Tigers simply aren’t good enough

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RICHMOND wasn't soft on Saturday — they were sloppy and by the end utterly despondent against a team that played the Tommy Hafey way.

And that, Tigers, was shameful.

Pre-game comments about being relentless and tough and resilient ultimately paved the way for a Melbourne victory.

Coach Paul Roos was brilliantly provoking in his pre-match talk to the players. This was not about Richmond, he said, this was about Melbourne respecting Hafey's legacy.

It was brilliant reverse psychology coaching.

If Roos is coach of the year at the moment, and he should be, then the Tigers are the plonkers of the year.

Is there another team so mentally fragile?

EMOTIONAL HARDWICK AT A LOSS

They sit in 16th position and are arguably the worst team in the competition behind an injury-ravaged Brisbane.

It's a stunning fall for a team that won 15 games last year and for a coach who was given a contract extension until the end of the 2016 season.

Question marks hang over Punt Rd as dark and foreboding as a London pea souper, and it's not so much about the team, but the individuals.

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Put it bluntly, Richmond's talls stink.

Ruckman Shaun Hampson can win hit-outs, but can't mark the ball. He took his one and only mark on the half-back line on Saturday and the crowd gave him a bronx cheer.

He's played seven game this year and taken nine marks. He's taken two marks in past four matches. It's just not good enough.

This is about Saturday and about the whole of the season.

DETERMINED DEES SPOIL TIGERS' DAY

Full-back Troy Chaplin is 28-years-old and is playing like he's 38. He was poor below his knees against the Demons and suddenly looks slow.

He had Cameron Pedersen and Max Gawn as opponents. They took five marks against him.

Ben Griffiths has played 26 games in five years. He doesn't find the ball as much as he should and when he does, he can be game-changing.

His seven tackles against the Demons showed he had the work ethic, but 0.3 from set shots is not acceptable for a player with considerable talent and depth in his right foot.

He has played defence in his career, but as a forward he has only 8.10 to his name.

Tyrone Vickery is the whipping boy and, sorry, but he deserves it. I don't know what his position is any more. And he's going to hate to seeing some of his efforts overhead in the team review.

We mark the guns harder and although Jack Riewoldt has 17 goals for the season, it still amounts to less than two a game. Clearly, he is burnt by the delivery at times, but the simple fact is Riewoldt has to get more ball.

Jack Riewoldt isn't kicking enough goals. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

There are others. Shane Edwards has played 137 games of football. His improvement has stopped.

Shaun Grigg laid six tackles on Saturday. The week before it was five. Before that it was zero, zero, two, two, two and two. It should be minimum five every week for a mid, even for a running mid as Grigg is.

And being an outsider, he must kick goals when the opportunity rises. On Saturday he kicked 0.3

The team itself is a shell of 2013.

On Saturday, the Tigers weren't tough enough for long enough.

They landed 29 tackles to 20 in the first quarter and virtually squared the contested ball.

After quarter-time, the Demons won the contested ball by 15 and took 19 contested marks to nine. Nineteen! No wonder coach Damien Hardwick lamented his team's inability to win the one-on-ones.

After Saturday, it's too easy to throw around words such as soft and insipid and pathetic at Richmond.

The fact is, they had a crack, but they're not a good football team.

TAME, LAME TIGERS — YELLOW AND BACK

Ben Griffiths

Troy Chaplin

Shaun Hampson

Tyrone Vickery

Shane Edwards

Shaun Grigg

Jack Riewoldt

CHAT WITH ROBBO IN THE WINDOW BELOW FROM 11.30am MONDAY:

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Big men excite as draft takes shape

Vic Country's James Richards is tackled by Metro's Sam Bennett. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

FINALLY, the 2014 draft is taking shape.

Future top-10 pick Peter Wright takes a one-handed mark in front of Vic Country's Rowan Marshall. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

And for clubs crying out for tall forwards, yesterday's opening match of the Under-18 carnival would have excited scouts.

Five players standing at least 189cm slotted multiple goals as Vic Country upstaged Vic Metro by 15 points, confirming the pointy end of November's draft will be a big-man bonanza.

AFL recruiters last night confirmed 199cm goalkicker Darcy Moore — who finished with one major from six disposals — was "locked in" as Collingwood's first-round selection.

In another draft bargain, clubs are also certain Sydney's first pick will be used to grab zone academy player Isaac Heeney, a blond midfielder who idolises Kieren Jack.

Recruiters believe 203cm Peter Wright is leading the race to go No. 1, most likely to Brisbane Lions to help replace legend Jonathan Brown.

Wright bagged two goals and spent the second half in the ruck, tapping to Angus Brayshaw who collected 32 disposals and drew comparisons to Sam Mitchell for his super skills on both sides.

Brayshaw is tipped to be the first midfielder snared in a talent pool heavy on big blokes, with Geelong pair Paddy McCartin and Hugh Goddard — cousin of Brendon — top-10 chances.

They shared five goals, with McCartin's raw power impressing AFL talent academies manager Mick Ablett.

"It's like tenpin bowling when he crashes packs," Ablett said of the man some clubs rate as the best spearhead in the draft.

Bottom-agers Darcy Tucker and Darcy Parish starred for Vic Country, sharing 40 disposals as their side trailed at every break before storming home with six last-quarter goals at Sandringham.

Vic Country 2.0 5.2 8.4 14.5 (89)

Vic Metro 3.4 5.5 9.5 11.8 (74)

GOALS

Vic Country: McCartin 3, Goddard 2, Lamb 2, Drummond 2, Webb, Parish, Lonie, Butler, Dunkley

Vic Metro: Sheridan-Ferrie 4, Wright 2, Langdon, Ahern, Ellis, Moore, Pittonet

BEST

Vic Country: Drummond, Marchbank, Marshall, Skinner, Tucker, Lonie

Vic Metro: McLaren, McLaren, De Goey, Castagna, Duggan, Pittonet

Former Collingwood champ Peter Moore was on hand to watch son Darcy in action for Vic Metro. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Limited

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Cheika plays down Tahs’ top-two hopes

Waratahs star Kurtley Beale celebrates a try with Adam Ashley-Cooper at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello Source: Brett Costello / News Corp Australia

WARATAHS coach Michael Cheika moved to play down the prospect of his side storming into the top two after demolishing the Lions 41-13 on Sunday.

NSW took advantage of weekend slip-ups by the Brumbies and Western Force in South Africa, jumping from eighth to fourth on the Super Rugby ladder, just one point away from a place in the top two.

With a game in hand over Australian conference leaders the Brumbies, the Waratahs are in prime position to launch their bid for a guaranteed home semi-final.

MATCH CENTRE: Full scores, stats, video highlights

This is the best position the Waratahs have been in for years with five games remaining, but Cheika warned after his team's five tries to one rout: "Close is not good enough.

"You can only talk about it once you've done something.

Bernard Foley reaches out to score the opening try of the match for the Waratahs. Source: Getty Images

"I've had the experience before of being close and not delivering at the end, so we're still a long way to go, five games for us to navigate through.

"We've got a very big match on Friday (against Melbourne Rebels), a short turnaround against a very good opponent, they're going to attack us hard at the breakdown, in defence, and we're going to have to be ready for that."

It will be difficult for long-suffering Waratahs fans not to imagine that 2014 may finally be the year they break their title drought.

Even Lions coach Johan Ackerman spoke of the ominous feel about the Tahs, saying: "If they get the playoffs here (in Sydney), they'll be tough to beat".

But Cheika will be reinforcing his message to his players.

"What we need to do is think about the next game and not get carried away," Cheika said.

"Because as much as you think hey we could get in, you could think hey we might miss out as well.

"We need to keep a level head."

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Led by man-of-the-match Bernard Foley, NSW relentlessly pressed in attack and punched through a willing Lions defence to keep their undefeated home record this year intact.

NSW led 17-13 at the break but essentially won the game in the 10 minutes after the break.

Rob Horne's storming try four minutes into the second half, bumping off fullback Chrysander Botha and sprinting under the posts from 30 metres out, set the tone.

NSW soon made another long break upfield before Lions winger Deon van Rensburg was sin-binned for not releasing at the ensuing breakdown.

Minutes later Adam Ashley-Cooper delivered NSW their four-try bonus point when he scored from a Kurtley Beale chip.

Ashley-Cooper ran on to the chip and kicked ahead himself before regathering on the tryline.

At 31-13 the Tahs would not be heeded by the limited Lions attack.

Kurtley Beale makes a break for the Waratahs. Source: News Corp Australia

Foley, who kicked a perfect seven from seven goals, added a penalty with 18 minutes remaining.

Horne iced the cake by crossing for his second after the full-time siren, set up by Israel Folau.

But Cheika was fuming with his side's poor defence in the first half which allowed the Lions to score their only try from a rolling maul.

"I don't think anyone would have been happy with the try we gave away in the first half, that was soft, straight up," Cheika said.

"We just watched that, navigated it into the line and steered them in.

"Some teams are good mauling teams, which they are, and yes they'll score against you every now and again but you've got to make it as hard as possible.

"Because of the way we play, we need strong defence, because we're going to make errors and we need to shut the opposition down."

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika watched on from a private suite. Source: News Corp Australia

Finishing first or second guarantees a home semi-final, although the top two teams at present, the Sharks and Chiefs, have looked strong throughout the year.

NSW scored first half tries courtesy of midfield partners Foley and Beale.

Foley opened the scoring from close range in the eighth minute — somewhat sluggish compared to NSW's fast starts at home this year — stepping inside the Lions defence and stretching out to plant the ball.

It followed a sustained early period of attack at the Lions line.

The Lions hit back five minutes later with their trademark strength play.

From a lineout 10 metres out, the Lions expertly manoeuvred their pack through the Tahs defence, with blindside flanker Jaco Kriel powering over for the try.

The teams then exchanged penalty goals before Foley set up a brilliantly worked try for Beale.

From a scrum five metres out from the Lions line, Foley took a pass and deftly grubbered a kick into the in-goal for Beale to collect and score under the posts.

NSW WARATAHS 41 (Rob Horne 2, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley tries Foley 5 cons 2 pens) bt LIONS 13 (Jaco Kriel try Marnitz Boshoff con 2 pens) at Allianz Stadium. Referee: Nick Briant. Crowd: 19,639.

Relive all the action from Allianz Stadium in our match blog below.

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LIVE: Dees shock, North smash Lions

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NORTH Melbourne has handed a young Brisbane Lions team a football lesson at Etihad Stadium.

Inspired by veteran Brent Harvey, the Kangaroos cruised to a 87-point win, 17.23 (125) to 6.2 (38).

The Lions were decimated by the late withdrawals of Tom Rockliff and Joel Patfull, while Dayne Zorko played by was well below his best.

SHEEDY: WHY I LOVE TOMMY HAFEY

WHATELEY: DEMONS GROW IN ESTEEM AND ASPIRATION

Lindsay Thomas kicked four goals for the Kangaroos while eight other teammates got on the scoresheet.

Captain Andrew Swallow made his return from an Achillies injury and had 18 touches and five clearances before being subbed out.

Earlier, an inspired Melbourne at upset a wayward Richmond at the MCG.

FOR FULL LIVE HQ COVERAGE WITH SUPERCOACH SCORES, CLICK ON THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR HERE IF YOU ARE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Paul Roos' men punished the Tigers pathetic kicking for goal to clinch their third win for the season, 14.7 (91) to 9.20 (74).

Demons captain Nathan Jones led the way with 33 possessions while Jack Watts kicked three goals, including the sealer in the fourth quarter.

Dustin Martin was the Tigers best with 31 touches but Shaun Grigg (0.3), Shane Edwards (2.2), Jack Riewoldt (1.3) and Ben Griffiths (0.3) butchered the ball in front of the big sticks.

Earlier, both clubs paid tribute to the late Tom Hafey via a 10-minute tribute video and a minute's applause.

MATTHEW PAVLICH IS 'SUPERDOCKER'

In the final game of the day, Matthew Pavlich will become the first Fremantle player to reach 300 games when he leads the Dockers out on to Subiaco Oval to take on Geelong.

Saturday's AFL matches ...

Richmond def by Melbourne at MCG

North Melbourne def Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium

Fremantle v Geelong at Subiaco Oval (7.40pm EST)

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Video: Shark sent off for stomping

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FLANKER Jean Deysel was sent sent off for stomping but the 14-man Sharks held on for an historic 30-25 victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Deysel was given his marching orders after appearing to stomp on the face of Jordan Taufua in retaliation to the Crusaders flanker holding on to him off the ball 15 minutes into the clash at AMI Stadium.

After watching several replays of the incident referee Rohan Hoffman issued Deysel with a red card, leaving the Sharks to play out the match with 14 men.

Jean Deysel was red carded for making contact with the head of Jordan Taufua (bottom left). Source: FoxSports

Deysel received some surprise support in star Brumbies pair Matt Toomua and Nic White who questioned whether he should have been sent off.

''I don't condone dirty play but if he wasn't being held off the ball there wouldn't have been a stomp. Def a penalty but not a red,'' Toomua tweeted.

White added: "Never take a boot to a players head but why did he have a hold of his leg 5m away from a maul? Taking out a defender on purpose?"

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Rampaging Eels spoil Benji’s return

Benji Marshall endured a miserable NRL return as a red-hot Parramatta blew away St George Illawarra 36-0.

THE St George Illawarra gamble on Benji Marshall has backfired spectacularly, with Parramatta smashing the Dragons on Saturday.

Instead of a flick pass, a flash of magic or some other Benji brilliance, it was a blue and gold onslaught that completely ambushed them.

Benji Marshall needs more game time before he is back to his best. Source: News Corp Australia

The low point for Marshall was when he threw a pass over the side line close to fulltime.

Rookie Eels forward Pauli Pauli scored a try and was a force in the middle of the field, while a blockbusting Junior Paulo run paved the way for Jarryd Hayne to get one of his two tries.

The Eels fullback produced another display that had shades of his Dally M medal year of 2009 stamped all over it.

Parramatta scored six tries in total, with halfback Chris Sandow kicking six goals from six attempts in another comprehensive display from the reborn No.7.

But the question today will be where do the Dragons go now after signing Marshall as their saviour.

Ken Sio touches down for one of his two four-pointers. Source: News Corp Australia

Their coach Steve Price cut a dejected figure, suggesting there was no quick fix to the Red V issues aside from hard work.

The loss was the Dragons' sixth in seven games and will mean Price's position comes under increased pressure.

It was the Dragons biggest loss against the Eels and the first time the Eels had kept a team scoreless since 2009.

"It's a tough one to take. We're training outstanding, I just can't up my finger on it," Price said. "We had a pretty simple game plan which we didn't get out there and implement. We need to have a really good hard look at ourselves at the moment. The only way out of it is by digging in and working hard. There's no quick fix."

Semi Radradra breaks through the Dragons' defence. Source: News Corp Australia

Eels coach Brad Arthur even had the chance to put Hayne in cotton wool with nine minutes remaining, much to the delight of NSW coach Laurie Daley.

Clearly beaming about the six-tries-to-nil effort, Arthur said the Eels still needed to learn to be more ruthless when they have the chance.

"I'm happy more about our effort on the back of a five-day preparation," Arthur said

"It took a while for us to find our groove in attack, but if we can continue to defend like that and keep turning up for each other then we might have a little bit more time to find our groove.

"We haven't talked about goals or where we want to get to. Our priority is about getting better on a weekly basis and working hard.

"There were some things there, I think out of our last eight sets we only completed four. We need to learn to be a little bit more ruthless and put them away.

Eels fans celebrate another Jarryd Hayne try. Source: News Corp Australia

A Ken Sio try and an 80m from Corey Norman after a Marshall fumble gave the hosts a 12-0 lead at the break.

However, the Dragons were on the wrong end of two questionable calls to deny Mike Cooper and Joel Thompson four-pointers.

Cooper raced over the line from a Marshall pass that was adjudged to be marginally forward and Thompson was pulled back after referee Jared Maxwell failed to play the advantage following a knock-on by Eels centre Willie Tonga.

Eel's Pauli Pauli celebrates scoring a try during the game between the Parramatta Eel's and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Pirtek Stadium,Parramatta .Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

But there was no excuses in the second half for the visitors who were simply unable to cope with the pace and power of the Eels, who scored four unanswered tries.

Hayne extended the lead four minutes after the restart.

Sio added his second after Thompson spilt the ball on the first tackle. Back-rower Manu Ma'u and the outstanding Will Hopoate combined to send over the winger.

PARRAMATTA 36 (J Hayne 2 K Sio 2 C Norman P Pauli tries C Sandow 6 goals) bt ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 0 at Pirtek Stadium. Referee: Jared Maxwell, Chris James. Crowd: 18,631.

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Live NRL: Friday Night Football

The Rabbitohs host the Storm, while the Broncos face the Titans in our live NRL blog. Source: News Corp Australia

IT'S a massive night of football as the Rabbitohs host the Storm and the Broncos face the Titans.

With both games kicking off at 7.30pm, we'll bring you all the action from ANZ Stadium and Suncorp Stadium.

Our Rabbitohs-Storm and Broncos-Titans match centres have all the important stats and big plays, while you can have your say and join in the social media discussion in our live blog below.

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Blatter: ‘Of course Qatar a mistake’

FIFA President Sepp Blatter holding up the name of Qatar during the official announcement of the 2022 World Cup host country at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich. Source: PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has admitted it was a mistake to choose Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup — it beat Australia's among others — because of the country's sweltering summertime climate.

When asked if it was a mistake choosing the Middle East country because of its high temperatures during the summer months, Blatter said in an interview on Thursday with Swiss RTS station: "Yes, of course ... You know, everyone makes mistakes in life."

The average temperature tops 40°C in June and July (, when World Cup finals usually take place.

"The Qatar technical report ruled that it was too hot in the summer, but the (FIFA's) executive committee, with a large majority, decided to play in Qatar," said Blatter.

In these circumstances, "it is more than likely" that the 2022 World Cup will be played in winter, said Blatter, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to move the tournament to a more appropriate date. A decision on that has been delayed until after this year's tournament in Brazil.

Temperatures in the winter in Qatar are around 25°C (77 degrees Fahrenheit). "The best time to play is at the end of the year. You must remain realistic ... we must play in winter at the end of the year," added Blatter.

Hey FIFA, you could still Come Play here. Source: News Limited

FIFA took the controversial decision to award Qatar the World Cup in December 2010.

There have also been numerous corruption allegations about the bidding process for the tournament and reports of alleged abuses of the rights of migrant workers employed on World Cup projects.

Australia bid for the right to host 2022 — spending more than $40m in the process but gained just one vote as Qatar won by a landslide, ahead of the United States, South Korea and (separately) Japan.

UK football writer Henry Winter recently wrote: "It was laughable that such a serious bid as Australia should finish last. It summed up Fifa's tainted voting system that the most legitimate bid went out in the first round. It is no surprise that half of the 22 ExCo members involved have since stepped down, some of them totally discredited."

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Demons grow in esteem and aspiration

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NOTHING spoke of the changing paradigm for Melbourne quite so eloquently as the reaction to defeat a week ago.

It wasn't the lament of losing, for too long a constant, soul-destroying companion. It was instead the regret of not winning.

The Demons had the Western Bulldogs on toast for a period in the last quarter before being edged in the stretch for the tape.

What Melbourne wouldn't have given for narrow, meritorious defeat in recent years. Now it has the esteem to aspire for more.

Melbourne completes its first lap under Paul Roos today at the MCG. The coach has proposed an audit in the bye to measure the gains and identify the urgent causes for attention.

Lynden Dunn is beginning to deliver on the promise that lead him to be a first-round draft selection. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

One thing is tangible; from supporters to players all have come to trust in something better. Given the starting point it's a significant advancement.

Any such reassurance seemed wishful thinking seven weeks ago when the Demons capitulated to West Coast by 93 points.

It led you to wonder if the players themselves weren't permanently damaged. When the rut set in the participants too readily submitted to their fate. The failure seemed institutionalised.

Roos appeared appalled by it. He spoke of the minimum standards a professional footballer must meet.

Having spent the early part of his tenure as professor he turned psychologist. He spoke of changing the environment for the players so it didn't contain the same sense of dread and loathing.

A fortnight later those Demons players grew into the idea of winning on an afternoon of gaping opportunity against Carlton.

Jeremy Howe and skipper Nathan Jones have a laugh following their victory over Carlton in Round 4 Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

The best measure of change came from Jack Grimes who hadn't tasted victory for a full year.

After rehab, where the faces were happy and the bodies ached a little less, the co-captain pondered: "How good would footy be if you could experience this every week."

Roos' task has been to rescue young men from the realms of the downtrodden.

To assess Melbourne's first eight games is to see a team that has been competitive in all bar one. Two wins as many as anyone could have hoped.

The Demons made a virtue of establishing a credible percentage. It stands at 73.65. Remove the Eagles thrashing, now entitled to be viewed as an aberration, and that measure sits at a respectable 85.

That's the scoreboard so to speak. The constant presence Roos was desperate to remove from Melbourne's thinking.

The perceptible gains are in the method and the improvement of individuals. On the scale of development there's barely a Melbourne player you couldn't find a virtue for.

Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Lynden Dunn is becoming the disciplined, versatile footballer his first round selection a decade ago forecast.

Jack Watts is finding an intensity long missing. Nathan Jones is more than the heart and soul. He's accountable and defensively determined.

Grimes looks more settled and sure with the ball. Neville Jetta is reinvented as a dependable defender. And Cam Pedersen looks to have found his place.

Even in a small sample some of those outcomes are wondrous.

There's nothing pretty about the Demons. They don't have that luxury. There is a hard, competitive edge and a desire to adhere to a predictable, replicable style.

Melbourne training is said to have an extreme emphasis on education, intense learning of the bedrocks — structures and stoppages — rather than ball movement.

As Adelaide learnt the hard way, you can't just rock up against Melbourne anymore. They're an awkward opponent with the capacity to frustrate and a willingness to persist that bridges the talent differential.

That's a challenge for Richmond. An emotional team on a highly emotional day.

Like Melbourne, the Tigers have only two wins and when last faced with this sort of assignment failed it badly against the Bulldogs.

Any audit by Damien Hardwick in the week off would have identified broad regression.

The coach has maintained the policy this is a good team. But promises aren't worth much these days. It's actions that are judged.

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Local knowledge gives Oar Dutch courage

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AFTER impressing in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, both Tommy Oar and Jason Davidson are confident of bringing their club form with them into the Socceroos World Cup squad.

Davidson plays for Heracles Almelo, while Oar is at FC Utrecht alongside his former Brisbane Roar teammate Adam Sarota, who was also named in Ange Postecoglou's initial 30-man squad.

Four years ago Oar came so close to getting on the plane to South Africa, only to miss out on then coach Pim Verbeek's final 23-man squad for the World Cup.

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But this year, with so much more experience under his belt, the 22-year-old believes he is a step closer to reaching his dream.

"Every kid dreams of going to the World Cup and of course I'm no different, so for it to be so close to becoming a reality is a fantastic feeling.

"When you arrive in camp it becomes a reality. It's always good to see all the boys again and everyone is really happy to have made the 30-man squad."

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Oar made 31 appearances for his club this season and is very familiar with many of the faces that will line up against Australia when they face the Netherlands in their second group game.

"I looked at their team and I know their entire squad," Oar said.

"I get to see a lot of them play every week and they have some fantastic players. If I was given the chance to play against them I think I would know what to expect from their play, so for me that might be a little bit of an advantage."

Four more years ... Tommy Oar poses ahead of the 2010 tournament. Source: News Limited

Davidson, who is the only left-back in the Socceroos squad, also believes his knowledge of Dutch football will stand him in good stead.

The 22-year-old was a mainstay for his club this season and is pleased with his form heading into the Socceroos' two training camps before the squad leaves for Brazil.

"I was happy I got picked, but in the same breath I thought I deserved it because I've played a lot of games this season," Davidson said.

"Tommy and myself and Adam Sarota all play in Holland and I think it's an advantage. If any of the boys or coaching staff decide to ask us for any advice I'm sure we can help out because we play against these players every week."

As Postecoglou begins the task of rebuilding the Socceroos, there is an emphasis on youth in his squad. The majority of players have fewer than 10 caps and most have never been to a World Cup.

Jason Davidson got suited up at Socceroos camp in Terrigal. Picture: Gregg Porteous. Source: News Limited

But Oar insists that just adds to their motivation.

"We're not scared of the challenge and we're confident we can surprise a lot of people," he said.

"Everybody has had good seasons and now, with the team being a lot younger than before, I think the enthusiasm at training might be a bit higher. Everybody will be doing everything they can to impress and I think that can only benefit the team."

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