Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick says his side still has enough depth despite the midweek departure of midfielder Nick Ward to the Wellington Pheonix.
"Our depth is as good as ever because now we've got Geoff Kellaway in there as well and we've got youngsters coming through."
One of those youngsters, Billy Celeski is in the frame for selection this week after overcoming a minor set back at training two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, new Brazilian recruit, Ricardhino is still waiting for his International Transfer Clearance.
When the Brazilian is available for selection, Merrick indicated he would make his way into the side off the bench due to fitness.
Merrick did though heap praise on his latest import. "He's been outstanding, he's got similar control of the ball as Carlos Hernandez."
The Victory face Graham Arnold's Central Coast Mariners in Gosford tommorow night.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Victory unveil marquee signing
Melbourne Victory today finally unveiled their international marquee signing. His name, Ricardinho. The Brazilian joins Ernie Merrick's side on a two year deal from Korean based outfit Jeju United.
After a lengthy wait for fans to see another forward brought to the club many are underwhelmed by the appointment and on first glance the signing could be viewed as uninspiring. However, Ricardinho can win the hearts and minds of Victory fans with his performances on the pitch. He is unlikely to feature in Sunday's clash against the in-form North Queensland Fury.
FFA must be frustrated over Palmer's crowd cap
Clive Palmer and Gold Coast officials have reinstated the infamous crowd cap after only one game into the new A-League season. Last season the crowd cap was introduced, limiting crowds to 5,000 at the boutique rectangular stadium Skilled Park.
This was until a revolt from fans, along with deliberations with Football Federation Australia officials, forced the clubs hand to return to ‘normal’ operating procedure.
Once again the decision is quite clearly one made with the club’s (in particular, Clive Palmer’s) financial interests at heart but it will not allow the club to grow and look to build on its currently small supporter base.
Quite frankly, the decision is disappointing and disheartening for the club and the league as a whole, especially after only one home fixture into the season.
One wonders what the Gold Coast have been doing in the off season when their number one priority must have been to seek involvement in the community and create public awareness for those living on the coast.
It seems, once again that they have missed the boat and not learned their lessons from last season where they were at the foot of the table in terms of attendances despite boasting one of the league’s best sides.
Frustration must be growing down at Football Federation Australia headquarters at the situation the club finds itself in once again.
With Canberra very keen on securing a license last time round, and again being pipped recently by the Sydney Rovers franchise for the league 12th license, FFA officials may be wondering what might have been they had put their faith in the capital and handed Canberra entry into the league last season instead of opting for the lure of the glitter strip.
This article first appeared on The Roar
This was until a revolt from fans, along with deliberations with Football Federation Australia officials, forced the clubs hand to return to ‘normal’ operating procedure.
Once again the decision is quite clearly one made with the club’s (in particular, Clive Palmer’s) financial interests at heart but it will not allow the club to grow and look to build on its currently small supporter base.
Quite frankly, the decision is disappointing and disheartening for the club and the league as a whole, especially after only one home fixture into the season.
One wonders what the Gold Coast have been doing in the off season when their number one priority must have been to seek involvement in the community and create public awareness for those living on the coast.
It seems, once again that they have missed the boat and not learned their lessons from last season where they were at the foot of the table in terms of attendances despite boasting one of the league’s best sides.
Frustration must be growing down at Football Federation Australia headquarters at the situation the club finds itself in once again.
With Canberra very keen on securing a license last time round, and again being pipped recently by the Sydney Rovers franchise for the league 12th license, FFA officials may be wondering what might have been they had put their faith in the capital and handed Canberra entry into the league last season instead of opting for the lure of the glitter strip.
This article first appeared on The Roar
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Salary cap the key to A-League crowds
The A-League’s salary cap has come under serious scrutiny over the league’s short history. However, it is a crucial element for the competition’s success.
After two weeks of season 2010/11, all clubs have appeared at least once and the promising news for fans is that it looks like we have a tight and tense season on our hands.
On any given day, each club can be confident of taking the field and bringing home three points. This has to be a good thing for the fans and by extension crowd figures, which, like it or not, will be used week in week out in assessment of the A-League’s growing or fledgling popularity.
With no salary cap in place, a division will be created between the ‘bigger’ clubs and the rest of the league.
As soon as this happens, especially within Australia’s sporting landscape whereby football is looking to rapidly grow its supporter base, the league is as good as dead.
Over the weekend we saw upsets of the Melbourne Victory and last season’s double winners Sydney FC.
Perth Glory and North Queensland Fury took it right up to and won their respective battles against the two sides who own four of the five league Championships after 5 seasons of the A-League.
The Fury are the perfect example of the type of club who can thrive under the salary cap, promoting equality throughout the competition. On the other hand, they are also a good example of a club who could quickly find themselves on the scrap heap if the league’s powerhouses are allowed to dominate and monopolise the market.
North Queensland have made a habit of defying the odds in their short life and after being written off after three straight losses to start their inaugural season, the then Robbie Fowler led side battled on to finish a respectable seventh in a campaign full of grit and determination.
After a tumultuous off season almost leading to extinction, a largely new playing roster under the tutelage of unknown Czech coach Franz Straka, the boys from Townsville were once again written off by experts before Version 6 of the A-League.
However, once again they have struck back, this time with two extremely promising performances to open their second league campaign.
If this form can continue and lead to a finals berth, I believe the Fury can harness the support of Townsville and the surrounds and build a strong supporter base. The aim should be, by the end of the season, to be bringing in crowds of around nine to ten thousand.
This can be achieved by the ‘smaller’ clubs thanks to the competitiveness of the league where everyone is in with a fighting chance. There is proof in the pudding.
The Newcastle Jets connected with fans in the Hunter and constantly drew crowds of over 10,000 in season 2007/08. This culminated in Major Semi Final berth which saw 22,960 pack into
EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Let’s hope that the Fury under the colourful personality of Franz Straka can do the same.
If they do, it will be a major victory for the club and the Football Federation Australia, not to mention an amazing turn around in the fortunes for a club that was on the canvas.
After two weeks of season 2010/11, all clubs have appeared at least once and the promising news for fans is that it looks like we have a tight and tense season on our hands.
On any given day, each club can be confident of taking the field and bringing home three points. This has to be a good thing for the fans and by extension crowd figures, which, like it or not, will be used week in week out in assessment of the A-League’s growing or fledgling popularity.
With no salary cap in place, a division will be created between the ‘bigger’ clubs and the rest of the league.
As soon as this happens, especially within Australia’s sporting landscape whereby football is looking to rapidly grow its supporter base, the league is as good as dead.
Over the weekend we saw upsets of the Melbourne Victory and last season’s double winners Sydney FC.
Perth Glory and North Queensland Fury took it right up to and won their respective battles against the two sides who own four of the five league Championships after 5 seasons of the A-League.
The Fury are the perfect example of the type of club who can thrive under the salary cap, promoting equality throughout the competition. On the other hand, they are also a good example of a club who could quickly find themselves on the scrap heap if the league’s powerhouses are allowed to dominate and monopolise the market.
North Queensland have made a habit of defying the odds in their short life and after being written off after three straight losses to start their inaugural season, the then Robbie Fowler led side battled on to finish a respectable seventh in a campaign full of grit and determination.
After a tumultuous off season almost leading to extinction, a largely new playing roster under the tutelage of unknown Czech coach Franz Straka, the boys from Townsville were once again written off by experts before Version 6 of the A-League.
However, once again they have struck back, this time with two extremely promising performances to open their second league campaign.
If this form can continue and lead to a finals berth, I believe the Fury can harness the support of Townsville and the surrounds and build a strong supporter base. The aim should be, by the end of the season, to be bringing in crowds of around nine to ten thousand.
This can be achieved by the ‘smaller’ clubs thanks to the competitiveness of the league where everyone is in with a fighting chance. There is proof in the pudding.
The Newcastle Jets connected with fans in the Hunter and constantly drew crowds of over 10,000 in season 2007/08. This culminated in Major Semi Final berth which saw 22,960 pack into
EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Let’s hope that the Fury under the colourful personality of Franz Straka can do the same.
If they do, it will be a major victory for the club and the Football Federation Australia, not to mention an amazing turn around in the fortunes for a club that was on the canvas.
This article first appeared on The Roar
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Bock leads the charge
Adelaide defender and former All-Australian, Nathan Bock has become the first AFL listed player to defect and join the Gold Coast Suns.
Bock today was released by his former club who will blood youth in their final two games rather than give time to the defender who will play no part in the Crows' future.
It seems inevitable now that more players will come out sooner rather than later and confirm their defection to the league's 17th team. Bock will form an integral part of the spine in Guy McKenna's side which is likely to have a very youthful flavour come Round 1, 2011.
Bock today was released by his former club who will blood youth in their final two games rather than give time to the defender who will play no part in the Crows' future.
It seems inevitable now that more players will come out sooner rather than later and confirm their defection to the league's 17th team. Bock will form an integral part of the spine in Guy McKenna's side which is likely to have a very youthful flavour come Round 1, 2011.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Melbourne Victory train at AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory yesterday opened the doors on the nearly completed AAMI Park for its members. The open day at Melbourne's rectangular stadium was primarily for the fans to familiarize themselves with the facility as well as inspect the seats they will be occupying next season.
Lost in the excitement of the stadium's first 'public appearance' was the fact that Ernie Merrick's side were actually training in preparation for their final Asian Champions League match to be played in Korea on Wednesday. Injured defender Matthew Kemp even joked that their were more fans at today's opening than at the Victory's Champions League games this season.The east and south stands of the stadium were open for members to move around whilst the north and west sides of the ground continued to be worked on throughout the day.
The overwhelming consensus from fans that attented was that from a viewing perspective, a bad seat could not be found in the new complex. The only critisicm which could be found of the 30,052 seater AAMI park was the gap between the goals and stands at either end of the stadium. This comes as a result of rugby's need for a try line. The Melbourne Storm and Rebels are co-tenants of the venue alongside the Victory and the newly formed Melbourne Heart FC.
AAMI Park will be a superb addition to the Melbourne sporting landscape, it will give football fans an experience and atmosphere which has never before been seen in Melbourne and is seldom achieved at oval venues.
Lost in the excitement of the stadium's first 'public appearance' was the fact that Ernie Merrick's side were actually training in preparation for their final Asian Champions League match to be played in Korea on Wednesday. Injured defender Matthew Kemp even joked that their were more fans at today's opening than at the Victory's Champions League games this season.The east and south stands of the stadium were open for members to move around whilst the north and west sides of the ground continued to be worked on throughout the day.
The overwhelming consensus from fans that attented was that from a viewing perspective, a bad seat could not be found in the new complex. The only critisicm which could be found of the 30,052 seater AAMI park was the gap between the goals and stands at either end of the stadium. This comes as a result of rugby's need for a try line. The Melbourne Storm and Rebels are co-tenants of the venue alongside the Victory and the newly formed Melbourne Heart FC.AAMI Park will be a superb addition to the Melbourne sporting landscape, it will give football fans an experience and atmosphere which has never before been seen in Melbourne and is seldom achieved at oval venues.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Future of the Storm uncertain
Thursday April 22, 2010 will now forever be remembered as the day Australia's biggest sporting scandal was uncovered, for five years, including two premierships and three minor premierships, the Melbourne Storm had been systematically rorting the salary cap.
The NRL's most powerful and successful club on the field over the past decade has been brought to it's knees after the penalties handed out by the NRL against the club for the systematic rorting of the National Rugby League's salary cap. David Gallop and the NRL commission has pulled no punches in the penalties handed out to the Storm. They have been stripped of 3 minor premierships, 2 premierships, fined $500,000 and ordered to payback $1.1 million dollars in prize money. In addition to this, Craig Bellamy's side has been stripped of all 8 premiership points earned in season 2010 and will not be able to accrue any further points for the remainder of the
season.
The punishment, whilst necessary, threatens the very existence of the Storm in Melbourne. This is a club which has done remarkably well in recent times to fit into the an AFL dominated sporting landscape where rugby league was once on the periphery. If the Storm where to fold, the NRL would be virtually back to square one in regards to their own expansion hopes. A two state competition is hardly a 'National' Rugby League.
The current Storm hierarchy, well those who survive the pending investigation into their salary cap breach where two sets of books were held face an enormous task to build this club back up from the ground.
Effectively, the rest of the 2010 season is a write off for Melbourne. Their players have nothing to play for, their fans have nothing to cheer for. No premiership points can be gained, none lost. As to how many supporters who have invested plenty of their time as well as hard earned cash show up remains to be seen.
In my opinion, it is the apparent 'innocent' parties in this train-wreck who can restore the Melbourne Storm to it's former glory. These are the fans and the players.
The nucleus of players upon which Melbourne's now tainted dynasty was built hold the keys to the franchise's success. Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk are no longer dual premiership players, nor is Craig Bellamy a dual premiership coach. If the likes of Slater, Inglis, Smith and Cronk move on to other clubs or even overseas the Melbourne Storm is as good as dead. However, if this quartet decides to stay together for the good of the club and it's supporters they have the potential to save the club. Now, obviously they would have to take a pay-cut, but this would give them the opportunity to put their names into the record books officially as Melbourne Storm premiership players.
If the current batch of players stick by the club so will the majority of the fans - chances are if this happens, they may well survive.
Interesting days indeed.
The NRL's most powerful and successful club on the field over the past decade has been brought to it's knees after the penalties handed out by the NRL against the club for the systematic rorting of the National Rugby League's salary cap. David Gallop and the NRL commission has pulled no punches in the penalties handed out to the Storm. They have been stripped of 3 minor premierships, 2 premierships, fined $500,000 and ordered to payback $1.1 million dollars in prize money. In addition to this, Craig Bellamy's side has been stripped of all 8 premiership points earned in season 2010 and will not be able to accrue any further points for the remainder of theseason.
The punishment, whilst necessary, threatens the very existence of the Storm in Melbourne. This is a club which has done remarkably well in recent times to fit into the an AFL dominated sporting landscape where rugby league was once on the periphery. If the Storm where to fold, the NRL would be virtually back to square one in regards to their own expansion hopes. A two state competition is hardly a 'National' Rugby League.
The current Storm hierarchy, well those who survive the pending investigation into their salary cap breach where two sets of books were held face an enormous task to build this club back up from the ground.
Effectively, the rest of the 2010 season is a write off for Melbourne. Their players have nothing to play for, their fans have nothing to cheer for. No premiership points can be gained, none lost. As to how many supporters who have invested plenty of their time as well as hard earned cash show up remains to be seen.
In my opinion, it is the apparent 'innocent' parties in this train-wreck who can restore the Melbourne Storm to it's former glory. These are the fans and the players.
The nucleus of players upon which Melbourne's now tainted dynasty was built hold the keys to the franchise's success. Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk are no longer dual premiership players, nor is Craig Bellamy a dual premiership coach. If the likes of Slater, Inglis, Smith and Cronk move on to other clubs or even overseas the Melbourne Storm is as good as dead. However, if this quartet decides to stay together for the good of the club and it's supporters they have the potential to save the club. Now, obviously they would have to take a pay-cut, but this would give them the opportunity to put their names into the record books officially as Melbourne Storm premiership players.
If the current batch of players stick by the club so will the majority of the fans - chances are if this happens, they may well survive.
Interesting days indeed.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Victory bow out
Melbourne Victory last night bowed out of the Asian Champions League group stage for the second time in the clubs history. A 0-0 draw with Joel Griffith's Beijing Guoan eliminated the Victory who needed no less than a win to keep their slim hopes of continuing on to the final 16 in tact.The match failed to reach any great heights with the home side in particular putting in a lackluster display which lacked cohesion for much of the evening. Beijing looked the most dangerous of the two sides and should have put the result beyond doubt in the first half however strikers Grifftihs and Brazilian Valdo squandered their opportunities. Melbourne's young goalkeeper Mitch Langerak, subject to interest from Bundesliga club Borissa Dortmund during the week, put in another solid shift between the posts for Ernie Merrick's side.
In the abscence of their marquee and fringe Socceroo Archie Thompson, Melbourne struggled to find a cutting edge up front with Nik Mrdja and Robbie Kruse working hard for no reward. An underdone Carlos Hernandez who had stuggled throughout the week with a virus had his output severley compromised and was only able to play just over a half of the match.
Hernandez's replacement, Costa Rican compatriot Marvin Angulo provided some spark for the Victory firing a shot from outside the box which stung the palms of Beijing's number one, however like the Victory's attempts on the night, it was to no avail.
Monday, April 12, 2010
2010 US Masters, Round 4 - Review
Phil Mickelson has claimed his third green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club today. A flaweless round of 67 was enough to keep third round leader, Lee Westwood at bay. Mickelson, who has had a tough 12 months with both his wife and mother fighting breast cancer played with his trademark aggressive style for the duration of the tournament, this saw him finish the 2010 US Masters at 16 under par.
Mickelson's tournament was summed up by a stroke of brilliance on the 13th hole. In trouble, Mickelson's ball was sitting down in Augusta's famous pinestraw. Despite his caddies instructions to lay-up, Phil went for, and pulled off an amazing approach shot which sailed through a small gap between two trees and onto the green. From there on in the green jacket was destined to go to the left-hander. England's Lee Westwood, the tournament's third round leader, finished in outright second place, 3 shots behind eventual winner Mickelson.
American youngster Anthony Kim went on a late surge in an attempt to put some pressure on the leaders. However, despite a fantastic 7 under round, Kim left himself too much to do on the last day.
The man at which most of the focus was centred around leading into the tournament, Tiger Woods, managed a fourth place finish alongside Korean K.J. Choi. The two could not be split all tournament, both having 3 under final rounds to finish at 11 under after 72 holes.
Woods never recovered fully from a poor start whereby he posted three bogeys. Although the four time Masters champion rallied half-way through his round, inconsistencies off the tee and on the greens proved too much for Woods. His round imploded when a must make birdie put slid past the hole, a tap in par then turned into a bogey. Something which we rarely see from Woods.
Choi's final round was somewhat different to Woods' however. A blistering front nine saw the Korean play some amazing golf. Choi's purple patch saw him sail into contention. However he too could not keep pace with Mickelson who well and truly deserved his title. The American moves to fourth on the all-time list of Masters winners.
In what was overall a very dissappointing tournament for the Australian contingent involved, Novocastrian Nathan Green recorded an ace on the 16th hole of the Augusta layout. Green finished his first Masters tournament at 14 over par.
Mickelson's tournament was summed up by a stroke of brilliance on the 13th hole. In trouble, Mickelson's ball was sitting down in Augusta's famous pinestraw. Despite his caddies instructions to lay-up, Phil went for, and pulled off an amazing approach shot which sailed through a small gap between two trees and onto the green. From there on in the green jacket was destined to go to the left-hander. England's Lee Westwood, the tournament's third round leader, finished in outright second place, 3 shots behind eventual winner Mickelson.
American youngster Anthony Kim went on a late surge in an attempt to put some pressure on the leaders. However, despite a fantastic 7 under round, Kim left himself too much to do on the last day.
The man at which most of the focus was centred around leading into the tournament, Tiger Woods, managed a fourth place finish alongside Korean K.J. Choi. The two could not be split all tournament, both having 3 under final rounds to finish at 11 under after 72 holes.
Woods never recovered fully from a poor start whereby he posted three bogeys. Although the four time Masters champion rallied half-way through his round, inconsistencies off the tee and on the greens proved too much for Woods. His round imploded when a must make birdie put slid past the hole, a tap in par then turned into a bogey. Something which we rarely see from Woods.
Choi's final round was somewhat different to Woods' however. A blistering front nine saw the Korean play some amazing golf. Choi's purple patch saw him sail into contention. However he too could not keep pace with Mickelson who well and truly deserved his title. The American moves to fourth on the all-time list of Masters winners.
In what was overall a very dissappointing tournament for the Australian contingent involved, Novocastrian Nathan Green recorded an ace on the 16th hole of the Augusta layout. Green finished his first Masters tournament at 14 over par.
Leaderboard
1 Phil Mickelson (-16)
2 Lee Westwood (-13)
3 Anthony Kim (-12)
T4 Tiger Woods (-11)
K.J. Choi (-11)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
2010 US Masters, Round 3 - Review
Saturday, moving day at Augusta lived up to it's billing and produced one of the most remarkable hours of golf in Masters history.
2nd round co-leader Lee Westwood held onto the lead and now owns it outright at 12 under. Westwood, however did not have all his own way with American Phil Mickelson sharing the lead with Westwood for a period of time on the back nine. This came by virtue of Mickelson's amazing 3-hole run which saw the left hander shoot back to back eagles on 13 and 14 whilst a tap in birdie on the 15th saw the crowd favourite go to 12 under. He dropped back to 11 under and second place overall after a bogey on the 17th which claimed many scalps over the course of the day, including that of Tiger Woods.
Woods struggled on the front nine and appeared to be losing touch with the leaders as well as his temper. However a 3 under back nine has kept Tiger once again within striking distance of the leaders, four shots behind. He will once again, for the fourth time this week be paired with Korean K.J. Choi who, like Woods sits equal third at 8 under.
Westwood's overnight co-leader, Ian Poulter failed to keep pace finishing at 6 under after a two over round of 74. Round 1 leader Fred Couples brought himself back into contention after a career best round at Augusta. Couples too provided fireworks, chipping in for eagle on the 15th. The American veteran sits outright 5th at 7 under.
Australia's legion of golfers once again sturggled with Geoff Ogilvy now the best of the pack at one under par.
2nd round co-leader Lee Westwood held onto the lead and now owns it outright at 12 under. Westwood, however did not have all his own way with American Phil Mickelson sharing the lead with Westwood for a period of time on the back nine. This came by virtue of Mickelson's amazing 3-hole run which saw the left hander shoot back to back eagles on 13 and 14 whilst a tap in birdie on the 15th saw the crowd favourite go to 12 under. He dropped back to 11 under and second place overall after a bogey on the 17th which claimed many scalps over the course of the day, including that of Tiger Woods.
Woods struggled on the front nine and appeared to be losing touch with the leaders as well as his temper. However a 3 under back nine has kept Tiger once again within striking distance of the leaders, four shots behind. He will once again, for the fourth time this week be paired with Korean K.J. Choi who, like Woods sits equal third at 8 under.
Westwood's overnight co-leader, Ian Poulter failed to keep pace finishing at 6 under after a two over round of 74. Round 1 leader Fred Couples brought himself back into contention after a career best round at Augusta. Couples too provided fireworks, chipping in for eagle on the 15th. The American veteran sits outright 5th at 7 under.
Australia's legion of golfers once again sturggled with Geoff Ogilvy now the best of the pack at one under par.
Leaderboard
1 Lee Westwood (-12)
2 Phil Mickelson (-11)
T3 Tiger Woods (-8)
K.J. Choi (-8)
5 Fred Couples (-7)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
2010 US Masters, Round 2 - Review
Two Englishmen, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter share the lead at the 47th US Masters after 36 holes as Great Britain look for it's first Masters winner since Nick Faldo in 1996.
Poulter put together two rounds of 68 to set up a third round final pairing with fellow compatriot, Lee Westwood. Westwood, Europe's No.1 ranked player recovered from a double bogey on the 14th hole to stabilize his round and manage a 3 under 69.
The two men at 8 under are followed by a group of 5 who are two shots behind. 4 of the 5 at 6 under are Americans, they include former winners, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, young gun Anthony Kim along with Ricky Barnes. Korean K.J. Choi is the sole international, he is two shots off the pace and followed up an impressive first round with a consistent round of 71.
4-time Masters champion, Woods, fired a two under back nine to keep him within striking distance of the leaders and a historic victory. Playing in his second Masters, up and coming youngster Anthony Kim's aggresive play saw him fire 4 birdies, however, a bogey on the last hole brought him back from outright second to the chasing pack.
It was a dissappointing day for the Australians in the field with Marc Leishman and John Senden missing the cut. Adam Scott who was poised nicely after round 1 is still Australia's best, however at even par, Scott is 8 shots back.
Defending champion, Angel Cabrera avoided missing the cut, however, being 3 over after 36 holes, the big hitting Argentinian is out of contention. Also at three over is Italian amateur Matteo Manassero, he became the youngest player ever to make the cut at Augusta.
Poulter put together two rounds of 68 to set up a third round final pairing with fellow compatriot, Lee Westwood. Westwood, Europe's No.1 ranked player recovered from a double bogey on the 14th hole to stabilize his round and manage a 3 under 69.
The two men at 8 under are followed by a group of 5 who are two shots behind. 4 of the 5 at 6 under are Americans, they include former winners, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, young gun Anthony Kim along with Ricky Barnes. Korean K.J. Choi is the sole international, he is two shots off the pace and followed up an impressive first round with a consistent round of 71.
4-time Masters champion, Woods, fired a two under back nine to keep him within striking distance of the leaders and a historic victory. Playing in his second Masters, up and coming youngster Anthony Kim's aggresive play saw him fire 4 birdies, however, a bogey on the last hole brought him back from outright second to the chasing pack.
It was a dissappointing day for the Australians in the field with Marc Leishman and John Senden missing the cut. Adam Scott who was poised nicely after round 1 is still Australia's best, however at even par, Scott is 8 shots back.
Defending champion, Angel Cabrera avoided missing the cut, however, being 3 over after 36 holes, the big hitting Argentinian is out of contention. Also at three over is Italian amateur Matteo Manassero, he became the youngest player ever to make the cut at Augusta.
Leaderboard
T1 Lee Westwood (-8)
Ian Poulter (-8)
T3 Phil Mickelson (-6)
Ricky Barnes (-6)
Anthony Kim (-6)
Tiger Woods (-6)
K.J. Choi (-6)
Friday, April 9, 2010
2010 US Masters, Round 1 - Review
Friday, April 9, 2010, world golf's most anticipated day in recent memory. It didn't dissappoint.
Tiger Woods returned to golf for the first time since his world fell apart after winning the 2009 Australian Masters at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Woods was warmly welcomed to the first tee as he was throughout his round which included two trademark eagles. His round of 4 under (his only sub 70 first round at Augusta) keeps Tiger two shots off the pace and still a chance at what would be a remarkable victory.
On a day where most of the hype surrounded Tiger, two veterans stole a piece of the limelight. They were Americans Fred Couples and Tom Watson. 50 year old Couples leads all comers with his 6 under round of 64 which could have easily been 63 if not for a squandered opportunity on the 18th green where the American missed a makeable birdie putt. Tom Watson, a 60 year old at this years Masters also impressed. He is tied for 2nd and one shot off the pace. This amazing effort comes after Watson's remarkable 2009 British Open where he lead for most of the tournament until succombing to compatriot Stewart Cink in a playoff.
Woods, Watson and Couples are only a sample of the big names which grace the top of the leaderboard after 18 holes. Korean, K.J. Choi who had the challenging task of being grouped with Woods upon his return is tied for second as are highly-rated Englishman Lee Westwood, American lefty Phil Mickelson and 2009 PGA Championship winner Y.E. Yang.
Defending champion Angel Cabrera fired a dissappointing 1 over par round, a performance which will give the Argentinian plenty to do in the coming days if he his to have a say in this tournament come Sunday. Other notables who struggled include Australia's number 1 ranked player, Geoff Ogilvy, Irishman Padraig Harrington and young guns Rory McIlroy and Camilo Villegas.
Adam Scott was Australia's best and is in contention after a 3 under round which unfortunatley consisted of Scott's all too familiar putting woes. He will be looking to break Australia's long running 'hoodoo' at the Masters.
An intriguing first round has left a star-studded pack atop of the leaderboard and has given us a mouth-watering contest in the days to come.
Tiger Woods returned to golf for the first time since his world fell apart after winning the 2009 Australian Masters at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Woods was warmly welcomed to the first tee as he was throughout his round which included two trademark eagles. His round of 4 under (his only sub 70 first round at Augusta) keeps Tiger two shots off the pace and still a chance at what would be a remarkable victory.
On a day where most of the hype surrounded Tiger, two veterans stole a piece of the limelight. They were Americans Fred Couples and Tom Watson. 50 year old Couples leads all comers with his 6 under round of 64 which could have easily been 63 if not for a squandered opportunity on the 18th green where the American missed a makeable birdie putt. Tom Watson, a 60 year old at this years Masters also impressed. He is tied for 2nd and one shot off the pace. This amazing effort comes after Watson's remarkable 2009 British Open where he lead for most of the tournament until succombing to compatriot Stewart Cink in a playoff.
Woods, Watson and Couples are only a sample of the big names which grace the top of the leaderboard after 18 holes. Korean, K.J. Choi who had the challenging task of being grouped with Woods upon his return is tied for second as are highly-rated Englishman Lee Westwood, American lefty Phil Mickelson and 2009 PGA Championship winner Y.E. Yang.
Defending champion Angel Cabrera fired a dissappointing 1 over par round, a performance which will give the Argentinian plenty to do in the coming days if he his to have a say in this tournament come Sunday. Other notables who struggled include Australia's number 1 ranked player, Geoff Ogilvy, Irishman Padraig Harrington and young guns Rory McIlroy and Camilo Villegas.
Adam Scott was Australia's best and is in contention after a 3 under round which unfortunatley consisted of Scott's all too familiar putting woes. He will be looking to break Australia's long running 'hoodoo' at the Masters.
An intriguing first round has left a star-studded pack atop of the leaderboard and has given us a mouth-watering contest in the days to come.
Leaderboard
1 Fred Couples (-6)
T2 Lee Westwood (-5)
Phil Mickelson (-5)
K.J. Choi (-5)
Tom Watson (-5)
Y.E. Yang (-5)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Langerak...a keeper for the future
Wednesday 31 March, 2010 marked the coming of age for young Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Mitch Langerak. The contest, a must win match for Melbourne against Japanese outfit Kawasaki Frontale was a chance for Ernie Merrick's side to salvage some pride in a competition where they were yet to pick up a solitary point. Enter, Mitch Langerak.
No doubt this was his finest performance of his so-far short career. A string of saves in the games opening 20 minutes kept the Victory in the contest and allowed them to hit the lead early in the second half through a Kevin Muscat penalty. However some of his finest work for the night was yet to come. With Kawasaki piling on the pressure looking for an equaliser to keep their own ACL chances alive, Langerak produced two world-class saves to protect his sides meger lead. Melbourne have this 1-0 win thanks to one man and one man only. It has been an incredible season for Langerak who has barely put a foot wrong since edging out New Zealand shot-stopper Glen Moss out of the Victory's starting XI. Ernie Merrick, Gary Cole and the brains trust in Melbourne will do well to hold onto this fine yonug keeper.
He is bound for bigger and better things and no doubt one day in the not too distant future we will see Melbourne's young custodian standing in between the posts for the Socceroos.
No doubt this was his finest performance of his so-far short career. A string of saves in the games opening 20 minutes kept the Victory in the contest and allowed them to hit the lead early in the second half through a Kevin Muscat penalty. However some of his finest work for the night was yet to come. With Kawasaki piling on the pressure looking for an equaliser to keep their own ACL chances alive, Langerak produced two world-class saves to protect his sides meger lead. Melbourne have this 1-0 win thanks to one man and one man only. It has been an incredible season for Langerak who has barely put a foot wrong since edging out New Zealand shot-stopper Glen Moss out of the Victory's starting XI. Ernie Merrick, Gary Cole and the brains trust in Melbourne will do well to hold onto this fine yonug keeper.He is bound for bigger and better things and no doubt one day in the not too distant future we will see Melbourne's young custodian standing in between the posts for the Socceroos.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday Night Football
The imminent expansion of the AFL in the coming years with the introduction of teams from the Gold Coast and Western Sydney will mean that the AFL's 22 round fixture must undergo some change.
Besides the odd experiment with the fixture here and there over recent years, there has not been much movement away from the current, rigid system. The move of one game per round from Sunday afternoon to a twighlight fixture has been controversial with fans but deemed popular enough by the AFL to keep it for its 3rd season.
Once Kevin Sheedy's side from Western Sydney come into the national competition in 2012 there will be 9 games per round instead of 8 and this means one extra timeslot is needed. One thinks that the television networks will have a big say in the 'home' of this new timeslot seeing that they are the ones forking out the big bucks to hold exclusive rights to the AFL content. Thursday Night and Monday Night Football seem to be the most likely options for the extra game as they will provide television networks with maximum exposure in 'primetime'.
For me, Monday Night Football is a must. The success in the US with their own version of Monday Night NFL is something unmatched in this country in terms of ratings for sporting events, they have gone through the roof for American broadcaster ESPN in recent years since they acquired the rights in 2006 to what is now in the US not just a football match but an event. The last couple of years have seen David Gallop and the NRL jump on the Monday Night Football bandwagon alongside pay-tv broadcaster Fox Sports. Together the NRL and Fox Sports have been successfull in making Monday Night Football vialble in Australia and now into its 3rd season looks to have established itself as a permanent fixture on the NRL calander. For once the AFL look to have missed the boat. This may be a reason for Andrew Demetriou and the gang down at AFL House to make Thursday nights their own, however the potential benefits of Monday Night Football are too hard to ignore.
Like in the United States ratings for a broadcaster would be unrivalled, especially for a free-to-air network. Monday Night Football would give the players another chance besides Friday nights to play in the spotlight, under lights, in front of big crowds and huge TV audiences. The potential for Monday nights to prosper is too large to ignore and if scheduled and planned in the right way the AFL could have a big winner on their hands.
Besides the odd experiment with the fixture here and there over recent years, there has not been much movement away from the current, rigid system. The move of one game per round from Sunday afternoon to a twighlight fixture has been controversial with fans but deemed popular enough by the AFL to keep it for its 3rd season.
Once Kevin Sheedy's side from Western Sydney come into the national competition in 2012 there will be 9 games per round instead of 8 and this means one extra timeslot is needed. One thinks that the television networks will have a big say in the 'home' of this new timeslot seeing that they are the ones forking out the big bucks to hold exclusive rights to the AFL content. Thursday Night and Monday Night Football seem to be the most likely options for the extra game as they will provide television networks with maximum exposure in 'primetime'.
For me, Monday Night Football is a must. The success in the US with their own version of Monday Night NFL is something unmatched in this country in terms of ratings for sporting events, they have gone through the roof for American broadcaster ESPN in recent years since they acquired the rights in 2006 to what is now in the US not just a football match but an event. The last couple of years have seen David Gallop and the NRL jump on the Monday Night Football bandwagon alongside pay-tv broadcaster Fox Sports. Together the NRL and Fox Sports have been successfull in making Monday Night Football vialble in Australia and now into its 3rd season looks to have established itself as a permanent fixture on the NRL calander. For once the AFL look to have missed the boat. This may be a reason for Andrew Demetriou and the gang down at AFL House to make Thursday nights their own, however the potential benefits of Monday Night Football are too hard to ignore.
Like in the United States ratings for a broadcaster would be unrivalled, especially for a free-to-air network. Monday Night Football would give the players another chance besides Friday nights to play in the spotlight, under lights, in front of big crowds and huge TV audiences. The potential for Monday nights to prosper is too large to ignore and if scheduled and planned in the right way the AFL could have a big winner on their hands.
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