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Bondi Rescue is never like this

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 31 Mei 2014 | 20.47

Mark Mathews wipes out at Cape Solander. Source: Bill Morris / Supplied

THE difference between life and death in the surf may rest in the reaction times of 'Bondi Rescue' man Aaron Graham and his water safety crew.

For several months a small team of six lifeguards and three towing experts have been preparing themselves for the challenge of conquering Mother Nature.

A wall of water at Cape Solander with the surf rescue team in the foreground. Source: News Corp Australia

Graham, known for his role in the hit TV program, and a professional lifeguard for 16 years, knows the huge risks involved in staging such a dangerous event.

His brother Kobi broke his back and came within millimetres of death, when in 2010 his head uncontrollably cannoned into a rock shelf after he wiped out at Cape Solander — the same venue for this year's Big Wave contest.

As head of the Pro Guarding water safety team, Graham has left no stone unturned to ensure that tragedy is avoided and the highest levels of safety are maintained for this surfing extravaganza.

While the adrenalin- fuelled surfers will tackle the dangerous challenge themselves, the rescue team have been going through their own paces trying to predict, mimic and act on worst case scenarios.

Aaron Graham on a training run at Bondi Beach. Source: Supplied

After two extensive training days with life size mannequins and possible emergency and rescue scenarios acted out, Graham is confident in the ability of his crew to avert disaster.

The team have run down cliff faces, swam in treacherous conditions and been involved in jetski 'trial rescues'.

Graham says that the hand-picked crew from Waverley and Maroubra Councils are ready and raring to go.

Kobi Graham is treated after he wiped out at Cape Solander. Source: Supplied

"The crew have put in an extremely lot of hard work," Graham said. "We've got to be ready to react to emergency situations.

"I'm kind of expecting something major could happen this year, but we've done plenty of training and will reconvene before the competition begins to discuss final plans of attack.

"We have all been involved with resuscitation experiences before, and even body retrievals, so we are not fazed at the risks involved.

"We just can't fail as the whole international surf industry will be watching us."

Younger brother Kobi, with 14 years of lifeguard experience behind him, will be a vital member of the safety team.

Still from a video of Kobi Graham surfing at Cape Solander. Source: News Limited


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Brumbies bounce back to belt Rebels

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THE Brumbies have kept their Super Rugby season alive with a 37-10 bonus point win over the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra.

The six-try victory was a stark contrast to their last win against the Sharks three weeks ago, the Brumbies kicking far less and running with intent in front of 11,071 fans at Canberra Stadium.

Brumbies flyhalf Matt Toomua staked his claim for a Wallabies inside backs spot for the upcoming Tests against France with a two-try effort.

MATCH CENTRE: Stats, scores, video highlights

Halfback Nic White was equally brilliant, his crisp passing and sniping linebreaks setting up several tries in a performance that would have sent Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie a loud message.

VIDEO: Watch full Brumbies v Rebels highlights

Pat McCabe, Clyde Rathbone and Fotu Auelua were brought into the starting side to bend the line and they did just that with a brutal display of direct running.

Pat McCabe charges at the Rebels defence. Source: Getty Images

The Brumbies' willingness to run the ball from their own half was rewarded with a four-try bonus point at just the 30th minute mark.

The foundations for their attack was built on the back of ruthless defence, constantly driving the Rebels backwards and forcing errors.

It took the Brumbies just three minutes to get on the board, Toomua slipping under Tom English out wide after more than a dozen phases.

The Rebels replied with a penalty, before Brumbies fullback McCabe burst over for a 12-3 lead in the 14th minute.

Toomua picked up his second two minutes later courtesy of a White linebreak, before prop Scott Sio scored his first try of the season in the 30th minute to secure the bonus point.

Scott Sio is congratulated by his Brumbies teammates after scoring a try. Source: Getty Images

The Brumbies picked up where they left off after half-time, lock Sam Carter burrowing over for a 32-3 lead.

The Rebels finally got the upper hand in an epic scrum battle, and Brumbies prop Ben Alexander was yellow-carded with 13 minutes to go.

The Rebels made the most of their numerical advantage with a try to captain Scott Higginbotham, but the Brumbies would cap off a great night with a try to Leon Power.

Goalkicker Christian Lealiifano continued to struggle with the boot, only managing three from seven, while captain Ben Mowen went off with a cut under his eye in the 50th minute.

The win moves the Brumbies up to fourth spot on the log, and three points behind the Australian conference-leading Waratahs. The Rebels on the other hand have slipped back to 13th spot going into the break for the June Tests.

Stephen Moore on the charge for the Brumbies. Source: Getty Images

Rebels coach Tony McGahan admitted his side's attitude was off.

"Our first-up tackling was unacceptable," he said.

"Once (the Brumbies) got their hands on the ball they had great intensity and commitment to what they were doing."

Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher said both Toomua and White's performances came off the back of a good forward effort.

"Whitey was brilliant," Fisher said.

"He probably didn't get that same platform in the last couple of weeks. He's certainly back to his best."

Brumbies captain Mowen praised his side's improvement in their first and second phase defence.

"We'd conceded four first-phase tries in the last fortnight. So what we did was focus on making sure that part of our game was clear," he said.

He added that his big black eye wasn't a serious injury.

BRUMBIES 37 (Matt Toomua 2, Sam Carter, Pat McCabe, Leon Power, Scott Sio tries Christian Leali'ifano 2 cons pen) bt MELBOURNE REBELS 10 (Scott Higginbotham try Jason Woodward con pen) at GIO Stadium. Referee: Steve R. Walsh. Crowd: 11,071.

Replay all the action in our live blog below


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Serving her country on two fronts

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SANDPIT tackling and scrummaging with a boxing bag against a wall, all in the punishing heat of a Middle Eastern air base.

Welcome to the training regimen of Captain Caroline Vakalahi, a movements officer in the Australian Defence Force and prop for the Australian women's rugby team.

Vakalahi will on Sunday line up for the Wallaroos against their arch-rivals New Zealand in Rotorua, as part of a pre-World Cup tournament also featuring Canada.

The 31-year-old is among the Wallaroos' most experienced players and few come tougher, which is no surprise given Vakalahi's day job is fighting for Australia.

The Queenslander, who has been a member of the Australian Army for seven years, has only just returned from an eight-month deployment at Al Minhad air base, in the UAE.

Vakalahi is a movements officer, responsible for logistics of moving "people and cargo and equipment in and out of the Middle East area, on to ships, or into Afghanistan, and moving them back home."

She flies into Afghanistan for routine meetings and once did a deployment in Kabul as a watchkeeper.

"As the role states, you are keeping watch of what's going on in the battle space, and you report it back to your hierarchy," Vakalahi explains.

It is an exciting and fulfilling career, says Vakalahi, but not one which always lends itself to running around on her other passion: green rugby fields.

Captain Caroline Vakalah is one of four ADF representatives in the Wallaroos. Source: News Corp Australia

The prop, who played for the Wallaroos in the 2010 World Cup, has had to come up with innovative ways to keep fit and scrum-ready while overseas.

"We have access to gyms, and the camp that I was on had a sandpit, a sportsfield-sized sandpit, where I could do conditioning training," Vakalahi said.

"I also had a friend from the Navy over there and we were able to do tackling training as well."

Surely a movements officer could "accidentally" order a scrum-machine to the middle-east?

"Ha I wish," Vakalahi laughs.

"I was trying my hardest. Basically I used a boxing bag and I put it up against the side of the wall. That's how I would practice my body shapes and scrum packing. You have to deal with what you've got."

Comparing war to sport is folly but Vakalahi says comparisons with army life and rugby teams can be legitimately made; and the links are strong between the two.

Captain Caroline is one of four ADF representatives in the Wallaroos, alongside Alisha Hewett, Mollie Gray and Hayley Sullivan

"In the army, you build camaraderie with people through your training and you learn how to adjust and adapt to other people. And moving into the rugby circle, it is exactly the same thing," she said.

"You have the shy ones, and the overt ones, but at the end of the day it's your ability to build relationships that matters and brings it all together. You have to trust that someone has got your back."

The Wallaroos play Canada on Friday in their second tour match as part of preparations for the World Cup, which kicks off in Paris in August.

The Australians are confident they can improve on their third-placed finish in the 2010 tournament, despite 15 new faces in their 26-women squad.

"We are not going in shy and timid," says Vakalahi.

"We understand it's a challenge but we are determined to give it a bloody good crack."


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SuperCoach studs and duds

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WHO starred and who stunk for our Nissan SuperCoach teams in Round 11?

See who made our Hall of Fame and Hall of Shame across the weekend.

SYDNEY SWANS 148 d GEELONG 38

Swans Studs: You know you're going all right when nearly half of your team registers over 100 SuperCoach points! Defender Nick Malceski (144) led all comers, while hard nuts Craig Bird (137) and Ben McGlynn (130) were just as influential. Star forward duo Kurt Tippett (116) and Lance Franklin (108) booted three goals each.

Swans Duds: Time to chop Jeremy Laidler (45) as the Swans' match committee might chop him soon! Lewis Jetta (45) and Harry Cunningham (25) had little impact.

Cats Studs: Not very often when no Cats players fail to score over 100! Joel Selwood (98), Jimmy Bartel (96), Harry Taylor (96) and Steve Johnson (92) were the team's highest scorers.

Cats Duds: Plenty here. Owners would have liked a little bit more out of bubble man Jed Bews (29), while Billie Smedts (16) struggled in his return match from injury. Jackson Sheringham (22), Jordan Murdoch (31) and Steve Motlop (32) failed to fire.

He might be literally flying, but Swan Jeremy Laidler is not flying in many SuperCoach owners' eyes. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD 140 d ST KILDA 54

Magpies Studs: Travis Cloke (164) returned to his best form, booting five goals from 23 touches and 12 marks. Dayne Beams (126) was the game's dominant midfielder. Clinton Young (115), Scott Pendlebury (113) and Josh Thomas (113) all had 26-plus disposals.

Magpies Duds: Alan Toovey (31) might be a reliable defender, but he's no reliable SuperCoach scorer! Tyson Goldsack (35) finished with four clangers. And owners of Jamie Elliott (71), who averages a touch under 95 points per game this season, have reason to feel a little disappointed with his score.

Saints Studs: If you picked up bubble man Cameron Shenton (100) during the week — even better, had him on your field — give yourselves a pat on the back. Shenton showed ample promise, finishing with 24 touches, six marks and four rebound 50s. Lenny Hayes (108) was the only other Saints to crack the ton.

Saints Duds: If you hadn't already traded Jack Billings out (33), do so now! The dual-position player had little impact against the Pies, finishing with 12 touches. Rhys Stanley (46) and Adam Schneider (44) failed to reach the half-ton.

Collingwood's Travis Cloke racked up 164 SuperCoach points against the Saints. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

PORT ADELAIDE 95 d MELBOURNE 75

Demons studs: Lynden Dunn top scored with 116 points ahead of Cam Pedersen (106) his second ton in as many games. Bernie Vince was next best on 98 points while Dom Tyson (95) could have scored more had it not been for eight clangers.

Demons duds: Mark Jamar (54) struggled against in-form ruckman Matthew Lobbe. Jack Watts (64) was OK.

Power studs: Justin Westhoff (116) starred at the death as Port Adelaide was forced to pull out all stops to pinch victory. Travis Boak (115) was brilliant as ever, while Matthew Broadbent collected 114 points.

Power duds: Chad Wingard (10) was having a dirty day even being copping a knee to the back of the head. Wingard was subbed out with concussion and just five disposals to his name. Jared Polec (46) kicked the sealer to boost his other lowly numbers.

Justin Westhoff top scores for Port Adelaide against Melbourne. Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE 98 d CARLTON 91

Lions studs: You couldn't get more stud-like than Tom Rockliff (182), who willed his side to victory with 36 touches (22 contested), 13 tackles and nine clearances. Partners in crime Dayne Zorko (131) and Jack Redden (125) were influential, while Zac O'Brien (100) remarkably tonned up after starting as the sub. (A late goal when scores were tight certainly helped).

Lions duds: After kicking the first goal of the game, Jackson Paine (18) was virtually unsighted. Owners of Lewis Taylor (43) would have been disappointed with his final score.

Blues studs: SkipperMarc Murphy (156) was outstanding, finishing with 36 touches, six tackles and seven inside 50s. Robbie Warnock (121) had a whopping 57 hit-outs! Kade Simpson (112), Sam Docherty (102) and Andrejs Everitt (102) all cracked triple-figures.

Power duds: Missing Persons Unit was sent to the Gabba to look for Jarrad Waite (33), who was barely seen all match. Popular picks Troy Menzel (33) and Dylan Buckley (27) were also quiet.

Marc Murphy was in everything for Carlton but to no avail. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON 104 d RICHMOND 54

Bombers Studs: Ben Howlett kicked five goals and had 25 touches in a match-winning performance that saw him top score with 150. David Zaharakis (126), Jobe Watson (125) and Brendon Goddard (121) combined to give the Tigers a bath. Dustin Fletcher (120) wasn't too bad either.

Bombers Duds: Jason Winderlich had a very quiet night in the forward line before being subbed out with just 24 points to his name. Heath Hocking (37) had his hands full with tagging duties while Jake Melksham (17) started as the sub.

Tigers Studs: Brandon Ellis (109) and Dustin Martin (102) were the only Tigers fighting against the Bomber tide. Troy Chaplin (96) saw plenty of the ball in defence while Daniel Jackson (90) battled manfully.

Tigers Duds: Ben Griffiths (25) was barely sighted and may be replaced by Ty Vickery next week. Steven Morris (30) had the job on Michael Hibberd but was beaten while Shaun Hampson (45) was subbed out in favour of Ivan Maric.

Ben Howlett was sensational in Essendon's big win over Richmond. Source: Getty Images

XXX


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Swans back on track, finals bound

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 29 Mei 2014 | 20.47

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JOHN Longmire won't hear a word of it but it's time for Swans fans to start booking accommodation in Melbourne late in September.

It is hard to ignore the significance of monstering a team such as Geelong, who are second on the ladder and have been the best side in the competition for the past decade.

DEADLY SWANS SMASH CATS BY 110 POINTS

The Swans brought a champion team to its knees, one which before last night's match

had beaten the Swans in 12 of their past 14 outings, including the past three.

Geelong were without defenders Tom Lonergan and Corey Enright but their absence did not come anywhere near to accounting for a 110-point loss.

Forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett celebrate another Swans goal. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Rarely has a team so comprehensively beaten another of such quality in the way the red and whites did at the SCG.

Are the Swans really the same team which lost by 32 points to the GWS Giants in round one?

Sydney have made their adjustments and, with the help of a good run with injuries, have every department of the ground covered, plus some depth to spare.

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They have reinvented the tall forward line through Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett, who have shown they can work perfectly together.

Tippett kicked five goals and Franklin four but their dominance only told part of the story.

Twelve of the Swans' first 14 goals were kicked by players more than 195cm tall.

Nick Malceski had 37 disposals. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Adam Goodes also kicked three goals and ruckman Tom Derickx two.

And because Goodes and Franklin both play with the agility of much smaller players, the Swans' forward line can hardly be described as lumbering.

It is a combination which is enormously hard for opposition defences to combat.

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Making the forward line more difficult to deal with is the service it gets from arguably the best midfield in the competition.

Last year the Swans had three All Australian midfielders in Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack. Josh Kennedy is clearly in that class as well.

They also have another midfielder who is very close to that standard in Luke Parker.

Former Hawk Ben McGlynn is another player who's skill level is not far from that group.

Lance Franklin celebrates his 4th goal with Kurt Tippett. pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

They are backed up by an excellent defensive midfielder in Craig Bird. Young players Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd, Brandon Jack and Tom Mitchell add depth and development potential.

In defence the Swans are also very well established and reliable.

All of their back six have played every one of their 10 games this season.

In last night they held one of the best forward lines in the competition to just 38 points after they had 45 inside 50s.

Key defenders Ted Richards and Heath Grundy anchor the key posts with cool heads and experience.

Tippett celebrates as the ball sails over the umpires hat. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

They are supported with enormous run and excellent ball use from Nick Malceski, Rhyce Shaw, Jeremy Laidler, Nick Smith and Dane Rampe.

Rampe has proven to be the perfect replacement for premiership defender Alex Johnson. Like Johnson he can play on both tall and small opponents equally well.

Smith is the go to man for lock down roles on dangerous forwards like Eddie Betts and Cyril Rioli.

Even more alarming for opposition teams is the quality of players playing in their reserves.

Norm Smith medallist Ryan O'Keefe, dual premiership player Lewis Roberts-Thomson, number six draft pick Gary Rohan and talented youngsters Tom Mitchell and Brandon Jack are all playing in the NEAFL tomorrow.


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Betts: My enormous debt to footy

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ADELAIDE forward Eddie Betts has told how he would never have held cherished son Lewis or escaped life in trouble town without the power of love, AFL and idol Andrew McLeod.

Quiet contemplation ahead of AFL's indigenous round and 200-game milestone saw Betts recall his rise from illiterate, wayward youngster to champion for a people he will never give up on.

Betts, 27, will confront Gold Coast Suns this Sunday as respected role model - a poignant and unforeseen feat when trashing his talent as wild child 15-year-old in Port Lincoln.

SCROLL DOWN: EDDIE WANTS TO STAMP OUT RACISM

"If I didn't play AFL I don't know what I would be doing. To tell the truth I wouldn't have my beautiful son, fiance and a house that is almost paid off in Melbourne," said Betts, engaged to partner Anna Scullie and devoted father to 19-month old Lewis.

"I am so lucky to have to have had the career and opportunities that I have had."

Betts and his band of brothers would skirt around a tuna town with more tycoons per capita than anywhere in Australia with drink, drugs and junk food ever present. Education was a distant thought.

Eddie Betts celebrates a goal against former club Carlton. Picture: Michael Dodge.

Betts was closer to skid row than the millionaire variety in Port Lincoln. There was a fine line between AFL stardom and collision course with the law.

Cut to the core when he visits communities ravaged by alcohol and drug abuse, Betts instantly relives the danger and emptiness felt as a teenager on a road to nowhere.

"It does sadden me and to be completely honest I was one of those kids. Growing up I was into that stuff and Mum shifted me away. That was the step I made, shifted away from all that," said Betts whose childhood was split between Eyre Peninsula and Kalgoorlie

It is well documented that a 'mother' of all interventions from Cindy Sambo saw her son Eddie uprooted to Melbourne - joining Phil Krakouer's indigenous AFL TAFE academy in 2003.

"Every week, every day I thank what she did for me, got away from that environment," said 193-game veteran Betts.

Sanctuary was famously found in Krakouer's landmark program that fast tracked talented juniors from across the nation into Victoria's under-18 competition - leaving them AFL draft ready.

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It took real gumption to shake homesickness in Melbourne for Betts.

Even in the darkest days, ambition to emulate dual Adelaide premiership midfielder McLeod motivated Betts. Dual Norm Smith medallist McLeod's influence continues to this day.

"I grew up as a Crows supporter in Port Lincoln and looked up to Andrew McLeod, he was my role model and still my idol," said Betts, who joined Adelaide this season from Carlton in a $2 million, four-year deal.

"He gave me that drive to play footy, make my dreams come true.

"Now I am getting into the APY lands initiative which Andy runs to mentor young leaders there. I will be proud to wear his guernsey design in the indigenous round which is probably the best one around."

Breaking the chain of poor life choices in remote communities is complicated further by family bonds that typically mean staying together for better or worse.

"I was born in Port Lincoln but my parents broke up when I was little. I shifted back to Western Australia with my Mum, we were living in a three-bedroom house with 18 children," recalled Betts.

"You get that tight bond with all your first cousins, they are like brothers.

"So many of them could play AFL but it is hard to leave that environment."

Crucially, Betts also puts the onus on indigenous youth to be brave in the fight to beat disadvantage.

"When I got drafted I didn't know how to read or write, what I was doing. You have to get out of your comfort zone, go to school then chase your dreams," said Betts, now a part time primary school teacher who has pursued years of self-driven study.

Success does require ongoing vigilance as Betts was reminded after an end of season player function at Carlton in 2009.

"We had trained all year, weren't allowed to drink. The boys put on a little thing and it got a bit out of hand. From then onwards I had to switch on a little better, turn my life around," said Betts who redoubled his approach to fitness in a bid for career longevity.

"I am glad it happened as it made me a stronger person."

The inaugural member of his family to own a house, Betts has now new goals on the horizon.

"It is always someone's dream to play one AFL game let along as much as I have," said Betts.

"It is a great achievement from where I came from. Hopefully I can continue on and get a premiership before I finish my footy.

"I would love to get into coaching when I retire as well."

Eddie Betts has become a mentor for first-year Crows player Charlie Cameron. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

EDDIE'S LEADING THE WAY FOR INDIGENOUS TEAMMATES

FOR every indigenous footballer that makes it - more are spat out of the AFL system - unable to adjust culturally or deal with the heartache of leaving close family and spiritual environments.

Adelaide star Eddie Betts is attempting to make a difference and keep Aboriginal AFL representation at 10 per cent - becoming a father figure to young stars from Carlton gun Chris Yarran to Crows rookie sensation Charlie Cameron.

"I try to go out of my way to make sure they don't get homesick, look after them," said Betts, who like Cameron, cut his teeth playing football in Kalgoorlie.

"It is fantastic, I love doing it, gives guys a longer opportunity to stay in the AFL system.

"It has been great taking Charlie into our house, we are always there to talk to."

Betts, 27, concedes he was saved from himself when Carlton offered salvage from AFL's last chance saloon through the 2005 pre-season draft.

However Melbourne's Liam Jurrah was a fish out of water away from his clan before finishing on the wrong side of the law in Alice Springs.

Dale Garlett, 20, would quit premier Hawthorn in March - simply disliking the routine of AFL and tyranny of distance from family in WA.

"It is a bit sad about Liam," lamented 193-game goal-sneak Betts.

"He had Aaron Davey at Melbourne who was a great role model but English was his third language, he came from a remote environment. He was a very shy kid. Things didn't turn out, it can go either way.

"Dale got homesick, went back to family. It's about making that next step of training hard, playing good footy and living away from home.

"It is that hard choice."

"There are still people out there who are racist," Eddie Betts says. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

EDDIE WANTS TO STAMP OUT RACISM

EDDIE Betts has spoken of his remarkable u-turn from troubled youth to 200-game indigenous hero - now determined to smash the scourge of racism and disadvantage in our time.

The indigenous round is synonymous with several flashpoints. St Kilda half-forward Nicky Winmar's pointed to his skin after being racially vilified by Collingwood cheer squad members in 1993.

Adelaide forward Betts, 27, faithfully hoped racist incidents at AFL venues were dead and buried - a relic of the past by his retirement.

Yet, Sydney champion and Australian of the year Adam Goodes has been the victim of two racial slurs inside a year by Collingwood and Essendon fans.

"We have to close the gap on racism," said Betts, noting the hurt caused to Goodes after being labelled an ape by spectators.

"There's still people out there that are racist. We thought it stopped last year with the Goodes incident and it is still occurring.

"Goodesy says racism must be stamped out to the end, we have to educate. All we want to do is cut out racism from the game."

Betts cites AFL and its indigenous round as a healing agent - unique on the sporting and political landscape.

"The Michael Long walk for the traditional Richmond v Essendon clash is getting bigger every year. It gives more insight on our culture and background," said Betts, engaged to partner Anna Scullie and devoted father to 19-month old Lewis.

"It's strange as I never experienced racism in nine years at Carlton and played against Collingwood twice a year but it just takes one person to paint a whole section."

Betts also put the onus on indigenous youth to be brave in the fight to beat disadvantage. Betts urges children to finish schooling in his visits to remote APY lands communities with Adelaide great and idol Andrew McLeod.

"I think you have to get out of your comfort zone, go to school then chase your dreams," said Betts, who mentors rising Carlton duo Chris Yarran, Jeff Garlett and Crows rookie revelation Charlie Cameron.

Betts notes he faced the curse of alcohol and drugs aged 15 in Port Lincoln if his mother hadn't moved him to former North Melbourne rover Phil Krakouer's TAFE footy program in Melbourne during 2003.

"To tell the truth I wouldn't have my beautiful son, fiance and a house. If I didn't play AFL I don't know what I would be doing," he said.


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Cats must get back to work: Selwood

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JOEL Selwood is looking forward to finding out just who is going to stand up in the wake of his biggest loss as an AFL footballer.

The Geelong skipper admitted the feeling after last night's 110-point thrashing at the hands of Sydney was something he didn't want to experience again and demanded an immediate response from the playing group.

DEADLY SWANS THRASH CATS BY 110 POINTS

"It is not a feeling that you want I can tell you that,'' Selwood told the Geelong Advertiser from a deathly quiet Cats' changerooms last night. "But we have to go through it together right now and we are going to find out who is going to stand up and that is what I am going to look forward to."

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The 22.16 (148) to 5.8 (38) result was Sydney's greatest ever winning margin over Geelong and catapulted the Swans into second place on the table. The Cats could slip as far as sixth by the end of the weekend if other results go against them.

But for Selwood, the only thing on his mind was "getting back to work" on Monday ahead of next Friday night's game against Carlton.

Dejected Cats players including Jimmy Bartel (no. 3) and Joel Selwood (2nd from R) after their 110 point loss. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

"We usually bounce back from losses really well," he said. "But in saying that we haven't had a 100-point loss for a very long time so it is challenging for the group. That is great because while you don't want it to happen, it is a challenge to see how we can bounce back against Carlton next Friday night."

Sydney's domination of the Cats last night was generated through midfield, where it smashed Geelong in all the key statistics.

Five Swans had more than 30 touches and a further six had 20-plus, while star forwards Kurt

Kurt Tippett flies for a mark. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Tippett (five goals), Lance Franklin (four) and Adam Goodes (three) dominated against a Geelong backline sadly missing Tom Lonergan and Corey Enright.

But Selwood was offering up no excuses after loss, including consecutive six day breaks.

"No, we are professional footballers," he said.

"We just got outrun, we got outspread, we got beaten at the contest, we got beaten in the air, it was all over the ground.

"We went into the match really well. We thought we played some pretty good footy for a long part of the game last week, so we came in confident, we thought we matched up pretty well against they. But they (Sydney) were outstanding tonight and we were far from that."


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Deadly Swans thrash Cats by 110 points

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SYDNEY are now the most feared team in the AFL after humiliating red hot rivals Geelong at the SCG last night.

The stunning 110-point demolition was the Swans greatest winning margin over Geelong in history, beating 109 points at the Lake Oval, South Melbourne in 1933.

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The Swans have now beaten the top three teams from last season, claiming their sixth victory in a row with a relentless performance in front of 37,355 fans.

It was the largest Swans crowd at the SCG since Sydney's miraculous semi-final victory against Geelong in 2005.

Kurt Tippett kicked five goals. Pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

It catapulted Sydney to second on the ladder, setting up scintillating contests against a rapidly rising Gold Coast and top team Port Adelaide over the next fortnight.

Victory last night was all the more significant given the Swans had lost to Geelong during their last three encounters and 10 of the previous 12 matches.

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The celebrations were all the greater for the Swans as they also celebrated indigenous round with Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin making early and significant contributions.

Franklin kicked a beautifully weighted pass to Kurt Tippett for the Swans first goal just minutes into the match and Goodes kicked the Swans second with a fine snap.

By quarter time Franklin had also joined the 600-goal club after a free kick but it was a sideshow to the main event.

Adam Goodes roves a pack to kick a classic goal. Pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

There were two Buddy specials late in the third term, the first when he ran around hapless opponents to snap a goal and the second when he juggled a mark before kicking his third to give the Swans an extra-ordinary 79-point victory.

Tippett finished with five goals while Franklin kicked four and Goodes three.

In the dying stages of the game Tippett soccered a loose ball to Franklin who soccered it through for Sydney's 19th goal.

Mitch Duncan and Kieran Jack fly for the ball. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Relentless pressure from both sides was expected given they were the two top tackling teams in the competition but no one could have predicted how the Swans would blow the game open.

They kicked four goals in a row at the start of the third quarter and two of them came from fill-in ruckman Tom Derickx in what could be his last game in a while.

Ruckman Mike Pyke is expected back next week after missing a month with a persistent hamstring problem.

Dan Hannebery fires away a handball. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Geelong were hampered when important defenders Corey Enright and Tom Lonergan could not be considered because of injury but regained the mercurial Steve Johnson from suspension.

A smothering defence led by running half-back Nick Malceski and rampant midfield ignited by Craig Bird and Ben McGlynn gave the Swans more than 100 extra possessions.

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With Ted Richards completely blanking Tom Hawkins and co-ordinated attack impossible in the face of the Swans relentless presser, Geelong managed just three points in the opening quarter.

The Cats' first goal did not come until midway through the second term.

Tom Hawkins injured an ankle but returned to the field to kick three goals. pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

It took ruckman Dawson Simpson to curl the ball through from a boundary line free kick to give Geelong what proved to be their only score for the term.

Things did not get any better for the Cats. Hawkins was forced off early in the third term with an ankle injury before returning with an obvious limp.

Adam Goodes bumps Joel Selwood. Source: Supplied

He took a rare mark late in the quarter to kick Geelong's second goal but then the margin was so large it was little more than tokenism.

While the hype will understandably be all about Sydney's forwards, Geelong coach Chris Scott was right this week when he identified the midfield as the key to stopping the Swans.

Josh Kennedy fires a handball. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

His team was monstered in the guts last night. Embarrassingly so.

The depth of runners at John Longmire's disposal is frightening. Craig Bird, Kieran Jack, Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh and Dan Hannebery all had huge nights at the office against the proud Cats midfield group.

In the first quarter alone, they clocked up a staggering 39 more uncontested disposals than Geelong, always a strong indicator of who is running harder, and by game's end that difference had grown to 88.

The run off half back was also overwhelming with Nick Malceski slicing the Cats apart with his left foot with a game-high 37 possessions and Rhyce Shaw breaking lines with 31 of his own.

Billie Smedts and Jared Rivers collide paving the way for another Kurt Tippet goal. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Not in years has the mighty Geelong been rendered so completely helpless.

Its only first half goal came from a chance free kick to the unlikeliest of sources, giant ruckman Dawson Simpson, as the Swans peppered them relentlessly at the other end, and by the last change they had just two on the board on a perfect night for footy.

The Cats have proven over a long period of time to never be written off. But after last night, Scott's men can be under no illusion as to just how much ground it has to make up on this scary Swans outfit.

With Jason Shields


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Rebels preparing for wounded Brumbies

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 27 Mei 2014 | 20.47

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MITCH Inman knows precisely what to expect on Saturday night from the Brumbies — vengeance and redemption.

The Brumbies' previously spectacular season — and the apparent likelihood of a top-two finish — unravelled on a horror South African tour where they floundered with losses to the Cheetahs and Bulls.

Those failures saw Stephen Larkham's troops slip from second overall to seventh as archrivals NSW and Western Force moved to second and fourth, respectively.

The fallout leaves Melbourne precariously placed as the Rebels venture to Canberra seeking to atone for their heaviest home loss of the season against NSW last Friday.

"They'll be a bit like a bear with a sore tooth after a couple of losses on the road," Inman said.

"We're expecting big things from Brumbies, they're quite impressive when they play in Canberra.

"They'll be looking to improve a lot and try and play a big physical sort of game that's very clinical."

The Brumbies slide means success against a Melbourne outfit which beat it in March is doubly important as NSW (Chiefs) and the Force (Crusaders) embark on daunting away assignments.

But the Rebels are also desperate to respond after being bulldozed by the highly impressive Waratahs.

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"Obviously we're a bit disappointed from our loss last week," Inman said.

"We were physically dominated for a lot of the second half so we're looking to improve on that.

"We've just got to go with the mentality this week that we just want to do the fundamentals very well — that's carry strong and retain our ball.

"We were physically exposed by the Waratahs on the weekend and we're looking to obviously improve on that and have a very good mindset.

"We're looking to make first-up tackles, tackle with intent, retain the ball and be very strong over that breakdown."

Melbourne will be without flanker Sean McMahon and centre Lalakai Foketi, who will represent Australia in the world junior world cup in New Zealand.

But it will regain hooker Shota Horie and back Male Sa'u from international duty with Japan and, possibly, prop Laurie Weeks (ankle) and centre Tamati Ellison (knee) from injury."

"With those experienced players, it gives the team a lot of confidence," Inman said.

"They do their job very well and with a bit of class.

"It will be great to have them back."


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Retrogram: Top 10 indigenous players

Gavin Wanganeen celebrates his 1993 Brownlow Medal. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Corp Australia

IT'S A top 10 that is so strong that even a Norm Smith Medal, multiple premierships or 300 games doesn't guarantee you a spot.

A top 10 that covers the full range of playing positions, and stacks up against any top 10 league footballers you could put together.

Each season players of indigenous heritage comprise about 10 per cent of the footballers on AFL lists, and the line shows no sign of dwindling. Consider the promising players to have made their debuts this season: Port's Jarman Impey, Melbourne's Jay Kennedy-Harris, Gold Coast's Jack Martin and Adelaide's Charlie Cameron.

Who is the best indigenous footballer?

Former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy once said that somewhere in the future we might look back at the best 100 footballers of all time and find that the bulk are Aboriginal players.

So to coincide with the AFL's indigenous Round, this week Retrogram has delved into the pictorial vault and pulled out images of the men we consider the best 10 indigenous footballers to have played at league level. If you have other ideas, leave a comment or post a Tweet at @_warwickgreen and we'll publish a selection next week.

Graham 'Polly' Farmer revolutionised playing his position. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Corp Australia

1. POLLY FARMER (Geelong)

Famer reshaped the game with his creative tap-outs and attacking handball.

He was among the inaugural intake of 12 legends into the Australian Football hall of fame. A premiership player and dual best-and-fairest winner at Geelong, he also won three Sandover Medals in Perth, where he played 255 WAFL games to go with his 101 in the VFL.

Crow Andrew McLeod in full flight against Hawthorn. Herald Sun Source: News Corp Australia

2. ANDREW MCLEOD (Adelaide)

Described by former West Coast star David Wirrpanda as "a black Rolls-Royce'', the Crows champion was best afield in two premiership teams.

An All-Australian captain who mesmerised with his pace, balance and penetrating kicking throughout a 340-game career. Won a record-equalling three Crows best-and-fairests, the first and last of which were 11 years apart.

Swans champion Adam Goodes celebrates the 2012 Grand Final win over Hawthorn. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Limited

3. ADAM GOODES (Sydney)

Dual Brownlow medallist and premiership player who has played in just about every position on the field. Is poised to overtake McLeod's record (340) of the most AFL games played by an indigenous footballer.

North Melbourne champion Barry Cable kicks the ball downfield. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Corp Australia

4. BARRY CABLE (North Melbourne)

An Australian football Hall of Fame legend who played 382 games across the VFL and WAFL. After a late start to his Victorian career he was a key member of North's first two premierships. His kicking and handballing precision was the equal of anyone to have played the game.

Nicky Winmar was as good on the ground as he was overhead. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Corp Australia

5. NICKY WINMAR (St Kilda/Western Bulldogs)

The first indigenous player to rack up 200 AFL games, Winmar's brilliance is sometimes forgotten in the rush to recognise the 1993 jumper-raising gesture that has become a defining image in the fight against racism in Australia.

Winmar could do it all. A brilliant kick and spectacular high mark, he used his pace not only to create but to chase and was a superb tackler, long before the phrase "forward pressure" was in vogue.

Richmond sensation Maurice Rioli in action. Source: News Corp Australia

6. MAURICE RIOLI (Richmond)

For a few years in the early 1980s Rioli was as good as anyone in the league, winning consecutive Richmond best-and-fairest award when the Tigers were contenders.

He won the Norm Smith Medal in the Tigers' 1982 Grand Final loss and was runner-up in the 1983 Brownlow Medal. Apart from being sublimely talented, he was a tough, ball-winning centreman who was rarely beaten.

Eagle Peter Matera made the wing his own. Picture: News Limited Source: News Limited

7. PETER MATERA (West Coast)

A five-time All Australian, Matera was a key player in the dominant Eagles teams that won two premierships in the early 1990s.

Used his pace and evasive skills to break lines, either on the wing or from half back. Had the game-changing knack of kicking running goals from long range. Named on a wing in the indigenous Team of the Ccentury.

A young Gavin Wanganeen flies high. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Corp Australia

8. GAVIN WANGANEEN (Essendon/Port Adelaide)

In 1993, aged 20 and in just his third AFL season, the attacking defender became the first indigenous player to win the Brownlow Medal and was part of the Baby Bombers premiership.

He later returned to South Australia where he was Port Adelaide's inaugural captain, playing in the 2004 flag and finishing runner-up in the 2003 Brownlow. He was the first indigenous player to rack up 300 games and was selected on a back flank in the indigenous Team of the Century.

Kangaroos forward Jimmy Krakouer in 1989. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Limited

9. JIM KRAKOUER (North Melbourne/St Kilda)

Arrived at North Melbourne with brother Phil in 1982 and produced a brand of football rarely seen at league level. His creative vision and ball use sliced open opposition teams, and he was such a prolific goalkicker that he led North's tally in three different season. One of the toughest and most courageous rovers to have played the game.

Lance Franklin left a lasting impression on Hawthorn fans. Picture: Herald Sun Source: News Limited

10. LANCE FRANKLIN (Hawthorn/Sydney)

A dual premiership player and Coleman medallist, Franklin is capable of producing electrifying bursts of play that sit in a rare bracket with the likes of both Gary Abletts and John Coleman. At age 27, and in the first year of a nine-season deal with the Swans, he has the potential to become one of the game's greats.

RETROGRAM RECALL

LAST week Retrogram dug out 10 classic examples of footballers showing off their acting skills.

From Mike: I remember Tim Watson having a shocker on Home and Away with some really wooden acting but totally redeeming himself a few years later in a funny skit about footballers doing clichéd post-game interviews on The Late Show, which by the way was the best Australian comedy show of all time.

RETROGRAM SAYS: How good would it be if the AFL players of today put themselves through a course at The Late Show's grooming school?

From Chris: In your intro you missed Ron Barassi, a regular with Happy Hammond on the Tarax Happy Show for kids in the '60s.

RETROGRAM SAYS: Showing your age there Chris. The flip side, of course, is that Happy Hammond was the third man down the players' race and on to the MCG before Geelong won the 1963 Grand Final. No sign of Princess Panda, though.


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Who would win AFL State of Origin?

What Bryce Gibbs and Patrick Dangerfield might looks like in State of Origin jerseys. (Picture digitally altered). Source: Mike Burton / HeraldSun

IN what team could you currently put together a potential forward line of Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Lynch and Jack Gunston?

We are talking State of Origin with the above three all in serious contention if Victoria was to pick its best 22 based on form.

VOTE FOR WHO YOU THINK WOULD WIN STATE OF ORIGIN

And while it won't happen this year, the players' union has made it known there is interest in representative football from the stars so don't rule it out in the future.

So given rugby league is holding the first of its three-match series on Wednesday, what better time to explore the respective strengths of the four teams?

PUSH FROM STARS TO BRING BACK STATE OF ORIGIN THWARTED

As you can see Victoria has a midfield that could kill the game very quickly, one where Trent Cotchin struggles to get in the starting 18.

SHOULD STATE OF ORIGIN BE REVIVED? VOTE AND HAVE YOUR SAY

But the Vics aren't as strong as WA in key positions, even if Tom Lynch of the Gold Coast is developing into some player in quick time, and Dahlhaus is one of the better small crumbing forwards going around.

Right now Lynch gets picked ahead of Jeremy Cameron who is going through a quiet period after two scintillating seasons.

Gunston is a clear third tall forward, while up back a youngster in Daniel Talia is continuing the form that won him the 2012 Rising Star award.

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett in full flight. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Michael Hibberd is having another solid season after his 2013 breakout year, while Cameron Guthrie is a certain selection after continuing to develop his game as an on-baller, having begun his career as a mid-size defender.

In the rucking department there aren't a lot of viable alternatives with Port Adelaide's Matthew Lobbe having a really solid year after being recruited from Monbulk and Eastern U18.

As for captain, take your pick between Luke Hodge, Travis Boak, Jobe Watson or Joel Selwood.

Who would win? We've looked at the SuperCoach scores of each player to see which team would come out on top.

Who would win State of Origin?

VICTORIAN STATE OF ORIGIN TEAM

- compiled by Jon Anderson

B: Michael Hibberd (Ess) 99.11, Scott Thompson (NM) 81.5, Ted Richards (Syd) 67.11

HB: Luke Hodge (Haw) 88.29, Daniel Talia (Ade) 67.11, Cam Guthrie (Gee) 88.11

C: Travis Boak (PtA) 103.67, Jobe Watson (Ess) 113.4, Scott Pendlebury (Coll) 132

HF: Steve Johnson (Gee) 116.1, Jarryd Roughead (Haw) 89.8, Patrick Dangerfield (Ade) 115.5

F: Luke Dahlhaus (WB) 102, Tom Lynch (GCS) 80.44, Jack Gunston (Haw) 89.11

R: Matthew Lobbe (PtA) 84.62, Gary Ablett (GCS) 143, Joel Selwood (Gee) 119.11

I/C: Trent Cotchin (Ric) 101.11, Jeremy Cameron (GWS) 55.12, Josh Kennedy (Syd) 123.67 Robbie Gray (PtA) 107.89

SUPERCOACH AVERAGE: 2168.04

Sydney superstar Lance Franklin would fit right in Western Australia's best team. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN STATE OF ORIGIN TEAM

- compiled by Braden Quartermaine

B: David Swallow (GCS) 107.89, Eric Mackenzie (WCE) 68.44, Darren Glass (WCE) 62.43

HB: Chris Yarran (Car) 84.75, Michael Johnson (Frem) 98.44, Heritier Lumumba (Coll) 86.67

C: Stephen Hill (Frem) 91.25, Matt Priddis (WCE) 105.67, Bradley Hill (Haw) 85.33

HF: Mitch Duncan (Gee) 99.44, Lance Franklin (Syd) 81.12, Harley Bennell (GCS) 88.33

F: Dean Cox (WCE) 97.44, Josh Kennedy (WCE) 78.33, Mark LeCras (WCE) 90.5

R: Aaron Sandilands (Frem) 116.56, Nat Fyfe (Frem) 120, Jaeger O'Meara (GCS) 103.11

I/C: Harry Taylor (Gee) 69.89, Jack Darling (WCE) 83.11, Hayden Ballantyne (Frem) 71.12, Chris Masten (WCE) 87.75

SUPERCOACH AVERAGE: 1977.35

Matthew Pavlich would be a very handy inclusion in the South Australian team. Source: Getty Images

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATE OF ORIGIN TEAM

- compiled by Michelangelo Rucci

B: Bryce Gibbs (Car) 105.44, Joel Patfull (BL) 54.75, Corey Enright (Gee) 83

HB: Matthew Broadbent (PtA) 80, Heath Grundy (Syd) 75.11, Shaun Burgoyne (Haw) 103

C: Kane Cornes (PtA) 93.56, Brad Ebert (PtA) 105.33, Jared Polec (PtA) 95.67

HF: Bernie Vince (Melb) 88, Matthew Pavlich (Frem) 88.89, Justin Westhoff (PtA) 80.22

F: Chad Wingard (PtA) 86.12, Jay Schulz (PtA) 76.22, Angus Monfries (PtA) 78.33

R: Shaun Jacobs (Ade) 108.67, Ryan Griffen (WB) 93.25, Adam Cooney (WB) 92.22

I/C: Will Minson (WB) 96.44, Brodie Smith (Ade) 93.44, Hamish Hartlett (PtA) 95.88, Andrew Mackie (Gee) 93.71

SUPERCOACH AVERAGE: 1967.25

It might surprise some that Dayne Beams hails from Queensland. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

THE ALLIES STATE OF ORIGIN TEAM (NT, Qld, NSW, Tas and International)

- compiled by Ben Higgins

B: Jarrod Harbrow (GCS) 89.78, Rory Thompson (GCS) 60.86, Jeremy Howe (Melb) 76.67

HB: Pearce Hanley (BL) 84.57, Steven May (GCS) 77.11, Matthew Suckling (Haw) 85

C: Dayne Zorko (BL) 87.33, Jarrod McVeigh (Syd) 106.44, Dane Rampe (Syd) 83.78

HF: Mathew Stokes (Gee) 105.12, Nick Riewoldt (StK) 93.33, Isaac Smith (Haw) 89.56

F: Jack Riewoldt (Ric) 92.33, Tom Hawkins (Gee) 82.78, Luke Breust (Haw) 98.67

R: David Hale (Haw) 75.22, Dayne Beams (Coll) 120.67, Kieran Jack (Syd) 108.12

I/C: Grant Birchall (Haw) 90.56, Daniel Cross (Melb) 96.67, Josh Green (BL) 60.71, Kurt Tippett (Syd) 86

SUPERCOACH AVERAGE: 1951.39

* Teams picked on current form and as if a game was being played this weekend, leaving out injured and suspended players.

Should the AFL bring back State of Origin?


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Hewitt knocked out of French Open

Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in action during his first round loss at Roland Garros. Source: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP

LLEYTON Hewitt has crashed out of the French Open after losing his first-round match against Carlos Berlocq.

Just one place separated the pair when the world rankings were updated on Monday, but the 47th-ranked Argentine showed his superiority on clay to come back from a set down and win 3-6 6-2 6-1 6-4.

In a high-intensity start, world No.46 Hewitt set up his second break point in the sixth game with a beautiful backhand volley.

When Berlocq skied a backhand, the Australian smashed his way to a 4-2 lead.

Hewit prevented his opponent from breaking straight back in the next game, with both players shouting to rev themselves up.

When Hewitt saved a third break point for the ninth game, he yelled: "C'mon, fight, fiight!" and he converted his first set point after 48 minutes when Berlocq netted a backhand.

Berlocq, who showed good form by beating world No.6 Tomas Berdych to win the Portugal Open on clay at the start of May, jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second set.

Not only did Hewitt struggle to close the gap but he was broken again in the last game for the Argentine to draw level at one set all.

The third set mirrored the second with Berlocq grabbing a 3-0 lead and, while Hewitt had two chances to break him in the fifth game, his opponent was too strong and held before breaking the Australian again.

Once more Berlocq took an early advantage in the fourth set but he had to withstand a late fightback from Hewitt, who managed to put the games back on serve.

Berlocq broke back in the ninth game but he had to fight off an almighty challenge from Hewitt in the next game.

The Australian had four chances to break back but Berlocq managed to convert his third match point with a clever backhand drop shot.

The 31-year-old sealed victory after three hours and eight minutes to book his place in the second round, equalling his best performance at a grand slam.

It was Hewitt's 14th year at Roland Garros, putting him equal third among active players for most appearances at the venue.

It was also his 60th grand slam appearance, placing him joint third for most majors played in the Open era alongside Roger Federer and behind Fabrice Santoro (70) and Andre Agassi (61).

The Australian will turn his attention to yet another grand slam showing - at Wimbledon.


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Tahs have four finals before playoffs

Written By Unknown on Senin, 26 Mei 2014 | 20.47

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EVERY game from now on is the Super Rugby final, Waratahs star Adam Ashley-Cooper has declared.

The NSW centre believes the team is in the best position it's ever been to clinch a maiden premiership, but with four games of the regular season remaining, he says complacency can't be allowed to creep in to the camp of the Australian conference leaders.

"The way we're looking with our results, and our position on the ladder with only four games to go, we're looking our best chance we've ever been," Ashley-Cooper said.

"I've been thinking about it over the weekend, and for me, each day, each game from now on, we've got to prepare as though we're preparing for a final.

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"That's the way it is because it's the back end of the season, it's where the quality teams start to really lift and quality football is played.

"So you need to be doing everything you can here to make sure you're bettering yourself, and you're putting in absolute quality here at training so that reflects on the field."

Probably the greatest challenge of their season comes next, an away game against back-to-back premiers the Chiefs, who will be seething after suffering a humiliating 45-8 loss in Wellington last weekend.

"It's certainly not better for us, that's for sure," Ashley-Cooper said.

"The way the Hurricanes finished them off, you don't want to be a part of that, and this whole week they'll be wanting to respond.

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"Their backs are against the wall. They haven't been in this position in a few years, normally they're first in the New Zealand conference, one, two, three on the ladder, performing consistently week in, week out.

"So they're in a tough position, and they'll want to stay tight, and come out against us and respond this weekend.

"It's really exciting for us this week against Chiefs, they're defending champions, it's over there, and they're coming off a bad loss so there is going to be a backlash.

"They need to win, we're travelling, and it's always tough travelling to New Zealand, we've come off the back of a short turnaround in two games, so it's all there.

"We need to treat this game like a final."


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Fat Cat to fight for Wallabies recall

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Benn Robinson fixes his eyes into the distance, and the words painfully exit his mouth: "It hurts big time".

The 66-Test veteran has been dropped from the Wallabies - again - and must call on his significant resolve to claw back the gold jersey - again.

But this has been a uniquely devastating blow even for Robinson, a man unfortunately getting used to consolation phone calls from national coaches.

The emotion is visible and audible.

He is a far cry from his usual amiable self; a character nicknamed "Cat" known for his friendly hellos, quick-witted one-liners and cheeky smile.

One week after discovering he is not in Ewen McKenzie's 32-man squad for the three-Test series against France, Robinson has opened up about his heartbreak to the Daily Telegraph.

"It's a tough one to answer ... I've been involved with the Wallabies for eight or nine years now and I still think I've got plenty to offer. But to get that phone call, it was hard," Robinson says.

When it is pointed out that he has overcome such hurdles before, Robinson's frustration is clear.

"The disappointing for me is, I'd prefer not to have these knock backs," he says.

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"I am a player that is a consistent player, it's just disappointing that you get knocked back and then you get brought back in the side, and at the moment I'm out of the squad."

Robinson was left out of McKenzie's Rugby Championship squad last year, and found himself playing club rugby for Eastwood while the Wallabies were confronting the All Blacks.

But as he had before, Robinson fought back into the national team by the time the South Africa-Argentina tour leg of the tournament came up, and finished the year as Australia's back-up loosehead.

This Super Rugby season, Robinson has established himself as the Waratahs' first-choice loosie ahead of Sekope Kepu - who has been picked in the Wallabies squad - and he also doubles as the team's scrum coach.

But it wasn't enough for McKenzie, who sees youngster Scott Sio, Force veteran Pek Cowan and incumbent James Slipper as more capable options, while Kepu can play both sides of the scrum.

"Personally I think I've been playing good footy, my game has been improving since the first game," Robinson says.

"If you want to look at stats my numbers have been increasing week by week by week. Our scrum has been improving week by week.

"I think I've been getting better.

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"I still class myself as young, I still believe I'm learning and that my game is adapting.

"I'm working under a great style of footy here which is a lot different to what we've played in the past.

"If I stop learning or think I've reached my maximum potential of learning, I'll give the game up.

"But I'm still learning the game."

Yet it has even been suggested in some quarters that the latest snub signals the end of Robinson's international career.

"Hopefully not, I'm still 29," Robinson says.

"I haven't played in a World Cup so that's still a big ambition of mine.

"If Ewen or any of the other selectors believe I am ready then I'm going to put my hand up as high as possible."

On Saturday, against the Chiefs in New Plymouth, Robinson will become the most capped Super Rugby front rower in Waratahs history, surpassing the 121 games played by Al Baxter.

It puts him second only to Phil Waugh (132 Super Rugby caps), a mark he will surely break next year if he stays injury free.

But Robinson isn't about to stop and start celebrating. He keeps his eyes on the distance.


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Cameron’s future under Giant cloud

GWS Giants forward Jeremy Cameron could be lured back to Victoria. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Sarah Reed / News Corp Australia

EXCLUSIVE: JEREMY Cameron has opened the door to leaving the troubled Giants.

The budding superstar, who is estimated to be worth $1 million a season on the open market, has formally rejected Greater Western Sydney overtures to sign a new long-term deal.

Cameron is contracted until the end of the 2015, but the Herald Sun understands Cameron will decide at the end of the season if he stays at GWS or seeks a move home to Victoria.

GWS has tried several times to initiate talks, but Cameron's manager Alex McDonald has told them contract talks were on hold.

If he decides to leave GWS, it would create a blockbuster trade frenzy not seen since Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd entertained four clubs in 2007 before eventually signing with the Blues.

Last year Cameron won the club best and fairest, was third in the Coleman Medal behind Hawk Jarryd Roughead and was named an All Australian in just second season in the AFL.

Victorian clubs have contacted McDonald asking about Cameron's availability and what it would take to prise him from GWS.

A Lance Franklin-type deal — perhaps as long as six or seven years — is expected to be in the offing for Cameron by either GWS or a Victorian-based club.

The 21-year-old would command one of the richest contracts in football.

Any trade would likely include first-round draft choices and/or players.

If GWS decided not to trade Cameron, he could leave the club at the end of 2015 via the draft, which would mean GWS wouldn't get anything in return.

McDonald preferred not to comment yesterday, but it's understood he and by extension Cameron are keen to learn of GWS's list management strategies, similar to the request Bryce Gibbs made of Carlton.

What also would be a strong consideration is how the club plans to play Cameron, Jonathon Patton and Tom Boyd in the same forward line or if, as they did at the weekend against Richmond, plan to develop Cameron as a key defender.

The ongoing issues of on-field success and playing in front of poor crowds will also form part of the decision.

Cameron hails from Dartmoor in Victoria's southwest. He came to the Giants as a 17-year-old pre-draft special selection.

The Giants are enduring a horror period and have lost their past two matches by 100 points-plus.

The loss to Richmond was one of the worst in the club's short history, prompting Giants chief executive David Matthews to write an open letter to the club's members yesterday.

"It was a very disappointing performance against Richmond. As our coach Leon Cameron said after the game, we let you down," Matthews said.

"We believe we are making progress as our wins against the Swans and Melbourne earlier this season showed.

"But our last two matches highlight that we still have a lot of work to do to bridge the gap between our best and worst.

"We know we have a young developing side that will have its ups and downs. But you should not have to accept uncompetitive performances. And neither will we."


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Ange keeping calm over Slopperoos

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INSISTING that his side should not be judged until it kicks off at the World Cup, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou is adamant he won't change direction despite admitting that Australia had struggled for the majority of last night's 1-1 draw with South Africa.

Postecoglou said he was not surprised by the discordant nature of much of the performance, after "overworking them for a good reason" in the build-up to facing Chile on June 13.

"We'll stick to the course," Postecoglou said. "We believe we're heading in the right direction. We've got two more [warm-up] games in Brazil, and all these games are designed for us to be ready to face Chile. Every game will have a different objective, and hopefully we'll achieve them.

ustralia's Tim Cahill signs autographs after the march. Pic: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

"Leading into this game we've overworked them, but for a reason. How much of tonight was down to fatigue, and how much was them not grasping the game plan, time will tell. But from my perspective it is what is. I took over six months ago, and said this is what we'd do, and we'll stick with it.

"It was good for 20 or 25 minutes, but after that we struggled physically and some of our decisions weren't great. To be honest, with the work the players have done in the past 10 days it's not really surprising.

"We've used this period to work them hard, and tonight they gave everything but struggled physically. We had objectives in terms of our game plan, and in the first 20 or 25 minutes we probably should have scored more."

Postecoglou defended his players, and deflected concerns that a lack of ruthlessness could haunt them.

"I can't be too critical of the players — we've worked them really hard, and when you do that they will pay a price," he said. "But it's for a longer term benefit to be ready for the first game in Brazil.

"I thought Alex Wilkinson was good, as was Tommy Oar, and Jason Davidson did well. For the first 25 everyone played well.

"If we create that number of chances on a regular basis and don't take them I'd be worried, but for the most part we were fairly composed. Their keeper pulled off a number of saves, and I've got no complaints about the first 25 minutes apart from their goal, which was just poor decision making."

ustralia's Ben Halloran shoots in the second half. Pic: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

The Socceroos had some comfort from the words of South African coach Gordon Igesund, who said the key was to enjoy the experience of the tournament.

"They'll be competitive and if the ball rolls for them — well, we beat Spain so why can't you?" he said. "The adrenalin will be flowing and if the players enjoy themselves and don't come under too much pressure, I think they'll do okay."

The players know they need to step up in class from here.

Sloppy. That's how James Holland summed up the disappointing draw.

The midfielder gave an honest assessment of his own game and admitted the Socceroos failed to keep up with the fast tempo of the game, particularly after Bafana Bafana scored the opening goal.

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"I was disappointed in my performance," Holland said.

"I thought I was a little bit sloppy and my distribution wasn't the best. It was obviously a difficult pitch and they made it a little bit difficult, but there are no excuses — I felt like I should have done better."

Asked what went wrong after a promising opening 25 minutes, Holland replied:

"I think we got tired. It was a fast tempo game. The first 30 minutes we did well and then we collapsed a bit. I've got to be critical of my own performance and I didn't think I was at my best tonight.

"The goal gave them a bit of momentum and then gave them a bit of confidence and it affected us. I also think we couldn't keep up with that high tempo towards the end of the first half.

But Holland insists it wasn't all bad. The Socceroos have endured two intense training camps ahead of Wednesday's departure to Brazil and they have two more friendly games to iron out the creases before their World Cup campaign starts.

Australia's James Holland in the first half. Pic: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

There are positive signs and Holland says they will be ready for Chile on June 13.

"We were a bit sloppy in the second half, but there were patches where it was good," he said.

"It's a process — we're building up to it and it's not going to happen overnight. Come the first game of the World Cup we will be ready."

Ben Halloran showed real promise when he came on for his international debut in the second half. He made threatening runs down the right wing and was one of the few players who felt positive after his performance.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou gave him no indication he would get some game time against South Africa, but he is hoping he did enough to earn a spot on the plane to Brazil.

"Ange told me to go out and express myself and be positive," Halloran said.

"I felt like I did that tonight. To make your debut just before a World Cup in Brazil is nice timing and hopefully that performance will hold me in good stead for the final selection."


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Magpies count injury toll from big win

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 25 Mei 2014 | 20.47

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COLLINGWOOD will be without Nathan Brown and potentially Jack Frost for Friday night's clash with St Kilda after both defenders were injured in the Magpies' brave eight-point win over West Coast at the MCG yesterday.

Coach Nathan Buckley conceded Brown could require surgery which would derail his season, while Frost will be monitored this week after not coming back on after half-time due to concussion.

GUTSY MAGPIES NOTCH FAMOUS WIN

Brown was rushed to hospital for assessment during the game after suffering his second shoulder dislocation of the season.

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"Any time you dislocate your shoulder, you are potentially looking at that (surgery)," Buckley said last night.

"It's really disappointing for him because he got through three VFL games, a power of training on the track and (he) just wasn't able to stand up — an innocuous contest and it comes out.

"We need to give him time to let it heal and then work out what we are going to do from here."

Nathan Brown injured his right shoulder in this marking contest. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Frost will need to prove his fitness ahead of a six-day turnaround against the Saints after suffering nausea and the effects of a knock to the back of his head.

Buckley praised the rest of the undermanned defence that restricted West Coast's dangerous attack in the second half, labelling Nick Maxwell's performance as outstanding.

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"If 'Maxy' says that's in his top five wins, I would nearly say it is in his top five games for the club," Buckley said. "I thought he was huge.

"Sometimes all you need is guys prepared to have a dip and stay in the game."

Buckley conceded Travis Cloke needed to keep working hard to overcome his form slump after the key forward managed only one goal yesterday.

Round 10: Collingwood v West Coast Travis Cloke in the last quarter with Dane Swan Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Admittedly, that goal gave the Magpies the breathing space it needed to hold on.

"His form is not at the level that he would expect and we would expect," he said. "But we had 13 goalkickers to kick 17 goals. That spread is what we are looking for."

The coach admitted his team struggled early in the game, but a growing resilience from the group helped to get them over the line.

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"We'd hope to take a fair bit of belief," he said. "That and the Essendon game, we've been able to salvage from some pretty poor football early in the match.

"This one went a little bit longer than the Essendon game.

"(But) there's a growing belief and solidarity in the group. There's a resilience that's building.

"At the same time you don't want to get in the habit of having to dig yourself out of big holes."

Scott Pendlebury celebrates a final-term goal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Eagle Mitch Brown tweeted a message of support for his twin Nathan after the game: "Thinking of U bro ... U r one courageous tough bugger."

West Coast's Elliot Yeo lost part of his two front teeth after a collision with Jarrod Witts, which will require some dental work. Yeo wasn't wearing his mouth guard at the time.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said: "We didn't deserve to win in the end, they stayed in the game just as much as we did.

"We missed an opportunity, I wouldn't say it's the one that got away. I thought the Carlton game maybe was."


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Global rugby season idea shot down

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SUPER Rugby seasons will continue to be awkwardly paused for June Test matches until at least 2020 after a ­players' proposal for a global season was rejected by Six ­Nations powers.

The plans, championed by the International Rugby Players' Association last year, would have seen the Test window moved from June to July.

The European domestic season would have started and finished later (October to June), but Six Nations schedules remained unchanged.

The change would have also allowed the Super Rugby season to run unbroken from February to early July, instead of the current situation that sees the competition put on hold for three weeks to cater for ­inbound Test tours.

Not only do Super Rugby teams lose any momentum they might have had, they are often at a loss as how to continue playing as a unit.

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Some sides, including the Brumbies and Blues, are going to play in a World Club Tens tournament next month.

The plans could have also assisted northern nations to avoid club v country rows that exist, such as England and France players being needed for their first Tests against New Zealand and Australia ­respectively on Saturday week, just six days after domestic league finals at home.

But the plans were rejected by the voting bloc power of Six Nations countries at recent IRB talks, based on an apparent sentiment that the changes would benefit the south but not the north.

"Some think it's not beneficial for their preparation," NZRU boss Steve Tew told Kiwi radio.

"They think it's best for their ­national teams to play Tests straight after the domestic competition, rather than have a break and then come back ­together."

He said contractual obligations of the competitions would see no changes until after 2019.


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Eagle Yeo faces $70,000 dental bill

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ELLIOT Yeo's lifetime dental bill could top $70,000 after the West Coast midfielder had his two front teeth fractured in a sickening collision with 113kg Magpie Jarrod Witts.

A leading dentist who forecast the mammoth cost also said adjacent teeth could be affected by the trauma, causing Yeo to remain under observation for at least the next two years.

But the Eagles are confident Yeo would line up against North Melbourne on Sunday and said it made no difference that the former Lion's teeth were not recovered from the MCG turf.

Unlike Dustin Fletcher in 2004 — who had two teeth placed in milk to preserve the nerves — Yeo's teeth splintered and did not completely dislodge, meaning the roots remained in place.

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That could allow the 20-year-old to escape with caps placed on the existing base, if there are no cracks, although further complicated dental treatment will be required.

Yeo, who tweeted after the loss to Collingwood "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth ..." could also need implants, or false teeth, inserted.

"It's a lifetime injury, not an isolated event," a Melbourne dentist said yesterday.

"Somebody will have to fork out over his lifetime something in the order of $30-35,000 potentially per tooth, plus inflation.

"If the tooth has been broken off at the gum and the root has remained then the nerve of the tooth is exposed it means every time he breaths air in it will be painful (depending on the condition of the teeth pre-accident)."

The expert said it was the "height of stupidity" for players to not wear mouthguards in collision sports, although warned they only lessened the severity of traumas.

"And that's being generous. If the tooth has been broken off at the gum and the root has remained then the nerve of the tooth is exposed, which means every time he breaths air in it will be painful.

"If the tooth is fractured at gum level then the root needs to be dealt with either by extraction or by having the nerve removed."

He said implants, which are placed on a device and screwed into the bone, could need to be redone more for cosmetic reasons than once when gum level drops.

Elliot Yeo feels his cracked tooth after crashing into Jarrod Witts. Source: Getty Images

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said: "I think he rates himself, too, with the looks.

"So he's going to have to get that fixed pretty quick. It was a big knock, but he should have taken the mark."

Witts' shoulder cannoned into Yeo on the halftime siren, while Magpies defender Nick Maxwell urged youngsters to ensure they always wore mouthguards.

"It's no fun (loosing teeth). I've watched Clinton Young for three weeks have soup for every meal after in the NAB Cup losing his front tooth."


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Federer into second round at French Open

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WITH his twin daughters watching from the stands, Roger Federer moved into the second round of the French Open after a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win over Lukas Lacko on Sunday.

Federer has played in only two clay-court tournaments this season. He reached the final in Monte Carlo but missed the Madrid tournament when his second set of twins, boys Leo and Lenny, was born.

His first match after their birth was a loss in Rome.

Switzerland's Roger Federer returns the ball during the first round match. Source: AP

On Sunday, with the clay court hard and damp due to days of rain and overcast skies, the fourth-seeded Federer was back to himself, winning five of his 11 break points.

"When I was a little kid, I always wanted to play tennis. It's still the same," Federer said. "Some players get tired of travelling, of the whole organisation. But for me it's not really a problem."

Federer's twin girls, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, will turn 5 in July. They were sitting in Federer's box along with his wife Mirka.

Eighth-seeded Milos Raonic of Canada also advanced, beating Nick Kyrgios of Australia 6-3, 7-6 (1), 6-3.

Raonic is the youngest man in the top 10 of the tennis rankings, and Kyrgios was the youngest man in this year's French Open draw at 19.

"I was a bit nervous going out in the first set. That's normal, I think," said Kyrgios, a former top-ranked junior player who won the junior Australian Open in 2013.

Later on Day 1 at Roland Garros, top-seeded Serena Williams was playing Alize Lim of France.

In the women's tournament, Agnieszka Radwanska was able to reach the second round — once she got a handle on her serve.

Roger Federer waves at the crowd after winning his first round match. Source: AFP

Radwanska and Zhang Shuai traded breaks in the opening seven games of their match, but the third-seeded Pole finally held and won the final nine games to become the first player to reach the second round, winning 6-3, 6-0.

"So many breaks in a row," said Radwanska, who blamed her struggles on the wet court.

Radwanska reached the Wimbledon final in 2012, but her best result at Roland Garros was a spot in the quarterfinals last year.

"Clay is not really my favourite surface, but I'm trying," Radwanska said. "Last year I did my first quarterfinal, so hopefully this year I can do even better."


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