day. Channel 10 is airing it on their normal channels as well as One sport!

[5FDP]

4 and a half hours for a 14 minute game... :D


It's a good reason to have a drink, or two.... or three ;)

[SharkyMcShark]

Manchester United take on Portsmouth tomorrow on the 52nd anniversary of the Munich Air disaster, which saw 23 people lose their lives, including 8 Manchester United players. I'm hoping for a rampant performance against an admittedly poor Portsmouth, who are in all kinds of on and off the field trouble (sold most of their best players just to stay afloat, rumours their manager was caught in a brothel, wages not payed since October). A win would bump United up from second to first place, a position in which they'll stay unless Chelsea win against Arsenal the next day. A draw in that match would see United and Chelsea on the same amount of points, with United ahead on goal difference.

I've knocked back several offers to go out, as kickoff is at 10pm and the only strict rule I live by is never go out if there's a Manchester United game on.

[i_amtrunks]

And Willie Mason is gone North.

Whew, for a little while there I thought my team were going to get the waste of space! :D

[Bartrim]

And Willie Mason is gone North.

Whew, for a little while there I thought my team were going to get the waste of space! :D

I think they should since my team has one.

[i_amtrunks]

I think they should since my team has one.

But your waste of space only arrives in May! :p

Then he is likely to be selected for Origin, get taken out by Gallen and be a massive waste.

[Bartrim]

Well judging by the weekend it looks like the new interpretation of the breakdown law is meant to make teams attack more.

Can't remember te last time I saw so many tries scored in a weekend of Rugby (as well as one game; Chiefs 72- Lions 65:D)

[SharkyMcShark]

Perth Glory bottles a penalty shootout against ten man Wellington and Manchester United lose 3-1 at Everton. And my friend points out that Fremantle also won in the NAB Cup this week.

Worst sporting weekend ever.

[Starscream212]

Melbourne Victory Beat Sydney 2-1, Arsenal win 2-0 good week for me lolz :p

[Skullcruncher]

Perth Glory bottles a penalty shootout against ten man Wellington and Manchester United lose 3-1 at Everton. And my friend points out that Fremantle also won in the NAB Cup this week.

Worst sporting weekend ever.

The Best Sporting Week for the year for me!!


Now just waiting for NZ to beat Australia in the T20 and Hadlee-Chappel Cup and that will make the year!

[i_amtrunks]

You worried about the Tigers season yet Bartrim? benji did hobble off.

Penrith have bought well, they might be a top four contender if they can stay fit. I'm hoping Parramatta and the Dragons have big flop years...

And Easts to claim the spoon again, Brian Smith deserves it every year. :p

[Bartrim]

You worried about the Tigers season yet Bartrim? benji did hobble off.

Penrith have bought well, they might be a top four contender if they can stay fit. I'm hoping Parramatta and the Dragons have big flop years...

And Easts to claim the spoon again, Brian Smith deserves it every year. :p

No Benji will be fine for round 1. The only thing I'm concerned about is how rusty the Tigers were on the weekend. Also I'm scared Moltzen might start to believe the press about him and think he's a superstar. You worried about Gidley? Or Stone's idea to play him at 6?

I'd love to see Parra and the Dragons flop. Although I do get a laugh every year watching the Dragons choke at finals time.

[dirge]

Willie Mason to lift the trophy at the seasons end?

It'll be wooden, with a rounded depression at one end.

[i_amtrunks]

You worried about Gidley? Or Stone's idea to play him at 6?

Not worried about Gidley, the guy never stays injured for long, he's made out of Play-doh or something.
I'd only be worried if he was permanently moved to 6, he needs to be given the license to roam. It will hurt his Origin chances, he'll probably have to start on the bench in a utility role.

Saw the pics of Penrith's Lachlan Coote yesterday, he's put on 10 kilos, and now stands half a chance to not get run over the top of. Last year he could only take on Preston Campbell! :D

And Dirge, you may not be far wrong, Cowboys are missing a good halves partner for Thurston.

[Bartrim]

Saw the pics of Penrith's Lachlan Coote yesterday, he's put on 10 kilos, and now stands half a chance to not get run over the top of. Last year he could only take on Preston Campbell! :D

And Dirge, you may not be far wrong, Cowboys are missing a good halves partner for Thurston.

Grant Rovelli will play at 6 for NQLD. I had a look at the NRL jerseys for this year and it's good to see Penrith have gone for another lovely shade of Teal for their change strip.:D (honestly I would like to slap some of the people that design these jerseys)

[i_amtrunks]

Grant Rovelli will play at 6 for NQLD. I had a look at the NRL jerseys for this year and it's good to see Penrith have gone for another lovely shade of Teal for their change strip.:D (honestly I would like to slap some of the people that design these jerseys)

I'll never understand using white as a main colour (except for Nth Q, anything to bring the players temps up there is worth it.) Penrith have a really horrible away strip, personally I think they should have stuck with the Pink away strip and made a year-long breast cancer funding awareness program.

Cronulla should be an interesting team to watch, another team I'd love to see fail, but they should be much better than last season. Souths should make top 6 with their team.

[dirge]

And Dirge, you may not be far wrong, Cowboys are missing a good halves partner for Thurston.

Er... read my fine print :)

[i_amtrunks]

Er... read my fine print :)

I did.... I agree they are a good chance of getting the spoon.

[dirge]

Anyway getting back to the football code the world actually cares about, good to see Adelaide Utd are more than holding their own against Pohang and flying the Australian flag. 1-0 just after half time.

[dirge]

http://www.paxeiro.com/potpourri/sydney_fc-600x400.jpg

I'm stoked... but it hit me this morning that the Football is over until late Winter...

[GoktimusPrime]

Go Sky Blue! :D

[SharkyMcShark]

Horrid football weekend

Eagles lose
Chelsea demolish their opposition 7-1
Fremantle win

Manchester United won but I fell asleep after the first goal and missed the subsequent 3.

Manchester United v Bayern Munich tomorrow night, a tie which rematches the two sides that gave us the best 5 minutes of football EVER.

[Fungal Infection]

How is it torrid that Chelsea demolished Aston Villa (unless you're an AVL fan)?? The only thing torrid is that Drogba didn't get one in although Lampard's classiness makes up for that. :)

[SharkyMcShark]

Title race and all that, thought they'd drop points against Villa - when Carew equalised I thought to myself they'd better not fold like West Ham did the other week after equalising, and the bastards capitulated worse than the Hammers.

I invited my best mate over (he's a big Chelsea fan), but he refuses to watch them for a while because he's still depressed that they got mullered by Inter over two legs and dumped out of the Champions League

[1AZRAEL1]

Bet those of you that go for the Storm won't be happy :p

melbourne storm stripped of premierships for salary cap breaches (http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/melbourne-storm-stripped-of-premierships-for-salary-cap-breaches-20100422-td91.html?autostart=1)

[Bartrim]

Just a shame they didn't wait until round 20 before they did it:D

edit: Just realise it doesn't matter as they aren't awarded anymore points this year anyway

[dirge]

Sorry Sam. No, really. As much as I dislike the Storm, I feel for you (and the players - those that weren't signing a second "hidden" contract, anyway).

Weird thing is that News Ltd are penalising one of their own subsiduaries.

[i_amtrunks]

On one hand I'm not surprised that they got away with it for so long (lets face it, the Cap Auditor is not the right man for the job), and the fact that they only got busted due to an ex-employee telling the NRL what had gone on.

I dont know if the Storm can recover from this, the Bulldogs did, but they had a far stronger fanbase, history and support than the Storm do, lets face it, if News Ltd was not involved, the Storm would have died years ago.

If they do recover, It will be many many years before they are the force they have been the past 5 years, watch Newcastle, Balmain/Wests, and New Zealand start signing Storm players.

Love the move to the central Coast theory, keep Bellamy and some coaching staff, a few players (like Cronk) and just kill off the Storm franchise entirely, but News wont let that happen.

[5FDP]

The NFL Draft is on tomorrow and the 49ers have picks 13 and 17 in the first round. I've made sure that I am working from home to follow the coverage on ESPN :D

I'm sure I'm the only one that cares around here other than Soundwarp (from memory) :o

[optimus1]

I dont know if the Storm can recover from this, the Bulldogs did, but they had a far stronger fanbase, history and support than the Storm do.

I agree with this entirely. Overall a very sad day for the NRL :(

[Fungal Infection]

As a Storm supporter, I cant even recall the number of times I've used an effing expletive since the news broke out. Even when I was picking up my daughter from childcare, I just sat in the car for 5 minutes, listening to the news shouting "F#@K!!!!!" till the cows came home before I was able to calm down enough to get out of the car and collect her. In fact, lets add another one just to show how POed I am - F#@K!!!!!!! :mad::mad::mad:

[mknell]

As a Storm supporter, I cant even recall the number of times I've used an effing expletive since the news broke out. Even when I was picking up my daughter from childcare, I just sat in the car for 5 minutes, listening to the news shouting "F#@K!!!!!" till the cows came home before I was able to calm down enough to get out of the car and collect her. In fact, lets add another one just to show how POed I am - F#@K!!!!!!! :mad::mad::mad:

It's the fans I feel Sorry for, they have been cheated and lied too tis a very sad sad day

[i_amtrunks]

It's the fans I feel Sorry for, they have been cheated and lied too tis a very sad sad day

And the players who were not involved too, they have had everything they worked fairly for taken from them.

Questions now over who knew what, and how much they knew... I'm going to guess that Smith, Slater, Inglis are not players who were given "additional" payments, instead I think it;s more likely the second tier players on salaries around $100,000 who might have had some payments from brown paper bags.

I'd hate to be the Warriors this weekend, they dont know if they are going to face off against an angered united Storm, or a team that has given up the ghost for the season (I'd be tipping the first, Bellamy wont let them switch off without ramifications, and there are still Origin and Kangaroo spots to play for)

[Golden Phoenix]

It's the fans I feel Sorry for, they have been cheated and lied too tis a very sad sad day

Apparently some supporters have dumped their team merchandise outside the teams HQ out of anger.

If I followed the Storm I'd be very angry with them. I'd be wanting heads on sticks. I certainly would not be following them anymore

[Bartrim]

The NFL Draft is on tomorrow and the 49ers have picks 13 and 17 in the first round. I've made sure that I am working from home to follow the coverage on ESPN :D

I'm sure I'm the only one that cares around here other than Soundwarp (from memory) :o

Rampage and myself are NFL fans. Although due to the Rams sub-par performances the last few seasons I've been a little bit quiet voicing my opinions.

[5FDP]

Rampage and myself are NFL fans. Although due to the Rams sub-par performances the last few seasons I've been a little bit quiet voicing my opinions.

Good to hear. You have to be pretty happy that they took Sam Bradford with the first pick of the draft. They haven't had a decent QB since Warner 'left'.

The 49ers obviously are rebuilding their OL with their 2 first round picks. Not bad choices considering they pegged Alex Smith to be their man. He needs all the protection he can get.

I'm a big fan of 49ers and used to be a staff writer for the 49erswebzone (http://www.49erswebzone.com/) from 1999 to 2001.

[Bartrim]

Good to hear. You have to be pretty happy that they took Sam Bradford with the first pick of the draft. They haven't had a decent QB since Warner 'left'.

The 49ers obviously are rebuilding their OL with their 2 first round picks. Not bad choices considering they pegged Alex Smith to be their man. He needs all the protection he can get.

I'm a big fan of 49ers and used to be a staff writer for the 49erswebzone (http://www.49erswebzone.com/) from 1999 to 2001.

Cool:cool:

Yeah I was relieved when they picked Bradford... first sign of rebuilding. I don't think there is anything wrong with Bulger, it's just that he needs really good players around him too. He's not a great QB that can lead any team no matter what. I also think coaching plays a big role. Would Warner have become a superstar if it wasn't for Dick Vermeil?

[Fungal Infection]

Apparently some supporters have dumped their team merchandise outside the teams HQ out of anger.

If I followed the Storm I'd be very angry with them. I'd be wanting heads on sticks. I certainly would not be following them anymore

I can't even wear anything Storm related as a result of this even though I'm still going to support them through this fiasco. Its not the embarrassment that stops me but rather the abuse I'm likely to cop from bogan fans.

[dirge]

Don't worry Sam, I won't wear any Storm gear either :D

One of the disadvantages of following Rugby League is the bogan fans...

[Bartrim]

Considering the bunch of a**holes picked to play for NSW I think I might have to join Trunks and support Queensland this year

[i_amtrunks]

Considering the bunch of a**holes picked to play for NSW I think I might have to join Trunks and support Queensland this year

Don't you dare jinx my team by supporting them. :D

Its a good backline, some some decent workers in the forwards, Gidley will be given license to roam, and Lewis is one of the best bench players to have on a team in years. But NSW will still lose, the halves are terribly weak, and Ennis is like Kimmorley, he folds in the big games.

In comparison, QLD has an even stronger and faster backline, bigger workhorses (but far older) forwards, and players in 6,7 and 9 that are at the peak of their games.

That being said, NSW should be far more competitive, they have a good goal kicker (Lyon), and backs who will (no pun intended) back themselves to score points from anywhere. Should be a very close series.

And great to see Matai facing several weeks off, the guy is like Gallen (who thankfully missed out of origin); a thug who should have been eradicated from the game years ago.

[Bartrim]

Don't you dare jinx my team by supporting them. :D

Its a good backline, some some decent workers in the forwards, Gidley will be given license to roam, and Lewis is one of the best bench players to have on a team in years. But NSW will still lose, the halves are terribly weak, and Ennis is like Kimmorley, he folds in the big games.

In comparison, QLD has an even stronger and faster backline, bigger workhorses (but far older) forwards, and players in 6,7 and 9 that are at the peak of their games.

That being said, NSW should be far more competitive, they have a good goal kicker (Lyon), and backs who will (no pun intended) back themselves to score points from anywhere. Should be a very close series.

And great to see Matai facing several weeks off, the guy is like Gallen (who thankfully missed out of origin); a thug who should have been eradicated from the game years ago.

I don't think Matt Cooper should of been selected after that stunt he pulled on Country Origin. I wonder if he would of been "injured" if he had been selected to play for Australia that weekend:rolleyes:

[i_amtrunks]

I don't think Matt Cooper should of been selected after that stunt he pulled on Country Origin. I wonder if he would of been "injured" if he had been selected to play for Australia that weekend:rolleyes:

Agreed, but then he should be in there on form. I hope Tahu is fit, he and Idris will put some flair and fight into the backline. I hope Hayne fizzles so people will stop ranting about his "talent".

[Skullcruncher]

Is anyone playing NRL dream team? Cameron Smith getting injured - was the beginning of the end for me, I traded him and now with my 'new' players I have salary cap issues ..... hmmmmm.. :rolleyes:

[i_amtrunks]

Best NSW team in years (on paper), weakest QLD team in years (on paper).

Result: QUEENSLAND!

Even though the scoreline ended up looking close, that game only had one result once Slater and his magic hands took that ball to score (same hands that might be good at taking brown paper bags too! :p)

[dirge]

NSW need to stop trying to fit Kimmorley into Origin. He's an organiser, and a damn good one, but he lacks "spark". With a converted centre outside him, the halves had no idea how to create for NSW. Same old same old.

[Bartrim]

Best NSW team in years (on paper), weakest QLD team in years (on paper).


The scary thing with that is the Queensland backline was still head and shoulders above the NSW backline.

NSW should of brought Idris on with 10 to go int he first half. Oh and they should teach him a little thing called deffence too:p

[optimus1]

The scary thing with that is the Queensland backline was still head and shoulders above the NSW backline.


That was true, I was at the game and the Blues hardly spread the ball. I'm not sure if Morris or Hayne touched the ball enough. At least Hayne went searching for the ball, unlike the rest of his backline mates.

Good on yas Maroons :cool: QUEENSLANDER :D

(We were next to the Blatchy's Blues section behind the posts, got cold and soaked, but was very happy at the end. Although would have been better if was seated at the other end with fellow Queenslanders :p)

[Bartrim]

Wests Tigers have signed Wade McKinnon:eek:

[mknell]

Wests Tigers have signed Wade McKinnon:eek:

Yeah but they said he isn't allowed to play on friday for the Tigs VS the Warriors lol

[Bartrim]

Yeah but they said he isn't allowed to play on friday for the Tigs VS the Warriors lol

Yeah it reminds of the loan contracts in European soccer lol:D

But thats alright because we have King Fitzy!!!!:D

[i_amtrunks]

Wests Tigers have signed Wade McKinnon:eek:

Hope he doesnt go party animal when in Sydney.

He is a decent buy, and the Tigers have $$$ to burn especially for situations like this.

[Bartrim]

Hope he doesnt go party animal when in Sydney.

He is a decent buy, and the Tigers have $$$ to burn especially for situations like this.

Probably would of been better investing in a halfback though. Lui is too young to play there all year

[i_amtrunks]

Probably would of been better investing in a halfback though. Lui is too young to play there all year

Who could you buy?

Cronk would be nice, but I dont think he will be one of the guys leaving Melbourne. Could try McKinnon at fullback...

[SharkyMcShark]

Notices that the media has suddenly turned as one of Pim Verbeek, as if the result against New Zealand on Monday actually made the punters think "hang on, we win a bit but we're playing shocking football".

To be fair to them he's take twice as many goalkeepers as strikers to South Africa in his 28 man squad (I don't count Kewell as a striker, I don't care what he says. He changes the position he plays every other week it seems - just this season he played about a month as centre back for his club side).

I predict that this world cup will be morbid compared to the last one.

[dirge]

A good national coach fits his system to the players available for selection - unlike club football he can't horsetrade and buy players to fit his preferred style. Pim has shown total inflexibility - it's 4-5-1 or nothing, even when his only fit striker (Scott McDonald) is totally unsuited to playing alone up front. So yeah, Pim has never convinced me.

Kewell... can play up front, but is essentially an attacking winger. Australia plays him up front since Australia has a dearth of forward options.

[SharkyMcShark]

There's no way he can play striker in Pim's system as it stands. He has to be one of our three attacking midfielders (Pim generally goes 4231). Preferably off the left, although he's reasonable there through the centre.

[SharkyMcShark]

Cracking finish for South Africa's goal there.

[i_amtrunks]

Maybe we need to split this into a round and elliptical football threads?

Andrew Johns is once again allowed to say/do whatever he wants and keep his job. Man is an idiot, and rewarded for it. Good on Tahu for walking out on the crap NSW team.

And in the roundball world cup, I bet England wont be using that keeper again next game, that was an under 12's goalkeeping error.
South Korea played really well, but I hate the way they dive everytime someone looks at them funny, The Kiwi official was duped about 35 times in that match, I hope they start getting carded for it come the second round.

[Bartrim]

And in the roundball world cup, I bet England wont be using that keeper again next game, that was an under 12's goalkeeping error.
.

I was only half awake watching that. I wasn't sure if it really happened. Got a goodlaugh out of it.:D

[snaketales]

aaaarrrrggggg why can I never correctly tip Dockers' matches??!!!
They win when they're meant to lose and lose when they're meant to win!!!

[Lint]

australians getting slaughtered at half time

[Sharky]

australians getting slaughtered at half time

Disgusting. we are a tired old team that lacks any strike power..

cahill was unlucky to get a red, that tackle was only worth of a yellow

the ease at which germany broke our defensive line and turned our defenders inside out is not a good sign for future games...


that has pretty much ended our campaign there

we need two wins now and ghana is not easy

[Skullcruncher]

australians getting slaughtered at half time

:D hopefully that will stop craig foster and the media stop saying australia are a worthwhile top 20 team in the world! Last world cup run was good but a bit of a fluke.

[i_amtrunks]

So Australia on track for last place in the world cup!

That was an abysmal performance, why'd I bother getting up at 4am to watch that? They made the same mistakes again and again at the back, mistakes an under 11's team would be ashamed of.

I thought the main ref was pretty good (bar the Cahill red card, that was a yellow at best), but those touchies were about as hopeless as they get, the Germans were offside way more than they were called for.

Germany played like they were a player up, and then they were, no surprise they won so easily. Australia are not a defensive team, no use pretending we are, we need Kewell and Kennedy up front next game.

[Lint]

I didn't really approve of the refereeing, a lot of poor decisions and missed calls. But I hope he gets to ref an Italy match :D

Towards the last quarter it was basically a slim white knife stabbing into a sea of blue. Australia had really given up (or were in total disarray, hard to tell) after the 3rd goal which is just disrespectful.

[SharkyMcShark]

It was what amongst my friends we'd refer to as an "Eiffel Tower" performance (Eiffel Tower being the name of our shit uni 5 a side team), in that as soon as they were 2 - 0 down most of the players seemed to stop caring really. No one really bothered marking anyone, The defenders were strolling about the place, no one really chased back with any conviction. We just kind of went into a stupor and got done over.

Which is not to say I expected us to get anything against the Germans, but I did expect us to try a bit at least.

Cahill's red card was harsh but not unwarranted. Generally that ref was quite card happy...

[gamblor916]

That was abysmal, I should have gone to bed at half time.

[dirge]

I don't see why Verbeek insists on his 4-5-1 no matter what. When Australia went down 2-0 he stuck with it, even though it was clear that Australia wasn't getting any traction with one up front. It's great if you're hoping to nick a 1-0, but once you're down, you need to be more aggresive if you want a result. He refused to gamble, instead just putting a midfielder up front on his own after half time and bringing the striker into midfield.

Granted, Australia deserved to lose, but Verbeek's ridiculous stubborn love for 4-5-1 only made things worse.

I'll be glad when Verbeek is gone, and Australia has someone at the helm who actually knows how to make the most of the talent at their disposal rather than sticking to a formula and trying to shoehorn the limited supply of players into that system.

[i_amtrunks]

This is for you Bobby:
QUEEEEEEEENNNSSSLAAANNNDDDEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Nothing much more to say but NSW were abysmal, it's what happens when you pick thugs instead of footballers (Gallen got off somehow, and no charge for the O'Donnell headbutt...what the hell?). Hayne showed he is nowhere near as talented as he thinks he is.

NSW have to drop about half the squad, and start fresh. Gidley as fullback, Pearce and Campese in the halves (or Walsh at 6, whoever they pick, they have to stick with), Farah at 9 and captain, Idris, Jennings and the Morris boys in the backs, and pick a tough young forward pack, Leahroyd-Lars, Thurling, Heighington etc with Luke Lewis as a super sub.

And Spain beaten by the swiss... Spain not looking so good now are they?

[Sharky]

This is for you Bobby:
QUEEEEEEEENNNSSSLAAANNNDDDEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Nothing much more to say but NSW were abysmal, it's what happens when you pick thugs instead of footballers (Gallen got off somehow, and no charge for the O'Donnell headbutt...what the hell?).

Gallen getting off was a no brainer.. it was a fairy tap that rolled off the shoulder...if myles wasnt already concussed from a previous hit from white he would of got up... if they were to punish gallen for it the head high tackle by inglis i think on hayne ten minutes earlier was twice as bad since it was direct contact and odonnell well... he should be sitting on the side lines.......not just for the headbutt (which if anything is similar to haynes "headshove" on slater previously) but for the spear tackle alone... that was nasty.

then there was the elbows and forearms.. from both teams.. thurston kneeing the ball player when he was at marker... i remember greg bird got 10 weeks for that many a year ago.. thiaday lifting knees when charging the line...

yes nsw should drop half the squad but gidley included. id leave pearce there but bring in bird... farah cant defend for crap, but has a good kicking game which makes him better for attack... i would bring Tigers Chris Lawrence into the centre , he is a good line breaker and some speed. and jennings just for his speed

lewis wasnt here because of his suspension so i see him getting a recall.. and as much as he is a niggler the Blues need Gallen only because he consistantly gets 100+ meters gained he was the only forward for NSW to crack the 100 metre mark in O:II Hayne was the only other player..... For NSW Learoyd lars and brett white were the next closet in the 70 metre range..... Eniis racked up a huge 8 metres absolutly shocking for a hooker (Cam Smith ran 70)

but in saying that, doesnt matter how much they chop and change the squad... Queensland has to much clASSs... the core group of their squad has been consistant.. Smith Lockyer Slater Ingis Folau........ cant compete with the best in the business....

[Bartrim]

This is for you Bobby:
QUEEEEEEEENNNSSSLAAANNNDDDEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Nothing much more to say but NSW were abysmal, it's what happens when you pick thugs instead of footballers (Gallen got off somehow, and no charge for the O'Donnell headbutt...what the hell?). Hayne showed he is nowhere near as talented as he thinks he is.

NSW have to drop about half the squad, and start fresh. Gidley as fullback, Pearce and Campese in the halves (or Walsh at 6, whoever they pick, they have to stick with), Farah at 9 and captain, Idris, Jennings and the Morris boys in the backs, and pick a tough young forward pack, Leahroyd-Lars, Thurling, Heighington etc with Luke Lewis as a super sub.


I already told you I was supporting Queensland this series:D. The current Queensland side would beat any international team IMO. I wouldn't worry about O'Donnell I think he'll get in strife. NSW needs to stick with it's players not chop and change them as soon as they lose. I was actually close with the score I picked a 40-0 scoreline. I knew QLD's backs would have a field day as Hayne is a lazy defender. My NSW side would be with everyoine 100% fit

1. Dugan
2. B. Morris
3. Jennings
4. Lyon
5. Lawrence
6. Sutton
7. Gidley
13. Ryan
12. Hindmarsh (c) they need a workhorse to lead by example
11. Creagh
10. White
9. Farah
8. Galloway

Res

14. Lewis
15. Leahroyd- Lars
16. Snowden
17. Heighington

[dirge]

And Spain beaten by the swiss... Spain not looking so good now are they?

Oh, they looked good, but forgot to actually take the Swiss defence seriously. Basically they spent the first hour passing the ball around without really trying to test the Swiss defence - like that would be enough to eventually crack the Swiss and score. From memory I think the Spanish side, with something ridiculous like 75% possession, managed a single shot on goal in the first half hour.

Of course, the Swiss were always going to focus on getting their defence set for this game... and were going to need more than pretty passing & possession to break them down. It looked good, but I found myself pretty bored after a while - and was glad when Switzerland took the lead.

Switzerland's goal was sloppy & oppurtunistic, but it shouldn't have taken that goal for the Spanish to actually try and test the Swiss defence. And of course once they had the goal, Switzerland were essentially playing a 10-0-0 formation (not that I blame them).

[Sharky]

did anyone see brazils goal.... slotted nicley past the keeper with about half a metre of space......



great to watch..

[MV75]

Mmmm, so "we" won the origin again eh?

Yet another time when it makes the third match not worth following. This is getting pretty boring right now.

[1AZRAEL1]

Mmmm, so "we" won the origin again eh?

Yet another time when it makes the third match not worth following. This is getting pretty boring right now.

I'm a New South Welshman and even I knew QLD where gonna win, NSW have not had a good side in years.

You're right though, the next game ain't worth watching. Unless you wanted to watch a whitewash :p

[gamblor916]

did anyone see brazils goal.... slotted nicley past the keeper with about half a metre of space......



great to watch..

That was the best goal of the tournament so far. With the altitude and the new ball somehow I don't think a lot of goals are going to come from spot kicks.

[Lint]

Oh, they looked good, but forgot to actually take the Swiss defence seriously. Basically they spent the first hour passing the ball around without really trying to test the Swiss defence - like that would be enough to eventually crack the Swiss and score. From memory I think the Spanish side, with something ridiculous like 75% possession, managed a single shot on goal in the first half hour.

Of course, the Swiss were always going to focus on getting their defence set for this game... and were going to need more than pretty passing & possession to break them down. It looked good, but I found myself pretty bored after a while - and was glad when Switzerland took the lead.

Switzerland's goal was sloppy & oppurtunistic, but it shouldn't have taken that goal for the Spanish to actually try and test the Swiss defence. And of course once they had the goal, Switzerland were essentially playing a 10-0-0 formation (not that I blame them).

Much agreed, Spain easily bested the Swiss on the field but when they got within proximity of goal it was mostly a case of whoever having possession at the time (usually unsupported) taking a random potshot. There weren't many attempts at a coordinated 'play' at all.

[Bartrim]

You're right though, the next game ain't worth watching. Unless you wanted to watch a whitewash :p

Or a good bit of biff:D

[optimus1]

I am hoping to make it the ANZ Stadium for the 3-0 and make the 5-in-a-Row even sweeter :D

And in World Cup news - I hope Pim Verbeek ends up letting our strikers play - as strikers not striker!

[i_amtrunks]

Not a bad side Bobby, but Gidley at 7? He struggles there for the Knights, but that maybe because of the terrible halves partners they have there. Bet they rue letting Smith get rid of Walsh, and keep Dureu instead...

NSW should be able to muster a team to compete with QLD, they are missing a dominant number 9 and number 6, but so will QLD when Lockyer retires. (Prince maybe?)

Nigeria vs. Greece game is getting more interesting by the second...

[Oldschool78]

I heard the sydney herald have the headline "Australasia 1, Slovakia 1"
LOL ....... unbelievable.
No matter, weve got a small unknown team next umm ummm Italy is it? Never heard of them must be minows

[dirge]

I heard the sydney herald have the headline "Australasia 1, Slovakia 1"
LOL ....... unbelievable.


While it doesn't make up for Australia's loss I'm happy for NZ. Really, I am. It's great for Football across the ditch - what's not to be happy about?



No matter, weve got a small unknown team next umm ummm Italy is it? Never heard of them must be minows

Heh. While as an Australian I do wish you guys well, as an Italian-Australian, I can't say I hope you replicate your fortune in the next game! Having said that, you didn't disgrace yourself last time around (as Australia did), and hopefully wont this time - a narrow loss to Italy bears no shame.

[Bartrim]

Heh. While as an Australian I do wish you guys well, as an Italian-Australian, I can't say I hope you replicate your fortune in the next game! Having said that, you didn't disgrace yourself last time around (as Australia did), and hopefully wont this time - a narrow loss to Italy bears no shame.

Wooooo!!!! Forza Italia!!!!!!

[Oldschool78]

While it doesn't make up for Australia's loss I'm happy for NZ. Really, I am. It's great for Football across the ditch - what's not to be happy about?



Man there has been quiet the celebration over here with that draw. If we managed to sneak a win.... not italy but the other one weve got. Holy Holy the party over here will be off the richter

[Lint]

Japan ultimately failed. First half was abysmal to watch, second half was much better. Got to respect the Dutch for not totally collapsing into a defensive game after going 1 up. It kept the match interesting to watch.

[Sharky]

Australia

Cant pass
Cant control
Cant Mark
Cant shoot
Are too slow
they are un-prepared

i am not watching the next game.

[FFN]

I thought they did alright, especially after they were down to 10 men.

[i_amtrunks]

Australia were okay, but I cannot believe the Ghanians got away with that studs up tackle from behind.

Refs are at least being consistent, Kaka's second yellow card was disgustingly wrong, and the Brazilian's second goal included two intentional handballs.

And go the Kiwi's, they have half a chance to progress to the next stage, and good on them for it. They know their strengths and play to them, unlike us Aussies who hire coaches based on their names, rather than their fit for our team.

My favourite world cup related headline thus far comes from the NY Post after the USA v England game: "USA Wins 1-1". :p

[Bartrim]

What a friggin heart attack of a game yesterday by the Tigers. Good to see my man Fitzy score a try (what a cracker too) and good on Heighngton threatening the selectors. What is it with S.O.O selectors ignoring Wests Tigers?????

[5FDP]

Serious question for all those soccer fans out there - why in the hell are they always taking dives and clutching their leg (as if it broke in 5 different places) instead of playing the game and being known for their skills with the ball?

I saw one highlight from the World Cup the other night and one guy went down like a sack of spuds. There wasn't even anyone remotely close to where he was :confused:

I know they're different sports, but I'd love to see one of these guys play a full contact sport like NRL or AFL. They wouldn't last two seconds.

It's for this very reason soccer doesn't interest me.

[1AZRAEL1]

Serious question for all those soccer fans out there - why in the hell are they always taking dives and clutching their leg (as if it broke in 5 different places) instead of playing the game and being known for their skills with the ball?

I saw one highlight from the World Cup the other night and one guy went down like a sack of spuds. There wasn't even anyone remotely close to where he was :confused:

I know they're different sports, but I'd love to see one of these guys play a full contact sport like NRL or AFL. They wouldn't last two seconds.

It's for this very reason soccer doesn't interest me.

+1

I dislike it because they act just as much as they play soccer (yes I call it soccer :p)

[Sharky]

Serious question for all those soccer fans out there - why in the hell are they always taking dives and clutching their leg (as if it broke in 5 different places) instead of playing the game and being known for their skills with the ball?

I saw one highlight from the World Cup the other night and one guy went down like a sack of spuds. There wasn't even anyone remotely close to where he was :confused:

I know they're different sports, but I'd love to see one of these guys play a full contact sport like NRL or AFL. They wouldn't last two seconds.

It's for this very reason soccer doesn't interest me.

this annoys me aswell, i played the game for 18 odd years, at all sorts of levels and to watch the elite players diving to milk a penalty is such a disapointment... i can tell you tho if i hit a guy and he rolled around like that he wouldnt be bouncing up as soon as the whistle blew....

its no wonder the game gets a reputation that it is played by a bunch of fairies...

[Oldschool78]

its no wonder the game gets a reputation that it is played by a bunch of fairies...

AGREED, i couldnt believe how much milking the italians did, they came accross as pansies. I can see why they do it but F&%* sake, get up your dad is watching

[Lint]

KOREA FAIL. Even a non-racist ref would not have saved you. They need to make it up to us by producing some more retro-toys :p


Uruguay deserved that win.

[i_amtrunks]

Maroonwash anyone? :p

That's what NSW get for picking Cronulla thugs (Gallen, Snowden, Bird) and scaredy cat Ennis, who likes to throw punches at unaware opponents then hide behind his team mates...

And in the round ball game, I'm surprised Spain are favourites, considering how little good football they have played, The Dutch deserved to win against the Uruguayans, but cant really see them beating Germany either.

[Sharky]

Maroonwash anyone? :p

That's what NSW get for picking Cronulla thugs (Gallen, Snowden, Bird) and scaredy cat Ennis, who likes to throw punches at unaware opponents then hide behind his team mates...

And in the round ball game, I'm surprised Spain are favourites, considering how little good football they have played, The Dutch deserved to win against the Uruguayans, but cant really see them beating Germany either.

ennis i will give you watmough is worse then gallen bird plays for the titans...... and snowden well compared to thiady thurston and shillington he is the pope....

[Bartrim]

Maroonwash anyone? :p

That's what NSW get for picking Cronulla thugs (Gallen, Snowden, Bird) and scaredy cat Ennis, who likes to throw punches at unaware opponents then hide behind his team mates...
.

I had a laugh when Ennis hid behind Snowden was it after Shillington stood up Looked like a little school brat hiding behind his mums skirt:D

Now Trunks of all people knows I'm orange in one eye and black in the other but I have to ask why do the NSW selectors (yes there were players from the Dragons and The Panthers) pick a host players from teams in the bottom half of the ladder and not one player was picked from the side coming third?!?!?!?! We are coming third for a reason.

[i_amtrunks]

Going to ignore the fact that Germany lost to Spain...

Bird was a Shark, and played under thug Stuart until he glassed his partner and tried to blame everyone else for it. Sharks players as a rule are good at thuggery and look where it has gotten them on the table.

As for not picking Tiger players, that is NSW loss (although I would have had Tuquiri in the QLD side ahead of Tonga). Lawrence should have been in the squad (as should have Idris), Heighington and Fulton would not have been out of place in the squad either, and I have always said Farah should have been there instead of grubby Ennis.
But really, shouldnt you be happy to have the strongest Tigers team available throughout the origin period? With all the other injuries you guys have you need all hands on deck now.

Ennis was outplayed by Gidley who really lifted NSW when he came on at Dummy half, shows you what having someone who is fast and willing to pass can do in that position. The media is calling for his head, but with the idiot selectors of NSW, I bet he gets picked next season

Overall NSW didnt play too badly, they need a better halves combo, and to get rid of some of their thugs (Gallen, Ennis, Watmough), and to stop rushing in from their edges, not sure they made the right centre-wing pairings, I would have paired Gordon and Jennings and kept throwing those two speedsters the ball.

[SharkyMcShark]

Excellent, it is as I hoped - the World Cup will be won by a nation that has never won it this year.

Personally I hope that Holland wins it - most of the Spanish players annoy the living hell out of me, whereas only Van Bommel and Robben really get my goat from the Dutch.

[Sharky]

Footy Stuff


thuggery smuggery

Bird was a shark what happened (Sacked) Latu (SACKED) Maiva (SACKED) Seymore (Sacked), where is inglis (STILL PLAYING at storm) stewart (Injured But still playing at manly) benji marshall (Still at tigers)... list can go on and on...sharks have always had a Zero Tolerance to that sort of stuff....so to say that sharks as a rule are known for thuggery is well just poor.... and saying that thuggery got sharks on the bottom of the table well everyone knows poor coaching and poor player retention and recruitment got us there that is the obvious one..

Ennis the menace.... i agree he should not of been there but then is farah really origin material either.. he does ok for the tigs, a good kicking game but he defends poorly most the time.. Luke Priddis has been on good form and would of been a good pick at hooker.... butterfingers beau scott......i agree Lawrence should have been there in his place, he is one of the better running centres in the game and Jennings didnt get involved or wasnt involved enough..... our halves well NSW has a poor pool to pick from... 5 and 6th string.... QLD has all the quality, pearce mortimer campese they really dont have anything compared to the playmaking class of thurston lockyear cronk smith and prince.... QLD are Miles infront in that department..... i did like how nsw went for some youth... they need to keep the faith in the selections now not chop and change again...

NSW get rid of gallen... nah they need him he runs more metres then the fullback tackles more then most your talking about a game that was built by thugss... and they need him he does what the others wont give the niggle back to the roaches... queensland give as good as they get but they sook more.....

NSW biggest problem is the coach... QLD have the perfect system a full time coach,he can watch/scout all weekly games and not worry about the responsibilities and pressure of running a club side, can pick the top perfoming players based on form from his own eyes, not others say so.... a full time coach with full time preperation.... but not Laurie Daley not Phil Gould not Ricky Stuart, andrew john, brad fitler....... with the exception of gould who has results.... but is nothing but a sour cancer to the game now... the others were all brilliant players.... but bad coaches they make....to much one of the boys etc etc....

[Bartrim]

thuggery smuggery

benji marshall (Still at tigers)... list can go on and on...sharks have always had a Zero Tolerance to that sort of stuff........

Thats a bit harsh. Marshall wasn't to blame for his incident. A friend of mine slings beers at that spot and basically these blokes caused trouble because Marshall wanted to be left alone. Look at Daine Laurie, Even though he got off with assaulting hid girlfriend the Tigers still tore up his contract.

[GoktimusPrime]

'sif you all didn't know:
http://www.smh.com.au/world-cup-2010/world-cup-news/spain-beat-netherlands-to-win-world-cup-20100712-105xf.html?autostart=1

I was expecting Spain to win, but I wanted the Netherlands to win cos I have Trypticon which I consider to be my "Dutch" TF whereas I don't have any TF I consider to be "Spanish" (yeah, I don't own any of the Jointrons :p). Ah well.

[i_amtrunks]

The final was dull, the 3 vs 4 match was (as almost always is) the more entertaining game.

Spain played to win, the Netherlands played to not lose, so no surprises as to who won... Took Spain longer than I had thought, but still the scoreline I had predicted.

[SharkyMcShark]

Spain was my pre tournament pick for the champions, although out of the two I wanted Holland to win.

[Bartrim]

Who did the octopus pick?

[5FDP]

Who did the octopus pick?

Spain.

[Bartrim]

Spain.

Alright I'm going to go and see this psychic octopus and get him to pick the lotto numbers

[i_amtrunks]

I dont think that Octopus dropped a game for the whole finals campaign.
Unlike that Parrot who got every game but the final right...

[mknell]

I dont think that Octopus dropped a game for the whole finals campaign.
Unlike that Parrot who got every game but the final right...

They said the octopus only tipped the Germany games & the final, 8 all up
Not sure what other ones the Parrot tipped

[GoktimusPrime]

The parrot picked the Netherlands. I guess that bird's now KFP. ;)

[5FDP]

Paul the psychic octopus headed for sweet life of retirement (http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/paul-the-psychic-octopus-headed-for-sweet-life-of-retirement/story-e6frfku0-1225890992968)


AFP reported one tongue-in-cheek bookmaker offered odds of 8-1 that he becomes a bookmaker himself, 20-1 that he releases a record, 100-1 that Paul unveils his own brand of calamari, 250-1 the octopus becomes Merkel's (German Chancellor) new adviser and 1,000-1 he ends life as part of a paella.

Pity he's only got a lifespan of about 6 months.

[SharkyMcShark]

Paul the psychic octopus headed for sweet life of retirement (http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/paul-the-psychic-octopus-headed-for-sweet-life-of-retirement/story-e6frfku0-1225890992968)



Pity he's only got a lifespan of about 6 months.

If I owned Paul I'd stick a thousand on the paella option and then cook him myself

[SharkyMcShark]

Off to see Robbie Fowler's debut tomorrow night for the Glory.

As much as I don't like him, he's one of the most natural strikers to have played the game.

[Sharky]

Off to see Robbie Fowler's debut tomorrow night for the Glory.

As much as I don't like him, he's one of the most natural strikers to have played the game.

i saw him last year (against SFC) whilst in a loosing team (5-0) i think he still was one of the smoothest players i have seen or played against its a shame his team mates couldnt keep up... worth going to see him play

[dirge]

Well, Hearts off to a losing start. But there's no shame in that really - they were outhussled by the experts in forcing opponents into disjointed play.

They'll beat better teams than Central Coast once they gel.

Fowler's a class act even at his age - he's certainly capable of shining in the A-League. A fine pick up for Perth.

[Bartrim]

Well I'm lucky to still have a TV after that lose to the bunnies last night:(

[mknell]

Well I'm lucky to still have a TV after that lose to the bunnies last night:(

Nah thats not as bad as leatting in 34 unanswered points in the 2nd half to kill our season

[i_amtrunks]

That wasn't a forward pass that Wesser threw, it was a gridiron pass.

And it ruined my perfect round too! :p

Doggies and Eels seasons are over, and Newcastle and Canberra dont really have a chance either, so now it's down to about 9 teams to make the 8.

[Sharky]

That wasn't a forward pass that Wesser threw, it was a gridiron pass.

And it ruined my perfect round too! :p

Doggies and Eels seasons are over, and Newcastle and Canberra dont really have a chance either, so now it's down to about 9 teams to make the 8.

it makes amends from the mistakes made from the tigers game the week before. same ref.. one major stuff up... that determines the end result of the game.

seriously tho why are the refs a protected species.. lets hope they dont do something like that in the grand final.

[i_amtrunks]

seriously tho why are the refs a protected species.. lets hope they dont do something like that in the grand final.

No idea, but if anyone else was that incompetent in their job I'm sure they would be fired.
Minichello's try in the roosters game was a joke, he knocked it on and it was still given (didn't matter in the end, but still a terrible call).

Problem is Finch is crap, always has been, yet he seems to have the job for as long as he wants it. All these obvious mistakes and problems with the refs (and the touchies, they get away with making no calls) make the league look amateurish.

[Bartrim]

That wasn't a forward pass that Wesser threw, it was a gridiron pass.
.

I actually posted on wests tigers facebook page that Souths won with a touchdown in the dying seconds of the game:p


it makes amends from the mistakes made from the tigers game the week before. same ref.. one major stuff up... that determines the end result of the game.
.

There was more then one major stuff up. There were 2 in that game. That forward pass and right on full time Farah had the markers not square right in front about 40 metres out. Maxwell ahd the whistles in his mouth but didn't have the balls to make the decision.

[Bartrim]

Just tried to explain the McIntyre finals system to my father (a working class Italian)... I need a stiff drink.

[Bartrim]

Not a good weekend for me. Wests Tigers (pack of cheatin Roosters, Refs are too soft:mad:) and St Louis Rams lost... Although one positive was Sam Bradford for the Rams. Played very well for a rookie QB.

[Sharky]

Not a good weekend for me. Wests Tigers (pack of cheatin Roosters, Refs are too soft:mad:) and St Louis Rams lost... Although one positive was Sam Bradford for the Rams. Played very well for a rookie QB.

tigs were hard done by, but in the same instance the roosters didnt win the game, the tigers lost it they really should never have let the roostr get to that position in the first instance....benji benji benji rule number 2 on the footy field is never throw a punh when your in possession... never..... even if they hit you first...

[i_amtrunks]

Worst thing is, had the Tigers won, the Roosters would be out with Manly, so the two teams that don't generate their own juniors would have been gone.

Tigers should have had about 20 points up after 20 minutes, but between their sloppy finishing skills and the refs they were still on 0. Really felt like a game where the refs were looking for any reason to take points away from the Tigers yet give them to the Roosters.

Titans vs. Warriors ws the game of the round by far, too bad the Warriors are out, they would have been a good team to bash up ST George in the semis.

Canberra and Panthers should win this week, Tigers have a terrible record in night games in the capital, but can anyone see the Panthers, Raiders, Titans beating the Dragons? I can't.

[Bartrim]

Canberra and Panthers should win this week, Tigers have a terrible record in night games in the capital, but can anyone see the Panthers, Raiders, Titans beating the Dragons? I can't.

+ injuries/sickness going through the tigers as well. I think the Fairfax Roosters will beat the Panthers. I still can't see the Dragons winning as they weren't very inspiring on Sunday. I think a better team would of carved them up.

Stoooopid referees. Why can't it be like in the good old days if the guy playing the ball and the marker want to punch on then let them. It has no effect on the play going on. I still can't believe Warrera-Hargreaves (or whatever his name is) only got penalised once. As biased as I am and I'll admit the Tigers let the Roosters back into the match I still think if that game was called down the middle the Tigers would of won.

[dirge]

can anyone see the Panthers, Raiders, Titans beating the Dragons? I can't.

Canberra have a fantastic record against St George (great in Canberra & Kogarah, okay in Wollongong). I'm sure the Dragons would much prefer Wests, although they'll say publicly that they don't care who they play, of course.

Dragons are capable of beating Canberra, purely because they have a lot more big-game experience.

[Bartrim]

TIGERS! TIGERS! TIGERS!:D

[mknell]

TIGERS! TIGERS! TIGERS!:D

Aren't they lucky Croker did a Luke Burt on that kick

[i_amtrunks]

I wonder who is paying off the refs to ignore the roosters infringements in the finals?

Two weeks in arow the Roosters have been disgusting in the play the ball, and gotten away with it, yet the few times tigers or panthers players did the same they got penalised. I dont understand how the refs were going off at Petero to get his team under control on Saturday night when it was the roosters who were playing dirty.

And that Waragreava Hargraves is a disgrace, he is the last man in on every tackle (usually from on offside marker position) just ramming his shoulders into the back of the oppositions head and neck when they are already falling to the ground. It's cheap, nasty and should have seen him sin binned (saw him do it three tackles in a row, twice, all from on offside marker position.

Anytime the Roosters have looked in trouble, the refs have intervened this finals series to give them soft penalities to save their bacon.

[Sharky]

*Snip*

Anytime the Roosters have looked in trouble, the refs have intervened this finals series to give them soft penalities to save their bacon.

dont forget the free tries the get to... how they could even award that last try to the roosters is beyond me, there was plenty of evidence that showed he never ground the ball untill the dead ball line.. and the oodles of daylight...

i think it is safe to say the refs will win the premiership this year... it is by far the poorest performance across the board...

[SharkyMcShark]

Sexy sexy goal from Berbatov last night

[SharkyMcShark]

Sexy sexy goal from Berbatov last night against Liverpool

[Bartrim]

I wonder who is paying off the refs to ignore the roosters infringements in the finals?

Two weeks in arow the Roosters have been disgusting in the play the ball, and gotten away with it, yet the few times tigers or panthers players did the same they got penalised. I dont understand how the refs were going off at Petero to get his team under control on Saturday night when it was the roosters who were playing dirty.

And that Waragreava Hargraves is a disgrace, he is the last man in on every tackle (usually from on offside marker position) just ramming his shoulders into the back of the oppositions head and neck when they are already falling to the ground. It's cheap, nasty and should have seen him sin binned (saw him do it three tackles in a row, twice, all from on offside marker position.

Anytime the Roosters have looked in trouble, the refs have intervened this finals series to give them soft penalities to save their bacon.


I was just discussing this with my brother this morning. I'd like to see the ratio of games the Roosters win to games refereed by Shane Hayne. Although I did laugh when he called Travis Burns out on Saturday night and said "First off... He's alot bigger then you":D

[i_amtrunks]

I was just discussing this with my brother this morning. I'd like to see the ratio of games the Roosters win to games refereed by Shane Hayne. Although I did laugh when he called Travis Burns out on Saturday night and said "First off... He's alot bigger then you":D

I know, it is not, nor has it ever been an officials place to say anything like that to a player, if a player wants to punch on with someone twice thier size, you let them, then penalise them for it.

Just makes me mad that, thanks to obvious match fixing by officials, a team that should have been knocked out in round 1 is still going strong, when a team that would have been great to watch was knocked out instead (the Warriors).

I wonder how the Titans will be robbed, and for how much longer the media will pretend not to notice what is going on in the roosters games.

[Bartrim]

Sam Perritts try on Saturday night proves to me that the Roosters are being groomed as the premiers (as if the Dally M results weren't enough of a give away). I'd really love to see them blow it by losing against the Titans with the refs not being able to do anything about it.

[i_amtrunks]

It's strange, because the Roosters are one of the worst supported teams (in terms of actual members), and yet it seems the NRL is pushing to give them the premiership as opposed to St George who have a great number of members (not the top, but up there).
Anecdotal evidence backs this up, there are no Roosters supporters, but St George supporters are everywhere and turn up week in week out through good and bad.

[Sharky]

It's strange, because the Roosters are one of the worst supported teams (in terms of actual members), and yet it seems the NRL is pushing to give them the premiership as opposed to St George who have a great number of members (not the top, but up there).
Anecdotal evidence backs this up, there are no Roosters supporters, but St George supporters are everywhere and turn up week in week out through good and bad.

you notice it at away games as roosters supporters do not travel..

i have season seats at shark park.. this year we hosted just about every interstate teams we could titans, melbourne, new zealand, brisbane, nth qld, canberra even newcastle

it really effects your crowd averages when these teams come and you dont get there supporter base, when the rooster came to play it was almost like an interstate teams.. a pocket of supporters not more then 100...stgeorge this year at home i think out numbered sharks supporters... i love local derby day

[i_amtrunks]

you notice it at away games as roosters supporters do not travel...

They usually do not support at home either. They've improved in the past few years, but still have shocking home support.

I'm a Knights supporter and I remember a prelim final in 2000 played at the SFS where they got over 30,000 people through the gates, and the crowd was mainly Knights supporters (there was a road train of buses coming down the F3), bar the members area and about 2 bays.

[Bartrim]

OMG I feel so sorry for the Titans. Maybe they weren't the best team on the field but geez they got some harsh calls. The "late hit" on Carney by Prince then Anasta deliberately laying down so the video ref would look at it. I would of penalised Anasta on the spot and going by the new law brought in by Gallens wink a couple of years ago the prat would of been suspended and missed the grand final.

[Golden Phoenix]

Sorry to disturb the rugby talk but

GO THE PIES!!!


that is all....

[mknell]

Sorry to disturb the rugby talk but

GO THE PIES!!!


that is all....

Only AFL would have such a stupid rule to not have extra time, well here comes more money for the AFL!

[SamLoi888]

Only AFL would have such a stupid rule to not have extra time, well here comes more money for the AFL!

15 Million extra according to the AFL CEO.

[Bartrim]

Only AFL would have such a stupid rule to not have extra time, well here comes more money for the AFL!

Thats ok. They are only 30 years behind rugby league.

[Sharky]

what a stupid system.. a great game of afl my butt.. if it was great.. there would be a result... i would feel ripped off....


if they dont want to play extra time award the game to the team that kicked the most goals... (st killda kicked 10 to collingwoods 9)

so really collingwood missed the most and really dont deserve the chance to win..
stupid stupid system

[i_amtrunks]

I wonder if those who had tickets to the first week of the AFL GF get first dibs at tickets to week two of the GF? :p

Roosters were not helped as much by the refs this week, but they got all the calls their way, and have been extremely fortunate during the finals that the refs have decided to ignore their late shots, unsquare markers and players being inside the ten every tackle. They were the better team last night, but should have never gotten that far to begin with.

The refs are helping the dragons tonight, but at halftime the Tigers are playing superbly, absolutely crushing the dragons in Defence, but can they keep it up, and have the energy to keep counter attacking from average field possession and possession.

[Sharky]

typical tigers.....

[jazzcomp]

heartbreaking 1 pt loss after leading almost the whole game.

[mknell]

I wonder if those who had tickets to the first week of the AFL GF get first dibs at tickets to week two of the GF? :p


No they don't they have to line up again for them

[Skullcruncher]

Man its been a tough footy year, both NRL and AFL grand finals have the four teams I dislike the most.... Oh well at least the A-League is going ok... c'mon Phoenix!!!:p

[Bartrim]

Very proud of my Tigers last night. Maybe they didn't win but they did alot better then what many of the so called experts said they would

[Robzy]

Only AFL would have such a stupid rule to not have extra time, well here comes more money for the AFL!

I think you just justified their reasoning in your criticism!

[Robzy]

Thats ok. They are only 30 years behind rugby league.
:rolleyes:


what a stupid system.. a great game of afl my butt.. if it was great.. there would be a result... i would feel ripped off....

You must hate Soccer than!

To be fair to the AFL, it's only ever happened 3 times in 113 years... it hasn't really been that much of a big deal.

[Bartrim]

To be fair to the AFL, it's only ever happened 3 times in 113 years... it hasn't really been that much of a big deal.

Yeah thats fair point. It is alot harder to get a draw in AFL then it is in Rugby League.

[Paulbot]

I don't care that much about AFL, but as a born and raised Victorian it does seep through as such a big part of life in this state. The draw outcome is so strange. Nobody quite knows what to do when it's the day after the Grand Final and there's no winning team. It's a bizarre feeling.

[SharkyMcShark]

Chelsea lose, Arsenal lose, Liverpool draw.

The perfect football evening.

[Sharky]

:rolleyes:



You must hate Soccer than!

To be fair to the AFL, it's only ever happened 3 times in 113 years... it hasn't really been that much of a big deal.

different game, they dont award you points for missing a goal....

[5FDP]

different game, they dont award you points for missing a goal....

Good point (no pun intended :D)... they should only award points for a goal. That should lessen the chance of ending up in a draw :rolleyes:

[Fungal Infection]

Chelsea lose, Arsenal lose, Liverpool draw.

The perfect football evening.

Too bad Man U couldn't do much better....

[mknell]

I think you just justified their reasoning in your criticism!

From the AFL's point of view yes but did you see how angry the players were after? They want a result on the day

[SamLoi888]

did you see how angry the players were after? They want a result on the day

Then they should have played better.

[i_amtrunks]

So a repeat AFL Final and an extremely uninteresting NRL Grand Final.

Cricket Season cannot start soon enough.

[griffin]

I don't care that much about AFL, but as a born and raised Victorian it does seep through as such a big part of life in this state. The draw outcome is so strange. Nobody quite knows what to do when it's the day after the Grand Final and there's no winning team. It's a bizarre feeling.

Think of all the hundreds of people, probably thousands, who would have been involved in planned functions and events on both sides... venue reservations and extra staff to cover it, catering, supplies at minor venues like pubs in those two areas to cover potential celebratory sales - everything you see after a Grand Final, from the second the siren sounds and presentations are made, to the street parades and functions around Melbourne.
Plus, events that were scheduled for next weekend that have to be re-scheduled or cancelled that don't dare compete with an AFL grand final.
(and what of those fans who travelled inter-state for the final, who can't afford to do it all again, or get away for it at such short notice)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

i couldn't care less about AFL, and yet when I walked through the office at work and saw that Dimitriou guy talking abou the result, I could see the dollar signs popping up in his eyes. His little smirk, I bet he couldn't have wished for a better finish. It irritate me and I don't follow footy at all.:rolleyes:

What a stupid code, to have such a crap way of fixing a draw, I mean, come on. Haven't they heard of sudden death? Surely even 5 minutes of overtime would've seen a result.

If i was a fan and had to fly over, I would be very, very pissed off right now. "I went over for the grand final, but it wasn't a grand final..."

I am surprised there was no booing. Consiering how fond AFL fans are of booing, this would've been a perfect moment. Boo Dimitriou into obscurity!:D

[i_amtrunks]

$15 million extra for a second GF... not a bad days work for the AFL.
And they need it to cover for the losses they will have from team GWS in the next few years! :D

I feel for the players, Its bad enough when finals get washed out in juniors, where you dont play and have to live with the hype/fear/whatever for another week, let alone to play a whole game and then have to come back the next week.

I'm interested to know if there will be another parade, grand final breakfast etc, and whether or not this second final will be a bit "been there, done that" for many of the non diehard Pies/Saint fans?

On the flipside, sports fans get a good reason for a two day bender...

[SamLoi888]

i couldn't care less about AFL,


What a stupid code,

Australian Rules Football is a far better game than that English game of Rugby. Rugby really sucks as a spectacle. Giant, no-brained, steroid using rock-apes throwing a ball backwards and running into each other. How is it even a sport?
Australian Rules doesn't require a gorilla like build (and attitude), the game is highly skilled and fast.
And best of all it's not some foreign import. It's something created by the people of this beautiful nation.

[Sharky]

Australian Rules Football is a far better game than that English game of Rugby. Rugby really sucks as a spectacle. Giant, no-brained, steroid using rock-apes throwing a ball backwards and running into each other. How is it even a sport?
Australian Rules doesn't require a gorilla like build (and attitude), the game is highly skilled and fast.
And best of all it's not some foreign import. It's something created by the people of this beautiful nation.

yet alot of the players are gorillas in attitude and off the field

[Golden Phoenix]

As much as I'd agree with both Samloi888 and Sharky (sharky only in some instances), i think this kind of debate falls into the 'can't be resolved' basket and should be stopped.

Lets just look at the bright side: we now get a full weekend of footy again and another reason to hit the bars.

For those who went to the game, they get to say they saw a drawn afl grand final. How many people can say that?
More people get to go to the GF coz there will be more tickets for fans.
And we got to see a cracker of a good match with a similar game expected on the weekend

[SamLoi888]

As much as I'd agree with both Samloi888 and Sharky (sharky only in some instances), i think this kind of debate falls into the 'can't be resolved' basket and should be stopped.

Lets just look at the bright side: we now get a full weekend of footy again and another reason to hit the bars.

For those who went to the game, they get to say they saw a drawn afl grand final. How many people can say that?
More people get to go to the GF coz there will be more tickets for fans.
And we got to see a cracker of a good match with a similar game expected on the weekend

As much as I agree with the Golden Phoenix on all the points he made there except one, I have to say 'can't be resolved' is a non-issue here as it's blatantly and glaringly obvious that Australian Rules Football is by far a superior recreational and professional pastime.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Australian Rules Football is a far better game than that English game of Rugby. Rugby really sucks as a spectacle. Giant, no-brained, steroid using rock-apes throwing a ball backwards and running into each other. How is it even a sport?
Australian Rules doesn't require a gorilla like build (and attitude), the game is highly skilled and fast.
And best of all it's not some foreign import. It's something created by the people of this beautiful nation.

Good points there really, but I dont follow any rugbys either..:p;)

[Bartrim]

As much as I agree with the Golden Phoenix on all the points he made there except one, I have to say 'can't be resolved' is a non-issue here as it's blatantly and glaringly obvious that Australian Rules Football is by far a superior recreational and professional pastime.

Maybe in your opinion SamLoi888 but please remember not everyone shares your point of view and that comment can be seen as baiting NRL/Union fans. Personally I'd rather watch a week of NSW cup league then 5 minutes of AFL and (as a tigers fan) I think there is nothing more beautiful in sport then Benji Marshall gracefully dancing around the opposition... but maybe thats because I live in NSW and am sick to death of hearing about how wonderful the Swans are.

Also it might something for the calibre of athletes in each code when AFL will poach NRL stars but not the other way round.

[i_amtrunks]

Maybe in your opinion SamLoi888 but please remember not everyone shares your point of view and that comment can be seen as baiting NRL/Union fans.

There are union fans? :p

After deciding to skip the sports section of the papers this week due to all the bs writing about the GF I have come to the realisation that if not for the sports section and all the fluff, the News ltd paper is only about 10 pages long...

[Bartrim]

There are union fans? :p


Surprisingly yes. I used to work with a couple of kiwis and we used to watch the Super Rugby on Friday arvo at the Buckland Hotel in Alexandria. One memorable game between the Crusaders and Blues had the pub divided down the middle. We even got a couple of hot looking ladies sit with us at our table on the Crusaders side of the pub (the guys I worked with were from Christchurch)

[SamLoi888]

that comment can be seen as baiting NRL/Union fans.

Haha of course it was. Nothing wrong with some friendly competition in a sports thread. All in good fun! Somebody threw this thread together with all codes in here I think comparisons should definitely be made and adherents should defend their particular code and put crap on others. It would be unAustralian not to. Don't get me started on the lameness of soccer.

Anyway, as a Wests Tigers fans what are your feelings on your player allegedly beating the crap out of his pregnant wife? He's denying the charges but there's nine of them. If he were found guilty do you feel banning him for life would be too harsh?



There are union fans? :p


As a spectacle, Union is more enjoyable to watch than League as it is more violent. Of course none of them can hold a candle to the grace and skill of Australian Rules.

[Bartrim]

Anyway, as a Wests Tigers fans what are your feelings on your player allegedly beating the crap out of his pregnant wife? He's denying the charges but there's nine of them. If he were found guilty do you feel banning him for life would be too harsh?

.

I think the Tigers have done the responsible thing in standing him down while the court case is on. If he is innocent then he can be fed to the Sharkticons play. If guilty then the player should be banned from the game for an ammount of time relevant to the crime violence against women... I'd agree with a life ban. I don't agree with clubs allowing star players to play while in the middle of a criminal court case COUGH Brett StewartCOUGH. Thankfully Lote dished out his own justice in round 1:D

For the record Lui allegedly put a choke hold on his girlfriend not beat the crap out of her. Also as far as your baiting goes... yes a bit of friendly banter is fine but it can escalate quite quickly and we do try to remain a friendly board respectful of everyones opinion no matter how different they are.

On that note I find nothing graceful about AFL when they are all falling over each other, limbs flailing everywhere trying to hit a ball that has an unpredictable bounce. I honestly find the game very scrappy but that is just my opinion.

[i_amtrunks]

As a spectacle, Union is more enjoyable to watch than League as it is more violent.

To each their own, but I prefer the one on one hit up of league than the head stomping, eye gouging, stacks on of union.

And Union is only tolerable when it is Super 15/Tri Nations games where there are no Northern Hemisphere refs to be found, otherwise it's a whistle-fest, penalty kick to score points game, and that's just dull.

[SharkyMcShark]

Too bad Man U couldn't do much better....

One point closer to Chelsea. I'm claiming a moral victory.

[jazzcomp]

This is just a filler for me. Not really interested in footy.

But go Roosters! :)

[SamLoi888]

Bret Stewart didn't finger a 17 yr old. Chalk that up as a win for Rugby and the character of the sport's players.

[Skullcruncher]

Bret Stewart didn't finger a 17 yr old. Chalk that up as a win for Rugby and the character of the sport's players.

Rugby League actually... :D

[griffin]

I think we're losing the spirit of this topic a bit. I don't think it was intended to be for comparing the codes or claiming which one is better.
Try to focus more on what you like about your preferred code, instead of what you don't like about the others.

[SamLoi888]

OH MAN!!!:eek:

I have it on good authority that after the grand final (the next day even) that there's going to be a major bust regarding the betting scandal in the NRL.

Surely our great game of Rugby will withstand such an unimportant scandal as it has withstood the countless scandals regarding it's stars.
It doesn't matter that there is institutionalised cheating with salary cap rorts, players choking and beating on their women and now a betting and implied cheating scandal.

Rugby is a great game and deserves a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th etc etc chance! :cool:

As the French would say...
Vive le Rugbie!!!

[Sharky]

OH MAN!!!:eek:

I have it on good authority that after the grand final (the next day even) that there's going to be a major bust regarding the betting scandal in the NRL.

Surely our great game of Rugby will withstand such an unimportant scandal as it has withstood the countless scandals regarding it's stars.
It doesn't matter that there is institutionalised cheating with salary cap rorts, players choking and beating on their women and now a betting and implied cheating scandal.

Rugby is a great game and deserves a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th etc etc chance! :cool:

As the French would say...
Vive le Rugbie!!!

these same qualities are apparent in all sports
afl
cricket
soccer
nfl
nbl
nhl
netball
hockey
etc etc

the sports themselves always manages to survive the "efforts" of the minority idiot breed within the sports environment

[Bartrim]

OH MAN!!!:eek:

I have it on good authority that after the grand final (the next day even) that there's going to be a major bust regarding the betting scandal in the NRL.

Surely our great game of Rugby will withstand such an unimportant scandal as it has withstood the countless scandals regarding it's stars.
It doesn't matter that there is institutionalised cheating with salary cap rorts, players choking and beating on their women and now a betting and implied cheating scandal.

Rugby is a great game and deserves a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th etc etc chance! :cool:

As the French would say...
Vive le Rugbie!!!

I got wind of this information several days ago myself.

Now you have stated in the past an obvious preference for AFL (which you are entitled to) and appears that this is a tongue in cheek post attempting to bait NRL fans. Please pay attention to Griffins point about this threads purpose which is to talk about the code you prefer and don't try to bait fans of other codes. Earlier I made a harsh comment about AFL being 30 years behind NRL with their grand final replys instead of extra time. Robzy pointed out that it was only the 3rd draw in Grand Final history. To which I agreed with AFL's scoring system it is a lot harder to end up on equal points at full time so I can understand the AFL's stance.

So please don't try and bait other fans and just enjoy your code of preference.

[SamLoi888]

So please don't try and bait other fans and just enjoy your code of preference.

Really I love all codes and all sports. Especially watersports.
I'm not trying to bait you mate but it shows maturity to cop criticism where it is warranted especially where the criticism is not at all or in anyway directed personally.
I don't think Australia is that soft as a society that we always have to be all touchy-feely and only say nice things about whatever the subject is at hand.

[griffin]

It also 'shows maturity' to know when and how an opinion needs to be said, so that it doesn't annoy people from its repetition and/or baiting.

[Bartrim]

I don't think Australia is that soft as a society that we always have to be all touchy-feely and only say nice things about whatever the subject is at hand.

Maybe not Australia as a society but this board tries to remain as friendly as possible. I apologise if you weren't baiting, it just seemed that way to me especially taking your previous posts in this thread into consideration.

Back to the subject at hand. Of the players named (I will not name them until it becomes official) in the scandal I can say that only one surprises me. I will be surprised however if the NRL does what it says and gives these players life time bans... well one very big name in particular.

[SamLoi888]

Back to the subject at hand. Of the players named (I will not name them until it becomes official) in the scandal I can say that only one surprises me. I will be surprised however if the NRL does what it says and gives these players life time bans... well one very big name in particular.

In my opinion the size of the bet should be taken into account but I know that it isn't within the AFL. Even a one dollar bet gets them into trouble.

Do you think in 70 years or so they will make a movie like 'Field of Dreams' about the 2010 Storm team?

[Sharky]

Do you think in 70 years or so they will make a movie like 'Field of Dreams' about the 2010 Storm team?


should call it after the old clint eastwood movie

"Any which way you can"


win that is :p

[Golden Phoenix]

Lets try this again.....

GO THE PIES!!!

[SharkyMcShark]

7 and a half hours

(kurdt knows what I'm talking about)

[5FDP]

Well, we finally have a winner in the AFL final. What I'm annoyed with is that I predicted the exact winning margin - 56 points, and I didn't place a bet (not a betting person). It was 57 points with a couple of minutes to go and I was praying that the score stayed the same or that either side would kick a goal. Stupid Saints scored a point :mad:

[Golden Phoenix]

What I'm annoyed with is that I predicted the exact winning margin - 56 points, and I didn't place a bet (not a betting person). It was 57 points with a couple of minutes to go and I was praying that the score stayed the same or that either side would kick a goal. Stupid Saints scored a point :mad:

Damn.

But knowing how the universe works, had you made that bet, the saints wouldn't have kicked that point.

[5FDP]

Damn.

But knowing how the universe works, had you made that bet, the saints wouldn't have kicked that point.

True that.

Let's see if I can predict the NRL grand final - I'm calling it now Dragons 24 to Roosters 22. Should be a close and entertaining game if I get this right :D

[SGB]

Dragons win the grand final! WOO-HOO!!! :cool:

*Does celebratory cartwheels*

[Bartrim]

The football gods smiled greatly upon the dragons yesterday. they should count themselves very lucky.

[jazzcomp]

guess it was time for 2 teams who haven't won in a looong time to win 1. :)

Yep, dragons were lucky to escape with a 1 pt win against the tigers. It could've been tigers vs roosters.

[Bartrim]

guess it was time for 2 teams who haven't won in a looong time to win 1. :)

Yep, dragons were lucky to escape with a 1 pt win against the tigers. It could've been tigers vs roosters.

Well the Roosters shouldn't of won in the first week of the finals against the Tigers (I still can't believe they allowed that scrum).

That Grand Final really personified the standard of referees over the course of the season. I didn't really care who won as I can't stand either team but I really wished that it was a fair game. I'm deliberately avoiding facebook ATM so I wont fight with a friend of mine who is a rabid Dragons fan.

[i_amtrunks]

It was amazing that the refs blundered so badly (touchies are useless, been saying so for years).

And no surprise to many that the refs were looking to give points to the Roosters that they didnt earn, it happened all finals series.

The better team on the night, and for most of the year won, a team that has a pretty ordinary halves combo (compared to many other teams). Goes to show that good coaching overcomes poor halves.

Bring on the four nations tournie, personally, I'm going for PNG.

[Sharky]

it was close season coming down to the grand final in the footy tipping comp but i finished 1st in two comps and 3rd in a 3rd.... grand total 850 dollars cold hard cash............. see how long it takes to get to me now......

[Bartrim]

And no surprise to many that the refs were looking to give points to the Roosters that they didnt earn, it happened all finals series.
.

Really I thought the Dragons got the preference in the grand final. Here's why.

1.Morris was in the 3rd row when he passed that ball before their first try.
2.Soward knocked the ball out of Leulia's hands with his kness. Automatic 8 point try.
3. That shot on Weyman didn't deserve a penalty.
4. Dean Young obviously knocked the ball into Mitchell Auberson yet a try was still awarded.
5. Morris not penalised for pushing Perritt in the back. The following drop out led to a Dragons try.

Thats just after one viewing. I want to watch the game again to see what other favours the Dragons received.

Oh and Dean Young in the Australian side?!?!?!?WTF:mad:

[i_amtrunks]

Really I thought the Dragons got the preference in the grand final. Here's why.
-snip-


Fair enough, I was only watching it vaguely while playing pool, so missed a few of those, Did see Morris throw that lovely pass from a few metres over the sideline, how the touchie keeps their job I have no idea.


Oh and Dean Young in the Australian side?!?!?!?WTF:mad:
And Carney as the backup halfback? How did Prince get overlooked yet again?

[Bartrim]

And Carney as the backup halfback? How did Prince get overlooked yet again?

It's a conspiracy against tigers and ex-tigers players by the Australian selectors... Although it's fine to use our coach... and yes I am still upset that John Skandalis got overlooked for 2005 squad.

[Sharky]

It's a conspiracy against tigers and ex-tigers players by the Australian selectors... Although it's fine to use our coach... and yes I am still upset that John Skandalis got overlooked for 2005 squad.

didn't farrah and lawrence both get selected in the squad?

[i_amtrunks]

Loved watching the Kumals bash the absolute bejeezus out of the Aussies this afternoon. Also loved hearing Roy and HG call the game, missed their Origin game calls.

The Kumals really ripped into Lockyear, Tate, Gallen, Thiaday and Watmough. Thiaday and Watmough were so ineffective against this team, but Lewis has been a star.
If only PNG had some better attacking and kicking options, they could have been very competitive, their defense was brilliant (sure they let in 42 points, and every second tackle would have been penalised in the NRL, it shows that PNG is ready for their own NRL team, all they need is a attacking 7 who can kick.

As it is, I doubt NZ will be troubled by PNG as much as the Aussies were (though if Benji is targeted like Lockyer, he might be a sore boy after the game), but I bet their hard hitting will ruffle England's feathers!

Australia need to make some immediate changes to their squad, Tate and Tonga have to go, Tate is too big an injury risk, and Tonga is too greedy, there were 4-5 opportunities where had he passed to Tuqiri, Australia would have scored, instead he held onto it. Watmough deserves to be dropped, he was woeful, and Thiaday and Gidley didnt have much impact either, so pressure will be on them.

[SamLoi888]

Looks like the 'professional athletes' of Rugby League have outdone themselves this time. Well done Joel Monaghan!
Joel's puppy-lovin' antics will definitely have to be added to the 2010 version of NRL Hall of Shame Gallery (http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/sport/nrl/photos/nrl-hall-of-shame-2009?selectedImage=13) on Triple M.