20 February 2011 190.2 – Mark Fiorenti talks about the headlines during the week ‘Soccer crowds worst of any code in Australia’ and wonders why these headlines have appeared at the start of the A League finals – he queries whether it is a conspiracy. He then looks at the finals already played and previews the Gold Coast United/Melbourne Victory game. On Kevin Muscat’s retirement he feels that Kevin’s passion sometimes led to some unfortunate consequences on the pitch. He did not expect Arsenal to beat Barcelona in the Champions League tie. Sportzfan Stan thinks Chelsea’s coach should be sacked as they have only won 6 of 19 games recently. The Panel discuss the NBA All Star game and the voting that sees Yao Ming in the starting five even though he is injured and won’t play in the game. Daniel says that the voting in the celebrity game was suspect as Scottie Pippen was clearly the MVP but Justin Bieber, who did nothing, got the nod as all the teenage girls voted for him. He says if he had been Justin Bieber he would have handed the award to Pippen. Daniel believes Blake Griffin will try to dunk over a car in the NBA dunk contest. He still thinks Carmelo Anthony will end up with the New York Knicks even though Nets have improved their offer. Paul Dalligan calls in from the golf course and talks rugby league and says Nathan Tinkler couldn’t offer any more to the Newcastle Knights. There are also whispers that Kade Snowden and Wayne Bennett could be heading to the Knights. Daniel picks up on a tweet from an Adelaide 36ers player who alleges that the accommodation arranged by the Perth Wildcats for visiting teams is sub standard. The Gelding talks World Cup cricket and the selection of the one day team. The Panel then talk with Sean Callanan on sports social media in particular the ICC banning any social media use by players and officials. Sean says it is the case of another large sporting organisation not understanding the benefits of social media. He believes that as long as there is a policy and guidelines, that should take care of any problems.
Tag Archives: sportzfan-radio
Sportzfan Radio #190.1
20 February 2011 190.1 – Sportzfan Stan makes his presence felt calling for the coach of the Wollongong Hawks Gordie McLeod to be sacked for losing 10 games of eleven. Phil Cleary comes on the show to talk about the VFL & Coburg. The club would have difficulties if the alignment with Richmond ceases at the end of this season. He says with some AFL teams fielding reserves teams it will make things hard for the non AFL clubs. He says it has been a disgraceful history starting with the abolition of the VFA. He says the VFA teams were bullied into changing the name and sold a lie about their future. He says that the majority of the non AFL clubs would not be able to survive by themselves and a long term strategy should be developed to align each club with the community in their area. Phil says he would be eminently well qualified to be on a Board running VFL football but he wouldn’t be asked because he wouldn’t bow to 
what the AFL wanted (we agree with Phil!). The Gelding comes on to talk racing and talks about the retirement of SportzfanRadio’s own Typhoon Tracy. He says the trainer Peter Moody didn’t call him to discuss what should be done with the horse. The Gelding picked two winners and three fourths, one of the winners being Black Caviar. The discussion then moves to the production meeting held at the Great Western Hotel (our sponsors). We get a tweet for the Gelding asking if he is ‘light on for balls’. Mark Fiorenti comes on to talk soccer and says he also has trouble with twitter but he is going to try and get on it before the end of the year.
Gelding’s tips for 18 February 2011
The Gelding turns his attention to Flemington today and thinks the overnight rain will have softened the track just enough to make conditions close to perfect for racing today.
As always the tips are on an each way and all up basis.
Flemington
Race 3 Horse 9 – I’m Discreet (for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 4 Horse 5 – Southern Speed
Race 5 Horse 8 – Enjin Number 9
Race 6 Horse 7 – Sportzfan Radio’s own – Black Caviar (also for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 8 Horse 15 – Studley Park
As an extra for today I also like an each way bet in Race 6 Horse 9 – Crystal Lily
You can hear the Gelding discuss racing with the Professor every Sunday on Sportzfan Radio at 12.30pm on 88.3 Southern FM.
Good luck & good punting!
The Gelding
A Heart stopper for this fan
My visit to the heart mechanic this morning didn’t exactly go to plan….
I (unusually) arrived early so I decided to kill the time reading the headlines in one of our leading newspapers…..Whilst the 1.25 litre bottle of water I was drinking may have disguised my morning custard tart and flat white from the impending blood pressure reading, the headline on the front page certainly didn’t.
“Soccer fans the Worst”.
So a top cop says.
I’m not a police officer, but a fan of the A-League and moreover, the world game, and not here to dispute what the chief says. I repeat however, I am a football fan….something I’m unsure Victoria Police and large sections of our media fail to understand. But more on that later…
I am baffled though, why this newspaper felt so compelled to report this story on its front page….
This, on the same day the A-League finals commence. Coincidence or conspiracy?Where was the report previewing the A-League finals campaign? Half way through the sports section…..Or the report reviewing the football purists’ wet dream (that is, Arsenal vs Barcelona in the Champions’ League round of 16) and the former’s stirring comeback? It was a mere footnote…..
Or the right of reply to the refreshing and challenging remarks made by former Socceroo, Llubo Milicevic earlier this week in which he stated, amongst other things, many AFL and NRL players allegedly take drugs, yet get away with it because those codes’ stance on drugs being built on thin “ice”. No pun intended. I’m still looking for it…..
I did however, read an article the other day in the same newspaper about a self confessed drug and alcohol user and former AFL star whose former partner would rather spend a night with the lions (no, not the AFL club) on their African holiday than him, being offered a lucrative contract to try and do his best Fred Astaire impersonation on Dancing with the Stars It’s ironic how sections of our media continually throw lifelines to AFL footballers who can’t, nor know, how to control their emotions, yet throws the boot in on passionate and emotional fans at football games!
This is not the first time my temples have been pounding at the sight of such news…..
The night after the first A-League and Melbourne football derby was played, sections of our media, rather than embrace the significance of the game, ran beat up stories about alleged violence between sections of supporters of both clubs and how those supporters allegedly vandalised our public transport system. Yet how many people did Victoria Police arrest that night? One. It must have been a slow news day….Oh, but the Caulfield Guineas was on that same weekend and 57 people were allegedly arrested for underage drinking. Well so I heard on the grapevine…..
With A-League crowd numbers already way down on those of the opening season, sections of our media seem intent on chasing more fans away from the world game. Even lower crowd numbers are surely to be the consequence of such stories and the heavy handed manner in which the more enthusiastic, active fans are being treated by security staff and police around the country.
And so to the point I alluded to earlier…..
Football fans are a rare and unique breed. Our authorities, media and the administrators of the game cannot expect a passive and sanitised form of support witnessed in other football codes. Football supporters are, above all, fans. They have too much pent-up passion to be able to sit there quietly and cheer when the odd goal goes in. Of course they will get passionate if and when the winning and only goal is scored in the 94th minute of a pulsating context or the referee makes a bad decision which affects the outcome of the game!
Football fans see themselves as members of the team and will do whatever they can to contribute to the defeat of the opposing team. Hence the songs they sing, the giant banners supporting a team or player, the horns, the drums and the hardcore fan groups. The passion extends beyond the field and into the stands and a connection is built that makes every fan more than a mere spectator.
It is why at many football clubs around the world, like Boca Juniors for example, there is no number 12 squad shirt – the number being reserved for the fans who are collectively seen as the 12th man. This is non existent in other football codes.
This does not of course mean that passion which is channelled into violence should be accepted or go uncontrolled. There is no doubt certain fans are tarnishing the A-League brand. I’m not that ignorant and/or one eyed. But as a regular attendant at many A-League games since its inception, I cannot help but observe and note a consistent misunderstanding between our authorities and the games’ fans. Passionate, positive support should not be confused with football hooliganism, an extremely different and ugly beast. It is this difference that I feel our authorities and media do not fully understand and moreover, embrace.
Further, I see no justification for an unnecessarily high police presence at A-League games such as the one witnessed at the Melbourne Victory vs Newcastle Jets game last month. As a friend later remarked, “There was not one hint of violence….That sort of police presence will only fire up fans even more!”
And let’s not let the flare throwing individual take the headlines away from a game which has given the world mouth watering local derbies steeped in history and many nations joy in times of despair.
Sportzfan Radio #189.2
13 February 2011 189.2 – Daniel asks the Gelding why Richmond didn’t put a side in that had a chance of beating Carlton in the NAB Cup so that they could get at least try and get through to the next round. The Gelding didn’t like the alternate jumper and says the Tigers shouldn’t have taken away the yellow sash. The Professor says that the lid is definitely off with Melbourne winning the first two pre-season games. Daniel thinks the NAB Cup is a circus with teams having to wait to play a second game. It can’t be good for the game especially with the introduction of new rules – Daniel says whoever introduced 
them should be sacked. Mark Fiorenti comes on to discuss soccer and he takes positives out of the defeat in the final of the Asian Cup. He is definitely right behind Holger Osieck as coach of the team as he has emphasised team unity. He discusses the A League which is coming to the crunch time of the season and also thinks it may be North Queensland Fury’s last game. In Premier League, Mark looks at the Man Utd & Man City derby. Paul Dalligan is looking forward to the Charity Shield later tonight between St George and South Sydney. He says Wayne Bennett is on fire as a coach and he won’t tip against him in the game, the Newcastle Knights are all cashed up behind Nathan Tinkler and are chasing players and the new NRL Commission needs to be appointed by 30 April 2011 as that is when New Limited intends to step away from the NRL. Paul then
looks at the ABL championship games between Perth Heat and Adelaide Bite. Daniel says Tom Walter the basketball coach of Wake Forest donated a kidney to save one of his players, Kevin Jordan but the College had to first check with the NCAA to make sure it didn’t break any rules. The Professor says that is taking rules too far. Sean Callanan comments on Super Bowl XLV and the effect social media had on the event. He also discusses Sportzfan Radio’s attempt to get Aaron Rodgers on the program. Finally, the Panel differ as to whether Shane Warne and Liz Hurley are a worthy story or not.
Sportzfan Radio #189.1
13 February 2011 189.1 – The Panel start off without Sportzfan Stan again, who is still on injured reserve. The Gelding thinks it will be a long season for Richmond while Daniel thought we might have been talking about Collingwood for two hours. Daniel also complains about how bad the half time entertainment with the Black Eyed Peas at the Super Bowl. Dan Butterly comes on to talk US sport and in particular the Super Bowl between the Green Bay Packers & Pittsburgh Steelers. He is reminded of his pick of the Steelers last week. He says it was a great game from start to finish and believes Aaron Rodgers gave a flawless performance with the Packers win was all the better due to the injuries the Packers dealt with not only during the season but also during the Super Bowl itself. Dan also discusses the seat fiasco where it appears the Cowboys only 
applied for a permit for the seats three weeks before the game. He looks at NCAAB and was right in saying Ohio State wouldn’t go through the season undefeated having lost to Wisconsin today. Dan says he thinks Daniel may be the only international Clippers fan in existence. The Panel talk about who their dream guest would be – the Professor says Aaron Rodgers, the Gelding would like Damian Oliver and Daniel wants Michael Jordan – we’ll work on them. The Gelding and the Sydney Colt were on fire with their selections at Caulfield and Randwick selecting 5 winners from 6 selections. The Panel look at the NAB Cup and the Gelding reiterates he believes it is going to be a long year for the Richmond Football Club.
Gelding’s tips for Caulfied 12 February 2011
The Gelding’s attention returns to his home track of Caulfield today with winners seemingly difficult to pick. However, there could be some value with these selections.
As always the bets are on an each way and all up basis.
Caulfield
Race 4 Horse 1 – Sepoy
Race 7 Horse 4 – Sportzfan Radio’s own Typhoon Tracey (for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 8 Horse 2 – Reward for Effort
Race 9 Horse 1 – Bead It (also for the ladies at the Tennis club)
You can hear the Gelding talk racing and review the results with the Professor on Sportzfan Radio every Sunday at 12.30pm on 88.3 Southern FM.
Good luck and good punting!
The Gelding
Sportzfan Radio #188.2
6 February 2011 188.2 – The Professor looks at the coaching records of Al Westover and Lindsay Gaze and says if the current Melbourne Tigers management had been in when Gaze was coaching, he may not have lasted as long. Daniel also discusses the sacking of Eric Devendorf. The Professor feels that the Tigers went for the cheaper alternative with their imports and found that cheaper doesn’t get the job done. Luke Nevill has also gone to Russia and the Panel decide whether he quit or was ‘released’. Daniel believes everything the Tigers have done has been bad. The Panel then talk about Darryl McDonald taking over the team for the last ten rounds and whether that will hurt him or not. Dr Leslie’s CSA is back after a two week spell. Daniel asks why people listen to Sportzfan Radio – he says they do so to listen to sports except Lisa Hayes who 
uses it so she can get some work done! Daniel has also picked the Tennessee Titans not to win the Super Bowl next season. The Panel look at St Kilda’s players and the problems from the New Zealand trip being created for the club. The Gelding says that most AFL footballers are excellent role models but when something goes wrong, the papers jump all over it. Paul Dalligan comes on to discuss NRL and ABL with the Panel. The Melbourne Storm sending a message ‘Playing for Everything’ with Crown Casino taking a punt and sponsoring the club. Paul makes the observation there’s not much point having a Ferrari in the garage if you don’t have a driver’s licence. He also talks ABL with the preliminary final evenly poised between the Bite and Blue Sox, the winner to play the Heat in Perth. It will be on Fox Sports live. The Panel then discuss cricket and the cloud that hangs over the game with three Pakistani players being
suspended for 5 years for spot bet fixing. They have also been charged by English police. Daniel says the team should be suspended as well. Daniel also talks about his story on basketball being used by the Herald Sun. Sean Callanan joins the boys to talk social media, Super Bowl & Packers. He says one of the big attractions are the TV ads during the game and that you’ll be able to check in to Four Square at the Super Bowl even though you may not be at the game. Sean offered the ‘shimmy’ to Green Bay but they didn’t take up the offer. He finally talks about the Mississippi State coach who has banned Twitter.
Sportzfan Radio @ Charity Baskets #187.2
30 January 2011 187.2 – The Professor and Sean Callanan commentate on the Charity Baskets match played for Queensland Flood Relief at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. The match was the brainchild of Sportzfan Radio panelist Daniel Eade and featured former NBL stars Andrew Gaze, Chris Anstey, Lanard Copeland, Mark Bradtke, Darryl McDonald, Frank Drmic, Axel Dench, Brett Raindow, David 
Smith and many more. The question is whether the return to 4 x 12 minute quarters would find out the stars of the past. Chris Anstey is named Player of the Match. The Professor, Paul Dalligan and the Gelding discuss NRL & the NFL Super Bowl. There are interviews with Axel Dench and Daniel Eade whilst Sean Callanan talks social media after the game concludes. Sportzfan Stan also gives us a cameo at the end of the program.
Sportzfan Radio @ Charity Baskets #187.1
30 January 2011 187.1 – The Professor and Sean Callanan commentate on the Charity Baskets match played for Queensland Flood Relief at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic 
Centre. The match was the brainchild of Sportzfan Radio panelist Daniel Eade and featured former NBL stars Andrew Gaze, Chris Anstey, Lanard Copeland, Mark Bradtke, Darryl McDonald, Frank Drmic, Axel Dench, Brett Raindow, David Smith and many more. The question is whether the return to 4 x 12 minute quarters would find out the stars of the past.