Watson still hoping to bowl in Test

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

SHANE Watson managed six gentle deliveries at training yesterday, raising hopes that he may be able to bowl in the first Test, beginning at Brisbane's Gabba on Thursday.

However, his contribution with the ball will be so limited because of his latest hamstring drama, if it happens at all, spinner Nathan Lyon may be forced to sacrifice his own game and tie up an end.

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

That Lyon is in the side at all is a show of faith from the selectors, which has not always been forthcoming given he was omitted at stages during Australia's most recent series in India and England this year.

Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris claimed that Watson was going well with his rehab.

"He did a little bit of bowling today, so that's in the infancy, but he's going well at the moment," Kountouris said.

"Obviously the Test is a long game, so we're building him up to bowl whenever he's ready to go.

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

"So if it's this Test, that's great. If it's a bit longer, then that's how it's going to be."

Michael Clarke is an attacking captain who likes to use his spinners in that vein.

However, Lyon can see occasions where that may not be possible.

"If it's turning a lot I'll be a more attacking bowling, but if it's not turning as much and if it's seaming I might be thrown the ball to do a containing-and-holding role so we can rotate our fast men for the other end and try to create some pressure," Lyon said.

"I'm happy to do whatever role it takes for Australia to win a Test match. I'm all for the team, I don't care who's taking the wickets.

"If Ryan Harris takes five and six wickets, I take none for the game and we win the Test match, I'm over the moon. I'm happy with whatever role Michael Clarke comes up with, and hopefully I'll be able to take that and help get wickets from both ends."

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

While all the talk at the Gabba is of fast bowlers, Lyon has a good record there, claiming 11 wickets in two Tests at just 24 apiece.

He is one of just three off-spinners who have taken more than eight wickets at the ground in their career.

The others are former West Indian world record wickets holder Lance Gibbs (14) and former Australian captain Ian Johnson (12).

"I really enjoy bowling at the Gabba, you are able to get a lot more bounce compared to other pitches around the country," Lyon said.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Johnno, Corbin and their fast balls

Patrick Corbin: "My friends just said, 'Dude, you have a pretty good arm. Why don't you just go out there and give it a shot?" Source: Jared Wickerham / Supplied

PATRICK Corbin threw his first fastball wearing jeans.

Back then, the Arizona Diamondback was still in his teens. A junior at North Syracuse High.

A first pitch towards what would eventually be deliveries challenging those of Australian cricket speedster, Mitchell Johnson.

Now starring in the Major Leagues, Corbin will today join LA Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis at the Sydney Opera House as the hype surrounding the 2014 MLB season opener, to be held at the SCG next March, gathers momentum.

Despite being famed for his slider, Corbin still has a fastball that travels at 153km/hr. In comparison, Johnson, who starts his Ashes campaign on Thursday, recently had his own fastball clocked at 154.6km/hr.

Mitchell Johnson has recently been clocked bowling at 154.6km/hr as the Ashes loom. Source: Getty Images

Yet in a recent interview, Arizona superstar Corbin admitted he never even considered a baseball career until high school.

After being dragged along to tryouts by his friends, the coach asked if he could hit. 'No,' came the reply. 'Okay, I guess we better see if you can throw then'.

"I didn't really know what the heck was going on," Corbin recalled. "My friends just said, 'Dude, you have a pretty good arm. Why don't you just go out there and give it a shot?'

"I was good friends with all of them and was like, 'What the heck?' "

"I remember walking up to pitch with jeans on."

Ironically, it was a similar story of discovery for Johnson who, at 17 and bowling in his father's golf shoes, shocked Queensland cricket officials by recording the fastest delivery in the state.

Off the field, both speedsters are also considered shy, modest and incredibly respectful.

With his signing bonus, Corbin bought a used car instead of a new one. He also still lived at home with his parent's until earlier this year and, during the offseason, officiates youth basketball games.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Orica-GreenEDGE extend rider deals

Orica GreenEDGE rider Brett Lancaster drinks ater after the 18th stage of the Tour de France earlier this year. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

INVALUABLE experience and the attraction of more Grand Tour success are among the motivating factors behind Brett Lancaster and Svein Tuft's contract extensions with Orica-GreenEDGE.

Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lancaster, 34, and Canadian Tuft, 36, agreed to new two-year deals after sharing in OGE's watershed Tour de France glories this year.

With the departures of Stuart O'Grady and Baden Cooke, Lancaster and Tuft will be tapped for leadership and endurance qualities.

Both remain world-class time-triallers, but the pair's tactical savvy is just as critical as the team pushes to convert talented young riders to world-class competitors as quickly as possible.

"I really enjoy working with the younger riders," Lancaster said. "They have good heads on their shoulders.

"Guys like Luke Durbridge are so eager and all ears. I like passing along what I've learnt and helping them out by showing them the ropes."

Lancaster's work ethic was decisive in his re-signing.

"We're very pleased to renew Brett's contract," OGE sport director Matt White said.

"He played a part in some of our biggest rides and secured some nice results for himself.

"This past year, he won a stage in Slovenia, rode consistently throughout the entire Giro with our normal sprint group, won the team time-trial at the Tour de France and was one of the strongest performers in our silver-medal ride in the team time-trial at the world championships."

Part of the world record-setting 4000m pursuit team at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Lancaster wants to finish his career with OGE.

"I have another two years signed, but in my head I want do three more before I call it quits when I'm 37," Lancaster said.

"Five years with GreenEDGE would be a dream.

"The choice (to extend) was simple. I wanted to stay on the team. I wasn't really thinking about going anywhere else. The last two years have been very memorable. I've achieved some incredible things. I'm looking forward to another two years with GreenEDGE.

"The Tour this year was pretty awesome.

"Winning the team time-trial and standing on the podium with all the boys was really special.

"The team's owner, Gerry Ryan, and his son Andrew were there to witness it all. That was definitely the highlight - the highlight from two years with many, many memorable moments."

Eight-time Canadian time-trial champion Tuft again showed remarkable strength in a variety of roles.

He won the individual time-trial at the Tour of San Luis in Argentina and Tour of Slovenia before joining Durbridge in a record-breaking ride at the Duo Normand two-man team time-trial in France.

And he was hugely effective in OGE's Tour de France team time-trial triumph in Nice.

"Svein is one of the rocks in our team," White said.

"He's one of the most reliable guys we've got. He's a super teammate who is also very accomplished in his own right.

"It's great news that Sveino wants to retire with us. He's a big benefit to all the younger guys on the team - to everyone, for that matter."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Link reaction took a bit of time

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

WALLABIES coach Ewen McKenzie says it took days for him to establish the facts of the alcohol-fuelled night out by his players in Dublin last week, so he could not have suspended them from last week's Test against Ireland.

McKenzie held a press conference at the Wallabies' Edinburgh hotel on Monday to explain his reasons for suspending six players for one match each, and officially warning nine others.

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

Five players; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Nick Cummins, Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Liam Gill, will miss this week's Test against Scotland while Paddy Ryan will miss next week's Test against Wales.

Immediately questions were raised about why McKenzie did not stand the players down from last week's Test against Ireland, which is generally considered a tougher challenge than this weekend's match against the Scots.

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

"When I was confronted with a number of names, I spent all Thursday and Friday establishing the facts and details," McKenzie said.

"I tried to work out where I would go.

"I delayed the decision because I had so many people to speak to.

"In this process I have got to be fair and just, I believe we have been.

"If I could have acted quicker, I would have.

"This sort of stuff is a massive distraction, I have spent far too long on this."

The players went out in separate groups for dinner, and some then decided to carry on at other bars, not returning to the team hotel until the early hours of Wednesday morning.

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

McKenzie said there were no public complaints made about their behaviour during the night, but expressed frustration with the wayward players after having spoken to them about off-field expectations the week before they arrived in Dublin.

Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Saia Fainga'a, Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps have been given written warnings, while Scott Fardy, Mike Harris, Ben McCalman and Nic White received verbal warnings from McKenzie.

Wallabeers: six of the best banned for a Test, nine more disciplined following boozy night out

"I am disappointed in all of them, I don't think I've lacked clarity," McKenzie said.

"I made it clear to individuals about what is acceptable.

"It was a bad night for us, a bunch of bad decisions were made.

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

"The guys can have a glass of wine with dinner, that's always been the case.

"Some players made the decision the dinner would go on a lot longer, and involve a few more drinks.

"We were unhappy with the decision-making of some of our players.

"There is nothing sinister [about the night out], this is us judging ourselves.

"The decisions were poor and not in keeping with the focus of the team.

"We're in the business of developing a successful team for a long while.

"The easiest thing in this situation is to do nothing, I've been involved in sport for a long time, but to do nothing will give us mediocrity."

McKenzie is attempting to reform the culture of a side that has won just five Tests all year, and fallen from No.2 to No.4 in the world rankings in the past 12 months.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Feauai-Sautia could be called on

DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 15: Chris Feauai-Sautia of the Wallabies during the Australian Wallabies captain's run at Aviva Stadium on November 15, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) Source: Ian Walton / Getty Images

ROOKIE Chris Feauai-Sautia has emerged as a possible shock candidate to play Scotland next Saturday after the red card to centre Tevita Kuridrani against Ireland.

Kuridrani was sent off for a tip-tackle on Irish backrower Peter O'Mahony in the 73rd minute of Australia's win, and could be suspended for the remainder of the spring tour.

Ordinarily Adam Ashley-Cooper, who has been playing on the wing, would come straight in to the No.13 jersey but he is nursing an injured shoulder from the win in Dublin.

The "stinger" injury to Ashley-Cooper will be monitored this week in Edinburgh, and if he fails to come through Feauai-Sautia would be an option for coach Ewen McKenzie.

No other player in the squad specialises in the outside centre position, which Feauai-Sautia - the youngest member of Australia's touring squad - has played at the Queensland Reds under McKenzie.

McKenzie is hoping Kuridrani, a revelation over the last month, will be cleared but history suggests the IRB will be unsympathetic.

"We've got other guys who can play there," McKenzie said.

"That's life.

"It will be disappointing but if that's what it is, that's what it is."

Meanwhile, the Wallabies could be forced to hold their training sessions indoors this week as Edinburgh shivers under ice-cold temperatures.

Parts of the city have already seen snow.

"All of the coaches have coached in that environment before, we will work our way through," McKenzie said.

"We've got enough skills in the team to cope with whatever turns up.

"Being cold is not such issue, I think a lot of these grounds are heated so the snow doesn't even appear on the field.

"But in training, it's not so much about snow as it is about ice, you get sharp edges, there's a few hazards.

"We might have to go indoors."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Calls for NRL to ban gang tackles

Adam Blair tackled during the St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers NRL game at the SCG. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Steve Price has controversially called on the NRL to consider banning the gang tackle.

Price stressed rugby league would be faster - and sustain significantly less injuries - by limiting each tackle to just two defenders.

Data reveals play-the-balls used to take around four to five seconds to complete a decade ago - that figure is now seven seconds because three and four defenders are in every tackle.

Price's proposal would also outlaw the dangerous cannonball tackle and rugby league's twisting and wrestling tactics.

Having only two defenders in every tackle would also ease the strain and physical pressure on the bodies of NRL players.

Four forwards in a tackle could weigh a combined total of about 420kg - the equivalent of a cow.

Price is hoping for the change with NRL head of football, Todd Greenberg, saying any recommendations would go to the game's competition committee early next month.

''I'd definitely like to see the third man eliminated,'' Price said.

''That's a decision (for) the NRL committee to make.

''I'd like to see the game sped up around the ruck and create more space.

''It will be more entertaining from an offensive point of view. That's what the spectators want to see.

''It will also eliminate a lot of twisting and injuries. You want to see your best players playing the game week in, week out. That's what the fans pay their money for.

''I'm a fan of player safety and eliminating injuries.''

Price said rugby league should focus on attack.

''If you do bring in the two-man tackle it will reduce the seconds it takes for the play-the-ball,'' he said.

''It's a decision (for) the NRL have to make but we'll have to wait and see.

''Each year the amount of force the players are generating in terms of impact is quite severe.

''It's something we need to look at in rugby league going forward.''

Greenberg said last night he against the move in theory but the NRL would listen to any way of improving the game.

''We will not place a complete ban on a third man in a tackle. (But) we have listened to a range of different opinions and will ultimately make a decision with the games best interests,'' he said.

''We will consult with the competition committee in our next meeting in early December and then any recommendations will go to the commission in late December.''

Manly coach Geoff Toovey argued the three-man ban would be difficult for referees to police.

Toovey did want to see an end to the cannonball tackle.

"I think everyone agrees we could do without that tackle in the game but I'm not so sure about the three-man rule,'' Toovey said.

"I can't see it working. I don't think you could stop players coming in to help a tackle being made.

"You might need to in order to put a player to ground or stop an offload."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scott closing in on Tiger at summit

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

ADAM Scott has his eyes on an unprecedented "Scotty Slam" at this week's World Cup.

But with Australian teammate Jason Day's family suffering unthinkable losses in the Philippines typhoon, Scott might also have to lend a shoulder to his great mate as he deals with the tragedy.

Scott, who rode a rollercoaster to defend his Australian Masters title at Royal Melbourne yesterday, immediately turned his focus to Day and another triumph at the same venue.

"My game is in pretty good shape so my focus is to go and get Jason revved up and make sure he's in good shape on Thursday," Scott said.

Scott, on his US Masters celebration tour, won its Australian namesake a week after completing the career triple crown of our top three domestic tournaments with a win in the PGA on the Gold Coast.

With Australia a warm favourite for the World Cup, then the Australia Open at Royal Sydney the week after, Scott is in position for an unprecedented month to cap an amazing year.

"I know there's a big focus on the individual prize (this week) … but there still is a team event and I think it would be great for the tournament and also Jason and I to win the World Cup down here."

Asked his thoughts on following Robert Allenby's golden 2005 charge to win the triple crown in one season, Scott said with a smile: "Well, it's looking good now.

"I think it's a funny one because I'm going to play an event in between and whatever happens doesn't really matter.

"It will certainly be on my mind when I get to Sydney, that's for sure, and I think it's going to be a lot of fun for me to try and do that because I remember how big a deal it was for Robert when he did it."

Scott is also closing on Tiger Woods at the summit of world golf.

The World Cup carries world rankings points for the first time and if Scott can complete the "Slam", he could, by early-December, close to within a point of Woods who once held what seemed an unreachable lead.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

62 reasons World Cup is a joke

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

INTERNATIONAL sport is Australia v England in the Ashes at the Gabba, Wimbledon, a golf major, world championship athletics and swimming, a Bledisloe Cup, boxing in Las Vegas or the Tour de France.

Some sports are not meant for the international stage - and the rugby league World Cup is one of them.

Australia's 62-nil quarter-final win over USA on Sunday was a farce, a game played in front of 5726 fans on a pitch that still had lines marked out for the local soccer team.

That team and individual records were broken is an insult to our champions of the past who once earned their milestones and greatness against genuine opposition in the days when Tests and World Cups were restricted to countries that could actually play the game.

JOIN BUZZ AS HE BLOGS FROM 10AM

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

The scoreline against USA should have been 70-plus but for Johnathan Thurston's rare day off with the boot.

At one stage of the first half four tries were scored in seven minutes against a team of brave but totally outclassed players.

For more than 20 years I've been listening to the same old lines from rugby league officials about having patience with the international game and developing countries.

From Kevin Humphreys to Ken Arthurson to Dave Smith … blah, blah, blah, blah.

When Australia beat Russia 110-4 in England in 2000, we were told to give them time.

The same when we beat France 74-nil in 1994 and PNG 82-nil in Townsville in 2000.

Seriously, no one cares.

Outside of Australia, New Zealand and England, it's a tournament of manufactured teams filled with NRL players, many of whom have never even visited the countries they are representing.

Distant relatives, grandmothers and great aunties, somehow allow them to qualify.

Brett Morris of Australia beats a tackle from Michael Garvey of USA on the way to scoring his third try. Source: Getty Images

Players who quite frankly are flat out making NRL squads each week, let alone play at an international level.

It's all shown on 7mate - a channel a lot of people can't even get - at either one or six in the morning.

If there was any real interest in the tournament, Channel Nine and Fox Sports would be showing it.

This rubbish is not fair on the NRL clubs who fork out millions of dollars of wages to the elite players.

They should be resting and recuperating in the off-season, not spending eight weeks in England on what's become not much more than a boozy holiday, with a couple of serious games against the Poms and Kiwis.

Half of them are likely to struggle next year or suffer form lapses and burnout because they missed a proper off-season.

Supporters of USA show off their colours during the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final. Source: Getty Images

Cronulla have already lost Luke Lewis for half of 2014 and Storm could have similar problems with Billy Slater's knee.

There is one simple solution to fix this debacle.

In future World Cups should be played over three weeks and only include Australia, New Zealand, England and a country that wins a qualifying tournament.

Even a Rest of the World side could be thrown in as the fourth team.

Anything that gives us competitive football.

Anything that makes it worthwhile to suffer sleep deprivation from sitting up in the early hours of the morning.

No doubt the final in two weeks will be a blockbuster, almost certainly the Kangaroos v Kiwis.

Foran v Thurston, Sonny Bill v Gallen, Luke v Smith.

It's just a joke we've had to wait eight weeks and watch so many meaningless floggings to get to it.

Australia's Greg Bird, right, is caught with a hign tackle by US players Mark Offerdahl. Source: AP

HIGHLIGHT

The Corey Parker flick-pass for Jarryd Hayne's fourth try against the USA was the best since Benji Marshall's in the in 2005 NRL grand final.

LOWLIGHT

Watching so many records get broken at the World Cup against sub-standard teams. It's not fair on champions of the past who achieved their wonderful milestones against genuine opposition.

FAREWELL TO A GREAT

Have we seen a greater sporting champion/ambassador than Sachin Tendulkar in the last 50 years?

Possibly Rod Laver or Roger Federer but I can't think of too many others. The Little Master's farewell speech on Saturday night was so classy, so stylish, so special.

ROCK SOLID

The Wanderers continue to protect an incredible defence record in the A-League.

They have never conceded a goal in the opening 20 minutes of a game.

It's a credit to Tony Popovic's coaching that they take the field so pumped every week

SHHH

Reports are emerging from the Kangaroos camp in Manchester that Titans forward Nate Myles is not the only player who doesn't get on with Cameron Smith.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ricky moves into ex-PM's residence

Is Sami Kennedy-Sim who has overcome a stroke to qualify for Sochi Winter Olympics our toughest Olympian. Read about her below. Source: Cameron Richardson / News Limited

<span id="U1026629245857eG" style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;">RICKY Stuart</span> loves a celebrity mansion. When he started coaching at the Cronulla Sharks he bought <span id="U1026629245857KI" style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;">Ian Thorpe's</span> waterfront home on Burraneer Bay in the shire.

Now he has moved to Canberra and is living in former prime minister Kevin Rudd's old house.

Mr Rudd and wife Therese Rein sold their Yarralumla home in September for $2.25 million and the buyers decided to lease the house.

It was described as a "sophisticated and luxurious home" with five bedrooms, Italianate gardens, a swimming pool and a spiral staircase. Stuart was keen to play it down yesterday when asked about his new residence.

"Seriously, it's a nice family home and close to our families which is why we've moved back to Canberra," he said. "Just say I hope I don't have to use the panic buttons … at least until Round 3."

The house is in the same street as Stuart's sister-in-law and close to his parents.

"We haven't been close to our families for a long time," he said. "We're really enjoying it."

Stuart has kept his home in the shire and will rent while coaching the Raiders. He signed a three-year deal after quitting the Eels.

"I'm really enjoying the coaching side of things," he said.

"I feel I'm very fortunate to be back in my old town coaching my old team."

■ ■ ■

IN more property news, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan can't be too worried about reports he may face suspension over the ASADA scandal because he was spotted looking at new property in the shire yesterday. He is upgrading and looking around the Lilli Pilli area.

*****

Blake splits with his player agent

BLAKE Ferguson is no longer being managed by player agent Sam Ayoub.

The State of Origin winger is now being guided by Anthony Mundine and Khoder Nasser.

An accredited agent or accountant will become involved when he's closer to making a decision on his NRL future.

******

This proves that Isaac's no goose

YOU could never accuse Sharks hooker Isaac De Gois of not being loyal to his family.

The Sharks players recently went on an end-of-season trip to Hawaii and - in a rugby league first - De Gois took his wife, Renee.

He has copped plenty of ribbing from the players, but more importantly he got lots of brownie points at home.

De Gois faces a real battle to retain his first-grade spot this year with the emergence of Holden Cup hooker of the year Michael Lichaa, a boom local product.

Lichaa played in the club's NSW Cup premiership-winning side.

*****

Abbot girls score a prime gig

SOON we could be seeing more of Tony Abbott's daughters than the Prime Minister himself.

Racing administrators want to use Bridget and Frances to promote next year's $18 million autumn carnival at Randwick, The Championships.

The plan is being driven by Racing NSW supremo, Peter V'landys, who first met the girls on Derby Day in Melbourne two years ago.

"I said to Bridget when I first met her I'd like to use her as the face of an autumn carnival and we did last year," V'landys said

"They thought I was joking but I followed it through and we used her.

"We're looking at both girls for The Championships next year. They are very impressive young ladies."

Abbott's daughters also have horse racing in their blood.

Their grandparents Richard and Fay Abbott have been going to Randwick and Rosehill every Saturday for 35 years.

"They never miss a race meeting," V'landys said.

*****

AFL players do a runner

TWO Essendon players walked out of a restaurant in St Kilda last week without paying for their meals or drinks. They told a waiter two girls they had met over dinner would take care of the bill then scarpered.

Typically, soft Melbourne media outlets like the 3AW Sports Today team made nothing of it. The club dismissed it as a "silly but harmless" prank and a couple of days later the players returned and paid the bill.

They are fortunate it didn't become a police matter and lucky that 3AW announcers Gerard Healy and Dwayne Russell are so determined to protect players at all costs.

*****

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heart slide doesn't end with Aloisi

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

MELBOURNE Heart's board is under growing pressure from fans and corporate backers alike to sack under siege coach John Aloisi after Friday's insipid showing against Sydney FC.

Rooted to the bottom of the table with two goals in six games, it's the Heart board that has plenty to answer for after a rapid 18-month demise has culminated in the club becoming the antithesis of its original philosophy.

Declaring attack and youth as their point of difference to neighbours Melbourne Victory, Heart has transformed into an ageing, dour, defensive unit that can't deliver results.

When Heart kicked off in 2010 they recruited a well credentialed foreigner to set the culture and headhunted arguably the best young Australian coach to be groomed by John van't Schip with a view to replacing him.

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

By the time the Dutchman quit in 2012, Ante Milicic had served a top three-year apprenticeship - coach of the year and first place with NSW state league side Sydney United, two FIFA U20 World Cups with the Young Socceroos and almost three years as an A-League assistant.

But the Heart board backflipped on the Milicic pledge, declaring an interview process would take place.

So what happened?

John Aloisi was a frustrated Sydney FC striker when he met van't Schip and football operations manager John Didulica on the eve of Heart's first season.

He was talked out of retirement by with the promise that he won't be pressured to play each week and - the clincher - a deal that rolled over into a coaching contract at the end of his one-year contract.

Aloisi then commenced his UEFA coaching badges in England and Heart was suitably impressed with his work ethic and determination in recruiting the club's inaugural youth squad.

By the end of his maiden youth league season Craig Goodwin, a player he had plucked from state league side Oakleigh, had broken into the seniors.

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

Heart's youth team travelled to Hawaii for a tournament against senior opposition and with van't Schip having just quit Aloisi, who was touted a serious contender by Heart's board, was closely watched by chief executive Scott Munn.

The performances were good and Aloisi presented well. He was now on the same line of betting as Milicic.

Both undertook two separate interview processes with Munn and Didulica followed by the Heart board.

Having had years to contemplate life as head coach, Milicic had two non-negotiables in his interview.

He wanted a more experienced coach to assist him, such as Rado Vidosic, and his no.1 target was disillusioned Victory midfielder Carlos Hernandez who Milicic felt could deliver regular finals football and lift crowds.

Aloisi was more flexible and wanted Milicic as his assistant.

Heart's board knew Milicic was the better candidate in football terms but felt Aloisi's profile would help the club bridge the gap between them and Victory, remembering Heart finished sixth, two spots and eight points ahead of Victory that season.

Finances may have also played a part but Heart's board felt with the right support, Aloisi would eventually succeed.

John Aloisi makes a point at Heart training.. Pic: George Salpigtidis Source: News Limited

With the ultimate call, chairman Peter Sidwell and his five fellow directors went with Aloisi.

To add insult to injury for Milicic, Heart chief executive Scott Munn tried to block his move to the Wanderers and demanded compensation when Tony Popovic lured him as his assistant.

Heart's given Aloisi ample support and now sports the most beefed up backroom staff in the A-League, yet the team is in disarray and has the hallmarks of a team not playing for its coach.

Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne has clearly been Heart's best player this season and that's a tell-tale sign.

While Heart's board made the call, Aloisi didn't have to put his hand up for the senior job after an apprenticeship of just 18 youth league games.

Kevin Muscat a fortnight ago said only now, almost three years after retiring and having worked under Ange Postecoglou, does he realise how ill-prepared he was when he coached as interim after a year.

Aloisi has a thicker skin than most, having been scorned - often unfairly - late in his playing career when his knees were that bad he'd rarely train.

But he had that look of resignation after Friday night's 2-0 debacle against a Sydney side whose away form has been as bad as Heart's.

If Aloisi manages to arrest this slump and see out his contract, which expires at the end of the 2014-15 season, it will be a miraculous recovery.

Aloisi has shown plenty to suggest he will become a decent A-League coach, that it will come to fruition at Heart is looking increasingly unlikely.

Unfortunately for Heart, Milicic remains the best Aussie candidate without a senior role.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More