I find this interesting “the A-League a perfect example of negative play being disciplined consistently and the fans getting better value for money in terms of goals on the board and the associated entertainment.”

The reality of Association Football IS that it has a ‘restrictive’ rule set. That’s the basis of any ‘invasion’ sport that employs an off-side rule.

And for Association Football – – while a goal is a goal irrespective of methodology – – it’s still very hard to achieve because of the combination of off-side along with the goalie able to use hands, and the cross bar on a goal mouth that hasn’t expanded despite the professional era of the top line goalies being around 6’3″ where as once upon a time 6′ might have been considered the ‘mark’.

So………..accept that the game is structured via a ‘negatively geared’ rule set and environment.

How to increase scoring? By disciplining ‘negative play’?!?!?!

How about tweaking the rules? I say this – – given the likelihood moving forward that headers will need to be banned entirely. (given CTE – – it seems astounding they still exist and I seriously don’t see them still in place come say – the year 2050).

So remove headers from the goal scoring equation and sheesh……..how much more disciplining will be required for ‘negative play’???

I’d push instead for removing offside. Or for basketball style differentiated points for goals before going harder on punishing ‘negative play’. I’d actually try to set up rules that foster ‘positive play’. And THEN……if that hasn’t worked……….only then go the ‘punitive’ path.

#Ad Tastic

So………..the Australian ‘talent pathway’ will remain?? A handful of private schools?

Comparing RU and Cricket is folly in this scenario. Cricket isn’t going to disappear in Australia. It’s the shape it takes and the on going balance of formats.

RU has no ‘sweet spot’ in Australia anymore. And – – in essence – arguably – it has no reason for being.

Not even a home RWC can save it………ironically the high water mark after 2003 was the peak……it’s been all decline since then.

#Chris Lewis
The problem is that Sky After Dark is NOT centre right. It’s hard right.

Dominated by sponsored opinionists rather than balanced journalists.

Arguably – the ALP at the last Fed Election took the Centre and the LNP lost so many of the moderates to the Teals who were arguably Centre-Left while the Greens were of course clear ‘Left’. The LNP lost their moral compass in the process and we saw running into the referendum that the ultra conservative hard right Nats became the tail wagging the dog and opted for an outright ‘No’ as a party position 11 months out from the referendum and that forced Dutton’s hand.

They – the LNP – are a major threat to Australian way of life because they oppose our laconic progressiveness.

#dargerovitch

It is a ruddy brilliant flag.

#Macca

The problem is that we have politicised ‘culture wars’. The hard right that has taken over the LNP completely drowned out their more traditional ‘Centre’ moderates in the recent referendum (and the cheer leading media who – as an example completely ignored the “Liberals for the Voice” and tried to make it instead a partisan oppositional issue).

So………..I have zero faith in a balanced and respectful day of ‘reflection’. The enabled redneck/bogans have already politically weaponised the Australian flag. It’s a long way back.

The date I quite like – is May 9th. That’s got a generational component. It makes in 1901 the first sitting of Federal Parliament (in Melbourne at the wonder REB). But – it doesn’t stop there. 1927 – May 9th – first parliament house in Canberra opens…….then again May 9th 1988 the new parliament house opens.

For better or worse – – our own Federal Govt which is reflective of all the good and bad but the progression…….that goes from ‘White Australia’ to the 1967 referendum to Mabo/native title. And it’s close to mothers day.

Get rid of the Kings Birthday…….

The problem with Australia day on the 26th – rigidly – is we often have kids already back at school………..for 1 or 2 days and then bang……a public holiday.

Granted – – I DID love that last hurrah with the kids before they went back to school if it slotted in beforehand. But it’s hard to align nationally with the staggering of school terms.

#Macca

There’s a few rabbit holes on this anyway.

Certainly NSW Foundation Day isn’t the day.

Because even if we ran with a Jan 1st 1901 celebration of ‘Federation’………that would be a dodgy moment in time because one of the first acts was the ‘White Australia Policy’ (Immigration Restriction Act)…..and cultural genocide continued…..at the state level with the Feds not having jurisdiction of the indigenous.

This is where — for some it’s all too much political correctness — however it IS important to find the right date reflecting on the right moment that is worth celebrating. The multicultural nation we are now………..it’s hard to celebrate the 50 odd years of ‘White Australia Policy’.

#Tufanooo

It’s interesting that there wasn’t an office of the Premier of NSW until 1856. Up to then – – the Governor of NSW was a British Military appointee.

In Melbourne the Victoria Barracks housed British Regiments until the early 1870s.

This place was a military controlled/policed backwater. it was NOT a nation until Federation. And nothing the British did should be celebrated in the way that Jan 26th 1788 is.

#Macca

There’s part of the issue.

When did said victory occur? During British Colonial control?

Simple examples – – British Regiments were housed at Melbourne’s Victoria barracks until around 1870. The first Premier of NSW wasn’t until 1856 – – up to then – – the British Military officers held the appointed position of Governor.

The notion at any rate of celebrating a British Military Imperial date as our National Day………..would be laughable if it weren’t so offensive.

It’s about time this country grows up. And that might not come until we get to celebrate “Republic day” as our national day!!!

And another list of possibles…….

Interesting – – Xavier Bartlett…….people have fallen in love with him swinging the white ball. And he’s looked good no doubt.

He’s only 18 matches into his FC career with 62 wickets at 26.03, econ of 3.03 and S/R of 51.5. One 5wI (7/96) and no 10wM; but another 5 4wI. So a bit to like. Just turned 25 in December.

I do ponder that Fergus O’Neill isn’t mentioned – 15 matches inti his FC career with 55 wickets at 20.18, econ of 2.42 and S/R of 49.9. 3 FwI (best of 5/28), 1 10wM and another 2 4wI. Just turned 23 in Jan.

For Jhye Richardson……..he’s only managed 25 FC matches – very nice numbers. If only he can get his body right. He HAS had 3 tests including as a very raw young paceman back in 2019. Was he rushed?? Spencer Johnson at 28 and Richardson 27……..perhaps that’s the age profile?

At this point though……..I’m more than happy for O’Neill to remain in Vics colours as they push for the Shield……..the question of benefit of missing red ball matches just to be in a squad…………it a balancing act.

#Don Freo

Pretty sure I did reference games played, econ, avg and S/R.

I’m unapologetic – – I’m just not sure where Morris is at.

If that’s in part due to some poor or confusing ‘management’……….he won’t be the last!!

#Don Freo

The big selling point of “the Wild Thing” Morris is his pace. So far………I’m far more impressed with a 24 year old with 5 FC games experience who starred in 2 tests for the West Indies.

Morris – – looking like a white ball prospect at best for Australia. And if you’re right regarding “CA managed Shield season” then that’s a bit of an indicator. Presently though – Ellis is ahead of him in T20 considerations.

And……….I’ll still take O’Neill in red ball. In the Shield this year – – he’s 4th on most wickets but that’s a smidge behind Gabe Bell (aged 28), McAndrew (30) and Tremain (32). For averages for wickets over 10 – only 31 year old Joel Paris has a better average.

#kingplaymaker

A key with Jimmy Anderson…..last ODI was 2015 and last T20 was 2009.

He chose (or was forced) to specialise. I very much doubt he’d still be going trying to play all forms.

#Don Freo

The very limited sample size – thus far of Morris in the ODI’s vs the West Indies. Was underwhelming. His pace…….low 140s…..was underwhelming. The ‘wild thing’ was nothing like – for example – Tait or Brad Williams.

After seeing Shamar Joseph…….and then seeing Lance Morris…….I’m not getting too excited about Morris.

Morris is interesting. In FC (Morris 22 games, 74 wkts vs O’Neill 15 games, 55 wkts) his economy is 3.59 vs O’Neill 2.42. S/R is 42.4 vs 49.9. Avg is 25.44 vs 20.18.

Then for List A : Morris (13 wkts/9 games) vs O’Neill (16 wkts/10 games) econ 5.83 vs 4.00; S/R 30.6 vs 30.7; Avg 29.84 vs 20.50.

I look at that and ponder…….why was Morris getting a game in an ODI??? He was underwhelming on debut 10 overs for 59 against a 3rd string WI side. 2nd game – – got his pace generally 140-145….I think peaked at 146kmh……..and……..broke down.

So……….I’m sorry. Right now – – Lance Morris isn’t exciting me. And certainly not for test cricket.

#kingplaymaker

And that’s where the player and their support network need to be aware of where the player is at.

In the case of Smith – – we’ve seen him making tweaks to his technique and moving up to open.

Khawaja……….has he also tweaked and moved up to open?

The challenge for Smith is he had such an unorthodox technique that can he transition successfully as he ages and how much can just be ‘tweaked’ vs ‘reinvented’?

the thing with O’Neill is he’s got a really clean tidy action. A guy like Jhye Richardson is a little bit whippier and that arguably makes him more vulnerable to breaking down.

He made both the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Premier cricket team of the year. Those were his first two full seasons. He’s transitioned wonderfully into FC cricket and 15 games in with 55 wickets at 20.18 (3 x 5wI and 1 x 10wM). And batting at 25.47 makes him a very handy proposition.

I’d be more than happy to get him into the squad. For a tour.

This is the important bit. A guy like O’Neill wouldn’t be an ideal 12th/13th man for a home series. He needs to be out in the middle continuing his learning trajectory. A guy like Scotty Boland has been an ideal squad member for home summers.

Now….I still look at the test team and still feel that Green/Marsh……what problem are we fixing with those 2 in the XI?? I’d happily jettison one of them at very least for a spinning all-rounder (but the window for one G.Maxwell I suggest has closed). So – – IF we continue with BOTH Marsh and Green then we need to alter the dynamic of the specialist bowlers.

#Gibbo

“Ready for test selection” is an interesting one.

Looking at Shamar Joseph for the West Indies………..by Australian standards…….no way; not ready.

Well……the big thing that would go against Joseph……..only 178cm tall!! Australia is all focused on big tall bowlers such that even with Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc trundling in – – that we’ve got not just one – but 2 big tall all rounders in Green and Marsh.

I feel sorry for Jhye Richardson……also 178cm tall.

The greatest West Indies bowler back in the era of the giants such as Holding, Garner and Croft (and even Roberts was 188cm) was arguably the 180cm Malcolm Marshall. Why? He skidded through and threatened the stumps more.

Fergus O’Neill isn’t a ruckman sized athlete. He doesn’t fit the 6’4″+ model currently employed by Australian selectors.

I’d argue that’s ALL the more reason to pick him. Part of the rationale is that we have India returning to Australia and the last couple of times they’ve toured here they have completely out bowled Australia. And one J.Bumrah is what? around 178cm tall.

Arguably the sooner we break our total dedication bowling basketballers the better…….might even improve our returns against 10th wicket partnerships!!

At least you put Fergus O’Neill in the XI.

Yeah – – you mentioned Maddinson……….he’s coming from a long way back.

Fergus though – – 2/21 off 20 overs in the first innings followed by 5/47 off 20,2 in the 2nd. Not bad at all……..7/68 off 40,2 overs.
His rolling 5 match (FC) form line now reads: 27 wickets for 384 at 14.22.

Granted……….he was dismissed for a duck………which soured his rolling 5 match batting to now read 195 runs at 48.75!!! (he’s had 4 not outs).

Note too – – over that last few months; 3 List A 50 over games for 7 wickets for 103 at 14.7. And arguably a long overdue BBL debut for 2 matches with 3/64 at 21.33.

Imagine if he was from WA (seriously….the ‘wild thing’ Morris is thus far a dud….) or NSW!!!

#The Iron Dingo

Ah…..GS Chappell – – to be frank – – I was never a big fan of his.

re the ‘Legacy’ – – in this context I’m referring to the ‘career average’ as a very personalised stats book legacy.

Certainly at the time – – he opted out of some tours and arguably had seen enough of the West Indies in the 81/82 summer when he struggled – after the 201 vs the Pakis at the Gabba – he followed up with 22 and 0 at the ‘G and with the back to back MCG tests that summer – – project forward to a golden duck and 6 vs the Windies followed by 12 and another golden duck at the SCG and finally 61 and 7 in Adelaide. At that point – – Dec/Jan 81/82 produced just 108 from 8 hits at 13.5. That was his ‘cross roads’ moment.

There followed a big hundred in Christchurch and a home Ashes with a couple of hundreds although his MCG love affair had well and truly evaporated.

It’s interesting that overall at the MCG, 1257 runs at 46.5.

Up to and including the boxing day test 1980 vs NZ; and he had 1146 runs at 63.67 (from 22 hits with 4 NO’s). Again – a summer with multiple MCG tests and he got off okay against India with 76……..but Karsan Ghavri got him around his legs for a golden duck in the 2nd (as India with Kapil Dev on fire – rolled Australia……on an MCG deck that aged dubiously across matches…..just ask Franklyn Stephenson). From then on, 22&0 (Pak), 0&6 (WI), 0&2 (Eng) and finally 5 (Pak). His last 9 knocks produced 111 at 12.33 and dropped his MCG avg by 17 down to 46.56.

Perhaps THAT was hit writing on the wall!!

Kim Hughes arguably got shafted with how he was handled as the 2nd choice captain…….although the rise and rise of Alan Border was looming large in his review mirror.

The biggest draw back for the Windies this tour was getting nothing from the openers.

McKenzie looks very nice.

And some of the other players such as Chase, Hope and others – need to work out their priorities. A full strength WI side; it would be interesting what form it would take for a test series starting on Monday.

re Hodge – –
Regional 4 day Comp
2011/12 1 run at 0.5
2013/14 103 runs at 12.87
2015/16 251 @ 31.37
2016/17 65 @ 8.12
2017/18 535 @ 53.5
WI Championship states
2018/19 481 @26.72
2019/20 454 @ 37.83
2021/22 195 @21.66

One thing to note – – the impact of 2020/21 – – the Covid Pandemic interruption. A player like Hodge – – arguably has been badly impacted when he should’ve been peaking.

And that means his career stats thus far are missing about a dozen games across 2020/21 when he should’ve been entering his career ‘sweet spot’.

Greaves and Hodge…..don’t desperately have to turn it into 30+ at test level is they are at least consistent.

However – – in this match we saw what Hodge can do – – 149 run partnership with Da Silva that was arguably the ‘other’ difference. He was setting in for the 2nd innings too and only brought undone by an exceptional piece of fielding by Head.

2 tests in and sitting on 12, 3, 79 and 29 (amazingly run out)…….against Australia IN Australia. That’s 123 at 30.75 so far. What might just happen is he continues to learn about his game and continues to ‘grow’. (on the back of 52 and 99 vs the CAXI so he’s certainly not a dud…….that’s 274 at 35.5 for the tour. The lead in saw WI ‘A’ vs RSA ‘A’ and that produced 179 at basically 30.

Perhaps……perhaps he is going to be able to be a solid 5-6 year player in the mid 30s and that will be enough for now.

Greaves – – certainly earned his keep in the field; and 3 wickets – he has a very handy role there. Only 68 from 4 hits in the tests to going at 17. Not far of Cam Green at 20.

65 & 41* in the CA XI game so 173 at 37.6 for the tour. He’s now a test player. Let’s see him grab this and run with it. His recent List A form was excellent with 393 from 7 hits (2 not outs). He’s clearly got some talent.

Remember – the thing about first class career averages is that goes right back to the very start and not every player gets off to a flier; so for a long while it will be a negatively skewed bell curve.

Ferguson is interesting but Jamieson I see as the key.

#Ad Tastic

In essence – – it was MOVED to a less than random day to start with. And that became a bad tradition.

Stupidity is doing the same wrong things over and over and over again. Jan 26th is just wrong.

For several reasons and not all relate to the indigenous perspective.

until we become a Republic – – one date that kinda applies is May 9th.

It’s the 1901 date of the first sitting of Federal Parliament (and yes – the flaws that an early piece of legislation was the White Australia “Immigration Restriction Act”).

It was ALSO the date of the opening in 1927 of the first Canberra Parliament House.

And then again – May 9th 1988 – the opening of the 2nd and current Canberra Parliament House.

That means that date transcends generational political independence without being a single point in time focus.

And……it’d break down the Sydney-centricity of Jan 26th. Given May 9th 1901 was at the wonderful Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne………..what a glorious location for Australia Day festivities to be centred around!!!

#Rabbitz

“Either way, possession would have been taken, as was the custom at the time”

I recommend you read the “Colonial Era” portion of this from “An unsettling decision: a legal and social history of native title and the Mabo decision“.

A key line “In Australia, none of these precedents were followed.”

#Mick Jeffrey

What the referendum proved was a combination of:
1. inability to separate issues – – so many people believed a “No” vote would or should shut down land rights, Australia Day change, Indigenous hand outs, Welcome to country…………etc etc.
2. “No-ism” is easier to sell………especially when enabling and encouraging general ignorance “If you don’t know; vote ‘No'”
3. The Yes side were either naïve; just poor sales people – or both
4. somehow Australia allowed themselves to disregard the only two actually indigenous Federal Ministers for Indigenous Affairs – – even though they were from opposite sides of the chamber.
5. That Murdoch is still the Grand PooBah.