Lions' finals dream alive

Lions ... Daniel Rich in pursuit of the ball at TIO Staduim in Darwin. Source: SHANE EECEN / AAP

IT was gritty, not pretty, but Brisbane kept its slim finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 19-point victory over a brave Melbourne in Darwin last night.

With Jonathan Brown, Simon Black and Brent Moloney all missing form the Lions' side, Brisbane was always going to struggle to put the improving Demons to the sword in the heat and humidity of the Northern Territory.

5.1 (31)	Q1	3.4 (22)
6.5 (41)	Q2	8.5 (53)
10.7 (67)	Q3	11.12 (78)
11.9 (75)	Q4	13.16 (94)

Jack Fitzpatrick 4	Joshua Green 3
Sam Blease 2	Brent Staker 3
Aaron Davey 2	Daniel Merrett 2
Shannon Byrnes 1	Jack Redden 2
Chris Dawes 1	Jordan Lisle 1
Nathan Jones 1	Sam Mayes 1
	Dayne Zorko 1

How they got the four premiership points was largely irrelevant.The fact they will leave the Top End with a precious victory is all that matters for Michael Voss and his men.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	16	14	0	2	141.00	56
2	Geelong	15	13	0	2	132.74	52
3	Essendon	16	13	0	3	131.40	52
4	Sydney	15	11	1	3	142.20	46
5	Fremantle	15	11	1	3	126.27	46
6	Richmond	15	10	0	5	116.69	40
7	Collingwood	16	10	0	6	108.32	40
8	Port Adelaide	16	9	0	7	108.66	36
9	Carlton	16	8	0	8	110.64	32
10	West Coast	15	7	0	8	107.08	28
11	Brisbane	16	7	0	9	82.40	28
12	North Melbourne	16	6	0	10	114.76	24
13	Adelaide	15	6	0	9	102.46	24
14	Gold Coast	16	6	0	10	90.08	24
15	Bulldogs	16	4	0	12	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	16	3	0	13	83.87	12
17	Melbourne	16	2	0	14	55.21	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	16	0	0	16	50.82	0

It was Brisbane's seventh win of 2013, their third in a row and their fourth victory in their last five outings to be two wins out of the top eight.

Melbourne's hopes of springing an upset nosedived midway through the third term when key defender Colin Garland suffered a game-ending ankle injury just minutes after Jimmy Toumpas was subbed out of the match, leaving the Dees with just two players on the bench.

Melbourne was already showing signs of running out of gas and Brisbane pounced, jumping out to a 20-point lead midway through the final quarter.

The Demons refused to give up and closed to within 13 points of the Lions but Brent Staker's third goal of the night drove a dagger through the hearts of Melbourne.

Irishman Pearce Hanley (27 disposals, five clearances, seven inside 50s and two scoring assists) was Brisbane's best with and was well supported by Tom Rockliff (34 disposals, six clearances), Jack Redden

(26 disposals, two goals), Josh Green (three goals), Matthew Leuenberger (38 hit-outs and 19 disposals) and Andrew Raines who contained Dees dangerman Nathan Jones.

Rookie Jack Viney was ultra-impressive with 21 touches while Colin Sylvia (27 disposals) and Aaron Davey (two goals, 16 touches) also served the Demons well.

The Demons out-scored Brisbane in the third term to trail by just 11 points heading into the last quarter but Brisbane were left to lament inaccurate kicking in front of goal with a 3.7 return.

The Lions roared out to an 18-point advantage after Green kicked his third goal of the night but the Demons struck back with majors to Chris Dawes and Davey.

Every time Brisbane appeared to be pulling away from the Demons, Melbourne dragged themselves back into the contest to set-up a nail-biting final term.

After four lead changes in a  topsy-turvy second quarter, Brisbane eventually edged past the Demons to grab a 12-point buffer at the main break.

Melbourne picked up where they left off in the first quarter and enjoyed most of the polay at the start of the term but errant kicking in front of goal ensured they did not turn pressure into points.

Green sparked Brisbane's fightback with two quickfire majors to put Brisbane in front.

High-flyer Jeremy Howe spilled what could have been mark of the year midway through the term but Davey crumbed brilliantly to kick a goal and hand the lead back to the Demons.

However, Brisbane rediscovered their run and surged over the top of Melbourne just before halftime with two goals to Jack Redden and a major to Sam Mayes.

Melbourne took a well-deserved nine-point lead into quarter-time after dominating the latter stages of the scrappy opening term.

Jack Fitzpatrick booted three goals for the hard-running Demons who took advantage of a lopsided free kick count (9-4) and sloppy disposal from the Lions.

Brisbane led by eight points midway through the quarter after goals to Jordan Lisle, Daniel Merrett and Staker but were guilty of poor discipline and shabby skills in the humid conditions.

The Lions had the ball 23 more times than the Demons in the first quarter but failed to hit targets on a consistent basis. Brisbane over-possessed the ball and were not direct when they pushed forward.

The Lions have the chance to narrow the gap to eighth spot next Sunday when they meet Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

"It's a massive game,'' Rockliff told FOX FOOTY.

"They're going really well, so it's a great challenge to go down to Adelaide and give it our best shot.''

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

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussie bats owe bowlers big-time

Phil Hughes inconsistency is typical of Australia's batting woes in the first two Ashes Tests. Source: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

BOWLERS have always been cricket's downtrodden and on this Ashes tour they have been shown a fundamental lack of respect by Australia's slipshod batsmen.

The hard-working pacemen who make up a quality attack should never have to buy another meal on tour.
Peter Siddle should have paid-for pints delivered on silver trays.
 
Having busted a gut to dismiss England for below par scores in the first innings at Trent Bridge and now Lord's, the bowlers also have to do an unreasonable share of the batting.
 
They papered over the cracks in the first Test thanks to Ashton Agar's brilliant 98 on debut but could not do it again in this match.
 
It may be a small sample but one and a half Tests into this series the averages highlight Australia's batting embarrassment.
 
Phil Hughes may be leading the averages with 41 after the first three innings of this series but a closer inspection highlights the problem.
 
He scored a fine 81 not out in the first innings at Trent Bridge, batting in a record 163-run last wicket stand with Ashton Agar as the teenager made a breezy 98 on debut. In his two innings since, Hughes has managed just one run.
 
Besides Hughes, the only other players with averages above 30 are Agar (38) and James Pattinson (37).
On that evidence there is every justification to turn the batting order on its head.
 
There are many bad aspects of Australia's dreadful collapse in this match, including the fact that it gave the bowlers so little rest.
 
Australia's first innings lasted less than four hours. Ian Bell batted more than five hours for his hundred at Lord's and six and a half hours for his hundred at Trent Bridge.
 
On both occasions Bell played to the conditions and circumstances.
 
It was tough at Trent Bridge on a slow and uneven pitch later in the game so he tailored his innings accordingly.
 
What an embarrassment that already twice in this series an Englishman has batted longer than the entire Australian team could manage on Friday.
 
The debacle has completely overshadowed more fine bowling from the Australians.
 
To lunch yesterday Peter Siddle had 11 wickets at a bowling average of under 22 and a strike rate of under 45 - world class figures by any measure.
 
And Ryan Harris, 33, made a brilliant return to Test cricket after more than a year out of the game with more injury problems.
 
His 5-72 gave him five wickets in an innings for the third time in just 13 Tests and took his wickets to 52 at an average of 23 - again world class.
 
Harris and James Pattinson also both made double figures in a last wicket partnership of 24, second only to the 42 Shane Watson and Chris Rogers made opening the innings in what proved to be the calm before the hurricane.
 
Australia has a high quality group of fast bowlers, which is clearly the squad's greatest strength.
 
It will make no difference how Siddle, Pattinson, Harris, Mitchell Starc and Jackson Bird are rotated throughout this series if the batsmen don't make runs.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Port survives St Kilda charge

Power triumphant ... Robbie Gray plays in front of St Kilda's Jack Steven. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

PORT Adelaide have withstood a blistering St Kilda comeback to salvage a narrow win and keep their AFL finals hopes in their own hands.

The Saints turned around a 39-point half time deficit, and a Port lead which stretched to 46 points at one stage in the second term, to come within five points of victory at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

2.2 (14)	Q1	7.4 (46)
4.5 (29)	Q2	10.8 (68)
9.9 (63)	Q3	11.10 (76)
13.14 (92)	Q4	14.13 (97)

Ben McEvoy 3	John Butcher 3
Jack Steven 3	Jasper Pittard 2
Thomas Lee 2	Justin Westhoff 2
Nick Riewoldt 2	Chad Wingard 2
Thomas Curren 1	Robert Gray 1
Lenny Hayes 1	Matthew Lobbe 1
Stephen Milne 1	Kane Mitchell 1
	Angus Monfries 1
	Jay Schulz 1

The Power ran out 14.13 (97) to 13.14 (92) winners to climb back into the top eight.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	16	14	0	2	141.00	56
2	Geelong	15	13	0	2	132.74	52
3	Essendon	16	13	0	3	131.40	52
4	Sydney	15	11	1	3	142.20	46
5	Fremantle	15	11	1	3	126.27	46
6	Richmond	15	10	0	5	116.69	40
7	Collingwood	16	10	0	6	108.32	40
8	Port Adelaide	16	9	0	7	108.66	36
9	Carlton	16	8	0	8	110.64	32
10	West Coast	15	7	0	8	107.08	28
11	Brisbane	16	7	0	9	82.40	28
12	North Melbourne	16	6	0	10	114.76	24
13	Adelaide	15	6	0	9	102.46	24
14	Gold Coast	16	6	0	10	90.08	24
15	Bulldogs	16	4	0	12	76.90	16
16	St Kilda	16	3	0	13	83.87	12
17	Melbourne	16	2	0	14	55.21	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	16	0	0	16	50.82	0

Port completely dominated the first half, but the momentum was shifted forcibly by St Kilda's star players and their sheer will to win in the second.

Midfield trio Leigh Montagna, Jack Steven and Nick Dal Santo were dominant, while skipper Nick Riewoldt was also inspirational as the Saints kicked nine goals to four in the second half.

Steven's two final quarter goals were critical in helping St Kilda reel in Port's 16-point lead early in the final term. The Saints finally grabbed the lead with just over 10 minutes remaining when first-gamer Tom Curren goaled - though there were a few nervous moments as he had to await a video review before it was confirmed.

Port then regained the lead with a contentious free-kick for a trip, then a 50-metre penalty, which gifted Jasper Pittard a chance to put his side back in front.

From then, Port hung on - with Justin Westhoff pulling off two huge marks in defence late in the match to help his side seal victory.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley believed his men deserved the victory and that the way they were able to withstand the Saints will form an important part of their learning curve.

"We've been in those games this year when we've come from behind and run over sides - it's sometimes almost impossible to stop that sort of run-on,'' Hinkley said.

"But to our boys' credit, we were able to do that, get a hold of the ball and convert a couple of times when we needed to.''

Forward John Butcher booted three goals, while Westhoff also kicked two goals to go with his defensive heroics.

Steven and Ben McEvoy kicked three goals each for the Saints, while Montagna finished with 35 disposals.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters admitted his players were disappointed, but he believed there were plenty of positives to be taken despite the manner of the defeat and praised both his youngsters and the team's leaders for their efforts.

"We'll take some really good lessons out of that and move on to next week,'' Watters said.

"Overwhelmingly there were a lot of positives to take out of it. We sit here very disappointed as a club we didn't win that game ... watching some of those young guys win some pivotal battles after being under some pressure early says a lot about them.''

Port now have an 9-7 win-loss record, and have climbed back above Carlton - one-point Friday night winners over North Melbourne - into eighth on the ladder.

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

20.47 | 1 komentar | Read More

England dig in on day three

Tim Bresnan was a thorn in Australia's side early on day three at Lord's. Source: Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP

A BABY-FACED assassin and a gritty night watchman have combined to grind Australia into the Lord's turf on day three.

Joe Root and Tim Bresnan denied the tourists for the entire morning session, snuffing out any hopes Australia had of pulling off an Ashes miracle.

At lunch England is 3-114, already holding a commanding 347-run lead which looks like growing further as the afternoon wears on.

Root notched his maiden Ashes half-century to move to 63, while Bresnan is unbeaten on 32, producing the stonewalling mission he was sent in for last night after Peter Siddle had rocked the home side by taking 3-4 in a brilliant burst.

The pair have added 84 for the fourth wicket, steading the ship from 3-30. It is the second time in the match the hosts have recovered from losing three early wickets.

And first innings centurymaker Ian Bell is still in the sheds.

Both Root and Bresnan were untroubled this morning with the drama of yesterday, where 16 wickets fell, looking like a distant memory.

Australia's attack looks deflated, failing to snare the early wickets it desperately needed to keep its remote chances alive.

The quicks have been tight without being threatening, while spinner Ashton Agar has not caused too many concerns.

Root has looked in sparkling touch, mixing a couple of majestic straight drives with powerful punches off the back foot through the off side.

He set the tone on the first ball of the day, whipping Siddle through midwicket for a boundary before bringing up his 50 off 122 balls.

The 22-year-old will hone in on his second century this afternoon in just his eighth Test.

Australia will be ruing the missed opportunity from Root last night, where the opener edged  Shane Watson between keeper and Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke at first slip, who looked at each other as the ball sailed to the fence.

The only chance Australia had of giving itself any chance of staying in the contest was to run through the home side this morning, with the the highest successful run chase at Lords 1-344 by the mighty West Indies back in 1984.

It took Bresnan 30 balls to get off the mark - with an unconvincing hook to fine leg - but from there the runs flowed more freely.

The only half chance of the morning came when Siddle found the edge of Bresnan's bat, but it dropped just short of Phil Hughes at third slip before racing to the fence.

He then pounced on a half-volley next ball as the hosts slowly started to sap the life out of tiring Australia.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues hold on in thriller

Swingman ... Lachlan Henderson of Carlton kicks a goal ahead of Todd Goldstein. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

CARLTON have kept themselves firmly in the AFL finals hunt as a fast-finishing North Melbourne found a new way to suffer a cruel loss in a thriller at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Kangaroos, so often victims of opposition clubs' comebacks this season, almost pulled off one of their own, storming home from 35 points down to lose 16.13 (109) to 16.12 (108).

5.5 (35)	Q1	6.0 (36)
7.8 (50)	Q2	9.2 (56)
10.11 (71)	Q3	14.8 (92)
16.12 (108)	Q4	16.13 (109)

Lindsay Thomas 6	Jefferey Garlett 4
Drew Petrie 4	Lachie Henderson 3
Ryan Bastinac 1	Eddie Betts 2
Brent Harvey 1	Edward Curnow 2
Jamie MacMillan 1	Zach Tuohy 2
Bradley McKenzie 1	Chris Yarran 2
Daniel Wells 1	Marc Murphy 1
Jack Ziebell 1

They had their chances, with veteran Brent Harvey, who fought hard to almost pull his side over the line, just failing to grasp a bouncing ball under extreme pressure about 20m out from goal inside the last minute.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	15	13	0	2	141.97	52
2	Geelong	15	13	0	2	132.74	52
3	Essendon	15	12	0	3	130.19	48
4	Sydney	15	11	1	3	142.20	46
5	Fremantle	15	11	1	3	126.27	46
6	Richmond	15	10	0	5	116.69	40
7	Collingwood	15	10	0	5	109.40	40
8	Carlton	16	8	0	8	110.64	32
9	Port Adelaide	15	8	0	7	108.89	32
10	West Coast	15	7	0	8	107.08	28
11	North Melbourne	16	6	0	10	114.76	24
12	Adelaide	15	6	0	9	102.46	24
13	Brisbane	15	6	0	9	80.33	24
14	Gold Coast	15	5	0	10	89.02	20
15	Bulldogs	15	4	0	11	76.71	16
16	St Kilda	15	3	0	12	83.14	12
17	Melbourne	15	2	0	13	53.98	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	15	0	0	15	49.95	0

It was North's second one-point defeat this season and fifth by less than a goal, although in all of the others they had been in control at some point before being over-run.

It was Carlton's first win by a single-figure margin this season, having had three such close defeats.

The Blues moved to an 8-8 record, equal to Port Adelaide - who started the round in eighth spot and face St Kilda on Saturday night - while the Kangaroos fell to 6-10 and are all but out of the finals race.

Jeff Garlett kicked four goal for Carlton, while Lindsay Thomas booted six for North and Drew Petrie kicked four, including three in a huge last term.

The Kangaroos looked the better side early, but suffered for some early inaccuracy, with Carlton kicking 6.0 to 5.5 in the first quarter, then pushing their lead to six points by halftime.

The Blues looked to have broken the game open when indigenous small forward trio Garlett, Eddie Betts (two goals) and Jeff Garlett (two) combined for four goals in a six-minute third quarter burst to help stretch the lead to 35.

But North, whose mental strength and leadership had been heavily questioned after their latest fade-out loss against Brisbane last round, showed enormous heart.

They kicked the last two goals of the third quarter and six goals to two in the last, with Petrie putting them within a point at almost the 28-minute mark but the Roos never quite drew level.

Midfielder Kade Simpson had a strong game for Carlton, particularly his last term, while Matthew Kreuzer also had a big last quarter, taking some telling marks, including one at halfback with 15 seconds left.

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

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gold medal lure for Marshall

Kirwan thinks Marshall is good enough to play both Test rugby and sevens. Source:AAP

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

THE man trying to lure Benji Marshall to New Zealand rugby believes the Tigers star and Sonny Bill Williams will be playing together for the All Blacks in the 2015 World Cup and Sevens at the 2016 Olympics.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Sir John Kirwan, coach of the Blues, will fly to Sydney on Saturday to sit down with Marshall for the first time and has predicted a rapid rise for the rugby-bound playmaker.

"I can totally see Benji and Sonny Bill playing together for the All Blacks, I reckon they will play in the World Cup and then play in the Sevens at the Olympics," Kirwan told The Daily Telegraph on Friday.

"I would not be pursuing Benji if I felt he couldn't, part of our philosophy at the Blues is to create great All Blacks."
Marshall missed out on playing in the pinnacle of rugby league, the State of Origin, but that pales in comparison with a chance to win an Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro.

Even the potential to be involved in New Zealand's defence of the World Cup in England would be an incredible feat for a 28-year-old player who has not played the game since he was 16.

But the spectacular combination of Marshall and Williams, both once-in-a-generation NRL players, in a Sevens team is a wildly exciting prospect for Brazil, where Sevens makes its debut as an Olympic sport.

Williams, playing with the Roosters, is expected to return to New Zealand rugby for the World Cup, and an Olympic medal is sure to be used as a lure entice him him to stay, before potentially taking up a full-time boxing career.

Marshall is being pursued by the Blues and Australian franchises NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels.
While his move has been panned by some given his age and lack of experience in top level rugby, Kirwan countered: "There are players I call X-factor players, they are a little bit different.

"They have incredible vision for the game, and back that up with skill and excitement, and also performance under intense pressure, with the responsibility of carrying a team on their shoulders.

"They are traits you can't actually coach.

"Sometimes a change really re-motivates you and gives you a new lease of life.

"Benji needs a change, he needs a re-spark."

If Marshall signs with the Blues, Kirwan wants him to take time out immediately after the Tigers' season, before potentially playing for the Barbarians (November 12 vs Combined Services in Plymouth and November 28 vs Fiji at Twickenham), then joining his team for pre-season training.

"But if he decides to sign with the Waratahs, I will give him my full blessing," Kirwan said. "This is not about us getting his services, this is about getting the right decision for Benji."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Half-truths' hurting Hird, Bombers

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

James Hird makes an emotional plea. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

A SHAKEN James Hird says five months of "half-truths and rhetoric'' over Essendon's supplements saga has been "very hurtful and damaging''.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A passionate Bombers coach yesterday pleaded with media, fans and his peers to ``reserve their judgement'' until the final report is delivered, saying the heightened focus in the past week had taken its toll.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou confirmed the league hoped to have the verdict in early August.

"They (ASADA) have conducted all their interviews; they're now in the process of finalising the report,'' Demetriou said.

Asked if accusations caused him personal offence, Hird deferred to a strongly worded club press release issued earlier in the week.

But with pain etched across his face _ and a shout of support from his resolute team as they took the field for training as he spoke _ Hird made a passionate plea to the footy world for respite.

"What I will say (is) that in the past five months, there's been some truth put out there,'' he said while trying to curb his raw emotion.

"But the constant innuendo, rhetoric, half-truths and lies that have been spun about the club, the players, the great people who work here and the half-truths, rhetoric and lies spun about myself are very hurtful and very damaging.

"It's very hard when you keep looking at the hurtful and damaging nature of those comments. It's hard when you can't respond, when you want to talk about the facts, you want to explain to people what is happening here and try to find out the truth.

"But the club is committed to a process, we've gone down this line and we'll follow the process through.

"But I would say to people ... if you are sitting in judgment, you've made your judgment, please wait until the facts are on the table.

"To peers, my peers, the players at other clubs, the people at other clubs, if you can reserve your judgment until the facts are on the table and we can get a chance to see the report and put our version of events across, that would be much appreciated.

"There's no person out there more than myself that wants the truth, that is trying to find the truth, that wants it out on the table.

"If you're an Essendon supporter, an Essendon member, the players and myself thank you so much for everything and the way you've supported us so far, because you've given us a lot of strength through a time that's been very, very difficult.''

Hird said neither his nor the club's reaction represented a ``breaking point'' in the saga.

"It's just the club defending itself,'' he said.

"The club has made some very strong comments and what's been said is across the whole five months.''

Demetriou said the league had ``been involved in all the interviews'' conducted by ASADA.

"We can't see any reason why we wouldn't get the report in (early August),'' he told ABC radio.

"Just about everybody is expecting some answers, they are entitled to the answers and we want to be as transparent as possible. The sooner we can get the report out there, the better.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hawks sweat on Buddy knee injury

Lance Franklin is out indefinitely with swelling behind a knee. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

HAWTHORN has been warned to closely manage Lance Franklin's workload for the rest of the year or his knee problems could derail his season.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Hawks superstar will miss his second straight match this week because of the injury and coach Alastair Clarkson admitted the club was unsure how long he would be sidelined.

Sports medico Dr Rohan White said there was a risk Franklin would continue to suffer fluid build-up if he didn't rest his knee.

Clarkson explained Frankin had swelling and some bleeding behind the knee, which had leeched into his calf after a bursa - or fluid-filled sac in the joint - had burst.

"There is a concern because there has got to be a reason he is developing the fluid which means there is something going on behind the knee,'' Dr White said.

"You just don't develop fluid in there for no good reason.

"It's one of those sort of injuries that you have to watch closely and monitor his training and rehab program to keep him under control.

"It's shown if he does too much, it flares up and he has to rest.

"What the training staff and football department have to do is monitor his training to look after him so that these flare-ups don't occur.

"You have got to wait for the bleeding to settle down and the tissues to repair because there is the risk that the fluid will continue to build up unless you rest it appropriately and give it time to settle down.''

Dr White said Franklin's knee problems could be traced back to when he hyper-extended his knee in the Hawks' qualifying final loss to Geelong in 2011.

Franklin was cleared of structural damage and played in the following week's semi-final against Sydney after suffering bruising and swelling on his knee.

"When you look at it he actually hyper-extended his knee quite badly and I reckon that that's when this cyst developed because it affected all the tissues and the ligaments at the back of the knee,'' Dr White said.

"I think this has become a bit of an issue for him since that time where if he does too much work on it, the fluid builds up and if that gets to a point where it starts interfering with his running the only way to treat that is to rest it.''

Dr White suggested Franklin's lay-off last year with a hamstring injury last year could have prevented similar knee problems.

"People say that he didn't have any problems last year but he didn't have to because he took six weeks off with a crook hammy,'' he said.

"I reckon it's possible if he didn't have that hamstring injury, and the rest, he may have developed this sort of issue later in last season as well.''

Clarkson said Franklin had suffered ruptured bursas twice previously and had been able to recover quickly.

He hoped the champion goalkicker would be fit to train fully next week, but admitted the club was uncertain when he would return to play.

"He had a bursa that burst early last week. He has had two before and they have settled really quickly and he has been able play that week,'' Clarkson said.

"We thought that was going to be the case last week but he wasn't able to get up. It still hasn't fixed itself up this week either.

"We're hopeful it's going to be pretty quick, but we just don't know.

"He has just got a little bit of swelling and bleeding that has just gone down into his calf. Hopefully that settles over the weekend and he is right to train fully next week.''

Similarly, Clarkson was hopeful the Hawks could soon finalise their contract talks with Franklin, who wanted to put off negotiations until the end of the year.

Hawks president Andrew Newbold said last weekend the club had presented an increased five-year offer it hoped would be enough for Franklin to reject free agency and riches elsewhere.

"They will work that out hopefully sooner rather than later,'' Clarkson said.

"Buddy has indicated all along that he wanted to leave it to the end of the year and we would love to get it settled earlier than that.

"Whether or not he considered that in the next couple of weeks we will have to wait and see.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teams: Buddy to miss again

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Lance Franklin is in about 150,000 SuperCoach sides. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

BUDDY Franklin's declaration he was a certain starter for the Hawks this week has proven false with the superstar forward deemed unfit to return against the Western Bulldogs.

The Hawks didn't name the key forward for Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs in Launceston and also left out veteran midfielder Brad Sewell who was dumped to the VFL last week.

Will Langford, the son of former Hawthorn champion defender Chris, has been named to make his debut.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Prized Dog Jackson Macrae was Brendan McCartney's sole inclusion. He replaced ACL victim Clay Smith.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Veteran defender Michael Firrito has paid the price for North Melbourne's horror fade-out against Brisbane.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Firrito and tagger Levi Greenwood were dumped by coach Brad Scott after a week of soul-searching at Arden St.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Goalsneak Lindsay Thomas returns from suspension alongwith defender Scott McMahon for Friday night's clash with Carlton.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Blues made no changes but there is doubt over the fitness of captain Marc Murphy after he failed to train with the main group on Thursday morning.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Murphy came off with a sore upper hamstring against St Kilda last weekend, but Blues coach Mick Malthouse said he was "hopeful he will play".

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"Six-day breaks are always notoriously hard to get a gauge on," Malthouse said.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Essendon has rested Tayte Pears, dropped Ben Howlett and lost Jason Winderlich (soreness) and David Zaharakis (back) for tomorrow's clash with the GWS.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Nathan Lovett-Murry, Leroy Jetta, Stewart Crameri and rookie Cory Dell'Olio have been recalled.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Geelong has got back big guns Joel Corey, Corey Enright and Mathew Stokes for its trip to Adelaide to play the Crows who will be without captain Patrick Dangerfield (collarbone) for up to a month.

Collingwood swingman Tyson Goldsack is finally back after a couple of months on the sidelines for tomorrow's clash with the Gold Coast.

Irishman Caolan Mooney has also been included for injured pair Clinton Young (hamstring) and Jarryd Blair (calf).

North Melbourne v Carlton

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: L.Hansen, S.Thompson, A.Mullett
HB: J.Macmillan, N.Grima, S.McMahon,
C: S.Gibson, D.Wells, S.Atley
HF: B.Cunnington, D.Petrie, B.Harvey
F: A.Black, R.Tarrant, L.Thomas
R: T.Goldstein, A.Swallow, J.Ziebell
I/C: B.McKenzie, R.Bastinac, L.Adams, T.Hine 
EMG: L.Delaney, L.Greenwood, W.Sierakowski
In: S.McMahon , L.Thomas 
Out: M.Firrito (Omitted) , L.Greenwood (Omitted)

CARLTON
B: M.Watson, M.Jamison, L.Henderson,
HB: Z.Tuohy, A.McInnes, B.Gibbs
C: C.Yarran, C.Judd, K.Simpson
HF E.Curnow, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F B.McLean, S.Rowe, H.Scotland
Foll M.Kreuzer, E.Betts, M.Murphy
I/C: A.Carrazzo, J.Cachia, K.Lucas, D.Armfield
EMG: L.Casboult, M.Robinson, S.White

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs

HAWTHORN
B: B.Stratton B.Lake B.Guerra
HB: L.Hodge J.Gibson K.Cheney
C: I.Smith S.Mitchell B.Hill
HF: J.Gunston J.Roughead L.Breust
F: S.Savage D.Hale C.Rioli
R: M.Bailey J.Lewis P.Puopolo
I/C: B.Whitecross T.Duryea J.Simpkin W.Langford
EMG: J.Ceglar B.Sewell A.Litherland
In: W.Langford 
Out: S.Burgoyne (Suspension)

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: D.Addison J.Roughead D.Morris
HB: B.Goodes M.Talia A.Cooney
C: R.Murphy T.Liberatore L.Hunter
HF: D.Giansiracusa L.Jones N.Hrovat
F: L.Dahlhaus J.Grant K.Stevens
R: W.Minson R.Griffen M.Wallis
I/C: L.Picken J.Tutt J.Macrae T.Dickson
EMG: D.Cross T.Young T.Campbell
In: J.Macrae 
Out: C.Smith (Knee)

GWS Giants v Essendon

GWS GIANTS
B: S.Gilham P.Davis S.Darley
HB: C.Hampton T.Mohr N.Haynes
C: L.Whitfield A.Treloar T.Scully
HF: J.Cameron A.Tomlinson M.Whiley
R: D.Smith J.Giles G.Ugle
Foll: D.Brogan C.Ward D.Shiel
I/C: T.Adams T.Bugg T.Greene Z.Williams
EMG: J.Bruce W.Hoskin-Elliott A.Kennedy
In: D.Brogan , T.Adams , A.Tomlinson , G.Ugle , M.Whiley , Z.Williams , T.Greene
Out: S.O'hAilpin (Omitted) , R.Palmer (Foot) , W.Hoskin-Elliott (Omitted) , D.Tyson (Omitted) , S.Edwards (Omitted) , A.Corr (Omitted) , J.O'Rourke (Omitted)

ESSENDON
B: M.Baguley J.Carlisle C.Dempsey
HB: M.Hibberd C.Hooker D.Fletcher
C:N.Kommer N.O'Brien D.Heppell
HF: D.MyersP.Ryder C.Dell'Olio
F: M.Hurley S.Crameri L.Jetta
R: T.Bellchambers B.Stanton B.Goddard
I/C: N.Lovett-Murray J.Melksham J.Merrett T.Colyer
EMG: B.Howlett K.Hardingham A.Davey
In: N.Lovett-Murray , L.Jetta , C.Dell'Olio , S.Crameri 
Out: J.Winderlich (Soreness) , B.Howlett (Omitted) , D.Zaharakis (Back) , T.Pears (RESTED )

Gold Coast v Collingwood

GOLD COAST
B: T.McKenzie S.Day S.Tape
HB: G.Broughton R.Thompson J.Harbrow
C: M.Shaw G.Ablett L.Russell
HF: A.Boston S.May A.Hall
F: C.Brown J.Hall J.Brennan
R: T.Nicholls D.Stanley J.O'Meara
I/C: D.Prestia M.Weller H.Bennell A.Sexton
EMG: J.Gillbee T.Murphy J.Wilkinson
In: M.Weller , A.Sexton 
Out: T.Murphy (Omitted) , D.Swallow (Knee)

COLLINGWOOD
B: N.Brown N.Maxwell B.Reid
HB: T.Goldsack H.Shaw M.Williams
C: S.Sidebottom B.Macaffer L.Ball
HF: J.Elliott J.WittsD.Swan
F: D.Beams T.Cloke J.Thomas 
R: B.Hudson S.Pendlebury A.Krakouer
I/C: B.Sinclair P.Seedsman S.Dwyer C.Mooney
EMG: L.Keeffe B.Kennedy A.Oxley
In: T.Goldsack , C.Mooney 
Out: C.Young (Hamstring) , J.Blair (Calf)

Melbourne v Brisbane Lions

MELBOURNE
B: L.Dunn C.Garland D.Terlich
HB: T.McDonald J.Frawley M.Clisby
C: J.Toumpas J.Trengove J.Grimes
HF: C.Sylvia J.Watts S.Byrnes
R: A.Davey C.Dawes J.Howe
R: M.Gawn J.Viney N.Jones
I/C: M.Jones D.Kent S.Blease J.Fitzpatrick
EMG: J.McKenzie C.Pedersen J.Spencer
In: J.Viney 
Out: D.Nicholson (Omitted)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: J.Adcock M.Maguire J.Patfull
HB: R.Harwood J.Clarke B.Staker
C: P.Hanley T.Rockliff S.Mayes
HF: D.Zorko J.Brown R.Bewick
F: J.Green D.Merrett A.McGrath
R: M.Leuenberger J.Redden D.Rich
I/C: A.Raines E.Yeo R.Lester M.Golby
EMG: S.Docherty J.Lisle J.Polkinghorne
In: E.Yeo 
Out: J.Polkinghorne (Omitted)

St Kilda v Port Adelaide

ST KILDA
B: T.Simpkin J.Gwilt S.Dempster
HB: F.Ray D.Roberton J.Newnes
C: D.Armitage L.Hayes J.Webster
HF: C.Jones N.Riewoldt L.Montagna
F: S.Milne T.Lee T.Dennis-Lane
R: B.McEvoy N.Dal Santo J.Steven
I/C: T.Hickey J.Saunders R.Stanley T.Curren
EMG: S.Ross B.Murdoch S.Dunell
In: T.Simpkin , J.Webster , T.Curren 
Out: J.Geary (Leg) , T.Milera (Omitted) , B.Murdoch (Omitted)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: C.O'SheaA.Carlile T.Jonas
HB: M.Broadbent J.Trengove S.Colquhoun
C: C.Wingard T.Boak J.Pittard
HF: R.Gray J.Butcher A.Monfries
F: J.Westhoff J.Schulz J.Neade 
R: M.Lobbe Bra.Ebert H.Hartlett
I/C: O.WinesA.Moore P.Stewart K.Mitchell 
EMG: J.Hombsch T.Logan M.Thomas
In: J.Westhoff , K.Mitchell , S.Colquhoun 
Out: K.Cornes (Suspension) , T.Logan (Omitted) , M.Thomas (Omitted)

Richmond v Fremantle

RICHMOND
B: S.Morris, A.Rance, R.Petterd
HB: C.Newman, T.Chaplin, N.Vlastuin
C: S.Grigg, T.Cotchin, D.Jackson
HF M.White, S.Edwards, J.King
F T.Vickery, J.Riewoldt, D.Martin
I/C: I.Maric, B.Deledio, N.Foley
I/C (from): A.Edwards, R.Conca, M.Arnot, B.Ellis, S.Tuck, B.Houli, S.Lonergan 
In: S.Tuck , S.Lonergan , B.Houli

FREMANTLE
B: A.Silvagni, Z.Dawson, G.Ibbotson
HB: L.Spurr, M.Johnson, P.Duffield
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, S.Hill,
HF: D.Mundy, C.Mayne, C.Pearce
F: M.Walters, A.Sandilands, M.de Boer
R: Z.Clarke, M.Barlow, N.Fyfe
I/C (from): D.Pearce, T.Sheridan, C.Sutcliffe, M.Taberner, L.Neale, J.Hannath, J.Crichton 
In: P.Duffield , J.Hannath , J.Crichton , L.Neale , M.Taberner 
Out: M.Pavlich (suspension) , H.Ballantyne (hamstring)

Adelaide v Geelong

ADELAIDE
B: L.Brown, B.Rutten, A.Otten
HB: R.Laird, D.Talia, B.Smith
C: D.Mackay, S.Thompson, R.Sloane
HF: B.Crouch, J.Jenkins, B.Vince
F: M.Wright, T.Lynch, J.Porplyzia
R: S.Jacobs, N.van Berlo, R.Douglas
I/C (from) R.Tambling, L.Thompson, S.Kerridge, J.Lyons, M.Grigg, I.Callinan, R.Henderson 
In: R.Tambling , I.Callinan , L.Thompson , M.Grigg , S.Kerridge 
Out: M.Jaensch (Omitted) , P.Dangerfield (Shoulder)

GEELONG
B: C.Guthrie, T.Lonergan, J.Hunt
HB: T.Hunt, H.Taylor, C.Enright
C: M.Duncan, J.Selwood, J.Corey
HF: M.Stokes, J.Podsiadly, B.Smedts
F: S.Motlop, T.Hawkins, T.Varcoe
R: D.Simpson, J.Kelly, J.Bartel
I/C (from): M.Blicavs, J.Caddy, G.Horlin-Smith, A.Mackie, J.Murdoch, J.Stringer, N.Vardy 
In: J.Corey , C.Enright , M.Stokes , N.Vardy 
Out: S.Johnson (Suspension)

West Coast v Sydney

WEST COAST
B: W.Schofield, D.Glass, M.Brown
HB: J.Brennan, E.Mackenzie, As.Smith
C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, M.Rosa
HF: M.Hutchings, JJ.Kennedy, J.Hill
F: M.LeCras, D.Cox, J.Darling
Foll: N.Naitanui, C.Masten, L.Shuey
I/C (from) J.Cripps, A.Carter, C.Morton, S.Wellingham, B.Wilson, A.Selwood, B.Dalziell 
In: A.Selwood , S.Wellingham , L.Shuey , B.Wilson 
Out: A.Embley (suspension)

SYDNEY
B: D.Rampe, H.Grundy, N.Smith,
HB: N.Malceski, T.Richards, J.McVeigh
C: B.Jack, J.Kennedy, K.Jack
HF: C.Bird, J.White, L.Parker
F: J.Bolton, K.Tippett, M.Pyke
R: S.Mumford, R.O'Keefe, D.Hannebery
I/C (from) H.Cunningham, A.Everitt, J.Lamb, T.Mitchell, M.Morton, X.Richards, D.Towers 
In: M.Morton , H.Cunningham , X.Richards , D.Towers 
Out: B.McGlynn (suspension)

CHAMPION DATA SUPERCOACH NOTES:

North Melbourne vs Carlton

Despite scoring 101 points last week against Brisbane, Andrew Swallow suffered his eighth consecutive price fall, dropping by $16,500. Marc Murphy could only manage 75 points against St Kilda, falling by $48,500 to his lowest price for the year.

Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs

Sam Mitchell has dominated against the Bulldogs since 2010, averaging 119 points a game – ranked second at the club. Tom Liberatore hasn't fared well in these games, averaging only 57 points a game.

GWS Giants vs Essendon

Jeremy Cameron had a blinder when these sides last met in Round 6, booting six goals on his way to 101 points. Michael Hibberd was Essendon's top ranked player, finishing with 29 disposals and 124 points.

Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood

Gary Ablett racked up 53 disposals and 154 against Collingwood when these sides last met in Round 10 last season. Scott Pendlebury recorded 17 disposals and 95 points in the first half before he was subbed out injured.

Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions

Dean Terlich suffered his first drop of the year last week after he could only manage 27 points against Geelong – his lowest score for the year. Pearce Hanley enjoyed his biggest price increase since Round 4 after his 105 point haul against North Melbourne.

St Kilda vs Port Adelaide

Jack Steven is St Kilda's leasing scorer at Etihad Stadium this season, averaging 112 points a game. Kane Cornes has scored 135 more points than any other Port Adelaide player interstate this season, averaging 123 points a match.

Richmond vs Fremantle

Brett Deledio has averaged 18 disposals and 97 points a game against the Dockers since 2011. Nathan Fyfe has averaged 22 disposals and 80 points a game in this period, ranked 12th at the club.

Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats

Scott Thompson has amassed at least 21 disposals in every game this season, averaging 98 points a game – 10 fewer than in 2012. Bartel's 16 disposals last week against Melbourne was a season-low, averaging 107 points a game – nine points up on last year's return.

West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans

Nic Naitanui's poor run of form continued last week against Fremantle, finishing with only 69 points, dropping by $45,500 as a result. Shane Mumford finished with 95 points against the Giants, falling by $7,400 – his seventh price drop for the year. 

RE-THE LIVE CHAT BELOW

Here's what to look for in every round 17 match:

KANGAROOS v BLUES

- Will Brad Scott again stick fat with his side despite yet another agonising defeat?
- Is Marc Murphy fit to play after only joining in light training duties today? And will playmaker Troy Menzel – Mick Malthouse's prized draft pick – bolster the attack?

HAWKS v DOGS

- Will Buddy return and can Cyril overcome an ankle scare? And does Al Clarkson bring back Brad Sewell with Shaun Burgoyne copping a two-match ban?
- There will be no Matthew Boyd for the Dogs despite the skipper training today, so who replaced ACL victim Clay Smith? Will it be champ Daniel Cross, who had 35 possies in the VFL last week?

GIANTS v DONS

- Is this the easy kill match Essendon can bring back Joe Daniher for?
- Will Hirdy give any players a rest, given the Dons face Hawthorn in a Friday night blockbuster next week?

SUNS v PIES

- Again there will be no Harry O – but who replaces Clinton Young for the Pies?
- Will Rory Thompson recover from his big hit last week? The Suns need him to curtail Travis Cloke.

SAINTS v POWER

- Will Seb Ross – the cousin of Jobe Watson – win his place back at the Saints?
- Who replaces the suspended Kane Cornes at Port? And who makes way for Justin Westhoff?

DEES v LIONS

- Will Jack Viney return for the Darwin clash?
- Is this the week for Simon Black to return?

TIGERS v DOCKERS

- Bachar Houli looks set to bolster the Tiges' midfield. Can Shane Tuck force his way into the side as well?
- Who gets the nod to replace forwards Hayden Ballantyne and Matthew Pavlich?

CROWS v CATS

- Patty Dangerfield has already been ruled out. Is untried youngster Mitch Grigg the man to replace him?
- Stevie J is out for the Cats, but options galore to come in. Will Chris Scott throw back experienced stars Joel Corey and Corey Enright?

EAGLES v SWANS

- Nic Nat watch is hitting overdrive. The freakish ruckman has sore groins – again – and is in doubt. But while Scott Selwood is another week away, the Eagles could be boosted by Luke Shuey, Sharrod Wellingham and Daniel Kerr
- The Swans will lose the suspended Ben McGlynn, so how does John Longmire rejig his midfield?

CHAMPION DATA SUPERCOACH NOTES:

North Melbourne vs Carlton
Despite scoring 101 points last week against Brisbane, Andrew Swallow suffered his eighth consecutive price fall, dropping by $16,500. Marc Murphy could only manage 75 points against St Kilda, falling by $48,500 to his lowest price for the year.

Hawthorn vs Western Bulldogs
Sam Mitchell has dominated against the Bulldogs since 2010, averaging 119 points a game – ranked second at the club. Tom Liberatore hasn't fared well in these games, averaging only 57 points a game.

GWS Giants vs Essendon
Jeremy Cameron had a blinder when these sides last met in Round 6, booting six goals on his way to 101 points. Michael Hibberd was Essendon's top ranked player, finishing with 29 disposals and 124 points.

Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood
Gary Ablett racked up 53 disposals and 154 against Collingwood when these sides last met in Round 10 last season. Scott Pendlebury recorded 17 disposals and 95 points in the first half before he was subbed out injured.

Melbourne vs Brisbane Lions
Dean Terlich suffered his first drop of the year last week after he could only manage 27 points against Geelong – his lowest score for the year. Pearce Hanley enjoyed his biggest price increase since Round 4 after his 105 point haul against North Melbourne.

St Kilda vs Port Adelaide
Jack Steven is St Kilda's leasing scorer at Etihad Stadium this season, averaging 112 points a game. Kane Cornes has scored 135 more points than any other Port Adelaide player interstate this season, averaging 123 points a match.

Richmond vs Fremantle
Brett Deledio has averaged 18 disposals and 97 points a game against the Dockers since 2011. Nathan Fyfe has averaged 22 disposals and 80 points a game in this period, ranked 12th at the club.

Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats
Scott Thompson has amassed at least 21 disposals in every game this season, averaging 98 points a game – 10 fewer than in 2012. Bartel's 16 disposals last week against Melbourne was a season-low, averaging 107 points a game – nine points up on last year's return.

West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans
Nic Naitanui's poor run of form continued last week against Fremantle, finishing with only 69 points, dropping by $45,500 as a result. Shane Mumford finished with 95 points against the Giants, falling by $7,400 – his seventh price drop for the year.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

In my corner: the boxing wrap

Boxer Lucas Browne during a break from training at Grange Old School gymnasium near Camden. Source: News Limited

THIS is what Australia's top rated heavyweight Alex Leapai has to say about Lucas Browne's big heavyweight fight with English giant Richard Towers, to be broadcast on Fox Sports on Thursday July 25.

"I hope Lucas Browne bombs Towers out," said Leapai, the No.8 contender for Wladimir Klitschko's WBO heavyweight crown.

"I want Lucas to win and be very impressive. David Price holds the Commonwealth title but he's been knocked out twice by the same bloke, Tony Thompson. Price will not want to be knocked out again.

"Price should vacate the title and let me and Lucas fight for the vacant Commonwealth title. It will be a great fight.

"Lucas is a big, strong man and he's shown how tough he is fighting in the MMA.

"But he's never met anyone who can hit like me."

XXXXXXXX

TWO of Australia's rising stars were in action  recently, scoring impressive wins.

Brisbane-based London Olympian Cameron Hammond returned to his hometown of Moree to score a sixth-round stoppage over Kane Buckley. It was Hammond's third straight win since turning pro.

Hammond's local newspaper, The Moree Champion, said the roof of the local Memorial Hall was almost lifted by cheers for the young hero.

On the Gold Coast, super-middleweight Rohan Murdock scored the best win of his career when he stopped Les Piper in round 10 at the Southport Sharks Club.

Piper had recently taken WBA No.3 Jarrod Fletcher the 10-round distance.

XXXXXXXX

AUSTRALIA'S former world featherweight champion Johnny Famechon was on hand to induct five fighting greats into the Queensland Boxing Hall of Fame on the weekend.

Olympian Shane Knox, former world-class professionals Paul Moore and Ernie Artango, long-time amateur coach Boyd Scully and promoter/trainer Ron Ward were all honoured at the ceremony at the Showmen's Club at Yatala.

Knox fought at the 1984 Olympics and compiled an unblemished pro record of 16 wins in 16 fights before becoming a highly regarded trainer at the Fortitude Valley PCYC.

I was in his corner from 1984 to 1987.

Among the guests at the function were Athol McQueen, who decked Joe Frazier at the 1964 Olympics, heavyweight great Steve Aczel, Noel Kunde, who fought Johnny Famechon,  Lionel Rose, and Jeff White, who beat Rose.

Former world title challenger Darren Obah and the great Hector Thompson, who gave Roberto Duran one of his toughest fights, were also special guests.

XXXXXXXX

BRISBANE-BASED Irishman Paddy Murphy (yep, it's his real name) was held to a draw by welterweight Peter McDonagh in his return to Ireland.

Murphy's trainer Gareth Williams says his boxer was ripped off on the scorecards at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.

XXXXXXXX

I WILL be in Melbourne on August 2 as a guest speaker at the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Crown Casino where Jeff Fenech will be inducted as a Legend of the sport.

Proud to say that Jeff never lost a fight with me in his corner, compiling a record of 28-0, 10 of them world title bouts.

XXXXXXXX

RISING English star Kell Brook, who was given a tough fight by Sydney's Lovemore Ndou in 2011, scored an impressive stoppage of American Carson Jones in Hull last week.

Brook, the No.1 contender for the IBF welterweight title, was held to a close decision by Jones last year but turned on a power surge to stop him in Round 8 of the rematch.    

XXXXXXXX

RUSSIAN-BORN WBO super-middleweight champion Robert Stieglitz scored a one-sided 10th round technical decision over No.10 rated Yuzo Kiyota in Dresden, Germany. 

Stieglitz holds a points win over Sydney's Nader Hamdan.

XXXXXXXX

BIG-MOUTH WBA welterweight champ Adrien Broner has shown he is a grub in every sense.

The cashed-up big noter posted a video of himself recently, allegedly sitting on a restaurant toilet flushing money and other things.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More