No Buddy, no worries for Swans

Adam Goodes kicked three goals in his first start for the season. Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images

IT was no Buddy no worries for the Swans who made light work of the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba thrashing them by 79 points.

Adam Goodes proved to be the perfect substitute for the star forward kicking three goals and moving beautifully in his first full game since round 13 last year.

In game number 333 the Swans champion looks like he will have big say in the shape of Sydney's season which is looking a lot better than it did a month ago.

The win moved the Swans into the top eight for the first time this year and also gave them three wins in a row to lift their record to 4-3.

Sam Reid, Adam Goodes and Dan Hannebery of the Swans sing the team song. Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Getty Images

The easy victory also left plenty of gas in the tank for Hawthorn on Friday night at ANZ Stadium.

The only concern for the red and whites was a hamstring injury to Mike Pyke who will miss the match against the Hawks at the very least.

Pyke was substituted late in the second quarter leaving Tom Derickx to carry the ruck duties for the entire second half, a job he did very well.

Josh Kennedy was the Swans best and produced another outstanding display in the midfield with 34 disposals including two goals.

Nick Malceski puts the breaks on Lewis Taylor. Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Getty Images

Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh was back to the brilliant form he showed last year which won him All Australian honours with 35 disposals and a goal.

Kieren Jack enjoyed a role as a permanent forward kicking two goals as did his younger brother Brandon who came on as a substitute just before half time.

Luke Parker continued his good form this year as did Rhyce Shaw who celebrated his 200th game with a goal. The major was just his third in the last three years and the 43rd of his career.

Dan Hannebery and Jake Lloyd performed well as did Nick Malceski who battled on bravely with a corked thigh he picked up in the second quarter. The loss of Pyke early forced him to stay on the.

Dan Hannebery marks in front of Joel Patfull. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: News Corp Australia

Sam Reid was in for first game since the round two loss to Collingwood and looked out of touch in the early but worked his way into the game.

Any advantage the Lions had with Franklin's absence was cancelled out when they lost champion forward Jonathon Brown.

Goodes got Sydney off to a flying start with two goals in as many minutes and Jack added a third. The Swans dominated general play but failed to convert their possession and territorial advantage into scores. Sydney had nine scoring shots to two but could only manage a 12 point break at the first change, with Pyke, Kennedy and Jack all missing set shots for goal.

Luke Parker and Jake Lloyd celebrate a goal. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: News Corp Australia

The Lions were working their way back into the game and when Josh Green goaled they were within 9 points early in the second term.

There was one man they couldn't stop and that was Kennedy who had a massive quarter winning 12 disposals and kicking a 50 metre bomb to push Sydney's lead out to 26 points late in the term. That should have been the half time margin but a shocking kick across goal from Daniel Merrett in the last 30 seconds gifted Jarrad McVeigh a goal to make the difference 33 points at the half.

It was all one way traffic in the second half as the Swans outscored the Lions 10 goals to two.

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Waratahs edge Hurricanes in thriller

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A CAPTIVATING display of end-to-end rugby, a monumental comeback, and an unbeaten home record kept intact.

The Waratahs prevailed over the Hurricanes in a scintillating contest at Allianz Stadium last night, winning one of the games of this Super Rugby season 39-30 to keep their top-two finals hopes alive.

NSW outplayed the Canes at their own game, running the ball around and through their rivals in an eight-try thriller to remain unbeaten in Sydney in 2014.

MATCH CENTRE: Full scores, stats, video highlights

It's hard to know what was most surprising; that Israel Folau couldn't score one of NSW's five tries, or that the Hurricanes, the competition's leading try-scorers, could not manage a five-pointer in the second half, missing out on valuable bonus points.

Waratahs winger Adam Ashley-Cooper takes on the Hurricanes defence at Allianz Stadium. Source: Getty Images

What was clear is that the royals messed up their tour dates. Instead of watching the stinker against the Bulls a fortnight ago, Will and Kate should have been in the stands for this one.

In the 23rd minute, the score was 7-7.

By the 27th minute, the Hurricanes led 24-7.

By half-time it was 24-24.

It was a frantic game full of hits, spills, breaks, audacious passing and skilful finishing.

"I appreciate the way the Hurricanes play the game, it's how I think the game should be played, I hope we might meet somewhere down the track again," NSW coach Michael Cheika said.

"We will never change (our playing style) regardless, this is the way we play.

"If the trend is against attacking rugby, we have made a conscious decision, as the Hurricanes have as well, to go against the trend."

Israel Folau was surprisingly not among the tryscorers for the Waratahs. Picture: Mitch Cameron Source: News Corp Australia

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett added that he had no intention of changing his team's risky, attack-first approach if they made the finals, where defence often prevails.

Seven minutes after coming off the bench midway through the second half, backrower Stephen Hoiles scored NSW's fifth try by crossing out wide. Bernard Foley's conversion attempt hit the post, leaving the score 36-30 with the threat of a late Canes seven-pointer looming.

But they blew it with dissent; halfback TJ Perenara penalised by referee Steve Walsh for backchat after his side had fumbled the ball in their own half with four minutes remaining.

Foley's successful penalty gave the Tahs a 39-30 lead and they held it.

As they've done regularly at home this season, NSW scored a try in the opening minutes.

This time it was winger Rob Horne finishing a strong break by Adam Ashley-Cooper, who fended off Canes flanker Jack Lam with ease before drawing fullback Andre Taylor and feeding his teammate who crashed over in the corner.

Horne narrowly missed a double just before half-time when he raced on to Foley's grubber into the in-goal only to have the ball bounce unexpectedly high, beating his grasp and hitting his head.

In between those two events, it was brilliant chaos.

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen celebrates a try with his Hurricanes teammates. Source: Getty Images

NSW conceded a soft try when Canes prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen bumped off rival Paddy Ryan and halfback Nick Phipps from close range in the 13th minute.

Canes playmaker Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty goal 10 minutes later, and the ball must have hypnotised the NSW players as it sailed over the post because the Canes scored back-to-back tries from the ensuing kick-offs.

First, Barrett capitalised on a horror mistake.

The Canes broke through the line and managed to get within inches of the tryline before NSW turned it over.

However, they tried to run it out of their own in-goal and Folau passed to backrower Wycliff Palu, who spilt the ball into Barrett's hands.

Still in shock, the Tahs watched TJ Perenara stroll through their defence at the next kick-off. Another series of passes saw Julian Savea cross in the corner, leaving the majority of Allianz Stadium speechless.

Skipper Dave Dennis gave his side a wake-up speech, and minutes later crashed over for a try to get NSW back in the contest.

Five minutes before the break, Foley spun and twisted close to the line and forced the ball down for the fourth try in 10 minutes, bringing NSW within touching distance.

A penalty goal by Foley just before the half-time siren had the teams level again, capping off a memorable opening 40 minutes.

Kurtley Beale runs into a strong Hurricanes tackle. Source: Getty Images

Matt Carrarro opened the scoring in the second half, also earning NSW the four-try bonus point, when he crossed from a scrum move.

Foley took on the line before passing inside to Carrarro who slid through a gap, tussling and rolling over to plant the ball on the line.

Man-of-the-match Michael Hooper continues to mount a compelling case for the Wallabies' captaincy with another mesmerising display.

His last-ditch try-saving tackle on Perenara early in the second half was typical of his effort.

In a weekend where Australian conference leaders the Brumbies were pummelled by the Crusaders, and Western Force had a bye, the result was a huge boost for NSW's finals aspirations.

They had been held to five tries in their previous five games, sparking questions about their attacking capacity.

"It is very satisfying, we talked about how we weren't going to go away from how we want to play, and we won the game on the back of that belief," Dennis said.

NSW WARATAHS 39 (Matthew Carraro, Dave Dennis, Bernard Foley, Stephen Hoiles, Rob Horne tries Foley 4 cons 2 pens) bt HURRICANES 30 (Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen tries Barrett 3 cons 3 pens) at Allianz Stadium. Referee: Steve R. Walsh. Crowd: 17,221.

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Lions tamed in tale of two cities

Rohan Bewick of the Lions is tackled by Dan Hanneberry. Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Chris Hyde / Getty Images

IT was a tale of two cities at the Gabba last night.

For Sydney, it was the best times with a case "no Buddy, no problem".

For the Brisbane Lions, it was the worst of times with a case of "no Jonathan Brown, no Pearce Hanley, no chance".

The Swans cruised to a comprehensive 79-point thrashing of the Lions who were guilty of the same football sins that have condemned the club to the bottom of the ladder after seven rounds.

Shocking lapses of concentration late in quarters, poor skills and bad decisions cruelled any chance an inexperienced and undermanned Brisbane had of ever springing an upset over the Swans who claimed their third-straight win with a dominant effort.

Brown was named on Thursday night but was officially ruled out 90 minutes before the first bounce due to 'general soreness'.

Joel Patfull tries to spoil Dan Hannebery. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: News Corp Australia

In reality, the triple premiership star was never going to play after pulling up sore after last week's win over St Kilda.

Brisbane have been waiting for a chance to rest Brown and given he had barely trained all week, he was effectively omitted days ago.

His absence compounded the Lions problems after Hanley was ruled out with hamstring-related back problem on Thursday.

With Swans spearhead Lance Franklin unavailable due to a knee injury, Australian of the Year Adam Goodes stepped in with three goals for Sydney while co-captain Kieren Jack also booted two majors.

Jarrad McVeigh (35 disposals, five clearances, four inside 50s) and Josh Kennedy (34 disposals, five inside 50s, two goals) were outstanding for the Swans while Tom Rockliff battled manfully with 30 disposals, 10 tackles, four clearances and one goal after being physically ill throughout the game.

Nick Malcevski tackles Lewis Taylor. Photo by Chris Hyde Source: Getty Images

One Lions supporter produced an engagement ring in an on-field marriage proposal at half-time and the suffering followed for Brisbane as Sydney raced to a commanding 59-point lead at the last change.

Brisbane showed some fight with two goals to Marco Paparone in the third term but a four-goal burst late in the quarter wrapped up the premiership points

Sydney had also turned on the afterburners in time-on in the second quarter to take a 33-pointy buffer into half-time.

Brisbane closed to within seven points of the visitors late in the term but the Swans piled on four quick-fire goals through Harry Cunningham, Sam Reid, Josh Kennedy and Jarrad McVeigh.

Jed Adcock could not contain Kieren Jack. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: News Corp Australia

It was a familiar tale of woe for the Lions who are the worst "red time'' team in the AFL. Too often, Swans players were in wide, open spaces with a defender nowhere to be seen.

Brisbane was the better side for large portions of the second quarter but too many promising build-ups broke down with unforced errors.

Sydney suffered a major blow when ruckman Mike Pyke was subbed out of the game with hamstring strain just before half-time but the loss of the big Canadian appeared to have little impact as the Swans tore the Lions to pieces in the dying minutes.

Sydney looked determined to put the game on ice by quarter-time after racing to a 19-point lead in the opening minutes with the two goals to Goodes and another major to Jack before Brisbane troubled the scorers.

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Fast-start Dons want consistency

Brendon Goddard clears by hand. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

WHILE every coach loves a fast start, Essendon's Mark Thompson wonders whether it's the cause of temporary complacency in his group.

Like Anzac Day, the Bombers surrendered an early lead to the Western Bulldogs last night, but this time they produced a stirring third quarter comeback to ultimately save the game.

Lauding the fightback after half-time, Thompson said: "What we have to learn to do is be that team and look like that team consistently. That's a real challenge for us.

"The worse thing that can happen to us is to get a few early goals and then everyone wants to be on the end of them. We go away from what makes us good.

"You regroup at half-time. You've got 25 minutes to say is this the way we want to play? No. well, what are we going to do about it or who's going to do it?

Essendon's Jobe Watson and coach Mark Thompson after the win. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

"Yeah, we worked in the (coaches) box tonight. It was pretty hard to get that victory.

"I think it's as much mental. Everybody chooses what they do in this world. They choose whether they go in or stay out, whether they go in and win the ball or sit out and wait for a handball receive. They choose that.

"You've got to choose it based on what you see and our boys just choose it not based on what they see. They actually don't have enough people inside on a consistent basis.

"I would like nothing more than to be a good attacking team and a good defensive team. It seems in part in games we get one or the other.

"Tonight our attack was missing because we just couldn't get the ball and we went a little bit into ourselves.

"You play like that in periods, it should be there. Basically, it's up to the players. To let them see for themselves what it looks like and how good it feels to play really good football and how driven you are to succeed. Those are the things they should be asking themselves and challenging each other.

Paul Chapman marks over Jake Stringer. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

"The guys who want to play in a premiership and be a good team, they want to play with blokes who have the same attitude. That's what good clubs are about.''

Veteran defender Dustin Fletcher was pivotal to the Bombers's eight-points win, particularly with several telling spoils and intercept marks deep inside the defensive 50 in the last quarter.

"Here we go again, talking about the old man. He was outstanding. He just won contests and in that last quarter positioned himself in some of the best spots,'' the Bombers coach said.

"He's an outstanding player for his age and I can't see him retiring soon.''

And Thompson was pleased with the response from young key forward Joe Daniher and his forward "project'' Jake Carlisle.

"I thought that was the best game Joey has played by far. I thought he attacked the ball, attacked the game. And Carlisle was much better with his attitude and his influence on the game. So that was a real positive for us,'' he said.

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Courageous Kiwis give Roos a scare

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WE gave it to the Kiwis all week and on Friday night they gave it back.

And while New Zealand didn't go home with the win, it was probably the scare that gave our world champion Kangaroos something to think about heading into the end of season Four Nations.

But for now, let's allow them to celebrate.

Last night's 30-18 victory was Australia's 16th in a row and to put that in perspective, it equalled a record set by the Kangaroos between 1979-83.

New Zealand celebrate an early try as Australia look despondent. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Does it make them the best ever, as many believe they now are?

"Look, that's very subjective isn't it," coach Tim Sheens said.

"I mean, it's great company and these guys play the game to play the game.

"Those sorts of things you look back on at the end of your career."

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But on Friday night certainly won't go down as this mighty Kangaroo team's greatest performance.

In fact, in the first half they were heading for one of the biggest upsets in Test match history.

Dropped balls, dropped passes and all it did was give the understrength Kiwis hope.

By halftime they'd raced in three tries to claim a shock 18-12 lead that had a crowd of 25,429 at Allianz Stadium thinking this might be the night we never thought would come.

Greg Inglis looks to offload. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

And after all the Kiwis copped for leaving Jared Waerea-Hargreaves out of their team, big Sam Moa was enormous and Jess Bromwich was right there with him the whole way.

Both of them scored tries on the way to their shock halftime lead but after the break the Aussies class kicked in.

"I wasn't overly shocked with how they played," Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith said.

"We spoke early in the week about the team they selected and more so in the back end of the week when we knew their 17.

"All their players in their team were in good form for their respective clubs.

"You know, we showed a lot of respect to their side tonight but we were just out-enthused early.

"But in the end I think the old heads of our side really showed their composure and showed their pride for the jersey that we were wearing.

"As Tim mentioned we didn't concede a point in the second half and that was through effort and determination to make sure we continue what we have built over the last couple of years."

Sam Moa was dominant early. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Sheens added the first half mistakes were uncharacteristic but the back end of the game showed the team's championship qualities.

"It was a tough game, maybe not the prettiest but it was tough," he said.

"I don't think we finished our first three repeat sets.

"It put us under a lot of pressure.

"I would have to say we were disappointed because we wanted to build pressure in the first 20 minutes but if anything we released the pressure.

"But the second half they did."

Jesse Bromwich opens the scoring. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

In the end, it finished five tries to three with Australia racing in 18 unanswered second half points.

But the Kiwis were more than proud of their effort, and so they should have been after a tough week when they refused to listen or react to the talk they didn't believe to be on the same field as the world champions.

"I didn't buy into any of that to be fair and there was a fair bit of it," coach Steve Kearney said.

"I knew I had a spirited bunch of individuals who were willing to wear the jumper with a great deal of pride and perform with a great deal of spirit.

"And that is all my focus was on all week.

Greg Bird scores a try. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Brett Morris scores his first try. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

They had five debutants all up, and with the experience and class coming back into this team for the end of year tournament the Kiwis will be buoyed.

"If we look at the team we had jotted down six weeks ago I think there is about four players that played (last night) that were on that list.

"So we took a fair hit but as I said at the beginning of the week that gave an opportunities to guys to show what they have got and you saw what they had tonight."

Australia celebrate a try to Brett Morris (2). Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

Johnathan Thurston was man of the match although he finished with an ankle injury while Brett Morris bagged a double and Paul Gallen and Matt Scott were just about Australia's best in the middle.

As for the Four Nations, Sheens said he would sit back and enjoy Origin and from there?

"What will be will be," Sheens said.

"They have got a State of Origin series which is a great build up to our Test series at the end of the year.

"There is a lot of pressure on Queensland and a lot of pressure on NSW to try and wrestle it away from them.

"I will sit back and enjoy that and let Mal make the decisions about the options he's got with (Daly Cherry-Evans) pushing the boys.

"But better to have that option than to not have that option, I will guarantee you that. New Zealand and England would love to have that option."

AUSTRALIA 30 (B Morris 2 G Bird C Cronk G Inglis tries J Thurston 5 goals) bt NEW ZEALAND 18 (J Bromwich T Harris S Moa tries S Johnson 3 goals) at Allianz Stadium. Referee: Shayne Hayne. Crowd: 25,429.

See how we covered the game live below.

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Cheers for Marley, Daisy falls flat

Marley Williams gives his Carlton opponent the slip. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

IT SAYS a lot about footy tribalism that Marly Williams copped less boos than Dale Thomas last night.

The former was found guilty of grievous bodily harm, while the latter switched clubs.

But if that sounds like rough treatment, it was nothing compared to how Mick Malthouse would have felt watching his Blues humiliate themselves against Collingwood.

Carlton was an embarrassment for long periods last night. The club celebrating its 150th year was as uncompetitive in the first three quarters as it has ever been against its arch enemy.

It is important to note that there is a distinct class difference between these two sides. But when it comes to this game, effort has never been dictated by ability.

Marley Williams looks to send Collingwood into attack. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The Blues laid a season-low 49 tackles last night after 72 last week and 88 the week before that. They were averaging 38 tackles inside their forward 50m alone, but by half way through the last night's last term they had just 12.

Heath Scotland's six tackles were the most by a Carlton player. Three - Zach Tuohy, Levi Casboult and Lachie Henderson - didn't lay hands on a Collingwood player with the ball.

Expect to see vision of this game all week. It was a football analysts dream - little to no accountability, desire or pressure.

Carlton kicked the first goal of the game after Mitch Robinson's hanger. It then went some 60 minutes before getting its second. At three-quarter time the Blues had 2.7 on the scoreboard and trailed by 56 points.

Only Collingwood's shoddy kicking for goal - 14.20 - saved Carlton from oblivion.

Scott Pendlebury and Dale Thomas shake hands after the game. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

The irony was that Carlton's best last quarter of the season coming after three of its worst. But the fact the Blues kicked eight goals to four in a last quarter in which the Pies went onto auto-pilot would not camouflage a performance that would deeply concern the navy blue hierarchy.

Collingwood, particularly in quarters one and two, were allowed to take the ball forward with ridiculous ease. The fact the Pies weren't exactly scintillating themselves only served to highlight the lack of fight in Carlton jumpers.

When they did have the ball, the Blues kicked into the man on the mark, missed targets by hand and foot and gave away silly frees with false bravado.

The midfield was understrength and overwhelmed. Marc Murphy fought bravely again and Dylan Buckley offered zip and drive, but this was a side that lost all structure and composure when the heat was on.

They had won two in a row, Carlton, but this was a loss that ensures the spotlight will return to Visy Park next week.

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McGowan, Troisi SA’s top hopes

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has some tough choices to make before the World Cup in Brazil. Picture: Scott Barbour. Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

ANGE Postecoglou's FIFA World Cup Socceroos squad should have at least two Adelaide-born products — James Troisi and Ryan McGowan.

Postecoglou's squad will pick itself and there should be 20 spots cemented down before the 30-man squad camp in Sydney this month.

Troisi and McGowan are almost certain to be in Brazil in the final squad.

Troisi is still training with Melbourne Victory and will take a break after May 9 while McGowan is currently in season with Chinese club Shandong Luneng — Adelaide United's sister club once upon a time.

McGowan's side is currently sitting third, nine games into its 2014 campaign.

Troisi and McGowan's pending inclusion in the final World Cup squad will be the first time SA has had representation since 2006.

John Aloisi and Mount Gambier-born Josip Skoko played for the Socceroos with pride in Germany.

But it should have been three representing SA at Australia's most successful World Cup to date when Australia was knocked out in the second round to eventual champion Italy in Kaiserslautern.

Tony Vidmar was forced to skip the tournament after a FIFA medical test before the 2006 tournament detected a heart-condition.

Postecoglou is expected to name a preliminary 30-man squad for the farewell friendly against South Africa at Stadium Australia on May 26.

He will then hand out 27 Brazil boarding passes before the Socceroos settle into their surrounds at Vitoria, Brazil.

Then four of Postecoglou's men will be tapped them on the shoulder to tell them they're not in the 23-man squad.

D-day arrives on June 2 when FIFA wants all 32 nations to submit their final squads.

Adelaide United goalkeeper of the year Eugene Galekovic is expected to be named in the final 27 to head to Brazil.

Galekovic made Pim Verbeek's South African cut in 2010 after Liverpool's Brad Jones was forced to vacate the squad when his late son Luca became ill with leukaemia.

With Mark Schwarzer No. 1 four years ago before he announced his international retirement last year, Galekovic was Verbeek's No. 3 behind Reading's Adam Federici in South Africa.

Galekovic has now moved up the pecking order.

But it's highly unlikely he'll move past Mat Ryan where with young gloveman comfortably held down a No. 1 spot at Belgium's Club Brugge.

His club is in line to play UEFA Champions League next season.

Mitch Langerak — No. 2 at Borussia Dortmund — should get a call up given he's young, 25 and has played football at the highest level in Germany albeit just four matches this season.

Postecoglou has a good option in taking Galekovic who has played every minute of Adelaide's 28 matches this season.

It would leave the coach perhaps feeling more comfortable than taking Jones, who hasn't featured in an official match this season with Federici unlikely to be in Brazil.

VAL MIGLIACCIO PICKS HIS SOCCEROOS WORLD CUP SQUAD

THE DEFINITES

GOALKEEPERS

Mat Ryan, 22 — (Club Brugge)

Mitch Langerak, 25 — (Borussia Dortmund)

DEFENDERS

Ivan Franjic, 26 — (Brisbane Roar)

Matthew Spiranovic, 25 — (Western Sydney Wanderers)

Jason Davidson, 22 — (Heracles Almelo)

Curtis Good, 21 — (Newcastle United on loan to Dundee United)

Matt McKay, 31 — (Brisbane Roar)

Ryan McGowan, 24 — (Shandong Luneng)

MIDFIELDERS

Mark Milligan, 28 — (Melbourne Victory)

Mile Jedinak, 29, (Crystal Palace) (captain)

Mark Bresciano, 34 — (Al-Gharafa, Qatar)

Tom Rogic, 21 — (Celtic on loan to Melbourne Victory)

James Holland, 24 — (Austria Wien)

Adam Sarota, 25 — (FC Utrecht)

FORWARDS

Tim Cahill, 34 — (New York Red Bull)

Josh Kennedy, 31 — (Nagoya Grampus)

James Troisi, 25 — (Juventus/Atalanta on loan Melbourne Victory)

Mathew Leckie, 23 — (FSV Frankfurt)

Tommy Oar, 22 — (FC Utrecht)

Ben Halloran, 21 — (Fortuna Dusseldorf)

THE MAYBES

GOALKEEPERS

Eugene Galekovic, 32 — (Adelaide United)

Brad Jones, 32 — (Liverpool)

DEFENDERS

Massimo Luongo, 21 — (Swindon Town)

Luke Wilkshire, 32, (Dynamo Moscow)

MIDFIELDERS

Oliver Bozanic, 25 — (FC Luzern)

Dario Vidosic, 27 — (Sion)

Mitch Nichols, 24 — (Cerezo Osaka)

Jackson Irvine, 21 — (Celtic on loan to Kilmarnock)

Luke Brattan, 24 — (Brisbane Roar)

STRIKER

Adam Taggart, 20 — (Newcastle Jets)

THE LONG SHOTS

Osama Malik, 23 — (Adelaide United)

Adam Federici, 29 — (Reading)

Tomi Juric, 22 — (Western Sydney Wanderers)

Josh Brillante, 21 — (Newcastle Jets)

THE BOLTER

Daniel Da Silva, 17 — (Perth Glory)

ON THE OUTER

Lucas Neill, 36 — (Watford on loan to Doncaster)

Sasa Ognenovski, 35 — (Sydney FC)

Brett Holman, 29 — (Al Nasr, UAE) retired from international football

Alex Wilkinson, 29 — (Jeonbuk Motors)

Robbie Kruse, 25 — (Bayer Leverkusen) (injured)

Rhys Williams, 25 — (Middlesbrough)

Michael Zullo, 25 — (FC Utrecht was on loan to Adelaide United)

Chris Herd, 25 — (Aston Villa)

Nikita Rukavytsya, 26 — (FSV Frankfurt on loan from Mainz)

David Carney, 30 — (Newcastle Jets)

Mark Schwarzer, 41 — (Chelsea) retired from international football

Archie Thompson, 35 — (Melbourne Victory)

Carl Valeri, 29 — (Ternana)

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Sharks end RSA’s touring drought

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MELBOURNE Rebels were their own worst enemy as they handed the Super Rugby front-running Sharks a 22-16 win at AAMI Park.

The Rebels dominated territory and possession but let themselves down with costly handling errors while penalties helped keep the visitors in the lead.

Melbourne's defence held firm until the 63rd minute when they again turned over the ball and the Sharks counter-attacked and raced downfield, with winger JP Pietersen touching down.

That blew the lead out to 22-9 with their earlier points coming from South African sharp-shooter Frans Steyn, who booted five from five for a 15-6 halftime scoreline.

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In their usual fashion, the Rebels, who have won six of their last seven games at home, refused to lay down.

They hammered the Sharks tryline and after repeated penalties five-eighth Bryce Hegarty took a quick tap and fired a long ball out to reserve hooker Pat Leafa who burrowed over the line.

Jason Woodward added the extras but the clock was against the Rebels, who ran out of time to find the necessary points.

They kept at it, even after full-time, and got to within 10 metres before a penalty for failing to release the ball.

Woodward made a superb break midway through the first half, beating six Sharks defenders and as the Rebels sent the ball across field they forced a penalty and their first points of the game. The athletic fullback added a second penalty and although they came desperately close to scoring, with flanker Colby Fainga'a just centimetres away, couldn't get across the tryline until Leafa's effort.

No South African team had managed to win in Australia or New Zealand this season but the competition leaders broke the mould which followed a shock loss to the Highlanders last round.

The win will add a little more spice to their encounter next week with Australian conference leaders the Brumbies when coach Jake White returns to face his old team for the first time.

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In the second minute of the match Hegarty batted a ball dead as Sharks fullback Lwazi Mvovo attempted to grab it and touch down however only a penalty was awarded rather than a penalty try. White said he was happy with way his team responded from the early disappointment.

"When you fly around the world and you score and you don't get a call going your way it tends to put a bit of pressure on the players," he said.

"Some sides would have panicked or lost their cool but they got into their huddle and spoke about it and managed to kill the game off.

"We didn't take our chances and made it difficult for ourselves but it's a win and we tick the box and move on." When the teams met last year in Durban the Sharks ran in a record 10 tries in a 64-7 thumping which was the worst defeat in Rebels history.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan was delighted with their defence but said the result left him "hugely frustrated".

"It was a game that we lost ourselves really," he said.

"The boys showed tremendous courage and grit to stay in the game against the number one side but it was game that we let slip away from us."

Relive all the action from our live blog below and check out Match Centre for stats and video!

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Gill back as Reds make four changes

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TWO homeless men on the chilly streets of Auckland have shouted the simplest team talk this season at the desperate Reds as they strive to find the clear heads to beat the chaos of the Blues in their do-or-die clash.

"Ball retention, bro, to beat the Blues ... ball retention," came the bizarre advice from two hardheads who sleep their nights on a shopfront pavement between the Reds' gym and their team hotel in downtown Auckland.

One slept last night in a Reds beanie. Whether it was gratitude for the tip or simple kindness from a player doesn't matter.

The Reds have to follow his simple words. Coach Richard Graham has made four key changes to find the clinical edge and all are vital against a team as big, as dangerous and as unpredictable as Keven Mealamu's Blues.

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"We have to keep shape to our game in the chaos that is going to be out there on Friday night because that's just the way they can break out with their size and athleticism if we let them," Graham warned.

"Give them unstructured situations, a poor kick or don't hold onto the ball and you pay the price and we had that lesson against the Hurricanes last weekend."

Switching Mike Harris from centre to fullback ahead of Ben Lucas puts 12kg of bigger body in the back field defence.

Equally, Anthony Faingaa's return at inside centre adds more defensive starch although he again finds himself in a mismatch against All Blacks powerhouse Ma'a Nonu, who has a 13kg size advantage.

Rod Davies' pace and superior experience has won him a wing spot ahead of Jamie-Jerry Taulagi. Source: Getty Images

Rod Davies had to return to the wing to replace uncertain defender Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.

Up front, Liam Gill's presence at openside flanker, after missing four matches with hamstring trouble, offers breakdown expertise and flexibility in attack.

He will go as long as he can with the strong likelihood that Beau Robinson will finish the game as an impact weapon from the bench.

Getting the most out of the Reds scrum necessitated the recall of veteran prop Greg Holmes, for Ben Daley, against a Blues pack which gives away the most penalties at scrum time but also earns the most in this key battleground.

"With Anthony back in the midfield, his defence and work ethic will do a very good job for us there. Mike, at fullback, provides us with a big body in the back three and also an alternative link to Quade Cooper," Graham said.

Greg Holmes returns to help anchor the Reds scrum against a formidable Blues pack. Source: News Limited

"Rod's inclusion in the back three demonstrates a need for experience and he brings genuine speed which we know the Blues have plenty of."

Graham made it clear the time for big words was well past.

"At some point talking gets you only so far. We've got to deliver in our actions," Graham said.

"This is as incredibly tight group. They recognises the situation they have got themselves in (with three straight losses) and the turning point comes through what we deliver."

Reds: M Harris, C Feauai-Sautia, B Tapuai, A Faingaa, R Davies, Q Cooper, W Genia, J Schatz, L Gill, E Quirk, J Horwill (c), R Simmons, G Holmes, S Faingaa, J Slipper. Res: J Hanson, B Daley, J Owen, E O'Donoghue, B Robinson, N Frisby, B Lucas, JJ Taulagi

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‘I always try give Broich a headache’

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WESTERN Sydney Wanderers star Jerome Polenz says he's the man to stop Johnny Warren Medallist Thomas Broich leading Brisbane Roar to a third A-League title in four seasons in Sunday's grand final at Suncorp Stadium.

Polenz, who created a storm earlier this season when he said the Roar "feared the power" of the Wanderers, also maintained his belief that Brisbane was intimidated by a Western Sydney side desperate for redemption after losing last season's final 2-0 to Central Coast Mariners.

The German fullback will again go head-to-head with his countryman in the decider, with Polenz patrolling the right side of the Wanderers defence and Broich occupying his usual left wing spot.

"I always try to give Thomas a big headache," Polenz told The Courier-Mail.

The band is back together for a grand final edition of the Fox Football Podcast – with a few special guests dropping in as well. Adam Peacock, Simon Hill and Brenton Speed are in the studio, where they are joined by Wanderers fanatic Ian 'Dicko' Dickson, who dropped by for a chat too, and on the line by Brisbane Roar defender Jade North. Daniel Garb is on deck again to talk Mourinho, Liverpool, City and all things EPL & Socceroos.

"All the games that we've played against each other, he didn't look the best he can.

"I like playing against him because he's one of the best players in the league and I always like to match it with the best."

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The pair are not particularly close off the field, but Polenz said Broich was a big factor in his decision to join the Wanderers when the expansion club formed in 2012.

The former German youth international said he accepted Western Sydney's offer after watching Broich's acclaimed Tom Meets Zizou documentary, which culminated with the Roar star enjoying grand final glory with Brisbane.

"It's a very good documentary about football in general and also about the A-League. I could get a bit of an insight about Australian football and that helped me make my decision to come to Australia," Polenz said.

But there will be hint of gratefulness on Sunday from the outspoken Wanderer.

Thomas Broich will be the focus of much attention on Sunday. Picture: Jono Searle. Source: News Corp Australia

"We will see on Sunday who has the better ending … I still think of all the other A-League clubs, they fear us the most," Polenz said.

"We want to win this final desperately. You have to make your own destiny. Destiny does not come from hoping, destiny comes from hard work."

The two teams have played each other seven times since the Wanderers joined the competition two years ago.

Brisbane have only beaten the Wanderers once, with Polenz's team having defeated the Roar on the four occasions they met last season, including a 2-0 semi-final win at Pirtek Stadium.

"This season we lost once and drew two times with them. The games that we drew, we were the better side and (in the Roar's 3-1 November win at Suncorp Stadium), for the first 20 minutes we weren't there and they scored twice but after that we were the only team that was playing," Polenz said.

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He was also adamant that Roar's 10-point premiership-winning advantage over the second-placed Wanderers was only that significant due to Western Sydney's AFC Champions League commitments.

"If it was in Europe, the Champions League wouldn't be a problem but here the distances are so far, so the amount of time you spend travelling is very exhausting, so definitely it would have been much closer," Polenz said.

Broich said Polenz was tough to play against.

"He never gives up, he's full of energy, he's quite ruthless too, but we have to deal with that," Broich said.

Roar midfielder Luke Brattan said Polenz's confidence added to the healthy rivalry between the two clubs.

"I don't mind it. I love a bit of banter," Brattan said.

"If he thinks he's got Thomas covered then we'll see about that.

"We're confident and we're just going to let our football do the talking."

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Lowndes focused on fightback

Craig Lowndes and Red Bull Racing Australia did not have a happy weekend in Pukekohe. Picture: Getty Images Source: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

NEW Zealand's round of the V8 Supercar Championship last weekend certainly did not go the way we had hoped.

The challenge of sport is striving to do your best but recognising that some days you will get beaten no matter how well you perform.

The highlight of the weekend turned out to be third place in the first race on Friday. While I normally would not get too excited about third, compared to the rest of the weekend it was great.

Coming off a bad weekend at Winton a few weeks before, we went to New Zealand optimistic of a time, especially as we were back on the hard tyre option which seems to agree best with our Red Bull Commodores.

That was not the case. We had some speed early in the weekend but others got faster and we did not maintain our position relative to the others.

I can't remember the last time our team had two bad weekends in a row. I'm not sure it has happened before, so we're a bit bamboozled.

Pukekohe turned out to be a struggle. We struggled with front grip, we struggled with rear grip, we struggled with tyre life, we plain struggled to get speed out of the car.

You can accept when other makes of V8 Supercars are faster at certain tracks, but when guys in identical Holden equipment drive away from you in a race, that is frustrating.

I am headed to the team's New Zealand debrief and, collectively, we'll crunch the numbers and dissect everything, to try to understand what happened and why.

Most importantly, make must sure it does not happen again.

Our team is relentless in its pursuit of success. No one here likes to lose and everyone takes it personally, so our total focus now will be to get back to the front of the field.

We are chasing the championship lead now, rather than being chased, so that will be the immediate target when we roll into Perth for the next round at Barbagallo Raceway, in a couple of weeks.

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Sterlo: Sheens deserves praise

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TIM Sheens will join Frank Stanton as the third longest-serving Australian coach of all time tomorrow night, racking up his 26th Test match in charge of the national team.

Only Bob Fulton and Clive Churchill have been in charge of the Kangaroos on more occasions.

As always, Sheens will be expected to be successful, which he has been — barring the one blemish in the 2010 World Cup final.

Despite his 23 wins and one draw, it was obvious that defeat stayed with the experienced coach more than any of his victorious internationals. The degree of disappointment indicated how the loss stuck in his craw and was irritating, unfinished business.

That was dealt with at the end of last season with the Australians routing a strong New Zealand outfit by 32 points in the World Cup finale.

Again this was expected.

Which leaves me with the conclusion that coach of the Australian team is not only one of the most prestigious positions in our game but arguably the most unappreciated.

The kind of job that must feel like a no-win situation in that Aussie fans expect success and don't entertain anything but.

So much so that there is a belief among many that because of the incredible amount of talent that is invariably in the side, anyone could coach them.

That degree of ability is precisely the reason that it is a difficult undertaking.

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When you bring our elite together you are combining players who are dominant, knowledgeable and leaders at their respective clubs and with that comes a healthy degree of self confidence and ego. That is not a bad thing, but not necessarily an easy thing to comfortably combine, especially when they are used to getting the ball whenever they want it.

We've all heard the analogy of a team of champions and a champion team. The task of the Australian coach is to make sure that the former becomes the latter.

Don't forget that this is to be done with a minimum amount of preparation time and is one of the reasons that incumbency is deemed to be so important.

With so little time together the aim is to provide a simple structure of play but one that allows this gifted bunch to express themselves.

Tim Sheens has obviously been doing something right because a win tomorrow evening will see the Kangaroos equal the record of 16 consecutive Test victories established between 1979 and 1983.

They head into the game at Black Caviar-type odds and like the champion mare will be expected to win in a canter.

The opposition is a very different looking outfit to what it would have been if injury had not conspired against the Kiwis. Still it is hard to fathom the overlooking of experienced and tough campaigners such as Jared Waerea Hargreaves, Shaun Kenny Dowall, Frank Paul Nuuausala and Alex Glenn.

They may not have been standouts in the opening eight weeks of the NRL but I wouldn't describe them as being out of form.

With so many rookies involved and Shaun Johnson the most capped player (8 games) in their "spine" I would have thought it even more important to have some tough nuts alongside who have been there before and understand the pressure of Test football.

Still the proof will be in the pudding and both camps will be well aware of the glorious uncertainty when it comes to sport.

Champion galloper Ajax was beaten when 40/1 on, Buster Douglas was able to knock out Mike Tyson and Australia ll was given next to no chance of capturing the America's Cup.

Despite these upsets I'm not expecting New Zealand to do a Steven Bradbury.

STERLO: All the latest from both Test camps, including a cross to Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens. Plus, Raiders star Anthony Milford drops by to chat with Sterlo and guest panel members Steve Menzies and Scott Prince. Tonight, 7.30, Fox Sports 1.

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Cheika gets suspended six-month ban

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has 48 hours to appeal his suspended six-month ban from coaching. Source: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

WARATAHS coach Michael Cheika will be suspended from rugby for half-a-year if found guilty of another abuse charge in the next 16 months after being slammed by SANZAR for telling a South African cameraman to "f*** off".

Cheika was hit with a $6000 fine and the suspended ban — active until August 31, 2015 — after SANZAR judicial officer Nigel Hampton found the NSW coach had breached the SANZAR code of conduct in NSW's loss to the Sharks last month.

Cheika plead guilty to the charge of having used "crude, insulting or abusive language or gestures " towards match officials, fans or persons involved in the match; in this instance a camera operator filming the coach as he sat on the sideline at Kings Park.

Despite finding Cheika's behaviour "unprovoked" and "disturbing", Hampton said he was unable to find that Cheika's language was threatening, which would have carried a far weightier penalty.

But he added Cheika's past history of using "foul and abusive language" in Europe and Australia was relevant to his punishment, which could see the Waratahs left without a head coach if he falls foul of SANZAR for abuse again.

Clearly unimpressed with the Waratahs coach, Hampton said he found Cheika's evidence on the Kings Park incident "unconvincing" and also slammed unnamed pro-Cheika backers for alleging his South African accusers had made up their evidence.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika on the sideline during his altercation with the cameraman. Source: Supplied

"Mr Cheika's admission of guilt and contrition during the hearing is balanced by inappropriate accusations made on his behalf that witnesses fabricated evidence; a notion they rightly recoiled at," Hampton said.

"I do not regard Mr Cheika to be a first-time offender and it would be farcical to disregard other matters over the past nine years, including proven Misconduct allegations from his time as a professional coach in Europe and a warning from SANZAR during the 2013 Super Rugby season.

"This matter bears a number of striking similarities with past instances, particularly the use of foul and abusive language towards those charged with running a match and the propensity of Mr Cheika to behave in this manner is disturbing.

"Given his previous record and the factual findings of the investigation, I regard this as a serious offence and do not see it as a result of any provocation, nor is there any excuse for it."

Cheika was fined close to $30,000 for abusing referees while coaching Stade Francais in 2011, and was warned for by SANZAR last year about similar behaviour.

After a three-hour hearing last week, Hampton delayed giving his judgment until last night. It appears clear Cheika's legal team argued his past record in Europe shouldn't count in a different competition.

Cheika storms up the tunnel after the verbal clash with the cameraman during the Sharks match. Source: Supplied

Hampton said Cheika had attempted to play down the level of abuse made against a cameraman just doing his job.

"In his original account submitted on 8 April, Mr Cheika admitted to 'stern' language on one occasion, but deliberately omitted the specific language he used and I find his claim, in evidence, to have used 'f*** off' only once unconvincing," Hampton found.

"On reviewing all of the evidence, I found that on at least two occasions, Mr Cheika told the cameraman to 'f*** off' in a heated way, with accompanied finger pointing and on at least one other occasion, but in the same heated way, the coach used the word 'f***ing' in talking to the cameraman, either in reference to that person or his equipment, although, on the state of the evidence, I did not find proven that this was a threat, whether to person or to property."

"Respect is a core value of rugby and there must be general deterrents in place to prevent any abuse of match officials and persons charged with running the game. Similarly, I find it appropriate to impose a deterrent that is specific to Mr Cheika given his past record and this present Misconduct.

"This decision sends a clear message that this type of behaviour and the inherent lack of respect it demonstrates is not acceptable and will not be tolerated."

Cheika was ordered to send an apology to the cameraman, and pay SANZAR's costs of $6000.

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Clubs share in $12 million windfall

Port Adelaide has stunned Geelong with a 40 point win to go top of the AFL ladder.

BOTH Port Adelaide and the Crows should be back in the black financially with football's successful return to Adelaide Oval.

After both AFL clubs made losses last year, new Stadium Management Authority chairman John Olsen has reaffirmed there will be a shared $12 million uplift for the clubs at the Oval.

This is enough to end a long string of consecutive losses at Port and would turn around Adelaide's extraordinary $1,879,341 loss last year.

"I cannot see how they can't (make a profit) — either of them,'' Olsen said.

The projections arw a sharp difference to the $3 million and $3.9 million uplifts predicted by the Crows and the Power respectively.

But the clubs and SA football are cashing in on massive crowds because of the shift of AFL football to the city and merchandise sales are mushrooming.

Olsen, who has been appointed SMA chairman for three years, said the economic impact had been visible and the ground is now hosting tourists on tours in a similar manner to the Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

Port Adelaide has stunned Geelong with a 40 point win to go top of the AFL ladder.

"I can tell you their merchandising sales are going through the roof,'' Olsen said.

"When you have four deep standing in front of merchandise sales at Adelaide Oval you've got a fair indication that they the clubs (are) reaping the rewards of the shift to Adelaide Oval.

"The Oval is a really outstanding success and we'll hopefully build on what we've already got.''

But Olsen warned not to be too seduced by the early success, and said there was much to do.

Among projects to be completed at the Oval are:

WEATHER proofing of the western stand, which was initially built for cricket

COMPLETING the northern car park with terracing, drainage irrigation and re-grassing

PERMANENT food and beverage facilities on the northern mound

BROADCAST cabling

BALUSTRADE alterations in the western stand to overcome sightline obstructions

FIT-OUT of a retail shop in the eastern stand, and

A SOUTHERN plaza entrance cafe.

"We've have a very good start but five weeks don't make the first five years,'' Olsen said.

"This is about a stable financial model.

"This is arguably one of the best stadiums in Australia and the fan experience has been good, but we can improve it.''

The former Premier yesterday took over the role of SMA chairman from former SACA president Ian McLachlan, who will remain on the SMA board as a director.

He spoke highly of McLachlan.

"The fact that our two sports are now not only co-habitating but are also in business together in a productive and harmonious relationship is due in large part to Ian's drive, determination and stewardship, for which we are grateful,'' Olsen said.

Olsen's confirmation of reports of a windfall comes as the clubs have voiced some concern over higher ground rental.

The price rise has been defended by the SMA as a necessary increase now that the clubs have virtually "clean'' stadiums — where they keep all the profits.

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Live: Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

Philipp Lahm lunges to try and stop Gareth Bale in the first-leg. Source: JAVIER SORIANO / AFP

KARIM Benzema's first-half goal at the Bernabeu is the difference between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as two European heavyweights head to Germany for the second-leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Pep Guardiola's outfit will be sure to dominate possession at home, as the Bundesliga champions aim to go back-to-back in Europe as well.

But Carlo Ancelotti's men were deadly on the counter-attack in Madrid, and with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on deck, will be confident of progressing to face either Chelsea or Atletico Madrid.

Join us from 4.45am EST for live coverage of the blockbuster match.

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What Broich wants, Broich gets

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WHATEVER Thomas Broich wants, he gets.

Brisbane Roar's marquee man has earned that right after becoming the first A-League player to win two Johnny Warren Medals.

Unofficially the best player in the competition's nine-year history, Broich's opinion counts for plenty at the Roar.

It's a reason why much-maligned left back Shane Stefanutto will be in Brisbane's starting team in Sunday's grand final at Suncorp Stadium, where the Roar will try to become the first team to win three A-League titles by beating Western Sydney Wanderers.

There have been plenty of calls this season for the veteran defender to be dropped from Brisbane's line-up as his ageing legs slowly get the better of him.

BROICH JOINS ESTEEMED COMPANY

It's been an exceptional season for Brisbane Roar star Thomas Broich, winning his second Johnny Warren Medal for an outstanding 2013/14 season.

The performance of younger duo Corey Brown and Diogo Ferreira has lent weight to those calls, particularly after Stefanutto's poor effort in Brisbane's 2-0 home loss to Central Coast Mariners three weeks ago.

Stefanutto's four-season bond with Broich has won out, with the former Socceroo among the Roar's better performers in Brisbane's 1-0 semi-final win over Melbourne Victory on Sunday.

Broich said his personal success would not have been possible without the presence of his fellow left-sided raider.

Thomas Broich and Helena Blech at the A-League awards night. Source: Getty Images

"Shane Stefanutto, my partner in crime for four years now, he sets me up pretty much all the time,'' the German wizard said.

"He's such an intelligent player and such a good defender. It makes it easy for me."

On Tuesday Broich marvelled at the team ethic that has made the Roar the dominant A-League team of the decade.

"Matty McKay, what a player he is … his game awareness (and) his passing is unbelievable. Luke Brattan and Liam Miller … I could go through the whole team," he said.

"A guy like Bessie (Besart Berisha) up front, who I have a very good understanding with, we've got one more game ahead of us.''

After Sunday's decider, Berisha moves to Melbourne Victory because of the A-League salary cap that meant there was no room at the Roar for him and Broich.

Brisbane fans should be rejoicing that the brilliant Broich is staying, and for some time if all goes to plan.

Contracted to Brisbane until 2017, the former German under-21 international intends to keep playing for as long as he's enjoying his football.

"I'm 33 but I don't look like it," he said. "I'm very passionate about this club, about my team and I'm quite fortunate not to have suffered a lot of injuries.

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"Touch wood if that continues, I can see myself playing for another maybe three, four, five years.

"I want to keep playing as long as possible, as long as I enjoy the game the way I do at the moment."

But the future can wait. Broich is bent on inspiring Brisbane to a third championship on Sunday.

"We haven't done the job yet,'' he said. "It's quite nice and an honour to win personal accolades, but ultimately it's all about the team, it's all about the club.

"We're on a mission to win a grand final. That means more to me than a personal achievement.''

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ADP’s Sydney playing days over

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ALESSANDRO Del Piero's sudden departure from Sydney FC came after the club declined to re-sign him on the $4 million annual terms he earned since signing for the club in a blaze of publicity 18 months ago.

Del Piero announced his exit on Monday night, declaring: "Australia, the moment has arrived to say arrivederci" in a statement on his personal website.

Sydney said that the club would seek to "continue Del Piero's relationship" with the Sky Blues, thought it's understood that does not refer to any imminent plans for the 39-year-old to begin his coaching career here.

READ THE REACTION TO ADP'S DECISION BELOW

Instead he is likely to be offered some ambassadorial role, or involvement with the club's putative academy it intends to begin building later in the year.

It brings to a close an audacious signing that made Sydney FC genuinely global news, after Del Piero chose a move to the A-League ahead of offers from clubs including Liverpool when he left Juventus after almost two decades.

Though it's believed Del Piero had been lobbying for a third year in Sydney's colours, the club had indicated from the turn of the year that it was looking for a new marquee.

Potential targets have been discussed, though at a much reduced salary, after Del Piero's increasingly fitful contributions to his second season in the A-League.

What comes next for Del Piero remained unclear from his statement last night, in which he noted that "now I just need some time to think over all the prospective opportunities for my future".

However he and his family will leave Australia, though he will play here at least one more time as the captain of the A-League All-Stars against Juventus in August.

Del Piero generated huge interest in the A-League when he arrived. Source: News Corp Australia

On Monday night it was made clear that he has yet to decide on whether to continue playing beyond that, with an offer believed to have come from a club in Malaysia.

Sydney paid tribute to a player whose cache helped them achieve record crowds and memberships, with the merchandise shop at Allianz Stadium setting a one-day record for sales when his home debut came against Newcastle in Round Two last season.

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"Two years ago Sydney FC signed one of the greatest players to have ever worn a football shirt, Alessandro Del Piero," Sydney chairman Barlow said.

"At the time, if you had said Del Piero would be playing in Australia, few people would have believed it possible. His signing was the biggest in Australian football history and it lifted Sydney FC and the A-League onto the world stage.

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"Together we have achieved a lot and Sydney FC has grown in every way, with record crowds and memberships and huge interest in our club both domestically and internationally."

Del Piero added that his "greatest satisfaction is the rapid growth of the Australian football movement, with interest increasing incredibly for the public, television and sponsors, in this country."

"My adventure with Sydney FC is about to be concluded, and, even if it makes me rather sad, because I have had wonderful time here, I have communicated my decision to the club," Del Piero said.

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"I'm really grateful for the last two years and for the club's request for me to remain and with whom, I am happy to explore new opportunities to continue our relationship.

"It hasn't been an easy choice, also because my life on and off the pitch has been fantastic, my family and I have really enjoyed these two wonderful years: Australia will remain in our hearts forever.

He would, he said, "remain a bit "Australian", and will continue to be close to the football movement in this country."

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Victory weigh up star trio’s futures

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MELBOURNE Victory is sweating on the futures of Gui Finkler and Adama Traore whose contracts are about to expire.

But club legend Archie Thompson is on the verge of signing a contract extension With Victory's season reaching a crushing conclusion, negotiations with the Traore and Finkler will resume today after hitting a snag in recent months.

Finkler, whose second half of the season was as good as any other A-League player, was on the verge of signing a two-year contract extension last month, but it's understood he hasn't put pen to paper as talks continue.

Thompson, 35, is understood to have agreed a reduced deal which will bring him inside the salary cap. He's been Victory's Australian marquee up til now.

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Victory is investigating the prospect of Socceroos midfielder Mark Milligan becoming the new Australian marquee.

Although Milligan has another year to run on his contract, the two parties agreed that his contract would be revisited after Victory rejected lucrative offers from Crystal Palace and then Middle Eastern club Baniyas, where Milligan would've stood to earn well over $1m a year.

But Victory will also try and retain star attacker James Troisi, who is on loan from Italian duo Atalanta and Juventus.

He too is likely to be after Australian marquee wages if he's to consider signing a permanent deal after scoring 12 and setting up eight A-League goals this season.

Adama Traore of the Victory is out of contract at the end of the season. Source: Getty Images

Traore would be regarded as a local player next season after becoming an Australian citizen last month.

The Ivorian-born left-back who showed great versatility this season is believed to be interested in continuing his career overseas if the right offer came up.

Defender Adrian Leijer has already agreed a new deal, while midfielder Jimmy Jeggo will join Adelaide United having agreed a two-year deal midway through the season.

Chilean defender Pablo Contreras announced mid-season that he would retire, but preliminary discussions are believed to have taken place about him staying on next season albeit on a heavily reduced wage.

Brisbane's Besart Berisha will replace Contreras as Victory marquee, with the latter having a much-improved second half of the year.

Injury-plagued Tom Rogic is likely to return to Celtic next season to see out his contract.

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Brutal honesty best for bumbling Tahs

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THE Waratahs held a typically uncomfortable video review session on Monday to assess their bumbling defeat to the Blues last week, but halfback Nick Phipps said honesty is the best policy.

Players walked into Tahs headquarters in the morning to watch their error-prone performances before training in the afternoon to rectify their mistakes.

"It's a bit brutal, but it's good," Phipps said.

"It has got to be brutal. Even after a win we have quite brutal meetings in there, we're never going to rest on our laurels."

Tahs coach Michael Cheika leads the reviews and spares no feelings, Phipps said.

"Cheik is always big on being equal no matter who you are. He is happy to show one of my mistakes, then equally happy to show one of [captain] Dave Dennis's.

"One of the things in there is that we've got to improve, and one of the ways to do that is if we start chipping each other.

"If we're hard on each other then we can keep working.

"Cheik is good, he has a confronting style and though you guys [media] might see that, in there he likes mould his players, he likes to work with them, he's always having chats to different players in the corridors trying to find out what we can do, where we can go.

"We're all learning a lot off him."

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NSW made 16 handling errors at Eden Park, and have managed to score just five tries in their past five games, but Phipps said patience would eventually reward their attacking breaks.

"You can say 'You shouldn't have thrown that ball' but people are trying to do things, getting excited and trying to offload and keep the game going forward," Phipps said.

"The pleasing thing is we are making the linebreaks, it's just that final step where we can get more calm and collected in the gold zone and finish off with three, five or seven points."

NSW has lost four of their past seven games and face the red-hot Hurricanes this Saturday in Sydney.

"It is such a long season that you do get those ups and downs, it's good for us that this is in the middle point of the season," Phipps said.

"If we can finetune a few things leading into the back end of the season, there are some teams we get to play again, hopefully that will help our game."

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La Rocca desperate for redemption

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IACOPO La Rocca knew he was in trouble when a moment of madness earned him a straight red card, but he didn't know at the time just how much it would cost him.

The Wanderers' defensive midfielder received a four- match ban after he floored Sydney FC youngster Terry Antonis with a wayward elbow last season.

The heated Sydney derby was played just before the ­finals series and the suspension ruled La Rocca out of Western Sydney's semi-final and the grand final.

La Rocca, who apologised to Antonis before he left the field, says he struggled to come to terms with the blow.

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"When I got the red card I didn't think, but after the game I was thinking how many games I would miss," he said.

"Then later, when they gave me four games, I was struggling in my head because I had been waiting the whole season for the semi-final and the final and when they said to me that I would miss those games ... it was just too much."

The Italian enforcer was at Allianz Stadium when the Wanderers lost 2-0 to the ­Central Coast Mariners in the grand final a year ago, but it was agonising for him to be a mere observer.

GRAND FINAL

BRISBANE ROAR v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Sunday 4pm (EST), Suncorp Stadium, Fox Sports 2HD

"I cannot explain the frustration," La Rocca said.

"It's always difficult to watch games, but when it is the semi-final and the final it was difficult. If we had won maybe it would have been easier, but we lost and it wasn't good."

But La Rocca is already on his way to redeeming himself this season. The 30-year-old scored the Wanderers' second goal against the Mariners on Saturday to seal the club's place in a second consecutive grand final.

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And he is determined to give "200 per cent" against Brisbane Roar on Sunday to make amends for last season's bitter disappointment.

"A new year, a new season and we can change something from last season," La Rocca said. "During the pre-season we already started to prepare ourselves for this game and now we can play this game.

"I really want to redeem myself because I want to win and lift up that trophy."

Iacopo La Rocca's moment of madness last season. Source: News Limited

While La Rocca would prefer to be playing the final in Sydney, he insists once the players step on to the pitch at Suncorp Stadium it won't ­matter where they are.

He is expecting a large contingent of Wanderers fans, who he describes as incredible, to make the trip.

"If it was in Sydney it would be better, but it doesn't matter," he said. "When you're on the field we won't be thinking if we're in Brisbane or Sydney, because so many supporters will come from Sydney and it will be good."

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