Expert
Joined January 2015
890k
Views
679
Published
30.9k
Comments
Stuart Thomas is a sports writer, freelance journalist and copywriter who made the jump from Roar Guru to Expert in 2017. A former trainee professional golfer, his sporting passions are broad with particular interests in football, AFL and rugby league. His love of sport is only matched by his passion for gardening and self-sustainability. Follow him on Twitter @stuartthomas72, connect with him on Facebook and LinkedIn and see his work at https://www.stuartthomas.com.au
Published
Comments
The final round of A-League action is upon us and the top six is set. In a round of upsets, emotion and drama, the stars came to the fore. Here are the men that made the difference in Round 26.
The Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers do battle in what is the penultimate match of the season for both clubs. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEST).
Ignore the final score. Whether the Roosters had claimed a 21-20 victory off the back of a freakish Latrell Mitchell field goal or the men in purple had pinched the game at the other end from the boot of Cameron Munster, it makes little difference.
Well played Perth Glory. The plate is yours and the top six is decided.
Mondays can be particularly sobering in professional sport.
On a weekend when Perth Glory claimed the premier’s plate, the A-League produced an upset or two, and some players delivered stunning individual performances, here are the men that made all the difference.
Winx makes her final competitive appearance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick Racecourse. Join The Roar for live results and commentary from 3:05pm (AEST).
The Geelong Cats and the GWS Giants clash at GMHBA Stadium in what appears to be the match of the round. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:45pm (AEST).
If the Melbourne Storm can play as poorly as they did in Townsville and still manage an 18-12 victory against a much-improved Cowboys side, I’m not sure who stops them from winning their fourth legitimate premiership.
The big news story of Round 25 should be the Perth Glory’s Premier’s Plate-securing win over the Jets in the west.
I love the notion of a ‘sure thing’. Nothing tingles the hairs on the back of the neck like a friend leaning in a little closer and whispering some ‘secret’ information into my ear.
In a week where two contenders met to decide who would attempt to hunt down Perth Glory over the final three weeks, there were few upsets.
Adelaide United face the Wellington Phoenix in Round 24 A-League action, in a match with serious top-six ramifications. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEST).
Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory face off in the Big Blue at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Round 24 A-League action. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
The North Queensland Cowboys host the Canberra Raiders in Townsville in Round 4 NRL action. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEDT).
What a dud! For a match talked up as an explosive encounter between two teams with plenty of frosty and tense relationships traversing between them, the Panthers and Tigers was less than inspiring.
The Matildas face the USA in a pre-World Cup friendly in Colorado. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 12:30pm (AEDT).
The Adelaide Crows and Geelong Cats do battle at the Adelaide Oval in Round 3 AFL action. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
With just four weeks remaining of A-League home-and-away play the top six looks set.
For just the third time in season 2018-19, Perth Glory failed to score in their 2-0 loss to Melbourne Victory in Perth.
Their best quality is that they scare the heck out of every other side in the competition. Everyone fears the Storm and that is a great card to have in the deck each week. They can be beaten, but something near the perfect game is required.
Cleary Inc. still looking clunky as the Titans fly the flag for Queensland
I agree in regards to Slater and Cronk. A lot now rests on Croft’s shoulders. He needs to keep developing for the Storm to threaten deep into the finals. I think he will. He is another in the long line of Bellamy stars that just keep on coming. Hughes showed a lot in attack last night. What an amazingly consistent and high performing team.
Cleary Inc. still looking clunky as the Titans fly the flag for Queensland
Choked on my gluten free muffin when I read that headline Mike. You old stirrer you!
Do the Western Sydney Wanderers still have fans?
In your opinion, which you are entitled to.
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
Me too. And a tax deduction!
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
So free speech out the window again?
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
100% Brumby Ross. I am in the same boat as you. However people choose to live their life is their right and not one to be judged by others. If an overarching deity eventually tells them that they lived a life of depravity and sin, fine, they can deal with it then. I’m not sure how much arrogance it takes to assume that judgemental pedestal, but Folau appears to assume it quite regularly.
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
“In a pluralistic society we should be tolerant of others opinions”, but not apparently tolerant of peoples personal lifestyles? None of Folau’s opinions have been censored. Social media allowed him to say exactly what he wanted. Reaction is not censorship.
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
Let’s not bring facts into it Piru, Glenn was on a roll!
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
How many times do we need to explain this to people?
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
I’m not sure which is more alarming; Folau’s actual comments, or the rather weak defence of them mounted by some. Cite minority, left or whatever term you like, Israel Folau is a proponent of hate speech towards a considerable percentage of society. Yes he has the right to his view, just as he has the responsibility to face those who feel he is an ill-informed, red-necked zealot.
Rugby union would be a more inclusive, kinder place without Israel Folau and his backwards views
I’ll be at the derby Jordan and will make every attempt to bring it to life. Watch for me on the telly. I’m planning something big!
The Roar's A-League expert tips and predictions: Round 25
Their turn to win Waz. They are unloved this week. It must happen!
The Roar's A-League expert tips and predictions: Round 25
So the use of the words idiot, fools, unreliable, foolhardy and irritating, nor the irony of the last line didn’t tip you off to the tone? Far from a whimsical intention.
I bet on the A-League. I’m an idiot
So much for the loss to the Bulldogs being an aberration. Really poor footy from both sides really. Marsters’ weetbix must taste awful this morning.
Nathan pinches two points from Ivan’s old mob after the Warriors trump the Titans
My goodness, Jordan picked the Glory? No way. If they lose this one I might walk to Bourke!
The Roar's A-League expert tips and predictions: Round 24
Why can’t everyone on the planet be as good spirited as you Stevo?
Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Victory 2: Just a speed bump in the run home?
I’ll tip my hat if they fill Optus. That’s about 50 thou right?
Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Victory 2: Just a speed bump in the run home?
Just a joke Nemesis. I’m always a day behind. I’ve been to the ‘g’ a few times and found it awful. A great stadium, yet awful to sit in, view and relax.
Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Victory 2: Just a speed bump in the run home?
I don’t think Victory could fill the MCG. I would just like to hear the outcry from the local public.
Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Victory 2: Just a speed bump in the run home?
I’d like to see;
Sydney – ANZ
Glory – Optus
Victory – MCG (ha)
Phoenix – Westpac
Adelaide – Adelaide Oval
City – Punt Road
Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Victory 2: Just a speed bump in the run home?
The conveniently located SCG no doubt. Hope the rugger boys aren’t on it a few days before.
Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Victory 2: Just a speed bump in the run home?
That was a cracking crowd on Saturday. Were you there Jordan and if so, what was it like?
Perth Glory 0 Melbourne Victory 2: Just a speed bump in the run home?
You must be rich!
The Roar's A-League expert tips and predictions: Round 25