The Sporting Day: Some Sporting Observations

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Some Sporting Observations

8. Maligned Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman may have played his last game for the Chicago Bears, at least for the foreseeable future. The Chicago Bears, on the back of a classic three-interception display by Grossman, were blown out 34-10 by a Dallas Cowboys side that was hardly at its strongest. Grossman could hardly hit a pass and with his appalling decision making, he single handedly cost the Bears the game. Many pundits and fans have been calling for his head since midway through last season and they may get their wish this week. Coach Lovie Smith needs to make the tough decision soon, before the season is too long gone.

7. The Denver Broncos look a shadow of Bronco teams of recent years, even the side that managed to mangle an almost certain playoff position last season. There were high hopes for Mike Shanahan’s team this season after rookie quarterback Jay Cutler showed some talent in his few starts last season but he has failed to deliver in 2007. As have the rest of the side, who were beset by a double tragedy in the off-season when two teammates were killed. The Broncos fell in against Buffalo, were lucky to win at home to Oakland and were systematically torn apart by the Jacksonville Jags. It would be wise to downgrade the Broncos in your power rankings.

6. Australia has a new champion. Casey Stoner became Australia’s first MotoGP title winner since Mick Doohan in 1998 when he ran sixth in the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi on Sunday. Stoner has been the dominant force on the tour and it was tremendous to see him wrap up the title and bring glory to Australia. Being so good at such a young age, Stoner may lead another golden age of motor cycle racing in Australia.

5. Timana Tahu has been in blistering form of late and it is a shame to see him leave the open spaces of the NRL for the constrictions of the rugby field. He has been the form centre of the competition over the last six weeks, rekindling the form of yesteryear, playing his best football since arriving at Parramatta. He will be a sure hit in rugby as he has so much natural ability that it would be difficult to see him not succeeding.

4. Port Adelaide star Chad Cornes was entirely correct in dismissing claims of arrogance as a joke. Both he and Warren Tredrea celebrated with youthful enthusiasm when they kicked goals in their team’s demolition job of the Kangaroos. Tredrea bowed nonchalantly towards Port Adelaide members after a stunning goal while Cornes indulged himself and fans in what can only be described as a post-goal Costanza run. It is ridiculous that these two club legends were vilified by coach and media for celebrating with their fans and teammates. This kind of stuff is good for footy.

3. Jimmy Bartel was a deserved winner of the Brownlow Medal and he could quite easily take the double with the Norm Smith Medal on offer this Saturday. Bartel won with an incredible 29 votes despite missing the final two rounds of voting. He is the first Brownlow Medal winner to miss two rounds of voting since Greg Williams. Bartel is a prodigious talent in a team oozing with skill, determination and ability. It looks like Geelong is on the cusp of a new golden age.

2. The end of the footy season often means farewell to some true champions. 2007 is no different. The AFL bids adieu to Glen Archer, James Hird, Mark Ricciuto and Anthony Koutoufides,among others, while the NRL says goodbye and good luck to Jason Smith, Paul Bowman, Paul Mellor, David Peachey and Craig Gower. These champions will be remembered forever and a day by fans of the AFL and fans of rugby league.

1. The Melbourne Storm are deserved favourites for the NRL Grand Final despite the wave of injury concern that has overcome the club as well as a less than stellar performance in winning their preliminary final against Parramatta. In what was a brutal affair with the Eels, the Storm came out on top 26-10 to win their second consecutive Grand Final spot. But it was the smorgasbord of injuries that has Storm fans concerned with prop Ben Cross in severe doubt as well as Ryan Hoffman, Israel Folau and Billy Slater all suffering niggling injuries. Also of concern to Craig Bellamy would be the attitude of the Storm at the beginning of the game and the second half, when the Storm played flat and without intensity. Having said all that, the Storm have been the dominant rugby league team in recent years and if they play anywhere near their best, they will win and win well.

Upper of the Week: The top two sides in both the NRL and AFL making their respective Grand Final’s. It is a wonderful prospect to see the best take on the best in the game that will decide it all.

Downer of the Week: The death of legendary rugby league caller Frank Hyde. For four decades he was the voice of the game and until his final days he lived the ethos and the beauty of the sport. He may be gone from the mortal earth but he will live forever in the hearts of rugby league fans.