Poulter, Scott move clear at Masters

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Showman ... Poulter fired a blistering third round to move into the outright lead at Kingston Heath. Source:News Limited

Australian Masters defending champion Ian Poulter will take a one-shot lead over Australia's Adam Scott into what looms as a tantalising Sunday shoot-out at Melbourne's Kingston Heath.

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Poulter came from five shots off the lead at the start of Saturday's third round, shooting an eight-under-par 64, the round of the tournament so far, to seize the outright lead on 13-under.

Scott, who started the day three shots behind fellow Queenslander Matthew Guyatt - the leader for the first two days - shot 67 to climb to 12-under-par.

Guyatt, who started the day at 10-under, could manage only a 75 to be six shots from the lead, alone in third spot on seven-under.

His playing partner, New Zealand's Michael Hendry, who was outright second on Friday night, faltered badly with a 79 to fall 12 shots from the lead.

Scott, Australia's top-ranked player, is seeking his first Masters title and first win for the year, while Englishman Poulter is coming off a victory at his last start, when he charged home to win the HSBC Champions tournament in China.

While Scott can expect to have the crowd on his side on Sunday, that is unlikely to bother Poulter.

The Englishman amply demonstrated both his ability to perform on enemy territory and his love of head-to-head battles in spearheading Europe's remarkable Ryder Cup win in Chicago in September.

He also produced some stunning golf on Saturday.

Poulter notched eight birdies in his first 15 holes, helped by outstanding work with the putter, most notably sinking a monster birdie putt from off the front of the green on the seventh.

Scott's ball-striking was the key to his climb.

By the time the pair completed the eighth hole, they had joined Guyatt in the lead and overtook him soon after, with Poulter and Scott then exchanging the lead several times on the back nine.

They both reached 13-under after they birdied the par-three 15th, at which stage Poulter was threatening to match the course record of 63.

But both he and Scott dropped a shot on the par-four 16th and Scott let another go on the 17th to leave Poulter alone at the top.

Poulter then fired in a near-perfect second shot to set up a tap-in birdie at the last with Scott holing a good-sized putt to stay within a shot.

Scott predicted he would need a low final round to claim his first Masters title and first win of the year.

"I'm going to have to shoot something in the 60s to even think of having a chance,'' he said.

"Ian's playing beautiful so he's not going to fade away.''

While he dropped a shot at the 16th, he produced possibly the shot of the day on the tough par-four 18th, nearly holing a nine-iron to set up a tap-in birdie.

Scott had to sink a six-metre birdie putt to stay within a shot.

"I needed to make it,'' Scott said.

"I don't need to let Ian get any more comfortable up there than he probably is.

"He's high on confidence ... I need to stick right with him and keep the pressure on, even overnight.''

However Poulter dismissed talk that Sunday would be a one-on-one contest.

"It's strokeplay, it's all about not making mistakes, taking your chances and I'm fully aware that (other) guys can go out there tomorrow and shoot a low score,'' Poulter said.

Watch the thrilling conclusion to the Australian Masters Live and in HD from 12.30pm (EDT) Sunday on Fox Sports 3HD!

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Reds grind past Heart at Hindmarsh

The difference ... Neumann continued his dream run in the A-League with another goal. Source: News Limited

A Melbourne Heart defensive blunder gifted Adelaide United import Jeronimo Neumann the match winner in a 1-0 triumph in Saturday's A-League encounter at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Neumann's second-half strike ensured Adelaide will end the round no lower than second on the table, the Argentine benefiting from a mistake by Heart stalwart Simon Colosimo.

The Melbourne defender, under little pressure in the 58th minute, butchered what should have been a routine clearance by inexplicably passing straight to Adelaide's Marcelo Carrusca.

Carrusca delivered to Neumann, who closed on goal and launched a shot from 10 metres.

Colosimo, diving to try and block the shot and make amends, had his agony compounded when Neumann's left-footer deflected from the defender's leg and into the net.

Adelaide's fifth victory from seven matches came after the Heart opened strongly on foreign turf.

But the visitor's captain Matt Thompson missed two genuine chances in the initial 20 minutes and the tide rapidly turned in the latter stages of the half.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	7	5	1	1	6	16
2	Central Coast	6	4	1	1	7	13
3	Newcastle	6	4	0	2	1	12
4	Perth	6	3	1	2	2	10
5	Victory	6	3	0	3	-4	9
6	Brisbane	7	2	1	4	1	7
7	Heart	7	2	1	4	-1	7
8	Western Sydney	6	2	1	3	-1	7
9	Sydney	7	2	0	5	-9	6
10	Wellington	6	1	2	3	-2	5

The Reds crafted a series of scoring opportunities with Fabio Ferreira, Neumann and Evan Kostopoulos all unable to score from threatening positions.

Adelaide logged five shots on target to one in the opening half but Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton was on song, denying both Neumann and Ferreira with spectacular saves.

Bolton instinctively thrust an arm into the path of the ball as Neumann charged at him in the 38th minute and nine minutes later produced a fine diving save to his right to steer from danger a Ferreira left-footer.

But Bolton could do nothing to prevent Neumann scoring for the fourth time this campaign as the Heart slipped to their fourth loss of the season - and fourth defeat in their past five games.

Check out the stats at Match Centre!

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Soliman books bout with Sturm

The King ... Soliman (L) risks losing his shot at Geale by taking on the fight with Sturm. Source: News Limited

Veteran boxer Sam Soliman has received a lucrative but risky birthday present which could jeopardise his chances of fighting a fellow Australian for the IBF middleweight title.

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The No.1 ranked IBF contender, Soliman has signed to fight former champion Felix Sturm in Germany on February 2.

Soliman's manager David Stanley said the IBF granted champion Daniel Geale an exemption to fight Australian compatriot Anthony Mundine instead of his charge, provided the winner of that bout in Sydney on January 30 makes a mandatory defence by May 2.

Victorian Soliman could have waited for that opportunity, but that would have meant going just over eight months without a fight.

Instead he has opted to fight fourth-rated Sturm, who lost his WBA Super title to Geale in Germany in early September.

Geale was stripped of his WBA Super title for fighting Mundine instead of that organisation's standard WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin.

The contract to fight Sturm came through on Soliman's 39th birthday last Tuesday.

Stanley confirmed it would be one of the most lucrative purses of Soliman's career and recognised they were risking his mandatory entitlement by fighting Sturm.

Soliman's last fight was a title eliminator points win back on August 24 against Giovanni Lorenzo, a man Sturm has also got a decision against.

"It's about the ring rust," Stanley said.

"Sam is a professional boxer as well, so it's a good fight in terms of good prizemoney for Sam.

"Sam knows what he's doing, he's putting his number one mandatory entitlement up, but obviously Sturm has got a steaming desire to get back at Geale."

Soliman is likely to head to Europe three weeks before the bout.

He may spend part of that final preparation period training in either Britain or the Netherlands before heading over to Germany.

Meanwhile, former IBF junior welterweight world champion Lovemore Ndou is set to make his Mixed Martial Arts debut on December 1, when he fights Aswin Cabuy for the Combat 8 featherweight title at the Panthers club in Newcastle.

"I have been boxing for 27 years and I'm starting to get bored in this sport, I don't find it as challenging anymore despite my love for it," said Ndou, who ultimately aspires to win a UFC title.

"I know boxing only forms a little part of MMA, but I'm working really hard to master the other parts of mixed martial arts."

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Crows dodge draft bullet for now

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Bit of relief ... Brenton Sanderson is all smiles for now. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited

Adelaide Crows will keep all their picks in this year's draft after the AFL agreed to delay its hearing into claims of salary cap cheating.

A new hearing date is yet to be set but the league advised on Friday that next Thursday's national draft "will go ahead as normal".

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The Crows, expected to be stripped of picks as a penalty for illegal payments to forward Kurt Tippett, have selections 20, 54 and 64 in this year's draft.

The club, Tippett and officials Steven Trigg, John Reid and Phil Harper face a total of 11 charges relating to an alleged secret agreement with Tippett when he signed a new contract in 2009.

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The deal allegedly involved third-party payments of up to $300,000, unapproved third-party deals with Crows sponsors including Balfours Pies, and a promise to trade Tippett to a club of his choice for a second-round draft pick when the three-year contract expired.

The deal ran out this year and Tippett shocked the club by asking to be traded to Sydney Swans. The Crows stalled on the Swans' offer of a late first-round draft pick and fringe forward Jesse White, plunging the club into crisis.

The latest charges were laid on Thursday and the club and Harper requested more time to prepare their defence.

The Crows, football manager Harper, chief executive Trigg and former football operations manager Reid will all be represented separately at the commission hearing.

"The AFL has today advised the Club and Mr Harper, as well as Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Adelaide Crows-listed player Kurt Tippett, that the Commission will provide the requested extra time, and that the hearing will not proceed on Monday as previously scheduled, to ensure that natural justice is provided," the league said in a statement.

"A new hearing date is yet to be set, but will be advised to all parties, the media and the wider football public as soon as it is determined.

"The 2012 NAB AFL draft will proceed as scheduled next week, Thursday November 22. The AFL has no further comment to make at this time."

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Vics-Blues Shield clash ends in draw

Stranded ... Henry missed the chance to notch his maiden first-class century. Source: News Limited

Victoria took first-innings points, but the weather had the final say on Friday as the Sheffield Shield clash with NSW petered out into a draw as just five overs were bowled at the SCG on the fourth and final day.

SHEF - Sydney Cricket Ground

13 November 2012 - Day 4, Session 3

New South Wales 2nd Innings

S. Henry	81	183	11	0	44.26
P. Nevill	61	110	6	0	55.45

After more than two hours were lost to rain on Wednesday, the weather set in again on Friday, with the morning session washed out.

Bad light halted play before tea just half an hour after the players made it into the middle with the Blues on 3-194 with a 157-run second-innings lead.

NSW opener Scott Henry (81 not out) was left stranded with a maiden century in his sights, and he was able to add just 10 runs with Peter Nevill (61 not out) to their 105-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Henry had a strong match, also scoring 78 at the top of the order during the Blues' first innings of 293, which also included a sparkling century from dumped Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

But it was not enough to deny the high-flying Bushrangers first-innings points - that was secured on Thursday on the back of some splendid batting from Chris Rogers (125) and skipper Cameron White (72).

Blues' paceman Mitchell Starc improved as the match went on, finishing with figures of 4-72 and the key scalps of Rogers, White and David Hussey before being announced on Friday in Australia's 13-man squad for the Adelaide Test starting next Thursday.

The two first-innings points put the Bushrangers back on top of the Shield ladder, in equal first place with Queensland on 20 points.

After a bright start to the season, NSW have endured a second straight game without picking up points and stay fourth on the competition ladder on eight points - though they have played just four games.

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Video: goal of the year nominees

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Top of the lot ... Will Lionel Messi's strike against Brazil be judged as the best? Source:AFP

There are curlers, screamers, bicycle kicks, long rangers and stunning volleys but no Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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FIFA announced its shortlist of the 10 goals of the year on the same day Zlatan's overhead goal against England sent the football world into meltdown.

Timing is everything, and FIFA say they won't bend the rules to get Ibra's goal added to the list.

At least we know one name on next year's voting.

And speaking of timing, on the same day as this year's list was announced, last year's winner Neymar of Brazil skied a penalty so badly it nearly went back over his own head.

The goal of the year award is named after Real Madrid and Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, who tormented defenders the world over during the 1950s.

Fans are invited to vote for their favourite on the FIFA website, with the winner being announced at the Ballon d'Or 2012 gala in January.

One belter that's missing is Papiss Cisse's goal for Newcastle against Chelsea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moHR8tzNeyA)

Did the shortlist panel miss any others? Have your say below!

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Zambia soccer team bus stoned in S Africa

TWO Zambia players were hurt on Wednesday night when the African champion's team bus was stoned while leaving the showpiece stadium for next year's Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene needed stitches in his head after the bus windows were shattered by "huge rocks" as the team left Johannesburg's Soccer City for its hotel, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said on Thursday.

Midfielder Felix Katongo was also injured in the incident that followed Zambia's friendly win.

"Very sad that the Zambian bus was stoned and Kennedy Mweene sustained a head injury," the FAZ said.

"Has had stitches and is OK, but the incident was shameful."

The South African Football Association told The Associated Press that two boys, aged 12 and 13, had been apprehended outside the stadium after the incident.

"SAFA condemns the incident in the strongest possible terms," association spokesman Dominic Chimhavi said, adding the youths were in police custody.

Mweene, who plays club football in South Africa, received treatment from team medical staff on the bus.

Katongo was thought to have only minor injuries.

Zambia had earlier beaten South Africa 1-0 at the 94,700-capacity Soccer City, the former World Cup venue which will host the opening game and the final at next year's African Cup.

The stoning completed a troubled night for the African Cup host after its disjointed team was outplayed by Zambia on a pitch that was in a poor state following a rock concert.

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Leisel Jones set to retire

Lethal ... Leisel Jones is set to announce her retirement from competitive swimming. Source: AAP

AUSTRALIA'S most experienced Olympic swimmer Leisel Jones calls a conference where it is expected she will announce her retirement from the pool.

Jones became the first Australian swimmer to compete at a fourth Olympic Games in London this year, where she finished fifth in the 100m breaststroke and collected a silver medal as a member of the women's 4x100m medley relay team.

That silver medal was the ninth Olympic medal of her illustrious career and she joined Ian Thorpe atop the list of most Olympic medals won by an Australian.

At 27 years of age, there is nothing Jones has not achieved in a 13-year international career and the desire to swim on next year was always going to be a question for the breaststroke queen.

Jones burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old at the 2000 Olympic trials in Sydney and later that same year became Australia's youngest Olympic medallist when she claimed silver in the 100m breaststroke as a 15-year-old.

Swimming Australia sent out a media alert late on Thursday afternoon for a Jones media opportunity at a Brisbane pool on Friday morning.

It is understood Jones has not returned to training since coming back from London and is going to officially end her reign as Australia's breaststroke superstar.

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Andrew Flintoff reveals bulimia battle

Fat Freddie drops ... the kilograms. Source: Samad Jewel / AFP

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff regularly threw up in cricket grounds and restaurants as he battled bulimia early in his career.

As he embarks on a sporting comeback as a heavyweight boxer, Flintoff has revealed how lost 15kg during his struggle with the easting disorder.

"I used to be a really skinny kid, I used to be tall and skinny and I didn't drink, I didn't do much," Flintoff explained in a documentary to be aired in England later this month.

"Then I started putting weight on. I got to about 19 and a half to 20 stone.

"It was all a bit deeper than that because to lose the weight, I wasn't really sure how to go about it. I started being sick, I was sick a lot. I would eat and I would be sick.

"I would be doing it myself. I would put my fingers down my throat and everyone within the team hierarchy thought it was great because I was losing weight.

"I've thrown up in cricket grounds around the world, in restaurants, all sorts, and I lost about 15kg by doing that.

"It's not the right way to go, which I am very aware of. You start off doing it if you have a bad meal, you eat something you don't think you should have eaten or you have drunk too much.

"Then before you know it, even good meals you are getting rid of. It becomes a real habit. The only way really to lose weight is to train more and eat less, eat the right things."

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Late wickets put Blues on top

Big finish ... The Blues ended day two with a couple of late wickets. Source: News Limited

Two late wickets in fading light gave NSW the ascendancy in their Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria after day two at the SCG.

SHEF - Sydney Cricket Ground

13 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

Victoria 1st Innings

C. Rogers	84	178	12	0	47.19
C. White	2	5	0	0	40

In a rain-marred day of cricket, the Blues snared the wickets of Glenn Maxwell (39) and Peter Hanscomb (0) in the five-over period between rain delays in the final session.

The dual blow, delivered in tandem by Stephen O'Keefe and Josh Hazlewood, left the Bushrangers in a vulnerable state at 5-177, still 116 short of NSW's first-innings total of 293 set on Tuesday.

Former Test opener Chris Rogers looked faultless on Wednesday, playing confidently despite the overcast skies contributing to more bowler-friendly conditions than those on offer on day one.

The 35-year-old smashed 12 boundaries, including several sparkling cover drives, to reach an unbeaten 84 before play was finally called off due to bad light.

By putting together a 69-run partnership with fellow opener Ryan Carters (33) and another 81-run effort with Glenn Maxwell (39), Rogers regularly frustrated the much-vaunted NSW pace attack.

Led by Test aspirant Mitchell Starc, and boasting big names Doug Bollinger and Hazlewood (1-45), the Blues were expected to make the most of the helpful conditions.

While Starc (1-50) did little to enhance his chance of earning a recall to the Australia team for Thursday week's Adelaide Test, vastly-improved all-rounder Moises Henriques looked the pick of the bowlers.

The lively medium-pacer finished with the economical figures of 2-13 and snared the valuable scalps of Carters and Aaron Finch (8), both caught behind.

It was O'Keefe (1-31) who broke up the most dangerous partnership of the innings when he enticed Maxwell into a loose drive which hung in the air until mid-off Starc took a fine catch over his head.

Starc's one victim was veteran Bushranger David Hussey, who was cramped for space when the left-armer came around the wicket and played onto his stumps on nine.

Due to the time lost to poor weather on Wednesday, play will start half an hour early, at 10.30am AEDT, on Thursday.

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Happy Hashim still having a laugh

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Having a ball ... the likeable Hashim Amla. Source: Greg Wood / AFP

For such a studious and serious cricketer, Hashim Amla certainly does like a laugh ... and causing one.

The bespectacled and bearded Amla, widely regarded as the best Test batsman in the world, could even do worse than turn his hand to the stand-up circuit when he retires.

Showing a wit as sharp as his reflexes, and delivery as well timed as his cover drive, the South Africa No.3 entertained off, as well as on, the field during the drawn first Test at the Gabba.

Amla starred for the Proteas with a classy 104 in Brisbane before skipper Graeme Smith made him bowl two overs of his ungainly right-arm rubbish as Australia amassed 5(dec)-565.

Asked if he rated his off-spin highly, the batting technician deadpanned his way to raucous laughter.

"Mmmm. I was a bit upset with Graeme when he took me off," he told reporters.

"I put some work in the nets. I studied the book for the exam and I was writing it, getting into a rhythm.

"But Graeme thought he would rest me the next game ... maybe."

A super-relaxed Amla also enjoyed his own laugh during the Gabba Test as he was targeted verbally by Australia.

The 29-year-old had the giggles when a fired-up Peter Siddle vented his frustrations at Amla after a failed caught-behind appeal on a tense day five.

"I found it quite humorous," he said after making 38 and defying the hosts for two-and-a-half hours.

"Obviously the guys were a bit pumped up, thinking that I nicked the ball.

"I guess it is a bit funny when guys get emotional when there is no real need to."

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Starc only focused on Shield win

Bowling along ... Mitchell Starc is focused on four-day cricket. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Mitchell Starc won't let his mind wander to Friday's likely Adelaide Test squad announcement, saying his focus is on helping New South Wales run through Victoria's lower order to capitalise on late wickets secured on Wednesday evening.

SHEF - Sydney Cricket Ground

13 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

Victoria 1st Innings

C. Rogers	84	178	12	0	47.19
C. White	2	5	0	0	40

The Blues cashed in on fading SCG light by bagging the wickets of Glenn Maxwell (39) and Peter Handscomb (0), giving the home side a much-needed lift after former Test opener Chris Rogers had blasted an unbeaten 84 to give the Bushrangers the upper hand in the Sheffield Shield clash.

The dual blow, delivered in tandem by Stephen O'Keefe and Josh Hazlewood, left the Bushrangers in a vulnerable state at 5-177, still 116 short of NSW's first-innings total of 293 set on Tuesday.

"It was nice to get those two wickets late there with that little burst of four overs," Starc said after the rain-marred day's play.

"That probably puts us back on even terms at the moment ... it's going to be a key session that first one, to get a couple of wickets and get into their bowlers hopefully with a bit of a lead."

Two hours and 15 minutes of play were lost to rain on day two but Starc, who is vying for a recall to the Australia team to play South Africa on Thursday week, said the overcast conditions hadn't had a significant impact on the wicket.

The tall left-armer didn't do his chances a great deal of good, taking just 1-50 off his 14 overs, but he said that was not his focus this week.

"We've got two more days of cricket out here," Starc said when asked if he'd done enough to regain his Test spot.

"All my focus is on winning the game for NSW and doing all I can with the ball and, if need be, a little bit with the bat to get the win.

"I'll let the rest of it worry about itself later."

His one victim was veteran Bushranger David Hussey, who was cramped for space when the left-armer came around the wicket and the Victoria star played onto his stumps on nine.

Starc said the lifeless wicket meant the most-effective weapon among the Blues' much-vaunted pace attack was reverse swing - which young gun Josh Hazlewood exploited late in the day to have Handscomb trapped lbw.

Vastly-improved all-rounder Moises Henriques was the pick of the bowlers, removing Carters and Aaron Finch (9) for the economical figures of 2-13 off nine overs.

Due to the time lost to poor weather on Wednesday, play will start half an hour early, at 10.30am (EDT), on Thursday.

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Giants prepare for Tippett capture

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Contract ... Kurt Tippett's future hangs in the balance ahead of a AFL hearing on Monday. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

Greater Western Sydney continue to lay the groundwork for their stunning attempt to recruit controversial AFL key forward Kurt Tippett.

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The Giants delisted veteran ruckman Dean Brogan on Tuesday, creating room on their list in case they can make a play for Tippett.

Everything now hinges on the outcome of next Monday's landmark hearing, where Tippett will front the AFL Commission to answer charges of salary cap cheating and draft tampering.

His current club Adelaide, Crows chief executive Steven Trigg and former Adelaide football manager John Reid must also front the commission.

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The AFL announced the charges and hearing on Monday night.

If found guilty, Tippett could be deregistered as a player and the Crows banned from up to four national drafts, as well as fined any amount the AFL determines.

Tippett became the Crows' highest paid player when signing a multi-million dollar, three-year contract extension in 2009.

But Adelaide admitted last month they had a once-secret deal, outside the contract, with the ruckman-forward who walked out on the club at the end of the 2012 season and requested a trade to premiers Sydney.

"We know what we're dealing with, we know our timelines and we are looking forward to explaining ourselves,'' said Trigg, who faces near-certain dismissal if the commission finds against him.

Tippett officially remains on the Crows list and has not nominated for the November 22 national draft.

The Giants have made it clear they are interested in trying to sign Tippett if he is still available to play once the AFL commission hands down its findings.

Brogan already has an assistant coaching role at the Giants.

They also have told him they could re-draft him, depending on Tippett's player status.

GWS said in a statement that Brogan "fully understood (our) position''.

Depending on the outcome of the commission hearing, Tippett could still nominate for the December 11 pre-season draft.

While Tippett can put a big price on his head, the Giants have said they will have room in their salary cap to accommodate him.

"We obviously respect the AFL commission hearing and await their findings,'' said Giants football manager Graeme Allan.

"We also want to see the terms on which Kurt Tippett will nominate for the draft.

"We are naturally interested in a player of his calibre but a decision on drafting him will also be determined by affordability and with respect to the process outlined by the AFL.''

Also on Tuesday, Port Adelaide midfielder Ben Jacobs and Gold Coast defender Taylor Hine nominated for the national draft.

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Hayes gives Saints timely boost

Influence ... Lenny Hayes enjoying being back on the ground at Saints training. Source: Chris Eastman / News Limited

Lenny Hayes' presence at St Kilda training is a welcome boost for the AFL club in the midst of a turbulent off-season.

Remarkably, the 32-year-old star is expected to be ready for round one next season despite needing heart surgery in September for a leaky valve.

Hayes is on a modified program and trained on Tuesday as the team officially started their pre-season.

He will travel to Colorado at the end of the month for the Saints' altitude training camp.

Hayes is still recovering from the major surgery, but coach Scott Watters said he was progressing well.

"He will be 100 per cent come round one, ready to play," Watters said.

"You run out of superlatives to describe the way he goes about his work.

"He's an outstanding guy, the way he's presented himself after the operation.

"He's in terrific condition."

Hayes is often referred to as the heart and soul of the Saints team and his successful recovery from the surgery is welcome news for St Kilda fans.

In the last few weeks free agent Brendon Goddard went to Essendon and fellow veteran Jason Gram was sacked after he failed to honour undertakings about his off-field behaviour.

The club failed to secure a trade for West Coast defender Mitch Brown, but lost Jamie Cripps to the Eagles.

Watters said the club was staying in touch with Gram and was continuing to support him.

"But ... we have a club culture and a set of values and standards that we need to really strongly defend," Watters added.

"At the end of the day, players make a choice on whether they stay and be involved with what we want to try and deliver.

"Unfortunately, some of Grammy's choices probably preclude him from that opportunity."

Watters also brushed off questions about Goddard, with the coach saying he was only concerned about Saints players.

He also would not buy into Goddard's comment on Monday that one of the reasons he went to Essendon was because of the player talent at his new club.

"I have no interest in other people's perceptions ... we deal with what we deal with here internally," Watters said.

"We're excited about what's ahead, we're loving our pre-season."

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Clarke defends no-ball reversals

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Tough luck ... James Pattinson was one bowler who lost a wicket because of a reviewed no-ball. Source:News Limited

Australia captain Michael Clarke has defended umpires protecting themselves with technology after the torment of three wickets being overturned by reviewed no-balls in the first Test.

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Bowlers, commentators and fans were fuming through the Gabba series-opener as Australia (twice) and South Africa were both denied dismissals after the third umpire was called on to detect marginal front-foot no-balls.

The biggest drama came on the final day came when Hamish Amla, on 7, played on a James Pattinson half-volley as the tourists were battling against the new-ball at 1-26.

Pattinson over-strode by a mere centimetre, with his heel landing on the popping crease, but the third umpire made the correct call to let Amla stay.

It prompted South Africa great Barry Richards to say that popping creases needed to be widened to prevent no-ball reviews being a blight on cricket.

Umpires are afraid to call close no-balls and are instead waiting to see if a wicket falls before reviewing - throwing up questions of what other no-balls are being let go.

Richards, a member of the MCC cricket committee, felt part of the problem, which has fans fuming, was the skinny crease line.

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"Why don't you widen the line?" Richards said on ABC Radio after Amla was given not out.

"It would help the umpire and the bowler ... it's so minuscule."

Another Australian, Peter Siddle, was denied in the same manner against Jacques Kallis on day one while Proteas quick Morne Morkel was the victim of a dubious call when Ed Cowan gloved down the leg-side late on day three.

But Clarke said it was better to be safe than sorry with the technology available.

"I think any time you bowl a no-ball front foot it should be picked up, the umpires on the ground are doing their best that is for sure; they are probably just making extra sure when a wicket falls," Clarke said.

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"I would rather see them picked up than guys bowling no balls and still getting away with a wicket."

No-balls were arguably a bigger problem for South Africa at the Gabba as Morkel also had another wicket - that of Michael Clarke on 135 - denied when he edged behind on day four.

In total, the Proteas bowlers over-stepped 23 times in Australia's first innings of 5(dec)-565 while Australia bowled six no-balls as the Proteas made 450.

There was no excuses from South African bowling coach Allan Donald nor captain Graeme Smith who were unhappy with the slip in standards.

"No-balls played a big role in the game," Smith said. "From our side it was not acceptable."

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Ponting deserves more time: Viv

Under pressure ... Richards says Ponting deserves to make the call on his Test career. Source: AFP

West Indies master blaster Viv Richards says Ricky Ponting deserves to control the timing of his exit from Test cricket.

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Ponting, who turns 38 next month, sparked a fresh bout of speculation over his playing future after being dismissed for a duck on Sunday in Australia's first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Brisbane.

Richards - one of Wisden magazine's five cricketers of the 20th century - says champion players like Ponting are special cases.

"You should give him the benefit of the doubt, for him to bow out when he likes because I think he deserves that," Richards said on Monday at a Melbourne pro-am golf event.

"When you have guys who have done so well, it's important you enjoy them for a long time and when they go, appreciate that also."

Former Australia skipper Ponting is Test cricket's second-leading run-scorer.

However, he's followed his modest tour of West Indies in April (146 runs at 24.33) with a first-up failure to begin the home summer.

Richards's career ended in 1991 at the age of 39, scoring 376 runs at an average of 53.71 in his farewell series in England.

The powerful hitter and five-star entertainer finished with an overall average of 50.23 including 24 hundreds.

The Shane Warne-led Big Bash League team Melbourne Stars are holding talks with the 60-year-old Richards about a possible mentoring role with the squad this summer.

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Demons dodge tanking penalties

Escape ... Melbourne Demons will not be punished this year for alleged tanking in 2009. Source: Stephen Harman / News Limited

Melbourne has escaped penalty at next Thursday's national draft.

The Demons still face unprecedented penalties but investigations into its alleged tanking strategy in 2009 are continuing.

The club's key picks - no. 4 and 27 (reserved for father-son star Jack Viney) - will remain because the probe has not been completed in time.

Given clubs need a week to respond to any potential charges, there is not enough time for the Demons to reply to any charges.

Should they be charged the penalties would not apply until the 2013 draft, which means Melbourne will be able to take its prized selections.

But it is believed Adelaide failed to escape punishment, and is set to be charged over the Kurt Tippett scandal.

They are expected to face the full wrath of the AFL Commission on Monday.

Its dealings with Tippett - including an undisclosed written understanding to trade him to the club of his choice - were also being examined for potential "conduct prejudicial to the draft."

Tippett could be forced to front the AFL Commission to explain why he should not be deregistered for his part in the salary cap furore.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson last week admitting to the Herald Sun the Crows expected to be hit hard with sanctions for the next two national drafts.

The player whose name is mud at the Adelaide Football Club has until 2pm tomorrow to nominate for the AFL's national draft on November 22.

If the Crow fails to nominate for Australian football's major draft he will remain club free until at least December, when he can enter the pre-season draft.

Either way, Tippett can put a big-dollar figure on his head, virtually leaving the race for his services down to two clubs premier Sydney, which he has publicly stated he wants to join, and Greater Western Sydney.

Having rejected a figure of about $750,000 a season to stay at Adelaide, it is understood Tippett is now demanding $1 million a year at his new destination.

The Swans with extra money in their salary cap have the cash.

So too do the Giants, who have money to spend after Israel Folau's exit.

As the Crows and Tippett still await their punishment from the AFL for contract side deals dating back to 2009, GWS coach Kevin Sheedy said the key forward remained on the club's radar.

"Obviously we would like to get him, but we'll just work it out,'' Sheedy said.

Queenslander Tippett shockingly sought a trade to the Swans, rather than home clubs Gold Coast or Brisbane, in last month's trade period but the move was quashed when the AFL discovered Adelaide had entered into a secret contract side deal with Tippett three years ago.

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Wallabies to ring changes for England

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In the frame ... Barnes could replace Harris at fullback for the clash with England. Source:News Limited

Berrick Barnes is expected to be among a raft of changes Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will make to his starting line-up to face England this weekend as the Australians look to get their European tour back on track.

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Deans has plenty of quality players returning from injury for the clash at Twickenham with flanker David Pocock, winger Digby Ioane, lock Sitaleki Timani and prop Ben Alexander available for Saturday's (Sunday's AEDT) Test.

Hooker Stephen Moore is also expected to come under consideration after making his return from a hamstring injury off the bench in last weekend's 33-6 loss to France in Paris where he became Australia's most capped hooker, while winger Drew Mitchell could also find his way into the team.

Blindside flanker Dave Dennis, who started against France, could be in the firing line with an option for Deans to start both openside specialists Pocock and Michael Hooper.

"We've got a number of blokes we should be able to consider this week," Deans said.

"We were always going to consider that group when they returned and obviously we consider the previous performance in determining our starting line-up at every instance."

Barnes produced a solid cameo at fullback in his return from injury against France with his effort pleasing Deans.

The NSW Waratahs star came on early in the second half for fullback Mike Harris who was struggling at the back for the Wallabies.

"Berrick did well. He did what he does well. He's a good communicator," Deans said.

Deans was asked if Barnes was ready start against England.

"Yes. He's obviously returning from injury and we sort of managed him through that but he reported as being fine after the game."

Until his French cameo Barnes hadn't played since suffering a punctured lung against Argentina in September.

"It was my first time back for a while and I really felt it out there," he said.

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"It'd be good to start (against England). I've got a bit of work to do fitness wise but some coaches like to start returning players then bring them off later but that's Robbie's call to make."

England are coming off a seven-try 54-12 annihilation of Fiji last Saturday and are looking to chalk up a third straight Cook Cup win over the Wallabies.

"They'll be puffing their chests out. They had a very good win against the Fijians," Barnes said.

"They'll be confident but we have to lick our wounds and get on with it. There's no better motivation than playing the Poms in their own backyard."

Australia's recent nemesis, winger Chris Ashton, is available to make his return for England after missing the Fiji game due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards in the Heineken Cup.

Ashton has scored three tries in three Tests against Australia and coach Stuart Lancaster said the speedster will be raring to go.

"Chris was desperately disappointed to miss this game (against Fiji)," Lancaster said.

"He likes scoring tries and, if anything, this will fuel his hunger and desire to get back into the side. It was a tough lesson to learn.

"(Australia) are a top-three side and we recognise the quality of players we will need to beat them."

Lancaster is also expecting to have prop Alex Corbisiero and centre Jonathan Joseph available to face the Wallabies.

Watch the Wallabies battle England Live and in HD on Fox Sports 3 from 1.30am (EDT) Sunday!

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Proteas in charge after day three

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Quality ... Kallis salutes after bringing up his 44th Test hundred. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

Luck finally turned around for Australia as they reached 3-111 at stumps on day three of the first Test at the Gabba in reply to South Africa's mammoth first innings of 450.

1st Test - Gabba

9 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

E. Cowan	49	74	8	0	66.22
M. Clarke	34	57	5	0	59.65
V. Philander	8	0	24	0	3.00

Opener Ed Cowan remained unbeaten on 49 in a 71-run counter-attack with captain Michael Clarke (34 not out) after surviving a big scare in the second last over of the day.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith asked for a review when towering quick Morne Morkel's caught-behind appeal was knocked back by umpire Asad Rauf.

Hot spot technology showed Cowan gloved it but replays revealed a no ball.

It was a reversal of fortunes for Australia who had South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis out caught on 43 on Friday only for a replay to show quick Peter Siddle had overstepped the mark.

Kallis went on to make 147 in a 165-run stand with Hashim Amla (104) - who was dropped by Siddle on 74 - that set up the huge first innings total.

Initially nothing looked set to go right for Australia with the bat either as Morkel (2-25) cut loose.

Morkel had 2-0 after his first nine balls, including Ricky Ponting for a five-ball duck.

World No.1 Test bowler Dale Steyn (1-27) did the early damage, snaring opener David Warner (four) caught behind to reduce Australia to 1-13.

Steyn's heroics also ensured Rob Quiney's Test debut with the bat was reduced to a cameo.

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Follow all the action from day four of the first Test between Australia and South Africa with our LIVE and INTERACTIVE blog, from 10am (EDT) Monday.

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An attacking Quiney (nine) looked to have hooked Morkel for six before Steyn plucked the ball from the air, threw it back into the air as he avoided the boundary rope and casually caught it again.

Reeling at 2-30, Australia were soon on the ropes at 3-40 when Ponting was caught behind to extend his batting woes against the Proteas.

A man down after batsman JP Duminy was injured in a freak training mishap on Friday, South Africa needed something special to post a big first innings and Kallis and Amla provided.

They put on their 11th stand of over a century, making them the South African pair with the highest Test partnership aggregate (3636 runs).

And it could have been more. Amla was trapped in front by Siddle (2-111) but remarkably did not review it. Ball-tracking technology showed the delivery was bouncing over the stumps.

Kallis resumed on 84 not out on Sunday and reached his 44th Test ton - the second highest tally behind only Sachin Tendulkar (51) while also marking the highest score by a South African at the Gabba, surpassing Eddie Barlow's 114.

Earlier, world No.2 batsman Amla became the seventh South African to pass 5000 Test runs on his way to his 17th ton - his third in as many Tests against Australia.

After enduring 54 luckless overs trying to break the Amla-Kallis stand, Australia finally struck back with the ball on Sunday as South Africa tried to push the run rate after the day two washout.

James Pattinson (3-93) was the pick of the Aussie bowlers.

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Relive the drama from day three at the Gabba with our live blog!

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Reds, Glory battle out dour draw

Hindmarsh ... Adelaide United's Fabio Ferreira holds off Perth Glory's Scott Jamieson. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Adelaide United talisman Dario Vidosic scored again in a 1-1 draw with Perth Glory, but couldn't prevent the Reds losing top spot of the A-League on Sunday.

Vidosic's second goal in as many matches ensured a Hindmarsh Stadium stalemate, equalising after Glory attacker Billy Mehmet's opening half strike.

Adelaide's point for the draw wasn't enough to prevent Central Coast Mariners assuming top spot on goal difference after six rounds, while Perth remain in fourth position.

Both managers, Adelaide's John Kosmina and Perth Glory counterpart Ian Ferguson both said the draw was a fair result but Kosmina said there was some regret, given it was a Reds home game.

"Every time you drop two points it is costly, but it's only six games into the season, there are still 21 to go,'' Kosmina said.

"If there is a bottleneck (at the top) and we're still in it with six games to go, I would be pretty happy."

Ferguson couldn't complain with the result: "both teams had some great opportunities and overall it was a fair game and an even game, 1-1 was a fair result.''

Glory had their chances for a precious away win after taking the lead courtesy of Mehmet's 43rd minute strike.
Mehmet scored after a copybook build-up as the Glory sliced through Adelaide's defence with a series of swift passes.

Nick Ward started the scoring sortie with a slick pass inside the box to Dean Heffernan, who in turn delivered an angled pass across the face of goal to the moving Mehmet.

The Glory striker finished clinically from a couple of metres out, scoring from Perth's only shot on target in the opening half.

But Adelaide took just three minutes of the second half to equalise, when Vidosic goaled as Perth appealed for an off-side ruling.

Vidosic sprinted forward as midfielder Marcelo Carrusca delivered an insightful long pass which found the Adelaide star in space some 10 metre from goal.

Vidosic swivelled and an accurate right-footer just beat a diving Glory goalkeeper Daniel Vukovic.

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

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Some 15 minutes later, Perth were centimetres from again taking an ascendancy when Ward cracked a header into the cross bar from a Scott Jamieson corner.

Perth's star striker Shane Smeltz, returning from a hamstring strain which has restricted him to one game this season, was then brought from the bench with almost instant impact.

Smeltz was barely on for two minutes when he launched a low shot which Adelaide 'keeper Eugene Galekovic saved.

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Roar living in the past: Slater

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Past glories ... Brisbane Roar sit on the bottom of the A-League ladder after six rounds. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

It is easy to look good when your team is winning, but when you're losing, that is when a player's real character is exposed.

Brisbane Roar is finding that out. The back-to-back champions are living in the past and their results are proving it.

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It no longer matters what the Roar have done in the past two seasons. It's what they are doing now that counts.

During the next few weeks we are going to discover just how much Brisbane's shocking start to the season is hurting the players.

The Roar still has time to save its campaign and there is enough talent in the squad to resurrect its season.

But you find out a lot more about people when things are not going well for them.

While it is a big call to say the Brisbane squad no longer has the same hunger, this is a big test for every player to stand up and show what they are made of.

Rather than talking about how good they are, they need to show it.

The pressure is also mounting on Brisbane coach Rado Vidosic in what is a results-driven occupation.

Vidosic knew his every move was going to be scrutinised when he accepted the head coaching role after seven years as an assistant, the last of two of which were as master mentor Ange Postecoglou's right-hand man.

It is easy to say in hindsight, but Vidosic would have been better off starting his career as a head coach elsewhere.

It would have given him more time to succeed and put his own philosophies in place.

He is virtually on a hiding to nothing in Brisbane, where the expectation is now constant success after the club's deeds in the past two seasons.

There is no doubting that Vidosic is a great football person, who eats, breathes and sleeps the game. But he is such a nice guy and he has known these Roar players for so long, that it looks like it is an effort for him to get angry.

He was as white as a ghost when he described Brisbane's performance as "garbage" in their 4-1 loss to Melbourne Heart on Friday night.

As a head coach, you have to be able to mix things up.

An occasional Vidosic blast will ensure that his Brisbane players get the message that they can no longer consider themselves untouchable.

Rival teams no longer fear the Roar and are coming up with game plans to beat them rather than avoid losing.

Vidosic needs to make team changes for this Friday's home clash against Sydney FC.

The players Vidosic has stuck by are not getting results and a fourth-straight defeat would be disastrous.

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