Hawks tighten grip around Dockers

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HAWTHORN has increased its stunning psychological hold over Fremantle with a 58-point hiding that will weigh down the Dockers' flag aspirations all season.

The Hawks' shot to outright premiership favouritism ($3.70) in devastating fashion last night, again exposing the team they beat in last year's grand final as their 'bunny side', with a ninth win from their past ten meetings.

CLINICAL HAWKS SMASH DOCKERS

The MCG hammering reaffirmed the Hawks' view they can be better despite the departure of superstar forward Lance Franklin and overcome the key match day absences of captain Luke Hodge (groin), Ben McEvoy (calf), Ben Stratton (hamstring), Brad Sewell (hamstring) and Brian Lake (calf) last night.

Fremantle players walk off after the loss. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Worryingly for the Dockers, their injury toll grew with backman Garrick Ibbotson substituted out early with a dislocated shoulder and gun forward Michael Walters forced off the ground with an injured ankle.

Dockers' trio Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne and Luke McPharlin also looked to be carrying injuries last night and will be under a fitness cloud for next Sunday's redemption bid against Essendon in Perth.

Chris Mayne rolls his ankle Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Only a late rally saved Fremantle from the embarrassment of eclipsing last year's 71-point loss to St Kilda in Rd 23 as Ross Lyon's worst loss as senior coach.

The Hawks blew Fremantle away leading by 30 points in the first quarter and had doubled the Dockers' possession tally by half time, putting the Hawks in the box seat to carry out their back-to-back premiership bid.

The Hawks next meet the Dockers in Rd 21 in Perth.

Melbourne champion and respected commentator Garry Lyon branded Fremantle's performance a "monumental failure" after starting the night $4 equal premiership favourites with Hawthorn.

"They have not turned up, Fremantle. This is disgraceful," Lyon said on Triple M.

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Lyon: No winners when whips cracking

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Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said he and his staff will review only the first half of last night's embarrassing loss to Hawthorn.

Lyon offered no excuses as the Dockers confront more injuries to key players in a bid to regroup at home to Essendon next round.

CLINICAL HAWKS SMASH DOCKERS

"Clearly, we have to go away and review, but it won't be a long review. We'll just look at the first 30 minutes and a bit of the second (quarter) just to show the areas we got well beaten,'' Lyon said.

The Hill brothers tangle. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

"When the whips were cracking, there wasn't too many winners in their positions. I thought they dominated us all over the ground.

"In the second (quarter) we kicked 1.6, we tried to hit the scoreboard, but again all credit to them (the Hawks). We were really disappointed in nearly all positions and facets.

"It's not something we're proud of and we're disappointed for our fans and members, we're pretty keen to rectify it.

"At the end of the day the review is too late, you've got to try to get it done on the night. There's precious few opportunities to win games of football.

"We're really disappointed. We're licking our wounds at the minute. All credit to the opposition, Hawthorn really won the ball incredibly well, they spread and we couldn't find them.

"But I thought we found a way to have some resistance and resilience, but that honourable stuff late doesn't really thrill us too much.''

Garrick Ibbotson's bad luck continued when he dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Fremantle will assess the damage with defender Garrick Ibbotson subbed out early with a dislocated shoulder and Chris Mayne and Michael Walters hobbling off with ankle injuries.

"It's not ideal, but that's life in the AFL jungle,'' Lyon said.

"I've been in bigger holes than this. I don't like the I, it's about me. I'm coach of Fremantle, certainly I never forget 2007 people coming over the fence then. It was a pretty difficult time.

"I learned a lot of lessons about a lot of things and what doesn't kill you makes you strong. I've certainly been in much bigger holes than this, more people coming over the fence than this one.

"Round 15 last year (loss to Geelong) was very similar to this. Conditions, attitude, effort, coaching performance, certainly as a coaching group it starts and stops with us. So we don't separate ourselves, we win and lose together.

"How do you leave losses behind like that? We did it last year and improved and keep going forward.''

Fremantle players walk off after the loss. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

Lyon didn't use the loss of Michael Barlow to injury and Nathan Fyfe to suspension as principle reasons why Hawthorn dominated the midfield duels and contested ball stats.

"We're a no-excuse football team. We won without those guys last year. Their midfield was way on top of ours,'' he said.

"Look, Mick (Barlow) is not going to be there for five or six weeks and Nathan still has another week to serve. But they're not irreplaceable, there's plenty of people with opportunities.

"You've got to be strong at the clearances which we really struggled with and we couldn't find them to cause turnovers. It's pretty simple.''

On whether he marvelled at the magic of Hawk Cyril Rioli's skills show, Lyon said: "He's a great player, but I don't sit there with my popcorn ... we're not 20 and zero, if we were I might get the popcorn out and enjoy his mark a little bit more.''

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Clinical Hawks smash Dockers

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Match. "A GAME or a contest in which two or more contestants or teams oppose each other".

This was no match and certainly no contest.

Hawthorn last night obliterated the Dockers with such unmerciful power and precision it will scare the living daylights out of the rest of the competition.

This is a side which has scaled football's summit, and yet it applies frenzied pressure, runs to space with such undying desire and is so clean by foot you'd swear they were striving to break a premiership drought.

Sam Mitchell shrugged off a calf injury to finish with 36 possessions. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

That is what Fremantle is trying to do, and yet if last night is any indication it could be another 50 years away.

Hawthorn lead by 75 points early in the last quarter before finally taking the foot off the Dockers' throat to win by 58 — 21.11 (137) to 11.13 (79).

At the end of it all, it was hard to believe these were the two sides locked in a ferocious arm wrestle only six months ago on the same ground in the biggest game of the year.

Luke Breust was at his creative best with four goals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

This was a journey back in time to the old Freo; the purple mob who would go into their shell away from home and put in insipid performances outside WA.

Records were broken everywhere.

Hawthorn's score was the biggest the Dockers have conceded in the Ross Lyon era and the Hawks' 492 disposals the seventh-most ever recorded.

The home side won the ball inside and shared it on the outside with such mesmeric efficiency Fremantle literally couldn't get its hands on the ball.

Isaac Smith kicked two goals in a minute in the second quarter to blow the game apart. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The uncontested possession count stood 31-0 after 15 minutes and Fremantle didn't take a mark of any kind until the 16 minute mark of first quarter.

Will Lanford got into the act, kicking his first career goal, much to the delight of the faithful. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

At half-time it was the worst disposal differential (-133) ever under Lyon. The Dockers' 128 possessions at the main break was also the lowest of the Lyon era.

Yes, Michael Barlow (injured) and Nat Fyfe and Zac Dawson (both suspended) provide an asterisk. But if that's the case what does Luke Hodge, Brian Lake, Ben Stratton and Brad Sewell provide?

No, absentees are a cop-out.

Brad Hill had a career-high 30 disposals. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

There were periods last night where you could have argued the Dockers had thrown in the towel. It is a harsh accusation, especially at the Grand Finallist, but there was a distinct 'It's all too hard' stink about them for much of the game.

So out of their depth were they that it was like watching Melbourne in its darkest hour or Greater Western Sydney or Gold Coast shortly after birth.

David Mundy was muzzled by Will Langford, Ryan Crowley was given a hiding from Sam Mitchell, Michael Walters Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne combined for two goals.

Ryan Crowley is chased and tackled by Cyril Rioli. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

And yet again, Aaron Sandilands' ruck dominance (33 hit-outs) didn't translate to clearance ascendancy.

As bad as Fremantle were, Hawthorn was super impressive. It's Round 3, but if the Hawks don't win this year's premiership, it won't be complacency that brings them unstuck.

Last night they outworked, out-hassled and out-skilled the so-called second-best side in the country. They got extra numbers to the contest and after winning possession, simply didn't give it back.

Matt Spangher filled a key defensive post admirably. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Cyril Rioli provided the highlights; Jordan Lewis and Mitchell the drive. Six Hawks had 30 disposals or more.

Goals don't get more exciting that Luke Breust's in the first quarter after Rioli and Paul Puopolo combined majestically on the wing to slice open the Dockers. Fremantle's famed full-ground defence was made to look like witches hats.

This wasn't a Grand Final rematch.

It was a statement.

HAWTHORN:

FREMANTLE:

SAM EDMUND'S BEST PLAYERS

HAWTHORN: Mitchell, Lewis, Smith, Suckling, Roughead, Breust, Rioli, Birchall

FREMANTLE: Pavlich, Pearce, Hill

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Hawk feeding frenzy

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THIS really had the potential for disaster. You lose your main ruckman even before the contest against the competition's most daunting and damaging big man.

No wonder Hawthorn fans feared the worse when Ben McEvoy's late withdrawal with a calf injury thrust third-gamer Jonathon Ceglar to stare down Fremantle kingpin Aaron Sandilands across the centre circle.

Ceglar's call-up did provide an experienced campaigner as a back-up, big David Hale who celebrated his 200th game in style.

CLINICAL HAWKS SMASH DOCKERS

While Sandilands' work by hand and foot might look impressive on the stats sheet, it's what happened even when the 211 cms Docker won the tap.

Simply, the voracious Hawks midfielders fed off anything and everything. It mattered little to

Jordon Lewis, Cyril Rioli and Cameron Sutcliffe compete for a ground ball. Picture Wayne Ludbey.. Source: News Corp Australia

Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Liam Shiels, Brad Hill and improving Will Langford, who won first touch at those bounces and stoppages.

They smashed the Dockers for the contested ball with a lethal mix of hunger and skill that set up what became the Grand Final mismatch rather than the rematch.

No Nat Fyfe and Michael Barlow for the Dockers in those onball scraps spelt a whipping as Hawthorn hammered out a warning to the rest of the contenders on the night it put on show the 2013 premiership flag.

Jack Gunston snaps the ball across his body. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Hawthorn started Hale face-to-face with Sandilands at the opening bounce, with Ceglar as another tall forward option.

And that Hawk combination of vast experience and youngful zest tick-tacked on the giant Docker to at least make him accountable at the bounces, throw-ins and stoppages.

It worked a dream almost from that first contest in which Sandilands seemed preoccupied with blocking Hale rather than laying one of those big paws on the ball.

David Hale, in game 200, spoils Hayden Ballantyne. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

It was as if Sandilands was expecting a full frontal Hawks physical assault on him from the start and he took his eye off the task of setting free his on-ballers.

The contest was only three minutes old when Roughead speared a pass to Hale who marked on the lead in front of Sandilands to goal. And six minutes later Jarryd Roughead took his turn to get on the scoresheet with a quick kick from a milling group of players. Two to the Hawk big men, none to big Sandy.

Rivals reunited. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

The first quarter hit-outs told the tale of Hawthorn's successful plan — Sandilands 11, Hale 5, Ceglar 3 and Jordan Lewis 2. Yes, the 185 cms Lewis had two hit-outs.

Clearly, the Hawthorn on-ballers were instructed to commit to being the third man up where possible. Not a new tactic, but an effective one to neutralise Docker takeaways.

A textbook Sandilands palm to release Stephen Hill at a centre bounce three minutes in the second term allowed Matthew Pavlich to outbody Kyle Cheney to mark and goal.

The rare centre clearance only illustrated the danger that lurked when Fremantle had possession. Instead, it was the Dockers' last scoreboard success of the pitiful and barren first half.

So comprehensively overwhelmed was last season's runner-up that it was damning to state that a Lyon-coached team could be labelled non-competitive, conceding the largest scoreboard tally under his watch.

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Knights slam ‘offensive’ judiciary

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STRICKEN Knight Alex McKinnon has commenced discussions with a lawyer, as his club slammed the NRL judiciary's handling of the tragedy as "offensive" and "insensitive".

In a dramatic aftermath to Jordan McLean's seven-week suspension on Wednesday night, Newcastle issued an explosive statement that criticised the judiciary and match review committee for:

•Not charging the two other Melbourne players involved in the tackle; Jesse and Kenny Bromwich.

•Allowing McLean to take the field last weekend.

•Allowing suggestions that McKinnon contributed to the injury by ducking his head just before impact with the turf.

•General inconsistencies in grading.

Alex McKinnon gets stretchered off the field. Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph can also reveal McKinnon's management has made contact with a Sydney-based lawyer, Daniel McGirr, to handle his future affairs.

BROKEN NECK ADDED FOUR WEEKS

There has been no discussion of any legal claim as yet, with the immediate focus fixed on establishing McKinnon's final diagnosis and the extent of insurance offered by the NRL.

Melbourne are also giving further consideration to appeal McLean's ban, but Storm officials would have been ambushed by the boldness of Newcastle's statement on Thursday night.

Alex McKinnon of the Knights lays on the ground after being tackled. Source: Getty Images

Having remained silent about the judiciary process since McKinnon's injury last Monday, the Knights vented their frustrations "with the inconsistencies in relation to the NRL judiciary".

Newcastle were most incensed with suggestions – tentatively advanced by McLean's defence counsel Nick Ghabar on Wednesday night – that McKinnon had contributed to the injury.

The statement read: "Firstly, the Club takes great offence to suggestions Alex McKinnon contributed to his injury when he was totally helpless in a three-man tackle and left with no ability to protect himself."

The remark is reflective of coach Wayne Bennett's long-held opposition to gang tackles.

Further criticisms of the grading and charging process also echo Bennett's anger over prop Kade Snowden receiving a seven-week suspension late last year for a contentious shoulder charge that broke the jaw of Cowboys utility Ray Thompson.

Jordan McLean arrives for NRL judiciary hearing on his tackle on Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

The Knights felt all three Storm tacklers should have been charged, and also expressed disappointment the NRL's initial decision to stand down McLean was overturned last week.

"Secondly, the club is disappointed only McLean was charged," the statement continued.

"His defence acknowledged the involvement of his two teammates in the tackle contributed to Alex's injury, however they have escaped penalty.

"Thirdly, the club applauds the NRL's decision to postpone the hearing while everyone focused on Alex's recovery, however found it insensitive McLean was permitted to play before Wednesday's hearing.

"Finally, while the Club understands the length of suspension was always going to polarise opinion, the major disappointment lies in the grave inconsistencies of gradings, especially in comparison to recent cases."

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It emerged on Thursday that McLean's tackle was classified as a grade two dangerous throw, after judiciary chairman Paul Conlon answered calls to release the panel's breakdown of the 725-point penalty.

That meant the penalty ascribed 400 points – or four games – to the severity of McKinnon's injury.

NRL boss Dave Smith personally spoke to McLean after the hearing to offer his support.

Should McLean accept the suspension, it's likely he will take at least one week off to clear his head and possibly return to family in Canberra.

NRL head of football Todd Greenberg expressed his sympathy for all involved, including the judiciary panel.

Newcastle fans hold signs in respect for injured player Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

"There has been no case like this in recent memory and it was always going to be a difficult case for the independent panel," Greenberg said.

"There is a process in place which was followed but it is clearly a tragic and extraordinary set of circumstance that we are dealing with."

McKinnon remains in a Melbourne hospital with immediate family by his side after emerging from a coma earlier this week.

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Racing mourns jockey Nathan Berry

Jockey Nathan Berry has died in a Sydney hospital hours after he was flown home to Sydney from Singapore.

SYDNEY'S racing fraternity is in mourning following the death yesterday of popular jockey Nathan Berry. He was 23.

What is supposed to be one of the most exciting weeks on the Sydney calendar — with the running of tomorrow's Golden Slipper — has suddenly become one of the saddest.

GALLERY - NATHAN BERRY'S LIFE IN PICTURES

TRIBUTES FLOW FOR NATHAN, GONE TOO SOON

Tragic: Jockey Nathan Berry with Whitney on their wedding day. Source: Supplied

Nathan Berry and then fiancee Whitney Schofield enjoy a day at the beach. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan Berry in the jockeys' room at Warwick Farm. Source: News Limited

Berry was struck down with viral encephalitis a fortnight ago in Singapore, only to be later diagnosed with the much more serious Norse syndrome, which relates to epilepsy.

Tommy and Nathan Berry / Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

Grief-stricken family members, including his wife of just two months Whitney Schofield and identical twin brother, jockey Tommy Berry, had made arrangements to have Berry brought home to Sydney on a charter flight after it became clear his condition would not improve.

He touched down yesterday and was taken straight to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he died just after 2pm.

Age: 23 Career: 351 wins Prizemoney: $14.6m Career highlight: Unencumbered's win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast in January First stakes winner: Va Pensiero in the San Domenico Stakes Personal life: - Twin brother and fellow jockey Tommy Berry is a Group 1 winner who won the Golden Slipper on Overreach almost a year ago. - Married Whitney Schofield, daughter of South African-born Sydney based jockey Glyn Schofield in Sydney in February. - Father Kevin Berry is a trainer at Warwick Farm 2013-14 premiership season Wins: 51 Prizemoney: $3.6m

Berry's father-in-law, fellow jockey Glyn Schofield, late yesterday posted a wedding photo of Nathan and his daughter Whitney on Twitter, with the words: "The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep buddy. R.I.P."

The pair wed in February. Just weeks earlier Berry rode Unencumbered to victory in the $2 million Magic Millions Stakes on the Gold Coast — his biggest win. Berry was due to ride the same horse in tomorrow's Golden Slipper. Unencumbered is now sure to become a sentimental favourite among casual punters.

The horse's trainer, Bjorn Baker, was overcome with emotion when asked about Berry at an official Slipper function early yesterday, hours before the jockey died.

"It's been tough actually. We're good friends, he's good friends with my staff, and he's an absolute gentleman. He's mature beyond his years, and we miss him,'' he said.

Jockeys riding at yesterday's Wyong meeting were told the tragic news just before the final race. Many cried.

"You could have heard a pin drop when we told them,'' steward Greg Rudolph said.

"The mood was very sombre. We gave the jockeys the option of not riding in the last but they were all very professional and we ran the last race.''

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Jockey Nathan Berry with then-fiance Whitney Schofield / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan met his wife Whitney through racing, and their relationship grew as he forged a strong friendship with her father and fellow jockey Glyn Schofield. Rivals on the course, they quickly became friends, and then family, away from the racetrack as Nathan and Whitney married in Sydney in February. Their marriage brought two of modern racing's most popular and formidable families together. Whitney's father Glyn is a regular rider in the Sydney ranks, coming head-to-head with both Tommy and Nathan almost every weekend. Glyn's son Chad Schofield is regarded as one of the finest young jockeys of the past decade. He won his first Group 1 race during last year's Melbourne spring carnival when Shamus Award became the first maiden to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Tommy Berry has emerged as the No.1 rider for the powerful Gai Waterhouse stable. He won last year's Group 1 Golden Slipper aboard impressive filly Overreach in the highlight of his short career. Almost 12 months to the day, he is mourning the loss of his twin brother and best friend. On Twitter, Glyn Schofield revealed the pain his family was going through at Nathan's loss. "The man we love so much and will miss even more. Losing you cuts so deep buddy. R.I.P," Schofield tweeted. While fellow jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who is to ride race favourite Earthquake in Saturday's $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper  (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens. "Gone too young, a ripping young guy #NathanBerry RIP we will all miss you," McEvoy wrote. Before they left for their honeymoon and Nathan's four-month riding stint in Singapore, Whitney ran the Whitney Schofield Dance Academy in Sydney.

Jockey Nathan Berry on Ecostanati at Warwick Farm. Source: News Limited

Jockey Nathan Berry rides Unencumbered to the win in the Magic Millions / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

It is not known if Tommy Berry, Schofield or fellow jockey Christian Reith — who rushed to Singapore to be by Nathan's bedside — will ride at Rosehill. Stewards have organised for counselling on-track.

Jockey Nathan Berry / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

Nathan Berry at his wedding two months ago. Source: Supplied

Berry recently took up a four-month riding stint in Singapore and became ill late last month.

He was placed in an induced coma. Once diagnosed with Norse syndrome last Tuesday, there were grave concerns about the extent of damage to his brain caused by the sudden illness.

Nathan Berry winning race 2 on Hot Commodity during Randwick midweek races on the Kensington track. Source: News Limited

It is with great sadness that the Berry and Schofield families have requested that we advise of the passing of Mr Nathan Berry. Nathan was on a four-month riding contract in Singapore when he collapsed at trackwork on March 18, with doctors later diagnosing the young rider with Norse syndrome, an acute form of epilepsy. Nathan, 23, along with twin brother Tommy, was apprenticed to his father Kevin who trained at Warwick Farm and the pair quickly established themselves as top class jockeys. Nathan rode more than 350 winners with his biggest win coming only months ago when successful aboard Unencumbered in the $2 million Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. He rode three winners in the short time he was in Singapore. Brother Tommy dedicated his win in the opening race at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday to his ill brother and emotionally punched the air as he passed the post on The Offer. Nathan married Whitney Schofield, daughter of top jockey Glyn Schofield, on February 2 and she kept a bedside vigil throughout his illness. "The entire racing industry is extremely distraught with the news of Nathan's passing," said Mr Peter V'landys, Racing NSW's Chief Executive. "Sadness is not a sufficient word to describe this tragedy. We are all very distressed and could not imagine the grief the family must be going through. "This was a young man that had the world at his feet. He won the Magic Millions in January and rose to the top of the ranks so quickly that he was offered a contract to ride in Singapore. "You would not meet a family more grounded and genuine than the Berry family. They are the most diligent and hard-working people I know. "Our sincere condolences go out to the Berry and Schofield families and Nathan's wife Whitney."

Jockey Nathan Berry, on his wedding day to Whitney, just two months ago. Source: Supplied

Jockey Nathan Berry with then-fiance Whitney Schofield / Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited

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Glasgow’s bang-up opening ceremony

What one of the Glasgow derelict buildings may look like prior to their starring role in the ceremony. Source: News Limited

THE Glasgow Commonwealth Games will literally begin with a bang when a group of longstanding high rise buildings are blown up as part of the opening ceremony.

The unique plan's been announced today with Glasgow officials aiming to wow the world and make a statement about the Scottish city's focus on regeneration.

Organisers say the "blow-down" of five of the city's six remaining Red Road flats using explosives will take just 15 seconds and be the biggest demolition of its kind seen in Europe.

The demolition will be shown live on a big screen at the Celtic Park ceremony on July 23 and to a worldwide television audience.

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All Black wannabe to Slipper jockey

Jockey James McDonald will have to settle for being a Group 1-winning jockey after his All Blacks dreams didn't pan out.. Picture: Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / News Corp Australia

JAMES McDonald wanted two things when he was growing up.

"To play for the All Blacks and be a dairy farmer,'' McDonald said.

The young Kiwi never dreamt of being a jockey and riding a serious horse like Mossfun in the seriously-expensive race like the Golden Slipper on Saturday.

One of the reasons he became a hoop was because top New Zealand jockey Lance O'Sullivan had made enough dough to buy not one but three dairy farms.

Slipper week always tosses up fascinating stories on trainers, horses and jockeys alike. McDonald is no exception.

One of the coolest yarns is the day McDonald's father, New Zealand trainer Brett McDonald, realised his young bloke would make it in the saddle.

"James always had the talent to be a jockey, but he didn't have that s..t in him to survive,'' McDonald told The Daily Telegraph from New Zealand.

"But one day, he was playing rugby against a Maori side at Tokoroa, and I remember this big fella saying, 'I'm going to run straight at the little white fella'.

Jockey James McDonald could be in for a big afternoon at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

"He was trying to intimidate James, but James buried him. The kid got up, then decided he was going to run at James again. James tackled him again, only this time he held his head in the dirt. He did it, got up and carried on like nothing had happened. That's when I realised he had that (killer instinct) needed to be a jockey.''

McDonald, 22, proved that day he never backed away from a challenge.

It wasn't the only time. He recalled a day he picked a fight in primary school with a bigger kid who had thrown his younger brother off a trampoline.

"My fifth day at the races I was also thrown against the locker by another jockey after an incident on the track,'' McDonald said.

"I think it was at Taupo. I laughed at the jockey, but I had a go at him and held my ground.

"I have so much respect for everyone I ride against but when it comes to the battlefield, I like to think I more than hold me own.''

Those battlefields don't get any more brutal than a race like the Golden Slipper.

Sixteen two-year-olds in a mad scramble for a whopping $3.5 million in prizemoney - not to mention the extra millions on the line for any colt first across the line - makes it anything but a race for the faint-hearted jockey.

Mossfun, to be ridden by James McDonnald, will revel if it's a wet Golden Slipper at Rosehill. Picture: Simon Bullard Source: News Corp Australia

McDonald is not a thug. He looks so innocent and young he could pass as a sixth member of popular boy band One Direction.

But he doesn't give an inch on the track, which might explain why he's had so much success so quickly, and is in such hot demand with the likes of Mossfun's trainer John Hawkes, soon-to-be Darley's top dog John O'Shea, and Gai Waterhouse.

Hawkes speaks with McDonald after most meetings to discuss their horses, and praised the jockey for his "soft hands''.

Mossfun is the second favourite behind Earthquake, and will firm again with bookies should the forecast rain prevail.

Earthquake could become Mcdonald's latest Group 1 scalp. He's already got Proisir in the 2012 Spring Champion Stakes and Atlantic Jewel in last spring's Underwood Stakes as prized notches in his belt.

"I think Mossfun has every chance on Saturday, she's trained by (Team) Hawkes, John is an incredible trainer, and he said she's right on song,'' McDonald said.

McDonald could be in for a big afternoon should Mossfun win the Slipper, and It's A Dundeel bounce back with victory in The BMW (2400m). He also praised Rising Romance, the Kiwi filly who revs up her ATC Oaks campaign via the Vinery Stud Stakes.

Come Saturday night, McDonald could be well on his way to buying that first dairy farm.

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Beautiful game has a ‘dark side’

England legend Paul Gascoigne has spoken openly about his battle with alcoholism. Source: News Limited

ONE in four professional footballers said they suffer symptoms of anxiety and depression in a new study into the sport's largely unexplored "dark side" of mental illness.

The mental health of recently retired professional footballers was even more worrisome, with one in three reporting signs of anxiety and depression.

Some 300 current and former professionals — from the Netherlands, Major League Soccer, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand — took part in the study for the players' union, FIFPro.

While football can draw on reams of scientific study about players' physical injuries, little research has previously been done into their mental health, and mental health problems have remained very much taboo in the sport, FIFPro chief medical officer Vincent Gouttebarge said.

"There is definitely some dark side of professional football,'' he said in an interview.

"We don't talk about mental health issues in football, or we didn't talk about this issue," he added. "It's quite a macho culture so people do not talk about it."

Gouttebarge said the study's findings suggest that professional footballers are no less prone to mental illness than other younger people in the general population. He said that might surprise fans who believe footballers live comfortable, worry-free lives, with media attention often focusing on the wealth of the most successful players.

"Contrary to what people think, professional footballers experience psychological problems just like other groups in the population," Gouttebarge said.

Among the 180 active footballers who responded to the lengthy questionnaire, 10 per cent reported symptoms of distress, 5 per cent reported signs of burnout and 3 per cent said they suffered from low self-esteem. Nearly 20 per cent reported problems with alcohol, which Gouttebarge said could include binge drinking and regularly drinking too much, and 7 per cent said they smoked.

The 121 former professionals who responded on average had 12-year playing careers and have been retired for five years. Fifteen per cent showed signs of burnout and 18 per cent signs of distress. One in three reported drinking problems, 12 per cent smoked, and 39 per cent reported suffering from depression and anxiety. Gouttebarge said that could include worrying, mood swings, difficulties sleeping, feeling stressed, not being sociable or a combination of symptoms.

"Mental illness seems to occur among former professional footballers more often than in current players, and more often than in other populations. Consequently, mental illness among former professional footballers cannot be underestimated and should be a subject of interest for all stakeholders in football," the study said.

Retirement was "really a critical period," with players abruptly losing the structure of regular training and the support of being in a club, Gouttebarge said.

"You have to find a new life," he said. "It can put you under a lot of stress."

Long-term injuries and surgeries that take players out of the game and away from close, regular contact with teammates can also be factors in mental health problems. Being forced to stop playing professionally because of injury or because clubs won't offer another contract can be particularly hard to cope with, Gouttebarge noted.

"This has been recognised in other sports as a huge cause of mental health issues," he said. "The guy who is willing to retire or to stop his career is really (in) a different kind of situation to the one who is forced to retire."

He called the study "a good first step" toward identifying the scope of mental health issues in football. The survey is expanding to players in France and from French-speaking nations in Africa, with plans to also study players in Spanish-speaking countries and Japan, Gouttebarge said.

Readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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McLean between rock and a hard place

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GEN Y footballers aren't known for their wilful avoidance of screens.

Away from the paddock, their lives are defined by iPhones, Tablets and X-Box games played on mammoth LCD units.

At 22 years of age and with his NRL career just starting to take shape, Jordan McLean might well be perfect pin-up boy for his peer group. But not on Wednesday night.

For over three hours McLean looked anywhere but the two metre screen inside the NRL judiciary. For all the excruciating stills and slow-mos that were shown, McLean kept his focus elsewhere. Not one of the dozens upon dozens of replays of the sickening tackle on Alex McKinnon reached his gaze, which was affixed firmly to the wooden table in front of him.

Without uttering a word in his own defence, McLean held the same line of sight when his guilt was announced at 7:21pm.

Jordan McLean arrives at the NRL Judiciary hearing at Rugby League Central. Source: Getty Images

Pandora's box had just flown open, but his outward emotions remained shut.

In determining McLean's guilt, the three-man panel were not permitted to take McKinnon's horrific injury into account. In determining his sentence, they could.

McLean's counsel Nick Ghabar labelled the panel's task of formulating the tragic outcome into a sentence as "the elephant in the room".

NRL counsel Peter kite declared the job ahead of them "unprecedented", given McKinnon's final condition might remain unknown for several years.

Even chairman Paul Conlon - a seasoned District Court judge - expressed his sympathy for Mal Cochrane, Chris McKenna and Bob Lindner.

"It's not an easy task and there's probably not many people in the room who would want to swap positions with you," Conlon said.

Jordan McLean waits for the start of a NRL Judiciary Hearing. Source: Getty Images

The hearing room was packed with media to a level not seen since the construction of the new League Central building in February 2012.

Even Melbourne Storm's Sydney-based ball boy, David Bloom, waited outside until well past dark with his father to give a sullen McLean his best wishes.

And Conlon was right. None would have volunteered to carry the burden that weighed upon Wednesday night's panel.

Kite appealed for a sentence of up to 11 matches. He broke the suspension down to a grade three offence, which equated to a five-week ban.

Taking into account that broken jaws had previously been equated to a one-grade loading, Kite felt McKinnon's lifelong trauma deserved at least three times that much.

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With grades leaping in two-week increments for dangerous throw offences, that would have spelled six additional weeks for the injury alone.

"This level of injury requires something more," Kite told the panel.

"How much more is a matter for your judgment."

Ghabar pleaded with them to exercise that judgment with "extreme caution".

In the first half of proceedings he'd argued that McLean should be acquitted because his initial leg-lift was not a "significant contributing factor" to McKinnon being placed in a dangerous position. That was rejected.

Now Ghabar needed convince the panel McKinnon's "tuck and roll" just before landing was a significant and direct cause of injury.

Defence Council Nick Ghabar, Jordan McLean and Storm CEO Mark Evans. Source: Getty Images

The more significant McKinnon's own contribution, the lesser the sentence for McLean, because, as many former players had observed over the previous nine days, this was "a terrible, terrible accident". Although McLean had lifted McKinnon into a dangerous position, Ghabar argued there would have been no injury had McKinnon not rolled his head forward.

"You don't need to speculate and punish the outcome," Ghabar said.

"What we want here is consistency and a punishment that fits the crime."

Ghabar felt that punishment should be a single week, particularly after reviewing previous grade one offences that resulted in ball-carriers being up-ended at right angles to the turf.

Jordan McLean of the Melbourne Storm arrives at the NRL Judiciary Hearing. Source: Getty Images

He felt that if McLean's leg lift was found to have caused the injury, then its role was minimal. In that case, an extra grade - or two more weeks on the sideline - would suffice.

After thirty minutes of deliberation the verdict landed well toward Kite's end of the spectrum - 725 points or seven matches. McLean's eyes stayed beneath him, even as those of his suited Melbourne club mates shot skyward in exasperation.

Even Conlon tried to offer some consolation after the verdict was delivered, mumbling: "It's a very difficult situation and I've got no doubt the panel has a lot of sympathy for you."

Sympathy, most likely. Clarification, not coming any time soon.

Storm CEO Mark Evans speaks to the media after the completion of Jordan McLean's hearing. Source: Getty Images

The NRL refused to disclose what loading McKinnon's injury carried in the seven-match suspension, which equates to a Grade Four dangerous throw.

It could have been any one of four permutations: a grade one tackle with a three grade loading for the injury, a grade two tackle, with a two grade loading, a grade three tackle with a grade one loading, or, most unlikely of all, a straight grade four with no loading.

Confused? Spare a thought for McLean.

He could already not bear watching the tackle on a screen.

Now he's condemned to be reminded of it for another seven weeks.

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Quiet achiever Arthur sees Eels growth

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In his usual understated manner it was obvious that Parramatta coach Brad Arthur was not getting too carried away with his side's impressive victory over Penrith on the weekend.

He made it clear that they would need to continue to improve across the board if they are to make any mark in this year's competition.

However behind the stoic facade, I think the new Eels' boss would have been delighted with the character shown by his football team over the past two weeks.

Firstly, it was vital that they produced something substantial after being steamrolled by a rampant Roosters outfit in round two.

They did that, but it didn't result in a win against Manly.

Chris Sandow's return is a major boost for PArramatta. Source: Getty Images

It then became paramount they were able to react positively to the heartbreak of going down in the final play of the game against the Sea Eagles.

They did that, in a victory that was professionally closed out in the final quarter.

The return of Chris Sandow was also a success with the under-pressure halfback resisting any temptation to overplay his hand.

That was the secret to finding his way after being recalled into the top grade and the calmness and composure of Nathan Peats and Corey Norman made it infinitely easier.

While the pair's their influence and direction aided Sandow, I get the feeling that Jarryd Hayne is equally benefited and poised to play his best football.

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IT doesn't get any more traditional than the Dragons versus Rabbitohs at the Sydney Cricket Ground, although a Saturday night meeting is a new twist.

Much of the build-up has obviously been about the long rivalry between these two great clubs and how the SCG was so often the battle ground on which any number of important matches were decided.

SKIPPER SUTTON TO RESUME NO. 6 ROLE

LANGLANDS, EDGE REFLECT ON SCG HISTORY

In the halcyon days of the Dragons it seemingly became their home away from home, with the old "match of the day" being played at the cricket ground every Saturday afternoon. Their success, certainly through the 1960s, meant that they were involved in this game almost on a weekly basis.

For those of my vintage it was the ritual we grew up with. Every Saturday arvo camped around the black-and-white television, tuned into the ABC.

Trent Merrin and Johnny Raper look to St George's past and present. Source: News Corp Australia

I was reminded of the nostalgia of that upbringing and the link between the past and present, through a highly enjoyable get-together with Johnny Raper and Trent Merrin on Tuesday afternoon.

What was immediately obvious was the huge amount of mutual respect between the two men and the appreciation they hold of having the honour to don the jersey with the big red V.

It was wonderful to watch their interaction. To listen to them discuss how the role of a lock-forward has changed, from classic cover-defending tackles to skilful ball-playing in the middle of the ruck, even the different number worn on the back.

Rugby league may have changed dramatically over the years but not the sense of occasion, history, rivalry, mateship and sheer joy recognised by those lucky enough to have been, or still involved in the game.

I was afforded an uplifting reminder of this in the Kogarah Oval sheds during the week.

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I WOULDN'T be at all surprised to see a late change to the run-on side for the Warriors for their clash with Cronulla this Saturday.

Before registering their second win of the season over the Tigers, coach Matt Elliot couldn't have waxed more lyrical about the importance of getting Thomas Leuluai back into his team as soon as possible.

The versatile Kiwi international returned from injury on the weekend playing 35 minutes off the interchange bench.

Thomas Leuluai has impressed since returning to the NRL with the Warriors. Source: Getty Images

FLYING FISH'S FORMULA FOR TRIES

After nine seasons in the English Super League he settled beautifully back into the NRL last year and started in all 24 matches.

As did halves partner Shaun Johnston and there's no doubt that the star No. 7 has produced his best football when Thomas has been at his side.

Chad Townsend has done a good job in his absence and Elliot may be tempted to go with the former Shark against his old club but after a shaky start for the New Zealanders the availability of Leuluai is a huge bonus.

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Youthful Victory falls short in Japan

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MELBOURNE Victory was left to rue two costly defensive mistakes on Wednesday night as it went down 3-2 to Yokohama F. Marinos in its Asian Champions League clash in Japan.

For the fourth time in this campaign Victory took an early lead, this time thanks to a James Troisi penalty in the seventh minute.

But hopes of recording a first win in Japan were short lived as Sho Ito and Kosuke Nakamuchi struck within six first half minutes to take back the lead.

In search of an equaliser, Archie Thompson caused late havoc in his attacking penalty box before Shingo Hyoto scored from the resultant counter attack.

Jimmy Jeggo scored an injury time consolation goal.

It was a long ball that caught out Victory's acting captain, Leigh Broxham, which led to Yokohama's first, while Lawrence Thomas coughed up what should have been a routine catch to gift the hosts the second.

Yokohama F. Marinos' Kosuke Nakamachi scores past Melbourne Victory. Source: AP

An undermanned Victory should be proud of its efforts against a full strength Yokohama side.

The underdogs didn't take a backwards step and, although Yokohama had the majority of the goal scoring chances, in general play Kevin Muscat's men held their own.

But that will be cold comfort to them as their hopes of getting out of the group took a serious hit.

In the other Group G match last night Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors moved joint-top with Guangzhou Evergrande on seven points after defeating its Chinese opponents 1-0.

That means Victory and Yokohama, tied on four points, are now up against it with two games to play.

Melbourne Victory celebrates opening the scoring in Japan from the penalty spot. Source: AFP

With seven A-League regulars ruled out, Muscat had no choice to field an line-up containing no visa players and seven guys aged 22 or under.

The inclusions of Japanese legends Shunsuke Nakamura and Yuji Nakazawa were two of six changes made to the Yokohama team that lost 1-0 at AAMI Park a fortnight ago.

But their presence didn't help early on as Victory played as if it was the home team, bossing possession until they got their reward via the penalty to Troisi.

A sustained run of possession ended with Jeggo playing through Jason Geria with a clever dink before the right back was dragged down in the box by Hyodo and a penalty was awarded.

Japanese teams are so renowned for their technical abilities, but Yokohama's first goal came in the most simple of fashions.

Yokohama F. Marinos' Yuzo Kobayashi and Melbourne Victory's Connor Pain vie for the ball. Source: AP

A route one effort from defence caught Victory's back four unawares.

The ball hit a backtracking Broxham in the back of the head and then fell to Ito, who cleverly dinked over a stranded Thomas.

Thomas wasn't to blame for that effort, but he would want his time over after playing a part in Yokohama's go ahead goal six minutes later.

Hyodo played a slick ball in from the left, the Victory keeper didn't catch it and with Broxham caught unawares Nakamuchi capitalised on a duffed clearance by drilling the ball in to the net.

To Victory's credit it gained back the ascendancy in the 10 minutes before the break.

Starting the second half from behind for the first time in this year's ACL, Victory still pressed, but Yokohama had the better of the half's early chances, including a penalty shout to Nakamura.

As the rain started to fall Andrew Nabbout had some promising moments after coming on in the 70th minute, but in truth Yokohama - inspired by the brilliance of Nakamura - were the more likely to add to the score and did so via Hyoto.

Jeggo, who will miss the next game through suspension, gave his team late hope by tapping in two minutes later, but it wasn't to be.

Re-live the action in our blog below.

Don't forget to get free tickets to the Fox Football live podcast in Sydney on April 17.

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Socceroos unveil navy away jersey

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DONNING an away strip that the Socceroos will wear at the World Cup in just two months makes the dream feel all the more real for Tom Rogic.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder - currently on loan with the Melbourne Victory from Scottish champions Celtic - has the carrot of a World Cup berth ahead, but must first concentrate on Victory's trip to Japan to play Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.

"It's hard not to have one eye on the World Cup," Rogic said.

The colour is similar to the away strips worn at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. Source: News Corp Australia

"But I think for me, and the other Victory boys, it's most important just to focus on the games coming up in the A-League and the Asian Cham­pions League and not get too caught up in what's going to happen in a couple of months.

"You have to ensure firstly that you're playing well and that you're fit and ready to go, then the rest will take care of itself."

Rogic has battled an ankle injury that kept him out of one match and a groin complaint that ruled him out of Saturday's draw against Sydney FC.

Victory physio Travis Maude keeps in almost weekly contact with his counterpart at Celtic to update his parent club on his progress.

Socceroos Tom Rogic and Mark Milligan model the away strip. Source: News Corp Australia

While returning to Scotland and forcing his way into Celtic's starting line-up next season is a priority for Rogic, his first task is to finish a successful loan spell and slip from the Victory's blue jersey into the Socceroos' alternative strip.

These exclusive pictures reveal that, as in the previous two World Cups in Germany and South Africa, Australia's alternate strip will be predominantly dark obsidian blue.

But like the home kit that was worn for the first time in a friendly against Ecuador last month, the design has also been inspired by the 1974 strip worn by the Socceroos when they qualified for the first time.

Michael Zullo and Mark Bresciano model the Socceroos home kit in Sydney. Source: News Corp Australia

Australia wore their blue away outfit in the 2006 World Cup against Brazil and in 2010 against Germany.

By the end of the month FIFA is expected to have decided what kits teams will wear in each of their group games, but it would be logical for the Socceroos to wear blue against the Netherlands given the Dutch home strip is orange.

Nike, in conjunction with Football Federation Australia, will officially launch the new strip on Wednesday morning.

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Australia finally wins a T20 match

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AUSTRALIA finally had a win at the World T20 and its players could not wait to get on the first plane out of Bangladesh.

After at last registering a victory at what could rank as their worst performance in a global limited overs tournament, several of Australia's players jetted out of Dhaka only hours after a thumping win over hosts Bangladesh.

You probably couldn't blame some of them after a long Ashes and South African summer and with the Indian Premier League kicking off in a fortnight.

Australia's batsmen were keen to get the game against Bangladesh over in quick time and they chased down the host side's 5-153 with 15 balls to spare.

Aaron Finch plays a backfoot drive as wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim watches on. Source: Getty Images

Dave Warner (48 off 35 balls) was at his punishing best and fellow opener Aaron Finch (71 off 45 balls) joined in the run-flurry to ensure Australia coasted to an easy win in the dead-rubber match.

Warner produced his full range of shots, with a switch-hit off spinner Sohag Gazi sailing to the boundary before another attempted switch hit over didn't come up trumps.

And later he blasted consecutive sixes over mid-wicket off local hero and poster boy Shakib Al Hasan, with the monster blows sailing way back in the Dhaka stands.

It made you wonder where this batting blast-off was earlier in the tournament as Australia's batsmen have struggled against spin for the last fortnight and were bowled out for 86 against India.

Australian captain George Bailey has to slide to fields the ball during Bangladesh's innings. Source: Getty Images

Finch did have plenty of luck, smashing a ball into the 'keeper's gloves off Gazi only to have the umpire somehow rule the giant deflection was not out.

But by that stage Australia had the chase well in hand.

Paceman Al-Amin Hossain didn't miss Warner when he bowled the Australian, almost chasing him off the field and giving him a few choice verbals as he celebrated in his face.

Umpires got together after the send-off of Warner and appeared to give the big Bangladesh paceman a dressing down.

Cameron White (18 not out off 15 balls) helped get the Aussies home.

... but his stumps were then rattled by Bangladeshi bowler Al-Amin Hossain. Source: AFP

While Bangladesh got spanked, teenage paceman Taskin Ahmed, 18, playing his first match for his country, looks a promising prospect after hurrying Australia's openers up with plenty of sharp pace and bounce.

The match could hardly have started better for Australia when recalled paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile (2-17) had Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque caught at slip in the second over.

Not long after Coulter-Nile struck again and when other opener Tamim Iqbal sliced a drive straight to mid-off and the home side fell to 2-12.

But some good batting from Shakib Al Hasan (66 off 52 balls), combined with some more shoddy fielding from the Australians, allowed Bangladesh off the hook.

Mushfiqur Rahim belts one ball on his way to making 47 runs off 36 balls. Source: Getty Images

Shakib blasted past 50 with a huge straight six off Glenn Maxwell which only came about as the spinner inexplicably gifted a free-hit by overstepping with a no-ball.

At one stage when Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim (47 off 36) were in full flight, it looked as if Bangladesh was on target to post a score of 175 plus.

But Australia's death bowlers Mitchell Starc (1-25) and Shane Watson (1-25) contained things well at the end and put a stop on what should have been a much bigger target.

Australia made the decision to go with no frontline spinners, dropping young leggie James Muirhead and again leaving out veteran spinner Brad Hogg.

It meant Hogg, 43, has almost certainly played his last match for Australia in what has been a long and colourful career.

Spin great Shane Warne could not understand the logic of not playing Muirhead on a pitch which was predicted to take turn,

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Sixers storm into NBL grand final

How sweet it is: Adelaide 36ers celebrate after their 39-point semi-final win over Melbourne Tigers. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

ADELAIDE has stormed into its first NBL grand final series in 12 years with an emphatic Game Three 102-63 rout of Melbourne at a raucous and relentlessly loud Adelaide Arena.

From tip-off, the 4024 sounded more like 10,000, creating the most hostile environment seen at the venue since the nonstop 1993 avalanche heaped on another Melbourne Tiger, Mark Bradtke.

But this time all the ire, hostility and venom was aimed at Tigers star scorer Chris Goulding, identified by the crowd as the villain in Game Two's incident which cost Gary Ervin a one-game suspension and $7500 fine.

Completely rattled and unable to cope with the constant jeering, Goulding, Melbourne's 37-point hero of Game Two, was kept to six points on 1-of-5 shooting and three turnovers until coach Chris Anstey mercifully subbed him out with 7:36 left.

Sixers captain Adam Gibson led superbly against Melbourne Tigers. Picture: Morne de Klerk.

By then, Adelaide was ahead 85-48 and into its first grand final since winning the championship in 2002.

The 36ers will play Game One against the Perth Wildcats at The Jungle on Monday before the best-of-three championship returns to Adelaide Arena for Friday-week's Game Two.

"That crowd was unbelievable," said Sixers coach Joey Wright, who became the second coach in league history to drag a club from last into a grand final.

Coach Joey Wright talks to his players during the commanding performance against Melbourne. Picture: Morne de Klerk.

The 36ers simply were magnificent, captain Adam Gibson leading with outstanding defensive hustle and pressure on Goulding and pairing nine points with eight rebounds.

Daniel Johnson led all scorers with 23 points, Jason Cadee with 19 and a 13-point third period which tore the heart from the already beaten Tigers.

BJ Anthony relished his 14 minutes with seven boards and eight points as the 36ers found winners everywhere and were given a standing ovation to close each quarter.

The triumphant Adelaide 36ers, including captain Adam Gibson, thank the crowd after the big win. Picture: Morne de Klerk.

Adelaide broke away late in the first quarter on a Rhys Carter three, then never relented as Melbourne's big men sank deeper into foul trouble, trailing 27-49 by halftime.

"You get conditioned to drown out the crowd but I could hear them tonight," Wright said, the fans unquestionably dismantling Goulding and with him, Melbourne.

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Reddy helps Mariners go top in ACL

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UNLIKELY hero Marcel Seip has handed the Central Coast a 1-0 win over Beijing Guoan, putting them well within reach of the Asian Champions League knockout phase.

Seip's first goal for the club ensured victory but man of the match Liam Reddy kept the Mariners in the game, his second-half penalty save swinging the balance of the clash at Central Coast Stadium.

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The Mariners now go a point above Beijing and are well-placed in what is a tight group, with their next match also at home against FC Seoul before travelling to play their last group match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

With the Mariners having to juggle the demands of fighting for a top-two spot in the A-League while trying to qualify for the knockout stages of the ACL, coach Phil Moss made six changes from the side that beat Western Sydney on Saturday.

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The move paid off with the hosts having the better of the match against a difficult Chinese Super League side.

Beijing came under fire early after conceding a free-kick just centimetres outside the box, scrambling to block Kim Seung-Yong's strike with John Hutchinson leaping on the rebound to also test their defence.

Then Beijing defender Hejing Zhao almost gifted the Mariners the opening goal in the 23rd minute, hitting the post trying to clear a Josh Rose cross into the box.

Bernie Ibini continued the Mariners' assault, getting on the end of a cheeky backheel from Mitchell Duke to put keeper Zhi Yang to work with a powerful shot.

Beijing Guoan player Joffre Guerron is brought down in the penalty box by Brent Griffiths. Source: AFP

Beijing started to find their rhythm late in the half with Ecuadorian Joffre Guerron creating the visitors' first real chance and Shao Jiayi drawing a brilliant save from Reddy with a strike just before the break.

Xizhe Zhang stepped up to the mark but Reddy came to the Mariners' rescue again with a sensational save to keep the game deadlocked.

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With momentum well and truly with the Mariners the hosts struck in the 73rd minute with Dutch defender Seip netting in style with an impressive volley.

The Mariners came out on the attack in the second half and looked the stronger side.

But the game was almost turned on its head when Brent Griffiths conceded a penalty for bringing down Guerron in the box.

Don't forget to get tickets to the Fox Football live podcast on April 17th.

Re-live the action in our blog below.

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Will ‘kill’ Manly boss to lose Stewart

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MANLY's majority shareholder, Rick Penn, claimed on Monday he would be "gutted" if the Sea Eagles lost star back rower Glenn Stewart.

And, Penn added: "It would kill me."

Manly officials and Stewart's manager, Mike Newton, are due to hold a crucial meeting today with the club yet to make an offer to the NSW and Australian back-rower after seven months of negotiation.

Stewart fears he will be shifted out of Brookvale.

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Loyal fans continue to email The Daily Telegraph offering their own money to retain Stewart.

Manly general manager David Perry is under growing pressure to re-sign Stewart.

Penn said his club must do its "very best" to retain Stewart, a favourite among the senior playing group.

A number of clubs — including Souths, St George Illawarra and Parramatta — have been linked to Stewart.

Manly is struggling to find room for Stewart in the salary cap due to back-ended deals and contract upgrades.

"It killed me to lose 'Kitey' (Brent Kite), it would also kill me to lose Glenn," Penn told The Daily Telegraph.

"I really was gutted when 'Kitey' had to leave, but I would be more gutted to lose Glenn.

"He is the glue at our club. The club must do their best to keep him.

"I am a huge supporter of Glenn. It's up to the coach (Geoff Toovey) and his staff to work out the team and salary cap.

"We will support Geoff any way we can."

Manly's Glenn Stewart at Narrabeen Sports Centre. Source: News Corp Australia

Penn spoke passionately yesterday about how the NRL should alter its rules and allow ten-year player to have some salary cap exemptions.

Stewart is currently in his 12th season as a Sea Eagle.

"After 10 years at one club there should be some special recognition," Penn said. "Clubs shouldn't be disadvantaged for goodness sake.

"We should be honouring these players and acknowledging them. They (NRL) have got it all wrong.

"The NRL should treat their senior players better because they are the mentors of the game.

"We have to play by the rules and we do. It's about good governance.

"Glenn is the glue at Manly, so is Jamie Lyon. You don't get better people. Anthony Watmough, Brett Stewart, Jason King.

"They play for each other and have taken lighter salaries over the years to keep the club together They are outstanding people, upstanding role models.

"You shouldn't lose players like this because of the salary cap."

Generous fans are trying to help Manly.

"I'm one of those members and fans who would be more than happy to contribute financially if it would help keep one of our all-time favourite players," wrote Mike Beach.

"Glenn is not only a great player but is also a great team member."

Stewart was concussed in the win over Sydney Roosters and may not be cleared to play Sunday's match against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval until Saturday's captain's run.

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SBW says shoulder charge is history

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THERE isn't a player in the game with a better reason to be calling for the return of the shoulder charge, but Sonny Bill Williams reckons it's time for every player to get their head around the fact that the tackle is a part of history — for good reason.

Ahead of his return from a three-match suspension for collecting George Burgess with a shoulder charge in the dying stages of the opening game of the season, Williams gave his first media interview of the year ahead of Friday night's clash against his old club the Bulldogs.

Sonny Bill Williams during an all-in interview. Source: News Limited

And with his Roosters teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves the latest player facing a ban for his shoulder charge that knocked Glenn Stewart out of last Friday night's game against Manly, Williams gave his thoughts on the direction the game was heading with his favourite tackle.

Waerea-Hargreaves is up on a grade two shoulder charge and will cop one week if he takes the early guilty plea — or he faces two games out if he fights the charge and loses at the NRL judiciary.

Reminded that Williams used to call the shoulder charge "a work of art", the superstar backrower said he now accepted that the tackle was outlawed.

"Definitely. Times have changed and you have got to move forward," he said.

"Just like when I came back the game had changed a lot and you just have to adapt and the shoulder charge is no good."

And he said he could accept copping a three-game suspension for his tackle as long as the NRL stands firm for the rest of the season.

Sydney Roosters rugby league player Sonny Bill Williams with children from Darlinghurst Public School. Source: News Limited

"The rule has been set in place for a year now," he said.

"They are trying to eradicate it out of the game.

"You will see it now and then.

"The stance they have taken, they have been pretty harsh on it but I don't mind if they keep that same standard throughout the year.

"You just can't hit anyone in the head, I guess."

Asked how big a loss Waerea-Hargreaves would be for the clash against the giant Bulldogs pack, Williams said: "Big Jazza is a big part of our team and any time and any time we lose a player of his calibre it is going to be tough.

"But we have full faith in the boys who will step up and he is lucky he only got one week.

"He should have got three like me … joking."

Williams said he was angry with himself for allowing "frustration" to lead to his tackle on Burgess.

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But the time out could prove a blessing in disguise as the season rolls on and the World Cup hangover takes its toll on just about every team.

More than 120 NRL players took part in the year-ending tournament in the United Kingdom _ and the Roosters had 16 representatives, more than any other club.

Williams said that had been a contributing factor to the Roosters up and down start and it's probably a factor across the board given there had been 18 upsets out of 31 games heading into last night's game between the Titans and the Cowboys.

"I think if you look across the whole competition it is a bit like that," he said.

"With the World Cup a lot of teams have come back in dribs and drabs.

"I think as the season goes on you will start seeing a bit more (consistency).

"I got to have that pre-season that I probably missed after the World Cup so I'm in pretty good shape and ready to get out there and earn the boys respect back."

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Buzz: Let’s start a revolution

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An expanded 18-team competition with two new teams and two new conferences would bring back tribalism and blockbusters to the NRL almost every weekend of the footy season.

It would also allow the NRL to produce a fairer and more equitable season draw, replacing the current lopsided schedule with 25 rounds of football and stand alone Origin weekends.

New clubs from Brisbane and Perth would not only provide an extra game and more television revenue but allow all nine Sydney teams to go into their own conference.

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BUZZ: DRAW DEBACLE ROBS TOP TEAMS

Almost every week would become a heritage round with more derbies and traditional-rival showdowns.

It would give Sydney clubs the chance to attract more away-team fans, unlike now when they host the Titans, Cowboys, Warriors or any of the out-of-town teams in front of 10,000 to 12,000 fans.

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Clubs in each conference would play each other twice for 16 games before meeting clubs from the out-of-town conference once for nine games.

The top four clubs from each conference make up the top eight.

The Penrith Panthers are a good example of why the game needs to revamp the schedule.

Here's a club trying to fight off the AFL threat and desperately working to build on sluggish crowds from recent years.

The Storm warm up at nib Stadium in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Yet they host only five Sydney teams this season at Sportingbet Stadium.

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Glamour clubs the Roosters and Sea Eagles plus the exciting young Wests Tigers don't play at Penrith at all.

The conference idea has the support of influential figures including super coach Wayne Bennett and the game's longest serving CEO, Shane Richardson.

It saves all the Sydney clubs, maintains tradition and guarantees four Sydney clubs make the finals each year.

State of Origin should be given a stand-alone weekend, writes Phil Rothfield. Source: News Limited

It ensures national and regional exposure from four out-of-town clubs in the finals every year.

The other benefits are less travel and accommodation costs for Sydney clubs.

The Perth team would open up new timeslot for TV broadcasters.

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The second Brisbane team ensures we don't have to watch the Broncos every Friday night and also stops the Broncos from having such a huge commercial monopoly.

Stand-alone Origin weekends could be used to play the Nines and City-Country to keep the broadcasters happy.

The NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg says expansion will be discussed in the off-season.

Todd Greenberg says possibly the NRL will be discussed but queries whether the depth is strong enough. Source: News Limited

"I get where you are going," he said, "The problem is whether we can sustain two new clubs in those markets.

"Is there enough talent to go around for another two teams? But you're right to be exploring it.

"As for conferences, it's important to maximise the attendances by having our big Sydney clubs playing against each other.

"We're still trying to find the right balance. Everyone at the NRL is working very hard and we're open to all suggestions."

Embattled owner of the Newcastle Knights Nathan Tinkler. Source: News Limited

Premier coach Trent Robinson argues there is enough players to support two new teams.

"This is a good debate to have," he said, " I think Brisbane having a second team and Perth is vital for the future of our game.

"We've got to back ourselves to produce more players.

"I disagree we don't have enough. In Australia and New Zealand, there is enough talent there.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson supports a second team in Brisbane and a side based in Perth. Source: News Corp Australia

"We've got enough good coaches out there to put good systems in place at two new clubs."

Souths boss Shane Richardson supports the idea of a Sydney conference.

"It would certainly build sustained rivalries in the Sydney market and enable the NRL to build marquee events such as our Heritage round at the SCG and Good Friday at ANZ stadium on an annual basis with more of the clubs," he said.

"The artificial way we conduct the draw at the moment needs a revamp at the very least."

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NRL shattered by McKinnon diagnosis

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FORMER Newcastle great Matthew Johns said on Monday night that all of sport and not just rugby league will be in total shock today at the news young Knights forward Alex McKinnon is facing life as a quadriplegic.

The 22 year backrower, still in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital, has only limited feeling in his left arm and faces the heartbreaking likelihood of never being able to walk again.

Alex McKinnon is tackled by Trent Merrin, Beau Scott and Nathan Fien. Source: News Limited

Johns told Fox Sports last night the tragic news, reported on Channel Nine last night, will reverberate through all sport in Australia.

BENNETT: ALEX IS LIKE A SON TO ME

A CITY STOPS FOR WOUNDED HERO

"Everyone in sport, not just rugby league are in total shock," Johns said.

"It was always a chance it was going to be this type of terrible news but everyone was praying that it wouldn't be.

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"Then you get the news come through of this young boy who is so universally liked and respected in rugby league may not walk again."

The NRL, caught by complete surprise by the report, responded cautiously in a statement:

"I understand this has been reported on Channel 9 but we've not received this advice by the Knights or Alex's family in regards to these reports," NRL spokeperson Sandy Olsen said.

"Out of regard for Alex and his family, it is not appropriate to comment at this time.

"Our thoughts continue to be with Alex for his recovery. The NRL and the Knights are providing all the support we possibly can at this time."

The Newcastle team in a huddle before the clash with the Sharks in a tribute to Alex McKinnon. Source: Getty Images

Newcastle fans show their support for Alex McKinnon. Source: News Corp Australia

The Newcastle Knights were also left largely in the dark by the news.

"The club will continue to liaise with Alex's family and issue the appropriate update. At this stage, we have no further update," their spokesperson said.

McKinnon was brought out of an induced coma on Sunday and hopes of a recovery were raised when it was revealed he was breathing on his own without the assistance of a ventilator and communicating with his family.

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But according to Channel Nine, the prognosis for McKinnon is grim.

"McKinnon and his family have been told he is a quadriplegic," the report stated.

"He is in rehab and care and will hopefully recover. His spinal cord is not severed.

"Not surprisingly, he is struggling with the news."

McKinnon was due to get a visit today by Knights teammates including captain Kurt Gidley but only coach Wayne Bennett made the trip down to Melbourne.

Alex McKinnon has touched plenty of hearts at the Knights. Source: News Corp Australia

Bennett did not want to comment on the report when asked by The Daily Telegraph.

Director of St Vincents Hospital Emergency Department Professor Gordian Fulde would not comment on the McKinnon case last night but described the diagnosis of quadriplegia as "a life sentence".

He said the injury would renew the tackle debate.

"I think this is going to stimulate the whole matter of how people are tackled because the neck vertebrae in a human are very fragile, "he said.

He said the outlook for McKinnon wouldn't be able to be known for at least a year.

"You don't give the final ability until at least twelve months because of the ability of a young body to compensate and there are also a whole lot of scientific advances," he said.

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Knights to visit improved McKinnon

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IF the 30-0 thumping handed out to the Sharks by the Knights yesterday wasn't tonic enough for him, Alex McKinnon will be further buoyed by a visit today.

Captain Kurt Gidley and teammates Darius Boyd and Beau Scott will fly to Melbourne with coach Wayne Bennett this morning to try and further lift the young back-rower's spirits.

After two operations to repair fractured vertebrae in his neck suffered in his side's loss to Melbourne seven days ago, McKinnon is out of an induced coma and was yesterday breathing for the first time without the aid of a ventilator.

Crowd support for Alex McKinnon. Picture: Peter Lorimer Source: News Corp Australia

"He's improved and breathing on his own and communicating so that's picked all the boys up a bit," Gidley said after yesterday's win.

"None of us have seen him since he was stretchered off but we're going down tomorrow morning. It's probably going to be a little confronting for us but hopefully, it will give Macca a lift."

The Knights said in a statement: "Alex McKinnon has made a small advancement in his recovery on Sunday. He has had his assisted ventilation removed and can now communicate with his family. His breathing will be monitored while undertaking intense physiotherapy before the next stage, which will hopefully involve a transfer to Sydney."

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McKinnon's father Scott said in the statement: "It has been a highly emotional day for us and this is just a small stage in a long journey. Once again, we can't thank everyone enough for the prayers and well wishes we have received for Alex and our family."

Sharks coach Peter Sharp knew better than most what his side was walking into yesterday at Hunter Stadium.

"I was born up here and I know the town and I coached here," he said. "It's a great town and it's a great town in adversity. They are in adversity at the moment.''

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Myles from brat to business tycoon

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THIS is the Nate Myles you don't see. The human side. Stronger and wiser for the times when he endured a fractured "relationship" with rugby league, the Maroons enforcer is giving back.

He is redressing sporting inequities. And, in the process, learning lessons about himself.

On the field, the Titans co-captain has always been all business, but now off it Myles is dipping his toe into the corporate realm, leveraging his status as a Test and Origin forward to educate the next generation of athletes.

Welcome to Nate Myles Inc.

This Sunday, Myles and business partner Mark Gee, brother of Broncos legend Andrew, will launch the Talent Sports Academy, hailed as Australia's first high-performance program for athletes as young as 10.

Nate Myles gets his business brain going at the Titans Centre of Excellence. Source: News Corp Australia

Myles is so determined for the Academy to flourish it has been registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, with the Titans co-skipper installed as a company director.

Under Myles and Gee's plan, an intake of 150 children aged between 10-15 will attend a series of camps, the first held this Sunday at the Titans' training base at Robina.

Myles will play a hands-on role, with TSA sourcing coaching specialists from a multitude of sports.

Titans legend Preston Campbell and former Olympic swimmer Alice Tait have signed on as ambassadors.

The high-performance program is not sport specific, instead covering areas such as strength-and-conditioning, speed, mobility, flexibility, visual training, nutrition, body management, leadership and life skills.

Organisations such as the Australian Institute of Sport and Queensland Academy of Sport already provide high-performance systems for the nation's elite athletes. But TSA is targeting a wider audience, chiefly lesser-talented individuals or those in remote country areas with limited access to coaching and performance resources.

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Myles can empathise with the average sporting Joe. Growing up in Cairns, he concedes he not only lacked the natural ability of others, but also the opportunities to maximise his talent in his chosen field.

"Kids look up to heroes. They are more likely to listen to a guy like Petero Civoniceva than mum or dad," Myles says.

"To have something like this academy when I was a kid in Cairns would have been incredible. "This will help pave the way for kids in remote areas.

"You have the AIS and the QAS, but this program will give kids of lesser ability a chance to fulfil their potential.

"It is difficult for clubs and sports to be able to reach certain areas, funding and expenses can only be taken so far.

"I know I was playing alongside kids who were so much more talented than me, but because they lived further out it was harder for them to succeed and a program like this can close the gap.

Nate Myles is known for being a combative physical presence on the field. Source: News Corp Australia

"Hundreds and thousands of kids from all sorts of sports will get the best coaching tools. It's an awesome idea. I don't know why it hasn't been developed before."

While TSA's primary goal is to help at grassroots level, it is fair to say Myles has also helped himself. It wasn't long ago that his NRL career was at the crossroads after a tumultuous stint at the Roosters, but the 28-year-old's move to the Gold Coast coincided with serious self-analysis.

He may be a prop but Myles is nobody's fool. A self-confessed deep thinker, Myles has a forensic eye for real estate and while reading bores him, he could read the signs he had to grow up.

Entering a business venture is an extension of the personal growth that has seen him ascend to the co-captaincy at the Titans.

"I don't really think about being called a company director because I just see myself helping kids in sport," he said.

"But I know I'm changing. I'm thinking about different business opportunities, and my own development.

"There's been a couple of hair-raising moments in my career and I'll be honest ... I still took too long to realise the opportunity we have as league players.

Nate Myles prepares to put a hit on Raiders skipper Terry Campese. Source: News Corp Australia

"Some guys get it early. Some guys never learn. Some guys go off the rails and come good.

"It depends on the person. I don't know if any one person said grow up Nate, you're a bloody idiot, but I see things differently now and appreciate my place in the game.

"I remember Craig Fitzgibbon (former Roosters teammate) giving me a spray one day. The one line he gave me I will never forget ... 'Nate, you can't have an excuse for everything'.

"If you have an excuse for everything, you will end up being the excuse."

Gee, a former Titans development manager who played first-grade for the Gold Coast Giants, believes the Academy will find a key niche in the sporting landscape.

"The top two or three per cent of athletes get elite development, but what about the other 97 per cent?" Gee said.

"Any kid is available to come along and try to improve their individual abilities.

"Young athletes develop mentally and physically at different ages and rates. I always had a feeling something more needed to be done at grassroots level and to have an athlete of Nate's standing is invaluable."

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Myles isn't eyeing retirement anytime soon but the Academy's anticipated success could open doors to a corporate post-football career.

They say things happen for a reason. Once at rock bottom in rugby league, Myles, having searched within for answers, hopes the Academy takes kids to the top.

"It's quite funny my relationship with rugby league and I how I feel towards it since I moved to the Gold Coast," he said.

"I don't think Sydney was the problem, I think it was me. I loved where I lived, but I was to blame for the stupid choices I made.

"You don't get long to do well in this game, so you can either jump on the boat and do great things, or waste the lot of it, which I don't plan on doing.

"It's early days for the Academy ... but to be part of something that can develop is really rewarding."

For more info visit talentsportsacademy.com.au

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