23 January 2011 186.1 – The Panel starts off by talking to Daniel Eade about the Charity Baskets match to be held at MSAC on 30 January 2011 at midday. The event will be covered by Sportzfan Radio with a live broadcast on 88.3 Southern FM. The former players including Gaze, Copeland, Anstey… all say they are still able to match it on a basketball court. Sportzfan Stan takes a look at the recent drug controversy involving Albert Contador and Lance Armstrong. The Panel then chat with radio personality and former Canterbury Bulldogs premiership player Graeme Hughes who discusses his recently published book “Dogs at War”. The Gelding reviews the race results from both Flemington and Rosehill where both the Gelding and the Sydney Colt were successful…much to the joy of the ladies at the Tennis club. Stan adds that his uncle Albert owned a horse El Galea and he learned from a very early age that if you wanted to know whether a horse was going to win or not you needed to ask the trainer first and then the jockey. There is also a discussion of the NFL selling tickets outside the stadium and counting those attendees as part of the game’s crowd. Stan says it is a rot and the NFL should be sacked. The Panel also discuss the NFL Divisional Championships in the NFC – Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears and in the AFC – New York 
Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers. The Panel is split as to who will win the Green Bay game but agree that the Steelers will be too strong. Paul thinks the Packers defence is the least intimidating of the teams remaining. Dr Leslie’s CSA makes a welcome return and Lanard Copeland comes on to talk about the Charity Baskets basketball match to be played at MSAC next Sunday with all proceeds going to Queensland flood relief.
Tag Archives: sportzfan-radio
Gelding’s tips for 22 January 2011
The Gelding’s attention remains on Flemington this week and after a reasonable start to the punting year, he is sure today will be a good one for his followers.
As always the bets are on an each way and all up basis.
Flemington
Race 3 Horse 3 Gail (for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 6 Horse 7 – Warm Love (also for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 7 Horse 7 – Work the Room
Race 8 Horse 3 – King Diamond
You can hear the Gelding discuss all the racing results with the Professor on Sportzfan Radio at 12.30pm each Sunday on 88.3 Southern FM.
Good luck and good punting!
The Gelding
Asian Cup – Australia vs Bahrain….The Golden “Mile”, but I’d love a Kilkenny to calm the nerves
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
Sportzfan Radio @ Melbourne Aces v Perth Heat #1.3
15 January 2011 1.3 The first ever broadcast of a Melbourne Aces match when they took on the Perth Heat from the Showgrounds trying to cement a place in the final four and possibly a top two finish. Hear the Professor, Sean Callanan and Daniel Eade call the middle innings of the match including the Perth Heat catcher Allan De San Miguel getting tossed by the home plate umpire.
Sportzfan Radio @ Melbourne Aces v Perth Heat #1.2
15 January 2011 1.2 The first ever broadcast of a Melbourne Aces match when they took on the Perth Heat from the Showgrounds trying to cement a place in the final four and possibly a top two finish. Hear the Professor, Sean Callanan and Daniel Eade call the game. The boys also interview Melbourne Aces pitcher Jeff Jamnik and the CEO of the ABL Peter Wermuth.
Sportzfan Radio @ Melbourne Aces v Perth Heat #1.1
15 January 2011 1.1 The first ever broadcast of a Melbourne Aces match when they took on the Perth Heat from the Showgrounds trying to cement a place in the final four and possibly a top two finish. Hear the Professor, Sean Callanan and Daniel Eade call the final innings of Game 1, the pre-game discussion between the guys and the first inning of Game 2.
Asian Cup – Australia vs Korea Republic…..All square, but oh, how it hurt!
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
Gelding’s tips for 15 January 2011
The Gelding’s attention is on Flemington this fine Saturday and isn’t it wonderful to see the sun shining!
As always the bets are on an each way and all up basis.
Flemington
Race 3 Horse 1 – Warm Love (for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 4 Horse 4 – Fashion Black
Race 5 Horse 2 – Verdasco (also for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 8 Horse 6 – Lord Pindari
You can hear me discuss all today’s racing results with the Professor from 12.30pm tomorrow on Sportzfan Radio broadcast on 88.3 Southern FM.
Good luck and good punting!
The Gelding
Asian Cup – Australia vs India….An upsize without the Big “Mac”
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:
- Two goals from Mr Consistency, Tim Cahill, who is surely Australia’s most important player and is
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….:
- A sloppy and wasteful second half. Yes, the game was arguably in the bag by then, but the passing left a lot to be desired at times and the crosses did not always find their intended target. Further, Australia may rue the goalscoring chances it missed if Group C comes down to goal difference.
- An inept passing game. For much of the 90 minutes the Socceroos preferred a long ball game to take advantage of the small Indian players, rather than employ an intimidating, short and quick passing game. This tactic will not be successful against the pacy and technically sound South
Koreans. - Scott McDonald. “The Mac” lacks bite in attack and yet again, failed to open his goalscoring account for the Socceroos after 22 games. Against a country ranked 142nd in the world, no less. Scotty appears incapable of scoring even in the “House of the Rising Sun”. One must now wonder if he will be given another chance. Burns, and even Kruse must surely be given a look in….
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….
Gelding’s tips for 11 December 2010
The Gelding’s attention is firmly focussed on VRC headquarters at Flemington today featuring the Western Health Cup. Hopefully the rain will stay away long enough to make it an enjoyable day at the track.
As always the bets are on an each way and all up basis.
Flemington
Race 4 Horse 4 – Aloha (for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 5 Horse 4 – Right Fong
Race 6 Horse 15 – War Ends (also for the ladies at the Tennis club)
Race 7 Horse 4 – Gold in Dubai
You can hear the Gelding discuss today’s winners and losers with the Professor on Sportzfan Radio every Sunday at 12.30pm on 88.3 Southern FM.
Good luck and good punting!
The Gelding