Wrap - Holding On

1. Swans. Buddy Franklin is in some sort of form. Worth every cent. His dominance  and length of kick is unparalleled in the game. Popular? Not really, but all class and is a clear matchwinner. His teammates love him. A good sign. The work of the Swans midfield is also exceptional. Jarred McVey is a calm legend of the game. However Kurt Tippett may be on the look out for a new club - and Rhys Shaw. Too many ineffectual plays and looseness. No place in the modern game.

2. The Warriors. Has there been a squad more powerful and dynamic than this lot - and a bunch of more disappointing underperformers? They are woeful at times.

3. I noticed Andrew McFadyn has donned the slimline jumper - and Paul Green has gotten rid of the blue checked shirt. Says something.

4. Waratahs. Despite my ongoing baggings, they have triumphed once more and are well positioned to make another final. Congrats to them all and like Graham Arnold, Michael Chieka is one of our best man managers in all of Australian sport (conversely, look at the Western Force!). I suspect the Brumbies - whose defence has been one of the strongest all season - may have something to say about that.

5. When will an Australian sport take the US lead and make the Grand Final a best of three? One home. One away. Final one dictated by the highest finishing team. What a money spinner (a la Origin) that would be. Think MLB, NBA...Some of these sports need to start thinking differently.

6. Cricket. Steve Smith looks in good form - again (has he ever been out of form?). I still think his lateral crease shuffle at the point of playing the ball could be exploited more. However, what bowlers in the current world crop are good enough to do this? Anderson? Broad? Steyn? Morkel? It would be nice to see Shane Watson get more than 30 runs in a Test. Borrowed time surely.

Did you see some of the excuses given for not playing in the Test by some of the West Indians..Bishoo (bad finger) and Samuels in particular. Marlon Samuels is surely on his last warning. He has a lot of the Gayles/ Bravos about  him. The flu? He was sitting there in a shirt and shorts. Maybe a heartlidge or a paper cut. Anyone missing Chanderpaul?

Loved seeing some old fashioned West Indian fast bowling aggression...a few jaw ticklers...that Holder reminds me of Big Bird/ Ambrose! Starc is fast becoming our main man too.

7. Women's Football World Cup. Highly skilled and amazing brutality! There is some old fashioned entertainment in this sport, where players seem to be enjoying playing for the thrill of representing their country and winning!