Power crash Tippet's party

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Crash landing ... Port Adelaide spoil Kurt Tippett's Sydney debut. Source: BEN MACMAHON / AAP

Emerging star Chad Wingard inspired Port Adelaide to the upset of the AFL season, a slogging 18-point comeback victory against Sydney on Saturday.

The Power trailed at three-quarter time but Wingard triggered a late surge as Port won 10.12 (72) to 8.6 (54) at a sodden AAMI Stadium.

1.2 (8)	Q1	4.1 (25)
3.5 (23)	Q2	5.2 (32)
5.6 (36)	Q3	6.4 (40)
10.12 (72)	Q4	8.6 (54)

Chad Wingard 3	Adam Goodes 2
Angus Monfries 2	Kieren Jack 2
Matthew Broadbent 1	Kurt Tippett 2
Robert Gray 1	Tom Mitchell 1
Jake Neade 1	Mitch Morton 1
Jay Schulz 1
Justin Westhoff 1

Port ruined the comeback game of Sydney's prized recruit Kurt Tippett, who kicked a goal in the first minute and finished with two in an ominous debut for the Swans.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Geelong	11	10	0	1	129.49	40
3	Essendon	12	9	0	3	131.57	36
4	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
5	Fremantle	11	8	1	2	128.57	34
6	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
7	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
8	Richmond	11	7	0	4	114.27	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	12	6	0	6	111.53	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	11	4	0	7	111.13	16
14	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
15	Bulldogs	11	3	0	8	75.84	12
16	Brisbane	11	3	0	8	73.56	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

But in wet and windy conditions, Port kicked five goals to two in the last term to stun the Swans and climb into the top eight.

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Wingard booted three goals, including two in the tense final stanza, while Port's acting captain Brad Ebert, Matthew Broadbent and veteran hard-nuts Dom Cassisi and Tom Logan revelled in the heavy going.

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After years of neglect, coach Ken Hinkley says Port Adelaide are relevant again

But Hinkley says the resurgent Power remain "miles away" from their ultimate ambition.

"We are becoming a little bit more relevant, there is no doubt about that,'' Hinkley said.

But the rookie coach said Port remained far from producing the consistent excellence of clubs like Sydney.

"We are miles away from there ... (but) we have taken some ground,'' he said.

"We have beaten a genuine top-four side today ... it's a great confidence builder. We know how to do it, now we have got to be able to do it week-in, week-out.''

The Swans were superbly served by midfielders Josh Kennedy and Jarrad McVeigh and backman Nick Malceski was prominent.

But the flag fancies lost ex-skipper Adam Goodes, who was substituted at three-quarter time with an injured right knee.

The dual Brownlow medallist watched a final term in which the lead changed five times before Wingard helped to seal Sydney's fate.

The 19-year-old was instrumental in delivering first-year coach Ken Hinkley his greatest win after the Power slipped behind early as Tippett took centre stage.

Tippett took a mark just 11 seconds into his playing career at Sydney, and then converted, in an impressive comeback after an 11-match suspension for his illegal 2009 contract with his former club, Adelaide.

Tippett potted another some 17 minutes later as Sydney crafted a 4.1 to 1.2 advantage by quarter-time.

But the Port, in two quarters of water-logged work, snuck within four points at the last break.

The home side, inspired by Wingard, then overwhelmed the reigning premiers to bank their seventh win from 12 games this season.

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

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Wimbledon draw: the Aussies

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Wimbledon ... Lleyton Hewitt draws Swiss star Stan Wawrinka in the first round. Source: Jonathan Brady / AAP

Draw day at a Grand slam – when players find out their first round oppoenents and everyone else gets wwwaaayyyy ahead of themselves as to who is playing who in 10 days time, as if to wish away what happens between now and then.

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This Wimbledon has Serena playing someone else in the final.

And in the men's, 2 of the Big 4 (Djokovic, Murray, Federer, Nadal) would play in the Quarter Finals, thanks to the odd (at best) decision to put Rafael Nadal as the 5th seed behind David Ferrer at 4.

---

Wimbledon 2013 - Ultimate Guide

---

Yes, there was a procedure to follow – Wimbledon uses a special formula taking into account grass court performances and rankings – not just the latter, and the computer came up with the notion Ferrer is a better grass court player than Nadal right now. This does not compute.

Nadal has been punished for losing to Lukas Rosol in the 2nd round last year – he didn't admit injury at the time, but spending the next 7 months off was a fair indication – and also not playing a lead up event after the French Open.

Ferrer, an accomplished player who did well on the surface in 2012 (winning a title in Holland before a good run here), is lucky, and good on him.

But tennis failed to luck-out, because the vast majority wants to see the Big 4 in the last 4.

Anyway, short-term goals are what the Australians are about. Here's a look at their first-up tasks:

SAM STOSUR

Yes, drawing an 18 year-old Slovakian lucky-loser clay-court specialist looks a good draw for Sam, but seriously, who really knows. Her record at Wimbledon is the worst of the 4 majors – 6 wins, 10 losses, best result 3rd round, with just 1 win in the last 3 years. A horror show. But drawing Anna Schmiedlova first is surely a positive. Surely.

LLEYTON HEWITT

What do you do when you draw a talented Swiss one-handed backhand player? Practice with the best Swiss one-handed backhand player. Hewitt spent 2 hours on court with Roger Federer on Friday – and beat him too, to the point of frustration the defending champ at one stage flipped his racquet on the turf in disgust: the Halley's Comet of tennis. Hewitt-Wawrinka is the first round match neither man wants, but is the first round encounter most talked about after the draw. Hewitt is in good nick, as is Wawrinka who has made the final at the event in Holland (played Saturday night). A cracker awaits.

BERNARD TOMIC

Thanks in part to his father's situation and winning a few matches at the lead-up in Eastbourne, Tomic hasn't been sighted on the grounds yet, although he's expected to practice over the weekend. He played well at Eastbourne, losing a tight one to Gilles Simon, who played some brilliant shots on big points. Tomic gets Sam Querrey, the 21st seeded American who has a better win percentage on grass than any other surface. Not ideal, which is what happens when you don't have protection as a seed – which has occurred for Tomic because he's been unable to build on his impressive start to the season in Australia, winning just  1 of 7 matches in the lead up to Eastbourne.

MARINKO MATOSEVIC

9 Grand Slams played. 9 first round losses. It's not funny anymore. Big Marinko needs a break and gets one here with Frenchman Guillaume Rufin, ranked 89, aged 23 and winner of just 5 matches on tour this year. The Australian has the ability to think too harshly of himself when things go awry, but if he stays the distance mentally in this, ability should see him finally breakthrough for a win.

MATT EBDEN

Got a wildcard (good year to get it with every main draw player guaranteed at least 40 grand) before drawing Japanese star Kei Nishikori first. The South African born Ebden moved to Perth as a youngster, which turned out to be the perfect preparation for Wimbledon as the West Australian capital is a grass court haven and Ebden has spent a lot of time on them over the years, and he warmed up on Friday with a win over Tommy Haas in an exhibition match nearby. All of which will help - and he needs it against Nishikori who is playing career best tennis.

JAMES DUCKWORTH

The Duck has done it the hard way again – after qualifying at the French open, he did it again here at nearby Roehampton and will open his Wimbledon career against Denis Kudla – a Ukrainian-born American, ranked 105 in the world who made the quarter-finals at Queens a couple of weeks ago. Duckworth, who loves nothing more than a bit of hard work, will go in with confidence; this being his 3rd Grand Slam appearance of the year.

MATT REID

The real feel-good story of the past few days – ranked 213 in the world, Reid is 22 years old and ready for his career highlight. Like many of his age, he grew up watching Pat Rafter when he really should have been sleeping for school the next day. He got past Somdev Devvarman in the first round of qualifying 18-16 in the final set and then recovered to reach his first Grand Slam main draw at the 7th time of asking. A massive Wallabies fan, he's scheduled practice on Saturday around the first Lions test. Then on Monday he'll play Radek Stepanek – the former top tenner Aussie teenager Nick Kyrgios upstaged in the first round of the French Open. Earlier this year, Reid was playing challengers in places like West Lakes in Adelaide and Kunming in China. Now he gets play at the greatest place in tennis.

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Saints celebrate milestones in style

Milestone ... Nick Dal Santo celebrates his 250th game in style. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

St Kilda emerge winners after a difficult week, continuing Melbourne's dire season with a 35-point victory at the MCG on Saturday.

Not even the sacking of coach Mark Neeld earlier this week and caretaker Neil Craig stepping in could provide any short-term revival for the Demons as they went down 16.8 (104) to 10.9 (69).

7.2 (44)	Q1	3.0 (18)
10.3 (63)	Q2	5.4 (34)
15.6 (96)	Q3	7.5 (47)
16.8 (104)	Q4	10.9 (69)

Nick Riewoldt 3	Jeremy Howe 2
Justin Koschitzke 2	Jack Watts 2
Farren Ray 2	Sam Blease 1
David Armitage 1	Shannon Byrnes 1
Sean Dempster 1	Chris Dawes 1
Trent Dennis-Lane 1	Jack Fitzpatrick 1
Jarryn Geary 1	Nathan Jones 1
Clinton Jones 1	Dean Kent 1
Terry Milera 1
Leigh Montagna 1
Seb Ross 1
Rhys Stanley 1

St Kilda, a club itself thrown into turmoil by rape charges against forward Stephen Milne, kicked three goals in the opening four minutes of the match and were never threatened from then on.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Geelong	11	10	0	1	129.49	40
3	Essendon	12	9	0	3	131.57	36
4	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
5	Fremantle	11	8	1	2	128.57	34
6	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
7	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
8	Richmond	11	7	0	4	114.27	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	12	6	0	6	111.53	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	11	4	0	7	111.13	16
14	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
15	Bulldogs	11	3	0	8	75.84	12
16	Brisbane	11	3	0	8	73.56	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

They slaughtered the Dees in midfield - Leigh Montagna dominant for the Saints with 35 possessions, and good support from Farren Ray and Jack Steven.

Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt, who along with Nick Dal Santo was playing his 250th AFL match, booted three goals.

Dal Santo finished with 28 touches.

The Saints led by 29 points at halftime, and had extended that margin to 49 by three-quarter-time.

While the Demons booted three goals to one in the final term, the game was well and truly over by that stage.

It is St Kilda's third win of the season, while Melbourne have won just once in 12 games this year.

Souring Melbourne's day further was ruckman Jake Spencer being reported for crashing into the head of Saints counterpart Ben McEvoy - a collision which forced the St Kilda player to be substituted.

But Saints defender Tom Simpkin will also find himself in trouble.

His behind-play left hook to the jaw of Melbourne's Chris Dawes just prior to halftime sent Dawes sprawling to the ground.

While it was missed by the umpires, television replays picked it up clearly and the match review panel will certainly investigate on Monday.

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

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Bartel to play after American trip

Thumbs up ... Jimmy Bartel is ready to take on Brisbane after returning from the USA. Source: JULIAN SMITH / AAP

Need all the late selection whispers and best FOX FOOTY SuperCoach and betting mail? Step into the Panic Room.

WHISPERS

Fear not FOX FOOTY SuperCoach fans, Jimmy Bartel is making the trip to Brisbane and will line-up against the Lions.

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Since word got out that the Brownlow Medallist had his week off watching NBA in the US, it was presumed he would missing the following week at the Gabba.

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But Bartel has come back fresh and told the Cats hierarchy early in the week that he wanted to play.

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The Cats are happy to go with him - 90/10 is the percentage being thrown around his likelihood of lining up - given they are mindful of an improved looking Brisbane team and the bad look of so blatantly resting Bartel.

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While on the Cats ex-Gold Coast Sun Josh Caddy is expected to get a reprieve while Billie Smedts could be the man having a rest.

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Our big watch player for the round is Chris Dawes. The last time we saw the Melbourne forward he was on crutches because of a badly sprained ankle and looked like a man who wouldn't be playing for a month - not in 12 days time.

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SUPERCOACH ALERT

If you're the only person in Australia who didn't draft in Sydney's Tom Mitchell after his extraordinary debut a few weeks ago, then do it now. He is the biggest steal in FOX FOOTY SuperCoach history at $115,900 given after two games he averages over 100 points.

The other bubble boy who has shown lots is Nathan Hrovat from the Western Bulldogs and at $114,500 he is perfect for a downgrade option to raise some cash.

MONEY MATTERS

The biggest moral of the weekend is the fact Sydney will go out of their way to get Kurt Tippett a goal early in his return to football in Adelaide.

To mark the occasion the bookies are offering odds on which quarter big Kurt will kick a goal. If you shop around there is $2.25 available for the opening term which, as they say in the business, is printing money.

ON NOTICE

This is the man who was brought in to help guide Mark Neeld through the hardship of senior coaching. He clearly failed at that so now he's in charge it's going to be very interesting to see what moves the former Crows coach has been keeping up his sleeve.

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Farr-Jones reveals Lions regrets

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Regret ... Nick Farr-Jones still has sleepless nights after a failed Lions series. Source: Adam Knott / News Limited

World Cup-winning captain Nick Farr-Jones has ranked the pain of never winning a series against the British and Irish Lions as probably the biggest regret of his celebrated career and urged the Wallabies to seize the moment in Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.

Farr-Jones says even almost a quarter of a century after leading Australia to a 2-1 series loss to the Lions he still has sleepless nights about missing his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conquer the best of the British and Irish.

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"The further you get away from it, particularly when you've got a big tour going on at the moment and it becomes topical, yeah, it shits me,'' Farr-Jones said.

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Farr-Jones AM achieved just about every major honour in rugby.

He helped the Wallabies complete the fabled grand slam tour in 1984 with victories over England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, also featured in triumphant Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand and crowned his career by hoisting the Webb Ellis Cup next to the Queen at Twickenham in 1991.

But the champion halfback still tosses and turns about the 1989 series defeat against the Lions.

"At the time, yeah you regretted losing to the Lions. As I speak 20 years into retirement, since my last game, the cracks in the ceiling are getting wider at 2am in the morning,'' he said.

"You wake up and you really regret it because, as came to pass in World Cups, we got a second roll of the dice.

"I was a part of `87, the inaugural one and part of the disappointment of losing to the French (in the semi-finals).

"But at least I got another roll of the dice and we were lucky enough to win a World Cup.

"But when the Lions come down, you get one roll of the dice. And if I've got any damn regrets about the game looking back, it's that we didn't beat the bastards.''

Farr-Jones said the only other career disappointments that come close to losing to the Lions was not winning a first grade premiership in 14 seasons with Sydney University and seeing his great friend and teammate Tim Gavin miss the `91 World Cup through injury.

But it was the manner in which the Wallabies succumbed to the Lions in the pivotal and brutal second Test in Brisbane - known as the Battle of Ballymore - that gives Farr-Jones nightmares.

Farr-Jones was halfback and captain of Australia and the Lions hatched a plan for their forwards to monster him into submission.

"And it worked a treat,'' he admitted 24 years later.

With the Wallabies having crushed the tourists 30-12 in the first Test, Farr-Jones said cheekily winking and blowing a kiss at Lions hooker Brian Moore early on in Brisbane was a big mistake.

"He proceeded to rip me apart after that and all the other forwards ripped into me,'' he said.

Farr-Jones said as his game imploded at Ballymore, his teammates unravelled around him and he urged the Wallabies' 2013 pack not to let the Lions forwards do a similar job on Australia's influential No.9 Will Genia on Saturday.

"We should have knocked over the Lions,'' Farr-Jones said.

"I've got no problem with the tactics that they turned on, particularly in that second Test. My only problem is that we didn't match them toe-to-toe.

"So we've got to be combative up front and be very physical and we've got to try and give our backs that time and space. Genia is crucial.''

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What might have been for Demons

Bizarro World ... potential Melbourne recruits if the draft had gone differently. Source: AAP

Saturday will be a day of delight for the Dees. One huge flag fancy picking at the carcass of a side that has fallen off the proverbial cliff in front of a healthy MCG crowd.

Yep, fans from every club are looking forward to this one– and a quick glance around the ground makes it no surprise.

Nic Naitanui leaping high in the ruck against Ben McEvoy to kick things off will be a glorious sight.

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	11	10	0	1	145.71	40
2	Geelong	11	10	0	1	129.49	40
3	Essendon	12	9	0	3	131.57	36
4	Sydney	11	8	1	2	134.91	34
5	Fremantle	11	8	1	2	128.57	34
6	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
7	Richmond	11	7	0	4	114.27	28
8	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
9	West Coast	11	6	0	5	114.99	24
10	Port Adelaide	11	6	0	5	114.55	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	11	4	0	7	111.13	16
14	Bulldogs	11	3	0	8	75.84	12
15	Brisbane	11	3	0	8	73.56	12
16	St Kilda	11	2	0	9	85.80	8
17	Melbourne	11	1	0	10	49.76	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

Should the superstar Demons ruckman let his athleticism get a hold of McEvoy it could get ugly for the Saints, with Patty Dangerfield, Scott Selwood and Nat Jones waiting at his feet.

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All one of the gun Melbourne midfielders has to do is grab the footy, look up and it'll be a smorgasbord of attacking power screaming for the chance to boot the opening goal.

Should the Dees go up the line and spot Chris Dawes? Or perhaps chip it to the side and back the run and carry of Dan Hannebery or Dustin Martin?

Maybe they can bomb long, where Sam Reid and Jack Darling will no doubt be lurking dangerously, with the devastating mix of speed, skill and poise that is Nat Fyfe and Lewis Jetta at their feet.

If there's a blunder in the square and the Saints boot the ball clear - don't fret. Surely the cool hands of Harry Taylor at centre half-back can quell any attack, before Dayne Beams can be unleashed to again drive the ball forward for the Dees.

Welcome to Bizarro World.

A planet where the Dees are a legitimate top-four contender and not an embattled club all too accustomed to 100-point demolitions.

Yes, Melbourne's problems run deep - right to the core of the club - but let's stop for a minute and skew their recruiting.

Without changing any trades or ladder placings, the side below is exactly the side that could run out against the Saints tomorrow should the club had drafted differently.

All we've done is substitute the players they took with players that were still available at each respective draft pick.

Yes, all clubs have their November horror stories - and a similar exercise could be conducted for every club. And the problem isn't as simple as recruiting lapses for the red and the blue.

To make it fair, every pick from 2007 onwards has been overhauled, even if Melbourne got a couple right in Jack Grimes and Jeremy Howe. That excludes last year's batch, which is too early to judge.

But, perhaps for a tease, imagine if this was Melbourne's side today.

Oh, how different things would be.

ST KILDA v MELBOURNE

Saturday, 4.40pm, MCG

MELBOURNE

B: Colin Garland, James Frawley, Alex Johnson

HB: Dayne Beams, Harry Taylor, Colin Sylvia

C Gary Rohan, Scott Selwood, Dan Hannebery

HF Dustin Martin, Chris Dawes, Nat Fyfe

F Lewis Jetta, Jack Darling, Sam Reid

R Nic Naitanui, Nat Jones, Pat Dangerfield

I/C: Jack Newnes, Luke Parker, Mitch Clark

Sub: Aaron Davey

HOW WE GOT THERE

(Players they overlooked in capital letters. Players the Dees took in brackets.)

2011

JACK NEWNES (Rory Taggert)

TORY DICKSON (Josh Tynan)

2010

JACK DARLING (Lucas Cook*)

LUKE PARKER (Jeremy Howe)

JORDAN SCHRODER (Troy Davis)

ALEX JOHNSON (Tom McDonald)

2009

DUSTIN MARTIN (Tom Scully*)

GARY ROHAN (Jack Trengove)

LEWIS JETTA (Jordan Gysberts*)

NAT FYFE (Luke Tapscott)

SAM REID (Max Gawn)

2008

NIC NAITANUI (Jack Watts)

LUKE SHUEY (Sam Blease)

Any two of: DAVID ZAHARAKIS, DAYNE BEAMS, DAN HANNEBERY, RORY SLOANE (James Strauss) (Jamie Bennell*)

2007

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Cale Morton*)

HARRY TAYLOR (Jack Grimes)

SCOTT SELWOOD (Addam Maric*)

*no longer at the Dees

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Teams: all the round 13 ins and outs

In ... Justin Koschitzke returns for St Kilda against Melbourne. Source: wayne ludbey / Herald Sun

Hot off the press, here are the ins and outs for round 13 of the 2013 AFL premiership season.

Hawthorn v West Coast, Etihad Stadium, Friday 7.50pm (EST)

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	11	10	0	1	145.71	40
2	Geelong	11	10	0	1	129.49	40
3	Essendon	12	9	0	3	131.57	36
4	Sydney	11	8	1	2	134.91	34
5	Fremantle	11	8	1	2	128.57	34
6	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
7	Richmond	11	7	0	4	114.27	28
8	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
9	West Coast	11	6	0	5	114.99	24
10	Port Adelaide	11	6	0	5	114.55	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	11	4	0	7	111.13	16
14	Bulldogs	11	3	0	8	75.84	12
15	Brisbane	11	3	0	8	73.56	12
16	St Kilda	11	2	0	9	85.80	8
17	Melbourne	11	1	0	10	49.76	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

Hawthorn
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge
C: Shane Savage, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Paul Puopolo, Lance Franklin, Jordan Lewis
F: David Hale, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Max Bailey, Brad Sewell, Shaun Burgoyne
Int: Liam Shiels, Taylor Duryea, Jack Gunston, Jonathan Simpkin
Emerg: Kyle Cheney, Xavier Ellis, Matt Spangher

In: Shane Savage
Out: Isaac Smith (corked calf)

West Coast
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Mitchell Brown
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Beau Waters
C: Andrew Gaff, Scott Selwood, Andrew Embley
HF: Luke Shuey, Josh Kennedy, Chris Masten
F: Mark LeCras, Dean Cox, Jack Darling
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Matt Priddis, Daniel Kerr
Int: Blayne Wilson, Patrick McGinnity, Bradd Dalziell, Matt Rosa
Emerg: Brad Sheppard, Ashley Smith, Jacob Brennan

In: Patrick McGinnity, Mark LeCras, Darren Glass, Beau Waters, Bradd Dalziell, Josh Kennedy
Out: Ashton Hams (Omitted), Brad Sheppard (Omitted), Jamie Cripps (Omitted), Josh Hill (Hamstring), Adam Selwood (Back), Jacob Brennan (Omitted)

Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans, AAMI Stadium, Saturday 1.10pm (CST)

Port Adelaide
B: Matthew Broadbent, Alipate Carlile, Jack Hombsch
HB: Cameron O'Shea, Thomas Jonas, Tom Logan
C: Matt Thomas, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes
HF: Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart
F: Jake Neade, Jay Schulz, Angus Monfries
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Chad Wingard, Hamish Hartlett
Int: Oliver Wines, Jasper Pittard, John Butcher, Domenic Cassisi
Emerg: Nathan Blee, Andrew Moore, Campbell Heath

In: Jasper Pittard, Domenic Cassisi
Out: Travis Boak (Finger), Cameron Hitchcock (Ankle)

Sydney Swans
B: Tony Armstrong, Ted Richards, Dane Rampe
HB: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Nick Malceski
C: Daniel Hannebery, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh
HF: Luke Parker, Kurt Tippett, Craig Bird
F: Jude Bolton, Adam Goodes, Ben McGlynn
Foll: Mike Pyke, Ryan O'Keefe, Kieren Jack
Int: Tom Mitchell, Jed Lamb, Jesse White, Mitch Morton
Emerg: Tim Membrey, Brandon Jack, Xavier Richards

In: Jed Lamb, Kurt Tippett, Tony Armstrong
Out: Andrejs Everitt (Achilles), Brandon Jack (Omitted), Shane Mumford (Cheekbone) 

St Kilda v Melbourne, MCG, Saturday 4.40pm (EST)

St Kilda
B: Rhys Stanley, James Gwilt, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jarryn Geary, Sam Fisher, Jack Newnes
C: David Armitage, Sean Dempster, Terry Milera
HF: Nick Dal Santo, Justin Koschitzke, Clinton Jones
F: Trent Dennis-Lane, Nick Riewoldt, Jack Steven
Foll: Ben McEvoy, Farren Ray, Leigh Montagna
Int: Jimmy Webster, Tom Simpkin, Sam Dunell, Sebastian Ross
Emerg: Arryn Siposs, Brodie Murdoch, Ahmed Saad

In: Tom Simpkin, Terry Milera, Justin Koschitzke, Sam Fisher
Out: Josh Saunders (Omitted), Beau Maister (Hamstring), Ahmed Saad (Omitted), Stephen Milne (Omitted)

Melbourne
B: Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland, Dean Terlich
HB: Tom McDonald, Cam Pedersen, Mitchell Clisby
C: Jeremy Howe, Jack Trengove, Matt Jones
HF: Aaron Davey, Chris Dawes, Sam Blease
F: Shannon Byrnes, Colin Sylvia, David Rodan
Foll: Jake Spencer, Jack Watts, Nathan Jones
Int: Dean Kent, Jack Fitzpatrick, Daniel Nicholson, Jimmy Toumpas
Emerg: James Sellar, Max Gawn, James Magner

In: Mitchell Clisby, Daniel Nicholson, Jake Spencer, Shannon Byrnes
Out: Michael Evans (Foot), Luke Tapscott (Omitted), Mark Jamar (Toe), Jordie McKenzie (Elbow)

Western Bulldogs v Richmond, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 7.40pm (EST)

Western Bulldogs
B: Brett Goodes, Jordan Roughead, Jason Johannisen
HB: Dale Morris, Michael Talia, Robert Murphy
C: Jack Macrae, Nick Lower, Adam Cooney
HF: Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Jones, Matthew Boyd
F: Luke Dahlhaus, Lukas Markovic, Clay Smith
Foll: Will Minson, Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore
Int: Liam Picken, Jake Stringer, Nathan Hrovat, Lachie Hunter
Emerg: Dylan Addison, Mitch Wallis, Jarrad Grant

In: Nathan Hrovat, Lachie Hunter
Out: Dylan Addison (Omitted), Koby Stevens (Shoulder)

Richmond
B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Bachar Houli
HB: Chris Newman, Troy Chaplin, Nick Vlastuin
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Daniel Jackson
HF: Aaron Edwards, Shane Edwards, Jake King
F: Ty Vickery, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin
Foll: Ivan Maric, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
Int: Matt White, Brandon Ellis, Reece Conca, David Astbury
Emerg: Jake Batchelor, Matt Dea, Sam Lonergan

No change

Fremantle v North Melbourne, Patersons Stadium, Sunday 1.20pm (WST)

Fremantle
B: Zac Dawson, Luke McPharlin, Lee Spurr
HB: Clancee Pearce, Michael Johnson, Garrick Ibbotson
C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Tendai Mzungu
HF: Nathan Fyfe, Chris Mayne, Stephen Hill
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Hayden Crozier, Michael Walters
Foll: Zac Clarke, David Mundy, Michael Barlow
Int (from): Alex Silvagni, Nick Suban, Matthew Taberner, Matt de Boer, Danyle Pearce, Tom Sheridan, Jack Hannath

In: Michael Walters, Matthew Taberner, Tom Sheridan
Out: -

North Melbourne
B: Lachlan Hansen, Scott D. Thompson, Aaron Mullett
HB: Taylor Hine, Nathan Grima, Michael Firrito
C: Sam Gibson, Shaun Atley, Ben Cunnington
HF: Daniel Wells, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey
F: Lindsay Thomas, Aaron Black, Leigh Adams
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Ryan Bastinac
Int (from): Levi Greenwood, Liam Anthony, Sam Wright, Brad McKenzie, Jamie Macmillan, Ben Jacobs, Luke Delaney

In: Levi Greenwood, Liam Anthony, Brad McKenzie, Ben Jacobs, Luke Delaney
Out: Will Sierakowski (Omitted), Scott McMahon (Ankle)

Brisbane Lions v Geelong, The Gabba, Sunday 4.40pm (EST)

Brisbane Lions
B: Jed Adcock, Daniel Merrett, Justin Clarke
HB: Daniel Rich, Joel Patfull, Brent Staker
C: Sam Mayes, Jack Redden, Mitch Golby
HF: Tom Rockliff, Jordan Lisle, Dayne Zorko
F: Ashley McGrath, Jonathan Brown, Ryan Lester
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Simon Black, Pearce Hanley
Int (from): James Polkinghorne, Andrew Raines, Rohan Bewick, Brent Moloney, Ryan Harwood, Sam Docherty, Elliot Yeo

In: James Polkinghorne, Daniel Merrett, Brent Moloney, Jonathan Brown
Out: Niall McKeever (Omitted)

Geelong
B: Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Cameron Guthrie
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Josh Hunt
C: Andrew Mackie, Joel Selwood, James Kelly
HF: Mark Blicavs, James Podsiadly, Allen Christensen
F: Mitch Duncan, Tom Hawkins, Steven Motlop
Foll: Nathan Vardy, Steve Johnson, Jimmy Bartel
Int (from): Jackson Thurlow, Taylor Hunt, Billie Smedts, Jordan Murdoch, Josh Caddy, Jesse Stringer, Mathew Stokes

In: Harry Taylor, Taylor Hunt, Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy, Steven Motlop
Out: Trent West (Back), Mitch Brown (Omitted)

Byes: Adelaide, Carlton, Gold Coast, GWS Giants, Collingwood, Essendon.

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Senate gives green light to Ahmed

Eyes on the prize ... Fawad Ahmed is a step closer to playing for Australia. Source: Mal Fairclough / AAP

Cricket Australia's politicking has succeeded, now it's simply a question of form as to whether Pakistan-born legspinner Fawad Ahmed makes his Test debut in the Ashes series.

Legislation that fast-tracks citizenship in special circumstances, including elite athletes such as Ahmed, cleared the Senate on Thursday.

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The new measure gives the immigration minister power to apply shorter residential requirements on some citizenship applicants.

Ahmed played first-class cricket in Pakistan before fleeing to Australia in 2010 when, after an initial rejection, he was granted asylum.

The 31-year-old was picked in an Australia A squad to tour South Africa and Zimbabwe starting in July, a visit that clashes with much of the Ashes tour in England.

However head of selectors John Inverarity says Ahmed could be called into the national squad ahead of the first Test against England starting on July 10.

"Those two (Ahmed and fellow tweaker Ashton Agar) are, in a sense, in contention if we decide to expand the Ashes squad and expand it with a spinner," Inverarity said on Wednesday.

Ahmed had match figures of 1-65 in Australia A's recent first-class clash with Ireland in Belfast.

Ahmed's final pre-Ashes chance to impress Inverarity starts on Friday, when Australia A take on Gloucestershire at Bristol in a three-day match.

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Loz: Suncorp doesn't intimidate us

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Revered ... Queenslanders love their Maroons at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

The Maroons have always been adept at stirring their state into a frenzy just in time to make Suncorp Stadium the most frightening cauldron a rugby league player could enter.

This time they've had Paul Gallen to do it for them after he turned Nate Myles into a punching bag as New South Wales upset the seven-times champions in more ways than one in State of Origin I.

The surge in media reports speculating about a square up from Queensland: to be or not to be, has done nothing to douse the expectation that the stands of Suncorp will be baying for blood like nothing seen since Rome's Colosseum was home to the gladiators.

Put all that in the background - not to mention the scandals that have gripped NSW since their courageous win on June 5 - and you might expect to hear from a rather twitchy Laurie Daley as he prepares the Blues in camp just days before boarding a plane bound for enemy territory.

But coaching his state still hasn't had that effect on perhaps the most laid-back man in rugby league, who even dares to suggest that stealing a series inside Suncorp's raucous atmosphere is something to be excited, not scared, about.

"That's the enjoyment that we need to get out of it," Daley told Fox Sports rugby league commentator Matt Russell on Thursday.

"It's going to be a place that everyone wants to be at, and let's soak it up, let's enjoy it, let's get out there and really feed off the energy of the crowd.

"Let's use it as a positive for us. As a footballer, you want to be in these situations.

"Our boys will look forward to the challenge but we know that we've got to play well. If we don't play well, and better than we did in game one, then we don't get the result that we're after."

Daley played 23 games in sky blue and more than his share of high stakes encounters at the venue his team will walk into next Wednesday afternoon.

Describing what it's like to play in Queensland's home fortress, Daley's eyes almost pops out of his head with excitement.

"It's a real vibrant place but it's a real buzz - it's humming," he says.

"The whole night seems to hum from when you first get onto the bus, you first go out to check the surface, there's this feeling of huge anticipation.

"You just soak it up and absorb it and you just can't wait to be a part of it.

"And for our guys they'll get there, they'll know they've got a game on and we've just got to make sure that we're ready to go." 

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We pick the team not Nine: CA

Rights ... Channel Nine says is might have a say in team selection. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Cricket Australia stood its ground on Wednesday against claims by Channel Nine that it would influence team selection and scheduling as part of its new TV rights deal.

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Nine's managing director Jeff Browne told a business lunch in Sydney that as part of the network's record $400million winning bid for international cricket rights, he expected to have a say in both matters.

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But CA chief executive James Sutherland hosed down the deal's impact, especially on national selection issues.

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"Cricket has a long-standing and successful relationship with the Nine Network, but team selections and scheduling are matters for Cricket Australia,'' Sutherland said.

"The national selection panel selects the Australian teams (and) with the volume of international cricket being played, it will continue to be necessary for us to manage player workloads appropriately.''

Nine was angry last summer that the Australian selectors had diminished the TV product by resting so many top-line players under the guise of its controversial "rotation policy''.

Browne said that trend was a "real worry'' for Nine, which has owned Australian cricket's television rights since Kerry Packer's World Series revolution in the mid 1970s.

Browne said Nine understood CA had to rest some players "to give them longevity in their careers, but they also understand we've got to have the best players on the paddock to rate''.

"I understand why sports want to do that, but people at home want to see the best players playing and we urge Cricket Australia to pick the best players every time.

"I think we've got a better understanding on that,'' he said. "Last year that balance was skewed too much in favour of resting some players so from now on there will be a lot more discussion between CA and the broadcaster about that.''

It's understood there is no formal agreement in the record contract, signed in early June.

"I am not pushing a black letter print solution because I believe the discussions we've had with them so far will give us a solution,'' Browne said.

It's also understood that Nine has pushed for the Perth Test match to be the summer's first given that it's prime-time broadcast in the eastern states still falls in the ratings period.

Sutherland reiterated his recent stand that all stakeholders' requests on match timing would be taken into account.

"We'll continue to consult with our broadcasters on scheduling issues. It's something we have always done,'' he said. "We have a common goal with our broadcast partners to maximise the number of fans watching and enjoying cricket (so) we'll consider all ideas and then make the appropriate decisions.''

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2013-2014 EPL fixtures announced

Manchester derby ... the first will take place in early March. Source: Paul Ellis / AAP

Manchester United begin the defence of their Barclays Premier League title with a tough looking trip to Swansea City, in a game that will mark David Moyes' bow as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

It's all change for neighbours Manchester City too, where Manuel Pellegrini can expect a warm welcome from the home faithful as the Etihad Stadium hosts Newcastle United on the opening day.

The Chilean tactician will do well to match the reception Jose Mourinho will receive on his second coming as Chelsea boss, with Hull City charged with the unenviable task of spoiling the Special One's special day in west London.

Cardiff City's first ever Premier League campaign kick-offs with a trip to West Ham United, while Crystal Palace welcome Tottenham to Selhurst Park in an intriguing looking all-capital affair.

The Emirates will stage Arsenal's season opener as Paul Lambert's Aston Villa side travel to north London for a tough-looking start.

Mark Hughes has been handed a tough beginning to life as Stoke City boss as he takes his new side to Anfield to face Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool

West Brom will look to build on a successful last campaign by opening up against Southampton, while Roberto Martinez begins his Everton tenure with a trip to Norwich City

Paolo Di Canio has intimated major changes are in the offing at Sunderland so it will likely be a new look Black Cats side that begin their campaign with a home game against Fulham

All opening fixtures will played on the weekend of August 17-19

Hull's fans will relish their festive programme, with Manchester United heading to the KC Stadium on Boxing Day, while Manchester City against Liverpool is another tasty-looking December 26 encounter

The season wraps up on May 11, with three of the expected title chasers finishing on the road. Chelsea head to Cardiff, Manchester United go to Southampton and Arsenal are at Norwich, with Manchester City at home to West Ham.

---

See the full fixture list below. All times and dates are local.

17 August 2013
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Hull City
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool v Stoke City
Manchester City v Newcastle United
Norwich City v Everton
Sunderland v Fulham
Swansea City v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton
West Ham United v Cardiff City

24 August 2013
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Cardiff City v Manchester City
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
Fulham v Arsenal
Hull City v Norwich City
Manchester United v Chelsea
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Southampton v Sunderland
Stoke City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City

31 August 2013
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Cardiff City v Everton
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Liverpool v Manchester United
Manchester City v Hull City
Newcastle United v Fulham
Norwich City v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City
West Ham United v Stoke City

14 September 2013
Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v West Bromwich Albion
Hull City v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Southampton v West Ham United
Stoke City v Manchester City
Sunderland v Arsenal
Swansea City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City

21 September 2013
Arsenal v Stoke City
Cardiff City v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Fulham
Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Liverpool v Southampton
Manchester City v Manchester United
Newcastle United v Hull City
Norwich City v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland
West Ham United v Everton

28 September 2013
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Everton v Newcastle United
Fulham v Cardiff City
Hull City v West Ham United
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Norwich City
Sunderland v Liverpool
Swansea City v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

5 October 2013
Cardiff City v Newcastle United
Fulham v Stoke City
Hull City v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Everton
Norwich City v Chelsea
Southampton v Swansea City
Sunderland v Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal

19 October 2013
Arsenal v Norwich City
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Cardiff City
Crystal Palace v Fulham
Everton v Hull City
Manchester United v Southampton
Newcastle United v Liverpool
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Sunderland
West Ham United v Manchester City

26 October 2013
Aston Villa v Everton
Chelsea v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester United v Stoke City
Norwich City v Cardiff City
Southampton v Fulham
Sunderland v Newcastle United
Swansea City v West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Hull City

2 November 2013
Arsenal v Liverpool
Cardiff City v Swansea City
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham v Manchester United
Hull City v Sunderland
Manchester City v Norwich City
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Stoke City v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace
West Ham United v Aston Villa

9 November 2013
Aston Villa v Cardiff City
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion
Crystal Palace v Everton
Liverpool v Fulham
Manchester United v Arsenal
Norwich City v West Ham United
Southampton v Hull City
Sunderland v Manchester City
Swansea City v Stoke City
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

23 November 2013
Arsenal v Southampton
Cardiff City v Manchester United
Everton v Liverpool
Fulham v Swansea City
Hull City v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United v Norwich City
Stoke City v Sunderland
West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa
West Ham United v Chelsea

30 November 2013
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Cardiff City v Arsenal
Chelsea v Southampton
Everton v Stoke City
Hull City v Liverpool
Manchester City v Swansea City
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion
Norwich City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
West Ham United v Fulham

3 December 2013
Arsenal v Hull City, 7.45pm
Crystal Palace v West Ham United, 8pm
Liverpool v Norwich City, 8pm
Manchester United v Everton, 7.45pm
Southampton v Aston Villa, 7.45pm
Stoke City v Cardiff City, 7.45pm
Sunderland v Chelsea, 7.45pm
Swansea City v Newcastle United, 7.45pm
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City, 8pm

4 December 2013
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur, 8pm

7 December 2013
Arsenal v Everton
Crystal Palace v Cardiff City
Fulham v Aston Villa
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Newcastle United
Southampton v Manchester City
Stoke City v Chelsea
Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur
Swansea City v Hull City
West Bromwich Albion v Norwich City

14 December 2013
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Cardiff City v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Everton v Fulham
Hull City v Stoke City
Manchester City v Arsenal
Newcastle United v Southampton
Norwich City v Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
West Ham United v Sunderland

21 December 2013
Arsenal v Chelsea
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United
Fulham v Manchester City
Liverpool v Cardiff City
Manchester United v West Ham United
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke City v Aston Villa
Sunderland v Norwich City
Swansea City v Everton
West Bromwich Albion v Hull City

26 December 2013
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City v Southampton
Chelsea v Swansea City
Everton v Sunderland
Hull City v Manchester United
Manchester City v Liverpool
Newcastle United v Stoke City
Norwich City v Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United v Arsenal

28 December 2013
Aston Villa v Swansea City
Cardiff City v Sunderland
Chelsea v Liverpool
Everton v Southampton
Hull City v Fulham
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Norwich City v Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion

1 January 2014
Arsenal v Cardiff City
Crystal Palace v Norwich City
Fulham v West Ham United
Liverpool v Hull City
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Chelsea
Stoke City v Everton
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Swansea City v Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

11 January 2014
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Cardiff City v West Ham United
Everton v Norwich City
Fulham v Sunderland
Hull City v Chelsea
Manchester United v Swansea City
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Southampton v West Bromwich Albion
Stoke City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace

18 January 2014
Arsenal v Fulham
Chelsea v Manchester United
Crystal Palace v Stoke City
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Manchester City v Cardiff City
Norwich City v Hull City
Sunderland v Southampton
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion v Everton
West Ham United v Newcastle United

28 January 2014
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion, 7.45pm
Crystal Palace v Hull City, 8pm
Liverpool v Everton, 8pm
Manchester United v Cardiff City, 7.45pm
Norwich City v Newcastle United, 7.45pm
Southampton v Arsenal, 7.45pm
Sunderland v Stoke City, 7.45pm
Swansea City v Fulham, 7.45pm

29 January 2014
Chelsea v West Ham United, 7.45pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, 7.45pm

1 February 2014
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Cardiff City v Norwich City
Everton v Aston Villa
Fulham v Southampton
Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City v Chelsea
Newcastle United v Sunderland
Stoke City v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
West Ham United v Swansea City

8 February 2014
Aston Villa v West Ham United
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool v Arsenal
Manchester United v Fulham
Norwich City v Manchester City
Southampton v Stoke City
Sunderland v Hull City
Swansea City v Cardiff City
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

11 February 2014
Arsenal v Manchester United, 7.45pm
Cardiff City v Aston Villa, 7.45pm
Hull City v Southampton, 7.45pm
Stoke City v Swansea City, 7.45pm
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea, 8pm
West Ham United v Norwich City, 7.45pm

12 February 2014
Everton v Crystal Palace, 7.45pm
Fulham v Liverpool, 8pm
Manchester City v Sunderland, 7.45pm
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur, 7.45pm

22 February 2014
Arsenal v Sunderland
Cardiff City v Hull City
Chelsea v Everton
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Liverpool v Swansea City
Manchester City v Stoke City
Newcastle United v Aston Villa
Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion v Fulham
West Ham United v Southampton

1 March 2014
Aston Villa v Norwich City
Everton v West Ham United
Fulham v Chelsea
Hull City v Newcastle United
Manchester United v Manchester City
Southampton v Liverpool
Stoke City v Arsenal
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur v Cardiff City

8 March 2014
Arsenal v Swansea City
Cardiff City v Fulham
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Liverpool v Sunderland
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Newcastle United v Everton
Norwich City v Stoke City
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
West Ham United v Hull City

15 March 2014
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Everton v Cardiff City
Fulham v Newcastle United
Hull City v Manchester City
Manchester United v Liverpool
Southampton v Norwich City
Stoke City v West Ham United
Sunderland v Crystal Palace
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

22 March 2014
Aston Villa v Stoke City
Cardiff City v Liverpool
Chelsea v Arsenal
Everton v Swansea City
Hull City v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester City v Fulham
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
Norwich City v Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
West Ham United v Manchester United

29 March 2014
Arsenal v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Fulham v Everton
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United v Aston Villa
Southampton v Newcastle United
Stoke City v Hull City
Sunderland v West Ham United
Swansea City v Norwich City
West Bromwich Albion v Cardiff City

5 April 2014
Aston Villa v Fulham
Cardiff City v Crystal Palace
Chelsea v Stoke City
Everton v Arsenal
Hull City v Swansea City
Manchester City v Southampton
Newcastle United v Manchester United
Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland
West Ham United v Liverpool

12 April 2014
Arsenal v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Fulham v Norwich City
Liverpool v Manchester City
Manchester United v Hull City
Southampton v Cardiff City
Stoke City v Newcastle United
Sunderland v Everton
Swansea City v Chelsea
West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur

19 April 2014
Aston Villa v Southampton
Cardiff City v Stoke City
Chelsea v Sunderland
Everton v Manchester United
Hull City v Arsenal
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion
Newcastle United v Swansea City
Norwich City v Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham
West Ham United v Crystal Palace

26 April 2014
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Fulham v Hull City
Liverpool v Chelsea
Manchester United v Norwich City
Southampton v Everton
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunderland v Cardiff City
Swansea City v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United

3 May 2014
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa v Hull City
Chelsea v Norwich City
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Everton v Manchester City
Manchester United v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Cardiff City
Stoke City v Fulham
Swansea City v Southampton
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur

11 May 2014
Cardiff City v Chelsea
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Hull City v Everton
Liverpool v Newcastle United
Manchester City v West Ham United
Norwich City v Arsenal
Southampton v Manchester United
Sunderland v Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/8782728/Premier-League-Football-League-and-Scottish-fixtures-released-for-2013-14

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Meninga booted from Brisbane bar

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Drama ... Mal Meninga at Queensland training. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Maroons coach Mal Meninga was asked to leave a Brisbane bar by security in the early hours of Wednesday morning as the Queensland camp celebrated Billy Slater and Cameron Smith's 30th birthdays.

But Meninga insisted he was not intoxicated, saying he left with Maroons assistant coach Allan Langer and star pivot Johnathan Thurston after complying with a request from hotel management.

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Meninga was given a bottle of water on his way out.

The incident occurred around 1.10am on Wednesday morning at the Down Under Bar and Grill in Brisbane's CBD.

It is understood Meninga had consumed one beer at the pub when he stepped behind a service area asking to be served a drink.

Security intervened and ordered Meninga to leave the establishment for entering an area that was off-limits to patrons.

Thurston and Langer approached security asking if Meninga could remain, but their pleas fell on deaf ears and they departed the pub with the Maroons mentor.

The incident comes 24 hours after Meninga said he was "fed-up" with the litany of off-field scandals tarnishing the code's image, headlined by NSW winger Blake Ferguson's indecent-assault charge.

Meninga tried to explain the events that led to his departure from the pub.

"I stepped into the service area which is a breach of the rules," he said.

"They asked me to leave and 'Alf' (Langer) and 'JT' (Thurston) wanted to talk to the security people about what had happened.

"Rather than cause a scene, I said, 'It's OK boys, I'm happy to leave,' and they came with me.

"I want to make it clear I left the premises without incident."

The Queensland team entered camp on Tuesday afternoon for Origin II.

After completing team commitments, Maroons players and staff arrived at the Regatta Hotel in Toowong around 9.30pm to celebrate the birthdays of Slater and Smith.

A small contingent then kicked on at the Down Under Bar but no member of the Maroons was reported to have misbehaved.

Down Under Bar and Grill management were unavailable for comment.

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Williams can feel Lions 'arrogance'

Confident ... British and Irish Lions remain undefeated on tour ... so far. Source: Greg Wood / AFP

Veteran Welsh winger Shane Williams says British and Irish Lions players are so confident of beating the Wallabies in the Test series they're buzzing with "arrogance".

Williams, who was a shock call-up from Japan to play against the Brumbies tonight, needed only an hour of training yesterday to pick up on the bold attitude of his new teammates and coaches and their belief they can snap the Lions' 17-year Test series drought.

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"You can sense the hunger in the likes of Warren (Gatland), Rob (Howley) and certainly in the players this time around," Williams said.

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"They seem a lot more focussed, a bit more confident in each other's ability. Just running alongside them then, there's almost like an arrogance running off them of where they believe they can win this series.

"That's great to have, sometimes these tours are won mentally rather than physically and they're in a strong mental place at the moment, which is great to see."

Williams arrived in Sydney yesterday morning for his third Lions tour, after getting a call "completely out of the blue" from Howley around midnight on Saturday to see if he could fly in as an emergency re-inforcement due to injuries out wide.

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The 36-year-old thought he'd played his 13th and last game in a Lions jersey in the third Test of the 2009 series, but Williams jumped at the chance to play another game. If for no other reason than to help the Lions avenge their series loss to the Boks.

"2009 was the one that got away. We believed as a squad, we had a great tour ... and we believed we should have won that series," Williams said.

News_Rich_Media: The Lions and England cricketers fire up against Aussies

After playing a game for his Japanese club Mitusubishi, Williams said he was asleep in Narita - getting ready to fly to Australia as a radio pundit - when Howley's call came.

"I remember thinking it was surreal. I lay on my back most of the night thinking "did that really happen?"," he said.

"It took a good 10 hours for it to sink in really. I suppose it's still sinking in."

Though he retired from Test rugby in 2011 - scoring in the final seconds against Australia - Williams said he was still fit enough to wear the Lions jersey with distinction.

"If I wasn't ... I would have told Rob to stick it," he said.

Williams is scheduled for a very short third Lions tour, with the pint-sized winger set to part ways with the squad tomorrow as they head to Brisbane.

Asked if he felt there was a chance to play on during the tour, Williams said: "I doubt it. Really."

When it was pointed out Gatland hadn't ruled it out, Williams added: "Oh, hasn't he? Ok. Maybe."

"To be honest, I don't know what I'm thinking. It's been a crazy 24 hours," Williams continued.

"The flight has just come and gone and I am out here training with the Lions."

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Hodge cleared of Henderson bump

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Luke Hodge ... risking one-match ban by taking penalty to tribunal. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge is free to play West Coast Eagles after being cleared by the AFL Tribunal over his hit on Carlton defender Lachie Henderson.

Hodge's gamble to contest the charge at the tribunal paid off with the three-man panel clearing the tough midfielder.

He was facing a one-match penalty if he had of been found guilty of rough conduct.

The minor grading of the offence, which was ruled negligent conduct of low impact, meant Hodge could have avoided suspension by pleading guilty and accepting a reprimand

Hodge was offered 93.75 penalty points with a guilty plea by the match review panel on Monday but Hawthorn decided to roll the dice, knowing the points could result in a bigger suspension come the finals.

It is further good news for Hodge and the Hawks after the captain was cleared of a high bump on Carlton counterpart Marc Murphy.

The hit left Murphy with a broken cheekbone and he had surgery to repair the injury on Monday.

Jarryd Roughead also escaped suspension at the MRP, cleared of an incident with Kade Simpson.

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Raiders will stand by Ferguson

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Blake Ferguson ... leaves the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Coogee under an assault charge cloud. Source: Robert Barker / News Limited

Canberra chairman John McIntyre says the club will stand by troubled NSW State of Origin winger Blake Ferguson and help with a rehabilitation plan.

Ferguson was dumped from the Blues team as the NRL suspended his registration on Monday night, citing repeated behavioural issues involving the abuse of alcohol.

The 23-year-old returned to Canberra from the NSW team hotel on Tuesday morning just as news was breaking that South Sydney prop George Burgess had been charged by police in Cairns with wilful damage.

Burgess was suspended for two matches by the NRL and slugged with a $10,000 fine after he threw a road sign through a car window in the Cairns suburb of Redlynch.

The incident took place some 15km away from the Souths team hotel, after an argument with resident of a unit complex in the early hours of Monday morning following the Rabbitohs' win over the Gold Coast in the North Queensland town.

Ferguson was charged by police with indecent assault over an alleged incident on Sunday at a bar in Sydney, where he was drinking with former Raiders teammate Josh Dugan.

The 23-year-old was on his final warning at the club after he was stood down for one game and fined $10,000 for skipping a recovery session to go drinking with Dugan, who was sacked over the incident in March.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said on Tuesday the club backed the action taken by the NRL against Ferguson but a course of action is yet to be determined.

"We recognise this process is going to involve discussions with the NRL and also the need for the club to continue to send a strong message in this area," Furner said.

"We have been in constant consultation with the NRL integrity unit and will continue to work with them to determine the best course of action for Blake, the Raiders and the NRL."

However, long-standing chairman McIntyre then told the Canberra Times the board would definitely stand by and help Ferguson get through his problems.

"I sent my thoughts around to the board via email today and they've responded," he said.

"The key element that's got to come out of it in the end has got to be support for this young bloke."

Ferguson's replacement in the NSW side Nathan Merritt said he was disappointed to see him axed because of behavioural issues and hoped his indigenous all stars teammate would get the right help around him to get his career back on track.

"Hopefully Blake is being surrounded by the right people and they try to keep him calm," Merritt said.

"He needs to get his mind back on the job, get away for a while, freshen up and then see where he goes from there." 

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