Selectors must face Marsh reality

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TONY Abbott proclaimed his would be a "no surprises" government. There are no such guarantees from the Australian selection panel.

Left-handed batsman Shaun Marsh was the main beneficiary of the selectors' speculation in choosing the Test squad for South Africa, while right-hander George Bailey was the only member of the Ashes whitewash squad who will miss the flight.

Marsh has the sort of talent that makes batting look easy when he's in form and this can be a seductive quality. The selectors have succumbed to his talent knowing full well that Marsh can be frustratingly inconsistent and is a recurring injury worry. This is probably his last chance as a Test batsman.

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By choosing both Marsh and newcomer Alex Doolan, the selectors have allowed for flexibility in the batting order. Shane Watson is another who frustrates when his run output is compared with his prodigious talent. His string of moderate first-innings scores has resulted in a number of options being provided for the crucial No.3 spot. If the captain decides to bat Watson at six and utilise his bowling talents more, then it will be a straight battle between Marsh and Doolan for the first drop position.

Bailey's omission can't be classed as a surprise, as he was extremely fortunate to be in the side in the first place. The batsman who could be considered unlucky is Phil Hughes.

Hughes has had a checkered Test career; he scored two centuries in his first four innings but has been dropped on five occasions. He must rue the day he set foot on Thomas Lord's potato patch; he's played two Tests at the famous London ground - four unsuccessful innings - and each time he's been dropped.

However, Hughes continues to perform in an environment that should please the selectors. He consistently scores first-class hundreds, where others like Marsh haven't, and yet he's been overlooked. His luck may change in five years time, as this panel has a tendency to seek out older batsmen.

They've chosen four - Ed Cowan, Rob Quiney, George Bailey and Chris Rogers - and only the last named has the look of a survivor. This underlines the weakness in choosing older batsmen; once they start failing they're never heard of again.

The frustrating aspect for the selection panel has been the failure of any young batsman, apart from Hughes, to consistently make their mark at Sheffield Shield level.

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Batting is the skill that will either make or break this South African tour. Australia have a more versatile attack, they play more aggressive cricket and have a superior captain. Nevertheless, all these advantages will count for nothing if the batsmen don't provide both the bowlers and captain with enough runs. If the top order collapses continue in South Africa it'll likely end in disaster, as the home side has a more penetrative attack than England.

Australia's attack is well-suited to the local conditions as the pitches tend to suit seam bowlers. Add to this Mitchell Johnson's explosive qualities as well as Nathan Lyon's improved off-spin and Clarke has more choices than the conservative Graeme Smith.

Brad Haddin has been in such good batting form lately that his keeping is often overlooked but he's also performed well with the gloves. The feisty keeper is another advantage Australia hold since he's a superior glove man to the incumbent AB de Villiers, or any other option South Africa might choose.

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With batting being crucial to the result of the series, Australia may opt for Marsh's previous Test experience rather than gambling on debutant Doolan. Clarke may also choose to start the series with Marsh at six, as he's unlikely to be troubled by spin (his weaker department), with South Africa tending to rely heavily on their seamers.

Marsh's selection is a gamble and the punters' adage is you have to speculate to accumulate. If Marsh does amass plenty of runs then the selectors' flutter may result in a surprise Australian series victory.

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Faulkner thrives on Stokes rivalry

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JAMES Faulkner won't back down from an Australia Day joust with England rival Ben Stokes as the spicy battle of the all-rounders continues in Adelaide.

Faulkner and Stokes are two peas in a pod - ultra competitive characters on the rise who will give opponents a spray in the heat of battle.

Man-of-the-match Stokes' pointed send off after claiming Faulkner in Perth was the latest in ongoing banter between the pair.

"We play pretty similar sort of cricket and style. That is what it is, it's professional cricket," said Faulkner, who demoralised England in game two at the Gabba with an unconquered, match-winning 69.

"At times you step over the line and say things you probably shouldn't. I suppose that is the game and it is good to see some passion."

"He has been impressive all summer, is a very good player and has a bright future."

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Faulkner, 23, promised Australia would hit back hard against the Old Enemy on the national day of celebration - wanting a 4-1, one-day series win.

"I have never been privileged to play on Australia Day and you have to perform," said Faulkner, averaging 47 with the bat after 23 one-day starts for Australia.

"It is a special day, I am expecting a big crowd. Hopefully we can put on a good show for the country."

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Boof to Maxwell: Pull your head in

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FRUSTRATED Australian coach Darren Lehmann has ordered Glenn "Big Show" Maxwell to pull his head in but defended Phil Hughes' South Africa tour snub.

Australia's nine-game hold over England was broken with a 57-run loss in the one-dayer in Perth on Friday night. Maxwell's shot selection and Mitchell Johnson's (0-72) first bad match of the summer were areas of concern.

Lehmann put a rocket up Maxwell, wanting the all-rounder to follow the improved temperament of opener Aaron Finch (108) ahead of the fifth and final ODI in Adelaide today, when skipper Michael Clarke and Shane Watson return.

"It was disappointing to lose 5-50. Maxwell has to finish those games off for us," Lehmann said.

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Maxwell's crude swipe at a Ben Stokes delivery, with Australia needing 95 runs for a 10th straight international win over England, most irked Lehmann.

It followed Maxwell's mid-wicket slog in Brisbane with only James Faulkner's undefeated 69 saving the team.

"He is a batting all-rounder but has to show the responsibility to bat at No.6. We know he has the flair and excitement, and love that about him, but we want him to understand the game better," the coach said.

Johnson will be rested, with Lehmann wanting the pace ace fresh and firing ahead of the three-Test tour of South Africa.

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"He had a disappointing night and he admits that, so you get back to the drawing board and get him right for South Africa," Lehmann said of Johnson, whose form dip coincided with shaving his famous moustache.

"He's very important, got 37 wickets at 14 against England (in the Tests). We have to make sure he is right on the money and on the plane."

Left-hander Hughes controversially missed out on the 15-man squad to visit the Rainbow Nation, with Shaun Marsh and Alex Doolan preferred.

Lehmann said it was important to inform Hughes why he wasn't selected, despite having cracked 549 Sheffield Shield runs at 61, compared with Western Australian Marsh's 248 at 31 and Tasmanian Doolan's 391 at 39.

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"I had a good chat the other night in Sydney with Phil and that is a conversation that will stay between him and me," said Lehmann, adding Shield form "very much" still counted.

"He is making runs and that is all he can do."

However, Lehmann conceded pressure was now "very much" on uncapped Doolan and seven-Test batsman Marsh, 30, to excel in South Africa.

"Shaun gets a chance. He or Alex will bat at No.3 or No.6, so it is a good chance to stake their claims," Lehmann said.

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Open losses drove Li Na to redemption

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LI Na wanted this, really wanted it.

After she was Australian Open runner-up in 2011 and 2013, winning last night's final against Dominika Cibulkova had been a long time in the making, in contrast to her breakthrough grand slam title at Roland Garros three years ago.

"I prepare this one for already two weeks, every round, every day I was think about what I should do," Li said.

"I prepare if I play semis what I should do, if I play final what I should do, because I already have twice in the final up here.

"In the French I was feeling I just go for it. I didn't think about win or lose. But this one, I really wish I can doing well. And also maybe you guys didn't know how hard I was working for the mentally to make this one."

China's Li Na shares a light moment with Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova. Picture: Saeed Khan. Source: AFP

The 31-year-old was pleased the Melbourne monkey was finally off her back.

"At least, you know, I make it, not like last two times, you know, always feeling one more step," she said.

"This time I really, so proud myself."

Coach Carlos Rodriguez said it would take a while for the victory to sink in.

"I don't realise yet, I think, I"m too much into it, maybe tomorrow," Rodriguez said.

"I really congratulate her."

Li's fellow players were in raptures on Twitter over her 7-6 (7-3), 6-0 win and her acceptance speech in which she thanked her coach for "always believing in me", agent Max Eisenbud for making "me rich", and husband Jiang Shan, "you a nice guy".

Even her opponent agreed she was a popular winner.

"I have to say she's one of the nicest players on tour," Cibulkova said.

"I really like her. I think everybody likes her sense of humor. She's a great player and a great champion."

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Cibulkova revealed she had only spoken to her parents in Slovakia via text over the past fortnight because she didn't call them after winning her first-round match and they were superstitious.

Neither parent could even bring themselves to watch the final on TV.

"My dad, he's too nervous to watch it but he was awake, for sure. My mum, she always watch the match after when they show it again," she said.

Cibulkova said it remained to be seen how her life might be different when she returned home, but she had changed markedly after her first appearance in a major final.

The 24-year-old now believes she can win a grand slam, starting with the French Open in May.

"I feel like my game is there to challenge the biggest names, you know, to beat them, so why not?" she said.

"Now I know I'm 100 per cent sure I can do it. I get so much confidence from this tournament."

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Clarke: Doolan bats like Mark Waugh

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MICHAEL Clarke has likened Alex Doolan to Mark Waugh as a stylist and believes that Shaun Marsh's one-day record highlights he can play at international level.

Doolan fell away after a strong start to the Sheffield Shield season for Tasmania and Marsh has a poor recent record for Western Australia but Clarke insists they both have what it takes to match it against South Africa's imposing pace attack next month.

"We've seen that from Shaun in the limited overs format," Clarke said after opening the new offices of his bat sponsor Spartan, a refurbished 1890s master gunners quarters at the old military base in Sydney's Mosman.

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"I've seen Alex Doolan bat a few times. He looks extremely classy, he's got a lot of Mark Waugh about him.

"I saw him make 132 against NSW for Tasmania in a Shield game earlier this season and he certainly impressed me in that game."

Doolan, 28, or Marsh, 30, will replace the dropped George Bailey in next month's three-Test series against South Africa.

A batting reshuffle is likely to take place, with one expected to bat at number three while Shane Watson moves down to number six in Bailey's old spot.

Clarke's strongest memories of Marsh include the Test century he made on debut in Sri Lanka two and a half years ago, 141.

In the following series against South Africa in Cape Town Marsh was batting well until he suffered a debilitating back injury.

"He got 44 and looked very good on a pretty tough wicket," Clarke recalled.

Alex Doolan (L) has received a big rap from Michael Clarke. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Limited

"What sticks in my mind is the hundred he scored in Sri Lanka and the success he's had in limited overs cricket.

"He can certainly play at this level."

The contrast between Marsh's Shield and one-day international record is telling.

From 43 one-dayers going into last night's match in Perth he averaged better than 40 and had scored three hundreds but his past six Shield seasons have produced just three centuries.

Indeed, during the past three seasons Marsh's Shield average for WA is under 26.

The unlucky loser to be overlooked for the 15-man touring squad to South Africa was Phil Hughes, 25, who has a far superior first class record to Marsh and is dominating the Shield this season.

"I'm not a selector but I caught up with Hughesy at the Allan Border Medal (on Monday night) and he was certainly disappointed," Clarke said.

Shaun Marsh's selection in the Test squad has raised plenty of eyebrows. Source: News Limited

"He understands and is realistic about how he gets back in the team and that's about making as many runs as he possibly can.

"He's played really well in first class cricket this year and all he can do is keep putting runs on the boards for the selectors to keep looking at him.

"Playing at the highest level is tough and you have to go through some ups and down to work out how you play your best.

"I think Hughesy is a good example of that. He's got an enormous amount of talent, he's a great fella, the boys love him around the group and I think his game continues to improve.

"I'm really confident Hughesy is going to play a lot of Test cricket for Australia."

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Man City set to play Roar, Heart

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SUNCORP Stadium is set to host Manchester City as part of a two-game Australian tour celebrating the English Premier League giant's purchase of A-League club Melbourne Heart.

It is understood Tourism and Events Queensland are in talks with City officials about a match between the Manchester club and Brisbane Roar in May.

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"We always consider proposals to bring a high calibre sporting event to Queensland," TEQ corporate affairs group executive Megan Saunders said.

City's program will also include a match at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium against the Heart, who they now own after an $11.25 million takeover on Thursday.

City, the world's richest football club thanks to the billions of owner Sheikh Mansour, are expected to send a developmental squad to Australia.

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Their biggest stars, including Sergio Augero, David Villa, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure, will be in World Cup mode with their respective nations ahead of the globe's biggest sporting event in June in Brazil.

Still, the excitement surrounding The Citizens' new relationship with A-League should ensure healthy crowds in Brisbane and Melbourne. The Sky Blues have had an official Brisbane supporters group since last 2010.

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The group last year received the official Heart of the City recognition from the 2012 Premier League champions.

"We have a great set of supporters and have become more like a family who have come together with the same burning drive, to watch their team be successful," City's Brisbane supporters group general secretary Eric Fitton told the Manchester City website.

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In recent years the Roar have played Premier League side Everton (2010) and Scottish heavyweights Celtic (2009) at Suncorp Stadium.

Officials from the Milton venue were remaining tight-lipped about the prospect of a Manchester City visit.

"Suncorp Stadium and Tourism and Events Queensland continually work to secure additional major events for the venue, which in turn benefit the state's economy," a Suncorp Stadium spokesman said.

"We are in regular discussions with promoters and agents regarding a number of prospective major events.

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"If and when a new major event is confirmed, it will be announced at that time.

"Until that time, any negotiations should remain commercial in confidence between the parties concerned, and both Suncorp Stadium and Tourism and Events Queensland will continue to respect that principle."

City's Premier League commitments will take them through to the weekend of May 10-11, while should they make the FA Cup final, they will have a date at Wembley on May 17.

Should the Roar reach the A-League grand final, their 2013-14 commitments will end on May 4.

The Brisbane Broncos only have one NRL game scheduled at Suncorp Stadium that month, their May 16 clash against the Gold Coast Titans.

The first match of this year's State of Origin series will be played at the venue on May 28.

The Queensland Reds have three Super rugby clashes in May in Brisbane against the Crusaders (11th), Rebels (17th) and Highlanders (30th).

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Henry's blueprint for Titan success

New Titans assistant coach Neil Henry is settling in. Picture Glenn Hampson Source: Glenn Hampson / News Limited

HE played a crucial role in the early years of Queensland's record-breaking State of Origin dynasty.

And now former Cowboys coach Neil Henry has set his sights on helping restore the Gold Coast Titans into an NRL powerhouse.

In his first tell-all interview since being sacked by the Cowboys last year, Henry reveals he is determined to drag the Gold Coast out of the NRL abyss and has already applied his blueprint of success to a team that's missed the finals for the past three years.

The 52-year-old is enjoying his new role so much he already eyeing off a contract extension that would keep him on the Gold Coast as an assistant to John Cartwright beyond 2014.

"My job is here and at the moment I'd like to stay here and hopefully secure a longer term throughout this season at some stage," he said.

"I'm committed to the club for this year.

"I want to keep my options open for that head coaching position if there's one available but I've settled in quickly here.

"I still want to be a head coach again but I'm also a realist and know there's a few other guys that have been head coaches and haven't got the opportunity to go back to that position."

New Titans assistant coach Neil Henry is settling into his new surroundings on the Gold Coast after being sacked by North Queensland. Picture Glenn Hampson Source: News Limited

COWBOYS DUEL

They were touted as premiership favourites by many.

A team with Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and James Tamou couldn't possibly fail.

But when the Cowboys found themselves languishing in the NRL abyss the axe fell on Henry.

There's no doubt the decision was premature.

The Cowboys rallied, winning six straight games to reach the finals before being cruelly knocked out in that infamous seven-tackle blunder.

"You haven't got a lot of time to dwell on what happened," Henry said.

"It's a learning curve, coaching, regardless. You reflect a bit on it and you move on.

"I can move on knowing the roster is strong up there and they've played in the finals for three consecutive years which hasn't happened in the history of the club.

"I can be a little bit satisfied for what we were able to achieve up there but also disappointed I wasn't able to stay there.

"You move on pretty quickly. I got an opportunity here and I'm enjoying my time."

Gold Coast Titans Assistant coach Neil Henry. photo Scott Fletcher Source: News Limited

TITANIC EXPECTATIONS

Henry has gone from a club that hasn't missed the finals since 2010 to a club that hasn't made the finals since 2010.

On face value it seems like a backwards step for a coach that's grown accustomed to success but Henry sees something on the Gold Coast.

"Results haven't been great for a few years now but I think the way the club finished the (2013) season showed that even with a number of key players out the squad showed they can play good footy and beat the best sides," he said.

"We have to set the bar high. You're mediocre if you finish eighth and you're losing as many games as you win.

"Top four would be the aim for the club. It's been there before.

"There's a lot to like about the organisation. There's no reason why this club shouldn't be one of the top clubs moving forward.

"It's about getting the roster right and having halves who are competitive, enthusiastic and skilful."

Aidan Sezer and Albert Kelly at training. Source: News Limited

NO HALF MEASURES

Albert Kelly and Aidan Sezer - the 22-year-old indigenous playmakers who must lead the Gold Coast into a new era.

Henry spent the past five years of his career coaching one of the greatest shot-callers in history, Johnathan Thurston.

And while the Gold Coast duo have a long way to go before reaching those heights, Henry believes they hold the key.

"They've got potential but that doesn't win you games. They need to step up and be consistent performers each week," he said.

"They'll be the first to admit they were a bit erratic last season. There are some areas of their footy we need to work on and improve so they're consistent every week.

"It's a learning curve for them but we need to start the season well. They'll play a major part of that."

Sezer will be the backbone of this club but Kelly possesses the flair of a genuine match-winner.

His instincts have been compared to two-time Golden Boot winner Thurston but Henry wants to see more commitment from Kelly.

"Johnathan's instinctive but he also understands the need for structure at times too and to play to a plan," he said.

"The thing that sets him apart is he's producing good footy consistently every week. That's where Albert needs to get that consistency in his game.

"If Albert can take that from JT with the effort he puts in around the field … he's going to be a different player."

Titans Chief Executive Officer Graham Annesley and Head Coach John Cartwright. Picture: Jerad Williams Source: News Limited

COACH CARTWRIGHT

Just how this relationship would work was one of the big talking points when Henry arrived at Robina.

Cartwright is under pressure after three lean seasons but his willingness to sign Henry, who assisted Mal Meninga for the first few years of Queensland's eight-year Origin dominance, has proved he is open to new ideas.

Henry's been a fresh voice at pre-season training and says he's formed an understanding combination with his boss.

"He's easy going and is focused on a good season," Henry said.

"He's in touch with reality. He knows the side hasn't played finals football for three years.

"He's acutely aware of the results of the club and is determined to be better this year.

"My job is to work and do what Carty wants me to do. He's the head coach.

"We need to get the best out of the playing roster we've got.

"There's been a couple of changes in how we do things but only subtle changes.

"It's a real focus for us to be a better defensive team this year and keep evolving our attack as well."

Photo of Assistant Coach Neil Henry. Picture: Brendan Radke. Source: News Limited

THE FUTURE

Henry's wife, Cath, is yet to relocate to his Currumbin house while children Jack, 20, and Georgia, 18, are settled in Townsville.

But he's determined to deliver success to a rugby league region that's been craving some for so long.

"There's always been potential in this area," he said.

"It's been a difficult past with what's happened at the club.

"It's a strong roster, there's good depth now, particularly in the outside backs.

"We need to win most of our home games, if not all of them, and get the crowd excited about the style of footy we're playing.

"That's all we can control as a football department."

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Thunder hungry for second win

Mike Hussey of the Thunder celebrates. Source: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

THE Sydney Thunder will be looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time since the inaugural Big Bash League in 2011 when they host city rivals the Sixers at ANZ Stadium tonight.

Mike Hussey's men finally put an end to their 19-match losing streak when they beat the Melbourne Renegades last week, but they've never beaten the Sixers nor won a game at home.

Hussey says the Thunder have taken some confidence from their win in Melbourne and will approach tonight's game with a similar, positive mindset and will aim to start strong.

"We were a bit more aggressive and we want to try and keep that attacking mindset," Hussey said.

"It's been a shame really for us that we've had probably a 12 day break since that game to this one because it would've been nice to keep that roll moving along, but that's the way it goes.

"We'll take that confidence and the things we've done well from that game into the match against the Sixers."

A record crowd is expected at the Thunder's final game of the season, but there will be no favours from the Sixers.

The Thunder have nothing to play for but pride - they're already guaranteed the wooden spoon again - but the Sixers are after a home semi-final.

They'll get that if they secure the win and the Perth Scorchers lose to leaders the Melbourne Stars on Monday.

"If we knock the Thunder over, I'll be a Stars fan hoping the Scorchers will get knocked over too,'' Moises Henriques said.

The all-rounder will led the team in magenta in the absence of Steve Smith, who has been called into Australia's one-day international squad.

He believes the current Sixers team is as strong as the 2011/2012 champions.

"I think so, especially with guys like Mitchell Starc not so far away from playing cricket - he should be back by semi-final time," Henriques said.

"And Sean Abbott comes back into the team this game.

"Although we do lose Steve Smith, we gain those two players."

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Blue hoo Keary cries Maroon tears

Luke Keary during warm up for South Sydney Rabbitohs training. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

RISING South Sydney star Luke Keary is so desperate to wear Maroon and not be forced to play for NSW that he has requested a meeting with NRL head of football Todd Greenberg.

Greenberg told The Courier-Mail that he was willing to listen to Keary's plea to reverse the ARL Commission's eligibility ruling because the young halfback's case was so unique.

Keary was born and raised in Ipswich until he was 10, even started his junior football career in the region, but then moved to Sydney where he continued to rise through the school and junior ranks to become the budding superstar he is today.

Under the ARLC eligibility criteria Keary answers four questions NSW and only one for Queensland which is why he was deemed to be a Blue by the game's powerbrokers.

Maroons coach Mal Meninga is fully supportive of Keary's desire to represent Queensland, particularly after the likes of Rabbitohs Greg Inglis and Michael Crocker pushed his credentials as a star of the future last season.

But Greenberg understands Keary's case is complex and that is why he has accepted a request to meet the player to discuss the situation.

Luke Keary during warm up for South Sydney Rabbitohs training at Redfern Oval. Source: News Limited

The meeting won't result in an immediate overruling, but Greenberg said it would at least allow him to understand the reasoning behind the 21-year-old's desire and perhaps lead to an appeal hearing.

"I'm not sure if it's an appeal as such. He asked us to have a look at his situation which we confirmed back to him that we saw it as he is a NSW player," Greenberg said.

"He has asked to catch up with me personally to talk through it which I'm happy to do.

"Whether that goes to a more formal request I'm not sure but I'm certainly going to catch up with him in the next couple of weeks.

"It's never a perfect system because people have rights of birth and where they play their football, but that decision was undertaken and conveyed back to him.

"But if he has asked for that meeting I'm certainly happy to talk him through the issues."

Discussion of Keary's Origin potential might be scoffed by some, especially as the kid has only just broken into first grade, but settling the argument now is the best result considering it may not be too long before he becomes a genuine selection chance.

Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds. Source: News Limited

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said Keary was already forcing his way into South Sydney's starting side for next season, forcing John Sutton into a likely move to the forward pack so he can partner Adam Reynolds in the halves.

Maguire said he's been impressed by Keary's preseason efforts and was excited about seeing him perform in the NRL trials.

"He has been excellent. He has had a really good preseason and I'm looking forward to seeing where he it takes him, he is a good player Luke," Maguire said.

Told Keary was already at the heart of an Origin fight Maguire was keen to see the youngster remain a Blue.

"I haven't spoken to him, but being a New South Welshman he would be handy in a NSW jersey," he said.

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Putin, you're out of touch

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SOCHI-bound Australian Winter Olympian Belle Brockhoff says she plans to send a strong, unambiguous message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that she disapproves of Russia's anti-gays laws.

The 21-year-old Victorian snowboard cross rider is the only openly gay athlete on the 56-strong Australian Winter Olympic team.

She has vowed to make her views known before, after and possibly even during her snowboard cross event on Sunday, February 16.

"It's the perfect opportunity to send a message," Brockhoff said.

"The Australian Olympic Committee has been really supportive and they want me to be safe. They don't recommend me waving a [rainbow] flag around which I won't do.

"The most I'll do is hold up six fingers to represent Principle Six. Possibly I'll do it on camera here or there, and maybe after the heats of my event."

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks of his personal feelings towards gay people and welcomes any chance to chat with Elton John. Courtesy: BBC

Principle Six is one of seven Fundamental Principles of Olympism on the Olympic Charter. It states:

"Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement."

Two anti-discrimination nonprofit groups have together created the website principle6.org, and Belle Brockhoff appears on the homepage.

The site's organisers are hoping that straight athletes join the six-fingered salute as a show of solidarity.

Brockhoff says she'll do limited interviews before her event, but afterwards will talk to as many people as possible in order to convey her anger towards President Putin.

"After I compete, I'm willing to rip on his ass," she said.

"I'm not happy and there's a bunch of other Olympians who are not happy either."

Brockhoff is one of Australia's best medal hopes in Sochi, and carries a rich snowsports bloodline.

Belle Brockhoff flies through the air, displaying the form that earned her a place on the plane to Sochi. Source: News Limited

Her uncle, Peter Brockhoff competed in Alpine Skiing at the 1960 and 1964 Winter Olympics, while her grandfather Harold Brockhoff was one of the original pioneers of Mt Buller.

Her great aunt, Joyce Brockhoff has a ski hut and a run named in her honour at Mt Hotham in recognition of her work promoting the place of women in snow sport

The run is extremely steep and gnarly, which is exactly how Belle Brockhoff likes her racecourses.

Brockhoff has suffered at least five serious falls in just two seasons on the snowboard cross World Cup circuit. In the latest, in Andorra, she slammed her head on the snow and suffered concussion.

But she's stood on a World Cup podium, which means her best is definitely good enough for an Olympic medal.

"I like going fast," she says. "I love hitting jumps, love pinning it. My advantage above most of the girls is not having fear of the course. I am hardly ever scared before hitting the course."

She's clearly not scared of airing her views either, and whatever happens on snow, Belle Brockhoff is certain to be one of the most in-demand athletes from any country in Sochi.

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