Roar Rookie
Joined August 2019
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Appeared on the Footy Show as some obnoixious kid who knew a bit about the Dockers, since then my journalism career has followed the same trajectory as the show that first spotlighted me. Youngest WAFL commentator at league level (16 years), who just wants one of his teams to win a trophy.
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Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment Maxine,
DiVenuto was always a fine top order batsman and was one of the names on my shortlist, I remember him being a very handy first class cricketer. Arnberger was one I’d forgotten about entirely but he was always quite a way back in the pecking order. Buck Rogers is also a good name to mention in this conversation and it was down to him or Katich for the second openers spot.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Glad to hear you enjoyed it and at the end of the day a lot of this is personal preference, I’d be very surprised if anyone completely agreed with me, even though I’ve tried to use data as much as possible to choose my selections.
Our selections around that time were really strange, going into the bowling stocks as well Michael Beer, really? Doolan and Henriques are the two that stood out for me that didn’t belong anywhere near the test team, and if you’ll allow me to go more recently Nic Maddinson might be the captain of baffling selections that literally everyone but the selectors thought was a mistake XI. I am a West Aussie so maybe I’ve romanicised Voges a bit and he was hit or miss but he’ll always be one I would’ve liked to see more of. I do remember the whole “Voges average is as good as Bradman’s” circus, which although clearly not a claim that he was better than the Don did inflate his stock to almost being overrated.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Hey mate,
Thanks for taking the time to give me such a detailed reply, I really do appreciate it and love it when I’m able to start a discussion.
That top six you’ve offered up is an intriguing proposition, but no room for Michael Clarke? For me he’d have to be in there somewhere, which leaves either Hodge or D Hussey out (again).
Symonds I went with because even though he was in many ways the architect of his own demise, the race row with Singh seemed to really impact him and even though he’d had his behavioural problems before (England 2005 comes to mind) that seemed to be the catalyst for further indiscretions. It was also apparent that Cricket Australia didn’t really throw their full support behind him (a view I share with Ricky Ponting, among others), which no doubt would have damaged him further.
Haddin has probably been my most controversial choice in the comments section, you certainly make a good case as to why he shouldn’t have made it.
As for your modern selections I agree across the board, I would’ve liked Voges to have had a longer test career but at least he got some time in the sun.
Once again, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
If I recall correctly (and this may be horribly wrong) wasn’t Berry watching an ODI in the stands and Australia were so short he got hauled out and onto the pitch? I think the physio also had to field for a bit. This was 15 or so years ago.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Fair comment on his erratic nature, maybe my selection calls are as weird as some of the current ECB ones but a player with the raw pace of Tait is so tempting just for the damage he can do. Remember he never got test run outs in Australia, which would have suited him more than the English and West Indian pitches he got his test run outs on.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Both the 90s side and 00s side of unlucky players would comfortably beat our current side, assuming they can get rid of Smith early.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Noff made it into my 15 man shortlist (choosing the bowlers was hard) I remember him dominating at Shield level.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Hey Ryan glad to hear you liked it.
Hartley has a very strong case, the only reason I went with Haddin over him is that those extra years he was stuck behind Gilchrist might have put him in the upper echelon of Aussie wicketkeepers, alongside Healy and Gilly. Would he be considered one of the all time greats had he enjoyed perhaps two more years as our number one keeper, assuming he replicated his career form into that timeframe?
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Law is certainly a good shout here and was in my final shortlist. Tait made it because had Lee not been around he would’ve been chucked in the team a lot more often (think how we keep bafflingly trying Mitch Marsh even though it’s very clear he doesn’t cut it) and likely would have grown into the role.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era
Hey mate,
I think you’ve somewhat missed the point I’m getting at here, this isn’t a hot take on substances, rather a look at media conduct. While drugs play an undeniable role, they are not the crux of what I’m talking about. I don’t really want to get involved in a political discourse on this topic, but I appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts.
A defence of Ben Cousins
As an innings fair but this spell was something special.
Revisiting the best spell in Ashes history
I must admit that I don’t begrudge the umpires, especially without DRS and it’s not like Kasper argued his case, which if I was in the situation and was aware of the rule I certainly would be doing (however ungentlemanly that may be). It was a typical number 11’s shot and I also can’t recall another instance of it occurring, just a shame it happened at such a pivotal moment of the series.
Revisiting the best spell in Ashes history
Yep 2 runs, and Kasper’s hand wasn’t even on the bat when the ball came through, so the gloved catch to Geraint Jones shouldn’t have stood (I’m not bitter I promise). One of the all time classic tests, with a surface that was tailor made for McGrath could’ve been even better.
Revisiting the best spell in Ashes history
I remember vividly Johnson’s spell and the proximity of my jaw to the floor throughout.
McGrath going down at Edgbaston did cost us the Ashes in my opinion, a series that ranks up there as the best of the modern era.
Revisiting the best spell in Ashes history
Hi Paul, I’m probably showing my age (or lack thereof) with my lack of familiarity with the Massie performance, although I have heard of it. I’m glad you enjoyed it nonetheless.
Revisiting the best spell in Ashes history
I absolutely direct sympathy to those affected but I also feel for Cousins and everyone else gripped by addiction. They made bad choices but when the sun goes down they are still a human being.
A defence of Ben Cousins
As someone who was lucky enough to experience being in the media from a young age, I’ve been pushed by literally hundreds of people to get a journalism degree. Essendon 34 made me decide I don’t want to spend four years studying how to ruin peoples lives and the Cousins circus has only reaffirmed that. Absolute farce the behaviour of some of these journalists.
A defence of Ben Cousins
I have no doubt ice has ruined and is currently ruining thousands of lives, especially over here in WA where regional towns are facing severe addiction issues. It’s a real shame that Ben went down this road but if there is any hope for him it needs to happen without the media witch hunt.
A defence of Ben Cousins
Great story Jack, I imagine it would be quite the surprise the first time one of them came in!
A defence of Ben Cousins
Hi Grints,
First of all no I haven’t had to deal with stuff like break ins or a loved one being addicted and I’m genuinely sorry that you have gone through that, nobody should have to.
Addiction is a horrible thing and while I haven’t experienced drug addiction in my family I’ve seen other vices take over, it’s hard to see someone you love and care for lose themselves. I made the choice to walk away from the family member in question when I was about 15, so I took the easy way out to some extent, but full credit to those who stay there and stick by the people going through addiction.
This article is meant to draw attention to the fact that Ben is trying to get control of his life while a media thunderstorm follows him around. I’d wager nobody would be able to defeat their demons with the sheer attention Mr. Cousins gets on a near daily basis. This is not championing his actions while under the influence, he has done some truly horrible things, but in his heart of hearts he is a good person who is trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to overcome his issues.
A defence of Ben Cousins
Couldn’t agree more, for some reason we expect professional athletes to be this shining beacon of hope and eternal positiveness but if they can’t deal with their demons the media narrative turns rapidly.
A defence of Ben Cousins
I do remember snippets of Smith (and Warner to a degree) and the intrusive coverage making its way out West, along with the campout in front of James Hird’s house during the Essendon 34 scandal. What better way to get journalistic experience than to hound someone at rock bottom?
A defence of Ben Cousins
You do make an excellent point but my anecdotes aren’t what the article is about, it’s context for my experience with Ben (which, unlike some in the media isn’t following from 100 yards away with a camera) and why I believe the weak journalism surrounded exclusively at generating negative coverage around him needs to stop.
A defence of Ben Cousins
Hi Paul,
In my first draft I alluded to how much I love Roy but took it out as I didn’t want this to be too subjective and that would somewhat taint my neutrality. But Symonds was one of my favourites growing up and I remember distinctly his ton in the boxing day test against England. His book, if you haven’t checked it out is a great read and it’s not as lengthy as guys like Ponting so it’s a great compact choice. If you gave me the choice between Symonds or Mitch Marsh, it’s the former in a heartbeat, although our weird obsession with pace all rounders might hurt him if he played today.
Australia's unlucky XI from the 2000s golden era