Tune in Sunday to listen in to the @SportzfanRadio crew call the Charity Baskets game at MSAC. Tickets still available at http://charitybaskets.eventbrite.com
Do these names ring a bell?
Gaze, Copeland, Anstey, Rose, McDonald, Drmic, Bormer, Moore, Davis, Rainbow?
All on show & all on @SportzfanRadio on 88.3 Southern FM
Last week we squeezed out of trouble with a $4.8 winner which gave us a small profit for our 4 bets. Not much value tomorrow but I think we can snare a few to again produce a profitable day.
Race 1 n1 GODSPEED Very short in the market but this neddy ran super sectionals last start when a beaten fav. Will win this.
Race 3 n6 SCREEN The word from the Snowden camp is that this one is on fire. The word around the tracks is strong for this one.
Race 6 n6 TRIPLE ELEGANCE The best rated horse all day.
Race 8 n7 HONEST LIES I hate this horse but will be betting with my pro punter mates who tell me they have strong reports from the training track. It’s ‘D’ Day for this bugger!!
Money lost, nothing lost. Confidence lost, everything lost.
We won plenty last Saturday with the mail being spot on. The tips today are all easily found in the market but you can be assured the Sydney Colt’s mail comes from those who will be betting 5 figure amounts on each of these.
Race 1 n1 IRONSTEIN Nothing went right last and the run has to be forgiven. Is simply better than this lot.
Race 2 n1 INTENCION Probably the bet of the day. Was the only horse all day to make up ground out wide. Make this the anchor bet.
Race 6 n5 ELECTRIC DREAMS The mail says this neddy needed the run last start and has improved a ton on the track since.
Race 7 n6 SIKKA Not a fav horse of mine but the pro punters tell me they will be backing it strongly based on ratings and sectional times.
Money lost, nothing lost. Confidence lost, everything lost.
On Wednesday morning the Socceroos progressed to the quarter finals of the Asian Cup after beating Bahrain 1-0. Mile Jedinak was once again the hero with his second goal in as many games with a stunning long range effort in the 37th minute. But on the performance shown against Bahrain, the
Socceroos’ next opponent, Iraq, the current holders of the Asian Cup, no less, will not be suffering from insomnia….
I’ll start with the lowlights, because they “overshadowed” the highlights….
1. A sloppy and disorganised midfield. I lost count of the number of times our players, particularly our midfielders, either gave the ball away, misplaced a pass and/or failed to assist our defenders by absorbing pressure when the Bahrainis launched wave after wave of attack. It is clear our midfield is unimaginative and that the emphasis is on graft rather than craft. For what Jedinak brings to the team in goal scoring ability and “screening” the defence, his inferior distribution skills makes him a liability when the team wants to dictate matches. Socceroos’ coach, Holger Osieck may have a dilemma on his hands….
2. Lack of squad depth – Osieck was forced to make three changes to the team that drew against Korea Republic, with the injured trio of Jason Culina, Luke Wilkshire and David Carney all replaced by Carl Valeri, Jade North and Matt McKay, respectively. The former trio were all sorely missed. Valeri, whilst high on energy does not have the passing ability of Culina. North, a capable defender, lacks Wilkshire’s energy and running ability. Finally, McKay, playing out of position at left back, was exposed, particularly early on against the Bahrainis. To add salt to the wound, Brett Emerton was needlessly 
booked and as such, is suspended for Sunday morning’s clash against Iraq. Being without Wilkshire already hurts, but the prospect of being without both he and Emerton means the Socceroos have a very weakened right flank….one hopes our physios are working overtime to get the aforementioned trio back into the starting line up.
3. Missed opportunities by strikers, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill. Kewell wasted a golden opportunity in the 32nd minute, firing a shot into the body of Bahrain goalkeeper Mahmood Mansoor from close range, whilst Cahill put a header well wide in the second half. Strikers can get very few opportunities. The Bahrain game was no exception. Hence the need to convert the
good opportunities! Goals win games – that’s why strikers get paid the most and “pull” all the good looking girls. Against Bahrain however, I wasn’t convinced Kewell and Cahill could even “pull” a beer.
The highlights:
1. Neil Kilkenny. Kilkenny’s 20 minute cameo towards the end of the match was inspiring. It was refreshing to see someone assist our attack. The boy’s hunger for the ball, ability to hold possession and accurate passing ability could be a solution to our lack of combination play in midfield.
2. For the second game in a row….Mark Schwarzer. But for Schwarzer’s three remarkable saves in the second half, the Socceroos would have been sent packing.
3. The Socceroos did not concede a goal. Moreover, they only conceded one goal in all three group games. Put simply, the team is hard to break down and as foreshadowed in my previous blog, the team’s mental fortitude and never say die attitude is an asset no other team in Asia, arguably possesses. Whilst I, along with many Socceroos’ supporters would love our team to emulate Spain’s World Cup winning team of 2010 and “pass and move” their way to ultimate success, sexy football does not always win football tournaments (read: The “Cryuff inspired” Netherlands’ World Cup teams of 1974 and 1978). On the other hand, discipline, unity and self belief can (read: Italy and Germany’s World Cup winning teams of 1982 and 1990, respectively). In short, it is not inconceivable that the Aussies could simply grind their way to their first Asian Cup championship.
The Aussies will face a stern test against Group D, runners up, Iraq on Sunday morning. Osieck certainly has some work to do, but so too do the players. At the back of their minds will be a chance to 
seek redemption – the Iraqis played the Socceroos off the park in the group stages of the 2007 Asian Cup, comprehensively beating them 3-1.
But so too did Uruguay in 2001, ultimately qualifying for the 2002 World Cup.
One need not be reminded of what happened four years later….
I’m more excited than the last time I attended an all you can eat buffet.
Mark “The F Word” Fiorenti
Reprint from SportsGeek.com.au
Kudos to my @SportzfanRadio panelist Daniel Eade (@DanielEade) for quickly putting together an All-Star lineup of former NBL greats for Charity Baskets to raise funds for the Queensland Floods proudly supported by Variety.
The names read as a fantasy NBL Dream Team – Andrew Gaze, Leroy Loggins, Lanard Copeland, Chris Anstey, Darryl McDonald, Rob Rose, Marcus Timmons, Franks Drmic, Andrew Parkinson, Darren Lucas, Brett Rainbow, Adonis Jordan, Darryl Pearce & Andrew Moore… named so far!
Please support the game via the Facebook Fan Page & tag your tweets on Twitter #CB4QF.
Please write a blog, share a tweet and tell all your friends about Charity Baskets.
Mile Jedinak’s first international goal for Australia could not have come at a better time when the Socceroos got a valuable and deserving 1-1 with fellow Asian Cup heavyweight, Korea Republic in their Group C clash on Saturday morning. But Socceroos’ coach, Holger Osieck could have some selection
nightmares ahead of the Bahrain clash and beyond…..
The good:
1. A unique and “un-Asian” style. Whilst the Socceroos lack the pace, fluency and technique of many of the other teams at the Asian Cup, the team’s never say die attitude, discipline and physical strengths may well give opposing teams headaches when attempting to break down this Australian side. Jedinak’s equalising goal epitomised the Australian style – Lucas Neill was quick to float a ball across the face of goal from a Luke Wilkshire cross and Jedinak had no right to challenge Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong for a high ball but did and impressively beat him to it.
2. Mark Schwarzer. Australia possesses the tournament’s best goalkeeper and Schwarzer played a 
fitting part in the match, saving superbly late on.
The bad:
1. Too predictable, too slow and an inept passing game. Like the India game, the Socceroos, unlike the Koreans, played a long ball game in preference to a short and quick passing one. The Aussie tactic of crossing towards Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell at every opportunity was clear once again and one wonders whether such a tactic will reap rewards against a more organised and disciplined defence. Further, the Koreans’ pass and move groove clearly rattled the Aussies, as evidenced by the number of fouls, particularly Jedinak and Ognenovski, committed. Finally, the Aussies’ passing and cheap turnovers left a lot to be desired at times.
2. Poor defending. Football is one of those rare games where one defensive lapse can be the difference between success and failure. Whilst the Socceroos’ defending was excellent for a majority of the game, just how five Socceroos’ defenders let Ji Dong-Wong gain possession and cut back to an unmarked Koo Ja-Cheol for Korea’s goal still baffles and frustrates me. This was the second defensive lapse in two games. Whilst the Indians failed to capitalise last week, the Koreans didn’t. Nor will the likes of Iran and/or Uzbekistan (future potential opponents for the Aussies in the Asian Cup).
The ugly:
1. Injuries to three first team regulars – Jason Culina, David Carney and Luke Wilksire. I have regularly been vocal about the Aussies’ lack of squad depth….the three aforementioned players will be hard to replace if the diagnosis isn’t favourable. Whilst Valeri is a straight swap for Culina, he lacks his
experience. Of greater concern are the full back positions – Carney (a left winger by trade) has become custodian of the left back position by virtue of a lack of competition and options for that berth, whilst Wilkshire, is in my opinion, Australia’s second best and most consistent outfield player. Second only to Tim Cahill…..Osieck may be forced to re-shuffle and moreover, test the mettle of his pack.
2. Harry Kewell’s (constant) whingeing. Once again, it was refreshing to see a fully fit Kewell get the better of his opposing defenders. His whingeing with fellow teammates, opposing players and officials was however, disappointing. This was not the first time Kewell has brought this ugly side into his game (read: harassing and “touching up” the match officials after Australia’s group game against Brazil at the 2006 World Cup and his verbal tirade against the referee after being controversially, but 
correctly sent off against Ghana at last year’s World Cup). Kewell is a professional footballer first, an underwear model second. He should start acting more like the former and stop dicking around.
All in all, Australia will now fancy its chances to progress to the knockout rounds of the Asian Cup, knowing all but a loss against Bahrain tomorrow morning will be enough to see them through.
But the Asian Cup is to Australia, what the World Cup is to heavyweights Brazil, Germany and Italy. Qualifying for the knockout rounds should be viewed as a mere formality. Not reaching the semi finals would be deemed a failure.
This is when the real tournament starts.
Mark “The F word” Fiorenti
There is not much value about today’s mail horses on wet ground but I have put my money where my mouth is. All 3 are favs but I am extremely confident we can turn a profit betting with the corporate bookies. Join me.
Race 3 n1 SEA LORD ($1.7) Very short but looks the anchor bet all over Aust today. Should stroll in!
Race 5 n4 KING LIONHEART ($3.4) I am told this neddy is a standout based on ratings. Will race on the pace which has been an advantage here lately
GOLD COAST Race 7 n9 KARUTA QUEEN ($3.4) Sydney Colt’s groupies already know about this neddy as I highlighted it recently as a horse to follow in 2011. Has always been set for this race and looks better than these. Should go on to be a genuine Golden Slipper hope!
Money lost, nothing lost. Confidence lost, everything lost.
Reprint from SportsGeek.com.au
This Saturday night the @SportzfanRadio crew will be calling the final game of the Melbourne Aces inaugural season in the ABL. With a home final at stake the Aces will be trying to get some Ws before the finals.
Baseball commentary is all about statistics & telling great stories while the action continues out of the diamond. As @SportzfanRadio has embraced Twitter wholeheartedly gaining listeners from around the world via Twitter we will be taking tweets during the game make sure you tag your tweets #LetsGoAces.
To help the commentary team – Mark Seymour (@packers4), Sean Callanan (@seancallanan) & Daniel Eade (@DanielEade) we would like to have some fun with the broadcast and we need your help. Please share your best “Made up Baseball fact” on Twitter, we’ll sneak the best ones into the broadcast 
.
To enter please send a tweet with the hashtag #madeupbaseballfact to join in the fun.
Listen to the broadcast on 88.3 Southern FM or streaming from SportzfanRadio.com.
To enter please send a tweet with the hashtag #madeupbaseballfact to join in the fun. If you are not on Twitter then add yours in the comments.
Australia commenced its Asian Cup campaign with a 4-0 romp against a technically inept India in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Nevertheless, the Socceroos’ passing game and strike rate needs to improve if we are to progress to the semi finals and beyond of this tournament.
Socceroos’ coach, Holger Osieck employed an expansive 4-4-2 formation opting for Cahill and Kewell up front (the latter surprisingly in favour of Scott McDonald) and Brett Emerton and Holman pushing high down the flanks and Mile Jedinak partnering Jason Culina in the centre of the park in front of a defensive back four.
The positives included:
now on par to becoming Australia’s highest goal scorer. The ‘F Word’s man of the match.2. A lively performance from Brett Emerton in both defence and attack on the right hand side of the park. Cahill’s first goal came from an Emerton delivery, as did Holman’s headed goal.
3. A fully fit and firing Harry Kewell who scored with a beautifully struck shot.
There were, as alluded to earlier, some concerns though….:
Koreans.
In short, Australia’s performance was sound and solid but it is hard to imagine the Asian Cup’s other heavyweights “quaking in their boots” after this performance.
But at least there were clear signs from the players and coaching staff that this team is determined on making up for the disappointing failure of 2007.
Tougher tests await in the shape of the South Koreans who put in an excellent performance against Bahrain, comprehensively beating them 2-1 and playing the last part of the game with ten men.
I wait with bated breath….
Well here it is…crunch time.
Your Melbourne Aces face their biggest challenge of the season starting this Thursday night January 13 when they take on the second placed Perth Heat in a 4 game series to be played at Melbourne Showgrounds, Flemington.
The Aces and Heat will play 4 games on 13 -15 January, with 7pm starts on Thursday 13 January and Friday 14 January. There will also be a massive double header starting at 4.30pm on Saturday 15 January 2010 with Game One at 4.30pm and Game 2 at 7.30pm.
And in a first for the Melbourne Aces, Southern FM is proud to announce that it will be broadcasting live from Flemington Showgrounds on 15 January 2011, going to air at 7pm for the crunch second game 
of the Aces v Heat double header.
The two teams will then head across the country to play 4 more games in Perth to finish the ABL season from 20 – 22 January.
Whilst making the finals is any club’s main goal at the start of the season, the main prize is being able to play those finals at home in order to benefit from that extra lift in intensity that only home supporters can provide.
The ABL table currently stands as follows:
| Club | W | L | PCT | GB | *ELIM # | |||||
| Adelaide | 18 | 12 | .600 | – | – | |||||
| Perth | 18 | 14 | .563 | 1.0 | – | |||||
| Sydney | 17 | 14 | .548 | 1.5 | – | |||||
| Melbourne | 16 | 15 | .516 | 2.5 | – | |||||
| Brisbane | 13 | 17 | .433 | 5.0 | 7 | |||||
| Canberra | 11 | 21 | .344 | 8.0 | 3 | |||||
Only the top 4 teams will make the playoffs, and with fifth placed Brisbane recording some strong wins of late the Aces need to make sure they put up a strong home stand against the Heat before heading across to face Perth in their home cauldron to finish the ABL season.
In the ABL playoffs, the team finishing first will host the team finishing second in a best of 3 series from January 27 – 29. The winner of that matchup will have the honour of hosting the Australian Baseball League Championship in a 3 game series on February 11 – 13.
Unlike our American baseballing compatriots, where the World Series goes back and forwards between the two cities involved, in the Australian Baseball League all 3 games will be on the home turf of the team that wins when first plays second.
The team that finishes third for the season will host the team who comes fourth for a 3 game series on each night of January 27 – 29, and the winner of that matchup will face the winner of the first v second series to determine the other team in the Championship Series.
The equation is simple – for your Melbourne Aces to play finals baseball at their fantastic home ground, the Melbourne Showgrounds, they need to finish the season no lower than third place.
The Aces will need to be at their best to catch the third placed Sydney. Given however that Sydney plays the struggling Canberra Cavalry in their last 4 games to end the season it is absolutely vital that the Aces come out firing against the Heat in Melbourne.
Dare we say, the Perth Heat have been in sizzling form, managing to win all 4 games at Sydney to surge into second spot and in contention to play for a place in the Championship Series in week one of the finals.
Perth Heat starting pitcher Matt Zachary was last week named Player of the Week for Round 8 after throwing down seven complete innings while conceding just four hits, no runs, and no walks while striking out four Blue Sox batters.
Perth’s Robbie Widlansky is also 6th in the ABL for batting average for the season with a very impressive average of 0.328.
The Aces have the second and third best batting averages for the ABL season in Melbourne’s very own Andrew Russell and Grant Karlsen who have averages of 0.363 and 0.354 respectively. These local
lads have no doubt caught the eye of many of the 28 of the 30 Major League teams who have sent scouts to Australia to scour new talent. Andrew Russell has also belted an ABL high 7 home runs for the season, and will be looking to go deep against Perth at the Showgrounds.
It will be a massive series against the Heat, and the Aces season may very well ride on whether it can head to Perth with a few victories under its belt as it attempts to secure that all important top 3 finish. With the Aces dropping their last 3 games against league leaders Adelaide they are desperate for your support against the high flying Heat.
Get out to the game or join us live on 88.3 Southern FM from 7pm on Saturday 15 January 2011 with your host The Professor, Sean Callanan and Daniel Eade who are all very excited to bring Melbourne Aces baseball to the airwaves for the very first time.
