Tex rocked by sickening knee injury

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Despondent ... Taylor Walker cuts a folorn figure after injuring his knee in the first quarter. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Adelaide full-forward Taylor Walker was subbed out of the match against Carlton after suffering what appeared to be a serious injury to his left knee.

Walker had started the match at the MCG well, kicking the Crows' opening goal. But just minutes later he landed awkwardly in a marking contest and had to be assisted from the field by the Crows' medical staff.

6.3 (39)	Q1	1.5 (11)
9.5 (59)	Q2	3.6 (24)
13.8 (86)	Q3	6.9 (45)
17.13 (115)	Q4	12.11 (83)

Jefferey Garlett 4	Matthew Jaensch 3
Chris Yarran 3	Andy Otten 3
Brock McLean 2	Richard Douglas 1
Dennis Armfield 1	Sam Jacobs 1
Eddie Betts 1	Tom Lynch 1
Andrew Carrazzo 1	Jared Petrenko 1
Bryce Gibbs 1	Bernie Vince 1
Chris Judd 1	Taylor Walker 1
Marc Murphy 1
Heath Scotland 1
Kade Simpson 1

Within minutes Adelaide had activated their sub Rory Laird to replace Walker, who turned 23 on ANZAC Day.

FOX FOOTY's David King spoke to Adelaide medical staff who said Walker's injury appeared to be a "strain" as opposed to an ACL which is what had initially been feared.

He will be assessed after the match, but is almost certainly to be sidelined for several weeks.

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Walker hurt, Blues win in a canter

Momentum ... Robert Warnock gets a clearing kick away in front of Richard Douglas. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

A first quarter knee injury to Taylor Walker adds salt to Adelaide's wound after Carlton strolls to a routine victory at the MCG.

The Blues were not threatened after the opening stages, running out convincing 17.13 (115) to 12.11 (83) winners to kick-start their season.

6.3 (39)	Q1	1.5 (11)
9.5 (59)	Q2	3.6 (24)
13.8 (86)	Q3	6.9 (45)
17.13 (115)	Q4	12.11 (83)

Jefferey Garlett 4	Matthew Jaensch 3
Chris Yarran 3	Andy Otten 3
Brock McLean 2	Richard Douglas 1
Dennis Armfield 1	Sam Jacobs 1
Eddie Betts 1	Tom Lynch 1
Andrew Carrazzo 1	Jared Petrenko 1
Bryce Gibbs 1	Bernie Vince 1
Chris Judd 1	Taylor Walker 1
Marc Murphy 1
Heath Scotland 1
Kade Simpson 1

The win is the Blues' second in a row and Mick Malthouse will be cautiously optimistic of his side's chances to improve their ladder position with games against Melbourne, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Brisbane in the coming month.

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Carlton shared the load with Andrew Walker, Marc Murphy and Brock McLean all playing pivotal roles while Jeff Garlett led the way with four brilliant goals.

The Crows' plans were thrown into turmoil early in the match when Walker appeared to hyper-extend his right knee trying to spoil inside Adelaide's attacking 50. He was subbed out of the game and doctors initially said it was a severe strain, although he is expected to miss several weeks.

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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Cowboys down quiet Canberra

North Queensland Cowboys ... skipper Johnathan Thurston celebrates their win over Canberra. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

North Queensland have downed a quiet Canberra 30-12 on Saturday night at 1300SMILES Stadium.

5 Tries 2
Brent Tate 3'	Edrick Lee 8'
Glenn Hall 13'	Jack Wighton 70'
Matthew Bowen 16'
Michael Morgan 64'
Ashley Graham 78'
3 Conversions 2
Johnathan Thurston 14'	Jarrod Croker 9'
Johnathan Thurston 18'	Reece Robinson 71'
Johnathan Thurston 66'
2 Penalties 0
Johnathan Thurston 75'
Johnathan Thurston 80'

Brent Tate opened the scoring early in the exchange but the visitors struck back minutes later when Edrick Lee took an intercept pass.

Jarrod Croker converted to hit the lead but Glenn Hall crashed over with easy and Johnathan Thurston kicked the goal to hit a four point lead.

Then Matt Bowen pounced on a Thurston grubber kick minutes later.

 16-6 at the break, a break by Tariq Sims saw the back rower put away Michael Morgan for a try.

Jack Wighton crossed with 11 minutes remaining and Reece Robinson kicked the goal to make it a 10-point margin.

A penalty gaol taken by Thurston increased the difference to two converted tries and Ashley Graham crossed just short of the fulltime for his 100th career try and sealed the game. 

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Cipriani hit by bus in Leeds

Ouch ... Cipriani was on a pub crawl with his Sale teammates when the incident occured. Source: AFP

Former Melbourne Rebels playmaker Danny Cipriani has been hit by a bus while on a night out in Leeds.

Cipriani, who spent one-and-half incident-marred Super Rugby seasons with the Rebels, was on a pub crawl with his Sale teammates when the bus hit him as he crossed the road.

The 25-year-old was treated for concussion at the scene before he was taken to hospitals for x-rays and scans.

"Danny's spending the night in hospital," Cipriani's manager James Williamson told Britain's The Sun newspaper.

"X-rays and scans will be carried out overnight.

"He's obviously in pain. He was running across the road and just misjudged the speed of the bus."

Cipriani has rekindled his relationship with model Kelly Brook since returning to England.

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Roosters blitz Dragons on ANZAC Day

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Michael Jennings ... makes a break that results in a try. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

Sydney Roosters pair James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce tightened their grip on the NSW halves jerseys following an Anzac Day mauling of St George Illawarra.

6 Tries 2
Mitchell Aubusson 15'	Jason Nightingale 5'
Michael Jennings 18'	Matt Cooper 72'
Anthony Minichiello 21'
Martin Kennedy 35'
Daniel Tupou 51'
Michael Jennings 62'
5 Conversions 1
James Maloney 20'	Jamie Soward 73'
James Maloney 23'
James Maloney 36'
James Maloney 53'
James Maloney 63'

The Roosters ended a six-year wait for the Anzac Cup, thrashing the Dragons 34-10 in front of an Anzac Day-record crowd of 40,752 at Allianz Stadium.

Maloney and Pearce ripped the game open with a three-try blitz early in the first half, leading to a 22-4 halftime advantage to the home side.

While Pearce has already been gift-wrapped the No.7 jersey by Blues coach Laurie Daley, Maloney is fighting it out with incumbent Todd Carney for the right to play alongside his club teammate.

He put his hand up even higher on Thursday, finishing with a personal haul of 10 points.

He put Mitchell Aubusson, who scored the Roosters first try, into half a gap where Aubusson was able to offload for another man with a Blues jersey in his sights, Michael Jennings.

Jennings showed off his trademark speed to stand up fullback Jason Nightingale and score his third try of the season.

The former Penrith star then grabbed a double when he pounced on a Jake Friend grubber in the second half, as the score ballooned and the Dragons resolve wilted.

Maloney also set up Daniel Tupou in the second half when he regathered his own kick and threw a cutout pass to the young winger.

Pearce left his own mark on the game in the first half, accepting a freakish Sonny Bill Williams offload before drawing Nightingale and sending Anthony Minichiello under the posts for the classiest try of the match.

Earlier, the Dragons became the first team to open the scoring against the Roosters this year - Nightingale claiming a dubious four-pointer from a Nathan Fien bomb, despite centre Matt Cooper appearing to knock on in the leadup.

While that brought a smile to the faces of Dragons fans, there was very little else to cheer about - save for a two-year contract extension for coach Steve Price which was signed off shortly before kick-off.

Even when speedster Brett Morris was in the clear, with two men looming in support, the Dragons failed to add to their scoreline - that man Maloney again pulling off a special play, dragging Morris down inches from the tryline.

With eight minutes to go, Cooper scored a consolation try, again from a Fien kick.

Dragons prop Trent Merrin was placed on report for a dangerous throw of Sam Moa, but doesn't appear to be in too much danger.

Second-rower Boyd Cordner was named man of the match, becoming the first Rooster to win the Ashton Collier Spirit of Anzac medal winner.

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Teams: all the AFL selection news

Debut ... Brian Lake will play his first game for the Hawks. Source: Herald Sun

Check out all the ins and outs for round five including Brian Lake's first start for the Hawks, Nick Vlaustin's AFL debut for the Tigers and Eddie Betts' re-call at the Blues.

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.
 
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Essendon v Collingwood, MCG, Thursday 2:40pm (AEST)

Essendon
B: Michael Hibberd, Cale Hooker, Mark Baguley
HB: Brent Stanton, Jake Carlisle, Brendon Goddard
C: Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson, Courtenay Dempsey
HF: Jackson Merrett, David Hille, Scott Gumbleton
F: Kyle Hardingham, Stewart Crameri, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, Jason Winderlich
I/C: David Zaharakis, David Myers, Heath Hocking, Travis Colyer
Emerg: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Jake Melksham, Tayte Pears
 
IN: Kyle Hardingham, Travis Colyer, Stewart Crameri
OUT: Michael Hurley (ankle), Tayte Pears (omitted), Jake Melksham (omitted)
 
Collingwood
B: Nathan Brown, Alan Toovey, Ben Reid
HB: Marty Clarke, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Sam Dwyer
Foll: Ben Hudson, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair
I/C: Alex Fasolo, Jordan Russell, Brent Macaffer, Paul Seedsman
Emerg: Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas, Ben Kennedy
 
IN: Tyson Goldsack
OUT: Josh Thomas
 

St Kilda v Sydney Swans, Westpac Stadium, Thursday 7:50pm (NZST)

St Kilda
B: Nathan Wright, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
HB: Sean Dempster, Dylan Roberton, Jarryn Geary
C: Lenny Hayes, Clint Jones, Sebastian Ross
HF: David Armitage, Rhys Stanley, Nick Dal Santo
F: Ahmed Saad, Nick Riewoldt, Josh Saunders
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Jack Steven, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Trent Dennis-Lane, Tom Lee, Justin Koschitzke, Brodie Murdoch
Emerg: Arryn Siposs, Tom Hickey, Farren Ray
 
IN: Justin Koschitzke, Sean Dempster, Tom Lee, Brodie Murdoch, Josh Saunders
OUT: Stephen Milne (suspended), Farren Ray (omitted), Beau Maister (hand), Terry Milera (omitted), Tom Simpkin (omitted)
 
Sydney Swans
B: Dane Rampe, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Marty Mattner, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Kieren Jack, Ryan O'Keefe, Lewis Jetta
HF: Jude Bolton, Sam Reid, Dan Hannebery
F: Mike Pyke, Adam Goodes, Ben McGlynn
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Tony Armstrong, Craig Bird, Andrejs Everitt , Luke Parker
 Emerg: Mitch Morton, Tommy Walsh, Jesse White
 
IN: Craig Bird, Andrejs Everitt
OUT: Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee), Mitch Morton (omitted)

Fremantle v Richmond, Patersons Stadium, Friday 6:45pm (AWST)

Fremantle

B: L.Spurr 34, Z.Dawson3, M.Johnson 37
HB: C.Pearce 46, L.McPharlin 18, P.Duffield 41
C: T.Mzungu 13, R.Crowley 15, D.Pearce 6
HF: H.Ballantyne 1, K.Bradley 26, N.Fyfe 7
F: J.Hannath 38, C.Mayne 23, M.Walters 10
Foll: J.Griffin, 12, D.Mundy 16, S.Hill 32
I/C: M.Barlow 21, L.Neale 27, M.De Boer 9, G.Ibbotson 5
Emg: H.Crozier 17, A.Silvagni 36, N.Suban 8

In: L.McPharlin, G.Ibbotson, J.Hannath 
Out: N.Suban, C.Sutcliffe, Ta.Smith (hamstring) 
New: J.Hannath 

Richmond

B: J.Batchelor 11, A.Rance 18, B.Helbig 32
HB: D.Grimes 2,  R.Petterd 13, B.Houli 14
C: C.Newman 1, T.Cotchin 9, M.White 35
HF: B.Deledio 3, S.Edwards 10, D.Jackson 23
F: L.McGuane 16, J.Riewoldt 8, T.Vickery 29
Foll: I.Maric 20, D.Martin 4, N.Vlastuin 31
I/C: B.Ellis 5, J.King 28, S.Grigg 6, C.Knights 15
Emerg: A.Edwards 27, R.Nahas 26, M.Dea 7

In: M.White, J.Batchelor, B.Helbig, N.Vlastuin 
Out: S.Tuck (rested), T.Chaplin (calf), S.Morris (suspension), R.Conca (foot) 
New: N.Vlastuin

Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast, StarTrack Oval, Saturday 1:45pm (AEST)

Greater Western Sydney

B: A.Kennedy 40, T.Mohr39, L.Plowman 30
HB: N.Haynes 19, P.Davis 1, S.Reid 23
C: T.Scully 9, C.Ward 8, L.Whitfield 6
HF: R.Palmer 7, J.Cameron 18, A.Tomlinson 20
F: D.Smith 10, S.O'hAilpin 37, Z.Williams 51
Foll: J.Giles 26, A.Treloar 17, D.Shiel5
I/C: S.Coniglio 3, T.Greene 4, T.Bugg 14, B.Thornton 46
Emg: C.Hampton 2, J.Townsend 31, S.Frost 48

In: B.Thornton, D.Smith, A.Tomlinson, L.Plowman, Z.Williams 
Out: S.Gilham, A.Miles, J.Townsend, L.Sumner, S.Frost
New: Z.Williams

Gold Coast

B: T.McKenzie 18, S.May 17, J.Hutchins 34
HB: T.Murphy 29, R.Thompson 16, G.Broughton 36
C: M.Rischitelli 35, G.Ablett 9, J.Harbrow 5
HF: D.Stanley 25, TJ.Lynch 19, A.Hall 33
F: Z.Smith 2, S.Day 12, B.Matera 32
Foll: C.Dixon 23, K.Hunt 7, D.Swallow 24
I/C: D.Prestia 10, J.O'Meara 1, J.Brennan 3, M.Shaw 26,
Emerg: K.Horsley 42, L.Russell 8, T.Sumner 39

In: D.Stanley, T.McKenzie, TJ.Lynch
Out: M.Warnock (arm), L.Russell, J.Wilkinson (ankle) 

Carlton v Adelaide, MCG, Saturday 4:40pm (AEST)

Carlton

B: C Yarran 13, M Jamison 40, L Henderson 23
HB: Z Tuohy 42, D Armfield 27, B Gibbs 4
C: K Simpson 6, A Carrazzo 44, M Robinson 12 
HF: C Judd 5, A Walker 1, J Garlett 38
F: E Curnow 35, S Hampson 22, S Rowe 17
Foll: R Warnock 11, M Murphy 3, B McLean 14
I/C: E Betts 19, K Lucas 9, H Scotland 29, S White 43
Emerg: L Casboult 41, D Ellard 46, A Joseph 45

In: E Betts
Out: A Joseph (omitted)

Adelaide

B: L Brown 16, B Rutten 25, A Otten 22
HB: D Mackay 14, D Talia 12, B Reilly 3
C: R Douglas 26, S Thompson 5, B Smith 26
HF: S Kerridge 29, J Jenkins 4, J Petrenko 23
F: T Lynch 27, T Walker 13, M Wright 11
Foll: S Jacobs 24, P Dangerfield 32, R Sloane 9
I/C: M Jaensch 10, B Vince 17, R Henderson 45, R Laird 46
Emerg: J Lyons 31, S McKernan 35, J Porplyzia 40

In: B Vince, B Smith
Out: J Porplyzia (omitted), B Crouch (hamstring).

Western Bulldogs v Geelong, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 7:40pm (AEST)

Western Bulldogs

B: B Goodes 44, J Roughead 23, T Young 31
HB: J Johannisen 39, D Morris 38, A Cooney 17
C: N Lower 33, M Boyd 5, T Liberatore 21
HF: J Tutt 15, J Stringer 9, L Dahlhaus 6
F: L Picken 42, L Jones 19, J Macrae 11
Foll: W Minson 27, C Smith 14, M Wallis 3
I/C: D Cross 4, P Veszpremi 8, K Stevens 25, M Austin 47
Emerg: D Pearce 20, C Howard 30, L Markovic 37

In: M Austin, P Veszpremi, C Smith
Out: A Cordy, R Griffen (shoulder), D Giansiracusa (shoulder)

Geelong

B: T Hunt 19, T Lonergan 13, C Enright 44
HB: J Corey 11, J Rivers 25, A Mackie 4
C: M Duncan 22, J Bartel 3, J Kelly 9
HF: A Christensen 28, H Taylor 7, S Motlop 32
F: T West 12, T Hawkins 26, J Podsiadly 31
Foll: M Blicavs 46, J Selwood 14, M Stokes 27
I/C: G Horlin-Smith 33, J Caddy 23, S Johnson 20, B Smedts 2
Emerg: M Brown 1, J Murdoch 21, C Guthrie 29

In: James Kelly
Out: Paul Chapman (hamstring)

Port Adelaide v West Coast, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 7:15pm (ACST)

Port Adelaide

B: T. Jonas 42, A. Carlisle 27, C. Heath 3
HB: J.Pittard 29, J.Trengove 12, D.Cassisi 25
C: K.Cornes 18, T.Boak 1, Bra.Ebert 7,
HF: P.Stewart 14, J.Westhoff 39, M.Broabent 5
F: R.Gray 9, J.Schulz 28, C.Wingard 20
Foll: B.Renouf 4, O.Wines 16, H.Hartlett 8
I/C: M.Lobbe 23, A.Monfries 6, J.Neade 32, C.O'Shea 13
Emerg: S.Colquhoun 30, L.Stevenson 15, M.Thomas 21

In: P Stewart
Out: L Stevenson (omitted)

West Coast

B: S.Hurn 25, D.Glass 23, J.Brennan 14
HB: B.Waters 8, E.Mackenzie 16, S.Butler 26
C: C.Masten 7, M.Priddis 11, A.Gaff 3
HF: J.Cripps 15, J.Kennedy 15, M.LeCras 2
F: C.Sinclair 22, J.Darling 27, D.Kerr 4
Foll: D.Cox 20, S.Selwood 10, L.Shuey 13
I/C: AS.Hams 43, B.Dalziell 18, M.Brown 1, J.Hill 33
Emerg: M.Hutchings 34, As. Smith 28, W.Schofield 31

In: B Waters, M Brown
Out: A Selwood (back), W Schofield (omitted)

Brisbane Lions v Melbourne, Gabba, Sunday 3:15pm (AEST)

Brisbane Lions

B: J.Adcock 7, D.Merrett 21, E.Yeo 26
HB: J.Patfull 24, J.Clarke 42, M.Golby 41
C: J.Polkinghorne 31, B.Moloney 3, S.Mayes 32, 
HF: M.Paparone 22, J.Brown16, R.Bewick 8 
F: J.Green 6, A.Cornelius 44, D.Zorko 15
Foll: M.Leuenberger 23,  A.Raines 29, J.Redden 30
I/C from: S.Docherty 1, B.Longer 5, A.McGrath 9, P.Karnezis 28, R.Lester 35, J.Crisp 47, T.Rockliff 38

In: J.Polkinghorne , A.Cornelius , P.Karnezis , R.Lester , B.Longer , E.Yeo , J.Crisp , J.Clarke 
Out: P.Hanley (suspension), D.Rich (shoulder), S.Martin (ankle) , R.Harwood (omitted) , N.McKeever (omitted) 

Melbourne

B: J.Watts 4, J.Frawley8, D.Terlich 46,
HB: J.Grimes 31, T.McDonald 25, C.Garland 20
C: J.Trengove 9, C.Sylvia 12, S.Blease 17
HF: R.Bail 44, C.Pedersen 21, J.Howe 38
F: D.Rodan 15, M.Gawn 37, S.Byrnes 10
Foll: M.Jamar 40, M.Evans 32, N.Jones 2
I/C from: J.McKenzie 13, J. Strauss 19, D.Nicholson 26, L.Tapscott 35, A.Davey 36,  J.Spencer 42, M.Jones 45,  

In: D.Rodan, J.McKenzie, J.Spencer, S.Blease, J. Strauss, D.Nicholson
Out: N.Jetta (suspended), J.Viney (rested), M.Clark (foot).

Hawthorn v North Melbourne, MCG, Sunday 4:40pm (AEST)

Hawthorn

B: J.Gibson 6, B.Lake 17, L.Hodge 15
HB: G.Birchall 14, B.Stratton 24, S.Burgoyne 9,
C: I.Smith 16, S.Mitchell 5, B.Hill 10
HF: L.Breust 22, L.Franklin 23, P.Puopolo 28 
F:  L.Shiels 26, J.Roughead 2, D. Hale 20
Foll: M.Bailey 39, J.Lewis 3, C.Rioli 33 
I/C from: J.Gunston 19, M.Spangher 27, S.Savage  21,  M.Osborne 7, B.Guerra 18, J.Kelly 34, K.Cheney 13

In: B.Guerra, B.Lake, M.Spangher, K.Cheney, J.Kelly
Out: R.Schoenmakers (knee), T.Duryea (corked thigh)

North Melbourne

B: S.McMahon 42, S.Thompson 16,M.Firrito 11
HB: A.Mullett 41, N.Grima 17, J.Macmillan 34
C: D.Wells 8, S.Atley 18, S.Wright 19
HF: R.Bastinac 3, B.Cunnington 10, T.Hine 26
F: L.Thomas 12, D.Petrie 20, L.Adams 13,   
Foll: T.Goldstein 22, A.Swallow 9, J.Ziebell 7
I/C from: B.McKenzie 2, L.Anthony 4, L.Hansen 6, W.Sierakowski 28, A.Black 35, M.Daw 38, S.Gibson 43

In: W.Sierakowski , A.Black, B.McKenzie
New: W.Sierakowski

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Berry: disappointed to lose Lyon

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Extremely disappointed ... Berry on Lyon's and Christian's departure from SA cricket. Source: Ray Titus / News Limited

Test spinner Nathan Lyon and all-rounder Dan Christian have quit South Australian cricket in defections which disappointed Redbacks coach Darren Berry.

Lyon has moved to NSW and Christian to Victoria, the latter leaving despite still being contracted by SA.

Lyon cited family reasons for departing, while Christian wanted to move after falling from selection favour last summer.

Berry said Lyon's exit "blindsided me''.

"I can't hide my extreme disappointment,'' Berry said on Wednesday.

"Personally I have invested a lot of time in Nathan and I feel the South Australian Cricket Association has given Nathan an enormous platform to launch his career.

"However Nathan has left for personal family reasons and we have absolute respect for Nathan and the reasons he has chosen to leave.''

Christian was suspended for one Sheffield Shield match last November after damaging dressing rooms when dismissed on three separate occasions.

He was not selected in the Shield again but Berry denied having a personality clash with the fringe Australian one-day allrounder.

"Purely and simply, Daniel Christian was a required player in South Australia, I think he's a super-talented player and important in the fabric of our team.

"I'm also disappointed Daniel has chosen this path.''

SA have recruited former Victorian allrounder Andrew McDonald and NSW legspinner Adam Zampa, aged 21.

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Nth Korea tensions hit flagship golf event

SOUTH Korea's flagship golf event tees off under a cloud on Thursday after fears of an attack by nuclear-armed North Korea depleted the field and forced organisers to seek advice on safety.

The $US2.8 million ($A2.75 million) Ballantine's Championship is the golf-crazy country's only European Tour tournament but the competition was rocked this week by the withdrawal of US stars Zach Johnson and Dustin Johnson over "perceived unrest".

The European Tour said it was "disappointed" by the decision and added that it was in touch with Britain's Foreign Office, which had indicated there was no increased risk in visiting South Korea despite high tensions with the North.

The neighbouring countries have been locked in an elevating row since the North carried out its third atomic test in February, with hostile exchanges including threats of nuclear war and precision missile strikes.

On Wednesday, South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, the top-ranked player in the field at world No.7, said he'd received reassurances from his management and the European Tour and that "everything is fine in the end".

"I think something drastically needed to go wrong for me not to come," Oosthuizen told reporters.

"And I am glad I came."

Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, and Dustin Johnson, a two-time Ryder Cup player known for prodigious length off the tee, had been marketed as two of the tournament's headline acts.

Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, leads the field along with South Korea's YE Yang, whose US PGA Championship victory in 2009 made him Asia's first major winner.

Ryder Cup veterans Paul Lawrie, Paul Casey and Thomas Bjorn, along with Paul McGinley, European captain for the team tournament's 2014 edition, have also confirmed their attendance.

Austrian Bernd Wiesberger is the defending champion. He earned his first European Tour victory at the event last year and won the Austrian national championship three months later.

In his most recent European Tour appearance last month, Wiesberger tied for fifth in Morocco, his first top-10 finish of 2013.

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Bellamy fumes over rep withdrawals

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Rep rort ... Bellamy fumes over player withdrawals from the City-Country fixture. Source: Mark Stewart / News Limited

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has lashed the raft of players, and their clubs, who pulled out of last week's City-Country clash while throwing his support behind the ailing contest.

The future of the annual clash remains under a cloud after just over 4,000 people turned out at Coffs Harbour last Sunday to watch some of the NRL's elite contest what's billed as a State of Origin audition.

High tickets prices were blamed for the poor crowd but the pre-game withdrawal of around 10 top-liners, including NSW hooker Robbie Farah and wannabe Blues five-eighth Josh Reynolds didn't help.

Both those players, as well as halfback Mitchell Pearce who ruled himself out of the City/Country clash, have been picked to play for their clubs this weekend.

Bellamy, who coached the Country Origin team from 2005-07, said players and clubs had to take the game seriously again if it was to survive. 

"I was really disappointed this year with the amount of players who pulled out and how they pulled out,'' he said.

"When I was coach they had to be ruled out by the city or country doctor.

"With so many pulling out, and clubs and players were pulling themselves out, I don't think that's good.

"Being a proud country person I think it is important to have that on the calendar but we have to get back to treating it seriously; clubs, players and everyone involved in the game."

Bellamy also said the game should not have returned to Coffs Harbour after a similarly low crowd turned up to the clash in 2005.  

"It was on a Thursday night, and the crowd was really poor,'' he said.

"With the disappointment of the crowd on Sunday, I don't know whether that area will turn up to watch that game so perhaps it's not the right place to be playing it.''

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Moimoi accepts one match ban

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Fuifui ... will miss the Eels' local derby against Penrith. Source:News Limited

Fuifui Moimoi will miss Parramatta's clash with Penrith on Monday night after pleading guilty to his grade-one shoulder charge while playing for Tonga.

Moimoi faced two weeks on the sideline had he fought and lost after becoming the first player charged following a rule tweak on the shoulder charge this month.

Moimoi hit Samoan five-eighth Carlos Tuimavave with his shoulder while playing for Tonga in Saturday night's Pacific Test in Penrith.

After banning the shoulder charge during the off-season, the NRL in recent weeks widened the scope of the ban to include incidental contact as a result of the tackle.

Warriors under-20s fullback Viliami Kaveinga was last week suspended for six games under the new shoulder charge rules.

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Goodes: 'Swans just like All Blacks'

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New ground ... Adam Goodes meets the New Zealand press. Source: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes has likened his team's physical style of play to that of the All Blacks.

Questioned by New Zealand media in Wellington on his attributes as a player, the dual Brownlow Medallist compared the Swans to NZ's national rugby union team, but said he was the exception.

"If people are coming to watch the Swannies play for the first time and you've never seen us or you didn't see our grand final last year, we like to play our game like the All Blacks,'' Goodes told reporters at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

"Hard and tough and we play for the full 90 minutes, (but) in our game it's 120 minutes.

"We don't let up and it's all about the tackles and the one-on-one contests.

"For myself, I'm not too big on laying tackles and what-not.

"I'm the sort of player that likes to get the ball on the outside and just run and use my athleticism, whether it's to take the marks or whether it's at ground level.''

Goodes said if any of the All Blacks made the switch to AFL, he'd be worried.

"I don't want any of those blokes coming to tackle us, I can tell you that right now,'' he said.

"It's one thing that quite scares me, to be honest.''

He told the NZ media the beauty of Australian Rules football was that whether players were tall, short, broad or skinny they could make an impact.

The Swans play St Kilda in Wellington on Thursday night.

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Teams: Taylor, Carney set to return

He's back ... Dave Taylor returns to the Titans line-up for round seven. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Injuries opened up a spot for out-of-favour Gold Coast back-rower Dave Taylor's return to the NRL, but coach John Cartwright made it clear his attitude will be closely monitored.

Taylor was recalled by the Titans on Tuesday while Cronulla's gun five-eighth Todd Carney (foot) and Brisbane enforcer Josh McGuire (calf) were named to return and Manly's Glenn Stewart (knee) remains in line to play his first match of the season despite not being named.

Fringe Queensland enforcer Taylor copped a two-week in-house suspension after senior teammates and club officials reached breaking point with his poor discipline and attitude, forcing him back to Queensland Cup where he starred for Tweed Heads.

But Cartwright said he was left with no choice but to recall one of the game's most damaging forces for Sunday's clash with Newcastle.

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"We've got some injuries and an opportunity has arisen for him," Cartwright said of his recruit getting the nod.

"The response has been good but it's not about responding for two weeks, it's about responding for the four years that he's here for.

"Dave's no different to anyone else that turns up to training every day for us.

"You fall out of line, you do it consistently, there's got to be repercussions."

Taylor's recall is one of five changes - including the return from injury of five-eighth Aidan Sezer (hamstring) and hooker Matt Srama (shoulder) - from the Titans' victory over Parramatta.

Manly insist impressive lock Stewart remains a likely inclusion for Friday's clash with South Sydney while Steve Matai (finger) is understood to be in no doubt.

"He's still pulling up a bit sore so we won't make a decision until the captain's run (on Thursday) but in all probability we'd like to think he'd play," Manly coach Geoff Toovey said on Tuesday.

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Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter revamped his struggling side ahead of their clash with Brisbane on Sunday, switching Tim Moltzen to halfback to cover for the injured Benji Marshall (toe) and Braith Anasta (groin).

Talented youngster James Tedesco slips into Moltzen's No.1 jersey, while Liam Fulton is named on the bench.

Carney returns after a two-game absence, replacing Chad Townsend at five-eighth, as the Sharks look to halt a worrying losing streak.

Canberra will be without prop David Shillington (ribs), forcing Tom Learoyd-Lahrs into the starting line-up, while Terry Campese has again been picked on an extended bench despite an impressive return from a knee injury against the Warriors.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary called on rookie Matt Moylan and the inexperienced Travis Robinson to replace injured backs Wes Naiqama and Josh Mansour, with Dean Whare shifting to the centres.

Matt Bowen and Dallas Johnson have both recovered from injury as North Queensland face Canberra, while Dane Gagai returns for Newcastle and Mick Weyman has been included on an extended bench for St George Illawarra's Anzac Day clash with the Sydney Roosters.

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Gaz: We should learn from France

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Empty seats ... locals didn't warm to the costly ticket prices for City-Country.

If the ARL Commission decides to stick with City-Country, it could do worse than look to France for inspiration according to Mark Gasnier.

Gasnier was proud to represent City Origin twice in the early 2000s and he believes the game still has value, particularly to up and coming players like Boyd Cordner and Curtis Sironen.

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But with the lowest crowd in the concept's history turning up to support the game in Coffs Harbour on Sunday, Gasnier says the way the game is promoted and ticketed needs a radical revamp.

Others have pointed to the AFL - a rival code that consistently attracts big crowds - as the example to follow, particularly as affordable family tickets are at the core of the game's ticketing policy.

But having spent time playing Top 14 rugby in France, Gasnier believes the 15-man game on the Continent has got the formula perfect.

"Ever since I returned from Paris I've believed we don't throw the fishing line out enough for families to come to football," Gasnier told foxsports.com.au.

"And by that I mean, the mindset for big games is wrong. Over in France, when they take the big games to the big venues, they lower the ticket prices and budget for a big crowd.

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"It's pretty cheap in Europe as it is but to give you an idea, we moved six home games to Stade de France, which is the equivalent of ANZ Stadium. For 42 Euros, that could get two adults and three kids in.

"So anything under 60,000 in the crowd was a loss, but anything over 60,000 was a profit. The lowest crowd we had was 74,000."

In other words, make a full house your priority and work back from there. The revenue will look after itself.

Like many critics of the City-Country concept, Gasnier believes the powers that be have lost sight of the reason the game is still being played.

It's for country people. Not for lining the pockets.

"Let's go back to the whole purpose of City-Country," Gasnier says.

"It's to take the game out to the bush, it's to let the players go to schools and promote rugby league so that rugby league's still at the forefront of young kids' minds out in the country.

"On top of that, the game should just be a bonus.

"I know City and Country Rugby League are trying to generate some income but now they don't have to.

"We've got a system in place where the Commission governs everything. I think we should really work on a break-even business model for City-Country.

"Ticket prices should be valued at whatever they need to break even. I'm sure $50 or $30 is too much.

"I think they should also have a cordoned off area for all those little kids and they should have a free pass. The mum and dad might have to pay $15 a head but they're not going to care.

"It's like if you host an event, rather than thinking profit, profit, profit, you've got to think well hold on, to a certain extent I want these people to come back.

"You want them to walk out and think that was a good event, you know what I'm going to come back next time. That's what it's all about.

"Right now there's a mindset that you take as much as you can and generate as much profit as you can because it looks good on the balance sheet but it leaves a bitter taste in a lot of people's mouths."
 

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Dockers re-sign bad boy Johnson

Contract ... Michael Johnson re-signs with the Dockers. Source: Tony McDonough / AAP

Fremantle defender Michael Johnson has re-signed with the Dockers for a further two years, tying him to the AFL club until the end of 2015.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Essendon	4	4	0	0	180.87	16
2	Port Adelaide	4	4	0	0	159.28	16
3	Geelong	4	4	0	0	112.00	16
4	Hawthorn	4	3	0	1	139.22	12
5	Sydney	4	3	0	1	124.38	12
6	Richmond	4	3	0	1	115.11	12
7	Collingwood	4	3	0	1	102.92	12
8	Adelaide	4	2	0	2	107.94	8
9	Fremantle	4	2	0	2	102.87	8
10	St Kilda	4	1	0	3	101.30	4
11	North Melbourne	4	1	0	3	100.98	4
12	West Coast	4	1	0	3	98.13	4
13	Carlton	4	1	0	3	96.56	4
14	Gold Coast	4	1	0	3	82.52	4
15	Bulldogs	4	1	0	3	79.21	4
16	Brisbane	4	1	0	3	66.36	4
17	Melbourne	4	1	0	3	53.10	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	4	0	0	4	62.02	0

Johnson's career was at the crossroads after an indifferent 2011 campaign, in which he only avoided being dropped during the season due to the club's heavy injury toll.

A year earlier, he was fined $500 after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of cocaine.

But the 28-year-old produced one of his finest years in 2012 under new coach Ross Lyon, finishing third in the best and fairest.

Johnson has continued that strong form into this season, and is now an integral part of Fremantle's defensive set-up.

"Michael has grown into a terrific defender,'' Fremantle list manager Brad Lloyd said.

"His skill level and leadership have become very important to our defence.''

Johnson has played 153 games since being snared with pick No.8 in the 2004 pre-season draft.

Meanwhile, Fremantle midfielder David Mundy says injuries won't be used as an excuse as the club attempts to snap a two-game losing streak in Friday night's home clash with Richmond.

The Dockers were without skipper Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands and defender Luke McPharlin in Saturday's 42-point loss to Hawthorn in Tasmania.

Although McPharlin is a strong chance to return against the Tigers, Pavlich (plantaris) is at least four weeks away from resuming, while Sandilands (hamstring) might need another two months on the sidelines.

Fremantle held their own against Hawthorn after quarter-time, and Mundy said the team's confidence remained high despite the continued absence of champion veterans Pavlich and Sandilands.

"We're a team based on effort and role, not personnel,'' Mundy said.

"Having Luke out or having Matthew out isn't an excuse we're happy with. We pride ourselves on effort.''

Richmond's winning start to the season was ended on Saturday when they suffered a 34-point loss to Collingwood.

Fremantle beat the Tigers twice last season, but Richmond appear to be a genuine top-eight contender this year.

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Scans confirm the worst for Menzel

Not again ... Daniel Menzel is carted off after injuring his knee in the VFL.

Daniel Menzel's shocking AFL luck now extends to a fourth serious knee injury.

Scans on Monday confirmed that Menzel snapped the LARS graft in his left knee on Saturday during a VFL match.

Geelong will spend this week working out what to do next.

That was Menzel's second match after returning from LARS surgery on the same joint last December.

The most obvious treatment will be a fourth reconstruction, but the Cats say they will look at every possibility.

"Now the trick is we've all got to get our heads together and think about the future for Dan's knee - what's best for his knee,'' Geelong physiotherapist Mike Snelling said on the club website.

"We're going to go through every single possibility we can, leave no stone unturned.

"Hopefully by the end of the week, we've made some pretty clear decisions about what we're going to do.''

Menzel was trying to tackle an opponent on Saturday when he went to ground and immediately clutched his left knee.

"He pivoted on that knee when an opponent tried to get around him,'' Snelling said.

"He felt an immediate `pop' and some pain and was pretty adamant he'd done some damage.''

Before Geelong confirmed the bad news on Monday afternoon, Menzel knew the scan results would not be good.

He told the Geelong Advertiser he was ``shattered that I've possibly done the same thing again''.

"There's not a lot of hope there, so we'll wait and see.''

The 21-year-old has played 21 AFL games and kicked 32 goals since his 2010 senior debut.

The first-round draft pick is arguably the most talented of the group of young players who are making impressive progress at Geelong.

Menzel first suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee during Geelong's 2011 qualifying final win over Hawthorn.

He then had the same injury in his left knee during his VFL comeback match last season.

Menzel first had a traditional reconstruction on his left knee and then underwent the newer LARS procedure when he hurt the joint again late last year at training.

Before Menzel resumed in the VFL again, coach Chris Scott said earlier this month that the Cats were confident the youngster would eventually overcome his knee problems.

"I'm quite prepared to say this publicly - if at some point he hurts his knee again, we'll just go through the same process and he'll be back, because the medical staff are telling us that there's no reason he can't be,'' Scott said.

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Mogg, Izzy impress in Test quest

Sharp ... Jesse Mogg is in blistering form for the Brumbies. Source: Lukas Coch / AAP

Twelve months ago, Jesse Mogg was "a deer in the headlights'' at Suncorp Stadium.

But the whippet-like Brumbies fullback showed maturity and ticker on the big stage on Saturday night to ensure code-hopping star Israel Folau will have an even bigger selection fight to start against the British and Irish Lions in June.

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Mogg was the Brumbies' best player in their gripping 19-19 draw with Queensland in front of 38,404 fans, producing many of his team's most crucial plays in the pressure-filled clash.

The 23-year-old showed why he's nicknamed "Greyhound'' with a long-range break from his own quarter that laid the platform for his side's only try, while he also saved three others with last-ditch tackles in the corner on Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa and James Slipper.

With Wallabies coach Robbie Deans watching from the stands, Mogg could have hardly produced a better Test audition.

It was a far cry from the Queensland product's first appearance at Suncorp last year when the Reds won 19-12 and assistant coach Stephen Larkham wanted to hook the struggling rookie.

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"This time last year he was a deer in headlights,'' Brumbies coach Jake White said.

"It was a real turning point in his career.

"I said to Stephen we're going to leave him on for 80 minutes so he learns everything he has to about how rugby should be played.

"Because we left him there, he understands it now.''

White tipped Mogg to continue to improve and, if he does, a Wallabies jersey against the Lions is a genuine possibility.

Mogg's high-stakes performance couldn't be more timely as it came 24 hours after Folau produced his best game of the year in the Waratahs' 25-20 upset of the Chiefs.

Deans has spoken highly of both fullbacks but he's unlikely to blood both against the Lions.

The New Zealander admitted Folau was better suited to making his Test debut on the wing, which could also be an option for Mogg if the likes of Kurtley Beale or James O'Connor are being eyed off at fullback.

Reds strike weapon Digby Ioane is certain to be on one wing, and he again showed he is the most dangerous ball-carrier in Australia with a tackle-shredding return against the Brumbies.

Deans was also well pleased with Christian Lealiifano's display, scoring all 19 of the Brumbies' points, kicking five from five and playing both five-eighth and inside centre.

For a possible selection trial, the Wallabies coach was highly impressed with the intensity of the Suncorp Stadium clash.

Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen furthered his cause for a back-row spot while Liam Gill marginally shaded George Smith, who was open to a Test comeback if the ARU gets permission from his Japanese club Suntory.

"As a contest in terms of a derby - brilliant,'' Deans said. "From our perspective, great prep for what's coming.''

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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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Call for annual Tonga-Samoa Test

Try time ... Samisoni Langi goes over the line in Saturday's clash between Samoa and Tonga. Source: By Robb Cox / AAP

Samoa captain Roy Asotasi wants to play an annual rugby league Test against traditional rivals Tonga, but says security needs to be addressed after the pitch invasion that ended Saturday night's game prematurely.

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Tonga won 36-4 but the match at Penrith effectively ended over a minute early after several dozen enthusiastic spectators swarmed onto the pitch after Tonga's final try.

Referee Matt Cecchin headed down the tunnel with time still left on the clock and five-eighth Samisoni Langi wasn't able to take the final conversion attempt after the ball went missing and play did not restart.

"I wasn't frightened at all. It was fun,'' Langi said.

Both Asotasi and Tongan counterpart Brent Kite want the game to become an annual event, though they conceded security might be an issue.

"The crowd is just passionate about both nations and obviously there are boundaries that need to be put into place just to look after player safety,'' Asotasi said.

"It's something that probably needs to be looked at.''

Kite said he was a "little worried'' about the situation that eventuated at the end of Saturday's game but stated the fans were ``friendly people and they just like the limelight''.

"The pleasing thing with this game is it might lead the way to more of these matches,'' he said.

"There's a spot in the representative calendar. It's a great way to showcase the talents coming from a Polynesian heritage.''

Tonga coach Charles Tonga described the victory as historical and amazing, and emphasised the passion on display at Penrith would have been amplified may times over back home.

"I know my people will be going crazy,'' Tonga said.

"What you see on the football field there, that's minute. Tonga will be so proud.''

Asotasi felt the unexpectedly heavy loss could be regarded as a reality check for a Samoan side containing several former Australian and New Zealand internationals heading into the World Cup later this year.

"Regardless of the names that we have in the side it's probably a wake-up call that it's not going to be easy,'' Asotasi said.

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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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North thrash Lions in Etihad rout

Big win ... Lindsay Thomas celebrates one of North Melbourne's many goals. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

North Melbourne produce a four-quarter performance to secure their first win of the season, smashing Brisbane Lions by 63 points

Coach Brad Scott lamented his team's missed opportunities in the first three rounds and his team never took their foot off the Lions' throats, winning 18.17 (125) to 9.8 (62)

5.10 (40)	Q1	1.2 (8)
8.13 (61)	Q2	4.5 (29)
15.16 (106)	Q3	6.5 (41)
18.17 (125)	Q4	9.8 (62)

Drew Petrie 4	Marco Paparone 3
Lindsay Thomas 4	Rohan Bewick 2
Leigh Adams 1	Joshua Green 1
Majak Daw 1	Nial McKeever 1
Sam Gibson 1	Tom Rockliff 1
Lachlan Hansen 1	Dayne Zorko 1
Jamie MacMillan 1
Aaron Mullett 1
Scott D Thompson 1
Daniel Wells 1
Sam Wright 1
Jack Ziebell 1

It could have been an even bigger win but for a wasteful first quarter where the Lions kicked 5.10.

In what was one of the most anticipated debuts, Majak Daw took a fantastic mark and kicked a goal in the opening 30 seconds but was subbed out soon after due to concussion.

The Lions showed a little in patches and looked like they might mount a comeback in the second quarter but the Kangaroos didn't fall into a third-quarter heap on this occasion.

Key defender Scott Thompson was North's best player, completely blanketing Jonathan Brown while Jack Ziebell and Drew Petrie were also important.

In a disappointing day, young Lions Marco Paparone and Sam Mayes gave their fans someting to cheer about.

More to come ...

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Re-live the Kangaroos break their duck with a big win over the Lions with our FOX FOOTY Match Centre, featuring play-by-play commentary and all the vital stats.

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