The lions are finally waving the flag for AFL in Queensland and it is great to see. They are second the last time in the top4 they went to the grand final. This new Brisbane team is bringing them back to their glory days.

Ex hawk star Luke Hodge still playing as good as ever and has great combination with Lachie Neale which has seen Brisbane rise into this great position. Moreover players like Daniel Rich, Danye Zorko have finally shown they are exciting players to watch as being part of a successful team has made them more confident. In addition to this, the likes of Charlie Carmon and Eric Hipwood has helped the forward line grow and develop into a very good unit. In addition to this likes of Cam Ranyer, the former 1 draft pick and Allen Christen have been a great addition to the team as this has made Brisbane exceed expectations.

In the previous game against North Melbourne, it shows they are finals ready with a clutch goal Oscar Mclnerney which seal the win. Moreover their star players which I have previously mentioned all contribute to the win which just shows you don’t have to be a Geelong have three gun midfielders in the likes of Dangerfield, Abblet and Selwood you need great role players and Brisbane have those role players who have all been averaging 25 disposals a game and have been overall efficient in moving the ball.

As history has shown us from the past three premierships teams you need role players and Brisbane have that and will be looking to continue this run to the finals. Just maybe we could see the flag head up north for the first time in 16 years now that would I like to see.

If you love close cricket games this was one for you. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat on a green deck at the home of cricket at Lords. New Zealand had a slow start with the ball moving around for their entire inning.

It was a tense start with the third umpire busy at the start of the game, but Henry Nicholas steps up with a crucial 55 off 77 balls and was unstuck by Liam Plunkett. Tom Latham also made a crucial 47 off 56 balls which help New Zealand to a total of 241 which seem not enough but this is a world cup final so anything was possible.

England start to the chase was quite tense with New Zealand having multiple chances with Bolt could have a first ball wicket but was denied by the umpire call by the DRS system. But a wicket came around the corner with Jason Roy was undone by a Mat Henry and was snapped up Tom Latham.

Then Colin De Grandhoume could have John Bastriow out for a duck but drop him but he only made 36 but if he sticks that New Zealand might have won. England was in trouble at one stage with being 4 for 96 with Joe Root and the captain Eoin Morgan back in the sheds but the New Zealand born Ben Stokes and the South African born Jos Bulter step up and made a crucial partnership of 110 in the final. When Jos Bulter went out the game was back in New Zealand favour but Ben Stokes step up and was so close. The final over made the Australian vs South Africa 1999 world cup semi-final look less tense with craziest scenes.

England needed 15 off the last over and Ben Stokes hit a six that was caught on the boundary but Trent Boult step on the boundary went for six then the weirdest thing that could happen, Ben Stokes, hit a ball out to backward point and they run two and then poor Mitch Santer threw ball and as Ben Stokes made his ground the ball deflected off the bat and roll to the fine leg boundary.

Ben Stokes was apologetic and the umpires came to converse about what just happened at the home of cricket. England ties the game and could run the second but was too hard and mark wood was run out.

So we went to a super over which was a first in world cup ODI cricket. England hit 15 off 6 balls with Ben Stokes fatigue and tried off his amazing innings of 84 had to bat again with Jos Bulter. New Zealand needed 16 off the over to win if there was a tie England would win because hit more boundaries. Jofra Archer was quite nervous and started with a wide and then Jimmy Neesham step up and hit two big boundaries which may it look certain that New Zealand would finally break the drought but Archer had other ideas and bowl a key short ball. Then the final ball and was brilliance piece of fielding ad Jos Bulter did the rest and poor Martin Guptill was run out.

The super over was a tie. England won the world cup by the most boundaries this included the super over this is only international cricket match decided by this decision. This cause social media to go into meltdown with many cricket legends such as Scott Styris “Nice work @ICC … you are a joke!!!” and Dean Jones making his frustration clear by stating ” The DL system is actually based on runs and wickets lost… yet the Final result is only based on Boundaries hit? Not fair in my opinion. Must have been great to watch!”.

Kane Williamson receive player of tournament which is a consolidate prize in the context of the final.

No matter who you went for this is arguably the greatest world cup final and maybe the best of game cricket of the decade.

Melbourne city fans will be happy to know that the next manager they have appointed has managed in the top of the league of France with Toulouse and Le Harve and his name Erick Mombaerts. Erick has a new ambition for City who has been an underperforming team for some years. So having a manager who has managed in the top level could be able to bring the team to perform at a level. Erick was quoted on Monday at his first press conference saying “The main objective we want to achieve is to give an identity of play of our team, that is the main objective.”

For city fans still will be key as they will be competing against a third Melbourne team starting this season with West Melbourne untied who could steal headlines if the city does not perform at the right level.

Furthermore, City will be back up by Scott Galloway from Adelaide untied which helpful transfer as City will be losing Bruno Fornaroli who was key to the team offence. Erick has a big task ahead should cope well as he manages Yokohama who has been a part of the city group who very good while Erick was there.

So City will be starting with a big preseason with starting with the FFA cup game against Campbellton city on 31 July and will see if Erick game style will change city’s identity and make city a relevant team in the Aleague.

Rafa Benitez is one of most respected managers in world football and was slowly tuning Newcastle mid-table finish into something of a competitive team.

With Owner Mike Ashely expected to sell the club to a profitable owner in Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan would create the club into the next Man city if this change happens. As they are reports that if the deal we could see Newcastle get French young gun Kylian Mbappe if you want to leave which is still a tough task. But another thing which quite troubling for the club Rafa Benitez as this effect the team no matter who is owning it, they loss critical position at the club as Benitez could of the team a force to reckon but now with him leaving it causes unpredictable and could see Newcastle regulated back to the championship.

In saying this if Newcastle wants to stay they need a quality manager and if they sell the club the new owner should give money to the manager and must have the common sense and buy players that are quality.

Moreover, Newcastle list is quite weak and only to regain some competitive standard if they change the list and bring the right players who are consistent.

Overall Newcastle must change the ownership so the club can make the right transfers so they get a quality team.

If you were wondering what I am asking this question even though Australian cricket is at top form seen by last night’s performance against Bangladesh. This does discount Cricket Australia mindset for the future. A test traditionalist myself. I question cricket Australia idea of changing the Milio cricket program to Woolworth Cricket blast.

Well for starters the Milio cricket program taught you how to play cricket with the fundamentals such as learning how to bowl, bat and filed properly. What I am mean properly not the Steve Smith batting technique but more like Alan border, Ricky Pointing batsmen who instead of going back and across they move their front foot. In addition to this learn the art of defence. Furthermore taught kids the game in the manner that is key to a kid’s development in cricket. Instead of this T20 batting which has corrupted the game. With the Milio program being overall to the now the Woolworth cricket blast it name suggests of the T20 cricket. Such as the word blast it gives parent’s and kids idea that this program is centred around T20 cricket which is okay but when you have kids who have never played the game before. You think hang on it minute you not teaching the kids the fundamentals, for example, the rules for this Woolworth cricket blast follows shorter boundaries, shorter pitch which now makes easier for a kid to score runs but does give kids understanding of how to bowl on full-length pitch or know how to bat for a long time. In the Milio program, there were no matches it was basic skill development and very much key to the development of Australian cricket. An example of this is Michael Clarke former test captain for Australia who play Milo himself now is seen as a legend of the modern era.

The statistics show the bowling averages taking into account that one bowler takes more wickets than the other and concede more runs. For example, in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association, the Under12 A grade in 2012/13 season the top bowling average was 9.88 with an economy of 3.17 which this person went through the Milo program. Now to the present era of the Under 12A grade the average is slightly lower at 7.64 but has an economy 3.45 which still very good not criticising the kid but went through the program is different to the one in 2012/13 season. In addition to this, the top batting average for Under 12 A was an impressive 72.20 which quite remarkable for an under 12 batsmen but in saying this the boy would have been taught in a cricket club which had the Milo cricket program so the kid would have been taught the right fundamentals. While in the present the batting average was far lower with 52.80 which is a huge difference and show’s in today the kids are more worry about hitting sixes and bowling fast then worry surviving their wicket and bowling line and length. Moreover, the rules changes to Junior cricket which was implemented last year are not healthy for the pathway of cricket and survival of test cricket. As kids only taught had one way that is swing not stand there and bat for 40 overs which is important as these kids understand how to bat long not fast and patient.

Yes, Cricket is a long game but has many benefits. For parents, they can learn the game and can give them engagement with people an example is me when I play parents watch every minute of it, help, umpire, score and made life long friends. I don’t know you but that is pretty good and yes you have to wake up early and it is cold but how much housework can you do, how much tv time can you do? For kids, the benefits are quite clear they can learn the fundamentals of the game instead of staring at their screens and keep physical. So by taking away the Milio cricket program it now make kids not learn about the basic’s of cricket . in addition to this parents are seem more worried about how long it takes then going to their kids sport which is a horrible mindset as kid’s sport is fundamental to family values and key to kids developing into a young adult. Moreover, the survival of test cricket is key as that is the purest form of cricket it has some greatest moment anyone can imagine and should be protected. So for Cricket Australia change the junior program will affect kids pathway into test cricket as do not understand the purest form of cricket but the bash and crash of T20 cricket and do not understand the art of cricket and will cause the slow death of cricket. I just put a hypothetical out there let’s just one kid from this Woolworth cricket program is lucky enough to play for Australia in a test match and has gone through the system where the competition follows the new cricket Australia rules. Do you think this kid who be able to bowl or bat on a proper length pitch or know how to bat sensibly I don’t think so?

In conclusion, I understand T20 cricket is key to how Cricket Australia gets money and how it can get new fans but is not key to the development of kids learning the game and nor for the parents.

India vs Pakistan saw 1 billion people watch the contest at Manchester.

India was surprised to ask to bat first which seem to be batting conditions and India prove this right with an opening stand of 136 between Rohit Sharma and Lokesh Rahul. Rohit Sharma show why he is one best batsman in ODI format with 140 off 1113 balls with 14 fours and 3 sixes.

In addition to this, the number one batsmen in ODI format Virat Kolhi show his class with 77 of 65 balls at an impressive strike rate of 118.46.

Furthermore, Pakistan bowling was quite short and that cost them as India made an impressive score of 6-336.

Pakistan inning was delay due to rain and saw Pakistan revised to 302 and will be annoyed by the loss of the wicket in a cluster which saw Pakistan lose 4 wickets from 12 balls.

This was costly and the only bright side was Fakar Zaman top score with 62. But losing crucial wickets was at crucial times was not helpful and this was a major advantage to India who ended up winning by 89 runs by DLS method.

This make’s India undefeated in this world cup and now India will face Afghanistan and Pakistan have South Africa which is now a must-win game.

Bangladesh is finally showing the fruits of their labour. There was truly show in their first world cup game against South Africa which saw them post their highest ODI score which stands at 6 -330. The top scorers were Mushifiqur Rahim with 78 and Shakib Al Hasan who argue as the best all-rounder in the ODI format the game score with 75.

In addition to this Mahmudullah score an important 44 off 33 balls which push the Tigers over 300 mark which is seen in international cricket a key to winning in the ODI format.

Moreover what was truly great part about this victory they defended it with the run out of Quinton de Kock being crucial to the victory.

In addition to the wicket of South African Captain, Faf Du Plessis who made 62 off only 53 balls was key to winning the game. All bowlers chip with wicket’s with Mustafizur Rahman took 3 in the win.

Moreover this is great victory for Bangladesh and it’s cricket loving fans as now looking like the dark horses of this world cup and would be good chance to cause a few upsets.

There next game is New Zealand who flexes their muscles against a young and less talented Sri lankan team winning by 10 wickets. So hopefully the tigers roar again and maybe they could knock off the runner’s up from 2015

Wow, what a season the English Premier League (EPL)  has been with Manchester City and Liverpool fighting for the top and the best offence seen since the old Man United day’s. But one club, in particular, has shown the worst defence since Derby County miserable 2007-2008 season which saw 89 goals conceded and a total of 11 points for the whole season, which saw them eventually regulated to be put out of their misery.  This team is Fulham.

 They were coming into the season quite good. With the club splashing the cash, in the matter of fact a lazy 100.80 million dollars spent on buying premium players such as Andre Shurrle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the season went to tatters. I just say this now their defence was more busy thinking about what going have for dinner then defending.

Well, the stats don’t lie Fulham conceded 81 goals this season which is 8 less than Derby County and only had five clean sheets which are two more than Derby County. In saying this it is quite embarrassing. But in saying this Huddersfield Town who finish last had more clean sheets then Fulham 15 in total.  

I think they should have avoided regulation as they had players who had played for premium clubs an example is Andre Shurrle who was from Chelsea a title-winning club and was on loan for Borussia Dortmund.

 To be fair Fulham did have manger crisis with the club having 3 managers in just the one season. 

This is quite embarrassing for an EPL club, you would think to be more stable than this. Doesn’t it remind you of one those struggling country football clubs?  Quite sad to be frank. 

But Fulham poor defence was not just seen in the EPL it was also seen in the FA Cup with Fulham losing to League two club Oldham Athletic 2 to 1 in the third round. This is horrible for this type of club and wants to improve if there any chance of promotion next season. 

HITC sport put a funny take on  Fulham defensive efforts as “you don’t bring a Fulham defence held together by a sellotape sticky glue and the remaining shreds of confidence that were that are rooted to the floor of a dressing room”.  

This proves the defence was lazy and was not ready to play as Derby County were in that 07/08 season. 

In addition to this Derby had lower transfer budget then Fulham so ultimately so going to have a poor season. 

But Fulham seriously a team that had a healthy offseason and had brought the right players have now looked like a league two team than a premier league team.

Overall Fulham season was horrible as seen through the stats with conceding 81 goals in any season is quite awful, the quality of players and the way they defended is hopeless. Furthermore having 3 managers in one season does not help the season as all this chaos make quite hard to have the right defensive tactics.

In conclusion, Fulham had a nightmare season and was worst then Derby county as they had everything that a promoted team dream’s off and need to take it with open arms.  Guess what end product was for next season away trips to Wigan and Bristol.

West Coast

Let start with Premiers of last year. Let just say they are not at there best with 3 win’s and 3 loses and this includes a lost at their fortress which is Optus Stadium to Port Adelaide. The premier’s game plan is maybe getting found out by other teams. It’s seem’s their defensive pressure is not there as it was last year and from last week’s game against Geelong they only 297 possesion to Geelong 445, this show’s that West Coast is off in keeping possession and losing it at the cold face. In addition West Coast look vulnerable without two ruckman and the trade of Scott Lycett with Port Adelaide has the made team with vulnerable at Stoppages. In saying this West Coast will be hoping to bounce back from these difficult two week with hopefully a win against Gold Coast at Optus Stadium.

Collingwood

Now let’s talk about the Runner’s up. They been little better this year with their record standing 4 win’s and 2 loses. In saying this still look scratchy considering their shock loss to Geelong in the first round. But have play quite well in most of their games especially Brisbane at the Gabba and against Essendon at the MCG on Anzac day where Scott Pendelbeury is a major driving force in the last two games with 26 disposals against Brisbane and a Anzac Medal performance with 38 disposals and maybe back to All Australian form. Other superstar players like Jordan De Goey, Adam Treloar have been back to their finals form in late. Collingwood will be hoping for easier against Port Adelaide this Friday at Marvel Stadium and maybe who know’s it could be second time luck for Collingwood in winning the Grand Final.

Essendon

Many people thought this year is the year for the Dons, but has not seem be that. They are sitting with 3 wins and 3 loses and been quite fickle . In saying this they look damaging when the game plan is at full strength with player’s like Dyson Heppell, Zach Merret have been stars for Essendon and the exciting McDonald Tipungwuti who has shine in all Essendon wins with averaging this season with 12 goals and has been key to Essendon forward line without Joe Daniher. In saying this Essendon lost to Collingwood who have made them rethink the game plan and understanding how they can improve from the Anzac Clash. Essendon now have the tough task in playing the top side Geelong on Saturday at the MCG which make or break the don’s final hopes.

Fremantle

One of many surprises of this season, the Dockers are at the moment firing at all cylinders. The dockers are looking good with 2 loses and 4 win’s. With loss of Lachie Neal does not look effecting the team’s midflied with Nat Fye looking like he is back to 2015 Brownlow medal form with him averaging 29 disposal’s a game and 300 game player David Mundy still at his best has made Dockers had to beat. Also the inclusion of Jesse Hogan from Melbourne and Reece Conca from Richmond has benefit the team in the movement of the ball through half back and having a forward target. Fremantle also beating the GWS giants at Canberra is major plus for them as they have the confidence to win away. Fremantle’s next game against Adelaide at the Adelaide oval will be another test to them being true final contenders.

Adelaide

The Crows are 3 wins and 3 loses but two of these win’s have came against lesser teams. In saying this Crows have look good in these games especially the magical player Eddie betts with him kicking 6 against the Suns which include’s goal of year nomination and 2 goals against the Saints. But have look vulnerable against higher opposition such as the big loss at home against Geelong where they lost by a margin of 24 points but could be worst. This is a team who two year’s ago were at a grand final not really look like going there anytime soon but have a chance to keep winning streak alive against a red hot Fremantle at the Adelaide oval.

St Kilda

Also in the list of surprises this year is the saints who have gone above beyond expectations. With the saints 4 win’s and 2 loses and which is a great sight for football as the saints have been deeply struggling for the past year. They looking more dangerous as ever as this young side has show with players like Seb Ross, Shane Savage and Callum Wikle who all exceeding expectations. In addition to this Saint’s Captain Jaryn Geary have been great for them this season but is out for a while with injury which has effected them in the backline against the Crows which saw tough loss but in saying this it is great to see Saints up there this season. The Saint’s next game have test playing the informed Giants at Canberra but as we seen this season anything is possible.

Melbourne

Well another surpise this season is the Demons demise this season. with only 1 win and 5 loses looking like there no finals fairytale this year. There have questions that the premlin final has caused mental scaring and this is been mention by Club legend David Schwarz who saids “There is not one player on Melbourne list who has improved from last year, not one”. In saying this those their win against Swans did bring look like the team from 2018 with players such as Nathan Jones who was key in that win with 21 disposals and 3 goals but this has been only highlight for the season but as we know team can get on a roll and the demons can do that as they are facing Hawthorn at the MCG.

Sydney

Well this team who looking like who be down the ladder this season. The Swans are same as Melbourne with 1 win and 5 loses. What has been quite disappointing so far. The swans look terrible against the Giants and not be by help the news that Buddy Franklin is injured and will not play this week . In saying this their only win was against a competitive Carlton and their main players such as Josh Kennedy who had 31 disposals and 1 goal was key to the win. But have not look like beating anyone else . This week does not get any tougher for the Swans they come up against upcoming Brisbane at the GABBA. It might be a long year for the swans.

GWS

The giants have been interesting this season with 4 wins and 2 loses and have been the talk of the town in Sydney. Giants have won the toughest away game in footy at Geelong and destroy Sydney on their home turf. Giants forwards have been quality with Jeremy Cameron averaging 4 goals a game which is great for a full forward. In addition to this Tim Taranto is in his best form with averaging 26 disposals this season so far and which saw a best on ground game against the Swans with 30 disposals and 1 goal. The Giants are a tricky team to track as they have had shock loss to Fremantle but apart from that they are looking like the form team for this season. The Giants face the Saints in the nation capital Canberra which tell where they are really at.

Port Adelaide

The power who also 4 win and 2 loses have been tricky to pick. They show both sides a great win against the premiers West Coast in Perth but then gone and lost to an undermanned Richmond team. In saying this the look a team that will make finals with Tom Rockcliff averaging 32 disposals a game and injection of youth into the team with rookie Zach Butters and Connor Rosee playing well above expectations has been great to the power who have lost Jack Watts to injury who also looking to finally be hitting the straps. Furthermore if power want to make finals they have to not allow Fourth quarter fade out’s as seen against North Melbourne on Friday night which saw the roo’s kick 5 unanswered goals in the last quarter which nearly saw a shock win to the roo’s. But in saying this Power do look dangerous and have interesting contest against Collingwood this week in Melbourne.

Western Bulldogs

The dogs are in rebuilding phase but show some good form with being 2 wins and 4 loses. Considering the big win against Hawks which made Dog’s fans think back to 2016 there has been not to cheer for the dogs lately with a poor games against the suns and Blues which has really hurt them this season. But in saying this the big bright spot is Marcus Bontempelli who is being playing great lately with averaging this season 28 disposals. But needs help and will especially needed this week as the playing an informed Richmond at the fast Marvel Stadium which has been a fortress for the dogs in previous years.

Gold Coast

The Suns have been one of the surprises this season with 3 wins and 3 loses. It has been a joy for the Sun’s fans as finally seeing growth in this young team with players like Alex Sexton being a forefront in their forward line who kick 16 goals this season. In addition to this Ben Ainsworth has been star for the suns with averaging 16 disposals this year and main player in the Sun’s game plan. In saying this Suns have unforgettable two weeks with two big loses against the Crows and the lions but still have been positive start for the Suns. Gold coast play West Coast which will be tough game for this young team.

Brisbane

Lions have been another surprise in 2019. They have won 4 and lost 2. They are been great this season with players like Lachie Neal who is showing why is a first class player who had a best ground performance against the suns with 28 disposals and 1 goal and is averaging this year 34 disposals. To add to this players like Cameron Ranyer , Hugh McCluggage have been great impact for the lions who have major influence in lions wins. In addition to this the mixture of youth and senior players have been great for the lions with Luke Hodge still playing at his best and been great for lions down back. Lions have winnable game this week against struggling Swans who are without buddy at the GABBA.

Carlton

The blues are on the cusp. They have been quite competitive team this year even though they register 1 win and 5 loses. Patrick Cripps has been influential this season and had another great game against the Hawks with 28 disposals in the loss. In saying this though the no.1 draft pick Sam Walsh is be quite outstanding this season and in the win against dogs was outstanding with 26 disposals and 1 goal. Also to add to this Harry Mckay has been quite great this season who has kick 11 goals this season and being taking the strong pack marks which a full forward needs to do. Furthermore Blues will be annoy with lost against the Hawks but to stay positive if want the win this week against the Roos at Marvel Stadium.

North Melbourne

The Roos are in struggle street at the moment but have look good this season. Especially in their win against Crows which was only win but play pretty good with Ben Brown kick 4 goals in the win. But in saying this the Roo’s have been poor especially in the huge loss against the Bombers. In saying this they are finding some good young players such as Nick Larkey who made his debut against the power and look at home as a forward. In addition this Ross will be annoy they kick 5 goals in the fourth quarter as did match with Port Adelaide but were 40 pints down when the comeback started. The good news is they playing against Carlton which go either way and might be win for struggling kangas.

Hawthorn

Hawks are sitting at 3 win and 3 loses and been very fickle as seen by the previous game against blues which saw come behind win. Jager O’mera has been a star for the Hawks who had 42 touches in the win. In saying this those they did similar thing against Dogs where they gave up a 5 goal lead. The Hawks are a hard team to read at the moment and will want another victory this week when they play Melbourne at the MCG .

Richmond

Tigers are battling at the moment with loss of Alex Rance which has been a major setback for the team but in saying this they are 4 wins and 2 loses. The surprise of this is how quickly Sydney Stack and Seb Ross has become main part of this team and helping in the wins who have great to the depleted side. In addition Tigers million dollar man Tom Lych is looking a million dollar man with kicking 15 goals this season. Furthermore the backline is holding up pretty well with Dylan Grimes and Nick Valsutin playing at the same level as the 2017 and 2018 season. In saying this they need Dustin Martin to be firing as he been quite quiet this season but knowing the champion player he will bounce back from the unusual poor form. Tigers playing the dogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Geelong

The cat’s the form team at the moment. Who have played really well especially in the last round against Eagles at home which did look vulnerable in their look against Giants. Patrick Dangerfield is looking he back to his 2016 Brownlow form and Gary Ablett is look’s home at forward. Geelong also has the find’s of the season with their young kids Charlie Aitkins and Tim Kelly who playing very good. The Cats play bombers on Sunday at the MCG .