1. NRL- Eels v Raiders. The Raiders ended a great season recovered, but were hammered really. How good is that fullback, Savage however? A dreadful nutmeg bounce, but that aside, he is a future star. The work of Mitchell Moses was extraordinary after his head knock. His defence and pace was on show - as was his goalkicking excellence. He has improved so much this year, especially in tough moments and games. He may not know how much more growth he has, but the leadership of that group was much better.
No bombs to Waqar Blake were intriguing tactics. Gutherson stood up. Junior Paulo and RCG are tremendous players. Shaun Lane and Ryan Matterson have become top shelf operators. Tough assignment ahead with the Cowboys at home however. A successful year in the end regardless for Brad Arthur, despite the dramas and released secret reports.
2. NRL - Souths v Cronulla. Cronulla were disappointing and unlucky. That flick pass for a no try was a season highlight! After half time they had chances, but Campbell Graham was superb out wide. His defence is something else there. Without Tom Burgess they were susceptible, but the loss of Talakai out wide by the Sharks hurt them. Their outside backs struggled... but this Ronaldo has incredible pace. What a talent!
Latrell Mitchell is easily the best player in the game now. Everytime he touches the ball something significant happens. His goalkicking (7/7) is so sweet from both sides of the field. Tough and uncompromising, but a winner. The way he runs the ball and his size is hard to counter. Souths will test Penrith and look for revenge from last year's Grand Final. Penrith though will be incredibly hard to toss.
Hopefully Cody Walker can maintain a smile and not fire up. If he gets the cranks, the team struggles. Alex Johnston would be a huge loss of composure and strength out wide too against those Penrith outside backs.
3. Mario Fenech. A very sad and sorry tale re brain impact for Mario tonight on local TV. A telling tale of why head knocks and concussion need to be managed sensibly and strictly. Sadly there must be so many Marios out there from all levels of the game.
4. Roger Federer. The GOAT is no longer, retiring at the age of 41. Such grace and humility as a player and someone who set a new standard in world sport for precision and excellence. What a career!
5. US Open Tennis - Carlos Alcarez. Keep that name close. He is the next huge force in world tennis. A slashing US Open final win at a very young age.
6. AFL - Geelong and Sydney to contest the Grand Final. Brisbane were whacked and lacked in every department. Collingwood have shown a remarkable level of intensity this year and really were the most improved. Their drive to possible victory at the end of the play was a telling moment of their character - and for Sydney to work further on. Sydney wilted it must be said and made a number of rushed and pressured errors. They could not find a point for long stretches. Buddy needs to be used more as a decoy, not a 'go to'.
However, Longmire has a top record. He has melded the group together and brought a lot of young players through the system. They will need their running legs at a packed MCG. They have so many promising players. A chance to play against Gary Rohan for many, but Geelong are full of stars - Selwood, Cameron, Hawkins, Dangerfield, Stewart, Guthrie ... on it goes.
The heart stopper on Saturday night should get them in the right mood for Saturday! Can't wait!
7. 2022 Brownlow Medal. Clayton Oliver and Lachie Neale surely fight it out. Oliver is so consistent but faded a little later in the season. Will be an interesting outcome and a top awards night that is really well planned and structured. The AFL has a lot to teach many other sports.
8. EPL - Leicester. Once again the coach, Brendan Rodgers looms as getting the chop soon. Rodgers cannot have this team anchored to the foot of the table. To be relegated would be dreadful. Starting to sift the wheat from the chaff now... Man City, Liverpool and even ManU are rising fast.
9. Nature Strip. What an amazing horse Just has a turn of foot like no other. A handy weekend for James McDonald with five winners too. That keeps the bank manager happy. The performances of Zougotcha are starting to stack up. Tremendous horse!
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