1. The Masters. Such a great course. Tiger has done an amazing job to even be there - and makes the cut. So much talent, no matter what age. The catfish mo and mullet of Cameron Smith just keeps bouncing on. His steel under pressure is to behold. Such big and intimidating galleries, let alone that awesome Augusta National course. His third round 68 was a lot, lot better than everyone else. The Aussie golf fans wait in great anticipation overnight.
Scottie Scheffler surely has to be the most under stated, unknown world number one in golfing history. Scott or Scottie(?) has only been in the chair since 27 March 2022, with no majors yet.
Since 2018, there have only been SIX players who have been Number One in World Golf (23 times):
- Dustin Johnson (7 different times).
- Justin Rose (5 different times)
- Brooks Koepka (4 different times)
- Jon Rahm (4 different times)
- Justin Thomas (2 different times)
- Rory McIllroy (once)
Most would have had no idea Scottie was the world number one until this week. Always intriguing how you can be world number one and not win a major. He has carved a great position to win this one though. His to lose really. However, how often have others lost from here too on the final day?
2. St George. This club is in dire trouble already for season 2022. They have talented individuals, but not as a package. You almost feel that Ben Hunt, as good as he is, should sign with the Dolphins and reconnect elsewhere to enable the club to define its direction. Griffin has purchased so many forwards, most of whom are not aiming up at present. Lomax, Bird, Suli, Ravalawra... talent, but his inability to back in his younger halves talent is of concern. Not to mention his recent contract extension.
3. Canberra Raiders. How the winds of change shift quickly. Grand Finalists not so long ago and now they look tired and slow. They too are in a world of pain unless something changes swiftly. How long can Ricky Stuart remain at the helm? Is it time he took a back seat? The best leaders know when their time is up.
4. Parramatta looked slick on the Gold Coast early. A high quality game in the first half. However, Arthur better look beyond Josh Hodgson as a hooker option, because when Reed Mahoney leaves that field, they are in all sorts. Mitch Rein is not really the answer longer term, but Arthur is developing a handy knack at transforming players' careers (Mahoney, Cartwright, Papal'ii, Campbell-Gillard, Matterson). Will Smith may have been a better option.
The Junior Paulo shot was freakish, but how about the work of the security staff on a female intruder onto the playing field? Brutal and ridiculous really. A bit like the flares on the field. Serial pests. Where was Jarvo 69?
A big weekend for the new Bulldogs coach, Trent Barrett-Gould and Michael Maguire-Sheens. Beware when the Director of Coaching is appointed. Time is short. Neither of them have long in their roles the way it is heading. They may have to send up distress flares themselves before too long.
Not sure who Gus would have his eye on, but I am certain Cameron Ciraldo from Penrith would figure in his discussions. Dufty was bagged by ex Saints players this week, but his display today v Penrith was truly awful. Meanwhile, the Storm continue to excel.
4a. Penrith. Get on them to win the NRL Grand Final again and double it up with Melbourne in the AFL Grand Final. Paying big dollars at the minute!
4. The Bunker and Captain Challenges. Coaches - especially Justin Holbrook (Titans) - are exploiting this big time now. Generate a stoppage in play deliberately when something doesn't go your way and force a review, delaying play and allowing your team to 'recover'. The NRL seem unable to make a rule without it rebounding right across the game. Awful for the viewing public.
5. Winning. Winning tight games swings your season. Ask the Gold Coast who have lost by six points or less three times. They have also won by four points or less twice! These outcomes can turn seasons.
6. AFL. Adelaide Crows win the AFLW. (Why are they playing Grand Finals now and not in September on the same card when the crowds would be massive?), but the West Coast (v Collingwood) and Fremantle (v GWS) wins this weekend were big statements. St Kilda on fire early too.
The free kick numbers are extraordinary when you travel west of Melbourne. Not sure how much accountability there is for umpires when they are in front of raucous home crowds, but there appears to be a distinct advantage nation wide.
Western Bulldogs have not clicked and a loss to Richmond hurts them. They will bounce back soon. Melbourne still look the strongest, despite Geelong and the Swans hobbling over the line in their games.
7. Netball. Is netball, the only sport in the world where there is not a male and female equivalent competition? Or is it on the make?
8. Cricket. Just when the casket had been rolled in, Aaron Finch produces in a T20 game for Australia who "win the T20 series" (one game) v Pakistan. Perhaps he should be in this format only.
9. Guru Coach - Adam Voges Record. In season 20221-2022, WA won the Marsh Cup (ODI), the BBL and the Sheffield Shield!? Rare gold, but Adam Voges as coach has been a hit. His record has been pretty awesome... and he holds the second best ever average as an Australian Test Cricketer (61.87) as one of eleven Australian Test batsmen to ever average over 50. His coaching credentials are also exemplary here. A future Australian coach?
10. Guru Coach - Scottish Football League. Ange Postocoglou continues to shine. Celtic are poised to win the competition and more silverware after the exploits of his courageous coaching style. 7-0 v St Johnstone on the weekend. He has won in Australia, Japan and now on the cusp in Scotland. Surely higher European coaching honours await him. ManU need a new dynasty!
11. EPL - Liverpool v Man City. The premiership is on the line tonight. The winner strides ahead. ManU have hit rock bottom and look destined not to play at the highest level in Europe for the first time in forever. Reynaldo has not been the cure thus far.
12. F1. Nice to see Daniel Riccardo achieve something in the Australian GP. Excellent young driver Charles Leclerc is running away with the championship with Ferrari at present.
Clearly the best since Jose Louis Clerc, that Argentinian tennis player who played in the 1970s/ 1980s against Guillermo Vilas and Roscoe Tanner.
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