Cats make light work of Saints

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Powerful ... Tom Hawkins marks on the lead in Geelong's massive win. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

ST KILDA'S season slipped from bad to horrendous on Saturday night with a string of key injuries and a 101-point hiding at the hands of Geelong.

Captain Nick Riewoldt will have scans today to determine the extent of a foot injury that badly hobbled the champ.

3.2 (20)	Q1	2.4 (16)
6.5 (41)	Q2	2.6 (18)
9.8 (62)	Q3	5.9 (39)
11.9 (75)	Q4	7.11 (53)

Nathan Fyfe 4	Tom Lynch 2
Chris Mayne 2	Ricky Henderson 1
Michael Walters 2	Jarryd Lyons 1
Matthew De Boer 1	Shaun McKernan 1
Zac Clarke 1	Scott Thompson 1
Stephen Hill 1	Bernie Vince 1

And there are again concerns about champion Lenny Hayes' future with another soft-tissue injury also ending his night prematurely.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	17	15	0	2	142.44	60
2	Geelong	17	14	0	3	136.85	56
3	Essendon	17	13	0	4	124.45	52
4	Sydney	16	12	1	3	142.26	50
5	Fremantle	17	12	1	4	122.80	50
6	Richmond	16	11	0	5	118.05	44
7	Collingwood	17	11	0	6	110.68	44
8	Carlton	17	9	0	8	112.99	36
9	Port Adelaide	16	9	0	7	108.66	36
10	North Melbourne	17	7	0	10	122.81	28
11	West Coast	16	7	0	9	104.30	28
12	Adelaide	17	7	0	10	100.86	28
13	Brisbane	16	7	0	9	82.40	28
14	Gold Coast	17	6	0	11	88.13	24
15	Bulldogs	16	4	0	12	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	17	3	0	14	79.18	12
17	Melbourne	17	2	0	15	52.62	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	17	0	0	17	51.34	0

They both sat out most of the last quarter with Hayes' hamstring to also be scanned on Sunday.

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Backman James Gwilt suffered bone bruising to his troublesome left knee that has cost him more than 20 games in the past three seasons.

He left the ground after a seemingly innocuous knock in the first term, but returned only to hobble off again early in the second before being subbed out.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters tried to downplay the seriousness of the injuries, but doubts any of the trio will be available when the Saints travel to the Gabba to face Brisbane

"(Riewoldt) stayed out there for a period of time, we tried to hide him in the goalsquare, which is almost impossible these days with the risk factor involved in that (so) it was time to put him to sleep tonight," Watters said.

Should Gwilt miss any time, St Kilda's already undersized backline will be further stretched with the club already having made it a priority to attract at least one key defender next off-season and Sam Fisher (toe) already gone for the year and Sam Gilbert also sidelined.

Watters wasn't using the injuries as an excuse for the Simonds Stadium flogging.

"For a quarter and a bit we probably hung in there, aided by a bit of a breeze (in the first quarter)," he said.

"They were too good."

Geelong also suffered a serious injury with big Cat Dawson Simpson suffering medial ligament damage to his left knee after landing awkwardly at the opening ruck contest of the second quarter.

Simpson, 24, was taken from the ground on the mobile stretcher and immediately subbed out after clutching his left knee in agony.

But the Cats breathed a small sigh of relief when his initial diagnosis cleared him of ACL damage with scans in coming days to determine the full extent of the damage.

"The medical staff is confident it's not an ACL, which I guess is the good news," coach Chris Scott said.

"The bad news is, there appears to be something significant there.

"They (the medical staff) are still hopeful that 'Daws' can play a part in the rest of the season."

Geelong is still searching for its top ruck combination with Mark Blicavs, Nathan Vardy and Trent West still in the mix, while former Roo Hamish McIntosh is racing time after a series of injuries in his first year at Geelong.

Vardy was impressive, racking up 19 hitouts, 16 possessions and one goal after Simpson left the game.

Scott said he was "really proud" of Vardy's game.

"He's had a tough run. We've got a lot of optimism around the sort of footy he can play longer term, but recently he's been dogged by injury a little bit and hasn't had a full run at it.

"When Dawson went down we were a little bit hesitant to throw too much Vards' way, given his limited preparation.

"And I probably think he's a bit more of a forward than he is a ruckman. But he showed us tonight that he can shoulder that No.1 ruckman load for at least three quarters, so it's a real positive."

Geelong bounced back well after a shock loss to Adelaide last week, with an improved defensive effort pleasing Scott.

"Particularly after the first 10 minutes, but after quarter time, they only kicked a goal and I think they had 26 inside-50s for the game which is a really strong performance.

"We were disappointed with the way we played in patches last week and we thought tonight was a more consistent effort."

Click here to get all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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Dumped Sandow's betting crisis

Chris Sandow is facing a dark time on and off the field. Source: Justin Lloyd / News Limited

EXCLUSIVE: THE NRL Integrity Unit is aware of serious gambling issues involving Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow.

Sandow, who will play in the NSW Cup on Sunday with Wentworthville after being dropped by Eels coach Ricky Stuart, is working to break major gambling habits that have forced him to seek professional assistance. The NRL's player welfare unit are also involved in helping the troubled star.

There are fears within the Parramatta club that Sandow may be gambling beyond his means.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith is also aware of Sandow's plight.

The fact the Integrity Unit are involved suggests Sandow's gambling habits could have wider implications on the code and not just Parramatta.

Integrity Unit investigator Alby Taylor has been provided with a detailed brief of Sandow's situation by former Parramatta chief executive Ken Edwards.

Sandow's former club South Sydney have also been contacted to help provide any assistance.

When The Sunday Telegraph contacted Taylor to discuss Sandow's issues, our inquiries were referred to NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle.

Doyle would not confirm or deny the Integrity Unit's involvement, but he said: "The NRL RLPA Welfare and education team work with players on a regular basis on a range of issues, but clearly out of respect for the privacy of the individuals involved we do not discuss the details of that process."

The Sunday Telegraph spoke with Edwards about Sandow's issues prior to the Eels' former chief executive departing the club 10 days ago.

At the time, Edwards was unwilling to expand on the serious and concerning issues relating to Sandow saying only: "We won't be confirming or denying anything in relation to Chris or any other player.

"From a football point of view, we all hope Chris can put his head down, work hard and get back into first grade as soon as possible."

Reportedly earning $550,000 a season, Sandow's promising start to the year under Stuart has waned in recent weeks.

It led to the 24-year old's relegation to the NSW Cup two weeks ago. However, a leg injury has saved him from pulling on the Wentworthville jersey until Sunday.

Wentworthville play North Sydney, the Rabbitohs' feeder team, at Ringrose Park.

It's a sad fall from grace for a player who captured the imagination of the rugby league world after being named the 2008 rookie of the year.

So impressed by his talent was Stuart that he dubbed Sandow the Aboriginal Alfie, in reference to Queensland's great playmaker Allan Langer.

The Sunday Telegraph offered Sandow several opportunities to have his say on the issues, both through his agent Isaac Moses and the Parramatta club, but he declined to comment.

It's not the first time Sandow has faced questions about an alleged gambling habit.

Not long after he left South Sydney for the Eels at the end of 2011, Sandow denied his decision to sign a $2 million deal with Parramatta was so that he could settle gambling debts.

"People want to talk about it but I don't have gambling problems," Sandow said. "It's frustrating. People like to make up stories about me, but it's not something that bothers me because it's not true." 

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Rookies in Cowboys coaching queue

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Kevin Walters is a leading contender top coach the Cowboys. Source: Norm Oorloff / News Limited

FORMER Queensland Origin halves Paul Green and Kevin Walters have emerged as frontline contenders to coach North Queensland Cowboys next season as the club prepares to sever ties with Neil Henry.

But the list of candidates is growing by the day, with former Hull KR coach Justin Morgan expressing interest if Henry is axed this week.

Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini will meet with Henry in coming days.

It is understood Lancini, having returned from an overseas trip, will inform Henry the club will rescind the 2014 extension he was handed in March.

Should the coach be officially jettisoned, the Cowboys board will ramp up the search for the man to deliver the club's maiden premiership.

When speculation over Henry's future first surfaced in May, NSW Origin assistant Trent Barrett and former Parramatta caretaker coach Brad Arthur were thrown up as possible successors.

But The Sunday Mail understands Green and Walters are firmly in the frame, with the pair enjoying high-level support among Cowboys powerbrokers.

Former Cowboys halfback Green is currently the Roosters' under-20s coach and has piqued interest after steering Intrust Super Cup club Wynnum Manly to back-to-back premierships in the past two seasons.

Walters, meanwhile, is available after quitting as Melbourne Storm assistant coach on Thursday.

The Brisbane great also has an influential ally in former Maroons and Broncos teammate Ben Ikin, a close friend who presently sits on North Queensland's seven-strong board.

Out of respect to Henry, Green, Walters and Morgan have not actively campaigned to take over at the Cowboys.

But Green is determined to launch his NRL coaching career and would welcome the opportunity if North Queensland part ways with Henry.

"I've always wanted to be a head coach in the NRL. I've done a number of different roles along the way which I think has prepared me well. That is the final goal," Green said.

"There's only 16 clubs in the comp so opportunities are limited, but one day hopefully I get the chance.

"I would like to think I can have an influence on players' lives. I know when I had a coach I got on well with, it helped me in other areas of my life. To be able to have that influence on someone really appeals to me."

Morgan believes he would be a good fit for the Cowboys.

"I think with head coaches and clubs there needs to be a personality match," said Morgan, now an NRL video-referee.

"I don't know the DNA of the Cowboys but if anybody knocked on my door and said we'd like to have a chat to you, I'd be silly not to talk to them." 

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Hamilton edges Vettel to Hungary pole

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton races to pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Source: Petr David Josek / AP

LEWIS Hamilton of Mercedes edged out defending champion and season leader Sebastian Vettel to claim pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Hamilton, the 2008 champion, pulled out a best lap of 1min 19.388sec to land his third straight pole and the 30th of his career with Red Bull's Vettel timing 1:19.426.

Frenchman Romain Grosjean was third fastest for Lotus to take his place on the second row of the grid.

Nico Rosberg, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa were next.

Mark Webber failed to post a time in the last session and will start tenth.

Fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo further enhanced his claim to Webber's seat next season by posting the eighth quickest time in his Toro Rosso.

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Prince rises to keep Broncos alive

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Scott Prince and Justin Hodges celebrate the Broncos' win. Source: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images

VETERAN playmaker Scott Prince overcame one of the most turbulent weeks of his NRL career to keep Brisbane's season alive with a heartstopping 18-16 defeat of the Cowboys on Friday night.

3 Tries 3
Kalifa Faifai Loa 35'	Ben Hunt 5'
Gavin Cooper 52'	Corey Oates 14'
Matthew Bowen 58'	Justin Hodges 74'
2 Conversions 3
Johnathan Thurston 53'	Scott Prince 6'
Johnathan Thurston 59'	Scott Prince 16'
	Scott Prince 75'

In a classic Queensland derby, Prince literally put the boot into the Cowboys, landing a pressure conversion five minutes from time to seal a dramatic triumph in Townsville.

The heartbreaking loss virtually kills off the Cowboys, who must win all of their final six games, and is likely to be the final straw for coach Neil Henry, who is tipped to be sacked next week.

Prince can empathise with Henry's plight. In recent days, the Broncos pivot has learned he is not an integral part of the club's plans for next season, leaving Prince staring at retirement 12 months ahead of schedule.

But last night, the 293-game veteran summoned every ounce of experience to sink the Cowboys - and keep the Broncos' season from flat-lining.

Trailing 16-12 with six minutes to play, Broncos centre Justin Hodges produced a trademark dummy-half snipe to level the scores and hand Prince his shot at glory.

The former Origin playmaker duly delivered, nailing the conversion from a tricky position to break the hearts of his former club.

The Broncos deserved victory. They bolted to a 12-0 lead inside 14 minutes following tries to Ben Hunt and Corey Oates and looked in control as they went to the sheds with a 12-4 advantage.

The Cowboys surged to a 16-12 lead after the break with tries to Gavin Cooper (52nd) and Matt Bowen (58th), but Hodges produced some solo magic to save the Broncos.

The clash effectively doubled as Queensland's version of an NRL grand final with both sides needing to win six of their last seven games to have any hope of making the finals.

Amid rumours and positional reshuffles, the Broncos found some soul. Playing for their season, they bolted out of the blocks, with the Cowboys stumbling in the opening seconds when they failed to defuse the kick-off.

The error was fundamental and they quickly paid a hefty price. Attacking from their own half, new Broncos No.7 Hunt found Oates with a superb cut-out pass and the teenage winger raced upfield before turning the ball inside for Hunt to cross.

The Broncos were rolling at 6-0 after five minutes and when they made it 12-0 inside 14, alarm bells were ringing for the Cowboys, who were looking as flat as week-old lemonade.

Once again, the visitors hit paydirt down the Cowboys' right edge. Hunt ignited a backline movement and strike centre Hodges produced the money ball, throwing a superb bullet pass for Oates to score in the corner on the fly.

Prince then put the boot in literally, landing a booming sideline conversion to give the Broncos a dream start.

For the Cowboys, it was the nightmare opening they could ill-afford. The Broncos were simply executing better, playing with greater enthusiasm and making the Cowboys work harder for field position.

Struggling to stem Brisbane's dominance, the Cowboys clawed their way back, quick hands from Brent Tate putting Kalifa Faifai Loa over in the 35th minute to whittle the deficit at half-time to 12-4.  

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Franklin's eight sinks Bombers

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Celebration ... Lance Franklin is mobbed by team mates after kicking one of his eight goals. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Jarryd Roughead and Jake Melksham added another chapter to their clubs' fierce rivalry but Hawthorn were far too strong for Essendon in their AFL battle on Friday night.

The Hawks withstood an early challenge from the Bombers in Friday night's blockbuster at Etihad Stadium and then dominated to consolidate top spot with a 56-point win.

4.3 (27)	Q1	6.1 (37)
5.4 (34)	Q2	10.6 (66)
9.6 (60)	Q3	16.10 (106)
13.9 (87)	Q4	22.11 (143)

Michael Hurley 3	Lance Franklin 8
Tom Bellchambers 2	Jarryd Roughead 4
Travis Colyer 1	Luke Breust 2
Cory Dell'Olio 1	Jack Gunston 2
Brendon Goddard 1	Jordan Lewis 2
Leroy Jetta 1	Paul Puopolo 2
Nick Kommer 1	David Hale 1
David Myers 1	Cyril Rioli 1
Patrick Ryder 1
Brent Stanton 1

The 22.11 (143) to 13.9 (87) result is the third time this season that the second-placed Bombers have been found wanting against another top-four side.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	17	15	0	2	142.44	60
2	Geelong	16	13	0	3	130.30	52
3	Essendon	17	13	0	4	124.45	52
4	Sydney	16	12	1	3	142.26	50
5	Fremantle	16	11	1	4	121.93	46
6	Richmond	16	11	0	5	118.05	44
7	Collingwood	16	10	0	6	108.32	40
8	Port Adelaide	16	9	0	7	108.66	36
9	Carlton	16	8	0	8	110.64	32
10	West Coast	16	7	0	9	104.30	28
11	Adelaide	16	7	0	9	102.45	28
12	Brisbane	16	7	0	9	82.40	28
13	North Melbourne	16	6	0	10	114.76	24
14	Gold Coast	16	6	0	10	90.08	24
15	Bulldogs	16	4	0	12	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	16	3	0	13	83.87	12
17	Melbourne	16	2	0	14	55.21	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	16	0	0	16	50.82	0

Regardless of what happens to Essendon once their anti-doping investigations are finalised next month, this defeat strongly suggested they are not yet premiership contenders.

Lance Franklin kicked eight goals to again torment Essendon and Sam Mitchell also starred for the victors.

Roughead, who kicked four goals for the Hawks, and Melksham are certain to come under video review for two clashes during the third term.

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The Essendon midfielder first collected Roughead high 10 minutes into the quarter as the Hawks utility tried to shepherd him.

A couple of minutes later, the emergency umpire ran out to separate the pair as they clashed again off the ball.

With tempers fraying, Essendon's Nick Kommer also pushed Isaac Smith into the boundary line fence.

But the Hawks were well in charge at the time and the clashes made no difference.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was rapt with his side's performance, saying they had risen to the occasion after a heavy workload over the past month.

"Essendon play this ground really, really well and to be able to stop the flow of the way they like to play their footy was really important,'' he said.

Asked if he felt Hawthorn were peaking at the right time, Clarkson replied: "no - we want to be peaking in September.''

Essendon coach James Hird remains upbeat about his team's prospects for the rest of the season, saying they learnt valuable lessons in the loss.

"Obviously we were outplayed by a very good team,'' he said.

"Their ability to beat us up around the contest, win more contested footy and then control the ball - that was probably the most disappointing part.

"We weren't able to keep the game in a contest.''

Essendon started well and led by 13 points in the first term.

The Hawks then kicked the last four goals of the quarter to lead by 10.

With Mitchell, Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis taking control in the midfield and Cyril Rioli always dangerous, the Hawks kicked four goals to one in the second term.

They led by 32 points at halftime and Essendon never looked like challenging.

Previously this season, third-placed Geelong beat Essendon by 28 points and fourth side Sydney took care of them by 44 points.

The Bombers have improved this season - and captain Jobe Watson remains sidelined through injury - but they are still developing.

Rioli gave Hawthorn a scare when he went off in the third term and had treatment on his troublesome hamstring.

But he was able to play out the game.

Dyson Heppell and Tom Bellchambers were best on a confronting night for the Bombers.

It also capped a forgettable week for the club, with more intense scrutiny over their supplements crisis.

Click here to see all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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Choc: I'll make Blake the best

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Blake Ferguson is set to make his NRL comeback against the Dragons. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

ANTHONY Mundine has revealed his bold plan to get a resurrected Blake Ferguson into the Australian World Cup team, insisting: "My little cousin's gunna become the best centre anywhere on the planet."

With Ferguson on Saturday returning to rugby league, Mundine has opened up to The Daily Telegraph about a private mentoring role that has seen the wayward 23-year-old boxing, working with community groups, even "studying" champions like NFL great Ray Lewis.

After hosting the dumped NSW Origin star at his home for a month, Mundine says the pair will now continue their process daily via telephone with the aim of getting him into a Kangaroos jersey by October.

"With a strong mind Blake Ferguson will be the best centre on the planet," Mundine says. "Not a good centre, not a great centre, but the best centre anywhere.

"So my focus, it's to get him right mentally. To get his head strong. I've been teaching him my philosophies on mental strength so that, when the time comes, he is going to make the right choices.

"And believe me when I say he will; that he's turned the corner . . . I'm expecting nothing but greatness from now on."

And to help that push, Mundine has made his cousin research two of the athletes he himself most admires, Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis and champion bodybuilder CT Fletcher.

Among the greatest linebackers of all time, Lewis overcame a turbulent personal history broken home, drug issues, even charges related to an Atlanta double murder before leading his beloved Ravens to a Super Bowl triumph in February.

Ironically, the committed Christian, who now works as an analyst for ESPN, is also tattooed onto the leg of Ferguson's famed drinking buddy, St George Illawarra fullback Josh Dugan.

Fletcher, meanwhile, is arguably the strongest bloke you never knew.

Raised, like the Raiders star, in a troubled household, the Compton product also found his own way out through, first, bodybuilding and more recently by teaching others the secrets that once saw him bench 330kg and curl 100kg.

"Dude wanted to get 22 inch biceps, naturally, and didn't stop until he got there," Mundine explains of Fletcher. "The guy's an absolute beast who believes if you wanna get anywhere in life, you work your arse off.

"And you know Ray Lewis, of course. Know what sort of mental approach he brought to sport, to life, to success generally.

"My favourite Lewis quote is that greatness comes from doing all the little things well, from stacking them all up one on top of another. And that's the key lesson Blake needs to learn.

"You can have all the ability, all the talent, but if your life isn't right everywhere, if you don't have every one of those little blocks, you can never achieve greatness."

Exactly where Ferguson plays on Saturday is the subject of conjecture, with rumours late last night suggesting the indigenous flyer will start with Canberra feeder side Mounties in the NSW Cup match against Canterbury.

The other option fronting Raiders coach Dave Furner, of course, is to rush his centre straight back into the match against St George Illwarra at WIN Stadium from 5.30pm.

Regardless, Mundine has no doubt his cousin will immediately regain the form that saw him catapulted into a NSW Origin jersey for the opening game of this year's series.

"Blake's going to come back with so much oomph," the Redfern fighter enthused. "He is so fresh right now, so rested . . . it's going to be a great thing for the Raiders, like his season has started all over again."

When asked if, as a noted teetotaller, Mundine expected his young cousin to give up grog, he continued: "If I had my way, Blake would never drink again.

"But given what he's been through, the culture he's been in, I understand that asking something like that of him is extremely difficult. So if he does have a beer, he needs to understand the right way to go about it.

"Blake has to know that, with Greg Inglis moving to fullback, I honestly believe he and Justin Hodges are now the best centres in the game. But does he want to go the next step? Does he want to be the greatest centre in the world?" 

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Barba injured as Dogs line-up Dugan

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Ben Barba limps off the field against the Eels. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

AN ankle syndesmosis left Ben Barba's immediate future in doubt on Friday night, but Bulldogs officials are already moving to insure themselves against losing him for good.

With Barba at shortening odds to join his young family in Brisbane next year, Canterbury have identified NSW Origin fullback Josh Dugan as his possible replacement.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the club has made numerous attempts to contact Dugan's management, which is currently in negotiations to extend his deal at St George Illawarra.

But it appears the Bulldogs will be keeping a close eye on those discussions while Dugan remains a free agent, with the Broncos on standby to sign Barba should he be granted a release on compassionate grounds.

For the time being it's not certain when - or even if - Barba will return in a Canterbury jersey after he limped from the field in just the eighth miniute.

He was dressed by halftime and left ANZ Stadium in a moonboot and crutches.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler later revealed Barba had suffered a syndesmosis, a condition associated with ligaments detaching from the bone.

Hasler was hopeful Barba would only miss two or three weeks, but the injury has been known to claim previous victims for several months.

"We'll get that scanned in (this morning) and we'll know the full story," Hasler said.

"But it will be weeks."

Barba sustained the injury as he crossed for Canterbury's third try in just the eighth minute, by which time the mis-match was effectively over.

Josh Reynolds and Frank Pritchard both ran amok in the seven-try romp, which threatened to condemn Parramatta to their first back-to-back donuts in 66 years.

The Eels finally broke a scoreless drought that stretched for over three hours when Ben Roberts and Semi Radradra scored consolation tries inside the final 10 minutes.

Apart from their late rally, it was another night of woe for the wooden spoon elects.

They gambled on a short kick-off to start the game, which back-fired when Canterbury won possession and monopolised it for the next 11 minutes.

In that period the Bulldogs ran through their hapless opponents like a salmonella-ridden vindaloo, with Sam Perrett, Reynolds and Barba contributing tries to a 16-0 scoreline.

Perrett reverted to fullback in Barba's absence and gave a solid audition for the role, despite not playing a full game at the rear since 2008.

"He's a pretty logical replacement," Hasler said.

"He's played a bit of No.1, he's very experienced and he's a pretty cool customer."

But Friday night's romp was hardly a test of Canterbury's mettle.

Up 22-0 at the break, they careered ahead with two of the softest tries shortly after it to bloat their skinny differential.

Forwards James Graham and Dale Finucane both crashed over with alarming ease from close range to break their ducks for 2013, and in the process spare themselves from a dreaded nudie run.

But for Parramatta, there's no telling when the red faces will end after their ninth straight loss.

Until Roberts scored in the 70th minute the Eels were facing their biggest ever defeat to Canterbury and are set to be without lock Darcy Lussick, who was sidelined with a hip pointer injury in the first half.

Willie Tonga also finished the match on report for a lifting tackle on Reynolds.

"It's tough against a good team . . . very tough," Eels coach Ricky Stuart lamented.  

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FOX FOOTY claims 'Channel of the Year'

Honoured ... FOX FOOTY incredibly proud to be named 'Channel of the Year' at the Astra Awards. Source: FOX SPORTS

FOR the second year in a row a FOX SPORTS channel has won the prestigious Channel of the Year award at Thursday night's 11th Annual ASTRA Awards – an annual event that celebrates the best in subscription television.

FOX FOOTY claimed the win on Thursday night with FOX SPORTS Chief Executive, Patrick Delany and Head of FOX FOOTY and Managing Director of FOX SPORTS Melbourne, Rod Law thanking the team and partners, including Foxtel.

FOX FOOTY personalities Eddie McGuire, Jason Dunstall, David King, Danny Frawley, David Parkin and Alastair Lynch stood on stage beside Delany and Law as they accepted the award.

"It's an honour to win tonight with so many worthy entrants, especially up against the incredible FOXTEL Olympic Channels. What a choice the judges had this year. Thank you to FOXTEL - they are our outstanding partners at FOX FOOTY.

"FOX Footy represents many of the reasons why FOXTEL subscribers love FOXTEL - live sport they are passionate about in High Definition and with no interruptions.

The channel broke new ground with its virtual on-field graphics, an incredible lineup of analysis and entertainment shows that kept the conversations alive during the week and an unbeatable group of expert talent.

"Sport is the ultimate entertainment - it's unscripted drama. We know our FOX SPORTS customers have a lot of fun watching our live sport and entertainment - and this has culminated tonight in the Channel of the Year award. Congratulations to Rod Law and his team," said Delany.

Rod Law said, "We're thrilled to receive this award - it's testament to the passion and commitment behind the scenes at FOX FOOTY. Working collaboratively with Foxtel, our production, technology and graphics partners, the athletes and the AFL has enabled us to provide the ultimate access for fans in to the inner sanctums of

the game and has set a new benchmark for sports entertainment in Australia."

Foxtel CEO Richard Freudenstein said, "I want to extend my congratulations and those of everyone at Foxtel to the team from FOX FOOTY on another well-earned win in the Channel of the Year category. FOX FOOTY has been a huge success and is a must-have for anyone who loves their footy."

FOX FOOTY stayed the number one channel on subscription television for 26 consecutive weeks, with its LIVE coverage of the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season drawing in an average audience of 214,000 viewers and its live games reaching over 3.9 million viewers in total.
 

FOX FOOTY also earlier claimed the Most Outstanding Sports Program or Coverage award for the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and Finals Series.

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Blue Samurai kill off 'Roos hopes

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Mitchell Duke was one of the goal-scorers in the loss to Japan. Source: Ahn Young-joon / AP

JAPAN have ended Australia's hopes of winning the East Asian Cup with a 3-2 victory over the Socceroos at the Hwaseong Sports Complex.

The experimental Australian squad will only be playing for pride on Sunday against China after succumbing to the superiority of the well-drilled Blue Samurai, who are in the box seat to lift the trophy after becoming the first team to win a game at the four-nation tournament.

With one round of matches remaining Japan are on four points, two ahead of China and hosts South Korea, with the Socceroos sitting at the bottom with just one point from two matches.

Japan were seemingly cruising to victory, leading 2-0 with a quarter of an hour remaining  thanks to goals either side of half-time from Manabu Saito and Yuya Osako.

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However, the Socceroos breathed life into the contest with two goals in the space of five minutes from Mitchell

Duke and substitute Tomi Juric, who both netted for the first time in a senior Australian jersey.

But as quick as the Socceroos had got themselves back into the match, they then allowed Japan to regain the lead through Osako, much to the frustration of coach Holger Osieck.

However, the right team won, with Japan dominating for most of the contest against an Australian side that, while better than in their first-up 0-0 draw with the South Koreans, were again second best.

Intent on giving all players in his own second-string squad an opportunity in the tournament, Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni changed his entire starting team from the 11 who took the field in the Blue Samurai's 3-3  weekend draw with China.

In contrast, Osieck named the same starting side for the second match in a row.

"There are a lot of players that I need to see play again in this very competitive environment," Osieck said.

The Blue Samurai had the first chance of the contest in the seventh minute thanks to a weaving from attacker Saito.

Having worked his way into the Socceroos' penalty area, Saito's floated a dangerous ball to the back post, where an unmarked Yamada Hiroki unleashed with a  first-time shot that deflected wide for a corner.

The Socceroos defence was again stretched in the 22nd minute but a  last-gasp challenge from Jade North ensured Yohei Toyoda could not get a clean shot away when he seemed certain to test Australian goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

But Japan's pressure finally told four minutes later, with Japan taking the lead after a sublime piece of skill Saito.

Teasing the tentative Socceroos defence on the edge of the penalty area with a horizontal run, Saito stood up North before taking advantage of space afforded to him by Michael Thwaite with a clever finish that was too good for the exposed Galekovic.

The Blue Samurai should have doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Toyoda was allowed to rise for an easy header on the edge of the six-yard box.

But much to the Socceroos' relief, Toyoda directed his header straight into the arms of Eugene Galekovic.

The Socceroos rarely penetrated in the first half, with the best chances coming from headers from Thwaite and Mark Milligan the both sailed over the crossbar.

Matt McKay also failed to hit the target with a volley five minutes before half-time.

Osako then doubled Japan's lead in the 55th minute, before the Socceroos' fightback made for a tighter-than-expected finish.

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Victory wants Liverpool relationship

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Sea of red ... Liverpool's support in Melbourne was absolutely incredible for the friendly match. Source: MARK DADSWELL / AAP

PLANS are already being made to bring European giant Liverpool to Victoria on a regular basis.

But first Melbourne Victory is lining up what would be an historic trip to England to play the Reds at Anfield.

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Buoyed by the 95,446 crowd at the MCG on Wednesday night and the support shown to it throughout its four-day stay in Australia, Liverpool officials are keen to strengthen ties with the two-time A-League champions.

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Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said he wants to make both his club and the A-League a ``powerhouse'' in Asia and said forging relationships with clubs like Liverpool will help that stated aim.

"We're already working on our next projects together,'' Di Pietro told the Herald Sun.

"One of them involves a tour over to Anfield. We'll play, but also go over there and train and spend a period of time. We're also working on supporting each other with our charities.

"Liverpool wants to play in markets that are strong, where the values between the clubs and leagues are similar, where the broadcasters are connected and so on.

"It ticks all the boxes, so this is a preference for them as much as it is for us. Our interests are aligned.''

Liverpool had never been to Australia before this week's trip.

And it's likely Reds fans will not have to wait another lifetime to see their team in the flesh, with Di Pietro saying ``a four-to-five yearly'' match between the two clubs is a possibility.

But that will not perturb Victory from chasing other European giants to play pre-season games in Melbourne.

"Next year is unlikely given the World Cup and 2015, once we understand the Asian Cup commitments, might be something else that we wait through as well,'' Di Pietro said.

"But definitely other clubs are on our radar at the same time as building our Liverpool partnership that we think is going to last a long time.''

Di Pietro said positive discussions with Liverpool officials had further encouraged the club to forge ahead with its long-term ambitions.

"They know we are the powerhouse club of the A-League,'' he said.

"What they also know is that the A-League - and we'll be doing our best with Football Federation Australia to make this happen - will be the powerhouse league in the Asian confederation.

"But we also want it to be the powerhouse league in the southern hemisphere and there's no reason why we can't get there.''

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Evans not stepping down

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Chairman ... David Evans faced the music at Windy Hill on Thursday night. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

ESSENDON chairman David Evans says he will not be standing down after the club held crisis talks over its drug supplements scandal.

''I want to make this really clear, tonight was a regular and scheduled monthly board meeting,'' Evans said.

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''In relation to media reports late this afternoon, I am not standing down as chairman and the board did not ask me to explain my version of events.

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''This was a routine board meeting in which we spent considerable time implementing many of the recommendations from Ziggy Switkowski report. 

''Yes we've got big issues ahead of us but we're all awaiting the ASADA investigation to be completed.

''If you don't mind I'm going to go off to dinner and it is not a farewell dinner.''

Bombers coach James Hird earlier left Windy Hill as club chiefs held a board meeting.

Hird said he gave his version of events to ASADA but could not comment on whether he was the witness who tipped off investigators about Andrew Demetriou's call to club chairman David Evans.

"It was just a normal board meeting, gave footy report and on the way home," he said.

Evans will be quizzed by his fellow directors at the crisis board meeting.

Evans has told confidantes in recent days he is considering his future.

Head of football Danny Corcoran and senior assistant coach Mark Thompson will be in attendance at the scheduled board meeting.

Evans is almost certain to be asked to outline his version of events from a meeting at his Hawthorn home on the night of February 4 and what happened in a second meeting with the AFL on the following day, as revealed on the front page of today's Herald Sun.

Evans' version of events differs to that of other people at the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Herald Sun can reveal that Corcoran, in his role as chief executive of the Melbourne Rebels, interviewed sports scientist Stephen Dank for the position as high-performance manager at the rugby club in 2010.

Corcoran was told to interview Dank, which lasted half an hour.

Corcoran did not recommend Dank for the job.

Dank was employed at Essendon at the end of 2011.

Corcoran was absent from the club through November, December and January of 2011-12 after his wife died.

In that time, Dank was employed on the recommendation of Dean Robinson.

Earlier today, Hird said "the truth will come out" over a phone call from Andrew Demetriou to Evans.

Hird said today he was at Evans' house on the night of Monday, February 4, when Evans took a call from Demetriou. He said the contents of the call were discussed by those present - Hird, Evans, former CEO Ian Robson, club doctor Bruce Reid and football boss Danny Corcoran.

The AFL has always maintained that Essendon "self-reported" and asked to be investigated by ASADA and the AFL on February 5 based on its own information.

Demetriou has admitted speaking to Evans the night before the club self-reported for the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs, but denies he "tipped him off" about an Australian Crime Commission investigation.

"We've all given our version of what happened, or the truth, to ASADA," Hird said.

"I know I've told truth to ASADA and I know other people have as well, so the truth will come out over time.

When asked whether Demetriou had done anything wrong, Hird replied: "I'm not sure".

"I wouldn't have thought he has but I'm not the ACC, I'm not ASADA, I'm a football coach trying to coach a game tomorrow night," he said.

Anti-doping investigators have been told of a phone call made by Demetriou to Evans on Monday, February 4.

Differing accounts of the call have been detailed to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Demetriou has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

According to one witness testimony given to ASADA, Demetriou discussed with Evans whether his club's players had used banned performance-enhancing drugs.

AFL spokesman James Tonkin said: "We understand this claim was made by a particular witness in an interview with ASADA.

''The allegations, which were disputed and discredited by other witnesses, were examined by ASADA. They are completely untrue."

Speaking on 3AW radio this morning, Demetriou also firmly denied the claim.

"(I was asked) whether I tipped off David Evans before they came forward ... and I stated yesterday categorically, as I did on previous occasions, that I did not," Demetriou said.

"And I did not for one simple reason: I didn't know who the club in question was. The AFL wasn't aware of who the club was in question because the ACC, who briefed us a few days earlier on the Thursday, wouldn't disclose to us who the clubs involved were."

"There absolutely was a discussion that I had with David because I'd spoken to him throughout the day and I did ring him that night because I was returning his phone call. But it wasn't tipping off David Evans that Essendon was the club because we didn't know who the club was."

Demetriou said Evans had been receiving calls from media with speculation about the use of supplements, calls the AFL had also received, before making his own inquiries at his club and becoming "quite disturbed", leading to the meeting being called.

"As David found out more and more things, he rang me to tell if I knew any more, I kept saying I don't know any more David, I don't know who the club is," Demetriou said. "He rang me and I returned his phone call at nine o'clock that night."

When asked if he had mentioned the ACC briefing of 31 January, Demetriou said no, as he was "subject to confidentiality".

Demetriou denied that he knew at the time Essendon was likely to be subject to investigation after the ACC briefing.

"(The ACC) made it clear that there were several clubs that could have been implicated in both illicit and the use of performance enhancing and they wouldn't disclose who the clubs were," Demetriou said.

"We sought to get clarification because at that time all of our clubs were impugned ... They couldn't tell us and they wouldn't tell us."

Demetriou said he had never been asked about the phone call by ASADA after the witness testimony was denied by three others.

ASADA has been told the Demetriou call was made during an emergency meeting at Evans' Hawthorn home attended by Hird, club doctor Bruce Reid, football boss Danny Corcoran and former chief executive Ian Robson.

ASADA was told Evans ordered the 8.30pm meeting after receiving earlier information.

A second source, also interviewed by ASADA, yesterday backed the first witness's claim.

It is understood Evans was recalled by ASADA and backed the AFL's version of events.

Evans yesterday said: "I went to the AFL and ASADA when serious questions were raised about our supplements program and when the club could not adequately provide me with adequate answers.

"The serious questions coming from the media and information from previous players brought issues to light that strongly warranted my actions."

The AFL has always maintained Essendon "self-reported" and asked to be investigated by ASADA and the AFL on February 5 based on its own information.

The Australian Crime Commission went public with its report into organised crime and drugs in sport two days later on February 7.

Demetriou was first briefed by the ACC about its report on Thursday, January 31, at a confidential meeting in Canberra. AFL sources said Demetriou was not told at this briefing that Essendon was the subject of concerns.

On the morning of February 5 - the day after the meeting at Evans' home - Evans, Hird, Robson and two club media staffers met AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan and league integrity boss Brett Clothier at AFL House.

Demetriou was absent because he was attending another briefing with the ACC, ASADA and other sports chiefs at Melbourne Airport.

At a 2pm press conference called by Essendon at AFL House, Evans said he had received "information" during the previous 48 hours which prompted the club's decision to come forward.

The Herald Sun has previously investigated the circumstances leading to Essendon's self-reporting.

On April 16, the Herald Sun asked Evans at his Jolimont offices whether he was tipped off about the club's issues with drugs.

"No, that did not happen," Evans said.

He said he had "snooped" around his club all weekend before deciding to go to the AFL.

Late on April 17, Demetriou, after being told about inquiries from the Herald Sun, contacted the newspaper and emphatically denied the AFL played a role in the lead-up to Essendon self-reporting.

- with James Dowling, Patrick Horan

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AFL may rule Swans' living allowance

Cash ... Rivals believe the Swans were able to afford Kurt Tippett with the cost-of-living allowance. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

SYDNEY says it would be prepared to let the AFL take charge of its contentious $900,000 a year cost-of-living allowance to silence baying critics.

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Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland has already lodged a club submission on keeping the 9.8 per cent dispensation and is awaiting an AFL Commission decision.

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He argues the Swans already apply that formula to every new contract, despite some believing Sydney uses the extra cash to build a war chest for acquisitions like Kurt Tippett.

But Ireland says the club would be prepared to let the AFL dole out the extra cash on individual contracts if it kept Victoria's power clubs happy.

The AFL is likely to tie a decision on Sydney's cost-of-living allowance into its equalisation strategy, meaning a call is not yet pending.

The league seems unlikely to abolish it entirely, despite lobbying from rivals, with Carlton boss Greg Swann saying recently it was "staggered'' the Swans could afford Tippett.

"All we have been told is that the AFL will review it and we have sent our information into the AFL putting our point across,'' Ireland said.

"The fact is AFL rules stipulate all players get it. It isn't an optional thing. Do you think player managers don't factor the extra 10per cent into their negotiations? If the theory is that the AFL kept control of that money, and when we negotiated contracts they paid the extra 9.8per cent on top of it, that makes sense too.

"All we need to ensure is the players we are recruiting get the compensation the AFL have indicated they need to live in Sydney. The reality is it is significantly dearer to live here. If we didn't get it we would be at risk of players deciding they couldn't afford to live here.''

The league already funds the entire cost-of-living allowance, which will hit $940,000 next year.

The Swans will again have extra salary cap room this year, given defender Marty Mattner has retired and veteran Jude Bolton is likely to finally call it a day.

Tippett was recruited on a huge deal, but Sydney argues it cut six players who were on base payments of a total of $1million, with the salary cap also going up from $8.78million last year to $9.14million.

Victorian power clubs Collingwood, Hawthorn and Carlton are at the forefront of opposition to the allowance, with Swann particularly vocal: ``We are staggered that the premiers can add an $800,000-per-season player to their list without shedding anyone,'' Swann said.

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IncREDible 'You'll Never Walk Alone'

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You'll Never Walk Alone ... the MCG's spin-tingling rendition. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

A RECORD soccer crowd of 95,446 has witnessed history at the MCG with Liverpool winning their first match on Australian soil against a gallant Melbourne Victory.

More than 10,000 overseas and interstate tourists were among the delighted crowd that transformed the MCG into Reds heaven in an entertaining foreign friendly won 2-0 by the famous English soccer team.

The crowd, mostly decked from head to toe in Liverpool red, was technically the second biggest soccer crowd ever at the MCG.

It trailed only the 104,700 audience for a USSR v Yugoslavia match widely regarded as a curtain raiser to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics closing ceremony.

And it was the biggest selling soccer match between two club sides by far, eclipsing attendance records records for matches between Australia and international opponents ranging from Brazil to Greece.

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For fans it was a chance to watch one of world sport's most iconic teams at one of sport's most iconic stadium.

And neither let them down with Liverpool playing a near full strength team and the MCG providing the perfect canvas for a magical sporting moment full of colour, atmosphere and excitement.

Fittingly, Beatles anthems blared over the MCG speakers 25 minutes before kick off, a knowing nod to the Scouse heritage the iconic Liverpool band and sporting team share.

But it was moments before the start of play when they brought out the big guns.

When the first chords of Liverpool's iconic anthem You'll Never Walk Alone started to play the vast majority of the MCG crowd rose as one and sang in unison.

Those lucky enough to have a seat the the MCG for the spine chilling experience will speak of it for years to come.

It took Liverpool more than 100 years to visit Australia but judged on the success of their maiden tour they are bound to be back soon.

The match is expected to pour more than $10.4 million into the Victorian economy.

Metro put on extra services for the match, sports stores sold out of Liverpool kits and several hotels told the Herald Sun they had been booked out for weeks for match night.

Premier Denis Napthine said the fixture ``kicked goals'' for Victoria and could become an annual event.

"To have Liverpool playing here at the MCG is a dream come true for many people in Australia,'' he said.

Even AFL stars lined up for a share of the action.

Geelong premiership player Cameron Mooney tweeted: "For 20 years iv wanted to go to Anfield and sing 'you'll never walk alone' with 40 000 people. Guess 90 000 at the G will have to do. "

Before the match, Liverpool great Steven Gerrard said he was pleased to tick the MCG off his iconic stadium bucket list.

"When you're growing up playing in Europe and around the world, you want to play in as many of the big and special stadiums as you can. This is certainly right up there," he said.

"Close to 100,000 supporters when you're over 20 hours away from home is incredible.''

Earlier, Liverpool coaches and staff made the day of a group of vision impaired children in a once in a lifetime coaching camp.

By that time Melbourne's CBD was already a sea of red with fans eager with excitement spilling out of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Former English soccer hard man turned movie star Vinnie Jones also made a difference, spending time with a group young of young Melbourne men whose lives have gone off the rails in the hope of helping them turn their lives around.

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Re-live Liverpool's historic win

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Luis Suarez and Connor Pain vie for the ball at the MCG. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

A record football crowd of 95,446 has witnessed history at the MCG with Liverpool winning their first match on Australian soil against a gallant Melbourne Victory.

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The leading man starred. So too the hometown boy. The hero who might yet turn villain played his part. The support cast was excellent, as was the atmosphere.

In terms of sporting theatre, English Premier League giants Liverpool's first visit to Australia produced a perfect night of entertainment.

And it ended with the ideal scoreline.

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More than 10,000 overseas and interstate tourists were among the delighted crowd that transformed the MCG into Reds heaven in an entertaining foreign friendly won 2-0 by the famous English soccer team.

We have all the best social media reaction, play-by-play commentary of the match, Instagram photos and video of the big moments.

Read our match report here.

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[View the story "Melbourne Victory v Liverpool FC, MCG." on Storify]

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O'Grady returned suspicious test

Stuart O'Grady ... returned a suspicious urine test at the 1998 Tour de France. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

AUSTRALIAN cycling great Stuart O'Grady returned a suspicious - but not positive - test to banned EPO during the infamous 1998 Tour de France, according to a French Senate inquiry.

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The South Australian has been listed among 30 riders who returned either positive or suspicious samples to retrospective EPO testing.

O'Grady was listed among 12 cyclists whose urine sample was reanalysed and regarded as suspicious but fell short of being positive. A total of 18 riders were positive to traces of EPO.

French officials had earlier indicated names would not be released but, by early afternoon, both lists were available.

The positives include race winner Maro Pantani as well as Erik Zabel, Jan Ullrich - but not American Bobby Julich, as had been previously claimed by Le Monde.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORT'S WORST LIARS

The positive list is: Andrea Tafi, Zabel, Bo Hamburger (twice), Laurent Jalabert, Marcos Serrano, Jens Heppner, Jeroen Blijlevens, Nicola Minali, Mario Cipollini, Fabio Sacchi, Eddy Mazzoleni, Jacky Durand, Abraham Olano, Laurent Desbiens, Pantani, Manuel Beltran, Ullrich (twice), Kevin Livingston (twice).

The suspicious list is: Ermanno Brignoli, Alain Turicchia, Pascal Chanteur, Frederic Moncassin, Julich, Roland Meier, Giuseppe Calcaterra, Stefano Zanini, Eddy Mazzoleni, Stephane Barthe, O'Grady, Axel Merckx.

The accusation against O'Grady tarnishes the reputation of Australia's greatest all-round cyclist and could change the context his sudden decision to retire on Sunday, when he said the outstanding Tour performance of Orica-GreenEDGE was the perfect platform to retire.

O'Grady, 39, bowed out on Sunday night after completing the centenary Tour on the Champs Elysees amid rumours he was to be named by French Senate officials after an investigation into the fight against doping.

The Orica-GreenEDGE veteran in June signed a contract extension that would have seen his career end after the 2014 Tour de France.

But the Olympic gold medallist, Paris-Roubaix winner and multiple world champion surprised even team officials and teammates with his change of heart.

His decision immediately sparked speculation he would be among those named by the French senate.

O'Grady was one of four Australians to contest the shambolic '98 Tour.

The others were Neil Stephens, now an Orica-GreenEDGE sports director who rode for Festina, Patrick Jonker and Robbie McEwen.

Stephens, Jonker and McEwen were not named.

The '98 Tour - known now in France as the "Tour of Dopage" - was disgraced by the eviction of the Festina team for doping after its soigneur Willy Voet was caught on the Belgian border with a carload of banned products, including EPO and testosterone.

Several riders and officials were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation, sparking a sit-down protest by the peloton.

Ironically the 1999 Tour - dubbed the "Tour of Renewal" - was won by the sport's grubbiest and most despised cheat, Lance Armstrong.

There was no test for EPO in '98 and, at the time, a Swiss doctor estimated 98 percent of the peloton was using the blood booster.

The French commission questioned 84 witnesses under oath, taking evidence from athletes organisers and US Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart.

Former rider and now Garmin-Sharp CEO Jonathan Vaughters, a reformed doper, was dismissive of the report.

"Re '98 tests:small percentage of guys were tested. Smaller% were still taking epo after police raids started. Names in report? Meaningless" he tweeted.

Vaughters followed up by claiming that 100 percent of the peloton would have tested positive for EPO if tested three-to-four days before the start of the 1998 Tour.

The French Senate ordered that no results would be stripped as a result of their report: "Nobody will face sanctions. We aren't policemen. We aren't magistrates. We haven't noted absolute lies but put-offs and self-censorship," it said.

The results of the tests cannot be used for disciplinary action because they were not done following an anti-doping protocol. However the publication of the names would highlight the rife EPO abuse of EPO during the 90s.

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Dugan leads Dragons to golden win

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Golden win ... the Dragons Brett Morris scores the winning try against South Sydney. Source: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

SO this is how you win games without Jamie Soward, ey?

3 Tries 4
Dylan Walker 23'	Brett Morris 59'
Adam Reynolds 44'	Trent Merrin 70'
Sam Burgess 63'	Adam Quinlan 73'
	Brett Morris 83'
3 Conversions 3
Adam Reynolds 25'	Chase Stanley 60'
Adam Reynolds 45'	Chase Stanley 72'
Adam Reynolds 65'	Chase Stanley 75'

With their maligned player, and field goal specialist, having been let walk only weeks ago, St George Illawarra last night earned a Golden Point upset over South Sydney the hard way.

		W	L	D	B	PD	Pts
1	Rabbitohs	14	3	0	2	190	32
2	Roosters	13	4	0	2	221	30
3	Storm	11	5	1	2	88	27
4	Sea Eagles	10	6	1	2	145	25
5	Knights	9	8	0	2	95	22
6	Bulldogs	9	8	0	2	10	22
7	Sharks	9	8	0	2	-41	22
8	Raiders	9	8	0	2	-44	22
9	Panthers	8	9	0	2	47	20
10	Titans	8	9	0	2	-23	20
11	Warriors	8	9	0	2	-71	20
12	Broncos	6	11	0	2	-38	16
13	Cowboys	6	11	0	2	-45	16
14	Dragons	6	11	0	2	-111	16
15	Tigers	6	11	0	2	-181	16
16	Eels	3	14	0	2	-242	10

After failing with three shots at field  via Josh Dugan, Nathan Fien and Chase Stanley, the Dragons eventually sealed the win three minutes into extra time with a try to NSW Origin winger Brett Morris.

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On a night where the Dragons scored two converted tries in the final 10 minutes to draw level and a couple of giant question marks were thrown over the immediate futures of NRL favourites Matt Cooper and Roy Asotasi the Glory, Glory juggernaut was finally brought to a halt.

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Re-live all the action from Monday Night Football with Match Centre!

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Playing without star fullback Greg Inglis, who is set to miss anywhere from a fortnight to eight weeks with that bung knee, Souths led 18-6 with 16 minutes to go but were caught within seven minutes of full time.

From there, halfback Adam Reynolds missed three field goal shots before fulltime while, for the Dragons, Dugan, Fien and Stanley all sprayed attempts to seal the win with a point.

The win was, however, soured with the immediate playing future of Cooper, off contract at the end of the year, in doubt after the ageing centre left the field early in the second half with a suspected torn pectoral.

For the Rabbitohs, Asotasi was placed on report for an alleged 'cannonball' tackle against rival prop Jack De Belin a dozen minutes into the second half.

The other big talking point on a night the Bunnies winning streak was brought crashing down was the continued rise and rise of NSW Origin fullback Dugan after that infamous night on the, er, tiles.

Looking more dangerous than a bearded tennis dad, Dugan ran for well over 150 metres, threatened with every touch and generally set the scene for an enthralling clash with the club he walked out on, Canberra, just four days from now.

It was also his pass, while being dumped onto his back midway through the second half, that not only ensured the Dragons first in 154 points but kicked off one of the gutsiest fightbacks of the 2013 season.

Offloading the ball to winger Jason Nightingale, the ball that went the width of the field, with the pick 'n' swinger handling twice before Brett Morris scored in the corner.

His efforts meant that while the Dragons made a series of crucial clangers in attack, and lost veteran Cooper only 11 minutes into the second half, they levelled the scores with under six minutes to play.

For the first 40 minutes, however, this was a contest were it seemed the only thing missing was a few buxom lasses and that soundtrack from The Benny Hill Show.

For the Dragons, Nathan Fien failed to find touch from a penalty, Ben Creagh knocked on near the stripe and centre Chase Stanley, attempting to take a 50m drop out, somehow fumbled said Steeden over the right sideline.

All up the Red V made eight errors in the first half, and yet by the break they still trailed by only six points.

Much of that, of course, had to do with the fact Souths also made eight blues. The rest you could put down to Dugan.

Truly, by oranges this resurrected rugby league rogue had already run for more than 100 metres and basically done everything but shut down the Rabbitohs sole try.

And that one came after 23 minutes when, following a perfect long ball from halfback Adam Reynolds and beautiful hit 'n' spin from Ben Te'o, winger Nathan Merritt bobbed up to grab said pass and find Dylan Walker.

Still with work to do, Walker then went on a little jinking run to the tryline. Reynolds converted for what would be the only points of a scrappy 40 minutes.

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Watters poised for new deal

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Watters seems to have the support of club officials despite the Saints' ladder position. Source:News Limited

ST KILDA could deliver coach Scott Watters an early contract extension as it navigates its difficult list transition.

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Watters is contracted for next year but is expected to seek clarity on his future during key talks with club chiefs at season's end.

The Herald Sun understands the club is likely to grant Watters a licence to guide the Saints until at least the end of 2015.

While the Saints have won just three games this season, the club is happy with the progress of its youngsters.

Since Watters took over from Ross Lyon at the end of 2011, St Kilda has turned over almost half its list and welcomed 18 new senior-listed players.

Head of football Chris Pelchen said the club was buoyed by the team's direction under Watters.

"Obviously Scott is contracted until the end of 2014 and the club is pleased with the progress in his first 18 months as coach," he said.

"We've been encouraged by the development of the young players this year, especially in consideration of the seven first-year players who have made their debut with the Saints in 2013.

"As you would expect, any discussion about Scott's contract is a matter for the board in due course."

One incentive to re-sign Watters would be to eliminate pressure on him and the club if the Saints continued to struggle next year.

The Saints narrowly missed out on a finals berth in Watters' first year, finishing ninth last season with a 12-10 record.

Currently third last, the club is in line to net its first top-three draft pick since key forwards Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke were snared at numbers one and two in 2000.

The Saints fielded 13 players with less than 37 games experience in the five- point loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

The club's list profile is expected to become younger after another round of experienced players leave at season's end.

Big man Koschitzke and defender Jason Blake are expected to retire, while the futures of veterans Lenny Hayes and Stephen Milne in the air.

Captain Nick Riewoldt will be 31 by the start of next season.

Watters has lamented a shortage of key backmen and top-end draft picks after a series of draft misses under Lyon between 2006-2010.

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Raiders green light Blake's return

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Canberra Raiders ... green light Blake Ferguson's NRL return. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

DAVE Furner knows the Raiders season could ride on Blake Ferguson's behaviour but the coach says he wants to give the troubled centre another chance - and, importantly, so do his teammates.

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With the NRL on Tuesday expected to give Ferguson the green light to make his return from suspension this Saturday night against St George Illawarra, Furner on Monday opened up to The Daily Telegraph about a player he says "is a good kid" who wants to be a better man.

"He has been compared to Greg Inglis and he has a way to go yet but he has talent and the build and he is special," Furner said.

"He can do anything in the game but if he doesn't work on himself as a person he won't give himself a chance.

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"But I wouldn't go this far if I didn't think he was worth it. I like him and the players do as well.

"He needs some guidance and he has to change his life and he knows that."

Furner said Ferguson returned to Canberra on Sunday after spending time in Sydney living with his uncle Anthony Mundine and undergoing counselling and alcohol management programs that were part of his rehabilitation organised through the NRL.

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Ferguson hasn't played since he was axed from the NSW team after a booze-fuelled night with former Raiders teammate Josh Dugan, the day before the Blues were due in camp for Origin II.

Ferguson was charged with indecent assault and has since pleaded not guilty to the charge. The matter is due back in court on September 3, days before the final round of the regular season.

Ferguson isn't expected to be named in the team Tuesday but Furner said if the NRL grants him permission he would be running out against the Dragons.

Furner thanked Mundine for the help he gave Ferguson while he was in Sydney but he said he still had to win back his teammates' respect.

"Choc might over-step the mark with the media but one thing he does do is care about his relatives and he cares about Blake," Furner said.

"Blake just has to put his head down and work hard now. He needs to make a commitment to the team.

"I spoke to Blake today and he wants to get back on the field but most of all he wants to play for his teammates.

"There are a couple of players who are unhappy he has put himself in this position but certainly the players want to play with him.

"None of the players have ever come to me and said they want him sacked.

"He is 22 years old and he just has to keep working on himself. Like I said, it's up to him. He has this chance to change his life and he knows that."

Furner didn't want to respond to some bizarre comments Dugan made on the weekend after he claimed to be unfairly treated by the Raiders and his former coach.

Dugan was sacked after he posted photos on social media of him and Ferguson drinking Bacardi Breezers on a rooftop after they skipped a team recovery session.

"We were just kicking back and catching a bit of sun," Dugan said. "It was just two mates kicking back and having a drink. Both me and Blake were a bit drunk, so we felt if we went to recovery it would have been worse off than missing a half-hour swim session."

Furner said: "I don't think I need to respond to that."

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Argus put the writing on wall

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Don Argus (R) presents his report into the state of Australian cricket in August 2011. Source:AFP

The man who reviewed the trembling foundations of Australian cricket two years ago spotlighted the batting frailties that have been brutally exposed in the current Ashes series.

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The Argus Report detailed four key batting weaknesses that required urgent attention, but the distressing news for Australia is that all of the problems remain unsolved.

These were a failure to bat for long periods, an inability to handle the moving ball, a poor approach to spin and generally flawed techniques.

The damning report could have been written yesterday in the wake of Australia's 347-run loss to England at Lord's.

The battle to find a long-innings player stretches all the way down to club cricket where the days of Matthew Hayden-style bat-until-sundown marathons on the Brisbane grade scene have been generally consigned to a bygone era.

Even at Sheffield Shield level, the long-stay batsman has become a rarity with no batsman scoring more than three Shield centuries last season.

A decade ago, Michael Bevan scored eight Shield centuries in a summer and Matthew Elliott seven.

Australia's batting in the first two Tests was so poor teenager Ashton Agar is Australia's leading run-scorer.

His 130 runs for the series are 50 fewer than England's Joe Root managed in one innings at Lord's.

The mesmeric swing bowling of Jimmy Anderson has again confounded Australia and a recent tour of spin-friendly India did nothing to ease Australia's anxiety against slow bowling.

Clever off-spinner Graeme Swann, who like Anderson has 13 wickets from two Tests, has cast a spell over an Australian side whose body language betrays signs of tension when they come to the crease.

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Shane Watson is so concerned at his inability to turn starts into major scores he recently phoned former Middlesex all-rounder turned media pundit Simon Hughes at 10pm to ask whether he had any thoughts on the issue.

Watson has now been given out lbw a higher percentage of times than any other long-serving batsman in the history of Test cricket, an extraordinary 24 times from 77 Test innings - 31.16 per cent.

Australia have precious few alternatives for the remainder of the series.

But coach Darren Lehmann has ruled out adding reinforcements to the Australian squad for the remainder of the Ashes.

Ed Cowan is with the squad but he has been neither dynamic or stoic on tour.

David Warner has been sent to Zimbabwe to find form but failed twice in his first tour game and has been desperately out of form.

The English county scene has three Australian-raised players near the top of the averages - sadly one is retired from Shield cricket, one played for the West Indies and the other wants to play for England.

Simon Katich, 37, has amassed 874 first class runs for Lancashire.

Though he said this week he never actually retired from international cricket, Katich called a halt to his first-class career in Australia last year - and that will be enough for Australia not to consider picking him here.

Australia would have loved to get their hands on Sydney-born Sam Robson, 24, who is second behind Joe Root on the English first-class run scorers list with 907 at 60.46 this season for Middlesex.

He has declared his allegance to England. The quirky entrant on the county averages is former Queensland batsman Brendan Nash (907 runs at 60.46 for Kent) who played 21 Tests for the West Indies.

Some pundits, like West Indian great Michael Holding, predict several grim years ahead for the batting line-up.

Shane Warne has spotlighted a general lack of composure.

"The Australian batsmen are playing adrenalin cricket and are in a hurry to impose themselves on England," Warne wrote in the London Telegraph.

"Patience is the key. They have to trust their defence and bat for long periods without going into their shell."

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St Kilda defends Roberton handling

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St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton in action during Round 15. Picture: Getty Source: Paul Kane / Getty Images

ST KILDA has defended its handling of concussed defender Dylan Roberton during Saturday night's game against Port Adelaide.

Roberton, having been involved in a heavy collision with Port's Tom Jonas minutes before halftime, was assessed by the Saints' medical staff and cleared to return to the field.

But during a prearranged Channel 7 interview with Cameron Ling, as the players left the field for the long break, Roberton's issue became glaringly apparent as he bumbled his words and forgot his location.

Coach Scott Watters said after the Saints' five-point loss, the club's head trainer had assessed Roberton and cleared him to play.

But a St Kilda spokesman yesterday confirmed the trainer had acted in concert with two doctors on the bench and that the onset of Roberton's concussion had been delayed.

"They had planned to reassess him at halftime anyway, but when they saw how he was as he came off, it was obvious (he couldn't play on)," he said.

"It's probably unfortunate that interview had been organised because everyone could see it ... but we wouldn't have let him on like that."

SAINTS RESILIENT IN DEFEAT: WATTERS

Roberton was substituted at halftime and was continuing to be assessed yesterday.

An AFL spokesman refused to comment, saying only that it would be addressed in today's Round 17 debrief, where medical assessments would be taken into account.

The AFL has said it would take a hard line on concussion practices and made clear its intention with a $20,000 fine on North Melbourne for hindering its probe into Lachlan Hansen's Round 20 concussion last year.

Ling was lauded for recognising Roberton's issue during their brief interview.

The big Saint started answering his question before realising all was not right.

"Yeah, obviously they got a fair run at the start, so we just focused on trying to settle them down ... oh, I don't know where I am," Roberton said as he looked around Etihad Stadium.

Ling, sensing the Saint's battle, asked about the clash with Jonas before moving to wrap up the interview.

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Penthouse and Outhouse: Gary greatness

Gary Ablett put on a master class in the win against Collingwood. Source: DAVE HUNT / AAP

FOX FOOTY expert Julian de Stoop takes a look at round 17 with a certain Sun catching his eye and a big Saint copping a bake.

PENTHOUSE

Gary Ablett

This man just gets better and better.

Ablett has played some great games since moving to the Suns but none better than his virtuoso performance in his club's greatest ever victory against Collingwood on Saturday night.

Throughout the game Ablett played on stars such as Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams and Luke Ball but the little genius was too good for all of them on his way to 49 disposals (20 of which were contested).

Ablett also kicked two vital goals and had 10 clearances in one of the finest displays of his 247-game career.

In his last 10 games against the Pies he's averaged 37 disposals.

Give the man his second Brownlow right now.

Gold Coast

Ablett may have been the star of the show but for the Suns the win over the Pies was memorable for so many reasons.

Tom Nicholls again stood out in the ruck, Jaeger O'Meara again showed why he is the best young player to enter the competition since Chris Judd in 2002, Trent McKenzie played his best game in two years and Rory Thompson again spoiled everything that came his way.

The game was played in front of the second biggest crowd ever to see the Suns play at home (even though the majority were Pies fans) which made the result even more significant for the fledgling club.

North Melbourne v Carlton

This was a ripping game of football which summed up both club's seasons.

The Roos and the Blues can play some wonderful football, but too often they lapse in games and when they do, the opposition scores far too easily.

For the first time in a long time Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Chris Yarran clicked kicking 8 goals between them while Lindsay Thomas continued his love affair with the Blues adding another six goals.

In the end only a bad bounce to Brent Harvey denied the Roos from stealing a game they looked out of in the third term.

The one-point loss (their fifth by a goal or less this year) all but ends their finals hopes but the Blues remain alive.

Next up though they face the Suns at Metricon.  No one at Carlton needs to be reminded what happened in the corresponding fixture last year.

Adelaide

It's been a tough year for the Crows but in the past fortnight they have showed why they are a good chance to bounce back in 2014.

Last week they pushed the Pies all the way and this week they claimed their first top-eight scalp with a win over Geelong after trailing by five goals in the third term. Remember they were missing their best player Patrick Dangerfield too.

Youngsters Brad Crouch, Rory Laird, Jarryd Lyons and Tom Lynch have all shown good form in recent weeks and if Taylor Walker can return from injury next year and the likes of Scott Thompson, Brent Reilly and David Mackay can rediscover their best form expect the Crows to return to finals action in 2014.

Jack Fitzpatrick

I must admit I saw Jack Fitzpatrick play against Hawthorn earlier this season and thought there was no way this man was going to make an AFL player. That day he looked like a rabbit in the headlights and his decision making was awful.

But in the past month he has been a real shining light for the Demons.

Two weeks ago he was one of the best players on the ground against Sydney and up in Darwin, in conditions which never suit big men, he kicked four goals in a losing side.

In Fitzpatrick and Max Gawn Melbourne have two promising big men at their disposal.

It will be interesting to see what their development means for veteran Mark Jamar.

OUTHOUSE

Travis Cloke's goal kicking

Cloke has had a wonderful season but his weakness remains his conversion.

Last week he kicked 2.4 against the Crows and this weekend he did the same plus had another shot which didn't even score.

The Pies dominated the opening term but could only manage 2.7 with Cloke the main culprit kicking three behinds.

If Collingwood has kicked 7.2 or even 6.3 it may have been a very different story.

Cloke had surgery on his finger a few weeks ago which the Pies were hoping would help his goal kicking but so far it appears to have had the opposite effect.

Essendon v Hawthorn at Etihad

Two great rivals who sit one and two on the ladder.  In short this is one of the most anticipated games of the season.

A game which would attract 90,000 people to the MCG this Friday night but instead for the second year in a row this fixture will be played at Etihad Stadium.

We understand as part of its deal with the AFL, Etihad Stadium requires a certain amount of blockbusters but this isn't one of them.

Any game which denies around 30,000 people from attending isn't good for the sport.

Fading Cats

Are these second-half fadeouts becoming a concern for Chris Scott?

In the past five weeks Geelong has given up an eight-goal lead to Brisbane and lost, a five-goal lead to Hawthorn although they did win and now a five-goal lead against Adelaide and lost.

Surely fitness isn't the issue so maybe the Cats just aren't as switched on as they should be as they prime themselves for another big September.

But it's an issue the Cats coaching staff will want to address pretty quickly.

Transport at Metricon Stadium

The Suns home is a great ground but getting out after a game is a nightmare.

The taxi line is bigger than the queue to get into the MCC members on Grand Final day and the supply doesn't meet the demand.

A light rail from Surfer's Paradise or Broadbeach to the ground would make a huge difference.

Rhys Stanley

The Saints desperately need some quality young talls and Stanley is full of talent but at this stage he isn't delivering.

With his pace and athletic ability for someone that stands 200cm he should be a real asset for Scott Watters but against the Power he had no impact on the game at all.

Stanley spent 94 per cent of the game on the ground yet managed just four disposals.

The Saints need him to do more.

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