TooSerious
For those who take it way too seriously
Manchester United 1 Man City 6. Ill say that again Man United 1 Man City 6!!! What a scoreline! Uniteds defence has looked decidedly dodgy this year - but 6? Its the first time since 1930 that United have let in six at Old Trafford! City were certainly helped by the fact that Jonny Evans - a bomb scare if ever there was one - was sent off just after half-time with the score 1-0 to the blues, nonetheless it was an outstanding performance by them. Thoroughly deserved and frankly it couldve been more.
David Silva was instrumental in tearing United to shreds and there cant be many players in the world better than him at the moment. He wasnt the only hero for City though - Richards, Milner, Balotelli were all exceptional, but really all the players played their part. Balotelli scored twice before being replaced by Dzeko with 20mins remaining. Dzeko scored two but had five clear scoring opportunities as City took advantage of a United defence in disarray. Silva scored once as well as assisting, Richards assisted with one, Milner assisted two while Aguero also got on the scoresheet. Nasri started on the bench and it has to be said that City looked a more solid, balanced team with a midfield of Barry, Yaya and Milner. Fletcher scored a peach of a goal for United and Rooney never stopped running for his team but it was all to no avail.<!--more-->
Ferguson decided not to risk Vidic for this one but hell be desparate to get him back in the team to try and shore up their defence. United will look to punish their next opponents - Everton at Goodison - but dont be surprised to find some team changes.
QPR v Chelsea
Torres was suspended for this one which gave Drogba the opportunity to impress. Bizarrely he instead got himself red-carded in the first half for a two-footed lunge on Taarabt who was also restored to the starting line-up. By this point Chelsea were already a man down and a goal down. The goal came from the penalty spot after Luiz had nudged Helguson in...
David Silva was instrumental in tearing United to shreds and there cant be many players in the world better than him at the moment. He wasnt the only hero for City though - Richards, Milner, Balotelli were all exceptional, but really all the players played their part. Balotelli scored twice before being replaced by Dzeko with 20mins remaining. Dzeko scored two but had five clear scoring opportunities as City took advantage of a United defence in disarray. Silva scored once as well as assisting, Richards assisted with one, Milner assisted two while Aguero also got on the scoresheet. Nasri started on the bench and it has to be said that City looked a more solid, balanced team with a midfield of Barry, Yaya and Milner. Fletcher scored a peach of a goal for United and Rooney never stopped running for his team but it was all to no avail.<!--more-->
Ferguson decided not to risk Vidic for this one but hell be desparate to get him back in the team to try and shore up their defence. United will look to punish their next opponents - Everton at Goodison - but dont be surprised to find some team changes.
QPR v Chelsea
Torres was suspended for this one which gave Drogba the opportunity to impress. Bizarrely he instead got himself red-carded in the first half for a two-footed lunge on Taarabt who was also restored to the starting line-up. By this point Chelsea were already a man down and a goal down. The goal came from the penalty spot after Luiz had nudged Helguson in...
First things first, an update on the NBA - well there isnt heaps to tell as usual, as the people involved still arent giving much away; although there was a mammoth meeting today with a mediator that lasted 16 hours! Nothing has been resolved and they adjourned the meeting until the next morning, which is actually due to kick off right about now (midnight melbs time). So it looks like something will come of this meeting, but who knows what... lets hope that they sort it out and dont cancel any more of the season.
Later on, over the break, Ill update whats happening with our fantasy NBA leagues, and what we need to do to set them up more.
In the NBL, round 2 saw the first of the H2H matches. Our league did not fare as well this week, with only Sainter and Parasite beating their round 1 scores. Parasite moved up to second on the Points For ladder and is in the top 100 overall, while our highest scorer - Under Achievers - is sitting in 13th spot overall with a heap of players playing two games this week. Our league slipped to 12th overall, and I reckon I can take a bit of the blame for that after scoring the lowest score this week! I only managed 132 which was about 40 points lower than the next closest
. I made two trades last week - both failing bigtime. Traded out Abercrombie when I should have trade Wilkinson. and traded in Kazzough who did not live up to his value in the slightest with a spuddy 14 (as captain too).
My highest scorer was Patty Mills, and I must say that it was fantastic to go and see him play last Friday! Met TS member Jet there, in person for the first time. Was good to meet you mate - had a ball! One gripe though... was the courtside announcer. He was a shocker. Totally biased and disrespectful to the tigers, especially towards Mills - I personally thought it was a disgrace. What do you all think about that stuff?
Over the break are the results from round 1 of our H2H matches; our ladder; the schedule for this week and some...
Later on, over the break, Ill update whats happening with our fantasy NBA leagues, and what we need to do to set them up more.
In the NBL, round 2 saw the first of the H2H matches. Our league did not fare as well this week, with only Sainter and Parasite beating their round 1 scores. Parasite moved up to second on the Points For ladder and is in the top 100 overall, while our highest scorer - Under Achievers - is sitting in 13th spot overall with a heap of players playing two games this week. Our league slipped to 12th overall, and I reckon I can take a bit of the blame for that after scoring the lowest score this week! I only managed 132 which was about 40 points lower than the next closest
. I made two trades last week - both failing bigtime. Traded out Abercrombie when I should have trade Wilkinson. and traded in Kazzough who did not live up to his value in the slightest with a spuddy 14 (as captain too).My highest scorer was Patty Mills, and I must say that it was fantastic to go and see him play last Friday! Met TS member Jet there, in person for the first time. Was good to meet you mate - had a ball! One gripe though... was the courtside announcer. He was a shocker. Totally biased and disrespectful to the tigers, especially towards Mills - I personally thought it was a disgrace. What do you all think about that stuff?
Over the break are the results from round 1 of our H2H matches; our ladder; the schedule for this week and some...
So, Patrick Keane was tweeting away today (@AFL_PKeane - follow along, its a great read!), posted a lot of stuff about the upcoming 2012 seasons fixture as follows:
<!--more-->
2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture set to be released at end of next week, Fri 28/10.
2012 NAB Cup will begin the weekend Feb 17/18 for first 9 teams with remaining 9 teams to begin weekend Feb 24/25. NAB Cup GF on Sat 17/3.
2012 Premiership Season will see 22 rounds across 23 wks. Rd22 to be played Aug 31-Sept 2.
2012 Finals Series Dates are - Week 1 - Sept 7/8/9; Week 2 - Sept 14/15; Week 3 - Sept 21/22 and Grand Final - Sept 29.
2012 Premiership Season will see 22 GAMES for each club across 23 wks. One week off for each team. Final round to be played Aug 31-Sept 2.
Rounds 11-12-13 in mid-year will see 6 matches in each of those rounds, compared to normal 9 matches, with 6 clubs havng a bye in each round
As 18-team competition now has 10 Vic-based and 8 non-Vic clubs, that means that ALL clubs will now travel interstate a minimum of 5 times.
All going along swimmingly really, until the second to last post and BAM - hits us with a 3-round multi bye!
But these are the sissy little multibyes of this year, no, we have SIX teams missing in each bye in 2012, unlike the sissy 3 teams that were missing in 2011.
Wowsers, I dunno if there will be any real way to avoid copping donuts with that many teams out, but I reckon if you can navigate it (or at least not be hurting from other injury when it rolls around), youll go a long way to securing success for the year. Heck, might even be worth moving the trading cycle back a week just to ensure that you have 2 trades a week to cash in over that period!
Anyways, let us know your thoughts!
<!--more-->
2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture set to be released at end of next week, Fri 28/10.
2012 NAB Cup will begin the weekend Feb 17/18 for first 9 teams with remaining 9 teams to begin weekend Feb 24/25. NAB Cup GF on Sat 17/3.
2012 Premiership Season will see 22 rounds across 23 wks. Rd22 to be played Aug 31-Sept 2.
2012 Finals Series Dates are - Week 1 - Sept 7/8/9; Week 2 - Sept 14/15; Week 3 - Sept 21/22 and Grand Final - Sept 29.
2012 Premiership Season will see 22 GAMES for each club across 23 wks. One week off for each team. Final round to be played Aug 31-Sept 2.
Rounds 11-12-13 in mid-year will see 6 matches in each of those rounds, compared to normal 9 matches, with 6 clubs havng a bye in each round
As 18-team competition now has 10 Vic-based and 8 non-Vic clubs, that means that ALL clubs will now travel interstate a minimum of 5 times.
All going along swimmingly really, until the second to last post and BAM - hits us with a 3-round multi bye!
But these are the sissy little multibyes of this year, no, we have SIX teams missing in each bye in 2012, unlike the sissy 3 teams that were missing in 2011.
Wowsers, I dunno if there will be any real way to avoid copping donuts with that many teams out, but I reckon if you can navigate it (or at least not be hurting from other injury when it rolls around), youll go a long way to securing success for the year. Heck, might even be worth moving the trading cycle back a week just to ensure that you have 2 trades a week to cash in over that period!
Anyways, let us know your thoughts!
It was back to EPL action this week after an international break that saw Australia cruise through their match against Oman, Rooney getting sent off in an all too familiar show of petulance and Scotland taking it easy on World Champs Spain to let them win 3-1.
Sir Alex decided it better to leave Rooney on the bench in the match of the weekend against Liverpool as his red card and subsequent three match suspension for the Euro Championships had made it a "hard week for him". Another way of saying he doesnt trust him not to get sent off again. United also started with Nani, Valencia and Hernandez on the bench. Liverpool dropped Carroll to the bench. Gerrard scored the first from a free kick after Adam was "brought down" in a game that they had enough chances that they arguably should have won. United can never be written off though and after bringing on the trio of Hernandez, Nani and Rooney the writing was on the wall. Hernandez getting the equaliser. Going into the match, United had conceded more shots on their goal than any other team in the EPL.
Rooney throughout his career has scored his goals in bursts of form. With his fathers arrest and the possibility of missing the Euro finals weighing on his mind, is it possible that hes going to go off the boil for a few games?<img src="../wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" align="BOTTOM" /><!--more-->
Man City v Villa
Man City went top of the table after trouncing Villa 4-1. Villa put on a decent show until Balotelli opened the scoring with a cracking overhead kick. The boy is on form and with Aguero out injured(possibly back next wk), the Tevez debacle and Dzeko throwing his toys out of the pram in Munich - hes stepped up to the plate with four goals in his last four games.
A rare goal from Kompany as well as one each for Johnson and Milner completed their scoring. Warnock scored Villas goal.
Chelsea v Everton
Chelsea are now sitting...
Sir Alex decided it better to leave Rooney on the bench in the match of the weekend against Liverpool as his red card and subsequent three match suspension for the Euro Championships had made it a "hard week for him". Another way of saying he doesnt trust him not to get sent off again. United also started with Nani, Valencia and Hernandez on the bench. Liverpool dropped Carroll to the bench. Gerrard scored the first from a free kick after Adam was "brought down" in a game that they had enough chances that they arguably should have won. United can never be written off though and after bringing on the trio of Hernandez, Nani and Rooney the writing was on the wall. Hernandez getting the equaliser. Going into the match, United had conceded more shots on their goal than any other team in the EPL.
Rooney throughout his career has scored his goals in bursts of form. With his fathers arrest and the possibility of missing the Euro finals weighing on his mind, is it possible that hes going to go off the boil for a few games?<img src="../wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" align="BOTTOM" /><!--more-->
Man City v Villa
Man City went top of the table after trouncing Villa 4-1. Villa put on a decent show until Balotelli opened the scoring with a cracking overhead kick. The boy is on form and with Aguero out injured(possibly back next wk), the Tevez debacle and Dzeko throwing his toys out of the pram in Munich - hes stepped up to the plate with four goals in his last four games.
A rare goal from Kompany as well as one each for Johnson and Milner completed their scoring. Warnock scored Villas goal.
Chelsea v Everton
Chelsea are now sitting...
Lets take a look at all the Ins and outs.
What do you think, who do you reckon won trade week this year? (GWS dont count cause they could magic up players for picks)
Crows did very well for themselves, provided Crouch hits the mark on his potential, but I reckon the Gold Coast has them beat. Omaeger looks like hes going to be an utter ripper. That said, for coming out "in front", I reckon the Pies did very well, essentially trading pick 25 in a compromised draft, for pick 65, to secure Yagmoor, Clarke and Elliot (Who for mine, was a top 25 pick anyways!)
Adelaide
IN: Crouch (17yo), Lewis Johnston, Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Luke Brown, Pick 27, Pick 41, Pick 46, Pick 64, Pick 68
OUT: Jack Gunston, Ivan Maric, Pick 10, Rd 1 Comp (Davis), Pick 53, Pick 71
Brisbane
IN: Jordan Lisle, Ben Hudson, Dayne Zorko, Pick 12, Pick 47, Pick 69
OUT: Luke Power, Mitch Clark, Pick 29, Pick 34, Pick 52, Pick 70
Carlton
IN:
OUT:
Collingwood
IN: Peter Yagmoor, Marty Clarke, Jamie Elliot, Pick 50, Pick 67
OUT: Pick 25, Pick 47
Essendon
IN: Pick 31
OUT: Josh Jenkins, Pick 41
Fremantle
IN: Pick 20, Pick 29, Pick 58, Pick 71
OUT: Rd 1 Comp (Palmer), Pick 38, Pick 56
Geelong
IN: Pick 32, Pick 34
OUT: , Pick 26
Gold Coast
IN: OMeara (17yo), Matthew Warnock, Rd 1 comp pick (N. Bock), Pick 24, Pick 31, Pick 50
OUT: Pick 4, Mid rd 1 Comp (Ablett), Rd 2 Comp pick (N. Krakouer), Pick 27, Pick 31, Pick 32, Pick 68
GWS
IN: Luke Power, Chad Cornes, Dean Brogan, Sam Reid, Pick 4, Pick 10, Pick 14, Mid rd 1 Comp (Ablett), Rd 1 Comp (Davis), Rd 1 Comp (Palmer), Pick 15, Pick 25, Pick 56
OUT: Pick 25, Pick 31, Pick 49, Pick 67
Hawthorn
IN: Jack Gunston, Jarrad Boumann, Pick 33, Pick 38, Pick 53
OUT: Jordan Lisle, Brent...
What do you think, who do you reckon won trade week this year? (GWS dont count cause they could magic up players for picks)
Crows did very well for themselves, provided Crouch hits the mark on his potential, but I reckon the Gold Coast has them beat. Omaeger looks like hes going to be an utter ripper. That said, for coming out "in front", I reckon the Pies did very well, essentially trading pick 25 in a compromised draft, for pick 65, to secure Yagmoor, Clarke and Elliot (Who for mine, was a top 25 pick anyways!)
Adelaide
IN: Crouch (17yo), Lewis Johnston, Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Luke Brown, Pick 27, Pick 41, Pick 46, Pick 64, Pick 68
OUT: Jack Gunston, Ivan Maric, Pick 10, Rd 1 Comp (Davis), Pick 53, Pick 71
Brisbane
IN: Jordan Lisle, Ben Hudson, Dayne Zorko, Pick 12, Pick 47, Pick 69
OUT: Luke Power, Mitch Clark, Pick 29, Pick 34, Pick 52, Pick 70
Carlton
IN:
OUT:
Collingwood
IN: Peter Yagmoor, Marty Clarke, Jamie Elliot, Pick 50, Pick 67
OUT: Pick 25, Pick 47
Essendon
IN: Pick 31
OUT: Josh Jenkins, Pick 41
Fremantle
IN: Pick 20, Pick 29, Pick 58, Pick 71
OUT: Rd 1 Comp (Palmer), Pick 38, Pick 56
Geelong
IN: Pick 32, Pick 34
OUT: , Pick 26
Gold Coast
IN: OMeara (17yo), Matthew Warnock, Rd 1 comp pick (N. Bock), Pick 24, Pick 31, Pick 50
OUT: Pick 4, Mid rd 1 Comp (Ablett), Rd 2 Comp pick (N. Krakouer), Pick 27, Pick 31, Pick 32, Pick 68
GWS
IN: Luke Power, Chad Cornes, Dean Brogan, Sam Reid, Pick 4, Pick 10, Pick 14, Mid rd 1 Comp (Ablett), Rd 1 Comp (Davis), Rd 1 Comp (Palmer), Pick 15, Pick 25, Pick 56
OUT: Pick 25, Pick 31, Pick 49, Pick 67
Hawthorn
IN: Jack Gunston, Jarrad Boumann, Pick 33, Pick 38, Pick 53
OUT: Jordan Lisle, Brent...
Im not gonna write much this week, as Im having a really busy week, but it was fantastic to have hoops back in the frame in this country again wasnt it. I am loving the hype of this season. Just a pity One hasnt got it together and put the games on live yet! On that - everyone should <a href="http://anzballaz.com/how-you-can-help-get-nbl-live/" target="_blank">head over HERE[/url] and sign a petition ANZ Ballaz have going to get NBL live this season... there are already more than 750 names, but we need much more I would imagine. They also have details of places you can call to agitate the network, so head on over and have a look and get involved.
Im super excited this week, as I got me ticket to the Wildcats Tigers game tomorrow night - Big shout out to Jet for helping us out there! See you at the game mate. I have never been to Challenge stadium before, as Im relatively new to WA. Cant wait... two of the best teams in the league up against each other, with my fave player running around! Cant wait to see Patty Mills out there in the flesh - hopefully he turns it on!
For that reason, I have to be honest that I am very happy the NBA Lockout lasted this long, but now it would be good for them to come to an agreement and get the season going. For those that are unaware, they have officially canned the first two weeks of the regular season. Which throws our fantasy season out a bit... we had set up the size of our leagues based on the amount of weeks in the regular season, but Im thinking we can just play around with the finals format so that we have the same length fantasy regular season as we would have anyway. But that all depends on how much of the season ends up being cancelled of course. Hopefully not much more... please.
Anyway, onto the fantasy NBL. We had an awesome start, with our league ranked 6th overall out of 355 leagues. UnderAchievers has started brilliantly with his team ranked 9th overall, after smashing out a whopping 472 points... and,...
Im super excited this week, as I got me ticket to the Wildcats Tigers game tomorrow night - Big shout out to Jet for helping us out there! See you at the game mate. I have never been to Challenge stadium before, as Im relatively new to WA. Cant wait... two of the best teams in the league up against each other, with my fave player running around! Cant wait to see Patty Mills out there in the flesh - hopefully he turns it on!
For that reason, I have to be honest that I am very happy the NBA Lockout lasted this long, but now it would be good for them to come to an agreement and get the season going. For those that are unaware, they have officially canned the first two weeks of the regular season. Which throws our fantasy season out a bit... we had set up the size of our leagues based on the amount of weeks in the regular season, but Im thinking we can just play around with the finals format so that we have the same length fantasy regular season as we would have anyway. But that all depends on how much of the season ends up being cancelled of course. Hopefully not much more... please.
Anyway, onto the fantasy NBL. We had an awesome start, with our league ranked 6th overall out of 355 leagues. UnderAchievers has started brilliantly with his team ranked 9th overall, after smashing out a whopping 472 points... and,...
Trade week is upon us, and its been talked up as being a huge one.
That said though, so was last year, and the year before that- and generally peters out into a not-much instead of the predicted roar.
I would love to see some big moves, just wont get my hopes up.
That said though, well be keeping track of everything that happens here, and on the Twitter- so follow along and check back!
Mini draft
Gold Coast Suns formally select J OMeara as pick one in mini-draft.
Adelaide Crows formally select B Crouch as pick two in mini-draft.
Official Trades
Trade p/work lodged - Richmond exchange 2010 End rd1 Comp pick (N Bock) to Suns for 2010 Rd2 Comp pick (N Krakouer),On-Traded rd1 pick (26).
Again, the Sun consolidate their picks towards the top of the ladder.
Trade p/work lodged - Essendon exchange Josh Jenkins and rd2 pick (41) to the Adelaide Crows for its On-Traded rd2 pick (31).
Jenkins to move up 10 spots in the draft, I dunno, I have a feeling that this one will bite us in a few years if JD doesnt come on as expected.
Trade p/work lodged - St Kilda exchange Tommy Walsh to Sydney for On-Traded rd2 pick (35) and On-Traded rd4 pick (68).
Not a bad result for a rookie pick who hasnt played a game. Reckon both sides will be happy enough with this one.
Trade p/work lodged - Adelaide exchange On-Traded rd1 (24) to the Suns for its Priority Selection (27), On-Traded rd 2 (31) and rd4 (68).
The suns again focus their picks up, 24 for 27 and 31 is an easy win for the Crows here.
Trade p/work lodged. Geelong exchange rd 1 (26) to the Suns for its rd 2 (32) and its on-traded rd 2 (34).
I reckon Geelong have done well here, falling 6 spots back to pick up #34 should benefit them, while the GC probably need more quality and less quantity in their picks.
Trade p/work lodged - 3-Way Trade
Lions Recieve Dayne Zorko (Qld Zone) and On-Traded rd2...
That said though, so was last year, and the year before that- and generally peters out into a not-much instead of the predicted roar.
I would love to see some big moves, just wont get my hopes up.
That said though, well be keeping track of everything that happens here, and on the Twitter- so follow along and check back!
Mini draft
Gold Coast Suns formally select J OMeara as pick one in mini-draft.
Adelaide Crows formally select B Crouch as pick two in mini-draft.
Official Trades
Trade p/work lodged - Richmond exchange 2010 End rd1 Comp pick (N Bock) to Suns for 2010 Rd2 Comp pick (N Krakouer),On-Traded rd1 pick (26).
Again, the Sun consolidate their picks towards the top of the ladder.
Trade p/work lodged - Essendon exchange Josh Jenkins and rd2 pick (41) to the Adelaide Crows for its On-Traded rd2 pick (31).
Jenkins to move up 10 spots in the draft, I dunno, I have a feeling that this one will bite us in a few years if JD doesnt come on as expected.
Trade p/work lodged - St Kilda exchange Tommy Walsh to Sydney for On-Traded rd2 pick (35) and On-Traded rd4 pick (68).
Not a bad result for a rookie pick who hasnt played a game. Reckon both sides will be happy enough with this one.
Trade p/work lodged - Adelaide exchange On-Traded rd1 (24) to the Suns for its Priority Selection (27), On-Traded rd 2 (31) and rd4 (68).
The suns again focus their picks up, 24 for 27 and 31 is an easy win for the Crows here.
Trade p/work lodged. Geelong exchange rd 1 (26) to the Suns for its rd 2 (32) and its on-traded rd 2 (34).
I reckon Geelong have done well here, falling 6 spots back to pick up #34 should benefit them, while the GC probably need more quality and less quantity in their picks.
Trade p/work lodged - 3-Way Trade
Lions Recieve Dayne Zorko (Qld Zone) and On-Traded rd2...
If youre not already, its time to get psyched about the NBL, as theres only one sleep to go before the new season gets underway.
Patty Mills has come home and Andrew Bogut confirmed today that he will follow in his footsteps very soon, which has brought out a lot of hype and publicity about the new season. Personally I havent been this excited about the NBL for about ten years, or probably more.
Hot off the heals of his <a href="http://www.nbl.com.au/tigers/news/article/2011/september/patty-mills-deadly-awards-sportsman-of-the-year/" target="_blank">Deadly award for Indigenous Sportsmen of the Year[/url], Mills will be suiting up for the first time in the NBL for the Melbourne Tigers on opening night against the Sydney Kings, who may just be sporting their own prized rookie - none other than Andrew Bogut, the first ever Aussie to be picked #1 in the NBA draft. Patty is easily my most favorite player at the moment, and Im sooo excited that hell be in the NBL for a bit. Melbourne come over to Perth (where I currently reside) to play the Wildcats in round 2, so I am eagerly awaiting that game and Ill be there with me bells on! (If Jet pulls through ) Im also selfishly hoping the NBA lockout lasts at least until after that game .
Sydney are the front runners for Boguts signature; however it is not official yet, and may not be until moments before tipoff! They have apparently sent him a play book to make sure he is up to speed if able to play on opening night; however it is now increasingly likely that he will not play in round 1.
But if it does eventuate this way - what a first up matchup it will be! I am a soccer fan as well, and I reckon Bogues v Mills is a far more attractive matchup than Emerton v Kewell in round 1 of the A-league happening on the same weekend. Sydney is an interesting team for him to sign with, as they already have the most dominant big man in the league in Julian Kazzough... Which makes it so intriguing to see how they play...
Patty Mills has come home and Andrew Bogut confirmed today that he will follow in his footsteps very soon, which has brought out a lot of hype and publicity about the new season. Personally I havent been this excited about the NBL for about ten years, or probably more.
Hot off the heals of his <a href="http://www.nbl.com.au/tigers/news/article/2011/september/patty-mills-deadly-awards-sportsman-of-the-year/" target="_blank">Deadly award for Indigenous Sportsmen of the Year[/url], Mills will be suiting up for the first time in the NBL for the Melbourne Tigers on opening night against the Sydney Kings, who may just be sporting their own prized rookie - none other than Andrew Bogut, the first ever Aussie to be picked #1 in the NBA draft. Patty is easily my most favorite player at the moment, and Im sooo excited that hell be in the NBL for a bit. Melbourne come over to Perth (where I currently reside) to play the Wildcats in round 2, so I am eagerly awaiting that game and Ill be there with me bells on! (If Jet pulls through
) Im also selfishly hoping the NBA lockout lasts at least until after that game .Sydney are the front runners for Boguts signature; however it is not official yet, and may not be until moments before tipoff! They have apparently sent him a play book to make sure he is up to speed if able to play on opening night; however it is now increasingly likely that he will not play in round 1.
But if it does eventuate this way - what a first up matchup it will be! I am a soccer fan as well, and I reckon Bogues v Mills is a far more attractive matchup than Emerton v Kewell in round 1 of the A-league happening on the same weekend. Sydney is an interesting team for him to sign with, as they already have the most dominant big man in the league in Julian Kazzough... Which makes it so intriguing to see how they play...
Last seasons excellent run by Liverpool after King Kenny took interim charge had many predicting a big year for them this time round. With the new owners making plenty of money available there is every chance of Liverpool fighting for a Champions League spot (top 4) at the very least.
What of Liverpools new signings though - Downing, Enrique, Adam, Coates, Henderson, Bellamy, as well as Carroll and Suarez who were signed in January - are they the real deal, capable of pushing Liverpool on towards their first title since 1990?
Results have been decent enough, with away victories against Arsenal and Everton the pick of the bunch - on the surface anyway. The ridiculous red-card handed out to Jack Rodwell certainly helped Liverpool on the way to those 3pts. While Blackburn have shown that beating Arsenal isnt a particularly great achievement these days. Nonetheless, you can only beat whats in front of you.<!--more-->
Enrique -
We know what he can offer when joining the attack and has grabbed himself a couple of assists in the last two games. Defensively he hasnt looked brilliant but hes not the only one. Room for improvement.
Coates -
The centre-half excelled in the Copa America but has hardly had a sniff of the Liverpool first team. Dalglish can be cautious and quite over-protective with his players (as weve seen with Gerrards limited game-time since injury) and hes possibly just giving Coates the opportunity to acclimatise to England and the EPL before throwing him in the deep end.
Downing -
Hasnt looked particularly impressive so far and hasnt really linked well with Enrique down that left side. He is an excellent player though and will hopefully come onto a game soon.
Henderson -
Hasnt yet shown the form of last season which earned him a call-up to the England team. Dalglish bought him for his potential and in time Im hopeful that hell show how good he is. Liverpool have a plethora of midfielders and for this season he might...
What of Liverpools new signings though - Downing, Enrique, Adam, Coates, Henderson, Bellamy, as well as Carroll and Suarez who were signed in January - are they the real deal, capable of pushing Liverpool on towards their first title since 1990?
Results have been decent enough, with away victories against Arsenal and Everton the pick of the bunch - on the surface anyway. The ridiculous red-card handed out to Jack Rodwell certainly helped Liverpool on the way to those 3pts. While Blackburn have shown that beating Arsenal isnt a particularly great achievement these days. Nonetheless, you can only beat whats in front of you.<!--more-->
Enrique -
We know what he can offer when joining the attack and has grabbed himself a couple of assists in the last two games. Defensively he hasnt looked brilliant but hes not the only one. Room for improvement.
Coates -
The centre-half excelled in the Copa America but has hardly had a sniff of the Liverpool first team. Dalglish can be cautious and quite over-protective with his players (as weve seen with Gerrards limited game-time since injury) and hes possibly just giving Coates the opportunity to acclimatise to England and the EPL before throwing him in the deep end.
Downing -
Hasnt looked particularly impressive so far and hasnt really linked well with Enrique down that left side. He is an excellent player though and will hopefully come onto a game soon.
Henderson -
Hasnt yet shown the form of last season which earned him a call-up to the England team. Dalglish bought him for his potential and in time Im hopeful that hell show how good he is. Liverpool have a plethora of midfielders and for this season he might...
Well I thought it would be remiss of us not to give even the teams for a preview of the big game tomorrow.
I dont think anyone really knows whats going to happen, which preparation is the best, and who will win. I could see any result occurring from a blow out each way, to a tight game. Pretty much you have to bring your A game or lose.
Teams:
Collingwood:
Toovey, Reid, OBrien
Maxwell, Tarrant, Shaw
Blair, Swan, Thomas
Johnson, Brown, Didak
Sidebottom, Cloke, Ball
Jolly, Pendlebury, Krakouer
Davis, Dawes, Wellingham, Fasolo
(E) Goldsack, Wood, Sinclair
Geelong:
Hunt, Scarlett, Lonergan
Enright, Taylor, Wojcinski
Selwood, Bartel, Mackie
Johnson, Hawkins, Varcoe
West, Podsiadly, Chapman
Ottens, Ling, Corey
Kelly, Stokes, Duncan, Christensen
(E) Byrnes, Milburn, Guthrie
Id suggest the game will be played with both teams having loose men in defence, making centre breaks and quick entries crucial. The Pies have to lift from their performance v Hawthorn, but are capable of doing just that. Hawthorn played better against the Pies than the Cats. Its just hard getting a read on the form-line. Youd suggest in raw terms Geelong are primed.
One things for sure, the Cats have no excuses; they could not have asked for a better run. And the Pies, well they have learned first hand how difficult it is to go back-to-back. If they win, it would be as epic as Hawthorn 89, Adelaide 98 or Brisbane 02 - all very meritorious victories.
Im going, and Im hoping my team wins. For the neutrals, I hope you get a good game, but not at the expense of victory!
I dont think anyone really knows whats going to happen, which preparation is the best, and who will win. I could see any result occurring from a blow out each way, to a tight game. Pretty much you have to bring your A game or lose.
Teams:
Collingwood:
Toovey, Reid, OBrien
Maxwell, Tarrant, Shaw
Blair, Swan, Thomas
Johnson, Brown, Didak
Sidebottom, Cloke, Ball
Jolly, Pendlebury, Krakouer
Davis, Dawes, Wellingham, Fasolo
(E) Goldsack, Wood, Sinclair
Geelong:
Hunt, Scarlett, Lonergan
Enright, Taylor, Wojcinski
Selwood, Bartel, Mackie
Johnson, Hawkins, Varcoe
West, Podsiadly, Chapman
Ottens, Ling, Corey
Kelly, Stokes, Duncan, Christensen
(E) Byrnes, Milburn, Guthrie
Id suggest the game will be played with both teams having loose men in defence, making centre breaks and quick entries crucial. The Pies have to lift from their performance v Hawthorn, but are capable of doing just that. Hawthorn played better against the Pies than the Cats. Its just hard getting a read on the form-line. Youd suggest in raw terms Geelong are primed.
One things for sure, the Cats have no excuses; they could not have asked for a better run. And the Pies, well they have learned first hand how difficult it is to go back-to-back. If they win, it would be as epic as Hawthorn 89, Adelaide 98 or Brisbane 02 - all very meritorious victories.
Im going, and Im hoping my team wins. For the neutrals, I hope you get a good game, but not at the expense of victory!
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