Cloke fires Pies to victory

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Dominant ... Travis Cloke's seven goals were match-winning. Source: wayne ludbey / News Limited

On Friday, Travis Cloke put his dislocated finger back in its place. On Saturday, he put Richmond back in theirs with a stunning seven-goal haul to lift Collingwood past the Tigers by 34 points at the MCG.

The Magpies' 16.17 (113) to 11.13 (79) victory in front of more than 81,000 fans burst the Tigers' unbeaten bubble and showcased Collingwood's finals credentials on a day Richmond had desperately hoped to show their own.

3.3 (21)	Q1	1.4 (10)
6.5 (41)	Q2	5.8 (38)
8.6 (54)	Q3	13.12 (90)
11.13 (79)	Q4	16.17 (113)

Jack Riewoldt 3	Travis Cloke 7
Luke McGuane 2	Steele Sidebottom 4
Tyrone Vickery 2	Martin Clarke 1
Shane Edwards 1	Sam Dwyer 1
Bachar Houli 1	Jamie Elliott 1
Jake King 1	Harry O'Brien 1
Ivan Maric 1	Dane Swan 1

Cloke had suffered a finger injury at training on match eve.

But after two quarters of arm-wrestling, Cloke put Richmond in the tightest of half-nelsons in the third term.

He booted the opening three goals of the quarter, then soon after gave his side a 30-point buffer with a quality 50-metre goal from deep in the right forward pocket.

It was part of a run of eight unanswered goals to start the term - the Magpies upping their tackling pressure and forcing Richmond into error after error.

With Steele Sidebottom also prominent with two of his four goals in the term and midfielder Dane Swan brilliant, the Magpies battered Richmond to take a 36-point lead to the final change.

The Tigers didn't give in, battling back to give themselves a sniff with goals to Jack Riewoldt and Ivan Maric to open the final term.

But Collingwood gained breathing space with a Swan mark and goal soon afterwards, before Cloke iced the match with a set shot from the left boundary line.

In his 200th AFL game, Swan had 35 possessions - 13 coming in the final quarter.

Collingwood's effort was made all the more meritorious with five of their best 22 missing through injury.

Magpies defender Nathan Brown might add to that list, with a groin injury sustained in the final term and just a five-day turnaround until their next game - the Anzac Day clash with Essendon.

Riewoldt booted three goals for the Tigers, who also lost key defender Troy Chaplin when concussed by a teammate, and small forward Jake King to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The match represented a first in footy broadcasting with FOX FOOTY providing a Collingwood-only call by Eddie McGuire which was available by pressing the red button.

The match will be replayed at 10am Sunday with red button access to Eddie's commentary, or at midnight on Thursday (Wednesday night/Thursday morning) with Ed's stand-alone call for those who want to record it on Foxtel IQ.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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Sacred Falls spoils Pierro's party

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BMW Doncaster Day ... Pierro ridden by Nash Rawiller at Royal Randwick. Source: Adam Taylor / News Limited

Champion colt Pierro battled bravely under his crushing weight but was unable to hold off the Chris Waller-trained Sacred Falls when it mattered making for a thrilling end to this year's Doncaster.

Pierro met with tremendous support from punters in the lead-up to today's race and for a time it looked like he might reward his backers until Sacred Falls ridden by Tommy Berry forced his way through on the inside to nab the champion in the shadows of the post.

Today's triumph was a welcome change of luck for Sacred Falls, who was the victim of a checkered passage towards Doncaster glory as Waller explained.

"Nothing went right in his early preparation," he said.

"First-up he basically didn't handle the track. We scratched him second-up because of the track, so his second-up run was over a mile and he got shunted off the track which left up is no man land then third-up in a tough 2000m behind It's A Dundeel and I just then I had him where he needed to be so I just backed him off him and freshened him up."

Sacred Falls' win consolidates Waller's position as Sydney's No.1 trainer and delivered the quietly spoken Kiwi his third Doncaster in the past six years.

"It's racing at its finest you can't describe it, you can't prepare for it. It's an amazing feeling," a jubilant Waller said. 

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Dons stay top of the log with 37-point win

Old friends ... Brendon Goddard gets stuck into Nick Dal Santo. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

The embattled Bombers continue to triumph in the face of adversity, remaining perfect with a 37-point victory over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

From the moment Brendon Goddard soared to take a pack mark and goal in the opening minutes, you knew it was going to be Essendon's day.

3.2 (20)	Q1	6.2 (38)
5.6 (36)	Q2	10.7 (67)
9.9 (63)	Q3	15.8 (98)
13.13 (91)	Q4	19.14 (128)

Nick Riewoldt 3	Scott Gumbleton 4
Trent Dennis-Lane 2	Michael Hurley 3
Beau Maister 2	Tom Bellchambers 2
Ahmed Saad 2	Alwyn Davey 2
David Armitage 1	Brent Stanton 2
Sam Gilbert 1	Jobe Watson 2
Stephen Milne 1	Courtenay Dempsey 1
Jack Steven 1	Brendon Goddard 1
	Ben Howlett 1
	Jackson Merrett 1

Goddard finished with 23 disposals and a goal against his former side as the Bombers took care of business 19.12 (126) to 12.13 (85).

The former Saint was moved to tears in his post-match interview and said the lead-up to the clash had taken an emotional toll on him.

Jobe Watson was among the Bombers' best with 37 touches while Scott Gumbleton put his hand up for inclusion on Anzac Day with four goals.

Full report to come soon.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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Samoa, Tonga set for bruising Test

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Rivals ... Brent Kite and Roy Asotasi line up against each other on Saturday. Source:Supplied

The presence of several recent Australian and New Zealand internationals in the Samoan and Tongan teams is set to add even more firepower and spice to Saturday's rugby league Test between the two great island rivals.

The two teams meet at Penrith's Centrebet Stadium in a rare mid-year match that provides invaluable preparation for the World Cup in the United Kingdom and France in October and November.

Both the Samoan and Tongan teams for Saturday are made up almost entirely of NRL players, with a number having opted to play for the island nations after representing other countries.

After years of losing top players to Australia and New Zealand, they have finally turned the talent flow in their favour.

Tongan captain Brent Kite and Anthony Tupou have both represented Australia, while fellow forwards Sika Manu and Fuifui Moimoi previously wore New Zealand's colours.

"The game on the weekend is a good showpiece for the talents of the Tongan and Samoan players in the NRL and guys of Pacific heritage," Kite said.

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Watch the massive Test match between Tonga and Samoa LIVE on Fox Sports 1HD from 7.30pm (EST) Saturday!

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The Samoan team contains a cluster of ex-New Zealand representatives including forwards Roy Asotasi and Jeff Lima and backs Junior Sa'u, Kalifa Faifai Loa and Ben Roberts.

"This is very, very significant and it's very powerful the message the boys are sending out, just by making themselves eligible and putting their hand up to play for the team," said Nigel Vagana, himself a former Kiwi international and Samoan captain.

Samoa won their past two matches against Tonga, but Vagana rated the current Tongan outfit as one of the strongest assembled in a long time.

"I think somebody said to me they Googled it up the other day and it goes back a thousand years," Tongan coach Charles Tonga said of the rivalry.

"It's like State of Origin, Queensland-NSW, that sort of scale."

Vagana described the rivalry as fierce and respectful.

Kite, who last represented Tonga in 2000 and went on to play 14 Tests for Australia, was a popular choice among the players to lead the side against Samoa.

"I haven't had the chance to captain a lot, but I do see myself as a leader," Kite said.

"We've got a good squad there so I don't think they'll need too much directing."

The match will be broadcast live to Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

The main curtain-raiser will be the Under-20 State of Origin game between NSW and Queensland. 

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Knicks have no-one to fear

New York Knicks ... head coach Mike Woodson with power forward Kenyon Martin. Source: Wilfredo Lee / AAP

The experts say no team in the eastern conference has a chance of preventing Miami Heat returning to the NBA finals for a third straight time but that hasn't stopped the buzz around New York Knicks in the biggest city in North America.

There's plenty of belief among their coach and players too, after they nailed down the second seed in the East, thanks to a late-season 12-game winning streak.

Kenyon Martin, who only joined the team two months ago, says his fellow veteran teammates have what it takes to make a deep run in the post-season.

"I know what's in these guys' hearts," Martin said.  

"I think we know what we can be. We're not afraid of anybody, feel we can beat anybody. We know what we can go out and compete at a high level each and every time out, and that's what we're going to do."

At the start of the season the critics ridiculed the Knicks, suggesting they were wasting a season, forgoing a chance to re-sign Jeremy Lin, and bringing in players past their prime.

This list includes 38 year old Marcus Camby, 36 year old rookie Pablo Priggioni and Jason Kidd, who recently turned 40.

While the year hasn't all gone perfectly, they've managed to finish the season with 54 wins, the most the franchise have won since 1996-97.

Coach Mike Woodson – himself securing a questionable long-term contract before the season - told the media; "Having the veterans in I think put us in a position to win our division without a doubt, and secure the second seed, if I could do it again I do it the same way.

"They helped my coaching and brought a lot of excitement back to New York."

Martin, the fourth player in the over-35 brigade, says having savvy veterans is crucial in the playoffs.

"We got a guy like J-Kidd, having a guy like that around when things get tough, when the game's slow down, you need a guy that can think the game through. He does that for us," he said.

It wasn't just age that the Knicks were criticised for. 

Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith were often labelled selfish and immature, but this season they've become an incredible two-man scoring punch. 

Smith is the favourite to win the NBA's sixth man award and Anthony secured the league's scoring title.

"It's everybody else's opinion that he [Anthony] doesn't trust his teammates, of course if you can score like that you're going to believe in your ability," Martin said. 

"But he's making the right plays, making the right pass. It's just the media nitpicking with his game. Is it fair? No, but we understand it. That's what people have to do – or you guys wouldn't have jobs."

Woodson says Anthony's development has been fantastic: "He's learned to trust his teammates. 

"You go back to some of the great players – until they learned to trust those around them they didn't get very far in the play-offs, and win championships and stuff like that."

The Knicks come up against another veteran-laden team in the first round of the play-offs – in Boston Celtics – but as their seeding suggests they're expected to not only beat them, but advance to the eastern conference finals. 

That would likely pit them against their budding rivals – the Heat - who they've beaten three out of four times this season, so there's plenty of evidence to suggest the champions won't stroll their way to a second straight title.

"You don't get the second best record in the East if you're not taking it serious," Woodson said. 

The play-offs open with the Knicks v the Celtics on Sunday morning (EST).

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Demons doctor departs: report

Under Fire ... the Demons have been hit by yet another crisis. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Melbourne doctor Dan Bates is set to leave the club due to stunning revelations that the Demons have ties to controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Eddie McGuire and the Herald Sun's Jon Ralph broke the story on Friday Night Footy after it emerged the controversial Dank was working with the Demons when the Essendon scandal broke.

The Melbourne Football Club is yet to confirm whether Bates has been sacked or whether he has resigned.

More to come...

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Sorry ladies, Adam Scott's not single

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Taken ... everything's looking up for Adam Scott. Source: Matt Slocum / AAP

Adam Scott is excited at the chance to win golf's grand slam, thinks Tiger Woods will break Jack Nicklaus's major record and is not single.

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Australia's new hero after capturing the green jacket at the Masters, Scott has talked on American morning television about his playoff win over Angel Cabrera and revealed he's in a relationship with Swede Marie Kozjar.

The pair dated on and off for years before Scott spent time with tennis star Ana Ivanovic and actress Kate Hudson. But he's told CBS This Morning the pair is very much back together.

When told that multiple women were commenting on his appearance, Scott said: "It's embarrassing but flattering. I'm not single at all. I am very much in a relationship and very happy for the moment."

Scott also talked about his victory and what it meant to him.

"I think I'm still trying to digest everything that happened, but it's incredibly satisfying for me as a golfer after really focusing my energies towards being a major champion," he said.

"Sunday morning I absolutely felt that I had the nerves going right from the time I woke up. But it was a great opportunity for me, especially after the Open Championship last year where I was so close but let it slip through my fingers.

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"This wasn't all on my shoulders but it was a great chance to go out and make up for that."

The 32-year-old admitted the support of an entire nation was hard not to think of, especially in the playoff.

"Maybe into the playoff. Yes I guess so because we have gone so long and I have answered the questions through my career on when is an Aussie going to win the Masters because it's never happened," Scott said.

"Ever since I saw Larry Mize chip in against Greg Norman in 1987, I was six, it broke my heart," he explained.

"There were four of us playing so well last week, the Australians. It could have been any one of us, I'm just so privileged that it was my time and it fell on my shoulders."

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When asked about being the only golfer with the chance to win the calendar grand slam, Scott's eyes widened and his smile grew large.

"That hasn't crossed my mind just yet, but what a great thought. I have to say that's an amazing thought," he said.

Scott also weighed in on Woods's chase of Nicklaus's record 18 majors.

Woods finished fourth at The Masters after some bad luck and an infamous penalty to continue to sit on 14 majors. But Scott thinks he'll get to the magic number.

"I absolutely believe he will," he said.

"He's just proven us all wrong so many times if we doubt him. He'll find a way to do it for sure."

As for Scott and his chase to history?

"My first, I'm on my way, I don't know if I can get 18 but I'd love to get another one some time."

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GF squads: Mooy, Polenz named

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Race against time ... Aaron Mooy is in the Wanderers' grand final squad. Source: Simon Chillingworth / News Limited

Aaron Mooy is still a hope of playing in the A-League grand final after being named in Western Sydney Wanderers' squad for the decider.

Mooy didn't play in last week's semi-final win over Brisbane Roar and is still in doubt for Sunday's clash with Central Coast Mariners as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

Fellow Wanderers star Jerome Polenz remains under an injury cloud, but has been named in the extended squad.

There are no such injury concerns for the Mariners, who have brought Anthony Cacerers back into the squad presumably as a potential replacement for the suspended Nick Montgomery.

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Our grand final countdown is on!

Here's what you'll see... 

1pm EST: Re-live one of Australian sport's greatest grand finals – the 2011 championship between Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners. 

2pm EST: Simon Hill and Mark Rudan take a look back at both team's journeys to the decider on the Road to the Grand Final.

3pm EST: A bumper one-hour LIVE Grand Final preview show live from Allianz Stadium when Rudan is joined by Adam Peacock, Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater.

The hosts will deliver all the breaking news and team movements plus cross to both coaches to hear their thoughts ahead of their greatest test.

4pm EST: Hill and Harper take over the reins to call all the action for Fox Sports' live and exclusive coverage of Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners.

BRING IT ON!

Hyundai A-League 2013 Grand Final
Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners, 4pm (EST) Sunday at Allianz Stadium

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Ante Covic (gk), 2. Shannon Cole, 4. Nikolai Topor-Stanley, 5. Michael Beauchamp, 6. Jerome Polenz, 7. Labinot Haliti, 8. Mateo Poljak, 9. Dino Kresinger, 10. Aaron Mooy, 11. Tarek Elrich, 13. Joey Gibbs, 14. Kwabena Appiah-Kubi, 15. Reece Caira, 16. Rocky Visconte, 19. Mark Bridge, 21. Shinji Ono, 23. Jason Trifiro, 24. Yianni Perkatis, 25. Josh Barresi, 30 Carlos Saliadarre (gk) *four to be omitted

Ins: 10. Aaron Mooy (returns from injury), 13. Joey Gibbs, 15. Reece Caira, 16. Rocky Visconte, 25. Josh Barresi (all promoted)

Outs: 17. Youssouf Hersi (suspended – 1 match)

Unavailable: 3. Adam D'Apuuzo (foot - season), 20. Jerrad Tyson (back - season), Tahj Minniecon (foot - season), 18. Iacopo La Rocca (suspended – 2 matches)

Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Mathew Ryan (gk), 2. Daniel McBreen, 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Pedj Bojic, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Patrick Zwaanswijk, 7. John Hutchinson (c), 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 9. Bernie Ibini, 11. Oliver Bozanic, 13. Brent Griffiths, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 15. Brad McDonald, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 17. Anthony Caceres, 19. Mitchell Duke, 20. Justin Pasfield (gk), 21. Mile Sterjovski, 29. Nick Fitzgerald *three to be omitted

Ins: 8. Adriano Pellegrino, 13. Brent Griffiths, 15. Brad McDonald, 17. Anthony Caceres (all promoted)

Outs: 18. Nick Montgomery (suspended – 1 match)

Unavailable: 23. Adam Kwasnik (knee – season)

Referee: Peter Green

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Teams: All the ins and outs

Axed ... Bernie Vince has been dropped ahead of round four. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Check out all the ins and outs for round four of the AFL season.

Updated line-ups for Sunday's games will be announced on Friday afternoon, so check back in to get the latest teams before finalising your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach side.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sydney Swans v Geelong, SCG, Friday 7.50pm (EST)
 
Sydney Swans
In: Morton , Rampe
Out: Bird (omitted) , Everitt (omitted) 

Geelong
In: Rivers, Horlin-Smith
Out: Varcoe (Shoulder) , Murdoch (Omitted)  
 
Hawthorn v Fremantle, Aurora Stadium, Saturday 1.45pm (EST)
 
Hawthorn
In: Osborne
Out: Anderson (hamstring)
 
Fremantle
In: Neale
Out: Pavlich (Achilles)

Richmond v Collingwood, MCG, Saturday 2.10pm (EST)
 
Richmond
No changes 
 
Collingwood
In: Thomas, Seedsman
Out: Johnson (calf), Frost 

St Kilda v Essendon, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 4.40pm (EST)
 
St Kilda
In: Simpkin , Siposs
Out: Blake (omitted) , Newnes (jaw)
 
Essendon
In: Hille , Winderlich , Pears , Baguley , Merrett
Out: Ryder (Suspension) , Colyer (Omitted) , Kommer (Suspension) , Kavanagh (Omitted) , Fletcher (Groin) 

Gold Coast v Port Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm (EST)
 
Gold Coast
In: Murphy, Prestia
Out: Russell (omitted), Allen (omitted)

Port Adelaide
In: Cassisi , Gray
Out: Mitchell (Omitted) , Stewart (Knee)

West Coast v Carlton, Patersons Stadium, Saturday 5.40pm (AWST)
 
West Coast
In: E.Mackenzie , B.Dalziell
Out: M.Brown, A.Embley (foot)
 
Carlton
In: Warnock , Curnow , White
Out: Kreuzer (broken thumb) , Davies (hamstring) , Buckley (Omitted)

Melbourne v GWS Giants, MCG, Sunday 1.10pm (EST)
 
Melbourne
In: Spencer , Watts , Gawn
Out: Nil
 
GWS Giants
In: O'hAilpin, Palmer, Miles, Golds, Tomlinson, Townsend, Frost, Haynes
Out: Brogan (suspension), Hampton (Omitted), Hoskin-Elliott (Omitted), Smith (suspension), Patton (knee)

Adelaide v Western Bulldogs, AAMI Stadium, Sunday 2.50pm (ACST)
 
Adelaide
In: Lynch, McKernan, Kerridge, Laird, Lyons
Out: van Berlo (knee), Vince (Omitted)

Western Bulldogs
In: Boyd , Markovic , Cordy , Tutt , Howard , Stringer , Johannisen , Macrae
 Out: Murphy (calf), Higgins (foot), Wood (hamstring), Campbell, Dickson (ankle)

North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions, Etihad Stadium, Sunday 4.40pm (EST)
 
North Melbourne
In: LAnthony, LGreenwood , Sierakowski, MDaw, McKenzie
Out: Tarrant (Leg), Harper (Omitted)

Brisbane Lions
In: Harwood , Karnezis , Crisp , Paparone , Docherty
Out: Polec (foot) , Yeo (omitted)

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'I'm not turning my back on Wallabies'

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Flying to France ... Mitchell will link up with Matt Giteau at Toulon. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell says the time is right for him to move to French club Toulon and he hasn't yet thought about returning to Australia to make a late bid for 2015 Rugby World Cup selection.

Mitchell, 29, signed a two-year deal with Toulon where he will join former Force and Wallabies teammate Matt Giteau, one of several players he consulted before making the switch.

He wasn't sure when he would be released by the Australian Rugby Union, but thought it might be after the Rugby Championship in October, though his contract extends to December 31.

His contract with the star-studded French Top 14 leader and Heineken Cup semi-finalists will end around mid-2015, which could conceivably give him time to return to Australia and play some Super Rugby and mount a late bid for World Cup selection.

"As far as looking any further about World Cups, that hasn't even been a thought in my mind," Mitchell said.

He considered offers two years ago to join Toulon and also Stade Francais, who current NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika was leading at the time, but opted to stay with NSW.

"I felt the time wasn't right in that period of my life, whereas now I just feel it's the right time for me," Mitchell said.

"Its a great opportunity to experience a different culture, to challenge myself in a different environment."

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Tune into Rugby HQ from 8.30pm (EST) Thursday on Fox Sports 1HD for all your Super and Test rugby news!

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Mitchell made it clear his omission from this week's Wallabies logistics camp wasn't a factor in his decision and he harboured hopes of more Test appearances.

"This (moving to Toulon) has been in discussion for a little while now," Mitchell said.

"(Wallabies coach) Robbie (Deans) made it very clear to me the reasons as to why I was left out of the squad and by no means does that mean there's no way for me to work my way back into the squad in the next six weeks or so.

"I certainly don't want this to be seen as me turning my back on the Wallabies or the Waratahs because playing for Australia means everything to me and I've really enjoyed my time at the Waratahs.''

He said it had been a tough decision to leave, but his teammates had respected the reasons why when he addressed them on Wednesday.

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Inside access with Ricky Stuart

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Intense ... watch Sterlo on Thursday night to learn more about Ricky Stuart. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

Ricky Stuart is intense enough as it is, so imagine how intense he gets in the dressing rooms before a big game.

Well, on Thursday night a little less will be left to rugby league fans' imaginations as we're given a unique insight into what the Parramatta Eels coach is like on game day.

Stuart and the Eels gave Fox Sports the chance to film them before and during the big clash against Gold Coast Titans last weekend.

Given the former NSW Origin coach's anger after the game, when he unleashed an expletive-laden tirade against the refeees, the segment will prove to be a fascinating insight into life as an NRL coach.

Watch Inside Access with Ricky Stuart on Sterlo, LIVE from 7.30pm (EST) Thursday on Fox Sports 1HD.

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'Rojas to Europe next week'

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Eyes on the prize ... John Hutchinson and Michael Beauchamp. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

The grand final is sold out and we can't wait for Sunday to arrive.

So we're getting right into grand final fever by kick-starting our coverage of Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners with some mid-week football talk. 

Fox Sports' build-up to the weekend starts with a special grand final edition of Kick Off on Wednesday night, 8.30pm (EST) on Fox Sports 1 HD. 

Joining Melanie McLaughlin and Andy Harper on the couch to preview the clash will be former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina, Perth skipper Jacob Burns and Herald Sun football writer David Davutovic. 

And in a treat for football fans, we'll be talking all things A-League throughout the afternoon.

From 1pm, we'll be joined through the afternoon by Davutovic, Western Sydney Wanderers' defender Adam D'Apuzzo, Fox Sports football host Adam Peacock and Burns to answer your questions and cast an eye over all the big talking points for Sunday's blockbuster.

Jump on Twitter now and throw your questions to #askdavutovic, #askadam, #askadampeacock and #askburns. 

[View the story "Special Grand Final A-League Chat" on Storify]

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Mitchell to quit Australian rugby

Drew Mitchell ... will pursue his rugby career in France. Source: AAP

Drew Mitchell will leave Australian rugby and join French powerhouse club Toulon next year.

Mitchell made his decision to turn down an offer to re-sign with the ARU and the Waratahs overnight and put pen to paper on Tuesday with Toulon.

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The 29-year-old will re-unite with good friend Matt Giteau, who is a star at the cashed-up Top 14 outfit.

While keen to keep playing Tests for Australia, it is understood Mitchell's desire to test himself in European competitions while still young enough and fit enough to play well was a big factor.

Mitchell will join an incredible stable of star foreign recruits at Toulon in 2014, including Jonny Wilkinson, Bryan Habana, Bakkies Botha, Rocky Elsom, Andrew Sheridan, and a few handy local types as well like Freddy Michalak and Matthieu Bastareaud.

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In defence of Dino

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Tough year ... but Dino Kresinger has come good at the right time. Source: Craig Greenhill / News Limited

Dino Kresinger admits his maiden A-League season has been "frustrating" for him - but the big striker promises he is coming good at the business end of the season.

The much-maligned Croatian opened the scoring with a stunning back-heel goal for Western Sydney Wanderers in the preliminary final against Brisbane Roar. 

It was a goal that would have dominated highlights reels if not for Shinji Ono trumping him later in the night. 

But Kresinger admits it was just a giant relief to get on the scoresheet. 

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"Definitely (a big relief)," he told foxsports.com.au.

"I expect every game to score.

"I don't know what's happened this year. The ball didn't want to come in.

---

Melanie McLaughlin and Andy Harper deliver a special LIVE grand final edition of Kick Off at 8.30pm EST on Fox Sports 1 HD on Wednesday. Joining the hosts will be former Adelaide coach John Kosmina, Perth captain Jacob Burns and Herald Sun journalist David Davutovic.

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"(The goal was) a really good feeling and I really enjoyed that moment.

"It was a really nice feeling for me. You work hard but sometimes the ball doesn't want to come. 

"It has given me confidence at the right time now that the finals is here." 

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Of all the players to rise to the finals stage, Kresinger was probably the last person on people's minds.

Some even coined the Twitter hashtag "#IsawDinoscore", as his goal tally remained stuck on one. A Kresinger goal rarer than hen's teeth. You'll wait longer for a goal than for Harold Holt ... 

But Kresinger answered. And how. 

Plenty questioned the likeable import's contribution to Popovic's success, but Fox Sports football expert Mark Rudan says he has played a key role in the side's success – particularly by bringing the likes of Youssouf Hersi and Mark Bridge into the game. 

"(Popovic) tweaked it a bit when he had troubles finding a proper No.9 – someone that can score a number of goals; he went with someone like Kresinger to hold the ball up and get others players into play," Rudan explained.

"The thing I've noticed the most is their ability to get one of the wide players tucked in much closer to the striker. 

"At training, they work a lot on their combination plays and the goal against Brisbane was a prime example of that. 

"If you can get both those two (finishing and hold-up play) things, fantastic; but you can see the qualities of Dino in last few rounds."

Indeed, the big games have brought the best out of him. 

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Fox Sports Stats reveal that Kresinger's ability to win headers in the air and flick them on for runners has directly led to vital goals in round 17 against Brisbane Roar, and round 27 against Newcastle Jets. 

He's also proved a nuisance for defenders at key moments - most notably winning a penalty in round 10 against Brisbane, and a free-kick against Sydney FC in the final derby, which Shannon Cole dispatched. 

All up, he's been involved in six goals this season - via two goals, two assists and two involvements. But despite playing a 'role', the import isn't satisfied with his contribution. 

"Definitely (been frustrated at times)", Kresinger admits.

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"Before, maybe not last couple of months because the team is winning without my goals. When the team is winning, it's no problem. But early on, when the team is not winning and I am not scoring, it is a frustrating. Not a little bit, but big. 

"I feel I was contributing but it wasn't enough for me. I wasn't feeling so good. 

"As a striker you have to score goals; you like to score goals.

"It just didn't want to come. I feel as though I did contribute, but not as much as I wanted."

Kresinger thanked Popovic for sticking with him – and helping him keep confident during his barren run. 

"Every week we speak with the coach and he's said just keep doing what you're doing, the goal will come. The hard work, how we train, it had to come. So that was really good, gave the confidence to every player.

"The coach is here for you, to keep belief in you that you can do good."

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So as they reach the big game, Kresinger feels he's getting somewhere near his best – at a time of year where "you can feel it in the air that there's big (things) coming". 

And the team's ability to perform and contribute goals when their marksman wasn't sums up the quality that Kresinger says separates his side from the other. 

"The biggest thing is we play for eachother. If someone makes mistakes, we're here to help. We are like a family. 

"There is no player more important. We have in some games some others come in because of injury but all the players are like one … that's the main strength. 

"As days passed I felt much better; found new friends, now I'm like at home. I feel good, the weather is good, the city is good. Everyone is here to help you, especially at this club."  

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Inglis wary of Kiwi lesser lights

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Kangaroos Greg Inglis ... preparing for test match against New Zealand. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Greg Inglis has scoffed at suggestions Friday's rugby league Test against a weakened New Zealand will be a meaningless walkover.

Without their biggest names Benji Marshall and Sonny Bill Williams through injury plus hard man Jeremy Smith (suspension) and with playmaker Shaun Johnson (knee) in doubt, the Kiwis have been dismissed as $6 outsiders for the Canberra Stadium clash.

That assessment is supported by New Zealand's appalling record in one-off mid-year Tests, not having won one since 1998.

But Inglis was adamant the Kangaroos would not take the Kiwis lightly, particularly as both teams were keenly aware of the chance to impress for World Cup berths later in the year.

"I don't know what the critics are talking about but the boys here are going to run out with their chest out with a lot of pride behind them," Inglis said on Tuesday.

"It's a World Cup year and people are playing for their positions.

"And I'm pretty sure (Australia coach) Tim Sheens and the selectors will be having their eye on the other team running around this weekend.''

Billy Slater's stranglehold on the No.1 jersey means Inglis will revert from his position of fullback at South Sydney to the centres on Friday night.

However it's a move that Inglis said he was comfortable with.

"Transition-wise, I'd been in the (centres) for quite a long time," he said.

"I don't find it quite hard at all. I've got blokes inside of me that do their job and give me the ball in the space that I need."

The Kangaroos head into the match with a tried and proven match-wining backline, with all but winger Brett Morris having played a role in Queensland's seven-year dominance of Origin football.

Slater said it was always an advantage having played plenty of football alongside one another.

"It's not just the backline, but this whole side has been together for a while now," Slater said.

"But we have to take advantage of it. We can't just go out there and think that because we've played together for a long period of time it's just going to happen for us.

"We certainly need to knuckle down and do all the hard work this week."

Meanwhile, Kiwi winger Jason Nightingale said halfback Johnson would be given every chance to recover from his knee injury sustained in the Warriors' NRL loss to the Canberra Raiders on Saturday.

"I think he's going alright with his rehab," Nightingale said. 

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Porsche denying Webber deal

Moving on ... Media reports suggest Webber will leave F1 at the end of the season. Source: AP

Australian F1 driver Mark Webber has reportedly signed a new five-year contract to lead Porsche in their return to famous 24 hour endurance race Le Mans, although Porsche denies it is true.

Overnight Radio Le Mans announced that Mark Webber had put pen to paper making the deal official, meaning he would join Porsche in their assault on the World Endurance Championship.

However, AutoAction later quoted a Porsche spokesman as saying: "We will use some of our own drivers and add some external drivers - we have two cars and need six drivers next year. There is a test plan, and for sure Mark Webber is not part of them.

"Yes, we can have perhaps some Formula 1 drivers in the future, but it is not necessary."

Webber is expected to quit F1 at the end of the season, when his contract with Red Bull expires.

Rumours of a move to Porsche have been simmering for some time and ramped up following the controversial Malaysian Grand Prix.

German publication Bild reported that the Webber was is in talks with Porsche in the wake of Sebastian Vettel's ignorance of team orders by denying Webber victory at Sepang.

Webber was quick to deny any rumours before the start of this year's F1 season, but is yet to make comment on the latest announcement.

Porsche's new LMP1-class car will hit the test track later this year.

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Burgess signs with ARU and Rebels

Returning home ... Luke Burgess signs with the ARU and Melbourne Rebels. Source: Greg Wood / AAP

Luke Burgess says he'll return from France a better player after signing with the ARU and Melbourne Rebels through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

As previously reported, Burgess will join the Rebels after finishing up a two-season stint with Toulouse and could be available for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions in June.

The 29-year-old halfback will return at the completion of Toulouse's season, which could be as early as mid-May or as late as the Top 14 final on June 1.

Toulouse are currently third on the ladder.

Burgess, who has 39 Test caps, won't be free to play for Melbourne in this year's Super Rugby competition unless there is a injury to one of the existing Rebels halfbacks Nick Phipps or Nic Stirzaker.

But after the ARU agreed to an unusual 2.5 year contract, there is no obstacle to Burgess being added to the Wallabies squad for the Lions series.

"I'm looking forward to getting home, seeing a few familiar faces and resuming my career in Australia,'' Burgess said.

"Obviously representing my country again is a goal, but I'm also looking forward to linking up with the Rebels and playing my part in the ongoing development of the game in Melbourne.''

Burgess said French rugby had helped him grow as a player.

"The rugby has been different, especially in terms of the physicality on a weekly basis the games can be a real grind, but it's been a great learning curve that I've had,'' he said.

"I'd like to think that I will be returning to Australia a better player.''

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Refs tirade costs Stuart $10k

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Blow up ... Ricky Stuart will have to pay for his tirade against referees. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Ricky Stuart's expletive-laden tirade in which he questioned the impartiality of referees has cost the Parramatta coach a $10,000 fine from the NRL.

An irate Stuart unleashed his frustrations after watching his Eels give up a 22-8 second half lead in going down to Gold Coast on Sunday night.

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The men with the whistle were his main target after Parramatta were hammered 8-1 in the penalty count during the second half.

"We're just a very easy team to penalise,'' Stuart said following the game.

"We haven't got the high-profile players where you can get the penalty or milk the penalty.

"It's bullshit.''

The NRL came down hard as it issued the Eels with a $10,000 breach notice, which the club has five days to respond to.

According to a statement from the NRL, Stuart's comments breached guidelines which prevent a coach questioning the integrity of the referee, from engaging in criticism that is excessive or unjustified or from ridiculing officials.

"Coaches are allowed to question or criticise decisions but there are some clear boundaries that every club should be aware of,'' NRL general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk said.

"We believe that on this occasion those boundaries were breached.''

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Pearce injury gifts Reynolds City cap

South Sydney Rabbitohs ... Adam Reynolds gets the nod for City. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A calf injury to Mitchell Pearce has opened the door for South Sydney's Adam Reynolds to make a play for the NSW No.7 jumper after being named halfback for the City Origin side.

Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Merritt, Michael Jennings, Chris Lawrence, Jorge Taufua, Josh Reynolds, Adam Reynolds, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Tim Mannah, Tony Williams, Ryan Hoffman, Feleti Mateo. Interchange: Wade Graham, Andrew Fifita, Tom Symonds, Tim Grant.

Despite NSW coach Laurie Daley repeatedly making it clear that Reynolds is not in contention for an Origin spot this year, he was named to partner the Bulldogs' Josh Reynolds in the City halves for next Sunday's clash with Country at Coffs Harbour.

Michael Gordon, Akuila Uate, Jamal Idris, Jack Wighton, James McManus, James Maloney, Josh McCrone, Trent Merrin, Boyd Cordner, Josh Jackson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Willie Mason. Interchange: Sam Williams, Tariq Sims, Ryan James, Alex McKinnon.

James Maloney, the frontrunner for the Blues' No.6 spot in the wake of a knee injury for Jarrod Mullen, is joined by Josh McCrone in the Country halves.

Meanwhile Michael Gordon has been named Country fullback ahead of Brett Stewart, although Gordon suffered an injury in today's clash between the Sharks and Sea Eagles and may yet be ruled out.

Tony Williams has been dumped from the Kangaroos bench to the City backrow, Ryan Hoffman has been demoted from the Australian team to the City side amd Manly's wing sensation Jorge Taufua has won his first representative jumper for City, while Jack Wighton gets his shot for Country.

Country has also selected emerging Origin back-rowers Boyd Cordner and Josh Jackson in the starting side, while Robbie Farah has been named City Origin captain after being dropped from the Test team in favour of Kurt Gidley.

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Alonso prevails in China

Happy man ... Alonso stayed away from the carnage to claim a comfortable win. Source: AFP

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso won an incident-packed Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday, well ahead of the Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

The reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel came home fourth after adopting a different tyre strategy, while his Red Bull teammate Mark Webber failed to finish.

Webber broke the front wing of his Red Bull and damaged the car's rear right wheel after hitting Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne 17 laps into Sunday's 56-lap race.

He was on his way back to the pits when the broken wheel fell off and rolled across the track at Shanghai International Circuit.

It follows a horror weekend for the Australian, who started the race from pit lane after his team decided to change his gear box and make other modifications.

Webber was originally meant to start from the back of the grid, having been excluded from qualifying on Saturday after a technical error left his car with not enough fuel for a sample.

Fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo recorded his best-ever finish in F1, crossing the line in seventh spot to claim four championship points.

Ricciardo's best result with Torro Rosso had been ninth, which he recorded four times last year.

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Gutsy Power remain undefeated

Showdown ... Travis Boak celebrates a huge win for Port Adelaide. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited

A third-quarter fightback by Port Adelaide set the stage for a stunning late show that saw them claim Showdown honours by nine points.

Adelaide had no answer to the Power onslaught, going down 17.16 (118) to 16.13 (109).

Travis Boak was adjudged best on ground with 30 disposals; a figure that was matched by Kane Cornes while Justin Westhoff booted four goals.

Adelaide led by five goals mid-way through the third term before the Power put their foot down and drew level at the siren before running away with a solid victory.

A Patrick Dangerfield goal on the siren brought the margin into single digits which was arguably flattering for the Crows.

Port Adelaide now sits 3-0 and travels to the Gold Coast next week while the 1-2 Crows host the Western Bulldogs.

Full report to come shortly.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.

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