Dunaden wins Caulfield Cup

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What a return ... Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden snares victory in the Caufield Cup. Source:News Limited

French stayer Dunaden has built on an impressive Australian record with a breathtaking Caulfield Cup victory.

Producing a sweeping run from well back in the field, Dunaden overhauled veteran stayer Alcopop to claim the $2.5 million race.

The Peter Moody-trained Lights Of Heaven finished third, just in front of Americain, also from France.

Dunaden's victory completed a reverse double of the spring carnival's feature Cups.

He won last year's Melbourne Cup but this time he did it with champion Australian jockey Craig Williams in the saddle.

Williams missed the Melbourne Cup ride because of suspension.

"This horse is just a remarkable horse," Williams said.

"We seem to have a great connection and he just lifts for me."

Dunaden is now eligible to be re-handicapped for next month's Melbourne Cup.

But stable spokesman Geoffrey Faber says it would be unfair to penalise the seven-year-old.

"He's a racehorse not an airplane ... he shouldn't get a penalty," Faber said. "Besides he didn't win by that far, did he?"

Starting at $14, Dunaden beat Alcopop ($16) by a half length with Lights Of Heaven ($11) another three quarters of a length away third.

Overseas-trained horses filled three of the first five placings with My Quest For Peace finishing just behind Americain in fifth.

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Whincup wins Gold Coast V8s

Champagne showers ... Jamie Whincup celebrates victory at the Gold Coast 600. Source: News Limited

Holden's Jamie Whincup survived a day of V8 Supercars destruction on the streets of Surfers Paradise to extend his grip on the 2012 championship.

Whincup and French co-driver Sebastien Bourdais claimed victory in Saturday's opening race of the Gold Coast 600 after several competitors didn't even complete one lap of the 3.96km street circuit.

The race took three starts to get underway after multi-car crashes on the line twice brought proceedings to a spectacular halt.

In the original race start, IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe bogged Michael Caruso's No.33 Commodore, sparking a multi-car pile-up.

Ex-Formula One driver Vitantonio Liuzzi and Simon Pagenaud collided before young American driver Ricky Taylor was launched onto his roof and wound up upside-down just past the start line.

After a half-hour delay, chaos reigned again at the restart with France's Nicholas Minassian stalling and his compatriot Franck Montagny clipping him to again halt the race.

With six cars out, the race begun for a third time and, this time, got away cleanly with Bourdais pulling away from pole position.

The Frenchman handed over to Whincup and the defending champion stayed clear of trouble to take the win from a fast-finishing Jonathan Webb.

Ford driver Mark Winterbottom, who is paired with Australian IndyCar star Will Power this weekend, finished third to move back into equal-second on the championship standings.

Whincup's teammate Craig Lowndes endured a tough day, starting from 13th after missing the top 10 shootout for pole and then finishing back in sixth to dent his title bid.

Ford star Will Davison's championship bid has almost certainly come to an end however.

The Ford pilot took over from ex-Formula One pilot Mika Salo with the Finn having put their Falcon in front but less than a lap after taking over, Davison had hit a wall at turn 11.

He limped the stricken car home to the pits but finished 19th and, after a barnstorming start to the year, is all but mathematically out of the title race.

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Re-live the Gold Coast 600 exclusively in HD, Oct 20 and 21 at 9:30pm EDT on SPEED (512).

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Heskey leads Jets to Mariners win

Difference ... Former England striker Emile Heskey was involved in both Jets goals. Source: AAP

Star import Emile Heskey found the net for the second straight game as Newcastle Jets defeated Central Coast 2-1 in a pulsating F3 A-League derby at Hunter Stadium on Saturday night.

The Jets survived a thrilling finish after Patrick Zwaanswijk looked to have earned the Mariners a share of the points when he headed home in the sixth minute of stoppage time, only for the assistant referee to controversially rule him offside.

Ryan Griffiths gave the home side a fourth-minute lead when former England striker Heskey was clipped by Michael McGlinchey in the box after he had pinched a poorly played pass from the Mariners defence.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	3	2	0	1	2	6
2	Newcastle	3	2	0	1	0	6
3	Wellington	2	1	1	0	2	4
4	Heart	2	1	1	0	1	4
5	Central Coast	3	1	1	1	0	4
6	Brisbane	2	1	0	1	4	3
7	Perth	2	1	0	1	0	3
8	Victory	3	1	0	2	-5	3
9	Western Sydney	2	0	1	1	-1	1
10	Sydney	2	0	0	2	-3	0

Griffiths sent Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan the wrong way from the spot, and it stayed that way through to halftime.

Heskey then gave his side some breathing space on 61 minutes, but James Virgili deserved all the credit after the youngster went past both Pedj Bojic and Zwaanswijk on a mazy run before setting up the ex-Liverpool front man for the easiest of finishes from close range.

Bernie Ibini netted what turned out to be a consolation goal for the Mariners in the 72nd minute after he was on the end of a McGlinchey cutback after striker Daniel McBreen had won the initial header.

Jets keeper Mark Birighitti had no chance as Ibini tapped in from the edge of the six yard box.

The match was a typically feisty local derby with a series of niggly fouls throughout the contest, referee Ben Williams issuing nine yellow cards.

Jets midfielder Ruben Zadkovich was lucky not to be given his marching orders after a cheap foul in the 52nd minute sparked a melee.

Players from both sides had to be separated as tempers threatened to boil over, with Williams doing well to contain the trouble.

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Relive the match with the best highlights and all the key stats in our A-League Match Centre.

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Sixers can win without me: Watson

Big loss ... Shane Watson has been in sensational form for both Australia and the Sixers recently. Source:AAP

Sad to be leaving the Champions League T20 cricket tournament prematurely, Shane Watson is confident the unbeaten Sydney Sixers can win it without him.

Star all-rounder Watson signed off in style by taking 2-25 off four overs and smashing 47 off 38 balls in the Sixers' five-wicket win over South Africa's Highveld Lions in Cape Town on Friday morning (AEDT).

Their third victory in as many games guarantees Sydney a semi-final place and almost certainly ensures top spot in their group with one game against Mumbai Indians to come.

"For us (the Sixers) to be able to qualify for the semi-finals was certainly my goal," Watson said.

"Personally to be able to help contribute to make sure that we're in the semi-finals before I head home, it's worked out very nicely.

"It's going to be sad to leave.

"I know with the quality of group that we have, we're a real chance of winning this."

Watson will arrive home on Saturday after Cricket Australia (CA) directed his early return to rest before getting in some 'red ball' cricket in the lead-up to the first Test against South Africa in Brisbane starting on November 9.

Watson said he could play a Sydney grade game next weekend before lining up for NSW in a Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland in Brisbane the following weekend.

The sometimes injury-prone Watson said he had been talking to CA officials for about six months over his workload.

"In the end, I know having a week off will definitely freshen me up," Watson said.

Pacemen Mitchell Starc (3-19 off four), Josh Hazlewood (2-18 off 4), Watson and Moises Henriques (1-18 off 3) were all instrumental in pulling the Highveld Lions' run rate back in Cape Town.

They belted 25 off the first two overs and were well placed at 2-77 at the halfway point of their innings.

Apart from opener Gulam Bodi (61 off 44), no one made more than 23 and no partnership gleaned more than 32.

Man of the match Starc picked up his third three-wicket haul in as many games.

Watson said Starc was doing everything possible to give himself a chance to be in the Australia team for the first Test.

"Mitchell had an awesome T20 World Cup and he's continued to follow it on here," Watson said.

"There is no doubt that having a left-armer who bowls 140 km/h, who swings the ball back in with a bit of bounce at the Gabba and in Perth, will certainly be a huge asset for our team."

Watson also praised in-form Sixers' captain and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who is battling to regain his Test spot from incumbent Matthew Wade.

Haddin, who scored a Shield century against Tasmania last month, followed his 41 off 21 balls against Yorkshire with 32 off 21, hitting three successive sixes in one over.

"I think he's in some serious touch at the moment and, as he always does, he keeps (wicket) very well," Watson said.

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Watch every match of the Twenty20 Champions League live and exclusive in stunning HD on Fox Sports.

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AFL Trade Period: Confirmed trades

Deals ... Brian Lake's move to Hawthorn is the big news of the trade period. Source: Nicole Garmston / News Limited

The trade period runs from October 8 to October 26 and each and every confirmed trade will be posted here.

Don't miss a beat when it comes to the new look, extended AFL trade period.

From the blockbuster trades to clubs swapping draft picks, we will have every deal as it happens.

The AFL free agency period runs from 9am, October 1 to 5pm, October 19.

The AFL trade period runs from 9am, October 8 to 2pm, October 26.

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DAY 12: Tippett, Young, Graham

DAY 11: McIntosh, Rivers, Jacobs

DAY 10: Gumbleton, Greenwood, Young

DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

DAY TWELVE

Collingwood pick up Clinton Young from Hawthorn, trumping the Hawks offer for the hard-running wingman.

Richmond offload ruckman Angus Graham to Adelaide Crows to gain 10 spots in the draft (draft pick No.50 for No.40).

WRAP: Only one free agent moves on the final day, with Hawthorn failing to keep Clinton Young who moves to Collingwood. The Magpies say their dealings are done, again. Elsewhere the Tigers decided they'd rather have an earlier draft pick than keep Angus Graham on their books, who moves to the Crows.

DAY ELEVEN

Veteran Melbourne defender Jared Rivers makes the move from the Demons to Geelong as an unrestricted free agent.

Geelong also use draft pick No.36 to secure North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh.

WRAP: Thursday was definitely the day of the Cat. They traded a second-round pick for Kangaroos bigman Hamish McIntosh and lured Demons defender Jared Rivers through free agency. The free agency period ends on Friday so expect a few late moves before the compensation picks are dished out at 5pm (EDT). 

DAY TEN

Melbourne secure key forward Chris Dawes and draft pick No.58 from Collingwood in exchange for draft picks No.20 and No.45.

WRAP: Offical paperwork was lodged to send Chris Dawes from Collingwood to Melbourne. Otherwise, North Melbourne and Port Adelaide are working on swapping Matt Campbell and Ben Jacobs and Collingwood rule out chasing Hawthorn winger Clinton Young.

DAY NINE

WRAP: Not much happened during the day but late on Tuesday the Demons and Magpies agreed on a deal to send Chris Dawes to Melbourne. Dawes, 24, and pick No.58 in the national draft were acquired by the Dees for selections 20 and 45. Dawes signed a four-year deal with Melbourne.

DAY EIGHT

WRAP: Very little action to open the second week of the three-week trade window. No paperwork was lodged with the AFL but Jonathan Giles ended his stand-off with the Giants and inked a three-year deal. Hamish McIntosh moved a step closer to joining Geelong after talks between the two clubs.

DAY FIVE

WRAP: There weren't any trades but at least we saw some action. Brent Moloney's move to Brisbane Lions was confirmed and Tom Murphy chose to leave Hawthorn for Gold Coast. In demand forward Chris Dawes also nominated Melbourne as his club of choice.

DAY FOUR

WRAP: Another day without a confirmed trade. Melbourne announced its intentions to sign key forwards Chris Dawes and Scott Gumbleton while the fallout of Kurt Tippett's exit from Adelaide continued with ex-teammate Josh Jenkins saying Tippett had burnt some bridges at the Crows.

DAY THREE

WRAP: Unfortunately, there were no confirmed trades on day three. There was still plenty of action as Geelong looks to have secured Josh Caddy from Geelong while Brent Moloney has agreed to terms with Brisbane Lions and now has to pass a medical. Stay tuned.

DAY TWO

Melbourne Demons give draft pick No.3 and No.13 to Greater Western Sydney to secure mini draft pick No.2 (Jesse Hogan), draft pick No.20 and Dom Barry

Collingwood trade Sharrod Wellingham to West Coast for draft pick 17

WRAP: A quieter day on the trade front but a late breakthrough saw Collingwood's wantaway midfielder Sharrod Wellingham traded to West Coast. Earlier in the day Melbourne secured two young guns by giving Greater Western Sydney its No.3 pick.

DAY ONE

FREE AGENT DEALS

Chris Knights (Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Brendon Goddard (St Kilda): Signed with Essendon

Quinten Lynch (West Coast): Signed with Collingwood

Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide): Signed with Fremantle

Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Shannon Byrnes (Geelong): Signed with Melbourne

Brent Moloney (Melbourne) : Signed with Brisbane

Tom Murphy (Hawthorn): Signed with Gold Coast

Jared Rivers (Melbourne): Signed with Geelong

Clinton Young (Hawthorn): Signed with Collingwood

Gold Coast Suns' draft pick No.2 traded to Greater Western Sydney in return for mini draft pick No.1 (Jack Martin)

Essendon's Angus Monfries traded to Port Adelaide in return for draft pick No.48

St Kilda send draft pick No.12 to Greater Western Sydney for WAFL star Tom Lee, draft pick No.24 and No.43

Western Bulldogs send Brian Lake and draft pick No.27 to Hawthorn for draft pick No.21 and No.41

WRAP: Who said the AFL trade period was slow? The day started out with Gold Coast securing another future superstar - Jack Martin - through the 17-year-old mini draft. It ended with a massive trade that saw Western Bulldogs' former All Australian full back Brian Lake traded to Hawthorn.

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Champ out of Caulfield Cup

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Scratched ... Souther Speed will miss Saturday's Caulfield Cup. Source: Michael Dodge / News Limited

Southern Speed will not defend her Caulfield Cup title but instead be saved for the Cox Plate the following week.

Barrier 14, the same gate she had when she put in a career-worst effort in the Turnbull Stakes when she beat just one runner home, was a major factor in the decision to withdraw the mare from Saturday's race.

"The barrier was a major concern," trainer Leon Macdonald said.

"She would have had to be as good as Rising Fast to win it and she would have had to carry the most weight for a (winning) mare for 20 years.

"She will be scratched in the morning and we'll wait for the Cox Plate."

Rising Fast won back-to-back Caulfield Cups in 1954/55 while Mannerism in 1992 carried 54.5kg to win, the same weight Southern Speed had in the Cup.

Her withdrawal moves English stayer Gatewood, the second emergency, closer to a start with a decision on Americain's participation to be made on Saturday morning.

Although she won't be at Caulfield, Macdonald says the mare is going as well as last year and will be spot-on for the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

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Mundine slams Geale's heritage

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Race fight ... Anthony Mundine has questioned Daniel Geale's indigenous heritage. Source:News Limited

Anthony Mundine has ensured there will be plenty of feeling in his long-awaited rematch with Daniel Geale after questioning the legitimacy of the dual world champion's indigenous heritage.

At a media conference on Thursday, the outspoken Mundine took a swipe at Geale's indigenous background, saying he didn't deserve to wear the Aboriginal flag on his shorts.

Who will win the Mundine-Geale rematch?

"I thought they wiped all the Aborigines from Tasmania out," Mundine said.

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"Where is there a cut-off point? There's got to be a cut-off point. That's something the government has got to work on.

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"Say my great grandfather or my great, great grandfather is Aboriginal, and then everyone else (in my family) is anglo-saxon ... when it comes to me, am I Aboriginal?

"You have bloodlines of Aboriginality, but the blackness is gone.

"All I'm saying is, if he was a proud black fella like he says, he'd be out in the communities, he'd be doing certain things, being proactive in the communities, being proactive for his people - on every level.

"He's a champion. So he should be doing that. But he doesn't. That's what I'm questioning."

When asked by Fox Sports News whether Geale deserved to sport the Aboriginal flag on his trunks, Mundine responded: "For me, I don't think so".

Geale admitted he took offence but said he wasn't prepared to be drawn into a fight before they step into the ring. While an official date is yet to be set for the bout, it is believed the pair will lock horns in January.

"There'll be more said later about that. I think he's trying to get me to say some things," Geale said.

"I'm not going to get involved in that argument. I'm very proud of my heritage.

"I've proved it many times when I've worn the flag, had flags and different things around me.

"... My heritage is down in Tasmania. I've done a fair bit of research. I love my heritage, and I'm proud to show that.

"If anyone tries to tell me that I've got no right to do that, then something bad will happen. Trust me."

- with AAP

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O'Connor ruled out of spring tour

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Playmaker ... James O'Connor will miss the Wallabies' European spring tour through injury. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The Wallabies' injury woes worsen with backline star James O'Connor ruled out of the end-of-season European tour.

A devastated O'Connor won't test his lingering hamstring problem until next year after receiving a disappointing assessment from his specialist on Thursday.

The highly-talented utility back, who hasn't played since re-aggravating the injury in late June, had been confident of making his long-awaited return on the four-Test tour.

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But he broke the bad news on Twitter late on Thursday.
"Just had meeting with doc looks like ill be in rehab til after spring tour. Gutted I can't play but no risks with huge year ahead in 2013,'' he tweeted.

"Been a tough year but also many positives have come from it,'' he said in another post.

O'Connor suffered a lacerated liver while playing for the Melbourne Rebels in May and first tore his hamstring while on the recovery trail in Wallabies camp in June.

It means Australia are likely to be without at least half their best team for the start of the European tour, which kicks off against France on November 10.

Captains James Horwill (hamstring) and David Pocock (knee) are touch and go, as is hooker Stephen Moore (hamstring), while disgruntled playmaker Quade Cooper (knee) isn't expected to tour.

Halfback Will Genia (knee) and utility back Berrick Barnes (punctured lung) have also been ruled out.

O'Connor's injury news comes on top of the Wallabies losing four players in three days for Saturday night's Bledisloe clash against a full-strength New Zealand.

Prop Ben Alexander was the latest to succumb to injury with a wrist problem forcing him to be replaced by James Slipper at tight-head for the Suncorp Stadium encounter.

Watch the Wallabies take on the All Blacks LIVE from 8pm (EDT) on Saturday on Fox Sports 3HD.

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Kangaroos score round one blockbuster

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Draw ... North Melbourne secures a round one blockbuster against Collingwood. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

The AFL has released its full round one fixture for next year with North Melbourne handed a blockbuster opener against Collingwood.

The opening round, which will be played over two weekends, will also include a western derby and a Monday showdown between bitter rivals Hawthorn and Geelong.

Adelaide and Essendon will open the 2013 season on the Friday night at AAMI Stadium.

DAY 10: Gumbleton, Greenwood, Young

DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

They have bumped Richmond and Carlton, who will clash at the MCG on the Thursday night in the second week of the split round.

It will be the first game in Melbourne for the season.

The Kangaroos will be rubbing their hands together after scoring a home game against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 31.

St Kilda will head north to the Gold Coast while the Bulldogs host the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Premiers Sydney will open their account with a cross-town derby against the GWS Giants.

While forward Chris Dawes will play his first game for Melbourne against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

Round 1, 2013
Friday, March 22
Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium
Saturday, March 23
Fremantle v West Coast at Patersons Stadium

Thursday, March 28
Carlton v Richmond at the MCG
Saturday, March 30
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium
Gold Coast v St Kilda at Metricon Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Sydney Swans at ANZ STadium
Sunday, March 31
Melbourne v Port Adelaide at the MCG
North Melbourne v COllingwood at Etihad Stadium
Monday, April 1
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG

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AFL Trade Period: Confirmed trades

Deals ... Brian Lake's move to Hawthorn is the big news of the trade period. Source: Nicole Garmston / News Limited

The trade period runs from October 8 to October 26 and each and every confirmed trade will be posted here.

Don't miss a beat when it comes to the new look, extended AFL trade period.

From the blockbuster trades to clubs swapping draft picks, we will have every deal as it happens.

The AFL free agency period runs from 9am October 1 to 5pm, October 19.

The AFL trade period runs from 9am October 8 to 2pm, October 26.

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DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

DAY TEN

Melbourne secure key forward Chris Dawes and draft pick No.58 from Collingwood in exchange for draft picks No.20 and No.45.

WRAP: Offical paperwork was lodged to send Chris Dawes from Collingwood to Melbourne. Otherwise, North Melbourne and Port Adelaide are working on swapping Matt Campbell and Ben Jacobs and Collingwood rule out chasing Hawthorn winger Clinton Young.

DAY NINE

WRAP: Not much happened during the day but late on Tuesday the Demons and Magpies agreed on a deal to send Chris Dawes to Melbourne. Dawes, 24, and pick No.58 in the national draft were acquired by the Dees for selections 20 and 45. Dawes signed a four-year deal with Melbourne.

DAY EIGHT

WRAP: Very little action to open the second week of the three-week trade window. No paperwork was lodged with the AFL but Jonathan Giles ended his stand-off with the Giants and inked a three-year deal. Hamish McIntosh moved a step closer to joining Geelong after talks between the two clubs.

DAY FIVE

WRAP: There weren't any trades but at least we saw some action. Brent Moloney's move to Brisbane Lions was confirmed and Tom Murphy chose to leave Hawthorn for Gold Coast. In demand forward Chris Dawes also nominated Melbourne as his club of choice.

DAY FOUR

WRAP: Another day without a confirmed trade. Melbourne announced its intentions to sign key forwards Chris Dawes and Scott Gumbleton while the fallout of Kurt Tippett's exit from Adelaide continued with ex-teammate Josh Jenkins saying Tippett had burnt some bridges at the Crows.

DAY THREE

WRAP: Unfortunately, there were no confirmed trades on day three. There was still plenty of action as Geelong looks to have secured Josh Caddy from Geelong while Brent Moloney has agreed to terms with Brisbane Lions and now has to pass a medical. Stay tuned.

DAY TWO

Melbourne Demons give draft pick No.3 and No.13 to Greater Western Sydney to secure mini draft pick No.2 (Jesse Hogan), draft pick No.20 and Dom Barry

Collingwood trade Sharrod Wellingham to West Coast for draft pick 17

WRAP: A quieter day on the trade front but a late breakthrough saw Collingwood's wantaway midfielder Sharrod Wellingham traded to West Coast. Earlier in the day Melbourne secured two young guns by giving Greater Western Sydney its No.3 pick.

DAY ONE

FREE AGENT DEALS

Chris Knights (Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Brendon Goddard (St Kilda): Signed with Essendon

Quinten Lynch (West Coast): Signed with Collingwood

Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide): Signed with Fremantle

Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Shannon Byrnes (Geelong): Signed with Melbourne

Brent Moloney (Melbourne) : Signed with Brisbane

Tom Murphy (Hawthorn): Signed with Gold Coast

Gold Coast Suns' draft pick No.2 traded to Greater Western Sydney in return for mini draft pick No.1 (Jack Martin)

Essendon's Angus Monfries traded to Port Adelaide in return for draft pick No.48

St Kilda send draft pick No.12 to Greater Western Sydney for WAFL star Tom Lee, draft pick No.24 and No.43

Western Bulldogs send Brian Lake and draft pick No.27 to Hawthorn for draft pick No.21 and No.41

WRAP: Who said the AFL trade period was slow? The day started out with Gold Coast securing another future superstar - Jack Martin - through the 17-year-old mini draft. It ended with a massive trade that saw Western Bulldogs' former All Australian full back Brian Lake traded to Hawthorn.

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Trade Wrap D10: Stevens, Tippett, Young

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Trade ... Get all your AFL trade week news here. Source:FOX SPORTS

We keep you up to date with the latest offers, moves and rumours doing the rounds in the AFL trade period.

The AFL free agency period runs from 9am October 1 to 5pm, October 19.

The AFL trade period runs from 9am October 8 to 2pm, October 26.

Got a whisper? Leave it below.

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DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

ESSENDON EXPECT GUMBY TO SIGN
Essendon expect Scott Gumbleton to sign a new deal this week and remain with the Bombers despite interest from a number of clubs. Western Bulldogs, Fremantle and Melbourne have enquired about Gumbleton. While a contract hasn't been signed yet, Essendon are confident a commitment from Gumbleton isn't far away. The Bombers also expire David Hille will sign a deal that is currently before him.

BOMBERS HAVE INTEREST IN EAGLE
Essendon are interested in luring Victorian-raised midfielder Koby Stevens from West Coast but not at the current asking price. The Bombers have discussed Stevens with the Eagles but, to this point, haven't been able to broker a deal. The Eagles must construct a trade for the 21-year-old in the trade window or risk losing the talented on-baller for nothing in the draft. The Bombers, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs are said to be looking at Stevens. The Bombers, meanwhile, have ruled out bringing in Hawthorn wingman Clinton Young due to a lack of room in the salary cap.

PLENTY STILL ON MELBOURNE RADAR
Melbourne have not closed the door on attracting Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton. The Demons have added Chris Dawes in their active off-season. The Dawes deal means Melbourne have only pick No.4 in the first 50 selections in the national draft. But more kids aren't the aim for Mark Neeld. "We think we've got enough kids," Neeld said. Neeld said that the Dees remained interested in North Melbourne's Cameron Pedersen and Gumbleton, although it was unlikely they'll have space for both players.

DEMONS NOT DONE WITH YET
Melbourne have been one of the most active players so far in the trade window and still have work to do, says list manager Tim Harrington. The Demons have brought in Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes and traded for boom 17-year-old Jesse Hogan. The Demons are waiting on a decision from veteran Jared Rivers, who is being courted by Geelong, but haven't given up on keeping the NAB Rising Star winner. North Melbourne utility Cameron Pedersen and St Kilda midfielder Farren Ray remain on the Melbourne radar. Ray, however, is said to be leaning towards sticking with the Saints.

MAGPIES UNLIKELY TO LAND YOUNG
Collingwood have all but ruled out luring Hawthorn running machine Clinton Young. Young, 26, was linked with the Magpies as well as Brisbane Lions, Essendon and Port Adelaide. But Magpies football director Geoff Walsh said Collingwood were probably done for the trade period. Collingwood and Melbourne reached an agreement which sees struggling forward Chris Dawes become a Demon. In return, the Magpies, who had picks No.17 and No.18, also snared pick No.20 and No.45 for the November 22 draft. Collingwood parted with Pick.58. "I think we're pretty much done and dusted," Walsh told SEN. "We'll be happy to go to the draft with three selections in the top group, so we're pretty satisfied."

LEVI WON'T BE LEAVING: KANGAS
Forgotten North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood is still wanted by the Kangaroos. North Melbourne football manager Donald McDonald told the club's website that the stocky 23-year-old wanted to make amends for a disappointing 2012 campaign. And the Kangaroos are keen for him to do that at Arden Street. The South Australian had been linked with a return to his home state but that's not on the cards. "Very much," McDonald said when asked if Greenwood was still wanted by coach Brad Scott. "He's the first to admit he had a disappointing season and will do everything to improve."

POWER, KANGAS READY TO TALK
North Melbourne goalsneak Matt Campbell could be a part of Port Adelaide's compensation for promising defender Ben Jacobs. With North hopeful of luring Jacobs to Arden Street, Campbell looms as a likely candidate to return to South Australia after he was put on the trade table by the Kangaroos. After delisting David Rodan and Simon Phillips last week, Port are left with just one - injury-prone Cameron Hitchcock - genuine small forward on their senior list. Campbell, who has played 82 AFL matches since being rookie-listed in 2006, would not only add valuable goalscoring ability for the Power but also great leg speed.

TIPPETT NOT KEEN ON GWS TALKS
Kurt Tippett remains in control of his plan to be a Sydney Swan by declaring he will not join Greater Western Sydney, reports Michelangelo Rucci. The Adelaide Advertiser scribe says as much as Adelaide can get a better deal from the Giants than Sydney, Tippett has the right to veto any trade the Crows conjure before next Friday's deadline. The Giants have declared that they are willing to offer Tippett his much-wanted lifestyle change to Sydney by offering to hand Adelaide anything but their No.1 draft pick for the 25-year-old Queenslander. Greater Western Sydney's early draft picks are far more tempting to the Crows than Sydney's offers of a second-round draft pick or out-of-favour ruckman-forward Jesse White. But they are a wasted offer while Tippett remains steadfast on becoming a Swan. Tippett's Brisbane-based manager Peter Blucher questioned GWS's interest in Tippett. "We've had no contact from the Giants ... and it doesn't matter because Kurt has chosen to be with the Sydney Swans," he said. "I remain supremely confident a deal will be done. The Adelaide and Sydney football clubs are two good groups - they will work it out."

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Clubs to get their TV cash

Cash ... NRL clubs will soon receive the promised $500,000 TV rights bonus. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

NRL clubs will receive their sustainability grants from the ARL Commission on Thursday after a $30 million funding payment was negotiated with the Nine Network.

Clubs were each promised $500,000 before October 31, but were told this week to expect delays by the ARLC who were still waiting to be paid by Nine.

But after the network avoided administration on Wednesday when Nine Entertainment chief David Gyngell thrashed out a deal with lenders, the funds were transferred to the ARLC and will be in clubs' bank accounts by Thursday.

"From the moment we signed the heads of agreement with our broadcast partners we've been working towards providing this payment to the clubs,'' ARLC interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said.

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"This afternoon we reached a point where Nine was sufficiently comfortable to make the payment.

"This is just the start of the benefits the new broadcast rights deal will provide to the game's stakeholders over the term of the agreement but it's a significant step for the clubs.''

Given Nine's parlous financial state, the commission demanded an up-front $80m payment before signing off on the joint billion dollar broadcast deal with Fox Sports in August.

The news comes at a perfect time for Mattiske, who will host the monthly meeting with club CEOs on Thursday morning in Sydney.

However, he's certain to be grilled by club chiefs about the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement talks with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).

Clubs are desperate to discover how much they'll have to work with under the new salary cap, which cannot be locked in until the two parties reach a compromise.

The new billion dollar broadcast deal will facilitate an increase to the current $4.4m cap, but the two parties are believed to be some way away from signing off on a deal.

The RLPA want a dramatic increase for representative payments to players and to raise the minimum wage from $55,000 as part of the agreement.

"I was hoping to know more after the meeting, as it will make things a lot easier to budget for,'' Canberra CEO Don Furner said.

"The RLPA are working on a new EBA, but I know Steve Noyce was involved - he's now left the Roosters - and Richo (South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson) is overseas. So I am not too sure what the situation is.''

North Queensland CEO Peter Jourdain is also keen to find out so he can begin his task of keeping his big-name stars who are off-contract at the end of 2013.

Johnathan Thurston, Matt Bowen, Matt Scott, James Tamou, Dallas Johnson and Brent Tate are among the 20 Cowboys players who are chasing new deals.

"We've been given a fair indication of what the cap will be,'' Jourdain said.

"We have another year to go with most of this group and we're hopeful we can keep them.''

RLPA chairman David Garnsey said he's hopeful of rubber-stamping an agreement by October 31, but said the association would not be rushed.

"It's not like a football game, there's no halftime and fulltime,'' Garnsey said.

"We're working nominally to a October 31 deadline, makes sense as that's when the current agreement ends.

"We'll be resuming our talks in the near future.''

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Nikolic ban appeal fails

Jockey ... Danny Nikolic's ban will stand, for now, after a Victorian court threw out his appeal. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Disqualified jockey Danny Nikolic has failed in his bid to win a stay of proceedings against a two-year ban imposed earlier this month for threatening Victoria's chief racing steward.

Nikolic had asked the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) to lift the disqualification and allow him to ride at the Melbourne spring racing carnival pending his appeal against the earlier verdict.

But VCAT vice-president, Judge Michael Macnamara said the community interest required him to reject Nikolic's application.

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"Clearly there is a public interest in the stewards being in control of racing,'' Judge Macnamara said.

He said public confidence in racing needed to be maintained and that stewards shouldn't be intimidated.

An earlier hearing before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) Board accepted the evidence of chief steward Terry Bailey that Nikolic had abused him and had threatened him at a race meeting at Seymour on September 4.

The hearing heard Nikolic had approached Bailey and said: "We all have families ... and we know where yours lives."

Nikolic maintained it had been Bailey who had threatened him, saying he would f&#nbsp;&#nbsp;&#nbsp; his career.

Nikolic wanted Judge Macnamara to lift the ban until VCAT hears his appeal.

Through his lawyer John Digby, QC, Nikolic claimed the financial consequences of missing the spring carnival should be taken into account, as should the loss of goodwill and standing he would suffer by foregoing regular mounts.

Digby said if Nikolic was ultimately cleared of the charges he would have suffered "irremediable damage''.

But Judge Macnamara said Bailey's version of events had "a degree of plausibility''.

"There seems to have been something going on between Mr Nikolic and Mr Bailey,'' he said.

He said tension and antagonism existed between them that was supported by the undisputed evidence that Nikolic had placed his feet on the table in the stewards room at Seymour when being questioned of the day of the alleged events.

The judge described that as "an extraordinary thing for a jockey to do''.

His proposal of a full appeal hearing next week was rejected by Nikolic and his legal team. The appeal will be heard on November 7 and 8.

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MotoGP to honour Simoncelli

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Respect ... MotoGP riders will honour the late Marco Simoncelli in Malaysia this week. Source: Raymond Ho / News Limited

MotoGP riders will gather at Malaysia's Sepang circuit this week for the installation of a plaque in memory of Italian rider Marco Simoncelli, who died in a crash last October, a top official said on Tuesday.

Razlan Razali, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive, said riders and team officials would gather at turn 11 on Thursday where the young racer lost control of his bike.

"A bronze plaque will be installed at turn 11 in remembrance of Simoncelli,'' he said.

The tragic incident occurred soon after the 2011 race began when the 24-year-old Honda rider's bike veered across the track and into the path of riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi, who appeared to have hit him.

Simoncelli, considered an up-and-coming MotoGP star, had his helmet knocked off in the collision.
Razlan also said a new "Marco Simoncelli rookie of the year'' trophy in memory of the flamboyant 2008 Moto2 world champion would be unveiled on Saturday.

SIC will award the trophy to the best rookie in the MotoGP class at the season-ending race in Valencia on November 11. Any rookie rider with the most number of points wins the trophy.

Sepang is to host the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday in round 16 of the 18-race MotoGP Championship.

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Demetriou lauds longer trade period

Positive ... Andrew Demetriou is pleased with the extended trade period. Source: Julie Kiriacoudis / News Limited

The players have been the big winners in the advent of free agency and the extension of the trade period, says AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

Saint-turned-Bomber Brendon Goddard has been the most prominent name to have swapped clubs in the first year of free agency.

Clubs also now have three weeks to formalise trades, a process that was contracted to one or two weeks in previous years.

DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

"If you're a player it's far more beneficial to have this time period to allow you to get a trade or free agency or negotiate to another club,'' Demetriou said on Tuesday.

"There are things like medicals which have to occur, players have to fly all over Australia.

"We've allowed players to come back from holidays when they're on their leave to be part of discussions involving trades.

"Whereas before that you could be overseas and someone could call up and say `look I know you're in Phuket but by the way we're going trade you'.

FREE AGENT DEALS

Chris Knights (Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Brendon Goddard (St Kilda): Signed with Essendon

Quinten Lynch (West Coast): Signed with Collingwood

Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide): Signed with Fremantle

Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide): Signed with Richmond

Shannon Byrnes (Geelong): Signed with Melbourne

Brent Moloney (Melbourne) : Signed with Brisbane

Tom Murphy (Hawthorn): Signed with Gold Coast

"This is a far more effective and transparent process.''

The trade period ends on October 26. Several big names - including Kurt Tippett and Chris Dawes - are still in limbo.

Demetriou also said the AFL Commission had decided to review the cost of living allowance that allowed Sydney and Greater Western Sydney to pay an extra 9.8 per cent to their players.

The issue gained traction when the Swans made a multi-million dollar pitch to disgruntled Adelaide ruck-forward Tippett just days after they won the premiership.

Demetriou promised there would be no "kneejerk'' reaction from the AFL, but the commission felt it was appropriate to consider the cost of living allowance, which had not been reviewed for five years.

"Maybe it is appropriate we collate more information, all the Bureau of Statistics information, get some experts involved, some third parties and get some more information,'' he said.

"We'll bring it back to the commission to have a look at.''

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Vettel to join Ferrari: report

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Swtich ... British reports suggest Sebastian Vettel will join Ferrari in 2014. Source: Dita Alangkara / News Limited

Dual Formula 1 world champion Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is reportedly set to sign with Ferrari.

The German ace currently leads the 2012 championship after winning his third straight grand prix in South Korea on Sunday.

British media believes Vettel will replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari after the Brazilian was resigned for one more year.

The contract is said to contain performance-based clauses that will see Ferrari have to produce certain results to have Vettel sign.

If the 25-year-old was to sign with the Italian powerhouse - alongside title rival Fernando Alonso - it would mean arguably the most powerful line-up in Formula 1 history.

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Ponting praises captain Clarke

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Praise ... Ricky Ponting says Michael Clarke has gone to another level as captain. Source: Greg Wood / News Limited

Ricky Ponting has praised Australia captain Michael Clarke's maturing captaincy as his successor embarks upon his mission to return Australian cricket to its former glory.

Under Ponting's leadership Australia's dominance of world cricket waned, due to a retirement of a number of stars and poor performance that bottomed out with Australia's humiliating 3-1 Ashes defeat two summers ago.

But with a new look side and last season's 4-0 hammering of India behind them, confidence is high in the Australia camp ahead of a testing summer against South Africa and Sri Lanka and upcoming tours of India and England.

And Ponting said it was due in no small part to Clarke's captaincy.

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"I think Michael has done everything in his power to be the best player and the best leader he can be,'' Ponting said.

"And you only have to look at the way he has played since he became captain to understand that the responsibility sits pretty well with him.''

Clarke's batting has gone from strength to strength since he took the reins from Ponting after Australia's disastrous Ashes campaign in 2010/11, as evidenced by a triple hundred and double hundred against India last summer.

Likewise Australia's cricketing fortunes have been reinvigorated under Clarke and credit must go to Ponting for the role he has played in the seamless transition of leadership.

"Michael has led the team really well and as a player playing under another captain now I just want to do the best that I can for him and for the Australian cricket team,'' Ponting said.

"I have tried to play a part in that, I have tried to help where ever I can, whether that is with his cricket or his leadership or the amount of time we spend together away from the game.''

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Trade Wrap D8: Rodan, Giles, Thornton

Trade ... Get all your AFL trade week news here. Source: FOX SPORTS

We keep you up to date with the latest offers, moves and rumours doing the rounds in the AFL trade period.

The AFL free agency period runs from 9am October 1 to 5pm, October 19.

The AFL trade period runs from 9am October 8 to 2pm, October 26.

Got a whisper? Leave it below.

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DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

RAY TO REMAIN AT SAINTS
Farren Ray could continue at St Kilda next season despite languishing in the VFL this year and fielding interest from aggressive trade player Melbourne.
The dashing wingman floated in and out of new coach Scott Watters' side this year, finishing with just 11 games, but remains contracted at Seaford in 2013.
Ray's manager Marty Pask said as it stood "at the moment", Ray was expected to stay a Saint.
The former No. 4 draft pick was traded to St Kilda at the end of the 2008 season after falling out of the best 22 at the Western Bulldogs.
A quiet qualifying final sealed Ray's fate under then-Dogs coach Rodney Eade, but he rebounded strongly under Ross Lyon, adding a harder edge to his game.
Ray, 26, played 50 of a possible 51 games in 2009-10, including all three grand finals.

SUNS SLAM DOOR ON TIPPETT
The door has been slammed shut on Kurt Tippett at Gold Coast Suns after they dismissed the notion of snapping up the defecting Adelaide Crows forward if talks with Sydney Swans broke down. Tippett will be forced to nominate for the draft pool if he is not traded by the October 26 deadline - and with the No.2 pre-season pick, the Suns would be in a prime position to nab the Queenslander. However, Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said they had "moved on" since receiving the shock news that Tippett wanted to move to Sydney rather than returning to his home state Queensland. Read the full story here.

SUNS SIGN LOCAL LAD
Gold Coast have tapped into their zone recruiting allowances to snare a key-position talent capable of performing at both ends of the ground. The Suns signed Clay Cameron, a highly-rated athlete. Cameron, who won a rising star nomination playing for NEAFL club Mt Gravatt in 2011, battled osteitis pubis in 2010 - delaying his start in the big time. To make room, Gold Coast could offload ruckman Tom Hickey and powerful defender Josh Toy this trade period. Hickey wants to move to St Kilda to be closer to his girlfriend, while Essendon-raised Toy has a one-year offer on the table from the Suns but has met with three Melbourne clubs.

GIANTS SET TO GET BRET
Carlton free agent Bret Thornton is likely to add some experience and size to the young Greater Western Sydney list. The Giants have met with the 28-year-old after he told the Blues at the end of 2012 that he would seek a new club. The Giants could use the 188-game veteran to shore up their defence or swing him forward to ease the burden on young gun Jeremy Cameron. Thornton's former Carlton teammate Jordan Russell is also on the hunt for a fresh start but a move to Port Adelaide fell through last week.

RODAN AND TIGERS COULD REUNITE
Sacked Port Adelaide midfielder David Rodan is hopeful he can extend his AFL career with a return to his first club, Richmond, a possibility. Rodan told SEN that his manager had met with a number of interested clubs since the Power delisted Rodan last week. The Tigers are one club who have enquired about Rodan, who has played 176 games since debuting in 2002. "There has been a few clubs contact me, which is encouraging," Rodan said. "I still feel like I've got a fair bit left ... obviously hoping that the clubs out there will still want me." Asked whether Richmond was one of those clubs, Rodan said: "There has been a bit of talk, but it's still very early and we've still got a few days, another week, until we finish up talks. "But the great thing is I've obviously got a few clubs hopefully wanting me to get on their lists." The 29-year-old played 65 games for Richmond from 2002-06 before the Tigers delisted him and went on to play 111 games for the Power.

NOT EVERYONE'S FAVOURITE MARTIN
Versatile Melbourne big man Stefan Martin isn't attracting a lot of interest at the trade table. The athletic Martin, 25, has one year remaining on his contract at the Dees. He is open to a move elsewhere after 57 games in five seasons. He managed just seven games in 2012, Mark Neeld's first season as coach. Martin could be used in a deal with St Kilda for midfielder Farren Ray, who the Demons are keen to acquire.

GIANTS KEEP THEIR BIG MAN
After weeks of speculation, Greater Western Sydney ruckman Jonathan Giles has signed a new three-year deal to stay at the Giants. The 24-year-old shouldered the ruck load for the Giants in 2012 but was being courted by a number of clubs, including Adelaide. However, the former Port Adelaide-listed player resisted the temptation of returning to his home state and inked a three-year contract.

CATS LOOKING FOR NEW HOME
As Geelong try to finalise deals for North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh and veteran Demon Jared Rivers, there are two youngsters on the verge of exiting the club. Tom Gillies, who almost joined Hawthorn 12 months ago, is looking to advance his career elsewhere. Injury-plagued key forward Mitch Brown is doing likewise. Their places on the Geelong list are likely to be filled by McIntosh and Rivers. The Kangaroos and Cats are likely to try and thrash out a McIntosh deal on Monday.

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Pedrosa stuns Lorenzo in Japan

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Crucial victory ... Pedrosa has cut Lorenzo's championship lead to 28 points. Source:AP

Dani Pedrosa battled from behind to beat championship leader Jorge Lorenzo at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, stepping up his bid to overtake his fellow Spaniard for his first MotoGP title.

And in further good news for Honda, teammate Casey Stoner retained third place in the standings after finishing fifth.

Stoner missed three races through injury and has no chance of winning the championship but he remains five points ahead of Yamaha's Andrea Dovizioso who finished one place ahead of him on Sunday.

Pedrosa passed pole-sitter and Yamaha ace Lorenzo on the 12th of 24 laps and won by more than four seconds at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit.

Third was Alvaro Bautista on another Honda 2.477 seconds further back.

With his four wins in the past five races, Pedrosa has closed the gap to Lorenzo to 28 points with three races remaining in the season.

"It was a hard race because from the beginning the pace was very fast," said Pedrosa, 27.

"At the beginning, I tried to understand the bike because yesterday it had some chatter (vibration after braking).

"There was one moment I could get right with a right-hand corner so I could pass him and finally I tried to pull some good laps," he said.

"I suffered quite a lot of chattering during the race but I could manage."

The hardluck story on Sunday was Cal Crutchlow, whose Yamaha expired on the last lap as he was set to claim third place.

The Grand Prix tour will stop in Malaysia and Australia in the next two weeks with the finale to thrill Spanish fans at Valencia on November 11.

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Vettel, Webber dominate Korea

Raging Bulls ... Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber go one-two at the Korean GP. Source: Mark Baker / AP

Australia's Mark Webber finished second as his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel won the Korean Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday to take over at the top of the championship standings.

It was the first one-two finish of the season for the Red Bull team.

With four races to go starting in India in two weeks, Vettel, the reigning champion who is chasing a third drivers' title in a row, sits atop the standings with 215 points. Alonso, who finished third, is on 209.

Driver		Team	Pts
1	Sebastian Vettel (GER)	Red Bull	215
2	Fernando Alonso (ESP)	Ferrari	209
3	Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)	Lotus	167
4	Lewis Hamilton (GBR)	McLaren	153
5	Mark Webber (AUS)	Red Bull	152
6	Jenson Button (GBR)	McLaren	131
7	Nico Rosberg (GER)	Mercedes	93
8	Romain Grosjean (FRA)	Lotus	88
9	Felipe Massa (BRA)	Ferrari	81
10	Sergio Perez (MEX)	Sauber	66
11	Kamui Kobayashi (JPN)	Sauber	50
12	Nico Hulkenburg (GER)	Force India	45
13	Paul di Resta (GBR)	Force India	44
14	Michael Schumacher (GER)	Mercedes	43
15	Pastor Maldonado (VEN)	Williams	33
16	Bruno Senna (BRA)	Williams	25
17	Jean Eric Vergne (FRA)	Toro Rosso	12
18	Daniel Ricciardo (AUS)	Toro Rosso	9
19	Timo Glock (GER)	Marussia F1	0
20	Heikki Kovalainen (FIN)	Carterham	0
21	Vitaly Petrov (RUS)	Carterham	0
22	Jerome d'Ambrosio (BEL)	Lotus	0
23	Charles Pic (FRA)	Marussia F1	0
24	Narain Karthikeyan (IND)	HRT F1	0
25	Pedro de la Rosa (ESP)	HRT F1	0

It was the 25-year-old German's third win in three races and he will now be favourite to retain his F1 crown, in what had been a highly unpredictable season until he took the championship by the scruff of the neck.

Alonso's fellow Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, second at Suzuka seven days ago, continued his resurgence with a fourth-placed finish on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton, who still had title aspirations going in this race, finished down in 10th.

Fifth was Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus, followed by Nico Hulkenberg in a Force India. Romain Grosjean (Lotus), Jean-Eric Vergne, Daniel Ricciardo (both Toro Rosso) and Hamilton rounded out the top 10.

Vettel, who started second on the grid behind Webber, nipped in front of his teammate at the first corner. Behind them Alonso and Hamilton duelled over third place, with the Spaniard winning through.

Jenson Button's bad weekend finished almost as soon as the race began. His fine start from lowly 11th was wrecked when Kamui Kobayashi came flying down the inside, smashing into Button and destroying his suspension.

"I've just been hit by Kobayashi. What an idiot," the McLaren driver and 2009 world champion exclaimed over the team radio.

Also out, not long afterwards, was Nico Rosberg, who retired his Mercedes because of the same incident. Sauber driver Kobayashi, third last week in his native Japan, was forced to pit for a new nose and tyre.

He was then handed a drive-through penalty for causing the early carnage, and bowed out soon afterwards when Sauber decided that the damage to his car was too extensive.

Vettel, the man in form after victories at the last two races in Singapore and then Japan last week, was in firmly command.

Webber - intentionally or not - was a buffer between the leader and the chasing pack.

The Red Bull duo were exchanging fastest laps in front of a good crowd - the last two races at Yeongam have failed to attract spectators - while an improving Massa shoved a struggling Hamilton further down the field.

Vettel had a shaky moment on lap 35 of 55 when he ran wide, before pitting to go onto softer tyres.

"We have done another step and hopefully we can carry the momentum into the next races ... A lot can happen but we need to focus on ourselves," he said after winning.

Alonso was pleased overall despite losing the lead - as Ferrari at least overtook McLaren for second place in the constructors' list.

"We have to be happy with the performance today. We finished third and fourth behind the Red Bulls who are difficult to beat. We are moving in the right direction. We just need an extra step to be as competitive as Red Bull," Alonso said.

Young Australian Ricciardo fought from 21st on the grid to finish ninth in his Toro Rosso.

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Super-sub McBreen sinks Glory

Tight tussle ... The Mariners are always a tough proposition at Bluetongue Stadium. Source: News Limited

Central Coast have avenged their heartbreaking preliminary final loss to Perth Glory last season after claiming a 1-0 victory in a closely-contested match at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday.

Last season's minor premiers, who opened their season with a 0-0 draw against Western Sydney last week, looked like remaining winless and goalless until Daniel McBreen scored his 70th minute goal to snatch victory for the hosts.

The Mariners lost last season's controversial preliminary final in April after Glory striker Shane Smeltz, who on Sunday was on national duty with New Zealand, scored the equaliser from an offside position before Perth went on to book their grand final berth on penalties.

But it was the Mariners, wearing pink kits in support of the cancer charity event Pink Ribbon Day, who went home victors on Sunday in front of 9,192 cheering faithful.

Two yellow cards were shown in the first 25 minutes of what was a heated encounter.

Perth's Michael Thwaite earning the first for a foul on Mile Sterjovski, while Mariners fans thought their team may be awarded a penalty when Sterjovski was brought down on the edge the box by Jacob Burns.

Burns's foul created the first chance of the match midway through the opening half when Patrick Zwaanswijk stepped up to take the free kick, forcing a diving save from Glory gloveman Daniel Vukovic.

Zwaanswijk however, earned the ire of the referee minutes later for tripping Travis Dodd getting the third yellow of the match.

The Mariners' Trent Sainsbury had the only other chance of the half with a shot from inside the box but fired his header just over the bar.

Both teams came back from the break looking to get on the scoresheet with Central Coast skipper John Hutchinson attempting to open the Mariners account.

Hutchinson however, made a potential game-changing error in the 69th minute when he gave the ball away to Dodd who was charging toward goal only to be denied by Sainsbury.

Sainsbury turned provider a minute later when he played a beautiful cross to McBreen who showed great skill to control the ball with his left foot before slotting it home with his right to give the hosts the 1-0 win.

Pedj Bojic could have put the game beyond doubt in the 78th minute when he had a clear shot at goal but misfired.

Check out the stats at Match Centre!

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