By Brett McKay
December 16th 2009 @ 6:06am
Related coverage
The second annual Christmas sports wish list
Australia's Stuart Clark, left, celebrates with teammate Michael Hussey after taking the wicket of England's Paul Collingwood. Aug. 7, 2009. AP Photo/Tim Hales
Roarers, it’s that time of the year again. Christmas is here, and our letterboxes are full of catalogues from every conceivable store. Hints are being left in both subtle and unsubtle ways.
In my house over the weekend I was told, “I’m not telling you what I want, but I’ll tell you what I definitely don’t want”
Santa’s making his list too, and checking it twice, we’re led to believe. And with that in mind, I bring you the second annual Christmas sports wish list.
This time last year, you may recall that I was hoping for a favourable prognosis for what ended up being my former plasma TV, in time for the Perth Test Match.
Well, this year’s first wish is once again Perth-related, but happily, it’s not the new TV. You see, where I work is full of fluorescent lights and computer screens, and so getting ABC Radio is nigh on impossible. What’s more if you do happen to pick up a faint signal, it’s lost as soon as a plane takes off from just across the car park.
So Santa, from this Wednesday, I’d really, really like all interference and planes to be gone, so that I may listen to the cricket at work. Please.
On the cricket, I’d like Shane Watson to take something for this allergy to batting milestones he’s suddenly developed. I’d love Mike Hussey to turn back the clock on his home ground and peel of the cracking century we all know he’s capable of. Pretty sure Mike’s with me on that too.
I’d like the selectors to explain themselves. And take responsibility. And admit their mistakes. And while they’re at it, they can explain why Stuart Clark is being treated like a leper.
I’d like the Sydney papers to take a breath, and stop devoting any spare column inches to remind us Phillip Hughes shouldn’t have been dropped. It’s great that he’s “just concentrating on making runs for NSW”, but let’s just let him do it. In his own time.
And speaking of newspaper stupidity, I’d like the News Ltd papers to make up their minds about Michael Clarke. How can he “over-rated” one week, and “Australia’s No.1 batsman” the next?
And just on Michael Clarke too, last year I said of Lleyton Hewitt that I’d like him “to be on the back page of the paper more than he’s on the front page of New Idea.”
Well, same goes Michael. If you seriously want to be the next captain of the Australian Cricket team, then you and Lara need to give Bec and Lleyton their magazine space back. All we want to know about from you is how well you’re hitting your cover drives, not how much Lara’s Aston Martin cost.
Actually, Santa, I’d really like to take Lara’s Aston Martin for a drive (and yes, I actually mean the car).
I’m sure I won’t be alone in wishing for a more successful year for the Wallabies in 2010. I’d like more consistency. While the spring tour ended in good style over Wales, no-one will forget the Scotland game the week before in a real hurry.
For the Super 14, I and plenty of others have high hopes for the Brumbies, and so I’d like those high hopes not to go unfounded. Beyond that, I’d like all the Australian sides to finish in the top half of the table, and for two teams to make the semis. An all-Australian Final would be lovely, thanks very much.
I’d love for the Socceroos to get through the first stage of the World Cup in South Africa. If a meeting with England could eventuate too, that’d be outstanding. The ghosts of Upton Park are begging to resurface.
Speaking of the World Cup, I’d love to see all the pieces for an Australian bid fall in to place, and for everyone to get behind it. And I’d like some surety to come through about the details too, so that we don’t have a repeat of this last week on The Roar.
Seriously, well over a thousand comments on articles and opinion formed around speculation?!? Come on guys…
I’d like to find some time to get into the A-League.
I’d like the independent commission for rugby league to progress beyond just talk, and for the various state and national bodies to realise that the time has come for them to put the game ahead of their vested interests.
I’d like the players to behave, and for the game to get back on the back page. I’d like to think the great games we saw this year can keep getting better. And I know I said this last year, but I’d still like NSW to show up come Origin time.
I’d like the AFL to realise it’s not too late to leave western Sydney alone and to turn all attention to Tasmania. Failing that, I’d be content if Andrew Demetriou could speak in public without a soapbox.
I’d like a Holden to wear the No.1 on merit, and not just because someone switched makes.
I’d like my Ashes series tour dream for next summer to come true.
I’d still like to hit my pitching wedge longer, and for my putts to drop.
I’d still like Fox Sports to come up with an offer that can’t be refused.
And to finish, I’d like to keep putting out half-decent columns that Roarers from near and far continue to enjoy reading. So far, so good, it would seem.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Roarers, and please stay safe over the holiday period. I look forward to ticking these wishes off with you from early 2010.
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(53)
Art Sapphire said | December 16th 2009 @ 1:04pm | Report comment
These are Santa’s answers to some of your wishes, Brett.
I’d love to see all the pieces for an Australian WC bid fall in to place, and for everyone to get behind it.
“Sorry, that’s in my too hard basket. Go and ask God, he might be able to help you but I would not guarantee it”
I’d like the players to behave, and for the game to get back on the back page.
“See answer above”
I’d like to find some time to get into the A-League.
“Your wish has been granted, you can start by watching the Victory v Sydney FC on Saturday Night”
Merry Xmas Brett from Santa and me
Brett McKay said | December 16th 2009 @ 1:07pm | Report comment
Ha, thanks Art!! Any word on whether I can take Lara’s Aston for a spin??
Art Sapphire said | December 16th 2009 @ 1:55pm | Report comment
Santa said that if you take Lara’s Aston for a joyride, he will be prepared to give you a positive character reference in court.
Good Luck, Brett!
Brett McKay said | December 31st 2009 @ 9:22am | Report comment
Hey Art, if you’re out there somewhere, I’ve just read this morning that Lara Bingle’s Aston Martin has been knocked off from their Bondi pad – I just want to confirm that I have had nothing to do with this!!
Forgetmenot said | December 16th 2009 @ 5:57pm | Report comment
I would like the AFL to realise the potential gains for football by investing in more countries than Sth Africa. China seems to be coming along at a good rate, but perhaps some money for junior programs in some other countries like Denmark, and Canada.
Redb said | December 16th 2009 @ 6:12pm | Report comment
As far international is concerned in priority order:
1. South Africa
2. PNG
3. Pacific Isles (incl NZ)
South Africa is the new frontier. The story to date is amazing, it is only just starting to emerge who well the game is going.
cheers
Redb
p.s. It’s shame Brett your wishes for AFL appear all negative.
M1tch said | December 16th 2009 @ 6:57pm | Report comment
NSW to win Origin..come on please!!
matty1974 said | December 16th 2009 @ 7:43pm | Report comment
Not sure if NSW will win origin, but i’d put my house on the score being either 2-0 to nsw or 1-1 going into the 3rd game which is to be played in Sydney. The one and only time QLD led 2-0 when the 3rd game was in Sydney was 1988 and the attendance figure for that game was just 16,000. I’m pretty sure the ARL won’t allow that situation to be repeated.
M1tch said | December 17th 2009 @ 8:28am | Report comment
As it was said a few years ago, if QLD ever lead 2-0 and last game is in Sydney it should be played at SFS so even a low crowd wont look so bad
Brett McKay said | December 16th 2009 @ 8:33pm | Report comment
well, looks like a mixed day in Perth from the wish front. Watson is so allergic to the 90s now, he’s getting out for 89. And what’s worse, he’s passed his allergy on to Katich.
But Mike Hussey is looking good..
Oh, and still no radio reception at work
Red, the AFL wishes are only somewhat negative because apart from Lord Andrew the Brave and GWS, there isn’t much that needs changing for mine.
And Mitch, I only said I’d like NSW to turn up at SOO time. You have to walk before you can run..
Redb said | December 16th 2009 @ 10:04pm | Report comment
Essendon to win the premiership would be a worthy wish.
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 7:08am | Report comment
Let’s not go over the top Redb!!
But of course, the implied wish is that all our teams win everything available….
Redb said | December 17th 2009 @ 7:24am | Report comment
not everything dont want to be greedy – just the premiership.
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 8:16am | Report comment
Redb, just out of interest’s sake, if you had to choose between taking a Richmond-like ordinary season (but no bad enough to get priority draft picks), or losing to Collingwood in the GF, where are you heading??
Redb said | December 17th 2009 @ 10:21am | Report comment
You ask the impossible, that’s like choosing between chewing razor blades or shards of glass!
If we made the GF we had a good year and probably beat Carlton a couple of times, I’d take the losing to Collingwood in the GF.
Surely Santa would not be that mean though
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 10:38am | Report comment
that’s interesting, I really thought you would never dare entertain the thought of losing a GF to Collingwood…
And Santa can be mean, all depends how good you’ve been. My wife works in retail and the other day heard a lady tell her two boys to behave themselves, and that if they didn’t “you forget I’ve got Santa on speed-dial!!”
Redb said | December 17th 2009 @ 11:21am | Report comment
Well Brett we lost to Collingwood in 1990 in a GF – so its happened the pain has abated somewhat. I know it’s a strange but I actually respect Colingwood a bit these days. Carlton on the other hand……
M1tch said | December 17th 2009 @ 8:27am | Report comment
I wasnt saying you should be saying NSW to win
…Im begging NSW to turn up
Bay35Pablo said | December 17th 2009 @ 7:37am | Report comment
Santa, can I please have:
1. Junior Wallabies stop trying to emulate league.
2. The Waratahs play running rugby, and win games too.
3. Sydney FC make the A League final.
4. West Tigers to make the finals.
5. A new TV deal for rugby which gets some FTA time.
6. The Socceroos to knock out England in the Round of 16.
7. Pakistan to be competitive this summer.
That’ll do.
Oh, and world peace and a cure for cancer.
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 8:12am | Report comment
Pablo, Santa has cut out the middle man (Art, above) and is talking to me direct now.
For your requests: Yes, one or the other, maybe, no, yes, hell yes, and yes.
He’s got the elves working on the last two, but the project manager keeps stalling….
Punter said | December 17th 2009 @ 7:39am | Report comment
I have 3 sporting wishes;
SFC to beat MV this week would be the top of the list & by enough goals to take over the leadership of the A-League & stay there.
Socceroos to continue to make this country proud of them like in 06.
The whole country gets behind the bid to get the BIGGEST sporting event to Australia.
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 8:17am | Report comment
Punter, I don’t really have an A-League team yet, but those seem like three pretty decent wishes. You can have them..
Chop said | December 17th 2009 @ 9:32am | Report comment
My wishes for next year
Parra to win the NRL
Tah’s to win the S14
Mariners to win the A-League and go better in ACL
Socceroo’s to make the WC semi finals or better
Australia to be names as 2022 WC hosts
Wallabies to perform well in the Tri-Nations
An Aussie to win a tennis and golf grand slam\major (at least 1 each please)
My golf handicap to get to 18….
Midfielder said | December 17th 2009 @ 9:47am | Report comment
My wish list
Australia win WC in 2022
Socceroos win the WC
Mariners win the A-League
Broncos get the wooden spoon
Newcastle Jet get the wooden spoon
Manly win the grand final
Matty Simon to go to the WC
Fozzie to loose his voice
Woodies to win the grand final
Les Murry to loose his voice as well…
Cadel wins the Tour De F
Chop said | December 17th 2009 @ 9:57am | Report comment
Manly to win the NRL? Mid you were going so well until then and in fact after then….
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 10:14am | Report comment
yeah, have to agree with Chop here Middie, you were going so well up to that point. Almost as bad a Reb wanting Essendon to win..
Bay35Pablo said | December 19th 2009 @ 4:20pm | Report comment
Midfielder, I forgot about the Woodies. That too. Or rather anyone but Uni!!!!
Rickety Knees said | December 17th 2009 @ 11:05am | Report comment
Good one Brett – I just about concur with most of what you have written. The big one for me is for the Tahs to start playing running rugby and win. One more season of playing ugly will drive me way from the Tahs forever.
On another matter I want to enlist your support. I tried – in vain – to organise a Christmas Drink for the Sydney Chapter of the Roarers – the idea was well received by the Zs but they were too busy to take it seriously. There is a lot of camaraderie amongst many of us so I thought a once a year bash at pub convenient to public transport at Christmas time (when all are in festive/party mode) might be a good idea. What do you reckon?
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 11:15am | Report comment
Cheers Rickety. The idea of a gathering is a brilliant idea, although I’m obviously not Sydney based (and if I had a dollar for all the Roar-related drink or dinner invites I’ve had to knock back in the last six months!! Actually, it wouldn’t be five bucks, but you get my point).
Now it just so happens that I am meeting Kersi Meher-Homji and Vinay Verma for a beverage midway through the first day of the Sydney Test match (Sun Jan 3), and so if any other Roarers are going to be at the SCG on Day 1, then please, come on down and join us in the bar-beer garden area behind the Churchill Stand.
The other opportunity that might present itself could be when the Tahs host the Brumbies on Sat 24 April. And maybe with the extra time before then, this might be a more doable option??
Rickety Knees said | December 17th 2009 @ 11:49am | Report comment
The Brumbies match sounds good, being an old Cooma boy I can have two bob each way. The game is at the ANZ Stadium. I will be coming down from the Central Coast. We need to decide on a meeting point and time and how we can get the message out to other Roarers. Got any ideas?
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
not immediately mate, but we do at least have time to work on something. Good that the game is at ANZ, that’ll make it easier to get to from Canberra (and easier to get tickets than a possible SFS sell-out)!! If you get in touch with me via the Zs, we’ll start working on some thoughts in the new year. I’ll get in touch with Loges and Pablo and co too, I’m sure we can sort something out…
Rickety Knees said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:33pm | Report comment
For live cricket via your pc have you tried http://www.abc.net.au/sport/stories/2009/12/16/2773424.htm?site=sport§ion=cricket and click which media your pc would prefer. Cheers,
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
I have Rickety, yeah, but unfortunately the network fun police block it, and the network hamster couldn’t handle it anyway..
I’ve got something of a solution though – my desk is directly below a mezzanine level kitchenette, which includes a telly. Right as we speak, some kind soul has left the volume up at a level where I can hear it quite easily!! Which will be great until someone switches over to Oprah
Bay35Pablo said | December 19th 2009 @ 4:11pm | Report comment
Rickety, good idea. Was thinking the same thing too. Might have to look into the cricket suggestion by Brett, but not sure.
Can’t see myself doing the Brumbies game though. My first kid is due a few days earlier, so I’ll be lucky to be able to get it on the TV while nursing the bubs I suspect …
Kazama said | December 17th 2009 @ 11:51am | Report comment
Looking back on my own wish list from last year – how many of my wishes came true?
I’d like to see an A-League club sign a marquee player who scores at least ten goals a season. – YES (I’m betting Fowler will)
I’d like to see John Kosmina start a blog on The Roar and join the ‘lunatics in the asylum.’ – NO
I’d like to see Pim Verbeek sing the national anthem when we qualify for the 2010 World Cup. -YES
I’d like to see He Who Shall Not Be Named get a start for the Socceroos. – YES
I’d like to see Wycombe Wanderers make the FA Cup Final so I can make fun of Craig Foster calling them ‘Whycombe’ again. -NO
I’d like to see Melanie McLaughlin. – YES (But from a long distance – I was ripped off!)
I too would like to see the AFL take Tasmania’s bid seriously. – NO
I’d like to see someone other than Central District win the SANFL flag. – NO
I’d like to see an Australian tennis player make it to the second week of a Grand Slam. YES
I’d like to see Casey Stoner win back his title. – NO
I’d like to see Chris Vermuelen win a race. – NO
So my wishes for this year:
I’d like to see Australia win the World Cup
I’d like to see Chelsea win the EPL, the FA Cup and the UCL
I’d like to see He Who Shall Not Be Named make the squad and actually get on the park at some point
I’d like to see Adelaide United crawl out of the massive hole we are currently in and have another red hot go at the ACL
I’d like to see Melanie McLauglin – but up close this time!!!
I’d like to see someone or something publicly humiliate Andrew Demetriou
I’d like to see Danny Green annihilate Anthony Mundine
I’d like to win AFL Dream Team
Once again, I’d like to see someone other than Central District win the SANFL flag…please Santa please!!!
Also once again, I’d like to see Casey Stoner win back his title
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
good on ya Kaz, happy to relive the classic “I’d like to see Melanie McLaughlin” line from last year. Tell me though, only seeing Melanie from a long distance – was that court imposed??
Kazama said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:21pm | Report comment
lol no… but it’s hard to get a restraining order against someone when you don’t know their real name!
AndyRoo said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:07pm | Report comment
I won’t ask for much, just Mark Viduka to make a shock come back and sign for Adelaide United then play the best football of his career until the conclusion of Sth Africa 2010.
It’s not a big ask because I don’t even support Adelaide and only chose them because they have ACL fixtures coming up and aren’t Melbourne Victory.
Thanks Santa
Redb said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:10pm | Report comment
No way will Dukes play for Adelaide, it will Melb Heart who need him the most, albeit Victory are trying to snare him.
AndyRoo said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:18pm | Report comment
I don’ think he will play for either to be honest, after so many years of being at the top not everyone wants to keep on going.
But my choice of Adelaide is very strategic. For Dukes world cup preparation he needs plenty of games and Adelaide if they make the finals are along with MV the two teams that will play the most games between now and South Africa (due to the ACL). Adelaide also need a marquee and something to make Friday night football more interesting (which every second week is #### Adelaide).
As the season stands now it’s very hard to split SFC and MV with perhaps Melbourne shading it, add Dukes though and their goes that contest.
Perhaps he will find religion which will draw him to the city of churches…..
Redb said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:22pm | Report comment
I dont think there is any doubt both Melbourne clubs are very keen to sign him up. Heart must have the advantage given they do not have a marquee player yet. He has been in Melbourne recently and if I were Heart who are desperate to find a point of difference I’d throw the kitchen sink and most the kitchen at him as well.
Like most returning overseas players they like to give a bit back to their local comps if they can before they fully retire. I’d reckon Dukes has this in mind.
Redb
AndyRoo said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:35pm | Report comment
Heart are too late….my real agenda (don’t tell Santa) is Socceroo success and Heart don’t kick off until 2010/2011
If he hasn’t tried to make a burst for the World cup I think the fire has faded, if the prospect of the world cup can’t get you up nothing can.
Redb said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:48pm | Report comment
But that’s not true of quite a few of the returning Socceroos who are marquee players. They no longer hold ambitions to play for their country but still enjoy a kick in the A League and as I said giving something back.
AndyRoo said | December 17th 2009 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
I hope your right RedB.
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 1:16pm | Report comment
Redb, Andy, i’d actually be pretty hapy to see Viduka running around for Hearts, even at 41 or however old he’d be…
Michael C said | December 17th 2009 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
for Xmas -
people on theRoar stop rubbishing Andrew Demetriou as a sport.
the amount of rubbish that has been attributed to Demetriou – it’s a joke and only the result of people NOT listening to what he says and painting their own pictures.
thus, again, this article has failed this test – with “Failing that, I’d be content if Andrew Demetriou could speak in public without a soapbox.”
Yup – - nice little cheap shot that one Brett.
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 2:22pm | Report comment
well MC, perhaps he could stop making himself such a target!! I have the greatest admiration for Demetriou as a sports administrator (if not so much as an awads night presenter), and I think what he wants to do with the AFL is very bold, and even worth doing generally speaking (despite disagreeing about the location of Team 18).
But for me, it’s been his carry-on in this month that prompted the particular wish in question here. It seemed there for a bit we couldn’t go a day without Demetriou needing to tip more kero on the WC bid fire, and as you’ve even said, a lot of this whole debate is still based on speculation and guesswork.
Of course he’s just doing his job, of course he’s wanting to protect his turf, but I can’t help but think a lot of it was designed not to throw a cat amonst the FFA pigeons, but just to get AFL in the news in the off-season.
You say it’s a cheap shot, but I’ll stand by my comment. You’re not seeing Gallop carry on like this, despite sharing many of the same concerns the AFL does. Demetriou is almost coming accross as the lone party-pooper when it comes to the WC bid.
And really, unless you are Andrew Demetriou himself, how is me saying this any different to any other comment made about any other sports administrator around the country? And if you’re not AD, why does it even bother you so much that you feel the need to defend him?
Chop said | December 17th 2009 @ 6:33pm | Report comment
Demetriou does tend to lead verbally with his chin doesn’t he? He sort of the Denis Fitzgerald of the AFL, I miss Denis….
BigAl said | December 19th 2009 @ 4:02pm | Report comment
Brett . . . ‘ You’re not seeing Gallop carry on like this’
Gallop is just not up to it ! – he’s not capable of carrying Demetriou’s bags.
LK said | December 17th 2009 @ 2:10pm | Report comment
I will probably jinx him….
People to stop bagging Brad Haddin.
Brett McKay said | December 17th 2009 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
LK, if he keeps batting like he is now, he’ll shut most critics up I’d imagine…
Chop said | December 17th 2009 @ 6:35pm | Report comment
Until he holed out before making a ton….I can’t believe 5 of them threatened and no one could make triple figures.
I want to add a wish that an Australian can reach 3 figures in the Pakistan series….
matty1974 said | December 17th 2009 @ 7:05pm | Report comment
My wish list
1. Australia to be awarded the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
2. Australia to beat England in the 2010 WC round of 16, on penalties with John Terry to miss the decisive spot kick. Australia to go on and beat France in the quarters, after that i don’t care.
3. Sydney FC to beat Melbourne in the A league GF.
4. The NRL to go an entire season without a single assault on women. For their reward, the players to be given the opportunity to partake in a public urinating and defecating competition.
5. Michael C, Redb, and our dearly departed friend Pip, to have a road to Damascus experience and embrace all that is good about the beautiful game.