Flores breaks Melbourne's Heart

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MELBOURNE Heart surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against A-League champions Central Coast Mariners.

A David Williams brace was cancelled out by two goals from former Melbourne Victory marquee Marcos Flores, both penalties in front of 8734 at AAMI Park.

It wasn't the first time Heart threw away a lead but they could certainly count themselves unlucky with referee Ben Williams awarding a soft spot kick that allowed the Mariners back into the contest.

An uneventful final first half preceded a chaotic second where four goals, two penalties and several yellow cards were dished out as tensions grew.

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Re-live the four-goal thriller with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and key statistics.

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Heart's pace up front allowed them to start conservatively and pick their moments to attack, hitting the Mariners in a six-minute second half blitz.

Mariners keeper Justin Pasfield fumbled Mebrahtu's long-range strike and Williams pounced first before rounding the Mariners keeper and tapping it into the empty net in the 54th minute.

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

Six minutes later he was the beneficiary of sharp passage when Mebrahtu released Iain Ramsay who drew Pasfield before centering for Williams, who was playing in Harry Kewell's No.10 position, to again tap in.

Mebrahtu had a chance to wrap the game up in the 69th when his pace and strength held off Trent Sainsbury after Aziz Behich looped a ball over the top but Pasfield redeemed himself for his earlier gaffe.

Two minutes later the momentum swung the Mariners' away as Williams pointed a spot after Patrick Kisnorbo had his hand on sub Matt Simon's shoulder. Redmayne picked the right way but couldn't stop Flores' spot kick.

And moments later Williams awarded the Mariners another penalty after the ball struck the hand of Patrick Gerhardt, who had come on two minutes earlier, with Flores again stepping up and this time sending Redmayne the wrong way.

The Mariners were well below par and it appears it will take time to adjust having lost Bernie Ibini, Mat Ryan, Oliver Bozanic and Patrick Zwaanswijk while Daniel McBreen's loan deal with Chinese side Shanghai SPIG ends on October 30.

There were positives for Heart, who didn't concede many chances from open play with Dutchman Rob Wielaert again marshaling the defence well and will no doubt be a greater threat once Kewell and Michael Mifsud return.
Heart raced out of the blocks and created the opening few chances of the game. Williams had a goal-bound shot blocked by Trent Sainsbury after six minutes as did Mate Dugandzic moments later.

Mariners striker Mitchell Duke's 20m strike caused Redmayne issues and Sainsbury's header from the resulting corner struck the bar.

Heart dropped all 11 players back for defensive set pieces but the Mariners' well-rehearsed moves still caused them issues, with Sainsbury usually on the end of Mile Sterjovski or Flores supplies.

Heart's best chances came down the flanks and Iain Ramsay, who replaced injured Kewell, got goalside of Mariners right-back Storm Roux but twice found the side-netting.

Otherwise it was a steady albeit conservative performance from Heart, with even Aziz Behich not venturing as far forward as he usually does.

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Tyres may force MotoGP race cut

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RACE officials will consider shortening Sunday's Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix due to safety concerns relating to the new re-layed surface.

Tyre issues have been a headache for officials at Phillip Island this weekend with the Grand Prix Commission considering its options.

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Alternatives  are being considered, which include shortening the race to 14 laps.

They still may run the race at the full 27-lap distance but with the provision of a compulsory pitstop.

The other alternative is to run two separate races.

A decision has already been made to halve the Moto2 Grand Prix.

World championship leader Marc Marquez knows what format he would like.

"I would prefer one race with 14 laps," he said. "I think that is best option.

"But if not I would like flag to flag because there is no need to make two races."

Tyre blistering has been an issue for many of the riders, including Marquez who has come off twice already this weekend.

"It has been quite strange," Marquez said.

Opinion was divided over what the best format would be for the race.

Valentino Rossi summed it up when he said the riders would adjust to whatever decision is made.

"It's not our decision so we just have to see what the outcome is," he said. "This track is very particular with the surface.

"The tyres just become too hot."

Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo sets the fastest lap time during Friday practice. Source: News Limited

Meanwhile, Casey Stoner was back at Phillip Island yesterday after being made an MotoGP Legend at just 28.

His retirement gave Marquez an opportunity at Honda and he said he was impressed with the rising star's debut year.

But he also urged the young gun keep his ego in check.

"I think Marc has done a fantastic job this year without a doubt," he said.

"We've seen him come up through the ranks get quicker and quicker, and grow a lot of maturity in a lot of ways.

"But I still think he could do things maybe off track a little bit nicer and be slightly more respectful with some of the things that have happened on track.

"Okay, they are racing incidents, but in his own words I think he could be slighly more respecful of what's happened and what's caused them."

Aussies Bryan Staring (21st) and Damian Cudlin (23rd) will start way back on the grid.

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Get out of Brisbane: Lethal

Leigh Matthews has a message for Simon Black. Source: DAN PELED / AAP

LEIGH Matthews says if Simon Black is serious about pursuing an AFL coaching career, he must one day leave the Gabba.

Black is expected to accept Brisbane's offer of an assistant coaching role after announcing his retirement on Friday in an emotionally-charged press conference.

However, his mentor and four-time premiership coach Matthews says Black will need to spread his wings eventually if he is determined to make his mark as a coach after a glittering 16-year playing career.

HIS GREATNESS WAS BLACK AND WHITE

Gold Coast, Sydney and West Coast lead a host of clubs that are also chasing Black.

"From a Lions point of view, it would be wonderful to have him stay because you cannot get enough character into your operations. If you can't have Blacky on the field, the next best thing is to have him helping as part of your coaching set-up," Matthews told News Limited.

"I think he is leaning that way but there is an element that you eventually grow up and leave home.

"Some people spend their whole lives at one footy club but you don't live with your mum and dad forever. Every kid grows up and leaves home.

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"The senior coach (Justin Leppitsch) is a fair example of that. Leppa had a few years at the Lions on the coaching staff after he retired then decided to go out to another club (Richmond) and now he's come back to the Lions.

"It's up to Simon to make that decision about the next phase of his life."

The AFL icon said Black made the right call to pull the pin on his playing days. Black spoke to Matthews last week as he wrestled with his future and canvassed the opinions of those closest to him.

"Absolutely he did the right thing. His last couple of years, his body has told him it's time," Matthews said.

"He's 34, not 24. It's pretty clear that his body has been breaking down on him.

Brisbane Lions premiership heroes (from left) Jonathan Brown, Michael Voss, Ash McGrath, Simon Black, Leigh Matthews and Jamie Charman. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: CourierMail

"It's hard to accept but that was the reality."

Matthews said it was only a matter of time before Black was elevated into the AFL's Hall of Fame.

He said Black's Norm Smith medal-winning performance in the 2003 grand final — when he tallied a record 39 disposals — spoke volumes about the midfield marvel.

"He's going to be a Hall of Famer. The Hall of Fame means you've got to be elite," Matthews said.

"One would have to think Simon is going to get in there in due course as only the very best of the best become Hall of Fame players.

"I've never seen him play a better game than that 2003 grand final. To be able to perform like that under the incredible pressure that comes with a grand final was amazing. He was at his absolute peak on the biggest stage, that's a fair credit.

"He was just a wonderful footballer and he remains a wonderful human being."
 

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Johnson's Kokoda fundraiser

Steve Johnson will raise money for charity. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

GEELONG champion Steve will set out on Saturday on an eight-day trek on the Kokoda Track to raise money for charity.

Fresh from a holiday in Indonesia, Johnson is part of a tour group that will complete the trek to raise money for Kids Plus, a charity that provides early intervention therapy for children born with cerebral palsy and other similar physical disabilities.

Johnson Tweeted that he would be out of contact until the end of the month: "No phone, no social media, no newspapers & unfortunately no races!''

He undertook the trek in 2010 with premiership teammate James Kelly, with Johnson later suggesting it was one of the reasons for his excellent form in 2011.

"Kel and I both say it's one of the best things we've ever done,'' Johnson told the Herald Sun in 2011. "The story to it is obviously one aspect of it and you learn a lot going on that trip, but physically if you wanted to lose three or four kilos of fat and put on two or three kilos of muscle, that's the place to go.''

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Pies, Giants refuse to budge

Heath Shaw's trade is causing problems. Source: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD and Greater Western Sydney are at a stand-off over the trade value of premiership half-back flanker Heath Shaw.

The Pies are pushing for a straight swap of Shaw with young GWS midfielder Taylor Adams but the Giants are demanding an exchange of picks also be involved.

Hawks anger at Buddy pick PLUS see the revised draft order

Shaw, who is still contracted to the Pies for two years, declared on Monday that he had chosen GWS and a five-year $3.5 million deal over Geelong as his preferred destination.

But after in-depth discussions, the two clubs are still a long way off a deal.

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The Giants are saying that Collingwood have pushed Shaw out the door so they don't have the high ground in the deal.

Plus there are plenty of other clubs keen for Adams' services with the Giants happy to explore better trade options.

They include Geelong, Carlton and Essendon.

Given Shaw's contracted status the only way he can become a Giant is through an agreed trade between the two clubs.

The Pies are in a bind as they have plans for their other picks later in the draft as they look to acquire Sydney's Jessie White and Tony Armstrong plus Brisbane's Patrick Karnezis.

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Adams, 20, who was the No.13 selection in the 2011 National Draft, has played 31 games in two years at the Giants.

The Giants want to switch their pick 19 for Collingwood's 11 to sweeten the deal but the Pies are looking at a number of different scenarios before next Friday's trade deadline, including snaring the No.6 draft pick.

Amid a range of complex scenarios, the Pies have discussed exchanging their picks 11 and 27 for West Coast's sixth selection. The Eagles would then on-trade 27 to the Brisbane Lions for Elliott Yeo.

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Dal Santo a Roo, Vince a Dee

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ST KILDA says it has no plans to trade any more of its champions after letting Nick Dal Santo go to North Melbourne as a free agent today.

Melbourne was the biggest player in a hectic day, adding Adelaide midfielder Bernie Vince in a late move.

Immediately after compensation picks were announced for clubs that lost players to free agency, Melbourne sent its Colin Sylvia compo selection to the Crows.

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Vince, 28, has signed a three-year deal with the Demons.

The Demons earlier gave away their second pick in the draft for young GWS midfileder Dom Tyson as part of a deal that involved a complicated exchange of draft picks.

The moves leave the Demons with Vince, Tyson and picks 9, 40 and 57.

RELIVE OUR TRADE CHAT BELOW

The Crows, kicked out of the first two rounds of the draft over last summer's Kurt Tippett affair, now have selection 23 as well as free agents Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly.

Paperwork for Dal Santo's move was lodged with the AFL this morning and the move was confirmed when St Kilda declined the option of matching North Melbourne's three-year offer.

It is the latest move on a big day of trading, with Paul Chapman becoming an Essendon player and Podsiadly joining the Crows.

The move of Swans ruckman Shane Mumford to GWS has also been confirmed, with the Giants sending their third-round draft pick (currently 35) to Sydney.

CHAPMAN CHOOSES BOMBERS

PODSIADLY TO PLAY FOR CROWS

DEES TRADE PICK TWO FOR TYSON

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES

St Kilda knows the decision to let the 260-game veteran leave will upset supporters, but insists it is making the hard decisions necessary for long-term success.

And the club says no more Saints are on the table in what has been a difficult post-season for the club.

After farewelling veterans Justin Koschitzke, Jason Blake and Stephen Milne in the final home-and-away game, St Kilda opened the trade period by sending Ben McEvoy to Hawthorn and has fielded speculation about the future of Dal Santo, skipper Nick Riewoldt and star midfielder Leigh Montagna.

Last year St Kilda lost Brendon Goddard to Essendon as a free agent, three years after former captain Luke Ball left the club in bitter circumstances.

Saints list manager Ameet Bains said today Riewoldt and Montagna were not going anywhere - and nor were any more senior St Kilda players.

"As it stands there are no approaches to any other player," he said on Trade Week radio.

Bains said the club's focus would turn to getting defenders Luke Delaney (North Melbourne) and Josh Bruce (GWS) to Seaford - apparently ruling out a role for Sam Fisher in the Bruce deal.

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Hoffman 'not right' for fullback

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HE may be World Cup defending champion New Zealand's first choice fullback, but Josh Hoffman "is not the right guy" to wear the Broncos No.1 jersey, Brisbane teammate Justin Hodges says.

Hoffman has been named fullback for the Kiwis' warm-up clash with the Cook Islands in England this weekend and is considered a key to their title defence.

However, a question mark looms over Hoffman's place in the Broncos backline next year after the signings of Dally M Medallist Ben Barba, Canberra's Daniel Vidot and Cronulla's Stewart Mills.

Hoffman was a shining light at fullback in the final seven NRL rounds in an otherwise dismal season for Brisbane.

But Hodges said the Kiwi speedster must work on his passing game if he is to become a world class No.1.

"Hoffy is a great player, but at the moment I don't think he is the right guy for fullback," he said.

"He's one of the best runners I have seen with the football, but he just has to work on his passing game. That's where I think he falls down.

"You look at guys like Greggy (Inglis) and Billy (Slater), all the great fullbacks we have in our game, they have those real fast hands.

"And Hoffy just hasn't learned that yet."

Hoffman was reportedly upset when told of Barba's three-year deal in August and contemplated a release from his contract, which expires at the end of 2015, before backing down.

However, Hodges - battling back from an Achilles injury - believed being kept honest by Barba would only benefit Hoffman's game.

"I think Barba's arrival will be good for him,'' he said.

"It will be good competition.

"It (picking fullback) will be a real tough choice for Hook (Broncos coach Anthony Griffin).

"But it will be good for the Broncos having those two guys firing.''

However, Hodges said Griffin may already possess the blueprint to best utilise Hoffman after Barba's arrival.

Hodges and Hoffman successfully rotated between right centre and fullback this season before serious injury again struck down the Broncos veteran.

The recovering Hodges believed swapping first choice fullback Barba with Hoffman on either the wing or centres would prove a masterstroke for Brisbane.

"Maybe that same role Hoffy and I played towards the end of the year, swapping over, I think they can still do that,'' Hodges said.

"There's no word that Hoff has to stay on the wing forever.

"Him and Benny swapping all the time will put the defence in two minds.''

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Warner stars, but Blues fall to Bulls

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Test opener David Warner kept the wolves from the door with a timely century, but it couldn't stop Queensland Bulls from cruising to a five-wicket victory in the domestic one-day clash at North Sydney Oval on Thursday.

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Warner blasted a dynamic 139 from 126 balls, but NSW suffered an embarrassing collapse around him.
They lost their last seven wickets for 39 runs and 6-30 after Warner spooned one to long on, to be all out for a below par 253.

The capitulation gifted Queensland a comfortable run chase, which they achieved with six overs remaining.

Usman Khawaja (63 from 52) continued to do everything in his power to fight his way back into the mix for a Test return, scoring his third consecutive half century for the Bulls.

Warner declined to talk at the customary media conference after the match, angered at reports suggesting he needed runs to guarantee his place for the first Test.

It's largely been a year to forget for the 26-year-old.

He's been involved in a list of off-field controversies including his infamous punch in Birmingham, and most recently a slap on the wrist from NSW cricket for missing a grade game and a directive from chief executive Andrew Jones to cut out external "distractions''.

He's been dropped from the Australian one-day side for poor form and started the domestic Cup competition with scores of 4, 0 and 17.

But with the pressure building, Warner responded in style, belting 13 fours and six massive sixes.

Warner is always one to back his ability, and he has scored five half centuries from his past 10 Tests - more than any other player.

ODD - Drummoyne Oval

17 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

A. Ross	24	19	2	0	126.32
J. Botha	24	14	4	0	171.43

But his jubilant reaction upon bringing up three figures from 96 balls suggested the innings meant a lot.

It was a timely reminder to selectors about his capabilities at the top of the order, but it was captain Steve Smith, run out for 4, who had to deliver the verbal message.

"He played pretty well. A bit slow early on but he struck the ball nicely today," Smith said.

"He was pretty happy with the way he hit them. Hopefully he can go off in the next couple of games as well."

Warner will certainly need to.

The loss means the Blues will most likely need to win their last two matches to make the one-day Cup preliminary final.

Queensland openers Khawaja and James Peirson (52) put on 118 to set the platform, before middle-order batsmen Chris Lynn (78 not out) and Jason Floros (38) saw the Bulls home for their third win of the tournament and up into second place on the table with a bonus point in their favour.

The Bulls' were up against the ropes with Warner taking advantage of every corner of the tiny North Sydney Oval to hit boundaries.

But led by captain and man-of-the-match James Hopes (4-38), Queensland stuck to their guns and eventually NSW went to water, despite some tidy bowling from Nathan Lyon (2-38).

"At one stage we thought they could go close to 400 the way they were going. Davey was on fire," said Khawaja.

"But it was a massive wicket when we got Davey out. Hopesy bowled beautifully at the end there."

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Big partnership gives Redbacks win

Cooper cracked 101 in a superb partnership with Klinger. Source: News Limited

A season-high partnership between Tom Cooper and Michael Klinger has lifted South Australia to a six-wicket win over Western Australia in their one-day Cup match at Drummoyne Oval.

ODD - Drummoyne Oval

17 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

A. Ross	24	19	2	0	126.32
J. Botha	24	14	4	0	171.43

Cooper scored 101 and along with the in-form Klinger (91) the pair added 185 for the second-wicket.

The partnership - the highest for any team in this season's tournament - gave South Australia the perfect base to chase down Western Australia's competitive tally of 5-285.

Klinger further pressed his claims for Australian selection and he is now the competition's top run-scorer, having accumulated 338 runs at an average of 112 with two 50s and a century.

Late quick runs from Alex Ross and Johan Botha, who both remained 24 not out, saw the Redbacks home with nine balls to spare as Western Australia's attack struggled with the unrelenting high winds.

Earlier, former Australian Test opener Simon Katich again proved his quality with a sparkling rapid-fire innings of 66 for WA.

Having top-scored for the Western Warriors with 67 in Tuesday's defeat against Victoria, Katich again led the way for his side.

The West Australians had three batsman reach 50, with Cameron Bancroft (63) and Shaun Marsh (54) putting on a century opening partnership, while Marcus North added 44 late in the innings.

But it was Katich that again was the pick of the batsmen with his 66 coming off just 39 deliveries, in a chanceless innings that included five towering sixes.peThe 38-year-old veteran of 56 Test matches, discarded by Australian selectors in 2011, recently completed a stellar season in English country cricket scoring over 1,000 runs at an average of 73.

Peter George claimed the wicket of Katich, and was the pick of the South Australian bowlers with 2-41 off his ten overs.

The win keeps the Redbacks' slim finals hopes alive but ends Western Australia's one-day Cup ambitions.

Cooper said the conditions presented a massive challenge for his side.

"This wind was probably something that none of us had ever played in before,'' he said.

"It was quite tough, especially for bowlers running into it.''

"It was good to be able to help the team get in a position where we could get over the line for our first win for the season.''

WA captain Michael Beer was dissatisfied with his team's bowling effort.

"It was not good enough,'' he said.

"We did enough with the bat, even though we could have got a bit more. If we had have bowled well enough we would have won the game, but that didn't happen.

"Bowling at the death is a big one for us (to improve on). Leaking runs in that phase is what is hurting us.''

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Wallabies set for pay cuts to help code

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THE Wallabies are poised to accept pay cuts to help stop the cash-strapped code going broke.

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A new Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to end the days of Australian players earning a guaranteed $14,000 per Test - win, lose or draw.

The Australian Rugby Union's survival is at stake as it sits in a perilous financial position after recording a $19 million deficit in the past two years and a worrying slump in support for the 15-man game.

In eight months since replacing John O'Neill as ARU chief executive, Bill Pulver, in his own words, has "brutally attacked the cost base" by making cuts across the board.

Even a welcome windfall from the British and Irish Lions tour in winter won't get the ARU out of the hole dug by years of over-expenditure, largely with executive salaries.

Pulver has already slashed employee numbers at the ARU and also made significant cutbacks to the high-performance unit and shelved the national academies in Brisbane and Sydney.

"My first six months at the ARU a lot of my time has been spent ripping costs out of the place basically," Pulver told AAP. "It's not been a lot of fun but it's been a very important cleansing experience.

"From a financial perspective we're going to be skating on thin ice for the next couple of years.

"Can we get through? Yes, we can. Is it going to be bloody hard? Yes, it is."

Warnings of cuts to club rugby have made Pulver, looking to develop a new third-tier national competition, unpopular in club circles but he's making no apologies for taking drastic measures for the good of the game.

A reduction of player salaries has firmly been on the agenda and should be revealed in the next two months when a new CBA, the first since 2005, is expected to be finalised.

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The ARU board meets on Monday to discuss ongoing negotiations with the Rugby Union Players Association.

Both Pulver and RUPA boss Greg Harris confirmed Test match payments - which would currently see a Wallaby earn $196,000 if he played all 15 Tests this year on top of his salary - were among issues being addressed.

Former World Cup-winning skipper Nick Farr-Jones has led calls for incentive-based pay, claiming Wallabies should be paid far less for defeats.

Harris said the players union were taking a conciliatory approach to ensure the game didn't go under.

"Player directors (RUPA) have been united in their commitment in trying to assist the game in trying to confront the financial issues," Harris told AAP.

The last time a new CBA was drafted, in 2005, the code was in rude health with $35 million in the ARU war chest and crowd numbers which had it challenging rugby league as the nation's No.2 code.

Harris hinted top players benefited from a generous deal in the prosperous times.

"My predecessor (Tony Dempsey) did a very good job of negotiating for the players when the dams were full and there was plenty of water around but we have a drought at the moment so we all have to drink a little bit less," he said.

"The players are being very responsible."

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Player manager on manslaughter charge

Shaun Miles died tragically in Kingaroy. Source: Facebook

NRL agent Paul Sutton has been granted bail after being charged with the manslaughter of a man in a Queensland town.

Sutton, 41, who works for SFX Sports in Sydney, was released on bail following the hearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

A 43-year-old man was found dead at a home in Kingaroy, 200km northwest of Brisbane, on the morning of May 24.

The dead man had reportedly been involved in a argument at a local bar the night before.

Sutton has been charged with manslaughter over his death.

Sutton, from NSW, is a senior client manager for SFX and according to its website has been an agent for more than a decade.

His clients include Manly's Kieran Foran, St George Illawarra fullback Josh Dugan and Melbourne's Gareth Widdop.

Sutton is due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 25

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Dokic preparing for comeback

Jelena Dokic is planning a comeback. Source: News Limited

JELENA Dokic is in the throes of another comeback.

The Wimbledon semi-finalist hit at Melbourne Park today with Todd Woodbridge and is hopeful of returning to competition.

At 30 and without an official ranking, Dokic will have to rely on wildcard assistance to gain entry into tournaments.

But her willingness to carry out promotional work for Tennis Australia - she is travelling to Perth at the weekend as part of the "AO Blitz" and will also take part in the Australian Open trophy tour - is sign of a good relationship with TA.

Infamously abused by her erratic father Damir, Dokic has not played a grand slam event since the Australian Open last year.

Once ranked fourth in the world, Dokic has been sabotaged by a spate of injuries.

She last contested an official WTA tournament in Charleston in April, 2012, retiring in the first round because of chronic wrist pain.

In May this year, Dokic outlined plans for a comeback, warning her physical condition was inferior.

An All-England Club semi-finalist in 2000, Dokic maintained a rollercoaster habit by roaring back from the brink nine years later to fashion an incredible Australian Open campaign.

Entrancing Melbourne Park, Dokic surged into the quarter-finals with wins over Anna Chakvetadze, Caroline Wozniacki and Alisa Kleybanova before losing a tight three-setter to world No 3 Dinara Safina.

She is now attempting what surely would be a miracle return.

Whether Dokic is capable of even returning to WTA standard, let alone grand slam contention, remains to be seen.

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Neill's defensive woes exposed

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FOLLOWING Lucas Neill's interview where he absolved the older Socceroos players of blame for the double 6-0 friendly shellackings against Brazil and France, we've taken a look at his role in the 12 goals and given him a blame factor rating out of 10.

Watch the video highlighting his positioning for each goal, and see if you agree with our ratings.

Brazil 6 defeated Australia 0

Brazil's first goal - blame factor: 0

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Neill was in position to sweep up if Neymar blew past Ryan McGowan. Instead the Brazilian star took a neat touch inside and pulled the trigger before Neill could close the angle on the shot. Luck was the main determining factor in the rebound going into goal scorer Jo's path.

Brazil's second goal - blame factor: 7

This goal was a prime example of the Socceroos skipper getting pulled out of position and lacking the pace to make up for it. Brett Holman carelessly turned the ball over in attack and the Samba Kings quickly countered, with an incisive ball down the wing. By that stage Neill was 10 metres behind Jo, the striker he should have been looking after. The ball was squared and Neill could only watch, and then raise his arms in exasperation, as Jo neatly tucked it away.

Brazil's third goal - blame factor: 8

The golden rule for a back four - particularly one that lacks pace - is never get caught square. And definitely never get caught square high up the park. As the leader of the backline, its shape is marshalled by Neill. For Brazil's third goal the Socceroos' back four gets caught square near the halfway line, a through ball splits Neill and his centre back partner Sasa Ognenovski, and the lightening Neymar is in behind. Not hard to guess the result.

Brazil's fourth goal - blame factor: 3

More an indictment on the team's structure and intent in their defensive third than any particular individual. Brazil played 13 passes in attack before a pinpoint cross was thundered home by the head of Ramires. Nevermind the opposition, this isn't up to scratch for any national team.

Brazil's fifth goal - blame factor: 6

This goal was as much about Neymar's clever and decisive run to get in behind the Aussie defence as anything else. But could it have been prevented by better defending? No doubt. Neill is caught in two minds and neither pushes up hard on the attacking midfielder (Hernanes) who receives the ball between the lines, nor drops back to provide defensive cover. This allows Hernanes to receive the ball facing goal and play a delicate flick into the space behind for Neymar to run onto. At that point Neill should be straight into a sprint to the six yard box to try to atone for his indecisiveness. Instead, he ambles and fails to impact the play.

Brazil's sixth goal - blame factor: 0

Luiz Gustavo's goal to complete the rout was a thunderous strike from midfield. No doubt he had too much time and space to sum the shot up, but for that the finger of blame has to be pointed at those in the defensive midfielder division.

France 6 defeated Australia 0

France's first goal - blame factor: 4

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In this example, Neill is dragged out wide to meet France dangerman Franck Ribery and is promptly turned inside out. Ribery whips in a dangerous cross, which is inexplicably met by the raised hand of David Carney. Carney doesn't touch it but why his hand was extended above his head to begin with no one will ever know. Penalty. Goal.

France's second goal - blame factor: 7

Ribery's a massive threat to any defence, no doubt, but that doesn't mean you defend him with three players. With James Holland and Luke Wilkshire already in attendance on the wing, Neill gets drawn into no man's land on the same side. At this point he must know his team is outnumbered in the middle, where he should be. Ribery pulls the ball back past Holland, Wilkshire and Neill and Olivier Giroud pulls into space for the finish.

France's third goal - blame factor: 5

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The pace of Ribery gives Neill a decision to make. Either stay with his man (Nasri) and trust the tracking James Holland to blunt the winger's effectiveness or come out to meet Ribery and block any attempted shot or through ball. Neill takes responsibility for Ribery but doesn't close him quickly enough, allowing the space for a ball to be threaded in behind to Nasri (Neill's man). From there all that's required is a simple square ball and a routine finish for Giroud.

France's fourth goal - blame factor: 7

Quite simply, where is he when the ball is teed up in front of the Socceroos' defence? Completely out of position out on the right wing. From that point on the goal can't be pinned on the skipper, but it's hard to defend as a unit when players are forced to fill in out of position. If Neill's starting position when the throw in is taken is back in the middle marshalling one of the strikers, who knows, maybe the space Cabaye runs into to shoot would have been occupied by a Socceroos defender.

France's fifth goal - blame factor: 9

This time Neill is in the correct position, and France's attack should end with his head. But his header is weak and directionless and actually tees up Debuchy for a half volley inside the 18 yard box. Central defence 101 is get the ball away from the danger area. Neill either had to generate far more power on his header to get the ball clear, or at least deflect it wide into a position where France would have to start their attack again.

France's sixth goal - blame factor: 7

In this case James Holland is culpable for allowing his man to deliver a dangerous cross, but once it's delivered it has to be dealt with by Neill. As the spare man, Neill has the right idea attempting to block off the cross to the near post, where Benzema has made his run. But the Socceroos skipper doesn't move quickly enough to cut off the angle, and once the ball gets past him the French striker is always the favourite to get a shot on goal.  

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Tigers snatch thriller over Bulls

Clive Rose celebrates after hitting the match-winning six. Source: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

A fast-finishing Tasmania ended Queensland's unbeaten start to their domestic one-day cricket campaign with a dramatic two-wicket final-over win at Sydney's Hurstville Oval on Tuesday.

Spinner Clive Rose struck a six off the first ball of Ryan Harris' over as Tasmania overhauled Queensland's total of 9-241 and continued their recent revival.

ODD - Hurstville Oval

15 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Tasmania 1st Innings

C. Rose	26	9	4	1	288.89
B. Laughlin	1	4	0	0	25

Tasmania lost their opening two matches of the tournament, but Rose smacked 26 runs from nine balls on Tuesday to make it three wins on the trot.

The dramatic finale overshadowed Harris' first hit-out with the Bulls since he starred in the Ashes, with the Australian Test fast bowler returning from a hamstring injury to take 3-61 off 9.1 overs.

It was Tasmania's third successful run chase of the tournament, with the innings built around a 111-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Tim Paine (50) and Jordan Silk (62).

Earlier, Test hopeful Usman Khawaja top-scored for the match with 66, while Greg Moller made 50.

Some late hitting from Nathan Reardon (26) and Michael Neser (20 not out) lifted a modest run rate to 4.82 an over by the end of the innings.

Evan Gulbis was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-36 off his ten overs, with the Tasmania attack forced to make do without the services of key paceman Ben Hilfenhaus who returned home for the birth of his first child.

The win lifts fourth-placed Tasmania to eight points, one shy of Queensland in second.

QUEENSLAND
U KHAWAJA c Paine b Gulbis 66 (88)
C HARTLEY c Paine b Gulbis 15 (42)
G MOLLER c Paine b Fekete 50 (71)
C LYNN c & b Rose 8 (23)
N REARDON c Blizzard b Gulbis 26 (26)
B CUTTING b Gulbis 17 (13)
J HOPES run out (Dunk) 4 (9)
M NESER not out 20 (16)
R HARRIS c Gulbis b Fekete 3 (8)
N HAURITZ run out (Paine) 10 (4)
Sundries (13lb 9w) 22
TOTAL: Nine wickets for 241
Fall: 56 (Hartley), 116 (Khawaja), 141 (Lynn), 154 (Moller), 179 (Cutting), 198 (Reardon), 201 (Hopes), 213 (Harris), 241 (Hauritz)
Bowling: A Fekete 10-0-60-2 (6w), S Rainbird 9-2-32-0 (2w), E Gulbis 10-1-36-4, C Rose 10-0-40-1, B Laughlin 10-1-56-0 (1w), J Silk 1-0-4-0

TASMANIA
B DUNK c Hartley b Harris 27 (31)
A DOOLAN c Lynn b Neser 32 (55)
E COWAN run out (Neser) 9 (24)
T PAINE b Harris 50 (73)
J SILK c Hopes b Neser 62 (75)
A BLIZZARD lbw Neser 19 (12)
E GULBIS c Hartley b Harris 5 (6)
C ROSE not out 26 (9)
B LAUGHLIN c Lynn b Neser 1 (4)
S RAINBIRD not out 9 (6)
Sundries (3lb 2w) 5
TOTAL: Eight wickets for 245
Fall: 42 (Dunk), 70 (Doolan), 71 (Cowan), 183 (Silk), 192 (Paine), 208 (Gulbis), 210 (Blizzard), 212 (Laughlin)
Bowling: L Feldman 4-0-22-0, R Harris 9.1-1-61-3 (1w), M Neser 10-1-50-4 (1w), J Hopes 10-1-28-0, N Hauritz 10-0-40-0, B Cutting 6-1-41-0

Overs: 49.1. Umpires: Ian Lock, Ashley Barrow.
Match Referee: Daryl Harper.
Result: Tasmania won by 2 wickets
Points: Tas 4 Qld 0

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Mosley fight 'do or die': Mundine

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ANTHONY Mundine will walk into the ring against Shane Mosley next Wednesday knowing his career will be over if he loses to the 42-year-old former three-time world champion.

Mundine was defeated by Daniel Geale in his last contest, and knows he faces a step up in class when he takes on Mosley in a WBA international light-middleweight contest.

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Although he's lost eight of his 57 fights, Mosley has never been stopped and gone the distance with Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Saul Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, Vernon Forrest and Ronald 'Winky' Wright.

The American has also held world titles in the light-middleweight, welterweight and lightweight divisions across an illustrious 20-year career.

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Mundine is hopeful victory at the Sydney Entertainment Centre will open the door for a fight with Mayweather, Alvarez or Cotto and the controversial former WBA super-middleweight champion said he had too much respect for Mosley to dish out his usual pre-fight insults.

"This is do or die,'' the 38-year-old said on Tuesday.

"I've always said I want to fight the very best. This guy has been there and done it. He's one of the very best and that's the respect I am going to give him.

"I am not going to bad mouth him. I am not going to belittle him.

"You have to remember the last four defeats he's suffered are to four of the best pound for pound fighters in the world in Alvarez, Cotto, Mayweather and Pacquiao.''

Mundine (44-5) admits it will be a tough task to get his dream fight with Mayweather, but knows a win over Mosley would hugely increase his profile in the US.

"I know everyone wants Mayweather. He's the best fighter of our generation,'' he said.

"But I believe in my ability and my talent and that's what this fight has to showcase.

Victory against Mosley would be a huge step towards restoring his international credibility which was dented after a series of fights against inferior opponents in the wake of his points defeat to the outstanding Danish super-middleweight Mikkel Kessler in 2005.

Mundine admits he would have liked to have met Mosley five years earlier, but now boasts the experience and ring craft to face his highly-regarded opponent with confidence.

"I wanted the biggest fights after I fought Kessler, but unfortunately certain things happened for certain reasons,'' he said.

"But I am not a bloke who grew up in boxing. I was in rugby league since the age of four.

"I had four amateur fights, so I've learned on the job.''

The defeat by Geale was a huge setback for Mundine, and he admits he allowed the Tasmanian to dictate terms due to a lack of focus in the build-up to the fight.

"Geale is a bit of a spoiler. I fought passive,'' he said.

"If I have a lot more hunger and determination and more of a killer instinct I would have stopped him.

"I look back on it now ... because Geale can't sell a fight I had to go out there and say some outlandish stuff to get people talking about the fight.

"Maybe that took a lot out of me. But for this fight I don't have to talk.

'''Sugar' Shane Mosley says it all.''

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Red Sox slam Tigers in epic

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David Ortiz clubbed a grand slam in the eighth and Jarrod Saltalamacchia belted the game-winning run in the ninth as Boston rallied to beat Detroit 6-5 in game two of the American League Championship Series.

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Ortiz's two-out, game-tying grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning brought the Red Sox to life after the Tigers had seized a 5-1 lead.

Saltalamacchia's walkoff single in front of a crowd of 38,029 at Fenway Park clinched the victory for Boston, who evened the ALCS at one game apiece.

The American League series now shifts to Detroit for game three on Tuesday. The winner of this series will face either Los Angeles Dodgers or St. Louis Cardinals for the Major League Baseball championship.

Saltalamacchia belted an opposite-field single past a drawn-in Tigers' infield to score the deciding run.

Boston starting pitcher Clay Buchholz struck out six, but also allowed five runs on eight hits in just over five innings of work.

David Ortiz unloads a grand slam in the eighth inning. Source: AP

Boston and Detroit have been playing one another since 1901, but this marks the first time they have met in the MLB's semi-finals.

The Tigers were 4-3 against the Red Sox in the regular season, winning three of four at Comerica Park in June and dropping two of three at Fenway Park in September.

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Gumby going, Montagna staying

Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton could be headed to Fremantle. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: George Salpigtidis / HeraldSun

ESSENDON will insist on Fremantle's second-round pick for Scott Gumbleton, but has all but given up the chase for Saint Leigh Montana.

Speculation was rife at the weekend Essendon was on the verge of securing the 29-year-old Montagna as the Saints embark on an aggressive list rebuild.

But the Bombers are unable to put forward a satisfactory trade deal to the Saints, who have put a premium value on their experienced players.

SCROLL DOWN TO RE-LIVE OUR CHAT

Despite rumblings about player discontent at Seaford, Montagna is expected to remain a Saint.

"We can emphatically dismiss reports over the weekend that St Kilda had been considering a trade involving Leigh Montagna," Saints football boss Chris Pelchen said today.

"As stated last week, we have not discussed 'Joey' with any other club and he is both a contracted and required player for 2014.

"Any report to the contrary is totally incorrect."

Instead, Essendon is expected to deal key forward Stewart Crameri to Western Bulldogs for pick 22 and marking target Gumbleton to the Dockers, most likely for pick 33.

But Port Adelaide, which has pick No.30, and Adelaide have also expressed strong interest in Gumbleton and could yet pip the Dockers.

The picks would give the Bombers a strong position in the second round of the draft after being stripped of their first two selections as part of the supplement scandal penalty.

Former Cat Paul Chapman is also set to rejoin former coach Mark Thompson at Windy Hill, although negotiations are ongoing.

Carlton has given up hope of landing Chapman, 31.

Gumbleton, a former No.2 draft pick whose career has been dogged by serious back and hamstring problems, is understood to have easily passed his medical test at Fremantle last week.

He has played only 35 games in seven years at Essendon, but is adamant his injury issues are in the past after completing last season fully fit.

Gumbleton, 25, is from Western Australia and wants to find a new home after slipping down the pecking order of key forwards under James Hird.

An athletic and hard-running key forward, Gumbleton would bolster a Dockers forward line already featuring Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne.

Adelaide does not have a selection before No.42 to use for Gumbleton, but the Crows are trying to gain a top-30 pick by dealing Bernie Vince to Melbourne.

Essendon will look to promote Joe Daniher to a regular full-forward position next year after het cut his teeth in the VFL for the bulk of his first season.

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Make Sir Alex an offer: Bozza

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HE once played under him and now Mark Bosnich is calling for the great Sir Alex Ferguson to be brought out of retirement to reinvigorate the Socceroos.

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Arguably sport's greatest coach of all-time, Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 English Premier League season after a phenomenal career at the helm of Manchester United.

Just months away from his 72nd birthday, Ferguson would seem at long odds to be tempted back into the dug out - particularly for an assignment as challenging as the Socceroos job.

But if you don't ask, you don't get, and Bosnich believes Football Federation Australia should do exactly that.

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"Well we've been throwing around a lot of things but there's one person that I haven't heard mentioned - even though I've got more reason than anyone not to suggest him, I'm just being honest and have had experience under him, so know what he's like - is Sir Alex Ferguson," Bosnich told Triple M's The Rush Hour on Monday night.

"That name hasn't been put about, but someone of that ilk. Either him or someone of that ilk needs to come down and start to put a few people in their place."

Such a left-field suggestion that Ferguson hasn't even been listed by betting agencies as a candidate to replace Holger Osieck, Bosnich admitted that a massive offer would be required.

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But Bosnich urged the FFA to make a public statement about how much they could afford to pay their target, to make it easier for the Australian public to stomach a cheaper option if the dollars aren't there for someone like Ferguson.

"It's a full-time commitment. In life, and especially in sport, you get what you pay for. If you want the very best, well you're going to have to pay for the best," Bosnich said.

"I'm not privvy to the financial situation of the FFA but if we cannot afford to pay the best, I don't think there's any problem in saying that.

"I don't think there's any problem saying that publicly and people would understand that. Everybody has different means.

"He (Ferguson) will command a top whack but if you want the very best and you want someone who can come out and sort the whole thing, and I said that on Fox Sports on the weekend, I think Holger was only part of the problem.

"He's paid with his job as manager but there's a lot of problems with the whole set-up that need sorting out.

"If you want something to come in of that ilk, you're going to have to pay for it."  

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Nine-man Adelaide overcome Perth

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ADELAIDE United was reduced to nine men but still managed a stylish 3-1 win over Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.

Two opportunist goals from Jeronimo Neumann and a world class finish from Fabio Ferreira handed Adelaide its three goals with Ryo Nagai replying for the away side.

But two Adelaide send second half expulsions killed the momentum of the clash which produced the most goals in the opening round of the A-League's ninth season.   

A red card to Isaias on debut forced Adelaide to put its possession game plan to bed for the remaining 26 minutes of the clash after the Spaniard seemingly picked up a needless second caution for dissent.

Nigel Boogaard followed Isaias for an early shower when he too was sent off for a lunging tackle on Daniel de Silva on the edge of the box.

It was Boogaard's second caution.   

Boogaard and Isaias will now miss meeting Adelaide's most intense rival Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.

RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION IN OUR A-LEAGUE MATCH CENTRE

Nonetheless new Adelaide boss Josep Gombau probably did gain some satisfaction from his debut on the bench.

The win was Adelaide's first at home in five matches since a 1-0 win over Victory on February 8 this year.

But Adelaide's new tiki-taka game was evident as soon as referee Ben Williams blew his whistle to signal the start of the season for the Reds and Glory.

It took just 10 minutes for the Reds to register its first goal of the campaign but less than a minute later Glory was level.

Incredibly the opening two attacks of the game registered two goals.

On loan recruit Michael Zullo started the combination which led to Jeronimo opening the Reds account when he relayed the ball to opposite full back Daniel Bowles before Ferreira's effective flick caused all the damage.

Jeronimo read the situation before angling an 8m drive past Glory gloveman Danny Vukovic.

But Adelaide switched off and paid the ultimate price from the re-start.

Brazilian Sidnei - making his debut for Glory - crossed the ball to an unmarked Nagai as Reds skipper Eugene Galekovic could only watch the headed ball sail into the back of the net from a deflection.

With Adelaide closing Glory down at every opportunity the game came alive again - at least for United - when Marcelo Carrusca found winger Sergio Cirio in space.

The Spaniard's cross was deflected Ferreira then had Vukovic at full stretch from a goal bound header before Jeronimo pounced on the loose ball to tuck the ball home.

Adelaide deserved its lead but Sidnei almost found an equaliser when he fired a 35m rocket just over the bar before the break.

And although the clash wasn't nasty the first half produced four yellow cards.

Glory's Josh Risdon, skipper Jacob Burns and Adelaide's Isaias picked up cautions for illegal tackles while Ferreira was booked for kicking the ball away in frustration after a foul.

Adelaide's new game plan, however, was pleasing to the eye while Glory was also marking a new passing game era.

Boogaard's hasty clearance was the only long ball spotted in the first half by the Reds as Adelaide ensured that giving up the ball easily was not going to be any part of its new season strategy.

But it was a different story in the early stages of the second half as Glory was searching for an equaliser.

It almost arrived seven minutes after the break when Jon McKain's slip allowed Jamie Maclaren space behind the defender but the young striker blasted his 20m shot wide of Galekovic's goal.  

Adelaide, however, soaked up the pressure before a brilliant Zullo cross had Glory on the back foot when Ferrreira used his speed to get into position and backheel the ball into the net from 5m in the 64th minute.

But Isaias's send off turned the clash into frustrating affair as Adelaide stemmed the flow by forcing fouls which left Williams no choice but to issue 10 cautions in 90 minutes.

Gombau then unloaded his bench to give Brent McGrath his debut for Jeronimo and Osama Malik replaced first gamer Steven Lustica.

Another debutant Tarek Elrich replaced Ferreira but Glory despite having a two-man advantage could not trouble Galekovic with a shot on target.  

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Vettel steals victory from Webber

Always the bridesmaid ... Vettel pipped Webber in the Japanese GP. Source: Greg Baker / AP

RED Bull's Sebastian Vettel stormed to a fourth victory in five years at the Japanese Grand Prix Sunday but will have to wait to celebrate a fourth successive Formula One world title.

Vettel reeled in his departing teammate Mark Webber in the closing stages as well as Lotus driver Romain Grosjean, who wound up third for Lotus after a flying start at Suzuka.

But Fernando Alonso's fourth place means Vettel's celebrations stay on ice at least until India in two weeks, despite the German's career-best run of five straight race wins.

Webber began the race on pole for the first time this year but Grosjean's scorching start from fourth saw the Frenchman sneak into turn one ahead of the Australian.

Both men had their chances but ultimately Vettel proved too strong and, after roaring past Grosjean on the home straight on lap 41, went in front when Webber pitted for the third time and was never seriously threatened thereafter.

"Ichiban (first)!'' whooped Vettel over the radio as he took the chequered flag for the ninth time this season.

"You're the best team in the world. I love you guys. Yes! Ichiban!''

Webber's three-stop strategy cost him and, although he finally passed a determined Grosjean with two laps of the 53 left, it was too late to catch his team-mate and claim a first victory of the year in his last season in F1.

Grosjean finished on the podium for the fourth time this season by matching his third place at last week's South Korea race.

Vettel, on the brink of becoming only the third man to win four Formula One titles in a row after Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio, now holds a 90-point lead over Ferrari's Alonso with 100 available from the last four races.

His coronation a virtual foregone conclusion, Vettel had a hair-raising start, clipping Lewis Hamilton in the squeeze and leaving the Briton's Mercedes with a shredded right rear tyre and floor damage which forced his retirement early in the race.

Vettel's decision not to pit for a third time looked a stroke of genius at the end but there were some tense moments before he slowly clawed his way into the lead.

"It was not easy to make the two stops work but I want to enjoy this win first,'' said Vettel, celebrating with his trademark finger-point. "Regarding the championship, it's not over until it's over.

"It couldn't have been a worse start. I was in a bit of a sandwich with the Lotus (Grosjean) and Lewis. I couldn't avoid the contact. It was a horrible start but a fantastic comeback.''

Alonso drove an aggressive race to finish fourth after starting from eighth place, with Kimi Raikkonen, another former world champion, fifth for Lotus ahead of Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg.

Sauber team-mate Esteban Gutierrez placed seventh and Nico Rosberg recovered from a drive-through penalty to take eighth on an unhappy day for Mercedes, who had shown good pace all weekend.

The race was preceded by a sombre minute's silence for former reserve driver Maria de Villota, who died in Spain this week a year after a serious crash in testing.

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Pedrosa edges Marquez in Sepang

Dani Pedrosa guides his Honda around the Sepang circuit. Source: Vincent Thian / AP

Spain's Dani Pedrosa won the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday after a hard-fought race in which he edged out MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez.

The two Spanish Honda teammates came in ahead of defending champion and compatriot Jorge Lorenzo on the Yamaha.

The win marks Pedrosa's third victory of the season. He also triumphed in Malaysia last year.

"It's a great feeling to be back,'' said Pedrosa, who crashed out in the last race in Spain. "I came back strong.''

It was a hard-fought race for all three.

Rookie Marquez, 20, was on pole, but Lorenzo took the lead after starting from fourth place.

He in turn was overtaken by Pedrosa, who started from fifth, in lap 5.

This sparked a thrilling battle between Lorenzo and Marquez for second place.

Marquez, who Lorenzo knocked once, eventually gained the upper hand with 11 laps in the 20-lap race to go.

Lorenzo's teammate, seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi of Italy, finished fourth after starting from second place.

The world championship rankings remain unchanged with Marquez on top, followed by Lorenzo and Pedrosa.

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