Tigers snatch Ryobi thriller

Ben Hilfenhaus proves to be the match-winner with the bat, not ball. Source: News Limited

TASMANIA completed a dramatic one-wicket win with a ball to spare against South Australia in their one-day cup match at Bankstown Oval on Saturday in a near carbon copy of their midweek encounter.

ODD - Bankstown Oval

12 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Tasmania 1st Innings

B. Hilfenhaus	7	5	1	0	140
A. Fekete	1	1	0	0	100
J. Mennie	6.5	1	26	1	3.80

With the final pair at the crease, Test fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus struck a four wide of long-on from the penultimate delivery of the match as Tasmania successfully hauled in South Australia's tally of 210.

Tasmania were marginally behind the required run-rate for much of their innings but captain Tim Paine played a pivotal knock of 56 to top-score for the Tasmanians before being dismissed in the final over.

It was South Australia's third defeat on the trot and all but ended their title hopes, while Tasmania have recovered from two opening defeats to record successive wins.

Tasmania defeated the Redbacks on Wednesday, overcoming SA's season-high target of 269 by two wickets - also on the second last ball of the innings.

Peter George collected the best bowling figures for SA, knocking over Tasmania's three top-order batsmen to finish with 3-27 off ten overs.

Michael Klinger top scored for South Australia against Tasmania. Source: Getty Images

Earlier, South Australia failed to make the most of a bright opening and after reaching 2-157 in the 35th over, they suffered a steady loss of wickets to finish all out for 210 off the last ball of their allotted 50 overs.

Opener Michael Klinger once again top-scored for South Australia with 74 and was denied a second successive century - following his unbeaten 140 on Wednesday - after he was bowled by paceman Ben Laughlin (3-33).

Fellow quick Andrew Fekete was the pick of the bowlers collecting 4-38 off his ten overs and was named player of the match.

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Aussies advance to quarter finals

Sean McMahon scored one of Australia's three tries against Scotland. Source: Getty Images

THE young Aussie side redeemed themselves with an emphatic 22-7 victory over Argentina on Saturday afternoon and were then done a favour by their opponents, who gave them guaranteed passage beyond the pool games.

Argentina's pulsating 21-19 overthrow of Scotland sent the Aussies through to Sunday's Cup quarter-finals at the Gold Coast Sevens.

Argentina (3 points) and Scotland (1 point) are condemned to the bottom two positions in Pool D while the home side are into Sunday's elite competition regardless of their final pool clash result against Samoa.

But it was Australia's win over Argentine that set the wheels in motion.

Not claiming the kick-off and a missed Ed Jenkins tackle to concede the opening try inside 60 seconds was no ideal start following the lame 21-all draw against Scotland to open the day at Robina's Skilled Park.

From that moment, rookie back Tom Lucas, quicksilver Shannon Walker, hard-hitting forward Jesse Parahi and two-try factor Nick Malouf put Australia in total control with a vastly superior performance.

"We were really clinical and put them to the sword. That's exactly how we want to play," said Malouf, who has stepped up from the Queensland University backrow to a sevens career on the international stage.

"We got lazy against Scotland and it cost us."

A quick Walker tap, a good Lucas gallop and Sean McMahon's go-forward set up Malouf's first touchdown against Argentina to excite an alcohol-enriched crowd.

Walker casually dotted down with one hand to complete his try while a pirouette and flick pass shortly after were a hint of his game-breaking skills.

Two big left foot sidesteps set up Malouf's second try while two thundering Parahi tackles in the closing minutes showed the home side's intent.

The Aussies play Samoa in tonight's final Pool D clash. A win ensures their passage into Cup competition tomorrow while a close loss might also be enough to still go through ahead of Scotland.

Australia butchered a 21-0 lead over Scotland to squander the early momentum they desperately wanted from their opening match today.

The men in bright yellow jerseys were red-faced after giving up three converted tries in the closing five minutes to limp out of their Pool D clash with a tame 21-all draw.

Coach Michael O'Connor was stony faced as he led his players into a huddle under the grandstand to dissect the flat finish which is likely to sentence the Aussies to a Cup quarter-final showdown with hotshots New Zealand tomorrow.

Tries to Sean McMahon, Nick Malouf and Con Foley had the Aussies in command today in front of an enthusiastic crowd flecked with Kiwi-loving smurfs in blue body paint, a population explosion of Fred Flintstones and any number of other supporters in fancy dress costumes.

O'Connor may rue make two substitutions with the Aussies 21-7 ahead. The Scots rallied with winger James Fleming racing away, off a costly Australian turnover, to score under the posts after the full-time whistle.

A missed ruck base tackle by James Stannard in the build-up increased the hurt.

In early matches, world series champions New Zealand enjoyed an 38-0 win over the United States followed by a 26-0 romp against Tonga.

Gold Coast Sevens Champions Fiji opened with a 20-10 result over Canada and a 38-0 thrashing of Portugal.

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McLaughlin to lead Volvo charge

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THE man dubbed the "next Craig Lowndes" wants to make a name for himself in 2014 with new V8 Supercars manufacturer Volvo.

But Kiwi rookie Scott McLaughlin may yet be the name on everyone's lips at the Bathurst 1000 on Sunday.

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The Holden young gun was on Saturday officially confirmed as Volvo's lead driver for next season after a debut season to remember.

He has easily been the find of 2013 with two race wins for Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM), including a breakthrough Auckland triumph in his native New Zealand in April.

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It has created a buzz on the mountain similar to that surrounding another 20-year-old in 1994, some bloke by the name of Lowndes.

Nineteen years ago Lowndes made the leap from unknown to budding star with an audacious outside move on veteran John Bowe to snatch the Bathurst 1000 lead on debut — albeit briefly.

But it proved a taste of things to come.

Three-time touring car champion Lowndes will be aiming for his sixth Bathurst crown when he lines up for his 20th start at Mount Panorama on Sunday.

However, many would not be surprised if history repeats and veteran Lowndes is upstaged by upstart McLaughlin this weekend. Five-time V8 champ Mark Skaife has already seen enough from McLaughlin to compare him with Lowndes.

However, McLaughlin said he was determined not to live in anyone's shadow as the 50-year-old GRM team prepared to make an historic switch to Volvo next year.

Scott McLaughlin flies around Mount Panorama on Saturday. Source: News Limited

"I thought if I got a top 15 finish this year I would be stoked but a couple of wins have made my goals go up," McLaughlin told AAP.

"At the same time it is pretty awesome to be compared with Craig Lowndes.

"But I want to be Scott McLaughlin."

McLaughlin admitted it was daunting starting in Volvo's first touring car entry since 1986 especially after watching Mercedes and Nissan endure a roller-coaster V8 return in 2013.

"But at the same time one thing I know for sure is that we have good cars," McLaughlin said of the Volvo team.

"Nissan and Mercedes had to build their cars, gear box coolers all that stuff to get it running.

"All we are doing is focusing 100 per cent on the engines and aero (aerodynamics).

"I think we are in a better position now than they were a year ago.

"The year 2014 can't come quick enough."\

He may be his own man but when asked about his 2014 goals for Volvo, McLaughlin seemed to channel the Lowndes of old.

"I want to win," he said.

"You have to be realistic but you never know.

"Nissan have already won their first race this year (at Winton in August) — it can happen."

Meanwhile, GRM are yet to confirm McLaughlin's co-driver for 2014.

But Will Davison is not believed to be in the mix with the championship contender expected to either stay with Ford Performance Racing or consider a Mercedes move.

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Sydney sign Socceroo Thompson

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Sydney FC has signed former Heart and Jets star Matt Thompson as an injury replacement contract for youngster Peter Triantis.

The free agent has been without a club since leaving Melbourne Heart at the end of last season and goes straight into the squad for tonight's game against the Newcastle Jets.

"I couldn't be happier," said the 31 year old midfielder.  "I'm a Sydney boy so it's fantastic to be coming home and playing in front of my home crowd."

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Head Coach Frank Farina said he was happy to be adding Thompson's experience to the squad:  "Matt has proven quality in this league and his signing is a boost to Sydney FC.  We've completed the paperwork so he is a chance to make his debut in tonight's season opener."

Thompson has the record for making the most appearances in the Hyundai A-League after a five year spell with the Newcastle Jets followed by three years with the Heart.

"To get the chance to face my former club in my first game as a Sydney FC player is very special for me," he said.

"I'm looking forward to it immensely."

Matt Thompson has made 203 Hyundai A-League appearances, scoring 26 goals. He has also represented the Socceroos on four occasions.

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Whincup sets Great Race pace

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THE welcome mat may have been thrown out for Mercedes and Nissan but this year's Bathurst 1000 again looks set to add another chapter to the great Holden-Ford rivalry judging by Friday's qualifying.

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Defending V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup of Holden defied damage caused by clipping the wall to claim provisional pole (two minutes, 8.00 seconds) ahead of Ford threat Mark Winterbottom (2:08.06) and Holden's Jason Bright (2:08.22).

The top 10 grid spots for Sunday's Great Race will be determined from 5pm (EDT) on Saturday.

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Mount Panorama fans have embraced Mercedes - back for the first time since 1994 - and Nissan, not sighted since claiming back-to-back wins in 1992, this week.

But it seems they won't have much to cheer about after Lee Holdsworth (12th) was Mercedes' leading driver at qualifying while Nissan's four-car charge was led by Michael Caruso (17th).

Rather than toast Mercedes' success, fans were drowning their sorrows after lead driver Tim Slade did not even appear in qualifying after a horror practice crash on Thursday.

Ford's Chaz Mostert was another frustrated observer after ricocheting off the wall twice during final practice on Friday.

Both are hopeful of lining up for Sunday's Great Race.

History ... Chaz Mostert's Ford is carried back to the pits. Source: News Limited

In contrast series leader Whincup was counting his lucky stars after recovering from a potentially disastrous mistake to top qualifying ahead of Saturday's top 10 shootout.

"In qualifying you are always trying to find that extra bit and that brought out a couple of errors,'' four-time Bathurst champ Whincup said.

"I just rubbed the wall, nothing crazy.

"Thankfully it was not the suspension (damaged) which would have written qualifying off.''

Four-time V8 champ Whincup even had the luxury of sitting out the final 10 minutes of the 40 minute qualifying session and still top the timesheets.

Mercedes and Nissan were supposed to spice up racing this season but defending Bathurst champion Whincup's ominous form has rivals fearing there will be more of the same on the mountain this weekend.

Four-time Bathurst winner Whincup is enjoying a resurgence after snapping a horror run of one win in 10 starts with victory at the traditional Great Race warm-up, the recent Sandown 500.

James Courtney throws his Holden around Mt Panorama. Source: News Limited

The Ford charge on the mountain looks set to be led by Winterbottom, who sits fourth in the drivers' standings.

Second fastest in both practice sessions he contested on Thursday, the driver dubbed Frosty was again in red hot form during qualifying.

Despite witnessing the carnage of the last 24 hours, Winterbottom has adopted a new relaxed approach on the demanding circuit and it appears to be paying off.

"You have to enjoy Bathurst for what it is. We are lucky to be racing here. It is a lot of fun,'' he said.

Ahead of his 20th Bathurst start, five-time champion Lowndes - who trails Whincup by just 96 championship points - was sixth fastest on Friday.

Ford's Will Davison - third in the drivers' standings - was seventh quickest.

Meanwhile, Whincup was not concerned with the relatively slower lap times on a hot, windy circuit on Friday, saying it may take years for teams to come to grips with the new Car of the Future design at Bathurst.

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F1 reserve driver dead in hotel

Maria de Villota's death has shocked the F1 community. Source: AFP

FORMULA 1 reserve racing driver Maria De Villota has been mysteriously found dead in a hotel room in Spain.

De Villota, who lost her right eye in a crash while testing for the Marussia team last year, was reportedly in Seville to launch her autobiography.

De Villota, daughter of former Formula 1 driver Emilio De Villota, suffered severe head and facial injuries after colliding with a lorry.

F1 teams and drivers have expressed their shock at the news.

Caterham reserve Alexander Rossi, an occasional analyst for BBC Sport, said: "Absolutely stunned and heartbroken to hear Maria De Villota has passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out. We will never ever forget you."

Mercedes added: "Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maria de Villota following the tragic news of her passing."

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Wallabies all about here and now

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THEY'VE slipped into world rugby's middle ground - well behind the mighty All Blacks and rejuvenated Springboks - but the Wallabies aren't about to settle for being cruiserweights.

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Nor bide their time and focus on building to the next Rugby World Cup in two years.

The intent among Ewen McKenzie's men remains to be world-beaters, starting with a drought-breaking upset in New Zealand against the red-hot hosts on Saturday week.

"Ewen has never mentioned the words 'two-year plan' or 'planning for the World Cup'," skipper James Horwill told AAP.

"We're planning to win the Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday week and then the next challenge is (world No.3) England at Twickenham next month and we'll go from there.

"You can't afford to look too far ahead because you lose sight of what's directly in front of you."

What's directly in front of the Wallabies is an enormously difficult chance to save face against the All Blacks with their first Bledisloe Test win across the Tasman since 2001.

Australia are coming off a much-needed 54-17 rout of Argentina in Rosario on the weekend when they produced the attacking rugby frustrated fans have long been crying out for.

The seven tries in 80 sparkling minutes against the Pumas was just one less than they had scored in the previous eight Tests this year.

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But Horwill knows his world No.4-ranked team must play significantly better to beat Richie McCaw's men in Dunedin - especially after witnessing the world champions' epic 38-27 triumph over the Boks in Johannesburg.

"One hundred per cent," he said. "Argentina are a good side but the All Blacks are another level again.

"By no means did we play the so-called perfect game. There's still plenty of room for improvement in the game and we're going to need that against New Zealand.

"Last week was a stepping stone for us.

"Any time you play the All Blacks it's a big game and there's extra motivation of not winning over there for a while and we're obviously playing for pride as well."

Australia's last Bledisloe victory on NZ soil was also in Dunedin, 23-15 at Carisbrook, but 14 losses have followed since.

It's also a dead-rubber following 47-29 and 27-16 losses in August however Horwill feels Australia are better positioned now after six Tests under new coach McKenzie.

"We didn't have a lot of time together to get things right (in the first two Tests)," the Queensland lock said.

"Guys have an understanding of where they're at now but we definitely don't think we're at the peak of where we can be."

Horwill stressed the Wallabies needed to be far more clinical at taking their chances. Basically, emulating the ruthless All Blacks when opportunities present.

"That's the ability they have ... they turn a half a chance into a full-blown chance."

The Wallabies reassemble in Sydney on Sunday but will take a left-field approach to preparations by spending two days in Queenstown before travelling to Dunedin on Friday.

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Hird won't return in 2014

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STAND-in Essendon coach Mark Thompson has declared James Hird will have no input into how the team is coached next season.

Thompson will replace Hird for the duration of 2014 and says the Bombers will comply with the AFL's strict suspension rules.

"I'm the coach for a year," Thompson said.

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"We're not going to break any rules here, we're going to play by the rules, and James is OK with that.

"We're allowed to be friends but he won't have any active involvement in how the team is going."

Under the terms of Hird's 12-month suspension from the AFL he is not permitted to be involved in any coaching activity, including player preparation, tactics, planning or sports science.

He is allowed to attend games and speak to Essendon players and coaches.

Essendon chairman Paul Little yesterday revealed Hird would not be reinstalled as senior coach next season even if the Bombers made the finals.

His suspension runs out on August 25.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES

Little said Hird had indicated early in the coaching selection process that it would be "unwise" for him to come back so late in the season.

He said Hird was not involved in the process that saw Thompson appointed.

"While James is now taking his holiday he will not be in a formal role for the club during the season of 2014 — I want to make that clear," Little said.

"Bomber (Thompson) is clearly the best person for the job and he's been through a very competitive process ... that's why he's been appointed."

Former Adelaide and Melbourne coach Neil Craig will support Thompson in the new role of head of coaching development and strategy.

Simon Goodwin, who missed out on the top job, will be senior assistant.

Thompson, 49, was fined $30,000 for his role in the supplements saga and has been angry and frustrated by the aspects of the AFL investigation.

He admitted yesterday that he struggled with deciding if he was motivated enough to take the job, but resolved to do it in recent weeks.

"I was flat after the year, like any season, but a bit more so this time," Thompson said.

"In freshening up it's a natural part of the process ... but you get asked a million times and I wasn't in the frame of mind to make the decision, and a couple of weeks later, well, I thought about the football club and how I was looking and I'm happy to be part of it."

But he said he wasn't taking the job as a selfless gesture.

"I wouldn't do it if it was just for the club," he said.

Asked about the prospect of Hird missing out on coaching in the finals next year, Thompson said: "Well, I am going to be coaching. I am really excited.

"And if we make the finals and win the grand final, well we have spoken to James and if I do make the finals I will be there, and James will be there too, but I will be senior coach."

Little said 2014 would not be "a gap year" for Essendon, despite the upheaval over the club's 2012 supplements program.

The Bombers will shift permanently to the club's new headquarters at Melbourne Airport next month.

Hird anointed Thompson as the man to replace him the day after his 12-month suspension was handed down by the AFL in August.

"We'd all like to see Mark Thompson do it," Hird said.

"He's the obvious choice but that will be a decision for the club and for Mark."

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Dogs pay for altitude camp

Will Minson could travel to Colarado for the camp. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

A GROUP of Western Bulldogs' big men have dipped into their own pockets to help pay for a gruelling altitude camp next month.

Twelve mostly key position players will complete two weeks of altitude training in Denver, Colorado to help close the fitness gap on rivals from November 6.

Joining the likes of Collingwood and Carlton in the altitude race, the Dogs will climb and hike up mountains in freezing conditions amid regular skills and weight lifting sessions at up to 3000m above sea level.

The club confirmed it had AFL approval for more experienced players to sacrifice some prescribed holiday time to join the tour, provided they make up the leave later in the summer.

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Development coach Ashley Hansen said the club's younger players drove the concept, mainly aimed at developing the aerobic capacity of its key forwards and defenders.

"To put a sports scientist hat on, there's no other game in the world where you are asking 100kg athletes to cover 14kms in a game," Hansen said.

"To develop that (running endurance) part of your physiology is really tough, especially when you are putting on size and strength like we are with the guys too, and then also make them quick and agile.

"That (fitness) is only one aspect of your performance, but by taking them away and living at altitude for 14 nights, we think they can really benefit from that."

It is planned the players will regularly utilise the altitude facilities at Victoria University over the course of the year to help maximise their gains.

Hansen said the club would derive other non-physical benefits from training in the extreme conditions, such as enhancing players' leadership qualities throughout one of the AFL's youngest playing squads.

"It's going to put them in a challenging environment," he said.

"It's going to be cold, we'll be up the side of a mountain, it's going to be tough, so it's also developing the mental toughness as well.

"They'll build a relationship together that will hopefully be pretty strong for the coming years when we start to have success."

The Dogs enjoyed a strong finish to the season, winning four of their last six games.

But Hansen said coach Brendan McCartney had continually reminded the group they still had to bridge a gap on the finals sides, having finished 15th on the ladder.

"We can't be under any illusions we have got a lot of work to do," Hansen said.

"We want the guys to have the belief they are good enough to perform at the level, but that's not good enough.

"They've still got to buy into program, push each other, get better.

"We've got to jump up a few rungs on the ladder to play finals.''

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Sonny sorry over Tohu situation

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SONNY Bill Williams has apologised over his World Cup backflip that forced promising Melbourne Storm forward Tohu Harris out of the squad to make way for the Roosters star.

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Harris became the unfortunate victim after Williams declared his intention to play in the World Cup after the 24-man squad had been named.

On Wednesday night, Williams apologised for the "Tohu situation" saying it was "never my intention".

In a statement released by the New Zealand Rugby League on Wednesday afternoon it said Williams' inclusion in the squad had been approved by World Cup organisers.

Coach Steve Kearney, who on Tuesday fronted a press conference and announced Williams would not be playing in the World Cup said it had been a difficult 24 hours.

"It's been a tough situation, but Sonny brings things to the group that we couldn't ignore," Kearney said.

"He has had time since his NRL grand final win to clear his head and he wants to represent the Kiwis on the world stage.

"He missed our 2008 World Cup win and his inclusion will be a great asset in trying to repeat that success this year.

"It's not only his footballing ability, but also what he brings off the field which will benefit the team."

Earlier on Tuesday New Zealand selector Richie Barnett accused Williams of "disrespecting" the Kiwi team by nominating late for the squad.

In a statement issued by the Melbourne Storm Harris said he was bitterly disappointed to miss out on being part of the eight week tournament.

"As you would expect, I'm very disappointed not to be heading to the World Cup to represent my country, New Zealand,' Harris said.

"I was very much looking forward to going, however I understand the decision that has been made and hope I get another opportunity to play for the Kiwis in the future."

"My focus will now be on returning to training with Storm in November for pre-season and looking forward to an exciting 2014," Harris said.

New Zealand tried to soften the blow to Harris by taking him on the tour in a development role and play him in pre-tournament matches.

But Harris and the Storm have decided it would be better for him to remain in Melbourne for minor surgery.

Young gun Harris produced a brilliant debut season at the Storm this year, nominated for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award alongside George Burgess, Anthony Milford and David Nofouluma, with Burgess eventually taking the title. 

In April, Harris was promoted to the New Zealand side after just six NRL games, debuting in the Anzac Test against Australia following injuries to Simon Mannering and Jeremy Smith.

Harris played all but one NRL game in his rookie year, crossing for two tries.

"Tohu handled the situation as well as anyone could," Kearney said.

"It was a conversation no coach would like to have, but he's a terrific young man and I'm sure he'll have many more opportunities to pull on the black jersey.

"It's been a unique set of circumstances for all involved, but for now our focus is getting set to defend the World Cup with the team we have."

New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden told a media conference said the senior leadership group gave unanimous support to Williams' inclusion.

"We want to win the World Cup, we want to take the best team," he said.

"He (Williams) is clearly an undeniable talent, but we recognise it's a polarising decision."

Only time will tell if Williams can be the difference in retaining the trophy - "But I think our chances have increase significantly - you can't deny that," Holden said.

He believed the NZRL had acted with integrity and respect in the way they conveyed the news to Harris.

He also said whatever decision was made would have its supporters and detractors.

Holden said Williams was "hugely excited" about his inclusion in the squad.

"I think he felt that, in 2008, when he missed the last World Cup, that he missed an opportunity,'' he said.

"He didn't want to miss this one and he had had time to reflect on that."

Holden added that Williams was aware of the difficulty he had created for the NZRL and for Kearney, and the personal impact on Harris.

Below are Williams' reasons for changing his mind which he sent to his followers on Twitter on Wednesday.

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Thompson set to coach Dons

Mark Thompson will coach Essendon. Source: HeraldSun

MARK Thompson could be named interim Essendon coach as early as Thursday - with Neil Craig his potential sidekick.

Craig, who was high performance manager at Melbourne this year, has emerged as the surprise senior assistant to Thompson.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES

Thompson's appointment would end a curious month-long search for a replacement for James Hird, who was suspended for 12 months for his role in the club's supplements program through 2011-2012.

Thompson has swayed from wanting, then not wanting and then wanting the job, and in the recent past has shown a real hunger for the position.

The Geelong premiership coach has had several in-depth discussions with senior club people, and was the logical choice to fill in Hird's absence.

Support from all facets of the club became clear at the club's best and fairest count last Wednesday night.

Thompson got a standing ovation and a chant of "'Bomber, Bomber'' as he walked on stage, so clearly the members and influential coterie members wanted him.

Skipper Jobe Watson and best and fairest winner Brendon Goddard had told club officials they also wanted Thompson, while from day one Hird implored the club to appoint Thompson.

The sealer was Thompson telling the club he wanted role.

The appointment of Craig would be left-field.

The former Adelaide coach was interim coach at Melbourne this year when Mark Neeld was sacked, and when Paul Roos was named coach, Craig's days were numbered.

He would be seen by the Bombers as a mature-head in a re-organised football department.

Craig would be likely to be appointed to the role of technical coach, or senior assistant.

Thompson could not be contacted last night, but he told Fox Footy's AFL360 program recently that he was prepared to coach.

"I said that I'd help in any way," Thompson said. "If they want to go down a different track that's fine. If they want me to coach, I'd seriously consider it.

''I'm just worried about the club. Have I got my hunger back? I don't know, we'll find out."

People close to Thompson say he remains frustrated and angry about his $30,000 fine for his role in the supplements saga, and part of him wants to show the AFL, and the football world, that he and the club will restore respect for the red and black.

Meanwhile, the purging of Essendon people continued yesterday when premiership hero Dean Wallis was sacked in a football department reshuffling.

It follows a decision by board member and premiership player Chris Heffernan and chief executive Ray Gunston, the two most powerful football people at the club, to overlook another club premiership player, Mark Harvey, for the senior positions at the club.

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Roos given Dal Santo deadline

The Saints have given North Melbourne a deadline. Source: News Limited

ST KILDA has set North Melbourne a deadline to clinch a deal for veteran midfielder Nick Dal Santo.

The Saints have been happy to explore options for Dal Santo, 29, but have grown tired of the stalemate in negotiations.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES
STARS WILL GET TRADED: ROOS

They believe continuing speculation over one of St Kilda's favourite sons is unfair to Dal Santo with 15 days remaining in footy's player trading frenzy.

"Nick is a respected member of the Saints player group and as such negotiations around any possible trade will not allowed to drag on," St Kilda football boss Chris Pelchen told the Herald Sun.

"So in fairness to Nick, clarity around North Melbourne's position will need be determined sooner rather than later.

"We don't intend to conduct our list management through the media but for the sake of our members and fans I can confirm our position has not changed — any trade involving Nick Dal Santo would have to be acceptable to both Nick and us."

North Melbourne is determined to secure Dal Santo as a free agent, a move that is expected to hand the Saints pick 22 as compensation.

St Kilda are also keen to deal for Kangaroos defender Luke Delaney, who is out of contract.

The Kangaroos have pick 26 but are yet to package Delaney and that selection in an offer for Dal Santo.

North's preferred option is to take Dal Santo as a free agent and send Delaney to Seaford in exchange for a late pick.

Saints coach Scott Watters this week made it clear Dal Santo had two or three more seasons of quality football remaining.

"At this stage there has been nothing that has been put on the table that would make Nick leave this football club," Watters told the Herald Sun.

Greater Western Sydney is asking St Kilda for pick 21 in exchange for key defender Josh Bruce, who has been offered a three-year deal at Seaford.

The Saints have rejected the demand, believing it is too much for a unproven player.

 

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SBW in shock World Cup backflip

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SONNY Bill Williams is understood to be contemplating a shock return to the New Zealand national rugby league team for this year's World Cup.

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Williams was not selected in the Kiwis' 24-man squad on Tuesday, prompting speculation he was on the verge of signing with Super Rugby club the Waikato Chiefs.

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But sources close to Williams tonight have said that the multi-sport superstar wants to play for the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup before pursuing a lucrative heavyweight fight in New Zealand.

That move would come as a major surprise to many within league, including New Zealand's coach Stephen Kearney.

Kearney told media on Tuesday that Williams was unavailable for selection "due to other commitments" but was unable to specify what those commitments were.

"I'm sure we'll all hear about that after the next two to three weeks," Kearney said. "We had planned that Sonny wasn't going to come away.

"That was, I guess, just the general feeling that I had throughout the year."

Williams tweeted earlier Tuesday that he wished the Kiwis well for their title defence.

Williams was selected in New Zealand's initial squad for the 2008 rugby league World Cup after he had already defected from the Bulldogs to join French rugby club Toulon.

Williams played no part in the tournament, which the Kiwis would go on to win in dramatic fashion.

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Fire sale as Blues chase Chappy

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse talks to defender Josh Bootsma. Source: Michael Dodge / HeraldSun

CARLTON looms as a possible new home for Paul Chapman after they met for preliminary discussions on Monday.

The Blues are looking at a variety of recruitment options in an effort to revitalise a list that could only win three of 13 games against teams that finished above it on the home-and-away ladder (including Essendon).

Chapman, 31, wasn't offered a new contract by the Cats after 251 games between 2000-13, but firmly believes he has good football left in him.

WHITE HEADING TO THE PIES

AFL APPROVES BUDDY DEAL

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES

His manager Liam Pickering said today Carlton was one of four clubs that had contacted him.

"Any club that thinks they can contend next year would obviously be mad not to speak with 'Chappy'. He feels as if his body will allow him at least two good years," Pickering said.

When Chapman did play in eight matches for 2013 his statistics were outstanding, better in all areas than his career averages and that included two games where he was substitute.

The sticking point for a possible Chapman deal could come down to money with the Blues heavily committed after signing Dale Thomas from Collingwood.

But they have made it known they are willing to part with first-round draftees Josh Bootsma and Kane Lucas, plus ruckman-forward Levi Casboult, as part of the club's dramatic list overhaul.

Blues forward Levi Casboult celebrates a goal with gusto. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

The Blues have told rivals they are prepared to trade either of the pair if it helps secure coach Michael Malthouse some top-line midfield talent.

The move has surprised other clubs, given Carlton used their first selections in the 2009 and 2011 national drafts to select Lucas and Bootsma.

Carlton has also been linked to Shane Savage from Hawthorn.

Lucas, 22, had his best year this season, averaging 18 touches from 17 games, but he lost his place late in the campaign and missed out on finals.

Bootsma, 20, was played in a key defensive post at times this year but in his nine games in the backline did not take an intercept mark, according to Champion Data. The Blues this year re-signed Bootsma for two more years, until the end of 2015.

Joel Corey in action for the Cats. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

At Geelong, Chapman's long-time teammate Joel Corey will not be offered a new contract and is expected to retire.

But don't wait for any fanfare as Corey will leave the game as he played it — quietly.

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White headed to the Pies

Sydney's Jesse White thanks the fans after a win over the Bulldogs earlier this year. Source: George Salpigtidis / HeraldSun

COLLINGWOOD and Sydney have committed to doing a deal on key forward Jesse White as the Pies grow confident of luring GWS midfielder Taylor Adams.

Swans forward White will get to the Pies early in trade week with Sydney still assessing how many picks it takes in November's national draft.

Hawks let Buddy fly to the Swans

The Pies will need to deliver a third-round or late second-round pick, but both parties worked seamlessly on the Rhyce Shaw deal and will get this year's version over the line.

Greater Western Sydney confirmed their interest in Heath Shaw, but disputed that it was $800,000 a season.

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Regardless it is a monster deal that could furnish the Pies with a third first-round pick after the No.11 compensation selection they could get for Carlton-bound Dale Thomas.

The Pies could swap that pick for Adams if Shaw decided to head to Geelong instead of taking up a five-year deal at the Giants.

Collingwood has also considered Adelaide's Ricky Henderson, Sydney's Tony Armstrong and Brisbane's Patrick Karnezis.

Essendon midfielder Travis Colyer signed a new two-year deal at the Bombers, another sign they will keep most of their players.

But the Dogs will not relent on offering a better pick than no. 22 for Stewart Crameri, and believe they could acquire him in the pre-season draft for nothing.

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Scott Gumbleton is still expected to leave for more opportunities, while defender Tayte Pears is closing in on a new deal.

Gumbleton, ex-Geelong forward James Podsiadly, Adelaide's Shaun McKernan and Hawthorn midfielder Xavier Ellis are all being assessed by Fremantle.

But the Dockers could still ignore the quartet and give young key talls more opportunity, with Gumbleton injury-prone and Podsiadly 32.

Richmond will keep former Geelong rookie Orren Stephensen on their rookie list despite securing Carlton's Shaun Hampson on Monday.

Adelaide's Bernie Vince was a quality midfielder shopped around by the Crows in Monday's talks, a rare talented onballer available to rival clubs.

The AFL denied that Jeff Gieschen would be moved on, after appointing him in a role earlier this year which sees him overseeing umpiring development across the country.

Melbourne parted company with recruiter Gary Burleigh, curious timing ahead of next month's national draft.

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Gould's rookies win 20s thriller

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PENRITH'S regeneration under Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary accelerated further on Sunday, with the Panthers holding on for a brave 42-30 win over the Warriors to claim their first Holden Cup grand final victory.

The Panthers win showcased brilliant talent, but more importantly resilience under pressure.

In scorching heat at ANZ Stadium, for nearly three quarters of the match, the Warriors couldn't compete with the speed and power of the Panthers, who raced away to a 34-6 lead.

But in the Holden Cup, it's never over until it's over.

And with 24 minutes left on the clock and on the back of eight consecutive penalties, the Warriors piled on four tries to get within four and set up a thrilling finish with 12 minutes left.

Penrith fullback Kieran Moss was sin-binned for a professional foul the set before, and the Warriors appeared destined for their third Holden Cup premiership as they took all the momentum into the final 10 minutes.

Despite still being in front on the scoreboard, it was the Panthers who now needed to fight back.

The final courageous effort came from Jack Gibson medal winner James Roberts, who dashed 40 metres downfield to lay the platform for opposite centre Waqa Blake to crash over and seal the result.

Speedster Roberts proved almost untouchable in his six NRL games this season, and it was much the same in the National Youth League decider.

Roberts scored two scintillating first half tries, while winger George Jennings set the grand final tone for Roosters' brother Michael, nabbing a try and setting up another.

The Panthers fought bravely in first grade this season, finishing just one win out of the top eight with an inexperienced roster.

And the performance of Garth Brennan's Holden Cup team to convert a second-placed finish to a premiership, was confirmation of the club's promise.

The Panthers faced a heap of adversity throughout the 80 minutes, losing halfback and captain Daniel Foster after just 15 minutes with the scores locked at 6-6.

The Warriors, the most successful team in the history of NYC, were shooting for their third premiership and the ideal send-off for veteran coach John Ackland.

However, despite the inspired attacking play of halves Tuimoala Lolohea and Mason Lino, the Warriors couldn't quite complete a comeback which would have been extraordinary even by Holden Cup standards.

PENRITH PANTHERS 42 (J Roberts 2 K Moss G Jennings B Attwood M Clark W Blake tries B Cartwright 7 goals) bt NZ WARRIORS 30 (R Faitala-Mariner A Vete E Malu M Lisati V Lolohea tries M Lino 5 goals) at ANZ Stadium.

Penrith's Kieran Moseley at full time. Picture: Brett Costello Source: DailyTelegraph

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Wallabies unleash attacking style

Wallabies fullback Israel Folau slices through Argentina's defence at Gigante de Arroyito Stadium in Rosario. Source: Juan Mabromata / AFP

EWEN McKenzie says the seven-try Rosario rout against Argentina was "only just scratching around the edges'' of the full attacking potential of the new Wallabies.

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It went from the sublime to the redemptive in a memorable morning of rugby on Sunday morning, when the Wallabies followed up the All Blacks' classic victory over the Springboks by posting a record win over Los Pumas.

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Israel Folau scored a hat-trick in the Wallabies' victory, which saw an assortment of monkeys shaken off backs of the men in gold jerseys.

In tallying up their highest ever score against Argentina, the Wallabies finally took the covers off the attacking style McKenzie has been struggling to implement since taking over three months ago.

With a superb forward performance laying the platform, hard and straight running from Folau and Joe Tomane tore open the Pumas defence, and better handling could have even seen more than seven tries scored.

After averaging one try per game for the last 24 Tests, however, seven was a drastic increase and was Australia's most since a 10-try romp against Russia in 2011. It was even the first time in two years the Wallabies scored four or more tries.

McKenzie said the performance was ``closer'' to the style he'd like to have his side playing, but Rosario was a long way off the Wallabies laying down their best hand.

"We still missed opportunities and made errors but we're getting better. You saw a lot of the spirit of how we'd like to play, there was some adventure there, we mixed the game up and we showed toughness,'' McKenzie said.

"It was more characteristic of how we'd like to play.

"In terms of pattern of play we're only just scratching around the edges yet. There's a bunch of things we haven't got to yet because we're still trying to bed a few things down.

"I felt it was a better effort. In the end you've got to be able run, got to be able to bend the line, break tackles, and we started do all that.''

After over-wrought attempts to run against the All Blacks and Springboks failed, and a kicking strategy in Cape Town did too, McKenzie said the team re-visited their strategies in training last week and pared the gameplan back.

"Fundamentally we want to run and carry the ball to the opposition and I thought we did that with great purpose,'' McKenzie said.

"We didn't come into the game as the favourites so to come here and get a record score line was a very good effort.''

The victory, which was described as a massive ``confidence booster'' for the Wallabies by skipper James Horwill, has the potential to unlock further growth in a team previously lacking majorly in self-belief.

McKenzie said he could feel the tension in the dressing room pre-match.

"I said to them on the field afterward you can be confronted with the pressure and the nerves and you can shrink  or put it to one side and get out there and express yourself,'' he said.

"It's pleasing that they expressed themselves in the face of a fair bit of pressure rather than shrink and say it's all too hard so I was quite pleased with the character shown.''

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Wallabies set sights on All Blacks

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THE Wallabies are intent on backing up a strong performance in Rosario - particularly by the maligned Australian forward pack - when they tackle New Zealand and the best of the northern hemisphere in coming months.

A record victory over Argentina was the sum of several impressive parts, with star outings by Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau and Joe Tomane among the most eye-catching.

But collectively the Wallaby forward pack deserved cold beers post-match, after answering criticism of their physicality and weak scrum by getting on top of a tough Pumas pack.

Argentina troubled the All Black scrum so much a week earlier that many predicted they would slaughter the struggling Wallaby pack, and it didn't take long for the showdown to occur.

Australia were camped on their own line for almost 10 minutes as scrum after scrum was packed. They gave up four penalties and lost prop James Slipper to the sin-bin, but with Benn Robinson's timely addition, ultimately held the Pumas out.

"They're difficult moments and they're the ones you look back on," James Horwill said.

"All the effort you do at scrum training comes off. We knew that they're good and we could see that's where they were going, they were behind on the scoreboard and they were wanting to chase and assert themselves, so we stuck at it, even a man down. And in the end we got the result we were looking for. It was certainly tough."

As the match wore on Australia's scrum even began to get dominance, and not only pressured the hosts' ball but gave a solid platform for set-piece attack that bent the gain-line.

Horwill said the effort had to be backed up or it would mean nothing.

"We're coming up against some world class scrums. The All Blacks are an excellent scrum and we've got them in two weeks. A big thing for us is not going back from here, it's moving forward. You can't just rest on your laurels and have it be a one-off performance, it needs to be a stepping stone on to bigger and better things," he said.

The Wallabies were beaten by the Kiwis twice in August but Folau said the team could take their confidence forward into the dead-rubber third Bledisloe Cup fixture in Dunedin on Saturday week.

"The challenge now, it's good to get the win tonight but we want to get two in a row," Folau said.

"That's going to be our next challenge. That one in Dunedin is obviously going to be a pretty tough challenge but we can regroup and turn up and have the same passion like we did tonight going in against the AB's."

Fardy, who duelled with Hooper for man-of-the-match with a typically tireless effort in defence and at the breakdown, said the Wallabies never lost heart despite a tough winter.

"We knew we were working towards something," he said.

"It hasn't been a great Rugby Championship. We lost all our games to New Zealand and South Africa, but there were halves there where we played really well. I thought we played well in the second half last week. Things went our way a bit more tonight.

"We get a bit of time away from footy now, go home rest up and by the weekend, really be focusing on getting after the All Blacks next week and go there hungry for a result."

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