The Sporting Day: Some Sporting Observations

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Some Sporting Observations

8. The New York Knicks may finally be heading in the right direction. After a number of seasons mired in the mediocrity, failure, division, apathy and ineptitude caused by coach and general manager Isaiah Thomas, the Knicks may well have bottomed out and are on the way up with the organisation making a number of positive decisions that are likely to improve the team. Highly regarded executive Donnie Walsh was brought in to oversee the front office a number of weeks ago and it will be announced this week that Phoenix Suns mentor Mike D’Antoni has signed a four year deal to coach the Knicks. D’Antoni has led the Suns to four consecutive playoffs and had the team playing exciting, attractive basketball. Victory and entertainment have not been words in the Knicks vocabulary in recent years. They could be soon.

7. The display of Fulham over the final three weeks of the English Premier League season has been nothing short of miraculous, saving their spot in the top flight with three consecutive wins that most would have thought impossible only a month back. After a brilliant come-from-behind 3-2 win over Manchester City and a 2-0 victory over Birmingham, the Cottagers still required a victory on the last day of the season to avoid relegation after Birmingham and Reading both took leads in their respective matches. It all appeared over until a late header from Danny Murphy sent Fulham fans into a frenzy and kept them in the Premier League. Manchester United are celebrating glory but the Fulham fans will be celebrating just as hard after tasting death and avoiding it.

6. Apache Cat is one of Australia’s most courageous horses and he proved it once more last Saturday with a victory characterized by heart and determination in the BTC Cup. Apache Cat showed all the fight and will to win that has given him cult hero status in Australia by overcoming a late challenge from Vormista to take the feature event. Apache Cat will now take on the world and he is sure to put up a game effort. He never offers anything less. There are few more genuine competitors.

5. The AFL must seriously consider a return to State of Origin football after the success of Saturday Night’s Hall of Fame tribute game. The only thing missing from the encounter was the hardness one would expect from such a big match and that can only be instilled with the passion engendered from playing every season. One of the highlights of each NRL season is State of Origin football and the AFL should seek to establish an annual representative match of the same caliber. Whether it is genuine State of Origin or a replica of Saturday night’s format, the AFL needs an annual representative fixture where the best players are pitted with and against each other.

4. SANZAR needs to open an immediate investigation into the conclusion of the Waratahs-Stormers match that saw the Waratahs denied a penalty within kicking range in the dying moments. With the scores locked at thirteen-all, Waratahs flanker broke clear and was pulled down ten metres from the Stormers line when the Stormers touched the ball from an offside position. Referee Lyndon Bray stuck his arm out, signaling a penalty, whilst playing advantage. Bray then seemingly forgot about the penalty. The blunder may well cost the Waratahs a finals position. Bray needs to be disciplined harshly and immediately.

3. Melbourne Storm custodian Billy Slater had a very quiet Test match debut and may have played himself out of the starting Queensland fullback position. Slater has been in electric form this season and essentially forced Australian selectors to name him in the Test team. His performance, however, has cast a shadow over his recent form and has thrown Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt right back into the mix for the Queensland number one jersey. Hunt looked good against the Eagles and has incumbency on his side.

2. The best player on the open market for 2009 is Brisbane prop Ben Hannant and clubs will be clamouring for his services. Hannant is a rugged and tough prop who plays hard and straight and with skill, just like his idol Shane Webcke. He has been in sensational form this season and will mature into the best prop in the game over the coming seasons. With few outstanding props in the league at this time, Hannant is a rare commodity. Both the Bulldogs and the Dragons are reportedly in the hunt for Hannant whilst the Broncos are desperate to retain him. He will improve whatever club he signs with.

1. It certainly would appear to be a beneficial move for the Bulldogs if coach Steven Folkes is moved on forthwith and Kevin Moore is handed the reins. The Bulldogs have been hit by an injury crisis but there is no question that the Bulldogs are playing lifeless, ordinary rugby league. There has been little commitment in defence and the ball movement has been inept. Players don’t appear to be playing for Folkes and with 2008 looking a virtual write-off, the Dogs should start preparing for 2009 by blooding youngsters and bringing in the new regime. The Bulldogs fans certainly won’t tolerate such mediocrity for much longer.

Upper of the Week: Ryan Giggs and his historic goal. In his 758th game, a match where he equaled Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record, Ryan Giggs scored the Premiership-clinching goal for United. It was the tenth Premiership title that Giggs has been involved in. It is a day and a goal no Machester United fan will ever forget.

Downer of the Week: The death of Jack Gibson. Big Jack is deservedly revered as rugby league’s greatest coach, a legend of the sport and a maker of men. As always, Jack’s timing was perfect, going just before the start of the Centenary Test. Rugby league has lost one of its most important ever figures.