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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Will Roar’s Berisha sink new employers?

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BRISBANE Roar sensed a unique individual had arrived before Besart Berisha had even kicked a ball.

So unique, in fact, there were doubts about whether he would fit in when he ­arrived from German side ­Arminia Bielefeld in 2011.

"We didn't know him, but at the first session we knew he was going to be a superstar,'' former teammate Massimo Murdocca said.

ULTIMATE GUIDE: BRISBANE ROAR v MELBOURNE VICTORY

"He was just attacking, ­attacking, attacking and performing his signature dribbles and he never lost the ball.

"It was evident he was going to be that explosive player who wasn't going to be afraid of anyone.

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"At first it was quite daunting, quite confronting. Passion is an understatement and it was something I'd never seen before in my career, ever.

"You sort of looked at it in a negative way because I had never seen it. But once I got to know him and understand him, it's a no-brainer. He just wants to win and it's infectious.''

Then coach Ange Postecoglou got an even earlier indication the Pristina-born, Berlin-raised striker would be different from anyone else he's dealt with.

"Before I signed him we had visa issues getting him out here, and he was pretty much ringing me on a daily basis because he was so eager to start and that was a good sign,'' Postecoglou said.

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"He's very passionate and I like that about him.

"Sometimes we lack a bit of it, but once he enters the field he feels like he has to put it all on the line, regardless of the circumstances.

"Every time I speak about him it's hard for people to ­relate. He's such a gentle, placid guy and quiet family man off the field. On it he's the kind of guy you want in a group, always upbeat. He'll defend his team and teammates to the very end — it's quite a contrast.''

Besart Berisha of the Roar will face new employers Melbourne Victory on Sunday. Source: News Corp Australia

Underlining that loyalty, Murdocca said a small deed from him and right back Ivan Franjic in Berisha's first week in Australia when they drove him around "sorting out his life'' has never been forgotten.

Their close bond has meant that Murdocca has seen Berisha's passion — and persistence — flow in abundance off the pitch.

"He's passionate with everything in life, not just football. He goes over the top and that's what I loved about him,'' he said.

"Whether it's which cafe had the best coffee, or whether the cevapi (Balkan kebab) were better at one restaurant and why, he'll give his passionate opinion and you just had to laugh at him.

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"He doesn't mind his golf, but he's terrible — one of the worst golfers I've seen in my life.

"He probably doesn't have the patience but he's got the persistence. He'll go again and again and he dresses up better than the pro golfers.''

Now at Melbourne Heart, Murdocca is licking his lips at their imminent reunion when Berisha begins his new life as ­Melbourne Victory's marquee player next season.

On Sunday at Suncorp Stadium Berisha could end Victory's 2013-14 campaign and its hopes of qualifying for the Asian Champions League in one fell swoop.

The spotlight couldn't shine any brighter on Berisha, who polarises opinion like no other A-League player, having been sent off this season an A-League ­record of three times.

Besart Berisha of the Roar doesn't lack passion on the field. Source: News Corp Australia

Despite his firebrand image, Berisha had never been sent off prior to before this season, but did earn seven bookings last season and four in his debut year.

So will the occasion get to him? Will his loyalties be ­divided in his first appearance against Victory this season?

Roar coach Mike Mulvey said if Friday's training session was any indication, he is primed for a big performance, but has no doubt that he is fully focused.

"Absolutely, we pay his wages and what you'll see from ­Besart is 100 per cent ­commitment to Roar and he'll prove that at the weekend,'' Mulvey said.

"We wanted to keep him. But the way the league is set up with the salary cap, a decision has been made based on economics. It's a function of the times and what's in the ­future is in the future.

Besart Berisha will leave Brisbane with happy memories. Source: News Corp Australia

"He has my full blessing. When it was announced we made a pact. We said he's here to the end of the season, we're going to trust each other. He's got my back and I've got his.

"In finals you have to make sure the occasion doesn't get to you. He played two years ago in a grand final and he's a big-game player.

"He's ready. I know because I've seen it at training. He looked particularly sharp (on Friday) and he's very focused.

"He's a human being. He's proven some days he will score, some days he won't. More often than not he does.''

Postecoglou said it will be a bizarre situation for Berisha, but it would be foolish to ­expect anything less than an typically energetic performance.

Will Berisha score against Melbourne Victory? Source: News Corp Australia

"It would be a bit of a challenge for him, knowing how fiercely loyal he is to his teammates and team; he'll be giving it his all on the weekend then it becomes unusual ­because the people he's facing become teammates,'' he said.

"The red cards haven't come from the fact he's ­moving — he plays the game right on the edge and he was caught out a couple of times and got punished, but he won't change the way he plays. Even though he's a striker and loves scoring, he's very selfless and his whole motivation was to make sure he looked after his teammates and he plays the game on the edge.''

Murdocca said Berisha's penchant for the big occasion indicates he's primed, but ­admitted there was added ­intrigue.

"I couldn't imagine being him. It would be an incredible feeling being in his shoes, everyone will be watching him, with the whole situation and him going to Victory and it potentially being his last game for Brisbane,'' Murdocca said.

"All those things will build up. He's either going to explode or ­really step up and take things in his stride.

"I'm looking forward to it. I've booked my seat on the couch and I'm really looking forward to seeing him do his stuff again.''

Victory captain Mark Milligan said his defenders won't be afraid to dish it out to their future teammate. But considering his own recent duels with Alessandro Del Piero, it wouldn't be a surprise if he acted as agent provocateur.

"I don't think any of our centre backs are going to hold back if they get the chance,'' Milligan said.

"He (Berisha) is the same. He's very passionate. He's a big part of the way they play and he's going to be wanting to win. I'm sure no matter no what happens this weekend, it will be all hugs and kisses next year.''

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Malthouse lauds gutsy win

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CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse's emotions were a mix of admiration and puzzlement after the stunning final quarter comeback to overrun West Coast.

Malthouse described the three-point win where the Blues booted five unanswered goals in the last 10 minutes as one of the best wins he had experienced in his 30 years as an AFL coach.

And yet he couldn't explain the massive momentum shift from when the Eagles seemed in control with a 24-points lead midway through the last quarter at Etihad Stadium.

"I just thought it was a very gutsy win all up. We lost six players from last week, all injured, all can go through the middle. So you have to change everything up. And the boys accepted that,'' Malthouse said.

Dylan Buckley celebrates his last quarter goal with Kane Lucas. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

"So, I thought it was one of the better wins I've been associated with. And I mean that.

"It's easy to get caught up in the moment, but when I see where we were before the match, where we were during the match and how we ended up.

"It's a good growth game. It's whether we can actually now learn a lot from it and grow from it.

"I've always said there's only one siren that counts. The one that starts the game is pretty handy, but the one at the end is the best one if you're in front.

"It's how you get there. We're always process-driven and I thought when the occasion came when we had to do something that disrupted the opposition ... and we nearly gave it away a couple of times because we didn't use the ball well or in the right option late, but even that's a learning curve and we'll go through those scenarios with players who perhaps haven't been in those positions before.

"You learn a lot from those games, both good and bad. But, more importantly, you learn how to win.''

Marc Murphy of the Blues runs with the ball. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

So, what prompted the swing in fortunes from seemingly being down and out to dominating the contest on the scoreboard?

"That's a good question. You'd love to be good enough to know where it comes from,'' Malthouse said.

"I guess, it could very well have been the way we were going. It could very well have been a five to six goal loss because it just looked like we just couldn't get it right.

"It's an easy message to give, but hard to interpret and hard then to execute. We just needed to pinch a steadier (goal) just to break their momentum and see whether we could actually then just maybe throw a bit of doubt into their side.

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"I can't even remember who kicked the first goal (Jeff Garlett) and you change momentum when the scoreboard changes negatively against you in a game that had been seesawing and both sides were defending like there's no tomorrow that sometimes opens up the game.

"You might pinpoint a thing, but at the end of the day it really has to be gathered by a mass of people. One player is not going to change the course of that game. It has to be a collective.''

Already without injured midfielders Chris Judd, Ed Curnow and Tom Bell, the Blues lost David Ellard to a calf injury after Friday's training and Andrew Carrazzo was a late withdrawal before the game with back spasms.

Then rebounding defender Chris Yarran had to be subbed off 17 minutes into the third quarter with back and hamstring tightness.

"Given the players that were out and the players we readjusted in the game, we had to go back to bare basics and what suits the players, even though they had to play in different roles, but still be what we expect in regard to disposal and decision-making,'' Malthouse said.

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