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Some Sporting Observations

8. The NFL game of the season is scheduled for this coming weekend with the unbeaten New England Patriots and the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts set to meet in a clash of the titans. Never before have two unbeaten teams met so late in the regular season. Adding to the build-up is the mutual animosity that exists between the two teams with the Pats and Colts fighting for AFC supremacy over the last half-decade. The Colts are bubbling along under the radar, winning games and doing what is required. The Pats, conversely, have been on a mission to destroy, decimating every team with the misfortune to cross paths with New England. The difference in this one will be the killer instinct that exists in the New England team. They should be just a little too strong.

7. The New York Yankees have hired Joe Girardi to replace Joe Torre as manager. Girardi beat out current Yankee coaches Don Mattingly and Tony Pena. The Bronx Bombers have made the right choice after their monumental mistake of forcing Joe Torre out. Girardi is a Yankee legend who won three World Series in the late nineties and caught in many great matches, including David Cone’s perfect game. Girardi was also named manager of the year in his only season in charge of a major league club. Girardi is a natural leader and will serve the Yankees well in what will be a tough transition period for them.

6. The Boston Red Sox have won the 2007 MLB World Series and are deserved champions. In what was another victory for an American League team, the Red Sox outmatched the gutsy Colorado Rockies in four straight games. The Rockies, who made the World Series in an extraordinary late season run where they won 21 of their last 22 games going into the World Series, could not overcome the talent differential and the eight days off and were outplayed by the Sox in nearly every facet of the game. Boston will be around the mark again next year. The Rockies are a more risky proposition.

5. A new coach can make the world of difference and Sydney FC fans found that out this week. John Kosmina was handed the reins at FC last week after Branko Cullina was shown the door and FC came out and played their finest game of the season, downing competition frontrunners and arch-rivals Central Coast 3-2. Teams always seem to respond when a mid-season coaching change is made, making such teams a wise bet. Be extremely wary of FC in the coming weeks.

4. Talk of Stuart MacGill not making the Australian Test team is disgraceful and is a continuation of the negativity that is heaped on the talented leg spinner by those who refuse to accept different personalities. MacGill has been kept out of the Australian side most of his career by the incomparable Shane Warne and despite this, has still managed to take nearly 200 Test wickets. Talk of playing four pace bowlers or selecting Brad Hogg border on the ludicrous. MacGill has never let anyone down and should be afforded first opportunity.

3. Brad Hodge has thrown away his chances of a Test recall with a shocking tour of India and two failures in his first Pura Cup game. Hodge was widely considered to be the frontrunner for the position vacated by Justin Langer but a number of blown chances and some fine innings' by Phil Jaques has ensured Hodge will start yet another summer on the sidelines. Jaques, however, must take the opportunity. He will not be given the whole summer to cement his spot.

2. Miss Andretti was absolutely brilliant in her “match race” with Gold Edition last Saturday, confirming her status as Australia’s best sprinter and mare. Gold Edition had been racing in magnificent heart but was no match for Miss Andretti who has proven that she has taken no ill effects from her overseas travels. She won’t be getting beaten this preparation. She is all class.

1. El Segundo has finally stamped himself as Australia’s number one horse, winning the Cox Plate in a canter. El Segundo had been set for the Cox Plate by Colin Little since running second in the race twelve months ago and the grandiose plans came to fruition. Given a charming ride by Luke Nolen, the ride of his lifetime, El Segundo had measured up to them on the turn and shot clear. Redemption had been won. El Segundo is a popular horse with plenty of talent who has lots of big race wins left in him.

Upper of the Week: Brett Favre winning the game for the Packers in overtime with an 82 yard pass that will go down as one of the great throws in professional football. It is always good to see a champion at his best.

Downer of the Week: Alex Rodriguez announcing he was leaving the New York Yankees in the middle of game four of the World Series. It was a petulant and self-absorbed move to take the spotlight away from the Championship series. Rodriguez needs to grow up. Perhaps then he will perform well enough to play in a World Series.