play magazine issue #8

FOOTBALLCANBERRA UNITED WIN

WIN WIN WIN25 DOUBLE PASSES TO THE BRUMBIES

ROUND 1 GAME AGAINST THE FORCE

RUGBY LEAGUERAIDERS: CLASS OF 2012

TENNISAUSTRALIAN OPEN

CROSSWORDSPORTS CROSSWORD

GRIDIRONSUPER BOWL XLVI

BRUMBIES THE DAWNING OF A NEW SUPER ERA

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CANBERRA’S ONLY SPORTS MAGAZINE

ONE GAME AT A TIME

ISSUE #8 FEBRUARY 2012

WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORTCANBERRA.COM.AUII Issue #8 February 2012

ONE GAME AT A TIME

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORTCANBERRA.COM.AU 1Issue #8 February 2012

02 CricketBig Bash League | Young guns chance to shine

03 OutlookWith Chris Cairns

04 BaseballCanberra Cavalry | MLB

06 BasketballNBA stars to play for Boomers | Big Bang Ballers

07 Black Opal Stakes

08 Rugby LeagueRaiders: Class of 2012 | Ricky Stuart Foundation

09 2012 Eight Ball Championships

10 Aussie RulesNEAFL: Big names head for Ainsle | AFL

12 Rugby UnionCooper’s injury | Rebels deny chasing Cronk

14 Your Shout Letters to the editor

15 One Minute WithPJ Roberts - Soccer star

16 Football W-League: Canberra United take championship EPL | Local

20 GridironSuper Bowl XLVI | Local Gridiron

24 WIN Brumbies Double Passes

26 Social Pictures

28 Women in SportSally Pearson | PLAY - The Dance Agency | Roller Derby

30 TennisAustralian Open wrap up | Top 5: Tennis Tantrums

31 ACT combined championships

32 CyclingRoad | Track

34 GolfPGA | ACTewAGL Ladies Classic wrap up

36 Motor SportFormula 1 | V8 Supercars

38 Combat SportsBoxing: Canberra made of good stock

40 London 2012 posters

42 Left of centreLacrosse

44 FitnessOriginal Bootcamp

45 Sports Crossword Nutrition and Health

22

BRUMBIESThe dawning of a new super era

DETAILS

CONTENTS

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CONTRIBUTORS Writers: Chris Cairns, Antony Perry, Lucy Hinchey, Peter McGrath AAP, AFP.

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORTCANBERRA.COM.AU2 Issue #8 February 2012

◊ LUCY HINCHEY

It’s that time of year again when the Canberra public dust off their brimmed hats, zinc up and flock to Manuka Oval for the cricket match of the year.

There are some big names in the Australian Prime Minister’s XI side this year and the team will be looking for a win against the World Cup runners-up Sri Lanka.

Australian test players Brad Haddin and Nathan Lyon make their return to the Capital, where they played their junior careers. Also in the side is Ben Cutting, the pace bowler who will be hoping to stake his claim at national level once again after injury forced him out of the Test squad earlier this season.

Two ACT Comets players have been rewarded for their form by being named

in the team. Queanbeyan’s Dean Solway was selected while his club captain, Aaron Ayre, takes the position of twelfth man.

Solway made 166 on debut for the Canberra Comets last year and the 19-year-old will be looking to make a positive impression in front of a huge home crowd.

“I’d like to do well with the bat, and obviously just bring a lot of energy while we’re fielding, and try and contribute to the team as much as possible,” Solway said.

“At the start of the season it wasn’t really something I was aiming for at all. I was just concentrating on doing well with the Comets and ... I put a few scores together and think that’s why I’ve been selected … so I wasn’t expecting it but it’s certainly a nice surprise,” he said.

Brad Haddin played for ANU with Dean’s father, Peter Solway.

“I actually know Brad pretty well. Dad’s close friends with him from playing cricket so I think it’s great having him there just to kind of relax the nerves a bit. I know a few of the guys in the team

which will make the experience a bit better,” Solway said.

Ayre is looking forward to observing how the more experienced players prepare for matches and to “pick their brains about cricket as much as possible and try and learn things for me to take back to my own game so that I can improve as a cricketer,” he said.

Solway admits he is both “excited and a bit nervous” but says he will have plenty of support come game day. “Family and friends will probably come out and have a look. The girls from work … and some of the Queanbeyan cricket club guys will come out as well … everyone’s pretty excited,” he said.

The match will be an important lead-up to Sri Lanka’s tri-series against India and Australia. Sri Lanka is rebuilding their team after defeats in Tests and ODIs after the 2011 World Cup. The Sri Lankans are renowned for their big hitting in limited over cricket and fans are likely to see some entertaining cricket between the two teams.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE VIA TICKETEK

Friday February 3rd, Gates open: 8.30am Match starts: 10am

YOUNG GUNS CHANCE TO SHINE

Aaron Ayre in action for the ACT Comets.

◊ JUSTIN CHADWICK

Pace ace Brett Lee has urged Stuart MacGill to return for next summer’s Twenty20 Big Bash tournament, saying the former Test spinner could go on for a

few more years yet if he wanted to.MacGill teared up as he walked through a guard of honour following the Sydney Sixers’ seven-wicket triumph over Perth Scorchers in Saturday’s T20 final at the WACA Ground.

BRETT LEE URGES MACGILL TO PLAY ON

The 40-year-old played a handy role in the win, returning figures of 1-20 off four overs to help restrict Perth to 5-156, before the Sixers cruised to the victory target with seven balls to spare.It took MacGill’s tournament tally to seven wickets at an average of 23.7 and an economy rate of 6.64.MacGill, who turns 41 next month, will play on in the newly-formed Bangladesh Premier League next month and has also nominated for the Indian Premier League player auction.The ageing tweaker has hinted he is unlikely to return for another season in Australia, but Lee said MacGill would be welcomed back with open arms if he changed his mind.“When we did that guard of honour, Stuart MacGill teared up massively. He’s finally had a chance now to say goodbye to cricket, even though I still think he should play for a few more seasons,” Lee said.“He’s the comeback kid.“It’s a miracle story at 40 years of age to come back and play the way he has.“And to think of what he has done with the guys back in the dressing room and also on the field is an amazing story.“I would love him to come back.”Lee’s opening over proved to be the defining moment of Saturday’s final, with

the 35-year-old snaring the key scalps of Herschelle Gibbs (0) and Luke Ronchi (2) to leave Perth in all sorts of trouble at 2-2.Sixers opener Moises Henriques then did the damage with the bat, cracking 70 off 41 balls to earn man-of-the-match honours.Scorchers all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who continued his fine form with an unbeaten 77 off 57 balls, described the loss as shattering.But the 20-year-old said he was looking forward to linking up with older brother Shaun for Australia’s two-match Twenty20 series against India, starting on Wednesday.Shaun has endured a horror summer, tallying just 17 runs over six Test innings in the 4-0 series win over India.“He’s pretty down. No one wants to go through a rut like this,” Mitchell said.“But I’m sure he’s going to come out of it.“It’s not through a lack of hard work. It’s just one of those things. I’m sure he’ll bounce back in the Twenty20s.”Mitchell declared himself 100 per cent fit for the T20 series against India despite suffering cramps in his calves and hamstrings during the loss to the Sixers. - AAP

Stuart MacGill celebrates the wicket of Marcus North in the T-20 final between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers at the WACA. Image: Tony McDonough.- AAP


Having been an avid watcher of the Big Bash League over this summer, I knew before it was set to play out it would be a success. But the ratings have confirmed that it is significantly bigger than many predicted.

There are the whining negative voices who bleat out that it’s not traditional cricket, but guess what? You’re exactly right. But love T20 for what it is. Not what it isn’t.

I sat on a park bench at the Griffith shops the other night with a good friend whilst we were awaiting the delights of the Vietnamese takeaway. He is an avid AFL fan and said he loves watching it because with every play there is something happening. Personally I still don’t get AFL and how you can constantly applaud people for knocking

the ball on. The BBL also has action with every play. Each ball is a great delivery, a brilliant piece of fielding or a super shot. This type of action captivates and holds the curiosity of newcomers who begin to watch our sport.

With success comes talk of expansion. The current eight teams may move to ten but the authorities must exercise caution. This BBL saw very few appearances from the star Australian players. This may continue for a season or two yet until they get the window required for the international players to participate. If the expansion comes now it will require thirty-four more players for the two extra teams. This means it will be the lesser players required to fill these numbers and thus creating a diluting of the skill on display. A lesser product if you like.

I would continue on for another two seasons with eight teams and then canvass for which two teams are likely to be invited to play. Who knows, if done properly it may grow by three teams and I would dearly love to see a Canberra team in the BBL but much work must be done to create the right bid for this to occur.

I also have a preference for T20 to remain as a domestic competition. Currently with the BBL, the IPL in India and 20/20 comp in England, there is a sense of supporting your team to win the trophy. There is an incentive to go to the Champions League in India as one of the top qualifiers in your country. But with International T20 matches there is no outcome. These are still viewed as exhibition matches which I feel detract from the purpose of T20. Once every

four years there should be a T20 World Cup that nations compete for. This keeps it fresh and means all T20 matches have context.

And lastly, T20 is a great way to introduce the game to youngsters and then from here they can learn the intricacies of Test cricket.

And lastly, Test cricket is for the mature audience where patience and strategy is key. Remember your first drink was not Grange but probably an alcopop, so let the young cut their teeth on T20 and then arrive to Test cricket to take in something with significantly more substance.

CHRIS CAIRNS

OUTLOOK

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◊ THOM CARTER

Recently the Canberra “UberGlobal” Cavalry were pleased to announce that current relief pitcher Steven Kent has accepted a minor league contract from the Kansas City Royals organisation.

Kent, twenty-two, spent the first six years of his career pitching in the Atlanta Braves organisation before being released. His production for the Australia Men’s National Team at the World Cup this spring and as a dominate presence in the bullpen with the Cavalry lead to his signing.

After Kent was released by the Braves organisation, he returned home to the ACT to work on his craft and look for a second chance. He was chosen to pitch for the Australian Men’s National team in Panama during the Baseball World Cup in 2011. In four appearances he won two games, saved another, and struck out six in just seven and two-thirds innings pitched.

Kent picked up where he left off in Panama when he took the mound for his hometown ABL team, the Canberra “UberGlobal” Cavalry, in November. He is currently tied for the league

lead in wins with five, and second in the league in saves with six. In nineteen appearances for the Cavalry he has struck out twenty-seven batters while only walking ten.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” Kent said. “When I got released I dedicated myself to working hard, pitching hard, and hoping for another shot. I am grateful to the Kansas City Royals organisation for giving me this opportunity and grateful that the Cavalry organisation is here in Canberra so I could be seen and given this shot.”

With Kent agreeing to terms with the Royals, the Cavalry currently have five players with affiliated contracts: Kenny Wilson (Blue Jays), Kevin Keirmaeir (Rays), Mark Thomas (Rays), Hayden Beard (Padres), and Tim Atherton (Twins).

“I couldn’t be happier,” Cavalry General Manager Peter Bishell said. “Steve is a good kid who plays the game the right way. It is great for all young men playing baseball in the ACT to know that if you work hard, play well, and do your best, you can play baseball at the highest level in the world.”

◊ SAM CARTER

Now that the ink has dried on the two most expensive contracts for first baseman in the history of baseball, it’s the time to ask what kind of impact will Albert Pujols (LA Angles of Anaheim – ten years $254 Million) and Prince Fielder (Detroit Tigers – nine years $214 Million) have on their teams and the whole of the American League. Will Pujols help the Angles overtake the Texas Rangers and return to the Playoffs? Will Fielder joining Miguel Cabrera in the Tigers lineup allow them to make the next to step to become World Series champions? Only time will tell, but it will not stop the fans from attempting to predict the future.

In order to answer these questions, we must examine one of the parts of baseball that makes it so great; statistics. Because fans have preconceived notions based on

SMP Images

STEVEN KENT SIGNS WITH KANSAS CITY ROYALSACT Native and Cavalry Star To Pitch In America

FIELDER V. PUJOLS – WHO WILL HAVE THE BIGGER IMPACT?names, we will first look at Pujols’ and Fielder’s 2011 statistics without knowledge of which player is which:

Player G R H 2B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS

Player A 162 95 170 36 38 120 107 106 1 1 0.299 0.415 0.566 0.981

Player B 147 105 173 29 37 99 61 58 9 1 0.299 0.366 0.541 0.907

Which player will make the most impact just by glancing over the statistics that fans, management and media alike use to judge the importance of a player? Player A is more durable, had more HRs, 2Bs, RBIs, Walks and a higher OBP, Slugging Percentage and OPS, while Player B scored more runs, struck out less and stole more bases. Based on these stats, which player will help their team best reach their goals? The answer is obvious, Player A. Player A is the most dominant player by almost all statistical categories. That is player is Prince Fielder.

Does this mean that we have learned that Fielder will help the Tigers win a World Series better than Albert Pujols? Let’s look a little bit deeper. In order to do that we will look at who they are replacing. The Tigers put all their cards on the table for Fielder because of a season-ending injury to Victor Martinez, while the Angels brought in Pujols to replace Mark Trumbo.

Player G R H 2B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS

V. Martinez 145 76 178 40 12 103 46 51 1 0 0.330 0.380 0.470 0.850

Mark Trumbo 149 65 137 31 29 87 25 120 9 4 0.254 0.291 0.477 0.768

Unsurprisingly, Martinez has the overall better numbers than Trumbo. So, what does this mean for the impact of these two new additions? As one looks deeper, the answer is no longer as obvious as it seemed at first. Both players will add wins and allow their teams to reach their overall goals, but it is Pujols who will add more to his team in 2012.Sam Carter is the brother of Cavalry Assistant General Manager Thom Carter

Albert Pujols hits a grand slam. Image: Scott Rovak - AFP Prince Fielder scores after colliding with San Francisco Giants catcher Todd Greene. Image: Tannen Maury - AAP


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◊ GUY HAND

Could the Boomers have two No.1 NBA draft picks playing at the London Olympics?Australia’s men’s basketball team may yet find themselves lining up with superstar Andrew Bogut in the

frontcourt, and rising star Kyrie Irving in the backcourt.Irving, the No.1 draft pick playing his first NBA season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is still considering whether to pledge his international allegiance to Australia.Born in Australia when his American father Drederick played there, but raised

Over the break PLAY got the chance to catch up with Pierre Johannessen one of the co-founders of Big Bang Ballers (BBB) and asked him about the good work the organization does.

PLAY: Hi Pierre, give us a rundown of the work BBB does? We’re an international not-for-profit. We use the game of basketball to fight youth poverty and social disadvantage worldwide. As of December 2011, we have catered to over 35,000 kids in 10 different countries, run leadership,

life-skills and personal development courses, built basketball courts and schools, provided food, water, clothing and educational supplies to kids in schools, orphanages, and even on the streets of some of the most impoverished countries on the planet.

How many countries does it operate in? We started in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and now, just four years later, we’re in ten countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines and Nepal.

BBB is a real international effort, how did you meet the other partners?

An Australian, a Bangladeshi and two Frenchmen met on a dusty basketball court one evening and struck up a friendship. Although all four were from different backgrounds, they instantly formed a bond, and began playing in pickup games as a team. Since then we’ve picked up eighty permanent volunteers from around the world.

Where does the name come from? We often get asked about the name, so here is the official story. When the team was originally formed, we had no name. At the time, the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” was the only show we were watching in Bangladesh, so the idea of “Big Bangs” was proposed.

The more we thought about it, the more it made sense; all it takes is a little spark to appear, what better way to describe what was happening to basketball in Bangladesh? Today, what better way to describe how rapidly the Big Bangs expanded? From humble beginnings of four guys meeting on a

court and organising pickup games, to a presence in four countries, camps and tournaments and fundraisers, and an expanding schedule that comprises of five countries in six months and potential partnerships and proposals that would allow our successful project concepts to be taken global… Phew! How else can you describe it better than a “Big Bang”?

If people want to get involved or donate, what’s the best way?

Head to our website and sign up to our mailing list! We have volunteer opportunities literally every month, and we need all kinds of help, from basketballers to teachers to great communicators, supervisors, sometimes even just extra hands to make lighter work of the immense task we’ve undertaken. We also now accept donations online, and best of all every donation over $2 is tax deductible!

Thanks for your time Pierre. For more information on the great work of BBB head to www.bigbangballers.org

image courtesy of Big Bang Ballers

BIG BANG BALLERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

BASKETBALL

Andrew Bogut of Australia (L) shoots after getting ahead of Philadelphia 76ers center Marreese Speights Wisconsin, USA, 24 March 2010. Image: Tannen Maury Corbis Out - AAP

NBA STAR REMAINS IN BOOMERS OLYMPIC FRAME

in the United States, Irving would be a walk-up start for the Boomers in London to strengthen their point guard stocks.He would not come on to the US radar until at least the 2016 Games.During a truncated NBA season which only kicked off in late December, the 19-year-old has proven he can cut it in the big league, scoring 26 points and six assists in a recent game in the world’s best basketball competition.Irving said last week he was still considering his position after the prospect of playing for Australia was originally raised when he finished college in the States in May last year.“Still haven’t decided,” Irving told the Akron Beacon Journal.“Really it will come down to whether or not I want to give up my whole summer.”Basketball Australia has said it will explore every option to get Irving into the Boomers fold.But complicating the process is regardless of what Irving does decide, he has played for the US under-18 team and would need the clearance of world basketball’s governing body FIBA to represent Australia.With Irving in their ranks or not, the Boomers will be in London in July after

qualifying in September last year with a 3-0 clean sweep of their Olympic qualifying series against New Zealand.So too will their female counterparts, the Opals, who will chase a fifth successive Games medal after also sweeping aside New Zealand in qualifying.The Opals achieved their qualification minus seven regular players - among them Lauren Jackson.They relied on emerging talent to get them there, and head coach Carrie Graf will now work her stars back into the mix ahead of London.The Opals have promised a concentrated three-month lead-in to the Games, with most of their star players so far committing to being part of the intensive program planned ahead of London.Graf will be pleased with her wealth of tall options for Games selection, led by Jackson and Liz Cambage.But veteran centre Suzy Batkovic was sensational during the New Zealand series.She has carried on that form in the local WNBL for Adelaide Lightning, and is a warm favourite for most valuable player honours in the league this season. - AAP


The Canberra Racing Club is hopeful of cashing in on another strong two-year-old season by attracting a crack field to the $250,000 Black Opal Stakes (1200m) in March.

With less than two months until the capital’s flagship race, chief executive

Peter Stubbs was still unsure which of Australia’s juveniles would be making the trip to Thoroughbred Park but was confident of entertaining a strong field.

In previous years the Canberra feature would directly compete with the Skyline Stakes (1200m) for colts and

geldings, and the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) for fillies, both of which were traditionally staged in Sydney the day before the Black Opal. Those two races will this year run one week later, leaving just the $100,000 Lonhro Plate (1100m) on the same weekend as the Opal.

Stubbs is heading to Sydney early next week to man a Canberra Racing Club marquee at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in a bid to promote Black Opal Day, which for the first time will feature four listed races.

Last year the club made a sweeping change to their racing calendar moving the $200,000 Canberra Cup (2000m), traditionally held during the spring, onto the Black Opal race card.

The National Sprint (1400m) and the Canberra Guineas (1400m), both worth $100,000, will also run on the same day.

“Whether that works or not remains to be seen but the concept was if a trainer’s got a stayer and a [Golden] Slipper horse than you might be inclined to bring two or three for those feature races, rather than just come down for the Black Opal,” Stubbs said.

“The thing that we always contend with is that any Sydney trainer that’s got a two-year-old in the top half of a dozen horses, they want to start in Sydney in the Todman or the Reisling or those sorts of races and then go straight into the Slipper.

“We’re more inclined, naturally because it’s a listed race so it’s a lower level, to get horses below that level and horses that are trying to get prize money to get into the Slipper. “There’s always a good horse [in the Opal] so it’s just a matter of what you pick up.”

Last year the attraction was Queanbeyan-trained star Karuta Queen, whose presence drove away the competition and left the race with just nine starters.

In a massive boil over, the previously unbeaten chestnut filly was upstaged by Gratz Vella gelding You’re Canny. Karuta Queen went on to run tenth in the Slipper, but bounced back superbly in the spring claiming the Heritage Stakes (1100m) and the Australia Stakes (1200m). In 2010 the Opal was taken out by Clarry Conners’ flyer Decision Time, who went on to run a narrow second behind Crystal Lily in the Golden Slipper.

BLACK OPAL STAKES ALWAYS A WINNER

2011 Black Opal Stakes winner You’re Canny. Image: Andrew Taylor - AAP

BASKETBALL


◊ NATHAN MINERDS

Remember your first big promotion at work? I’m guessing it didn’t involve tackling a rampaging Fuifui Moimoi or running full sprint into Matt Scott or Tony “T-Rex” Williams. Well, meet the next generation of Raiders stars, three graduates from the Raiders U20’s Toyota Cup team expected to make a push for their NRL debuts in season 2012, and for these guys that’s exactly what their promotion means.

PLAY caught up with the Canberra Raiders Player Recruitment Officer and former Toyota Cup Coach, David Hamilton to get the low-down on Matt Mcllwrick and local juniors Sami Sauiluma and the hard working Paul Vaughan.

First player discussed was Matt Mcllwrick, a Junior Kiwi with a heap of promise and tipped by many Raiders fans to be the next long term hooker for the Green Machine. David believes there’s a lot to like about Matt

“He’s extremely explosive out of dummy half. He’s got great balance; I’ve seen the opposition put good contact on him in defence but he’s still able to find his feet and continue to move forward.” David is also pleased with Matt’s continued development, declaring that Matt is “getting smarter as a player and learning how to read games. When the opposition forwards are getting tired around the ruck area he’s very dangerous running from dummy half.”

Are we likely to see Matt in the NRL in 2012?

“He could get an opportunity in first grade this year but it will come down to injuries to other players in his position. Another twelve months in the NSW Cup will do wonders for his development.”

Sami Sauiluma has been regarded as an outstanding prospect among the Raiders faithful, with many seeing him as an option in a variety of positions. Wing, centre and backrow have all been mentioned, but David believes

focusing on one position is the way forward for Sami. “He’s got a lot of talent that translates to him playing in a lot of positions but we’re going to have to focus on the one position for him.” And on the prospect of Sami breaking into the NRL team this year: “He could debut this year but again it’s a learning year for him and the NSW Cup will be great for him.” If he does get a crack at NRL, David has no doubt he’ll hold his own. “He’s got deceptive speed, great balance and is very strong in attack and defence. If he got his opportunity in the NRL he wouldn’t let anyone down.”

It takes a strong character to come back from serious injury and an even stronger character to play prop in the NRL. Many out at Raiders HQ believe Paul Vaughan has work ethic and mental toughness to fulfill his potential. David’s thoughts on Paul are very positive. “He suffered a horrific injury when he was 18 and now is the time for him to continue to step up and play good footy.” Traditionally props

mature into first graders at an older age to the average of any other position. With this in mind an NRL debut at prop usually takes a little longer. “He’s playing in a position that is going to take a while to develop in. It takes time to get into that middle unit of the field.” But David believes that “playing week in and week out against men in the NSW Cup is only going to accelerate his development and make him a better player.” Another positive for Paul is his work ethic. “The coaching staff here have been telling me that he just keeps getting better at training and are happy with his pre-season. For a big man he has amazing footwork and speed; they’re his main attributes. He’s also a strong defender and very rarely misses a tackle.”

With guys like these, itching to make their debuts for the Raiders in 2012, the pressure is on for positions in the top team. It’s this competition for spots that drives a good team to be a great team. Bring on season 2012!!

CANBERRA

RAIDERS CLASS OF 2012

Date of Birth: 14 February, 1991

Height: 184 cm

Weight: 98 kg

Position: Wing

Junior Clubs: Woden Valley Rams

Date of Birth: 23 April, 1991

Height: 189 cm

Weight: 108 kg

Position: Front row/Second row

Junior Clubs: Gungahlin Bulls

MATT MCILWRICK SAMI SAUILUMA PAUL VAUGHAN

Date of Birth: 4 June, 1991

Height: 180 cm

Weight: 91 kg

Position: Hooker/Lock

Rep. Honours: Junior Kiwis (2010)

Junior Clubs: Halswell Hornets

Images courtesy of AAP


The Ricky Stuart Foundation will feature a PGA-sanctioned event as part of the Ricky Stuart Foundation Celebrity Pro-Am at Royal Canberra Golf Club on Monday, 13 February. The Celebrity Pro-Am is held to raise funds for the Ricky Stuart Foundation to provide assistance and awareness to support the aftercare of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and their families. Fifty-four of the country’s leading golfers will take part in the event, alongside many of Australia’s best-known celebrities, including TV legend Kerri-Anne Kennerley, former model and current face of the ‘Australian Women’s Weekly’ Deborah Hutton, former Brumbies and Wallabies captain George Gregan, world-class golf professionals Brendan Jones, Peter O’Malley and Andre Stolz, and rugby league legends Ron Coote, Brad Fittler and Mal Meninga. The event has received significant support from many of Australia’s leading corporations, including PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PwC) and Stuart’s management company, The Fordham Company. The Ricky Stuart Foundation Celebrity Pro-Am and gala dinner has been made

possible by Virgin Australia flying the thirty celebrity guests into and out of Canberra, Audi Centre Canberra’s VIP transfers for the inbound guests, and Sony Music Entertainment providing artist entertainment at the gala dinner hosted by the Realm Precinct’s Hotel Realm. McGuigan Wines and Carlton United Breweries have donated beverages for the 220 guests attending the evening’s dinner. Queanbeyan-born Stuart, the current NSW Blues State of Origin coach and founder of the charity, says the success of the foundation has been built on the support of its corporate partners. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors and corporate partners in coming forward to get behind the Foundation,” the former Canberra Raiders and Kangaroos halfback said. “We’re very proud of the fact that proceeds raised will be assisting deserving families to make their lives a little easier. “Ideally, we’d like to see these funds support those families living with autism, who are largely unable to support their needs, and I must thank all our sponsors, and participating celebrities and golfers

RICKY STUART FOUNDATION RECEIVES MAJOR CORPORATE SUPPORT

for getting behind this great cause.” “PwC is very pleased to be involved with this event which is one of the premier charity events on the Canberra calendar,” said Terry Weber, Partner at PwC. “Ricky has done a tremendous job in not only shining the spotlight on this disorder – for which there is no known cause, but also providing assistance for those families

who live with it from day to day. “PwC is very proud to be involved with Ricky, his foundation and the golf day, in helping to provide some comfort and assistance to these families.”

To be a part of this event, please contact Sarah Rea on 0405 206 869.

CANBERRA

RAIDERS CLASS OF 2012

Ricky Stuart. Image: Andrew Finch

15-21 January 2012 saw this country’s finest young eight ball players to Canberra for the 2012 Australian Junior Eight Ball Championships. The Championships, held annually in different locations around Australia, are open to qualifying members of each State and Territory who are under 18 years of age.The event was officially opened on Sunday 15 January at the Harmonie German Club in Narrabundah, with former ACT Junior Development Officer Kevin Harrow undertaking the ‘official breaking

of the balls’. Kevin is responsible for the development of many of the ACT’s most successful Junior players to date.The bulk of the Tournament is made up of divisional singles events, with players in Under 12, Under 15 and Under 18 divisions competing for the title of 2012 Australian Champions. The top six placing competitors in the Under 18 event securing a place in the 2012 Australian Junior Team, which will travel to England in June to compete at the World Eight ball Titles.Teams then compete in a full day of team

2012 AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR EIGHT BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

matches, with each State and Territory playing each other for the Australian Junior Teams Title.A big result from one of ACT’s smallest players saw Nathan Miller finish equal fifth overall in the Under 12 Singles, narrowly missing out on a spot in the finals. Despite finishing seventh overall in the teams event, the ACT Junior Squad finished on top of the world after competing at the highest level in front of their friends, family and Eight Ball peers in their home town. Members of the ACT Junior Squad congratulate the 2012 Australian Champions: Team Champions Western Australia, Hayden Goode QLD, Under 12; Jordan Mitchell SA, Under 15; and Luke Foster WA, Under 18 as well as the six talented young players who were selected for the 2012 Australian Junior Team.The competition was outstanding all week. Young players who could barely see over the table demonstrated talent that would give many senior players a run for their money. The Championships also saw the highest level of sportsmanship many may have seen at a national level. Young players were cheering for each other and encouraging players from other States like it was a friendly game between mates.The ACT Eight Ball Association has been

running a successful Junior Development Program for almost 20 years. During this time we have enjoyed many successes for our Juniors. Four ACT Juniors have been selected to represent Australia in the Australian Junior Team at the World Championships, with one of these young players being a member of the 1997 Australian Junior Team that won the World Junior Title. Other Juniors have gone on to become State Champions and be selected for senior ACT representative teams, and Australian Women’s and Men’s Teams.Former ACT Junior Squad Members Nicole Welsh and Dean Welsh will represent Australia at the 2012 World Eight Ball Titles. Nicole and Dean will also be joined by seasoned ACT player Cindy Blackmore. This is Nicole’s fifth consecutive Australian Team that she has been selected for, with Dean and Cindy making their debut Australian appearances.

Front (L to R): Adam Thorp, Nathan Miller, Reece Norton Back (L to R): Justin Finney, Benny Maleganeas, James Wade, Yama Banu, Alex Parker, Ashley Awa, Trent Billington (Manager), Aaron Billington Image: Elizabeth Misson

ACTEBA’s Junior Development Program runs on Sundays during School terms and is open to all young people aged under 18. Juniors have the opportunity to be coached by Australian Representative Players. For more information about the Junior Development Program, visit www.acteba.com.au and contact a committee member.


Just when you thought season 2012 couldn’t get any bigger for the NEAFL the Ainslie Football Club officially introduces its new recruits for the upcoming 2012

NEAFL Season. These recruits include Adelaide Crows hardman Ken McGregor, Hawthorn rookie listed player Jack Mahony and Casey Scorpions midfield/on-baller Jed Costigan.

Ainslie General Manager John Smith said “Ainslie has lost three prominent players from their back-to-back Premiership side from 2011. Dual premiership captain John Holmes has returned to Victoria after sixty-seven games and four seasons with the Club and will play with Norwood in the Eastern Football League. Reigning Best & Fairest Robert Shirley has returned to South Australia taking up coaching and playing duties at Woodville-West Torrens, Robert played fourty games for the Club and collected an Alex Jesaulenko medal in the 2010 winning Grand Final side. Ben Hughes has returned to his home town, Warragul, after four years and seventy-one games at Ainslie.

“We are very stable and in a good space at the moment. The three senior grade players will be missed, there was a lot of experience there, but we’re confident in our playing group and see some great leadership qualities coming through from within.”

Smith went on to say: “With such a minimal loss of players for the third year in a row, Ainslie was in a good position to be able to target certain players to fill some roles left vacant and tend to a few minor areas that needed attention.”

Ainslie had been very proactive in its search as it was aware of the movement of the mentioned players early last year: “We made contact with a number of the recruits and tracked them through 2011. Many of the recruits were pretty much committed at the completion of their 2011 playing commitments.

We are more than happy with our 2012 list; the new recruits along with the emergence and maturing of four or five younger players through our Senior Transition Squad that now join the premiership players will see a high level of competiveness for senior grade playing spots. We are also treating the return from long-term injury of both Matt Hearn and Tyson Carracher as almost being new recruits

Ainslie has had great numbers on the track pre-Christmas and seeing the number of players in the gym and on the oval during the break is more than encouraging. The boys are keen and

excited about the upcoming season, they’re happy with the draw, they’re on the road a fair amount of times and also looking forward to the Foxtel Cup again.”

Coach Chris Rourke is very satisfied with the players on hand, and sees the new recruits as all very capable of stepping right into the training and playing culture at the Club: “We’ve lost three good men, but the eight or so recruits, the young players coming through and a few injury returns will see us hit the ground running in 2012,” Rourke said.

“I think there are a few boys coming to Ainslie that will soon be regularly talked about in footy circles; they are all good people and are very clear on what is expected of them at our Club. We have a pretty capable list, there’ll be some pressure on all the boys to get and keep spots in first grade. They will all get their chance to prove their selection both on the track and in our pre-season hit-outs.”

BIG NAMES HEADING TO AINSLIE

Ken McGregor heads up an impressive list of recruits for Ainslie. Image: Martin Philbey - AAP

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AUSSIE RULES


◊ ROB FORSAITH

Relaxed, fit and ready to lead. Tom Scully can’t wait for the 2012 AFL season to start.

It’s been over four months since Greater Western Sydney announced Scully would join the club on a six-year deal.

In two months, people will be analysing the AFL debuts of GWS and Israel Folau.

But Scully’s performance as general of the Giants’ midfield will also be one of the main talking points of the stand-alone start to the 2012 season.

Considering the constant speculation the twenty-year-old faced in Melbourne over his future last season, and the scrutiny over his dad joining the Giants as a recruiter, that probably won’t be so bad.

“I’m just pretty keen to get out there and

play some good footy. I’m really enjoying playing with my new team-mates,” Scully said.

“I feel a lot more relaxed in Sydney. I really like the lifestyle up here.

“It’s really good being able to go about your business without having to worry about all that sort of stuff (being a public figure in Melbourne).”

Scully is not only mentally at ease. A bumper pre-season has him physically fresh - a handy boost for a player who was dogged in 2011 by a knee injury that restricted him to 10 games.

“Having the confidence that I’ve completed nearly all of pre-season is a good thing to have leading into a season,” he said.

“You can set yourself up for a good year.

“Last year I was in and out of pre-season, which was frustrating.

“But that’s all behind us now ... I’ve done nearly everything and the body’s feeling really good.”

Aside from spending more time on the training track, Scully has found himself in more of a leadership role at the Giants.

“We’re starting a footy club basically

from scratch, so there’s a lot of young players around with not much AFL experience.

“Suddenly I’m looking at myself, in my third year, and I’m probably one of the more experienced players.

“... But even the younger boys who were drafted, they’ve all showed really good leadership qualities.”

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy is expected to announce the club’s captain in mid-February.

Scully, who captained Victoria Metro in the 2009 AFL Under 18 championship, must surely be on Sheedy’s shortlist of six.

If Sheedy wants a long-term skipper, former Brisbane co-captain Luke Power would perhaps be too old at thirty-two.

But Power, also the Giants’ forward line coach, is providing no shortage of on-field guidance according to Folau.

“I think Luke Power has stood out for me and I’m sure a lot of other players would say the same,” he said.

“He gives good feedback during training on what you need to work on ... and he’s certainly helping a lot of the young guys.” - AAP

PIES FOCUSED ON 2012 AFL SEASON: THOMAS

◊ ROB FORSAITH

There was soul searching, as there always is, but Collingwood star Dale Thomas believes the club have moved on from their 2011 AFL grand final loss.

Thomas was one of the Magpies’ best performers in their 38-point defeat to Geelong, but that was always going to be

scant consolation during the off-season.

“Six weeks off, you do a little bit of soul searching,” Thomas told AAP.

“You kind of worry where you’ve gone wrong and where you need to get better to go that one step further.

“I’m sure I wasn’t alone in those thoughts over the break.”

But with a new coach at the helm, a training camp in Arizona and the AFL season fast approaching, those thoughts have been mostly erased.

Rather than focusing on the pain, new Collingwood mentor Nathan Buckley has his charges primed for the new challenges awaiting in 2012.

“(It has) not (been talked about) a great deal. Obviously it’s a new year, new coach - a lot of different things,” Thomas said.

“Obviously for the boys who played and were around, it probably sits somewhere in their mind.

“And when the going does get tough, it probably provides a little bit of a spark.

“But you do move on. I think the motivation would have served its purpose to get the boys going at the start of pre-season.

“For us now, it’s about continuing what we’ve done, the hard work we’ve done, and staying as fit and healthy as we can throughout the season.

“The boys have come back well after

Christmas. We’re looking forward to getting into the games and trying to start a new year fresh.

“Hopefully, we can go one step further but there’s a long way to go.”

Just how far the ‘Pies do go in 2012 will depend partly on Buckley’s coaching prowess, as he attempts to steer Collingwood to their third straight season decider.

The thirty-nine-year-old is yet to discuss with Thomas whether his role will change this season, but the midfielder says he has made his mark on the squad.

“So far, he’s just all about the process and trying to refine a couple of things that he has seen from the outside in.

“Obviously, he’s brought a few new ideas and a few little different things he’s going to tweak, and it’s been responded to really well by the group.

“It’s been a really smooth transition.”

Collingwood boast one of the strongest lists in the competition and have been listed as premiership favourites by all

Dale Thomas wins the ball during the 2011 AFL Grand Final. Image: Joe Castro - AAP

SCULLY FIT AND FRESH FOR 2012

Tom Scully with Kevin Sheedy. AAP Image: Tracey Nearmy - AAP


RUGBY UNION

◊ MELISSA WOODS

The Melbourne Rebels don’t want Storm halfback Cooper Cronk, they just want to play like him.

The Super Rugby side on Friday denied speculation they were interested in signing Cronk, the off-contract Melbourne NRL halfback.

They are, however, interested in the Storm’s intellectual property given the club’s enviable record of success.

“We view their training sessions every now and then and they view ours,” said coach Damien Hill as the Rebels prepared for their opening trial game next Friday night.

“They’ve got a fantastic coaching staff that we can learn from and they’ve been nice enough to share their coaching resources with us.

Hill said the Storm’s execution of their “catch and pass” and speed of played were two things they were trying to develop at the Rebels.

With the worst defensive statistics in the Super Rugby competition in their debut season, they were also happy for any tips in that department.

“Defensively they’re known as a very hard working team ... something we’d love to have people speak about the Rebels about.”

Cronk has been linked with the Brisbane Broncos as well as the Rebels but the rugby side said they couldn’t afford the

28-year-old, and didn’t need him.

Hill said he admired Cronk but he wasn’t a target for their outfit.

“I watch a lot of league and Cooper’s a fantastic player,” Hill said.

“It’s unrealistic for us to talk about him at this place. We’ve got salary caps in place and he’s at the top echelon of rugby league.”

With their young halfback Nick Phipps already winning three Test caps and with star power like fellow Wallabies James O’Connor, Kurtley Beale and former England representative Danny Cipriani in the line-up, Hill said they had the halves well covered.

“Not talking anything away from Cooper because he’s a fantastic player but we’ve got Nick Phipps, who’s back from the Wallabies and Richard Kingi, our contesting halfback for that spot.

“In terms of 10s, Jimmy Hilgendorf, Danny Cipriani, Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor, Julian Huxley and Lloyd Johansson, who can all play 10 so we have got a lot of options.” - AAP

REBELS DENY CHASING STORM HALFBACK CRONK

Cooper Cronk at training. Image: Julian Smith - AAP

◊ WAYNE HEMING

Re-appointed Queensland Super Rugby coach Ewen McKenzie believes Quade Cooper’s injury-delayed start to 2012 could help him through a difficult player

recruitment period this season.The Reds at the weekend extended McKenzie’s contract until the end of 2014, giving him time to continue to recruit and develop a squad of players who can

COOPER’S INJURY TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY

keep Queensland at the top of Australian provincial rugby.McKenzie said ideally, he’d like Cooper starting the Reds’ Super Rugby defence.But he admitted the forced absence of his Wallaby star in the No.10 jumper presented an opportunity to evaluate several players before making some tough calls about his 2013 squad because of the salary cap pressures which come with success.Cooper, who’ll miss the first six or seven games of the Reds’ Super Rugby defence after rupturing his ACL against Wales during last year’s World Cup, has had a hellish few months.His public split with swimmer Stephanie Rice was followed by a return to the headlines earlier this month when he was banned from a popular southeast Queensland pub following an alleged altercation with a female patron.“That’s life, isn’t it?,” McKenzie said.“You have your ups and downs.“He’s as good as he can be for a bloke on one leg.“The best crutch for him at the moment is to be here hanging around his mates.“He’s here every day re-habbing and he’s at every training session so that’s the best tonic for him at the moment.”

Cooper might not have delivered his magic for the Wallabies in the World Cup but there’s no denying his influence for the Reds under McKenzie.McKenzie, who’s built up his talent pool in two years at the helm of the Reds, isn’t short on No.10 options, headed by impressive Kiwi import Mike Harris.Harris looked sharp in the backs last year before injury struck him down.Whoever McKenzie opts for will struggle to match Cooper’s passing game, although Harris brings a fine running game to the table, as well as his experience in the role.Skipper James Horwill, meanwhile, hailed McKenzie’s contract extension as a coup for the club and the players.“Probably when I started out, it was something we were lacking, that stability, not just at the coaching level but right across the board,” he said.“I’m rapt he’s decided to stay here. It’s fantastic all those guys have committed to Queensland and want to leave a lasting legacy as do a lot of the players.“We want to be as successful as we can and for Queensland rugby to be known worldwide as a provincial powerhouse.” - AAP

Quade Cooper leaves the field during the IRB Rugby World Cup bronze final match between Australia and Wales. Image: Dave Hunt - AAP


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Super Rugby-winning coach Ewen McKenzie has put a desire to build a Queensland Reds dynasty before his Wallabies ambitions by re-signing until the end of 2014.

McKenzie, who has transformed the Reds from cellar-dwellers to champions in just two years in charge, has agreed to extend his contract by an extra 12 months.

The surprise extension has serious ramifications on a national level with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans’ contract

expiring at the end of 2013.

McKenzie looms as a natural successor, especially after Australian Rugby Union boss John O’Neill admitted in October he featured extensively in the governing body’s succession plan.

But the Queensland Rugby Union

believes New Zealander Deans will again be reappointed after the British and Irish Lions tour in two years time “unless the wheels fell off”.

QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael and chairman Rod McCall, though, indicated McKenzie’s extended deal wouldn’t necessarily preclude him from ascending to the national coaching post.

“That’s a fair way down the track and there would have to be a fair amount of dialogue that all parties are involved in to allow the delivery to be right for the

game,” Carmichael said.

McKenzie said the motivation behind his decision was to finish the job he’d been recruited for - leaving a legacy for what had been a fractured code in Queensland’s highly-competitive sporting market.

“There’s an attraction to be around and see that all through,” he said.

“We are only in control of our own environment and we’ve done a good job in the last couple of years but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

While the 51-Test former prop is highly-regarded as Deans’ heir apparent, due to the Reds’ attacking style as well as their success, McKenzie stressed there were no guarantees in sport.

“Rugby is a moveable feast,” he said

“One thing I know about coaching, you’ve got to be the right bloke at the right time.

“We can only deal with what we know right now.”

It’s his second contract extension and means he’ll be in charge at Ballymore for five years - the same length of time he guided NSW until 2008 - by the end of the deal.

McKenzie has twice before been well positioned to coach Australia, knocking back the post in late-2005 to stay on with the Waratahs, and being overlooked in favour of Deans two years later.

With half the Reds squad coming off contract this year, including star halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper, the new deal for the popular mentor is certain to help retention efforts in the face of extra salary cap pressure.

Two of McCall’s first calls as chairman in September 2009 was to appoint McKenzie as Reds coach and Carmichael as CEO and they have swiftly pulled the QRU out of the mire.

Queensland finished fifth in 2010 and started attracted healthy crowds on the back of an expansive game plan, before winning 15 of 18 matches last season to claim the Super Rugby title.

The transformation has seen membership grow beyond 23,000 - more than cross-code rivals the Broncos, Roar and Lions - and the average attendance climb to 33,000 to have the QRU on the brink of regaining full control of their finances after two years of ARU support. - AAP.”

REDS AHEAD OF WALLABIES

Ewen McKenzie and James Horwill chat during the Queensland Reds training. Image: Dave Hunt -AAP


SEPARATED

www.playcanberra.com.au

PATRICK MILLS - BASKETBALLER

CHRIS BROWN - SINGER

AT BIRTH

Learn the lesson from India.Australia needs to learn from India’s poor showing that it can’t keep retaining the old players in the team (as India has done). It is very obvious that a few Aussie players shouldn’t be kept on or we will just follow the Indians to disaster. It is the Selectors responsibility to quietly tap a few players on the shoulder and say thanks but your time is up - retire gracefully or you will be dropped. The Tour of the West Indies is the ideal time to blood new players.

CC, Kambah.

Hi Guys at PLAY,I’ve got a very important matter to comment on. I just saw a picture of Dale Thomas with his new hair cut and thought, good!! The on second

look, I thought no - not good. The hair was what made him stand out from the crowd. Don’t get me wrong he’s a good player but no better than about 50 other guys running around. What made him a star was his hair. The same thing happens with NRL - I believe David “wolfman” Williams made the Australian team solely on the back of his beard!!

EaglesFanWatson.

You’re right EagleFan, these are important issues - I heard from a guy that knows a guy (that I think knew another guy) that part of Kirk Reynoldson’s contact when he signed with the knights (from the Storm) was that he had to keep the beard. OK we’ll do a top 5 beards next issue.

Send any suggestions to [email protected] or tweet to @PLAYcanberra

Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

YOUR SHOUT

Have your shout and let us know what you think about any of our stories or if you just want to share your wisdom.

email us at [email protected]

Kirk Reynoldson in action. Image: Action Photographics/Jeff Crow - AAP


You played for Canberra Cosmos, Perth Glory, Sarawak FA (Malaysia) and Geylang United FC (Singapore), where was your favorite place to play?That’s a tough one. Each of the places I played was special for its own reasons. Before all of those you mentioned, I also played on scholarship for the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in the US for three years after I finished school at Marist Canberra. It was fantastic to be able to play for an incredibly well resourced team whilst studying. Of course there’s the fact that it was Vegas, baby.

Playing for my hometown team, the Cosmos, was also fantastic. I’d been out of the game for two years due to injury and after that long and three operations on my foot it was very special to come back and be able to play in front of my friends and family. And that vocal Canberra crowd ...

That crowd wasn’t completely stoked when I signed with Perth Glory, and they sure let me know when I first played against Canberra with Perth. But Glory was great too. They were the biggest club in Australia and so could afford a very professional operation in front of the biggest crowds in Australia. I had a pretty ordinary run with injuries whilst there though, but thankfully the MBA programme at the University of Western Australia soaked up some of the time I would have rather spent playing football.

The move to Sarawak, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo was an eye opener. The cultural differences kept me on my toes, and I also had the responsibility of being one of only

two foreign players that the teams in the Malaysian M League are allowed to include on their roster. The rock-hard tropical pitches were pretty hard on my increasingly tired legs though. And there were more of those when I moved to Singapore where I was forced to retire due to injury. I obviously loved my time in Asia, particularly in Singapore because I’m still here nine years later.

It was all a great adventure.

You also captained Australia in the 1996 FIFA / Futsal World Cup in Spain, what was that experience like?Mate, it was awesome! Dad was the head coach, and when our captain was injured and the vice captain was suspended the rest of the team and the technical director basically sat Dad and I down and told us they wanted me to do the job. Dad and I hadn’t even considered it because of the apprehension of bias, but Delamore, the Brazilian technical director, was a persistent and determined bloke.

For a twenty-two-year-old to be able to walk out as captain at a World Cup in Spain playing against Spain with his Dad as the coach, well, you don’t get too many moments like that.

You’re based in Singapore now, how’s life in Singapore? What keeps you busy? I work as a Financial Advisor in ANZ Private Bank. We’re undergoing significant expansion in Asia, so it’s a great job in a great industry and there’s never a dull moment. I work with clients of all various nationalities based all over

the world. Singapore’s a key jurisdiction for wealth management so I’m having a ball.

I’m also a football analyst/commentator on ESPN Star Sports and Singtel MIO, mostly covering the English Premier League. It’s a lot of fun, the people I work with are great and I get to put all of the football trivia I accumulate to some use. It’s great to be able to still be a part of the game even though I am not running around anymore.

I’m also the president of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Singapore (ANZA), which is a great association with a rich history and one I’m very proud to be involved with.

Who’s your tip to win the A-league this year? Well, the Mariners are having a blinder this year, and I very much respect Graham Arnold as I almost signed for him when he was managing at Northern Spirit so they’d have to be my current tip, but it’d take a much braver man than me to write off the Roar. Ange has had such a dominant impact on the game in Australia, and with his team playing such a high intensity possession style

game one must suspect they’re going to up at the pointy end when it counts.

Beside friends and family what do you miss about Canberra?The outdoors and all the open space! Singapore’s a pretty small and heavily populated place, and is virtually on the equator, so when I miss Canberra it’s usually about the beautiful changes of season, the easy access to national parks, the snow and the surf beaches (just down the coast). But mostly it’s those perfectly crisp, blue sky winter days topped of with a big chicken parmigiana. And perhaps a schooner with my mates.

PJ ROBERTS ONE MINUTE WITH

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These shows are not broadcast in Australia, but the next time you’re in Asia if you keep an eye out on these channels you’re likely to see him doing his thing.


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FOOTBALL◊ RUSS GIBBS

Canberra United was crowned Westfield W-League Grand Final with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Brisbane Roar in an action packed finale at McKellar Stadium with Golden Boot

Michelle Heyman scoring twice. The final was everything that the supporters had hoped it would be, stirring from start to finish, with plenty of twists and turns, plots and sub-plots and some fantastic goals.

After epic semi-finals clashed last weekend it was unsurprising that both teams named unchanged teams for the big clash, even down to naming the same substitutes. That meant that, despite her miraculous recovery from a knee injury, Caitlin Munoz took a place on the bench with Grace Gill named in the starting eleven. For the Roar ‘super-sub’ Emily Gielnik was named, once again, amongst the substitutes even though she had been in prolific form in front of goal in recent weeks.

The early skirmishes were, as expected, hectic with the settling in process seeing the midfield battle ebb and flow as first Roar, then United, got some touches under their belts. Tameka Butt almost

UNITED CLAIM THE WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE

TITLE IN A THRILLER

Getty Images


Carlos Tevez’s long-running dispute with Manchester City has cost the striker STG9.3 million ($A14 million) in wages, fines and lost bonuses, according to British media reports.

The Argentina striker has reportedly not been paid his estimated STG200,000 ($A300,000) a week salary since the end of November and has been fined STG1.2 million ($A1.8 million) for gross misconduct over his unauthorised exile in his homeland. Tevez has appealed against the fine.

He is also believed to have forfeited STG6 million ($A9 million) in loyalty bonuses over his repeated requests to leave the club.

The twenty-seven-year-old has not played for City since apparently refusing to come on as a substitute during a Champions League game at Bayern Munich on twenty-seven September, which saw him fined two weeks’ wages for breach of contract.

City are seeking to sell Tevez in the current transfer window, but mooted moves to AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain have failed to materialise.

In a rare move, the club’s chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, spoke out to

criticise the conduct of Milan, who Tevez has identified as his preferred destination.

“As things stand, AC Milan are not an option for Carlos,” Al-Mubarak told Abu Dhabi’s The National newspaper.

“If they want to be a consideration in this transfer window, they would do better to stop congratulating one another and begin to look at how they would meet our terms.

“Carlos remains a player with contractual obligations to Manchester City for the next two-and-a-half seasons.

“Unless we receive an offer we deem appropriate, the terms of his contract will be enforced.

“Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain approached discussions with us in good faith. It is always a positive experience to deal with people with a professional approach.”

City are believed to be holding out for STG25 million ($A37.5 million) plus add-ons for Tevez, who joined the club in 2009 after a two-year loan spell at city rivals Manchester United.

His current contract is due to expire in June 2014. - AAP

MAN CITY EXILE COSTS

TEVEZ REPORTED $14MArgentinian Carlos Tevez reacts after failing in the penalty kicks in the Copa America 2011 quarter final. Image: Leo La Valle -AAP

got on the end of a Roar attack in the opening five minutes but was unable to reach a firmly struck through ball. Shortly afterwards United were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position when Hayley Raso was bundled off the ball but, from Gill’s delivery, Taryn Hemmings headed over.

It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken. In the 11th minute Brisbane turned over cheap ball in midfield allowing Raso to find Ashleigh Sykes in space. The forward steadied herself and released Heyman with an inch perfect pass and the Westfield W-League Golden Boot did the rest, taking the ball in her stride and sliding her shot past Casey Dumont in the Roar goal to give Canberra the lead.

United’s incisive attacking was causing problems for the Roar and their pace was rewarded again seven minutes later. Grace Gill was the architect with a pass of sublime precision to free the strong-running Heyman.

The forward burst away into the penalty area and played a square pass into the path of Ashleigh Sykes who slid in to poke the ball over the line and into the empty net to send the home crowd into delirium.

Far from being game over though the Roar hit back showing their champion quality. Forced to substitute Joanne Burgess with a knee injury, Brisbane sent on ‘super-sub’ Gielnik and, unbelievably, within seconds she had halved the deficit. Butt made inroads down the left and sent over a peach of a cross which Gielnik struck first time, low and hard, beyond the reach of Lydia Williams for a cracking reply.

And Brisbane almost drew level half an hour in. Nicole Sykes dawdled in possession and was robbed by Lana Harch. Harch played in Vedrana Popovic who in turn found Catherine Cannuli whose low shot was pushed round the post by a stretching Williams. Almost immediately United broke and Raso and Ashleigh Sykes found themselves two on one, only for Raso to take the wrong option as the move petered out, as a pulsating first half ended 2-1.

Even with the temperatures soaring at the start of the second half the tempo didn’t flag as both teams chased and harried every cause. Just like in the semi-final against the Victory, United began to use Hemmings on the overlap and, from a foray into Roar territory, United restored their two-goal lead.

Hemmings burst won a corner and Gill floated over a sensational cross to Heyman who, leaping highest, sent a firm downward header into the back of the net.

The Roar were handed a lifeline in the 63rd minute when Caitlin Cooper was adjudged to have brought down Butt in the penalty area. The attacking midfielder dusted herself off to slot home the resultant penalty, sending Williams the wrong way, to keep up her remarkable record of scoring in every Westfield W-League Grand Final.

And the action didn’t end there. Gielnik was close to drawing the team’s level when she sprinted onto a pass and was denied by an alert Williams who advanced sharply to block bravely at the strikers feet while United responded to the threat by taking off the explosive, but tiring, Raso for Emma Kete and replacing the effective Gill with Munoz.

Heyman almost had a hat-trick twelve minutes from time when Nicole Sykes swung over a delightful cross that the prolific goal scorer met with a firm header which flashed narrowly over the crossbar with Dumont statuesque. As the minutes ticked away the tension grew and the atmosphere, already

electric, became even noisier as every pass and tackle was met with deafening cheers.

Needing to chase the game Roar sent on Olga Cebrian Garcia for Laura Alleway, who had suffered a knock, in attempt to force the match into extra-time with a late, late equaliser. United, sensing glory, seemed content to keep possession for as long as possible and frustrate Brisbane who was forced to send long crosses into the area in an effort to break through.

But with Sally Shipard and Jennifer Bisset, on her 20th birthday, imperious in the centre of the park United held on to claim their first Westfield W-League title.

Westfield W-League 2012 Grand FinalMcKellar Park, Belconnen

Canberra United 3 (Michelle Heyman 11’, 56’, Ashleigh Sykes 18’)

Brisbane Roar 2 (Emily Gielnik 22’, Tameka Butt 63’ (pen))

Attendance: 2512


On fields across the Territory, bodies of all shapes, sizes and ages will be preparing for the upcoming football season. Clubs across the ACT will be gearing up for the 2012 season by finalising playing and coaching personnel and locking in those all important sponsorship dollars.

One such club is the Narrabundah Football Club. The 2009 and 2010

Capital Football State League Club of the Year is looking forward to another successful season both on and off the field. Club President Sergio Fleitas is already busy overseeing plans for the 2012 season.

“The last few seasons have seen the club grow. We are continually looking to improve results on the pitch and the experience for players off it by providing them

with a social network outside of work and family.”

“With Canberra’s transient population we are always welcoming new players. With many staying on to become familiar faces at the club, it’s encouraging to know we are offering them an experience which keeps them coming back.”

“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the help of our volunteers, many of whom are active players. Whether it’s helping with managing teams or cooking chorizos at home matches, we rely on our volunteers to keep things ticking over.”

The name Narrabundah Football Club first appeared in 1976 in the guise of Melrose – Narrabundah and although the club has been through a number of transformations over the years, it proudly remains the only football club in Canberra’s inner south.

Whilst the club’s traditional social base is the Australian-Spanish community, befitting a club participating in the world game, it welcomes players from a diverse range of countries including those in Europe, South America, Asia and across Australia. Players looking to challenge themselves can join teams ranging from Division 1 to the over 35s Masters Division.

Long time player and committee member Ken Macdonald, acknowledges that whilst clubs across the region face a number of challenges, the rewards of seeing good results after a long hard-

fought season make it all worthwhile.

“One of the challenges we face is making sure the club can keep growing and this can only be done by making sure there is a strong foundation to build on. Every club in the region is looking to do that in a competitive environment, particularly when it comes to sponsorship.

Making sure that the club has sponsors on board and that the coaching personnel can help players grow is absolutely essential. If we expect players to put in the effort in training during the week and on match day, it’s only fair the club matches the efforts of the players.”

Narrabundah may mean ‘small bird of prey’ in the Ngunnawal language, but the club is looking to the future and a bigger presence on the ACT football scene.

A SMALL SLICE OF THE WORLD GAME IN THE INNER SOUTH

If you are interested in playing, coaching or sponsoring the club, please go to www.nfc.org.au for further information or contact the club at [email protected].

ContaCt Colliers international | Call 1800 116 326 | Visit www.colliers.com.au/friday

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New release

the weekend is on your doorstepFriday is a residential destination like no other because it combines so many

advantages in one place. With remarkable proximity to Canberra’s key enterprise

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Pre-Season Trials will start from the 31st January

ANUWFC cater for all levels from premier league through to beginners of all ages with teams in every division available.

Membership of the club is open to all members of the public. The club ethos is based around participation, with a conscious effort made to keep fees low.

Come along on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6pm Willows Oval, corner of Barry Dr and North Rd to have a run. (Note: Due to field restrictions the first three Tuesdays will be held on South Oval in the ANU Campus)

Recruiting now for Premier League, U19 and Junior teams

For more information or to sign up to our mailing list, please email the club at [email protected], visit our website http://www.anuwfc.org.au or find us on Facebook facebook.com/anuwfc

ANUWFC RECRUITING NOW!

WESTON CREEK ANNOUNCES WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE COACHING TEAMWeston Creek are thrilled to announce new appointments following some recent departures in our Women’s Premier League (WPL) coaching staff. In 2012-13, our WPL team will be coached by Pat Mills. Pat has already achieved significant milestones in Canberra women’s football, including:- four Federation Cup wins; - two WPL Championships; - two WPL Minor Championships; and - Women’s Coach of the Year 2009.

He is also no stranger to Weston Creek. His previous Creek roles include playing for the Men’s Premier League, Reserves and State League 3 teams, and coaching at Girls Under 14, Girls Under 16, Women’s Reserve, Women’s Premier League and Men’s Premier League level. Pat will be ably assisted, with experienced club members Dave Garrity leading the Reserves team and Donna O’Brien continuing to build the U18’s after a great start last year.This will provide Weston Creek with three Advanced Pathway qualified coaches. In addition to Pat’s experience, Donna is currently nearing completion of her

C Grade Licence and Dave has completed the Seniors Licence coaching courses. The club is confident that the new coaching team will make it a serious contender for the 2012-13 Tradies Women’s Premier League crown.Pre season training will commence on 17 January 2011 and an information session will be close to this date. Keep an eye on the Weston Creek newsletters and website www.westoncreeksoccer.org.au in the new year.Weston Creek thanks Michelle Aurousseau for coaching the WPL team in 2011 and good luck with her continued development of younger players.We also thank Andy Munoz, who has been with the club for nine years coaching Reserves and formerly State League 1. Andy is moving to his daughter Caitlin’s club, and his dedication and guidance were constant throughout his time here. Both Michelle and Andy are welcome back any time.Media inquiries: Ben Sakker Kelly (Media Relations Officer) - 0439 450 431

ContaCt Colliers international | Call 1800 116 326 | Visit www.colliers.com.au/friday

artist impression / min eer 5

New release

the weekend is on your doorstepFriday is a residential destination like no other because it combines so many

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hubs, and Canberra’s best social and outdoor hotspots. friday is all the end of

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◊ HOWARD ULMAN

Tom Brady felt the power of the New York Giants’ pass rushers when he was sacked five times in their first Super Bowl confrontation.

Four years later, the New England Patriots’ offensive linemen expect another fierce attack on their quarterback in the championship rematch on Feb. 5. The Giants will indeed have plenty of strong, speedy pass rushers zeroing in on Brady.

“This year, they’re definitely the best defensive line in football,” Patriots right guard Brian Waters said Friday. “The wave of good football players they throw at you definitely makes them a difficult task.”

There’s Jason Pierre-Paul with 16 1/2 sacks, Osi Umenyiora with nine and Justin Tuck with five. Chris Canty and Mathias Kiwanuka also can put pressure on the quarterback.

“They’ve got good pass rushers across the board,” left guard Logan Mankins said, “and when their backups come in they’re good, too, so you’re going to

always have four guys that are very good pass rushers in the game.”

At least Brady has Super Bowl experience against an aggressive Giants pass rush.

The Patriots’ quest for a perfect 19-0 season ended with a 17-14 loss in the 2008 Super Bowl. After the Giants scored the decisive touchdown with 35 seconds left, Brady was sacked for the fifth and final time.

Mankins didn’t care to discuss his memories of the Giants’ pass rush on that day.

“That was four years ago,” he said Friday. “Next question.”

But Umenyiora thinks the Patriots view the upcoming game as a chance to get even.

“Of course,” he said. “I mean, if I were them, that’s what I would be doing. Great players — Mankins, (Matt) Light, the (Sebastian) Vollmer kid. They have some very good football players. They were embarrassed about that last game and they are going to do everything in their power not to allow that to happen.”

The Patriots have had some memorable, if regrettable, games when Brady’s gotten hit.

In the opener of the 2008 season, he suffered a season-ending knee injury when he was hit by Kansas City safety Bernard Pollard. In a 33-14 wild-card playoff loss to Baltimore on Jan. 10, 2010, Brady was sacked three times. The next year, he was sacked five times as the New York Jets won a divisional playoff game 28-21.

But Brady has received decent protection recently. He was sacked a respectable 32 times in the regular season. In the playoffs, he wasn’t sacked in a 45-10 win over Denver and was sacked just once in a 23-20 win over Baltimore in the AFC championship game.

The Giants sacked him just twice in their 24-20 win on Nov. 6. But one of those sacks, by Michael Boley, forced a fumble and the Giants took a 10-0 lead on the next play on Brandon Jacobs 10-yard run.

“Tom has been in this position before,” said running back BenJarvus Green-

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady preparing for a torrid time in Super Bowl XLVI.Image: Kelvin Ma - AFP

Ellis, who may do more blocking than usual. “We have to come out and just be assignment sound.”

At times, the Giants use four defensive ends, trying to generate speed against the power of the offensive linemen.

“That’s the biggest difference,” Waters said, “knowing who you’re going against from play to play. You have to know that every one of those guys have different elements of their game from JPP (Pierre-Paul) and his long arms and his super athletic ability to a guy like Tuck, who is a veteran, a guy who is always going to give you one look and do something different to the bigger guys in the middle, the guys who are real physical.”

So what’s an offense to do?

It can keep an extra blocker in, a running back or wide receiver. It can have a wide receiver or tight end throw a chip block before starting his route. It can throw quick passes before the pressure reaches Brady.

Draw plays and screen passes can slow down pass rushers by making them hesitate before charging the quarterback, but the Patriots have used those infrequently this season.

Deion Branch came up with an original tactic for him and his fellow wide receivers.

“Well, if we can switch positions with the linemen, hopefully (defensive) linemen move out and then we block the corners,” he said with a laugh. “But, overall, there’s a lot of things we can do. We’ll make those adjustments on the sideline.”

They can also fight.

Umenyiora said he and Patriots left tackle Light did that in their first meeting this season.

“I’ve actually fought him twice, a for-real fight on the football field twice. Me and him have history and we are going to rekindle that,” Umenyiora said. “He wasn’t as bad in the Super Bowl, but this past game we fought again. I don’t know what it is he does, but there is something he is doing that really gets under my skin. I am not that type of guy. He is the only guy I have ever fought on the football field.

“I think he is more important to his team than I am right now. So if we both fight and get kicked out (Pierre-Paul) and Tuck will have a field day.” - AP Sports Writer Tom Canavan in East Rutherford, N.J. contributed to this story

PATRIOTS LINE HAS TOUGH JOB IN SUPER BOWL XLVI

SUPERBOWL


GRIDIRON

◊ ANTONY PERRY

Canberra’s Centurions Gridiron Club has received an off-season gift, with nine of its junior players being announced in the 2012 Australian Junior Outback squad.

Joel Mortlock (running back), Tom Crowe (wide receiver), Sean Wilson (offensive lineman), Luke Morris (defensive lineman), Chris Thomas (defensive lineman), James Atkins (defensive lineman), Tynan Luhowsky

(linebacker), Sam Johnson (linebacker) and Dylan Anastasi (defensive back) join a list of 75 players, making up ‘A’ and ‘B’ squads, ahead of the 2012 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championships.The news can be deemed as a just reward for the club after a dominant three year period, one in which has seen it take over at the helm of Canberra’s junior gridiron competition. Testament to that are the three successive Junior Championship titles the club has won in 2009, 2010 and 2011, allowing it to sit atop of the perch since entering the competition three years ago.The announcement comes after the club’s junior coach, Alex Westcombe, was appointed the Junior Outback team’s Special Teams Coordinator in June last year, which adds further credibility to the club’s growing reputation as Canberra’s superior junior side.The 75-man squad, which was selected following the completion of the 2011 Gridiron Australia Junior National

Championships in April last year, comprises an eclectic mix of players from each Australian state and territory, with the nine Centurions juniors being selected in both ‘A’ and ‘B’ squads.Mortlock, Crowe and Wilson have been chosen in the offensive ‘B’ squad, Morris and Thomas were selected in the defensive ‘A’ squad, while Atkins, Luhowsky, Johnson and Anastasi have been admitted into the defensive ‘B’ squad.The presence of Centurions players in three out of four divisional squads highlights the depth and talent of the young Canberra side – a catalyst for its recent domination.Joining the nine Centurions players and increasing the ACT’s contingent in the squad to 11 players, are Josh Bell and Connor Nardi, who both play in Canberra’s junior league.The Australian Junior Outback side will play its World Championships qualifier on home soil when it takes on America Samoa on February 25 on the Gold Coast.

JUNIOR CENTURIONS RIDING ONE WAY STREET TO GLORY

Junior Centurions. Image: Andrew Finch

LOCAL MAKING HIS PRESENCE FELT ON THE FIELD IN CALIFORNIA◊ ANTONY PERRY

In the highly competitive age of sport in which we live, it’s not often that an individual will achieve sporting success in a country other than their own – particularly when the sport being pursued rarely features in their homeland.

But 19-year-old Canberra-born Chris Laros is seemingly defying the odds.

Laros is one of many athletes trying to live out the dream of playing sport as a profession, with his aspiration being to play gridiron in America’s National Football League (NFL). Following a strong performance in an All-Star game in Los Angeles in early 2011, and subsequently an offer to attend California’s Citrus College, he has already taken several steps in realising his dream.

A reserved Laros describes his first season as a Citrus College Owls punter (kicker) with a hint of modesty: “I thought I did pretty well, I was a little shaky especially in my first few games not really knowing what to expect,” he said.

But the grounded teenager has notched up his fair share of achievements since his arrival in California, having punted 26 times for

a total of 972 yards at an average of 37.4 yards a kick. Such statistics saw him receive an honourable mention in California’s Western State Conference and finish with a tied ranking of 10th in California at the conclusion of the season.

Hard work and effort have enabled Laros to accomplish such achievements.

“After meeting Jonny [his training partner], we kicked four-five times a week and made a highlight video to send to coaches,” Laros said.

“After sending my email and highlight video to coaches all over America I got some interest from a few schools.”

Western Illinois was one college to express its interest, but after Laros’ All-Star game in Los Angeles, was unable to follow through.

“I searched for another school while I was in Los Angeles and Citrus was more than happy to take me,” he said.

A pleased Laros has only praise and thanks for the people who have helped him achieve what he has in such a short time.

“I owe a lot to Jonny Mullings, who now plays at Iowa,” he said.

“Thanks for everyone’s support. There

are a lot of people I couldn’t have done this without.”

His success has been somewhat rapid, but what is even more intriguing is how he emerged on the football scene, which has been quite unlike fellow Australians playing gridiron in America.

With the gift of being able to kick a football enormous distances, coupled with careers in the AFL, it is no wonder the likes of Sav Rocca, Ben Graham and Chris Bryan have spent time as punters in the NFL.

But having only played soccer and rugby union prior to taking up gridiron at age 16, two sports with few elements in common with American football, Laros’ securing of a football scholarship is quite remarkable.

Laros is sure to be a figure which aspiring gridiron players will look up to in the coming years, and, while the sport is still in its infancy years in Australia, he has encouraged others to pursue their dreams.

“There is a ton of opportunity in this sport, whether it is playing for your state, representing Australia or even playing in America,” he said.

“But it doesn’t come without hard work and practice. Set goals and get the most out of your experiences.” Chris Laros. Image: Andrew Finch


THE DAWNING OF A NEW SUPER ERA FOR THE ACT BRUMBIES


THE DAWNING OF A NEW SUPER ERA FOR THE ACT BRUMBIES

◊ ANTONY PERRY

In 2011, the ACT Brumbies, to say the least, failed to live up to expectations.

What unfolded in just 18 rounds of Super Rugby, was the collapse of a 15-year dynasty, one which had been built by 2011’s predecessors.

It was a season characterised by off-field controversy and as a result, the playing squad was unable to rise above such drama and sufficiently execute its role on the field; much to the discontent of the side’s parochial fan base.

But after last year’s tumultuous season, 2012 heralds a new era for the ACT Brumbies; one in which the club hopes to regain the respect of the city which once held the franchise in high esteem.

The arrival of former South African World Cup winning coach and IRB Hall-of-Famer Jake White in Brumbyland signals the dawning of this new epoch for the Brumbies.

White joins the battling Super Rugby franchise during one of its less fertile periods in its otherwise dazzling history. Such a setting, though, is all too familiar to the 49-year-old.

When handed the reins of the Springboks in early 2004, South African rugby was in a state of turmoil. Its failed campaign at the 2003 World Cup, the Kamp Stalldraad scandal and numerous internal conflicts made the beginning of White’s tenure remarkably difficult.

With the Brumbies struggling to keep pace with Super XV’s front runners last year, who it is usually numbered amongst, White’s term begins in a similar way to his South African appointment in 2004.

“It’s very similar to the Springboks because when I took over in 2004 we were also desperate to win,” White said.

“The expectations of the public are the same and the standards that have been set are not negotiable.”

It took White a little over three years to rebuild the South African national side, culminating in the Springboks winning the World Cup in 2007.

White’s achievement on the international stage is sure to provide Brumbies fans with the hope that he can replicate the feat at Super Rugby level, and he has already made his intentions clear.

“Of course we [the Brumbies] want to win, we want to create a culture where teams come to Canberra and it’s difficult to beat us,” he said optimistically.

Since arriving in Canberra, White has made a host of internal changes to the club. From the outside looking in, fans will find it difficult to look negatively on his modifications.

One such alteration will see White have his players on a short leash during the off-season, keeping them in Canberra and running “the program centrally and not on a satellite basis.”

Each member of the 35-man squad has been allocated a John I Dent Cup club to join once the Super Rugby season wraps up.

White bases the decision, first and foremost, on a desire for his players and the fans to unite, but also insists their presence in Canberra is essential while they are contracted with the Brumbies.

“I want them [the players] to feel a part of Canberra and I want the Canberra people to feel as though they are a part of the Brumbies,” he said.

“They work for me, they work for the Brumbies.

“I need them to be here because the reality is that then I can control them, understand where they are at, what they’re doing, how their rugby program is going.

“If I let them play all over Australia, I’m wasting my time.”

While their presence creates a boost for Canberra’s seven Premier Division clubs, having all squad members either playing with or against each other for eight months of the year will undeniably provide the entire squad ample time to grow and improve as a unit.

Another major change in the club’s structure ahead of the 2012 season is marked by White’s decision to abandon the idea of utilising a leadership group.

The concept of having a handful of senior players in a leadership group helping the captain was established and employed by many of White’s predecessors, but he does not see its existence as essential.

“Just because it has been like that doesn’t necessarily mean it was right,” he said.

“The dynamic of the group has changed...it probably worked for the group when they had players like Larkham, Gregan and Roff, but this is a completely different group.”

Fans are likely to warm to the idea of its disposal, especially after it was alleged that an element of ‘player power’ existed within the club last year, which is thought to have played a role in former coach Andy Friend’s exit from the Brumbies.

White, however, insists last year’s events did not play a part in his decision to abolish the leadership group.

“No, I would have done it [abandoned the concept] anyway,” he said.

“That’s just the way I operate...every player must feel as though he can contribute to the team. It’s not a closed shop where only certain people’s opinions are voiced.”

As an alternative to the leadership group, White is welcoming each member of his squad to offer “relevant” input throughout the season, saying he will always take on board his players’ thinking.

“There’s got to be valid reasons for why they want certain things in place,” he said.

“If they justify their reasons and they make sense, well then we’ll discuss them but if it’s not going to make us play better and make us win, there’s no use in even discussing it.”

White, though, maintains a resolute stance in that he will always have the final say.

“At the end of the day someone’s got to make the decision, someone’s got to take charge and that’s when I’ll take charge,” he said.

While White’s arrival in Canberra has prompted internal changes within the club, wider changes are sometimes the most difficult to achieve.

Winning back the fans in 2012 will be White’s biggest challenge, after the club seemingly lost the support of its once loyal fan base during the course of 2011.

The dwindling attendances at Canberra Stadium last year signalled discontent among the Brumbies faithful. Many supporters were in opposition to the internal goings-on at the club and the mediocre on-field performances, culminating in the club’s worst season since its inception in 1996.

For the fans of Australia’s most successful Super Rugby franchise, the aforementioned events made them uneasy.

But White is aware that the club’s standard invites fans to have high expectations. He is aware of the pressure on him and even after last year, he says, the fans’

“The expectations of the public are the same and the standards that have

been set are not negotiable.”


Eight times a year, the big names in Canberra get together to do business.Join them.For years, Canberra’s business leaders have enjoyed Brumbies hospitality.To exchange names. And exchange ideas.As a place to meet, to entertain clients and reward staff.All while watching Canberra’s other big names put on eight spectacular matches a year. And you don’t have to pay for a whole season. Prices start from as little as $125 per game.Welcome to where Canberra does business.

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expectations remain the same.

“Basically all coaches that come into this job know there’s pressure.”

“Nothing that happened last year changes that, people in Canberra want the Brumbies to do well.”

A common saying in sport goes: if you win, the crowds will come. While White agrees with the statement, he hopes his side will have the support of the fans from the outset.

“This young group would like support because with support the winning also comes,” he said.

“Some people say: you win, we come, but as a coach what we really want is for people to come in the beginning because by them supporting us, it’s going to help this young group of players feel like they’ve got the backing of the supporters.”

White’s international reputation will go some way to luring fans back to Canberra Stadium in 2012 and his winning mentality may prompt those still sitting on the picket fence to return.

“You coach rugby to win,” he said.

“I don’t spend hours and hours coaching rugby because I want to lose, I want to win.

“It’s important to make sure you do your best and make sure you give yourself a fair crack to win.”

White will use pre-season fixtures against the Force, the Reds and ACT XV to test his players to find the right combinations for the forthcoming

season, which kicks off against the Western Force on February 24.

The opening round fixture marks the beginning of a new Jake White-led Brumbies era, which is capable of bearing many fruit and returning the club to Super Rugby supremacy.

ACT Brumbies head coach Jake White arrives for a press conference in Canberra. Image: Alan Porritt - AAP

Open your hea

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SPORT ◊ SALLY ANSTESS

Sally was eight years old when her athletic talents were noticed by Sharon Hannan, who remains her coach to this day. Sally rose to prominence in 2001, when at the age of fourteen, she won the Australian under-twenty 100m title. She made her international debut at the 2003 World Youth Championships in Canada and won gold in the 100m hurdles. The following month she represented Australia at the 2003 World Championships in Paris as part of the 4 x 100m relay team. In 2004 she won a bronze in the 100m at the World Junior Championships.At the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Sally tripped over a hurdle and fell to the ground during the 100m hurdles final, costing her the chance of a medal. In the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, she shifted her focus solely to the 100m hurdles. This decision paid off, with Sally claiming the silver medal in a dramatic final, where the favourite Lolo Jones stumbled and a photo finish was required to decide the minor medals. After the announcement of the official results a jubilant Sally celebrated enthusiastically with bronze medal winner Priscilla Lopes-Schliep.Sally was in good form during the 2009 European season, winning five out of seven races and breaking the Australian and

Oceanic record in the 100m hurdles at the Herculis meeting in July.At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Sally competed in the 100m sprint in addition to the 100m hurdles. In the final of the 100m she recorded a false start, along with English runner Laura Turner, but was allowed to line up for the restart, crossing the finish line first in a time of 11.28s. However a protest was lodged after the race, which resulted in a distraught Sally being disqualified. Three nights later she went on to win gold in the 100m hurdles final in 12.67 seconds. At the beginning of the next season, she won the 100m, 200m and 100m hurdles to become the first Australian woman since Pam Kilborn (in 1968) to win three national titles at the same event.At the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Sally ran a 100m hurdles time of 12.28s (+1.1), the fourth fastest time in history, following the semi-finals where she produced the equal fifth fastest time in history of 12.36s (+0.3) to beat her own Oceanic area record and Australian national record.In November 2011 the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) awarded Sally as the 2011 Female Athlete of the Year. She is the first Australian to receive this award.Good on ya Sally and Australia will be behind you in London!

Sally is the current World Champion in the 100 metres hurdles with a time of 12.28s.


◊ PRAIRIE SCORN

Missing your favourite roller girls? Well, come March 31st, they are back, and with a vengeance! Canberra Roller Derby League’s Black ‘n’ Blue Belles, Brindabelters, Red Bellied Black Hearts and Surly Griffins will be returning to the flat track in CRDL’s 2012 home season. The 2011 Grand Final saw the Griffins beat

the ‘Belters for third place, and the Black Hearts narrowly defeat the Belles to reign as season champions. The first bout of the season will see the ‘Belters up against Black Hearts—a pairing that will pit the team on the bottom of last year’s ladder against the team at the top. The Black Hearts will obviously be keen to maintain their dominance after their success at the Grand Final, while

YOUR FAVOURITE ROLLER GIRLS ARE BACK!

the ‘Belters will be eager to start afresh this year and shake off the stigma of the Wooden Spoon award once and for all. The tension looks to be explosive!Whether or not they’re playing this bout, each of CRDL’s teams is raring to rip into the new season and make their mark...while introducing their new recruits!That’s right, from the first bout onwards, each team will be host to an enthusiastic batch of fresh skaters! CRDL’s newest members are previously dedicated fans who aspired to join the fray, training for months to meet the gruelling standards necessary to become bouting skaters; we can’t wait to see what will become of these new crowd favourites!This season promises to be a great one for derby fans, as each team adjusts to its new dynamics and those of its opponents—so make sure you don’t miss out on any of the excitement! Whichever team you support, make sure you roll up to nab a seat at the debut bout of the year. You have the CRDL guarantee that it’s going to be a cracker. The bout will take place at Tuggeranong’s Southern Cross Stadium, an arena familiar to derby veterans as having played host to many a nail-biting spectacle since 2009. Doors open at 5pm (come early to grab the choicest viewing spot) for a 6pm start. CRDL still

provides the most bang for your buck in terms of sheer entertainment value, as tickets are a mere $10 (plus booking fee) and children under five get in free. For more information and bout dates visit http://canberrarollerderbyleague.com/If you can’t wait until the 31st March to get your derby fix, Friday 24th February will see CRDL hosting Smells Like Team Spirit, a trivia night fundraiser at the Hellenic in the City - one of of our proud League sponsors. CRDL is raising money to get to The Great Southern Slam, a national roller derby competition held in Adelaide. As a participant in the night you have the opportunity to meet your favourite derby girls, take them on in physical challenges, win amazing prizes, bid on an array of memorabilia and most importantly have an awesome night of fun!For more information visit http://canberrarollerderbyleague.com/Team Tickets for Smells Like Team Spirit can be purchased from http://www.hellenicclub.com.auOpportunities still exist for local businesses interested in becoming Team Sponsors. If you would like to receive an info pack please contact [email protected]

PLAYAS REPRESENT THE ACT

Canberra’s newest hub of dance, PLAY - The Dance Agency, has been a hive of activity over the last couple of weeks. While most Canberra school kids have been relaxing on holidays, the students at PLAY have been working hard in

their dance classes. On Saturday and Sunday the 21st and 22nd of January the STAGE I and STAGE II PLAYAS competed in the SHOWCASE - National Dance Championships. After both groups placed 1st in the state championships

late last year the groups were invited to compete at a national level. The National Dance Championships were held at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast.

“Being an Australian dance Icon for seventeen years, the success of Showcase was built on the creation of a fun-filled, exciting and professional Dance competition.

Thousands of dancers and over $450,000 in cash awards and prizes have been awarded over the many years giving dancers the opportunity to perform at Australia’s most prestigious and only National Dance Competition” explains Peter Oxford, the Director of

SHOWCASE.

“We were so excited to be heading to Queensland to not only compete, but to expose our students to the amazing talent that will be on display at an event of this scale,” said Cassie Gills from

PLAY - The Dance Agency.

PLAY - The Dance Agency went up to Queensland with over sixty people, which includes performers, parents and friends. After only opening in June 2011 it is amazing that PLAY is doing so well at a competition level. After coming first place in all of the competitions they have entered in 2011, 2012 looks bright for this dance studio.

“We are extremely proud of our results from the National Championships - to even place at a competition like this is incredible. We left Queensland with a seventh place title, sixth place title and equal fourth place title for all three categories we entered,” remarked Olivia Djuradeli from PLAY - The Dance Agency.

What an amazing representation of Canberra talent - we are proud of PLAY and all of the students who participated and supported from home and wish all of the students at PLAY - The Dance Agency the best of luck for 2012.

To follow the PLAYAS head to: www.facebook.com/playdanceagency, www.twitter.com/play_agency or check out the website www.playagency.com.au

Image courtesy of PLAY - The Dance Agency

2011 Grand Final Roller Derby Action. Images: Ben Southall


Goran IvanisevicWhen he started smashing rackets at the Samsung Open minor tournament, he seemed intent on allowing the drama to develop. Having eventually smashed all the rackets he had brought out on court with him, Ivanisevic almost calmly realised he was left with nothing with which to play, so he announced to the umpire he couldn’t go on and strolled off court.

Students of McEnroe will have personal favourites, but the original monologue sets the bar. Here he begins with an innocuous statement to the umpire – “You can’t be serious” – before upping the volume and emphasising the “CAN NOT”, and finally the toreador conclusion: “You guys are just the pits of the world!.” He is hilarious!

John McEnroe

Williams was foot-faulted twice when she was a serve away from match point down to Kim Clijsters in this semi-final. Shemarched over to her tormentor to tell her: “I swear to God I’m going to take this ball and shove it down your *bleeping* throat, you hear that? I swear to God.” The line judge reported her to the umpire, apparently believing her life to be in danger.

Serena Williams

Mikhail YouzhnyHaving mishit another lame backhand into the net, the Russian took immediate physical revenge on his own head, which he whacked three times with his racket. Having opened a gash on his hairline, he then lined up to receive serve with blood pouring down his face.

Marcos BaghdatisMarcos sat down in his chair, covered his head with his towel and then proceeded to batter his racket into the ground repeatedly until it was left in a twisted pile of metal and strings. Marcos Baghdatis’s inspired attack on his technifibre rackets – four broken frames in the space of half-a-minute.

5 In the heat of a tense contest at a tennis grandslam, it’s easy to understand when a player loses their cool. But let’s be honest - everyone loves a tantrum on centre court so in honour of the Australian Open here’s our Top 5 tennis tantrums.

TENNIS TANTRUMS

TENNIS

Azarenka wins battle of scream queens◊ GUY HAND

After nearly an hour-and-a-half of tennis racket, Victoria Azarenka has her first grand slam title and the world No.1 ranking.Azarenka overcame a nervous start in losing the first two games to win 12 of the next 13 and crush Maria Sharapova 6-3 6-0.

Not since pop prince Justin Bieber played there last May has Rod Laver Arena heard squealing like it - Azarenka and Sharapova trading high-pitched grunts across the net from the opening point to force the pressing of television mute buttons en masse.But amid the noise was some high-quality tennis from Azarenka as she pressured Sharapova into complete second set meltdown with her dominance from the baseline.Azarenka had been considering retiring from tennis after she failed to reach the semi-finals at the 2010 season-ending championships in Doha, while injuries have also held back her career.“It was just a short moment and I bounced back,” Azarenka said of her flirtation with quitting the sport.“I’m so glad that I went through everything I had in my career to achieve this goal.“There is no one way, no one road that goes up. There’s always ups and downs and now today I’m up.”Sharapova, the 2008 Australian Open champion who is also fighting back from serious injury, heaped praise on her conqueror.“You’ve earned this title, you’ve worked so hard over the years. Congratulations and cherish it for as long as you can,” she said. - AAP

DJOKOVIC AND NADAL RELISH TORTURE TEST◊ GUY HAND

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal took pleasure from the pain as they expanded the boundaries of men’s tennis and

sporting endurance with their marathon Australian Open final.

The pair took their rivalry - and their sport - to a new place with Djokovic’s 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 (7-5) 7-5 win in a breathtaking match lasting nearly six hours and ending at 1.37am.

Djokovic rated it the greatest win of his career, primarily because he was able to pass the physical and mental torture test it inflicted to secure his fifth grand slam title.

“You are in pain, you are suffering, you are trying to activate your legs, your toes are bleeding, it is outrageous,” Djokovic said.

“But you are still enjoying that pain.

“To be able to mentally hang in there and physically, it was obvious to everyone watching that we took every last drop of energy we had from our bodies.”

“We put 100 per cent of our abilities and our bodies on the line. Unfortunately there couldn’t be two winners tonight.”

Nadal - vanquished by the world No.1 for the seventh time in nine months but gracious in defeat - agreed after a match in which neither player called for a trainer, yet both finished out on their feet.

“When you are fit, when you have passion for the game, you are able to suffer and enjoy suffering,” Nadal said.

“Physically it was one of the toughest matches I have played.

“It was, I think, a very good show and I enjoyed being part of this.

“I wanted to win, but I am happy with how I did. I had my chances against the best player in the world today.”

Perhaps it was the greatest tennis match ever. Certainly it was the best played for the sport’s highest stakes.

At five hours and 53 minutes, it was the longest grand slam final ever, breaking the previous record of four hours and 54 minutes for the 1988 US Open final between Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl.

It was also the longest match in Australian Open history - longer than Nadal’s five hour, 14 minute semi-final win over Fernando Verdasco in 2009.- AAP

Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his men’s single final match against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open Grand Slam. Image: Mast Irham - AAP


Combined events are on offer to ACT and region athletes in five weeks, February 18-19th. It has been a number of years since ACT hosted a weekend of Decathlon, Heptathlon and Pentathlon events. Get ready to go!

Athletics ACT invites athletes to enter and compete in a multi-event offering something to suit athletes in Junior, Youth, Open, Veteran and Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) categories.

Athletics ACT officials and volunteers by the dozen will work over the two days to provide assistance to athletes and measure their performance with non-stop action as the teams work on jumps, throws and track events. The Decathlon is ten events over two days encompassing jumps, throws and track races; the Heptathlon is seven events while the Pentathlon is five events.

Many of the competitors will have been or are current Little Athletes around Canberra that make the leap from grass competition on a Saturday morning to the AIS and run amongst some of Australia’s elite athletes based in the ACT or who visit for regular competition. The Combined Event is an opportunity to encourage participation and progression into senior competition for athletes who are active multi-eventers.

Athletes on the move: Recent success

has seen Erika Vredenbregt (15), Natalie Tanks (17) and Lachlan Calvert (16) compete at the January NSW Combined Event Championships in Sydney, the Sept 2011 NSW All School Combined Event Championships in Newcastle in the lead-up to another National Championship in Sydney, April 2012.

Chris Timpson, AWD coach will have most of his Junior Talent Squad athletes along to compete in a pentathlon; a big event for some who are regular runners, throwers or jumpers who will attempt five events across the disciplines. With two divisions, one junior and one senior, this is an exciting time and many new performances are expected to be recorded. Watch out for national level AWD athletes, Lachlan Foote and Sune Van Rensberg hoping to achieve top scores for their pentathlon.

Spectators are most welcome. Competition commences from 9am on Saturday 18th beginning of a full weekend of events. For more information contact Dianne Calvert, ACT Combined Events Team [email protected]

ACT COMBINED EVENT CHAMPIONSHIPS

ERICA STEPHENS

SPORTS DIETITIAN

BAppSc (FoodSc & Nutr) , MNutrDiet

Sportrition provides consultation to both individuals & teams• Presentations• Cooking classes• Body fat measurements (skinfolds)• Food diary analysis• Meal planning for training• Race/competition day nutrition plans• Supplementation advice & recommendations• Hydration testing• Follow up, monitoring & ongoing contact via SMS, email & phone.

E: [email protected]: 0402 221 096 Follow sportrition on Facebook

Online entry and draft program is available on the AACT website at www.athleticsact.org.au via the competition button.

Images coutresy of AACT Photos


CYCLING

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BIRD FLIES FOR AUSTRALIAN CYCLING◊ ROGER VAUGHAN

Newly-crowned national sprint champion Alex Bird has become a double-edged weapon for the Australian track cycling program ahead of the London Olympics.The 26-year-old ACT rider caused the upset of the Australian track titles in Adelaide when he beat defending champion Shane Perkins on Saturday night for the sprint gold medal.Even though Perkins was not at his best, it was still a stunning win for a rider who lost his Australian Institute of Sport scholarship about a year ago.While Bird’s strong form adds to the depth of the national men’s sprint squad in an Olympic year, it is only half the story.“Project Bird” is also providing invaluable sports science information to Australian track cycling across several events.“We were very keen to look at a special project for Alex in terms of the team sprint and some new ideas - thinking outside the square in terms of what we can achieve,” said national track coach Gary West.

“I said to our sports science team that I wanted them to consider anything, from left field to right field, think outside the square.“It gives us a greater insight in terms of what we need to do, in terms of the application of training.“We’ve gained enormously in the last six months in terms of the knowledge we’ve gleaned from this project - Project Bird.”After Bird lost his full scholarship because of a form slump, he stayed in Adelaide with the track program on reduced support.He became what West jokingly calls “a crash dummy”, particularly for the critical starting role in the three-man team sprint.As the sports scientists come up with new training ideas or techniques, they try them out on Bird.Great Britain, France and Germany dominate the men’s team sprint, with Australia pressing.“We have a ways to go, but I’m pleased with the direction we’re heading,” West said.

Crash forces Canberra duo out of the scratch raceWest Australian Isabella King won the women’s scratch race after two ACT riders, Rebecca Wiasak and Sorelle

Bowman crashed on the second-last lap. Rebecca escaped serious injury while unfortunately Sorelle was not so lucky, suffering a suspected broken collarbone in the accident. All best for a speedy recovery. - AAP

Isabella King way to win gold in the Women’s 10km Scratch Race at the 2012 National Track Championships. The same race saw 2 Canberra riders crash out. AAP Image/James Elsby

GREENEDGE ENJOY FAIRYTALE DEBUT TO WORLDTOUR

◊ JUSTIN DAVIS

Peloton new boys GreenEdge put criticism of their early displays on the Tour Down Under to bed by winning the WorldTour opener through Simon Gerrans recently.As the first ever Australian team in cycling’s top tier GreenEdge were expected to make an immediate impact on their ‘home’ race.However the team run by Shayne Bannan and directed by Matt White made fans wait four days before being given a reason to celebrate, with Gerrans

climbing into the leader’s ochre jersey on the penultimate stage five.In Sunday’s final stage, a 90 km street circuit won by two-time race winner Andre Greipel of Germany, GreenEdge worked hard to defend Gerrans’ lead to score a first ever victory in the WorldTour.For GreenEdge’s main stakeholder, businessman Gerry Ryan, it was an unexpected but welcome start to their maiden season.“It’s fantastic, it’s been a great journey and this puts the icing on the cake,” said Ryan, who has invested millions into the

team to get it up and running and secure its entry to the WorldTour for three years.With a core of Australian riders, GreenEdge hopes to challenge some of the world’s top teams in most of the 28-race WorldTour events.Among their ranks are veteran Tour de France stage winners Stuart O’Grady and Robbie McEwen.However they also look to have a bright future with the likes of Jack Bobridge, Cameron Meyer and Luke Durbridge -- who are all part of Australia’s four-man track cycling pursuit team that will bid for gold at the Olympics.Durbridge, the under-23 world champion who recently won the national time trial title, was especially happy as he approaches his first season in the WorldTour.“I can’t be happier. I am a passionate Australian and to see the first WorldTour team for Australia win, you can’t get much better than that,” he said.McEwen, who is set to retire before the summer, admitted his final race in Australia had special significance.“I joined the team and was really excited about being part of the GreenEdge project, racing in an Aussie team, our national team,” said McEwen, a 12-time

stage winner on the Tour de France.”“It’s a fantastic way to go out as far as Australian racing is concerned.”During his spell as sports director with Garmin last year White steered Meyer to a narrow victory over Matt Goss on the final stage.Now at GreenEdge, and in charge of both riders, White was delighted to steer another Australian to the win.“To win the Tour Down Under with our newly crowned national champion, we couldn’t have written a better script. (I’m) elated, just elated,” said White.Gerrans finished with the same time as Spanish ace Alejandro Valverde, the Movistar rider who is likely to be one of his biggest challengers in the hilly one-day classics of the spring.Six years after his maiden win here, when the event was still a second tier race, the Victorian took even more pleasure from securing their first win.“It’s an even sweeter victory than my first one here in 2006. It couldn’t be a better start for us,” said Gerrans.“Often that first victory for a new team is the hardest one to get and we’ve got it in our first outing, so it really is a dream start and I think this will create a great momentum for the year to come.” - AAP

GreenEdge Cycling Team celebrates after the sixth stage of the Tour Down Under. Image: Benjamin Macmahon - AAP


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◊ ALLAN KELLY

Luke Donald starts the year as world number one for the first time, but top of his wish-list for the this year is to finally win a major.

The 34-year-old Englishman had an outstanding 2011, when his remarkable consistency allowed him to become the first player to top both the US and European tours in the same year - a

British golfer Luke Donald tees off at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship on January 27 in the Gulf Emirate. Image: Marwan Naamani - AFP

PGA

MAJOR QUEST IS THE PRIORITY FOR DONALD

feat previously thought to be all but inaccessible.But, as he has readily admitted himself, there will always be an asterisk against his achievement until he wins a major.Donald did have top-ten finishes at the Masters and the US PGA, but he was never in contention at the US Open and failed to even make the cut at the British Open.He knows he can and must do better in the big ones to counter the charges that he does not deserve to be ranked top player in the world.“Obviously the goal every year is to try and win the biggest events and those are the majors,” he said.“Obviously having had a year like I did last year, I did everything but win a major in a way.“That would be the top of my goals - to try and win a major. But to do that you have to put yourself in contention.”He has been practising hard for the last couple of weeks “trying to get my swing a little bit more solid, especially with the longer clubs and create a bit more consistency.”Donald also confirmed that despite his great play of last year, he has decided to have a change of clubs in his never-ending quest for perfection.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always changed clubs. When I’ve tried something that I think is better, then I’ve changed,” he said.“This is a great week to at least try some new stuff under pressure.“Sometimes it’s good to put in new equipment now and again. It gives you a little bit of a spark.“You feel good about it just because it’s new. We’ll see how it plays out, but certainly I’m excited about some of the changes.”Whatever happens, it will not be a quiet start to the year for Donald, who has been paired with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy for the first two rounds.It will be the first time he has played with the crowd-pulling American for some time, but with the experience he has accrued over the years, he is confident he can deal with the added pressure.“Obviously with Tiger, it’s not just playing with Tiger. It’s the fact that he brings a bigger crowd. There’s a little bit more of an atmosphere. You’re going to feel a little bit differently,” he said.“But I have played with him quite a few times in the past and that feeling of feeling intimidated certainly dissipates.” - AFP


◊ SANDY LONERGAN

It was certainly New South Wales Karen Lunn’s week and she certainly put a punctuation mark on it with a monster eagle putt on the last to run out a four-shot winner of the third ActewAGL Royal

Canberra Ladies Classic.A final round of three-under par 70 saw her finish at 12-under, with Victoria’s Vicky Thomas (68) in outright second position on 8-under par.Lunn began the final round with a commanding three-shot cushion over England’s Kym Larratt and with nine holes to play, the lead had stretched to six shots and it looked all over. She had built that lead on

the back of three birdies in a row from the fourth hole. Larratt hadn’t played badly but commented, “I hit the ball well but just couldn’t get the putts to drop.”From there, it would seem that it was just a coast to the finish for Lunn, but it

certainly didn’t pan out that way. Thomas had started the day at three-under par and made the turn in one-under but seemingly a long way from contending. She added birdies at the 11th and 13th holes before an eagle on the 16th saw her apply a little pressure to Lunn. The leader had made bogeys at the 11th and 14th holes to drop to ten-under and her lead had been cut to two shots.Larratt came back into the reckoning with birdies at both 15 and 16 and she also had a chance to put some pressure on Lunn. Up ahead, Thomas made her own monster putt on the last to reach 8-under for the clubhouse lead. Lunn and Larratt were just about to tee off on the 17th when Thomas’ score was posted. After their tee shots, Thomas was right in the hunt with Larratt catching the trees on the right of the par-3 17th, while Lunn found the front right trap.What was to follow were two miraculous pars, Larratt nearly holing her 45m chip shot before tapping in for par, while Lunn blasted out to eight feet and drained the pressure putt for her par. It meant that she walked up the last with a two shot cushion and when Larratt found the front

left bunker, the title was hers to lose. The years of traipsing the globe playing under pressure paid off as she calmly smoked a three-wood pin-high on to the par-5 18th for two. With a putt of at least 40ft her caddie, sister Mardi, “thought she’d just cozy one up close.” However, it wasn’t to be as the ball never left the line of centre cup and rolled in for an eagle three to finish.That was that, and it was just left to Larratt to finish off. She made an unfortunate bogey to slip into a tie for 3rd with another Victorian in Stacey Keating (69). Local Nikki Campbell finished in outright 5th place after a final round of 72, while another Victorian rounded out the top-six in Lindsey Wright (71).After accepting the trophy and the winner’s cheque for $19,500, Lunn commented, “I’m absolutely thrilled to win this event. It makes it even more special that Mardi was on the bag.”Hailing from Cowra originally, Lunn said, “My cousin was in the crowd and it was nice to see some familiar faces from Cowra in the gallery. It has just made the day even more special.”

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Josh Veliscek

LIC: 2008940 ACT ABN - 93218615970

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Specialising in:

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ACTEWAGL ROYAL CANBERRA LADIES CLASSICLUNN TAKES HOME TITLE

Image courtesy of ACTewAGL


F1: ALONSO HITS OUT AT TESTING LIMITS

MOTOSPORT

Former world champion Fernando Alonso hit out at Formula One legislators who have chosen to limit testing, claiming it would be like a footballer training without a ball.

In an attempt to reduce spending and shorten the gap between the top teams and less competitive ones, policy-makers in F1 have set stringent limits on the amount of testing drivers can do.

Instead they are expected to drive karts to keep themselves in form for F1 commitments.

But that’s got the Spaniard all riled up.

“Motorcyclists with motocross, drivers with karting - these are the nearest things to what we drive but they’re still very different and it doesn’t help,” moaned Alonso at Ferrari’s joint publicity event here alongside Ducati.

“It would be like forcing (Lionel) Messi to train with a racket rather than a ball or Rafael Nadal with a table tennis bat.

“When they then went back to playing they would have the same problems that we have.

“I race karts because I can’t do nothing for four months, rather than to keep in training.”

The 30-year-old cut a frustrated figure

during the press conference at the ski resort here and also blasted press speculation about his private life, notably his split from pop singer wife Raquel.

“I’ve never spoken about my private life and I won’t do it even this time,” he said.

“People say that I spend a lot of time at (Ferrari’s training base) Maranello but over Christmas I was in (his home town) Oviedo.

Then it was written that I was in Oviedo when in fact I was in Los Angeles, in California.

But maybe someone got confused with Los Angeles di San Rafael close to Segovia, which isn’t far from Madrid.

Then they wrote I was in a night-club in Madrid but in that instant whoever did the cutting and pasting hadn’t noticed that I was in fact at the Japanese GP.”

Alonso wasn’t any more forthcoming when it came to racing matters, refusing to make any prediction on his chances next season.

“Winning isn’t an obligation, sport is about sacrifice, team commitment and passion,” he added.

“But then results depend on many other things and hence there is no obligation to win.

“I’ve seen the new car in the wind tunnel and on the computer but that only gives you numbers and lines.

“We need to understand what can happen on the track. I know that for you (journalists) every test will be like a race upon which to base your verdicts.

“But we only start to understand the real potential of our car from the second or third race.

“However, on paper I think the team has everything necessary to do well.”

Brazilian Felipe Massa was far more upbeat in what could turn out to be his final year at the team.

Massa has failed to be truly competitive alongside his team-mate over the last two years.

While both Red Bulls, both McLarens and Alonso have almost always fought for victories and podium finishes, Massa has more often than not ended up in a battle for sixth.

He has regularly been the best of the rest but a long way behind the top five.

“I know that this year is important because I have to start being competitive again, as I was in the past,” he said.

“I’m the first one who wants to do more, I know that I can win.

Ferrari driver Spanish Fernando Alonso speaks during a press conference during the Wrooom 2012, F1 and MotoGP Press Ski Meeting Ducati and Ferrari annual media gathering in the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio. Image: Vincenzo Pinto

We have an organisation that is perfectly capable of producing a car that can start winning from the first race.

My specific problem of getting heat into the tyres due to having a less aggressive style, is the same as Fernando’s, only it’s more acute.

So I know the new car will go in that direction and if that happens I believe I’m able to go as fast as Fernando and also to beat him.”

However, Massa admitted the possibility that he will leave at the end of the season.

“Obviously the first half of the season will be the most important for me,” he said.

“If the conditions aren’t right it will become a possibility (that he leaves).” - AFP

Red Bull chief backs Webber to battle VettelRed Bull chief Christian Horner backed Mark Webber to step out of world champion Sebastian Vettel’s shadow in the new Formula One season.

Australian Webber had to wait until the final race in Brazil to register his first and only win of the 2011 campaign and finished third in the standings behind Jenson Button in a McLaren.

But Horner believes Webber will mount a stronger challenge in 2012.

“Mark has been with the team for five seasons now and he’s a very valued member for the team,” Horner said

“He’s training hard, his motivation seems very high and I’m sure he’s going to be fully focused on having a very strong 2012.”

Horner added that it was still too early to back either young Australian Daniel Ricciardo or French rookie Jean-Eric Vergne, who will drive for Red Bull’s sister team Torro Rosso in 2012, as potential successors to Webber alongside Vettel.

“Those two guys are both very competitive,” said the Red Bull team principal.

“They are products of the Red Bull junior programme and are both Red Bull Racing drivers on loan to Toro Rosso to develop them.

“Time will tell. There are no guarantees. It’s the best way to see how their talent evolves over the next season or so.”

Ricciardo, who featured for part of the 2011 season with HRT, and Vergne have replaced Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari. - AFP


◊ ED JACKSON

American car manufacturer Chrysler has become the first brand to break ranks and declare an interest in joining Holden and Ford in the V8 Supercars championship.

The president and chief executive of Chrysler’s street and race technology (SRT) arm Ralph Gilles confirmed the brand’s interest during the Detroit auto show earlier this month.

“I am extremely interested (in V8 Supercars),” Gilles said.

“It’s not the first time I have heard of it but I don’t want to let on that we are committing just yet.

“It’s very unique to that market so it may work beautifully in the Australian market, so I am willing to help out if they are wanting to find a way.”

Several manufacturers have been linked with V8s in the past two years including German giants BMW and Mercedes as well as Asian manufacturers Toyota and Hyundai.

All have denied an interest when

V8 SUPERCARS

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approached though V8 Supercars insist they are close to bringing at least one new manufacturer into their fold.

“We want to encourage new manufacturers to be with us,” former champion and current V8 Supercar commission chairman Mark Skaife said.

“If we are able to have two or three manufacturers over the next three or four years we will be in a very healthy position.

“Car companies use us as their key marketing tool and they leverage us well.

Ford and Holden have done a great job of it.”

Chrysler are believed to be interested in the championship with the launch of their next generation 300C sedan in June, while the first V8 Supercar race in the US will be held in Texas in 2013.

Gilles’ support as the head of Chrysler’s motorsport arm is crucial to acquiring the budget for any program by the manufacturer in the V8s.

The report by ‘V8X Magazine’ goes on to confirm interest locally by the Chrysler Group Australia (CGA) - who would need to contribute to a multi-million dollar budget for any V8 Supercar project.

“SRT stands for Street and Race Technology and the race part of that needs to be borne out and it needs to be borne out in a category that fits the brands that we are trying to retail,” CGA managing director Clyde Campbell told ‘V8X’.

The Car of the Future concept looks like it would suit in that regard. Certainly we haven’t closed the door, it’s something we are looking at.” - AAP

CHRYSLER CONFIRM V8 SUPERCAR INTEREST

CEO and Chairman of the Dodge group Reid Bigland presents the new Dodge Dart at the Chrysler presentation at the North American International Auto Show, at the Cobo Center in Detroit, January 2012. Image: Larry W. Smith - AAP


COMBAT SPORTS

CANBERRA’S BOXERS MADE OF GOOD STOCK

◊ PETER MCGRATH

Canberra’s most promising boxers are about to embark on what could be a long road to the London Olympics but first they must shine at the Australian Boxing Titles in Hobart starting next week.The fighters are based at the newly formed Stockade Training Centre in Dickson and are trained by former British kickboxing champion Garry Hamilton, who has already produced Australian and Oceanic champions. Hamilton is confident that his talented group will return with more than just their luggage. “They’ve all got a chance. 30 year old Alexey Mukhin is the current Australian Superweight champion and is a strong chance to defend his title and David

Toussaint is probably one of the top three 75kg fighters in the country”All fighters at Stockade are registered with Underground Boxing except for Adriana Smith who is tied to the A.N.U. Smith, who will be fighting in the female flyweight division has been boxing for two years and is determined to be successful with her focus on competing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Smith and her Canberran teammates will need every bit of drive and determination if they are to qualify for the Olympics. To qualify for the Olympics male boxers not have to beat the best in Australia, they have to account for fighters from the entire Oceanic region including New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, American Samoa, Western Samoa and

any surrounding Pacific Islands wishing to participate. Female boxers need a top-8 finish in their weight division at the Elite Female World Championships to be held in China later this year. For both, the journey for Olympic glory is tough and one which Hamilton hopes his young charges can endure. After years of training young Olympic hopefuls, Hamilton pinpoints dedication as an essential ingredient for a boxer’s success.“You want someone with a bit of natural ability but also who has had to work hard as well”To build that natural ability, Hamilton believes that children should be exposed to as many sports and activities as possible at an early age, developing fine

motor skills but also a hunger or passion for their chosen sport.Through trainers such as Hamilton, the Stockade Training Centre in Dickson is quickly becoming one of Canberra’s most promising developmental grounds not only for boxing, but other sports such as Muay Thai and wrestling. Where possible, Hamilton utilises the facility’s specialist coaches such as former Socceroo and Redding captain, Andy Bernal who oversees strength and conditioning. With such a professional support network in place, this latest group of Canberra’s elite have every chance to achieve success.

◊ DAVID BENIUK

Daniel Geale has hit back at rival Sam Soliman’s threat to the IBF world champion’s next title defence, asking simply: Who does he think he is?Announcing a double-header of world title defences with fellow Australian Billy Dib for Hobart on March 7, Tasmanian Geale said he was unconcerned by a

potential legal stoush with the No.2 middleweight challenger.Soliman’s management have called on lawyers in an attempt to stop Geale’s bout with Osumanu Adama, threatening an injunction within 14 days.They claim Geale broke an agreement and that Soliman was disadvantaged because he was unable to find a promoter to complete an IBF-ordered box-off to determine Geale’s

challenger.“It’s their fault that things didn’t work out the way that they want there,” said Geale, who claims he had to confirm his mandatory defence by February.“They’re sort of crying about it now and carrying on about it now.“Who do these guys think they are to be

able to say that?“They’ve got to go through the right avenues if they want to fight me. They’ve got to get their rankings right if they want to fight me and then we’ll consider that option.“At the moment we’ve got options coming from everywhere.“I’ve had to work so hard to get into this position as well and these people want to jump the queue and just fight me whenever they feel like it.“It’s just not the right way.”Geale (26-1) has again shunned more lucrative offers to defend his middleweight title at home, inviting former amateur team-mate and IBF featherweight champion Dib along to defend his belt against Mexican Eduardo Escobedo.Two world title defences on the one bill is thought to be a first for Australian boxing.“This sort of stuff sometimes happens in Vegas so to bring it down to Tassie, it’s a

pretty decent thing,” Geale said.“To have him on the same card as myself, it’s a smart option and it’s definitely going to help us both.”Geale said Ghana-born American Adama (20-2) would be a tougher proposition than Albert.“He can punch harder, he’s probably a little bit faster and he’s definitely stronger,” Geale said.“He thinks he’s just going to walk through me and just sort of knock me out.“That’s not going to happen.“I’m going to be physically at my best for this next fight.”Dib (33-1) said Escobedo (32-3), who is undefeated since 2007, would also be tough.“(The Mexicans) come to fight, they’ve got that warrior mentality,” Dib said.“But unfortunately for him, he’s coming up against somebody who’s willing, determined and I’ve got the title and he’s not taking it anywhere.” - AAP

David Toussaint, Adrian Andrews, Adriana Smith, Alexey Mukhin, Yianni Parascos, Alex Cooper and James McPherson Image: Andrew Finch

GEALE HITS BACK AT SOLIMAN’S LEGAL ACTION

Daniel Geale celebrates his defeat of American based Nigerian Eromosele Albert during the IBF World middleweight title fight. Image Peter Mathew - AAP

To follow the A.C.T’s best boxers, fights will be streamed live from 6pm-9pm, and finals of the Elite Men and Elite Women Olympic Weights on Sunday. The video stream will be available from: www.ustream.tv/channel/national-champsStockade’s A.C.T Representative Boxers64kg light Welterweight – James McPherson75kg Middleweight – David Toussaint91kg Superweight – Alexey Mukhin60kg Lightweight – Alex Cooper38kg Lightweight – Yianni ParascosFemale 54kg Flyweight – Adriana Smith (A.N.U)81kg Light Heavyweight – Adrian Andrews


◊ MAURICE O’RIORDAN

The connections between sport and art, though many, are often down played. Australia has its biennial Basil Sellers Art Prize (worth $100k) for contemporary art relating to sport, the annual Cricket Art and Poetry prizes, as well as numerous examples of art and sport institutions collaborating: NRL footballers on photographic initiatives for Casula Powerhouse’s recent Pacifica showcases, and the long-running C3West art commissioning project involving Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Sydney sporting clubs among other partners. There are also sporting identities turned artists such as ex-Collingwood footballer Rupert Betheras whose first survey exhibition of paintings, ‘Marking Tracks’, opens at Melbourne’s Deakin University next month. Sometimes it takes an event such as the Olympic Games to remind us of the broader cultural and human ideals underpinning the pursuits of art and sport. These ideals were at the heart of the original Games in ancient Greece where both pursuits were celebrated, and maintained by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Modern Olympics (from 1896). In this light, the 2012 London Olympics launched a range of posters late last year commissioned from twelve of Britain’s leading contemporary artists: Chris Ofili, Howard Hodgkin, Tracey Emin, Bridget Riley, Rachel Whiteread, Fiona Banner, Michael Craig-Martin, Gary Hume, Sarah Morris, Martin Creed, Patrick Brill (aka Bob and Roberta Smith), and Anthea Hamilton. With a brief to ‘promote’, ‘celebrate’ and ‘embody’ the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, the posters also anticipate the related Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival. On first inspection, the posters offer a fairly loose and varied interpretation of the brief. Bereft of any clear-cut representations of athletic prowess and with an emphasis on the symbolic and expressive, they were initially met by London’s ‘Daily Mail’ with the typical charge: ‘A splodge of blue paint [Howard Hodgkin’s ‘Swimming’ poster] and coffee cup rings [Rachael Whiteread’s ‘LOndOn 2012’] ... … Infant school art? No, posters for the London Olympics!’ London art critic Ben Luke also chimed in; critical of Tracey Emin’s Paralympics poster for lacking ‘the

striking power a poster needs’, he also praised the ‘sheer visual pleasure and clarity’ of Hodgkin’s work. Many of the posters include text – some like Emin and Bob and Roberta Smith reiterate keywords for the Games: ‘Courage’, ‘Inspiration’, ‘Sweat’, ‘Determination’ and ‘Love’; Michael Craig-Martin’s poster bears a stopwatch-glaring ‘Go’ while Fiona Banner’s ‘Superhuman Nude’ poster (based on a Paralympic cyclist) has courted the most controversy with its lines of verse including ‘not-so-family-friendly phrases’ (as reported in the Daily Mail) such as ‘hot saddle shadow between thighs’ and ‘buttocks hugging white arse’. Ironically, the two artists with the most controversial careers, Emin and Chris Ofili (whose much-maligned and once banned ‘The Holy Virgin Mary’ work, incorporating elephant dung, now hangs in Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art), presented two of the most traditional poster images: Emin’s ‘Birds’ emphasising the Games’ overarching ‘peace’ and ‘love’ foundation, and Ofili’s ‘For The Unknown Runner’, based on the sight of everyday joggers passing by his Trinidad home, embodying ancient Greece and common good with its ultra-muscle-bound runner framed by an urn. Unlike Luke, I think Emin’s ‘Birds’ oozes with intimacy, and with the immediacy required of poster art, a quality only reinforced by her use of black and white. While most of the artists rose to the challenge of this commission, some such as abstract painter Bridget Riley stayed very much within their established style. Whether viewers easily recognise that the large plum-coloured circle in Gary Hume’s ‘Capital’ poster symbolises a wheelchair, or the black ball above a tennis ball, is beside the point. Like sport, art is also about experiences and passions which are all-encompassing and whose truths are largely beyond words or fixed meaning. While both pursuits are grounded in the physical, they also appeal to abstract notions: honour, courage, beauty, sacrifice, excellence, love, and the human spirit. My pick of the dozen goes to Martin Creed’s ‘Work No. 1273’ poster. In five thick brush-strokes (echoing the colours of the five Olympic Rings) he creates a five-tier Olympic dais. With its two extra tiers (in green and gold) it is, like Ofili’s poster, a tribute to the broad arena and unknown potential of human achievement.

SPORTING SYMBOLS: THE 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS POSTERS

Maurice O’Riordan is editor of Art Monthly Australia.

The 2012 London Olympic Games runs 27 July to 12 August 2012; the Paralympic Games runs 29 August to 9 September. Poster sales and related info: www.london2012.com

‘Return from Nyrippi’,

Rupert Betheras works:

‘After Collingwood’, 2003, oil on canvas, 101 x 76cm.

2011, synthetic polymer paint on linen: both works showing in ‘Marking Tracks’, Deakin University Gallery, Melbourne, 15 Feb to 31 March 2012; images courtesy the artist and Alcaston

London 2012 Olympic Posters:

Bridget Riley, ‘Rose Rose’

Sarah Morris, ‘Big Ben 2012’

Michael Craig-Martin, ‘GO’

Tracey Emin, ‘Birds 2012’

Fiona Banner, ‘Superhuman Nude’

Howard Hodgkin, ‘Swimming’

Chris Ofili, ‘For The Unknown Runner’

Bob and Roberta Smith, ‘Love’ Anthea Hamilton, ‘Drivers’

Rachael Whiteread, ‘LOndOn 2012’

Martin Creed, ‘Work No. 1273’

Gary Hume, ‘Capital’

Poster images courtesy 2012 London Olympics.


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◊ NATHAN MINERDS

Lacrosse is a full contact sport played using a stick with a net on the end, called a crosse.Lacrosse involves two teams, each competing to project a small ball of solid rubber into the opposing team’s goal. Each team starts with ten players on the field: a goalie who stays inside the crease; three defenders in the defensive end; three midfielders free to roam the whole field; and three

attackers attempting to score goals in the offensive end. Players scoop the ball off the ground with their stick and may run carrying the ball in their stick, pass the ball through the air to other players, or throw it at the goal. Players may also kick the ball, as well as cover it with their sticks, provided they do not withhold it from play. Play is quite fast and fluent, with considerably more goals scored than are in soccer or hockey, with typical games totaling ten to twenty goals.

LEFT OF CENTRE: LACROSSE

Image: Andrew Yates - AFP

Each quarter starts with a “face-off” in which the ball is placed on the ground and two “face-off-men” lay their stick horizontally next to the ball, head of the stick inches from the ball and the butt-end pointing down the midfield line. Face-off-men scrap for the ball, often by “clamping” it under their stick and flicking it out to their midfielders, who start on the wing restraining line near the sideline and sprint in when the whistle is blown to start play. Attackers and defenders cannot cross their “restraining line” until one player from the midfield takes possession of the ball. A face-off also restarts the game after each goal. Lacrosse is a full contact sport. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean there is any fighting with sticks. What is does mean is that there is stick checking and body checking. Stick checking is hitting the stick of the opponent with your own stick. Stick checking is allowed, provided that only the stick or hands of the opponent are hit. Body checking is the act of hitting a player with your own body. Body checking is allowed only if the opponent is hit with two hands next to each other on a stick (no pushing with the stick) and only below the shoulders and above the hips.

Fouls are either a “technical” foul or a “personal” foul. Technical fouls are light in nature and are usually fouls like delay of the game or warding off. Personal fouls are more serious fouls committed by one person. Hitting someone on the head with the stick, illegal body checking, tripping and unsportsmanlike conduct are examples of a personal foul. Technical fouls are punished by awarding the ball to the offended team if the offending team had possession or in a loose ball situation or sending someone from the offending team to the timebox for thirty seconds if the offended team had possession. Personal fouls are always a time-serving penalty with the offending player being put on the time box for one to three minutes depending on the seriousness of the foul. Because of the speed balls can be thrown and the fact it’s a full contact sport, lacrosse players wear a helmet, gloves, chest protection, elbow guards and a box. Kidney/back protection and mouth guards are common too.

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Images courtesy of AAP


SPORTS CROSSWORD

NUTRITION AND HEALTH

MANAGING WEIGHT

◊ WWW.NUTRITIONAUSTRALIA.ORG

Managing WeightBurning off kilojoules is the key to weight management, so the longer you can be active the better, but build it up slowly. A sudden large increase

in physical activity could cause injury. If your activity levels are making you uncomfortable slow down, stop or change to another type of activity. If you have an existing health problem or are overweight, consult your doctor before starting to increase your activity levels.

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Across1 and 7 Across Australian cyclist

(5,5)

4 Steve ___, once the main rival of Sebastian Coe (5)

7 See 1 Across

9 Joint prone to injury in tennis players (5)

10 High-carb food for sports folk (5)

11 Former Balmain and Australian rugby league hooker, Benny ___ (5)

12 Cricket journalist Peter ___ (7)

13 In golf, number of shots under par for an albatross (5)

15 Breathing apparatus for divers (5)

17 Inseparable from Nevis in West Indies cricket (2,5)

18 Surname of former rugby league prop known as ‘Blocker’ (5)

20 and 5 Down South African golfer (5,3)

22 First gymnast ever to be awarded a perfect 10/10 in the Olympics, ___ Comaneci (5)

23 Leaf featured on the Canadian flag (5)

24 French Division One soccer team (5)

25 American woman tennis great, Chris ___ (5)

Down1 French tennis player Arnaud ___ (7)

2 Host of the Desert Classic golf tournament (5)

3 British F1 driver ___ Hamilton (5)

4 Welsh rugby team (7)

5 See 20 Across

6 Area of expertise of 4 Across (5)

8 Trophy famously snatched by Alan Bond and Australia II in 1983 (8,3)

14 Sports characterised by their inherent danger, such as hang gliding, BMX and windsurfing (7)

16 At right angles to the keel of a boat (7)

17 Sneak from one base to another (5)

18 ___ Richards, sex change tennis player (5)

19 and 21 Down South African fast bowler known as ‘Gunther’ (5,3)

21 See 19 Down

Last issue’s solution

R S U B F

P I N H I G H D A K A R

C I O C N I

S K E E T M A S T E R S

Y L B R A I

A D J O U R N M E N T

M N I G

C A S S I U S C L A Y

L Q S K B S

S C O U S E R E B D O N

O A S C O N

F L U S H P O N T I N G

M H E T Y

A good way to tell if your activity is at the right level is to use the ‘talk test’, i.e. you should still be able to talk whilst doing the activity (unless you are under water!); if you can’t then you are working too hard. Feeling slightly puffed and sweaty indicates that you are exercising at about the right intensity. At this level you are more likely to feel better, and feel able to stay active because the feeling is enjoyable.

What happens to the energy we get from food?Just being: Energy is used for all basic functions - heart beating, lungs breathing, and liver, kidneys and brain performing their functions. The amount of energy needed to keep these basic functions going while you are at rest is called your Basal (or Resting) Metabolic Rate (BMR or RMR). It keeps your body ticking and uses about 60-70% of your energy intake. BMR varies between individuals. For men, BMR is

approximately 7000 kj per day, and for women it is approximately 6000 kj per day. Men have a higher BMR than women largely because they have a higher proportion of muscle cells that burn more energy than fat cells.Using food: When you digest food, energy is required to break the food down into nutrients that the body can use. This uses about 10-15% of your energy intake.Moving: Every time you move you use up kilojoules - having a shower, brushing your teeth, combing your hair, collecting the mail, cutting up vegetables, ironing, walking up stairs, hanging washing, mowing the lawn, shopping. Even fidgeting uses energy - some studies have shown that people who fidget are less likely to be overweight! Activities such as sports, brisk walking or a bike ride will burn extra energy on top of that used in normal daily activities. ‘Moving’ burns up about 20% of the energy you consume.


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