'Wanderers achieved the impossible'

Fairytale ... can the Wanderers go on to win the A-League title? Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

I was always optimistic that Western Sydney Wanderers would be a positive force in Australian football, but I never imagined anything like this.

Tony Popovic and his men have achieved a feat I would have considered impossible six months ago. To lift the Premiers' Plate less than a year after inception is a truly incredible achievement in world football and an enormous credit to everyone involved.

I wrote a few weeks back that the Wanderers winning the premiership would, in my opinion, eclipse Coventry City's FA Cup win in 1987, Porto's Champions League victory in 2003-04 and Algeria's triumph over West Germany at the 1982 World Cup as a football fairytale. I stand by that.

A finals finish would have been considered a more than worthy achievement for this team in their debut season. To win 11 of their last 12 games and lift the Premiers' Plate is beyond anything I could have predicted.

As a western Sydney boy, I am enormously proud of all they have achieved and delighted to see the way the local fans have embraced them.

This is a part of Australia that has been crying out for an A-League team since the competition was formed, and they are poised to become one of the country's true powerhouses.

The Wanderers have routinely made the impossible appear possible. A record 10-game winning streak. Outdrawing Parramatta the day after the Eels season opener. Showing unity and precision despite the most rushed of pre-seasons.

I wonder how many teams, in the history of football around the world, have pulled off a move as audacious as that completed by Lyall Gorman and the Wanderers.

Assembled in a split second after the folding of Gold Coast United, the Wanderers could have been excused for turning it up in their first season given the enormity of the challenge ahead of them.

Instead, Popovic instilled in the team a work ethic the pride of any in the world and that has stood them in good stead throughout the season.

Where to now? It would be a brave man who bets against them from here. The Wanderers have improved markedly as the season progressed and it will take a mighty effort from rival clubs to deny them a grand final appearance and a debut title.

View the original article here

Fairytale Wanderers secure Plate

Party time ... Wanderers striker Mark Bridge helps his team to the Premiers' Plate. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Western Sydney claimed the A-League's Premiers' Plate in empathetic style with a 3-0 win over Newcastle on Friday to continue their fairytale maiden season and put the final nail in the the Jets' coffin.

The Wanderers' triumph makes them the first expansion club in Australian football history to win a trophy in their debut season.

The Jets meanwhile, who needed a win to keep alive their finals hopes, finish the season in eighth place.

Having let the minor premiership slip last week after a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC, the Wanderers weren't about to do it again with a Mark Bridge brace in the opening half and a late Rocky Visconte missile sealing the win in front of a massive travelling contingent of close to 10,000 Wanderers fans at Hunter Stadium.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Western Sydney	27	18	3	6	20	57
2	Central Coast	26	15	6	5	25	51
3	Victory	26	12	5	9	2	41
4	Adelaide	26	12	4	10	1	40
5	Brisbane	27	10	5	12	4	35
6	Sydney	27	9	5	13	-10	32
7	Perth	26	9	4	13	-2	31
8	Newcastle	27	8	7	12	-15	31
9	Heart	26	8	3	15	-8	27
10	Wellington	26	7	6	13	-17	27

The Wanderers will be presented with the Plate in front of a home crowd in their next match - the first semi-final on April 12 at Parramatta Stadium.

Many doubted the heavily depleted side would be up to the task of taking on a fiercely desperate Jets outfit needing victory.

They were missing injured players Shinji Ono (groin) and Aaron Mooy (knee) in midfield and defenders Adam D'Apuzzo (foot) and Jerome Polenz (quad), while versatile Iacopo La Rocca is banned for the rest of the season for his elbow on Sydney's Terry Antonis in last week's derby.

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Re-live all the action from the Wanderers' big win over the Jets at our A-League Match Centre, with video of all the goals and key statistics.

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But the Wanderers were boosted by the return of skipper Michael Beauchamp and crafty midfielder Youssouf Hersi back from suspension.

It took just six minutes for the Wanderers to signal their intent, and ironically it was three ex-Jets players combining to score the first goal in front of a 22,578-strong crowd.

Tarek Elrich played the long ball with Labinot Haliti sending it across the face of goal for the waiting Bridge who made no mistake with the finish.

Bridge struck again in the 33rd minute, getting on the end of a Dino Kresinger header to get the best of Jets defender Connor Chapman and put the visitors 2-0 up before half-time.

Visconte put the game beyond doubt in the 80th minute scoring his first goal of the season with a 20-metre screamer.

The Jets, who gained marquee man Emile Heskey from a three-week injury layoff, just couldn't make any real inroads into Wanderers territory to be a genuine threat, with the visitors too quick on the counter-attack and too strong in defence.

They had promising strikes from Marko Jesic and skipper Ruben Zadkovich in the first half, while James Virgili and young gun Adam Taggart attempted shots in the second, but Wanderers 'keeper Ante Covic was otherwise untroubled.

View the original article here

'Wanderers achieved the impossible'

Fairytale ... can the Wanderers go on to win the A-League title? Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

I was always optimistic that Western Sydney Wanderers would be a positive force in Australian football, but I never imagined anything like this.

Tony Popovic and his men have achieved a feat I would have considered impossible six months ago. To lift the Premiers' Plate less than a year after inception is a truly incredible achievement in world football and an enormous credit to everyone involved.

I wrote a few weeks back that the Wanderers winning the premiership would, in my opinion, eclipse Coventry City's FA Cup win in 1987, Porto's Champions League victory in 2003-04 and Algeria's triumph over West Germany at the 1982 World Cup as a football fairytale. I stand by that.

A finals finish would have been considered a more than worthy achievement for this team in their debut season. To win 11 of their last 12 games and lift the Premiers' Plate is beyond anything I could have predicted.

As a western Sydney boy, I am enormously proud of all they have achieved and delighted to see the way the local fans have embraced them.

This is a part of Australia that has been crying out for an A-League team since the competition was formed, and they are poised to become one of the country's true powerhouses.

The Wanderers have routinely made the impossible appear possible. A record 10-game winning streak. Outdrawing Parramatta the day after the Eels season opener. Showing unity and precision despite the most rushed of pre-seasons.

I wonder how many teams, in the history of football around the world, have pulled off a move as audacious as that completed by Lyall Gorman and the Wanderers.

Assembled in a split second after the folding of Gold Coast United, the Wanderers could have been excused for turning it up in their first season given the enormity of the challenge ahead of them.

Instead, Popovic instilled in the team a work ethic the pride of any in the world and that has stood them in good stead throughout the season.

Where to now? It would be a brave man who bets against them from here. The Wanderers have improved markedly as the season progressed and it will take a mighty effort from rival clubs to deny them a grand final appearance and a debut title.

View the original article here

Jones accepts Socceroos exile

Catch 22 ... being second-choice has hurt Brad Jones's Socceroos aspirations. Source: Chris Ison / AAP

Liverpool's Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones accepts his international chances may have been hampered by remaining at the prominent English Premier League club.

However, the sometime Socceroo admits he would rather stay at Anfield and provide competition for first-choice Jose Reina than leave and play more matches elsewhere.

The Reds' Melwood training ground has been a quiet place for the past week with many of the squad away at World Cup qualifiers.

But Jones was one of those left behind as the most recent of his three appearances for the Socceroos coming in January 2011, although he was called into the squad in September last year as a replacement for injured Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici.

The 31-year-old knows his role as Reina's deputy is counting against him, although injury to the Spaniard has seen Jones make 15 appearances this season - more than in his previous two seasons combined - and start the last two Premier League matches.

"I have kind of been in and out (of the international team) recently but there is not a lot I can do really, it is up to the manager to pick me," Jones, who signed a new contract at Anfield in December, told Press Association Sport.

"The manager (Holger Osieck) wants people who are playing fairly regularly, which is obviously going to be difficult for me here.

"I have probably played more games than I thought I might have this year but just the way it has worked out it is going to be difficult.

"But on the other side for me it is a tough one because I would probably rather play 15 games for Liverpool than 30 for someone else.

"It is Catch 22 but I think if I am playing for Liverpool and performing then I should be in contention."

The goalkeeper could lose his place in the starting line-up for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa as Reina has been declared fit after joining up with Spain for their World Cup qualifiers, although he was on the bench for both matches.

View the original article here

Fairytale Wanderers secure Plate

Party time ... Wanderers striker Mark Bridge helps his team to the Premiers' Plate. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Western Sydney claimed the A-League's Premiers' Plate in empathetic style with a 3-0 win over Newcastle on Friday to continue their fairytale maiden season and put the final nail in the the Jets' coffin.

The Wanderers' triumph makes them the first expansion club in Australian football history to win a trophy in their debut season.

The Jets meanwhile, who needed a win to keep alive their finals hopes, finish the season in eighth place.

Having let the minor premiership slip last week after a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC, the Wanderers weren't about to do it again with a Mark Bridge brace in the opening half and a late Rocky Visconte missile sealing the win in front of a massive travelling contingent of close to 10,000 Wanderers fans at Hunter Stadium.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Western Sydney	27	18	3	6	20	57
2	Central Coast	26	15	6	5	25	51
3	Victory	26	12	5	9	2	41
4	Adelaide	26	12	4	10	1	40
5	Brisbane	27	10	5	12	4	35
6	Sydney	27	9	5	13	-10	32
7	Perth	26	9	4	13	-2	31
8	Newcastle	27	8	7	12	-15	31
9	Heart	26	8	3	15	-8	27
10	Wellington	26	7	6	13	-17	27

The Wanderers will be presented with the Plate in front of a home crowd in their next match - the first semi-final on April 12 at Parramatta Stadium.

Many doubted the heavily depleted side would be up to the task of taking on a fiercely desperate Jets outfit needing victory.

They were missing injured players Shinji Ono (groin) and Aaron Mooy (knee) in midfield and defenders Adam D'Apuzzo (foot) and Jerome Polenz (quad), while versatile Iacopo La Rocca is banned for the rest of the season for his elbow on Sydney's Terry Antonis in last week's derby.

---

Re-live all the action from the Wanderers' big win over the Jets at our A-League Match Centre, with video of all the goals and key statistics.

---

But the Wanderers were boosted by the return of skipper Michael Beauchamp and crafty midfielder Youssouf Hersi back from suspension.

It took just six minutes for the Wanderers to signal their intent, and ironically it was three ex-Jets players combining to score the first goal in front of a 22,578-strong crowd.

Tarek Elrich played the long ball with Labinot Haliti sending it across the face of goal for the waiting Bridge who made no mistake with the finish.

Bridge struck again in the 33rd minute, getting on the end of a Dino Kresinger header to get the best of Jets defender Connor Chapman and put the visitors 2-0 up before half-time.

Visconte put the game beyond doubt in the 80th minute scoring his first goal of the season with a 20-metre screamer.

The Jets, who gained marquee man Emile Heskey from a three-week injury layoff, just couldn't make any real inroads into Wanderers territory to be a genuine threat, with the visitors too quick on the counter-attack and too strong in defence.

They had promising strikes from Marko Jesic and skipper Ruben Zadkovich in the first half, while James Virgili and young gun Adam Taggart attempted shots in the second, but Wanderers 'keeper Ante Covic was otherwise untroubled.

View the original article here

Mel's preview: NEW v WSW

Source:FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports football commentator Mel McLaughlin previews the blockbuster clash between Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium on Friday night.

The Jets sat back last weekend and watched with dismay as Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory won their games, but remarkably their finals fate, like last year, comes down to the final round.

• 1. WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (54 points, Goal Diff +17)
  v Newcastle (A)
  Need a win or a draw in Newcastle to secure the premier's plate in their debut season.
   
• 2. CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (51, +25)
  v Melbourne Heart (H)
  If the Wanderers lose, the Mariners will pinch the premier's plate on goal difference with a win against the Heart.
   
• 3. MELBOURNE VICTORY (41, +2)
  v Wellington Phoenix (A)
  Will finish third or fourth and have nothing to really play for in New Zealand ahead of their home elimination final.
   
• 4. ADELAIDE UNITED (40, +1)
  v Perth Glory (A)
  To finish third or fourth and host a home knockout final, regardless of the result of their Perth trip.
   
• 5. BRISBANE ROAR (32, +2)
  v Sydney FC (H)
  Hold their own destiny. Beat Sydney, and their title defence continues into the finals; lose, and they need both Perth and Newcastle to lose. If they draw and only one of Newcastle or Perth win, they could still sneak in.
• 6. SYDNEY FC (32, -8)
  v Brisbane Roar (A)
  Like Brisbane, masters of their own fate: beat the Roar and they make the finals. Lose or draw, and they rely on others, like the Roar, above.
   
• 7. PERTH GLORY (31, -2)
  v Adelaide United (H)
  Beat Adelaide at home and they're in the finals. Draw, and they're probably in - if Sydney are beaten. Lose, and they're out.
   
• 8. NEWCASTLE JETS (31, -12)
  v Western Sydney (H)
  Must defeat Western Sydney and hope Sydney and Brisbane draw, and Perth lose, to steal a finals spot. If they draw, but Perth win and Sydney get thumped by four or more goals, they can also sneak in! 

It won’t get much harder than a visit from the ladder leaders Western Sydney for their first trip to Hunter Stadium, with up to 8000 fans in tow for this Good Friday fixture.

It is all on the line for Newcastle. They must win, and then sweat on the Perth result against Adelaide on Saturday night. Remarkably they've only been outside of the six for six weeks this e season, but since these two last met in round 20, they've won twice, lost three times and drawn twice.

After a false start in the Sydney derby the Wanderers have another chance to secure the Premiers’ Plate.

It seems though that the biggest thing that could work against them now are their list of injuries and suspension.

Iacopo La Rocca was devastated to receive a four-match ban for a brain snap right at the death at Parramatta Stadium last week. The elbow to Terry Antonis means his season is over.

Youssouf Hersi returns from his ban – a massive inclusion, but that’s tempered by the loss of Shinji Ono.

Michael Beauchamp, Aaron Mooy and Jerome Polenz have carried injuries and Polenz will definitely miss this one, but Mooy and Beauchamp will be given every opportunity to prove their fitness.

They were severely understrength against the Sky Blues and were under pressure, but Brett Emerton’s red card helped put the balance back in their favour – and a cracking free kick from Shannon Cole helped matters as well.

Former Jets Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Labinot Haliti, Tarek Elrich, Adam D’Apuzzo (should he be fit after playing 45 minutes last week), Ante Covic and Mark Bridge return to their old stomping ground as the opposition – and all of a sudden there’s a bit of pressure on the team to win and collect the Premiers’ Plate.

Emile Heskey returns to the side after battling a calf injury, and alongside the resurgent fellow Englishman Michael Bridges will look to do some damage against what could be a largely different-looking backline for the Wanderers.

The Jets are preparing for this sudden death encounter and have trained hard in the lead up. The two teams have one win each this season, both at Parramatta Stadium, and there’s no doubt the Jets are capable of what would be an upset.

I’m tipping Newcastle to give themselves a chance at the finals as the Wanderers’ depth will again be tested.

View the original article here

Mel's preview: NEW v WSW

Source:FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports football commentator Mel McLaughlin previews the blockbuster clash between Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium on Friday night.

The Jets sat back last weekend and watched with dismay as Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory won their games, but remarkably their finals fate, like last year, comes down to the final round.

• 1. WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (54 points, Goal Diff +17)
  v Newcastle (A)
  Need a win or a draw in Newcastle to secure the premier's plate in their debut season.
   
• 2. CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (51, +25)
  v Melbourne Heart (H)
  If the Wanderers lose, the Mariners will pinch the premier's plate on goal difference with a win against the Heart.
   
• 3. MELBOURNE VICTORY (41, +2)
  v Wellington Phoenix (A)
  Will finish third or fourth and have nothing to really play for in New Zealand ahead of their home elimination final.
   
• 4. ADELAIDE UNITED (40, +1)
  v Perth Glory (A)
  To finish third or fourth and host a home knockout final, regardless of the result of their Perth trip.
   
• 5. BRISBANE ROAR (32, +2)
  v Sydney FC (H)
  Hold their own destiny. Beat Sydney, and their title defence continues into the finals; lose, and they need both Perth and Newcastle to lose. If they draw and only one of Newcastle or Perth win, they could still sneak in.
• 6. SYDNEY FC (32, -8)
  v Brisbane Roar (A)
  Like Brisbane, masters of their own fate: beat the Roar and they make the finals. Lose or draw, and they rely on others, like the Roar, above.
   
• 7. PERTH GLORY (31, -2)
  v Adelaide United (H)
  Beat Adelaide at home and they're in the finals. Draw, and they're probably in - if Sydney are beaten. Lose, and they're out.
   
• 8. NEWCASTLE JETS (31, -12)
  v Western Sydney (H)
  Must defeat Western Sydney and hope Sydney and Brisbane draw, and Perth lose, to steal a finals spot. If they draw, but Perth win and Sydney get thumped by four or more goals, they can also sneak in! 

It won’t get much harder than a visit from the ladder leaders Western Sydney for their first trip to Hunter Stadium, with up to 8000 fans in tow for this Good Friday fixture.

It is all on the line for Newcastle. They must win, and then sweat on the Perth result against Adelaide on Saturday night. Remarkably they've only been outside of the six for six weeks this e season, but since these two last met in round 20, they've won twice, lost three times and drawn twice.

After a false start in the Sydney derby the Wanderers have another chance to secure the Premiers’ Plate.

It seems though that the biggest thing that could work against them now are their list of injuries and suspension.

Iacopo La Rocca was devastated to receive a four-match ban for a brain snap right at the death at Parramatta Stadium last week. The elbow to Terry Antonis means his season is over.

Youssouf Hersi returns from his ban – a massive inclusion, but that’s tempered by the loss of Shinji Ono.

Michael Beauchamp, Aaron Mooy and Jerome Polenz have carried injuries and Polenz will definitely miss this one, but Mooy and Beauchamp will be given every opportunity to prove their fitness.

They were severely understrength against the Sky Blues and were under pressure, but Brett Emerton’s red card helped put the balance back in their favour – and a cracking free kick from Shannon Cole helped matters as well.

Former Jets Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Labinot Haliti, Tarek Elrich, Adam D’Apuzzo (should he be fit after playing 45 minutes last week), Ante Covic and Mark Bridge return to their old stomping ground as the opposition – and all of a sudden there’s a bit of pressure on the team to win and collect the Premiers’ Plate.

Emile Heskey returns to the side after battling a calf injury, and alongside the resurgent fellow Englishman Michael Bridges will look to do some damage against what could be a largely different-looking backline for the Wanderers.

The Jets are preparing for this sudden death encounter and have trained hard in the lead up. The two teams have one win each this season, both at Parramatta Stadium, and there’s no doubt the Jets are capable of what would be an upset.

I’m tipping Newcastle to give themselves a chance at the finals as the Wanderers’ depth will again be tested.

View the original article here

We've got work to do: Malthouse

Not too impressed ... Mick Malthouse didn't love anything. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse admits he is wrestling with the Blues' defence-attack balance after only one game.

The Blues were down by as much as 42 points 11 minutes into the third quarter, but threw caution to the wind in the second half to fall five points short of an incredible comeback.

Malthouse said he made the call to abandon his conservative approach in a bid to pinch the game, which only failed when Chris Yarran missed two good chances in front of goal in the dying minutes.

"I learned a lot, they’ll probably learn a lot. Just the methodology, the things you can do that work and things that don't work and you've got to start to get the balance right," Malthouse said.

"By working one way you do rob yourself of some defensive play and we took that gamble so I'm not too sure where I actually sit with that. It got us back in the game, but I'm not 100 per cent sure you can keep having shootouts with sides.

"Nonetheless I guess it was enough to spook Richmond a bit."

Carlton face a daunting start to the season, with Collingwood, Geelong, West Coast (away) and Adelaide to come in the next month, but Malthouse strongly rejected suggestions he needed to "pick players up".

"What, do you think they're walking around with their head down? They've come back and had a crack," he said.

"This is one round. It's round one of a 22-week season. They're not babies, they don't need to be cuddled and caressed and told how unlucky they are. We know we got beaten by a better side and we know we've got a lot of work to do to make us more competitive.

"But this is not a kindergarten. These are grown men."

Malthouse criticised the Blues' use of the interchange, claiming he was unhappy with only 106 rotations compared to Richmond's 133.

But that was the extent of his irritation with his side's first loss to the Tigers since 2008.

"There's enough there," he said.

"I said to the playing group, 'There's no witch-hunt in the rooms tonight'. It is simply that we need to look at why our planning didn't work and why we were able to get back in the game."

Malthouse said Marc Murphy and Chris Judd would continue to get better after limited preparation and said Bryce Gibbs would get more confidence in his game.

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

View the original article here

'Penrith didn't want me enough'

Happy Shark ... Wade Graham has embraced his second home, Cronulla. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Cronulla star on the rise Wade Graham has opened up about his 2011 departure from boyhood club Penrith, accusing the Panthers of not trying hard enough to keep him.

Graham grew up in Blacktown, part of Panthers heartland, and hoped for a long career at the club he grew up supporting.

But as Penrith got caught up heavily back-ending contracts of superstars like Michael Jennings, there had to be some casualties, and at the end of the 2010 season Graham was brutally shown the door.

Speaking as a guest on Sterlo on Thursday night, Graham admitted having to leave the club was one of the hardest experiences of his life, although he has since come to be thankful for his move to the Sharks.

"It was tough mate," Graham said. "It was probably one of the hardest decisions I've made in my whole life. Growing up as a kid in Blacktown, all I wanted to do was play for Penrith.

"I grew up looking up to the guys who played in the 2003 grand final, guys like Luke Lewis, Frank Puletua, Tony Puletua - I got to play with those sort of guys and three season later I finally feel like I'm finding my feet and all of a sudden I'm shown the door.

"It was tough at the time, but like I said, I've moved on now and I'm very happy with where I'm at in Cronulla and I'm looking forward to going forward."

Host of Sterlo, Peter Sterling said he was caught by surprise when Penrith decided to get rid of Graham.

"I thought you were the next big thing at Penrith," Sterling said. "I thought with Craig Gower gone, I watched you come through up there - I don't want to dwell on it too much but did they try hard enough to keep you?"

Graham replied: "Probably in hindsight, probably no, not really. But you say that and sometimes things don't align properly.

"Maybe it was a bit of bad timing out there. You know, the door opened at Cronulla and I'm happy I took it now."  

View the original article here

Daley Mail: 'Barba will be massive'

Comeback ... Ben Barba will make his much-anticipated return against South Sydney. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

As part of our efforts to bring even more rugby league to fans, Fox Sports rugby league expert Laurie Daley will provide unique video previews of every round of the NRL season.

This week Loz continues his comprehensive look with round four, highlighting Ben Barba's return to the Canterbury-Bankstown lineup as a big factor in their Good Friday clash with South Sydney.

"Benny Barba in particular will be a massive inclusion," says Daley. "Just his speed and his anticipation, and if there's a half-break he's second to none."

It's no surprise that Barba's return will be the talking point of the round, but does Loz think his inclusion be enough to get the Bulldogs over the line against a high-flying Rabbitohs outfit?

See what else Loz has to say in his video previews of the round below.

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v South Sydney Rabbitohs, ANZ Stadium, Friday 4.00pm (EDT). LIVE on Fox Sports 1HD

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Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 8.05pm (EDT).

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Cronulla Sharks v St George Illawarra Dragons, Sharks Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EDT). LIVE on Fox Sports 1HD

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Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans, Centrebet Stadium, Sunday 3.00pm (EDT).

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Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels, Alllianz Stadium, Monday 7.00pm (EDT). LIVE on Fox Sports 1HD

View the original article here

Blowtorch on Swans youngsters

Step up ... Lewis Jetta needs to find more consistency. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Sydney co-captain Jarrad McVeigh has put the acid on Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid to improve the Swans this year.

It's no secret the Swans possess an ageing list and gun recruit Kurt Tippett will be of no use to the premiers until Round 13 because of suspension.

McVeigh said the Swans had the hunger to aim for back-to-back pre

mierships but admitted the team needed natural improvement in players aged 21-25.

"Absolutely we need Jetts, Reidy and Hanners - those gun kids - to step up,'' McVeigh said.

"They have played well, they've shown they can do it, but we need them to go to another level and push myself, Goodesy (Adam Goodes), those types of guys to go again as well.

"They're definitely the group of kids, along with Alex Johnson who's going to miss the year unfortunately, that we need to keep going again.''

Hannebery, 22, was a standout in last year's finals, amassing possession tallies of 27 and 33 in the qualifying and preliminary finals before almost snatching the Norm Smith Medal with a 29-disposal, four-mark and one-goal performance in the grand final win against Hawthorn.

McVeigh said Hannebery could be ready to take the competition by storm.

"He's been playing really good footy for the past couple of years, but his finals series last year was incredible for a young kid,'' McVeigh said.

"We really rate him. He's really courageous and set the team alight in the grand final with a few of those acts.

"He's trained really well over the summer, he's fit so we'll be looking for another big year from him and to get that consistent high-level performance.''

Jetta, 23, had a breakout season last year, but struggled at times for consistency as he learned to deal with taggers.

"It takes time to learn how to deal with those sorts of things, but the best players get tagged every week and you want to be tagged because then you know you're going well,'' McVeigh said.

"He's had to learn different ways of how to get the ball ... hopefully he can put those things into place again this year.''

Hannebery said he was looking forward to a big season.

"There's no doubt that I've had interrupted pre-seasons since I've started and so far, touch wood, I've been injury-free and everything's been going really well,'' Hannebery said in Sydney.

"I've been able to do most of the sessions and it's good to get continuity in training.

"I feel good and I'm confident going into the season.''

Hannebery expects a fierce contest against their Sydney rivals on Saturday, even though they finished on opposite ends of the ladder last season.

"You can never take any team lightly and I think GWS have proven in the (pre-season) Cup they've certainly improved and we've definitely done our homework this week,'' he said.

"They've got two big forwards in (Jeremy) Cameron and (Jonathon) Patton down there so our defenders have got their work cut out.

"They're two quality players and their backline's definitely a year more mature and stronger.''

View the original article here

Tigers hold out fast-finishing Blues

Evasive ... Eddie Betts proves too slippery for Alex Rance. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

A nervy Richmond survived a spirited Carlton fightback despite holding a six-goal lead at the final change.

The Blues came storming home and closed to within 12 points before the Tigers steadied and ran out winners 14.22 (106) to 14.17 (101).

Carlton kicked the first three goals of the night and looked to be continuing their dominance in this famous fixture, but a seven-goal second term broke the game apart, the Tigers leading by as many as 42 points 11 minutes into the third quarter.

The Blues charged home in the final quarter and had the chance to snatch an unlikely victory but Chris Yarran pushed his shot to the left from 30-metres on the run.

Tyrone Vickery and Brett Deledio had three goals each for the victors while Trent Cotchin accumulated 33 disposals in his first game as Richmond captain.

More to come.

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Barba rehab to last 12 months

Ben Barba ... long road to full recovery. Source: PAUL MILLER / AAP

Troubled Canterbury-Bankstown star Ben Barba is back in the NRL as part of strict, 12-month rehabilitation program - where any failure to comply will again see him stood down.

In a stunning declaration on the eve of his Good Friday comeback, Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg has revealed that, far from being healed, the reigning Dally M medallist is entering an extensive program which "lasts 12 months, maybe longer".

Greenberg said the 23-year-old, stood down in the pre-season for a series of personal issues, was also "acutely aware" of the ramifications should he stray from the new plan set by medical professionals.

"Ben's not at the end of any journey, he has a long way to go," Greenberg said.

"He's only part way through a much longer program that is going to be coupled with his football commitments.

"As part of that, there are new requirements, new commitments which will form part of his personal program and be as important as any speed, strength or football testing.

"While the club doesn't oversee (the rehabilitation), we get regular reports. It's about preventative measures to make sure Ben's got all the tools and skills equipped to ensure he keeps developing. He's not at his destination point yet."

Asked if failure to complete any part of the new program, which is being overseen by private doctors, could see him stood down, Greenberg continued: "Absolutely.

"Ben's acutely aware of that. He now has a schedule overlaid with additional responsibilities, he knows them and the club knows them."

More than 40,000 fans are expected for the blockbuster between Canterbury and the South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Barba will return in his trademark No.1 jersey, only a month after Greenberg fronted a packed press conference to reveal his superstar was "ill" with issues dating back to childhood.

Asked about criticism suggesting Barba was returning too soon, Greenberg continued: "My response is that he's only part way through a much longer program.

"People shouldn't judge unless they have all the information in front of them and we're being guided by experts in the field. Benny spent an intensive two-week period inside a facility and now he has another 12-month program.

"He knows he has a lot of work to do off the field in order for him to improve as a person. That doesn't just happen overnight.

"But it's been made very clear to me that being back in the football environment and training with his teammates is a big part of his recovery. To isolate him from that - in the words of the specialist - would be counterproductive."

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Mel's preview: CCM v MHT

Date/Time: 2012:10:12 12:34:45 Source: FOX SPORTS

Fox Sports football host Mel McLaughlin previews the clash between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Heart at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night.

Could the Mariners possibly snatch the Premiers’ Plate at the death?

• 1. WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (54 points, Goal Diff +17)
  v Newcastle (A)
  Need a win or a draw in Newcastle to secure the premier's plate in their debut season.
   
• 2. CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (51, +25)
  v Melbourne Heart (H)
  If the Wanderers lose, the Mariners will pinch the premier's plate on goal difference with a win against the Heart.
   
• 3. MELBOURNE VICTORY (41, +2)
  v Wellington Phoenix (A)
  Will finish third or fourth and have nothing to really play for in New Zealand ahead of their home elimination final.
   
• 4. ADELAIDE UNITED (40, +1)
  v Perth Glory (A)
  To finish third or fourth and host a home knockout final, regardless of the result of their Perth trip.
   
• 5. BRISBANE ROAR (32, +2)
  v Sydney FC (H)
  Hold their own destiny. Beat Sydney, and their title defence continues into the finals; lose, and they need both Perth and Newcastle to lose. If they draw and only one of Newcastle or Perth win, they could still sneak in.
• 6. SYDNEY FC (32, -8)
  v Brisbane Roar (A)
  Like Brisbane, masters of their own fate: beat the Roar and they make the finals. Lose or draw, and they rely on others, like the Roar, above.
   
• 7. PERTH GLORY (31, -2)
  v Adelaide United (H)
  Beat Adelaide at home and they're in the finals. Draw, and they're probably in - if Sydney are beaten. Lose, and they're out.
   
• 8. NEWCASTLE JETS (31, -12)
  v Western Sydney (H)
  Must defeat Western Sydney and hope Sydney and Brisbane draw, and Perth lose, to steal a finals spot. If they draw, but Perth win and Sydney get thumped by four or more goals, they can also sneak in! 

It all depends on, firstly, Newcastle doing the right thing against the Wanderers, and, secondly, the Mariners getting maximum points against Melbourne Heart.

But it won't be easy against struggling Heart side who will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon.

The Mariners looked back on track against Adelaide and are starting to build momentum heading into the finals.

It's certainly been a tough balancing act for the Mariners as the A-League and Asian Champions League fixtures continue.

Graham Arnold has even said that should top spot be decided on Friday night he may field a team made up largely of their youth side.

What will come as a relief, off the field, is the ownership situation appears to have been settled, and players and staff have been paid.

Heart were outplayed in Brisbane but were not helped by so many first-choice players injured, suspended or on international duty. Simon Colosimo and Patrick Gerhardt do return for this one though.

If they lose this one then it's an entire season without an away victory, and almost 18 months since picking up three points outside of Victoria ... just awful.

Mat Ryan and Michael McGlinchey return from international duty for the Mariners while Daniel McBreen again looks to be in the box seat for the Golden Boot award , his goal at Hindmarsh Stadium put back into outright top spot with 16 goals.

Speaking of goals, Central Coast has beaten Melbourne Heart on both of their previous encounters - three goals were scored in total across those two matches – all of them by right back Pedj Bojic. He hasn't played in a few weeks so may miss the chance to add to his tally.

There’s just no way I can tip against Central Coast.

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Heskey sticking with Jets

Marquee ... Emile Heskey set to stay in Newcastle for another season. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

As they prepare for Friday's all-or-nothing battle for a finals berth against Western Sydney, the fight to retain marquee striker Emile Heskey has already been won by Newcastle Jets.

In a massive boost on the eve of one of the club's biggest games since the 2008 A-League grand final, it us understood reveal Heskey has ended speculation on his future by agreeing to a new one-year deal with the Hunter club.

He is expected to sign a new contract package worth around $750,000 within the next 10 days with only some minor details left to be nutted out between the club and Heskey's lawyers.

The package is said to be worth less than half of what the former England striker could have earned if he'd accepted offers from Asia, the Middle East and Russia.

But Heskey has maintained for quite some time he has loved his time in Newcastle and his first preference was always to remain for another season if he could work something out with the club.

"Money is not the be-all and end-all for me now," Heskey said recently.

Jets CEO Robbie Middleby played a straight bat to questioning about the striker's future, refusing to confirm or deny any deal with Heskey has been finalised.

"I can't give you anything concrete about Emile at this stage," Middleby said.

But a well-placed source close to the club was far more forthcoming.

"He's staying. The money's right and the deal's been done," the source said.

"It's just a matter of fixing up a few of the minor details which will be a formality.

"Heskey is planning on going home to England at the end of this season for three months before coming back out in August for the start of pre-season training.

"One of the things he'll be sorting out when he goes back home is his plans for his family.

"They've stayed in England while he's been out here but bringing them back out with him now that he has sorted things out is obviously something he will look at."

Heskey's commitment to the club, coming close on the heels of the re-signing of Michael Bridges, is certain to give the youthful Jets outfit a massive boost.

After missing the club's past three games, Heskey's presence on the park and combination with Bridges will be crucial if the Jets are to get the outcome they so desire.

It is make or break time for the club.

Nothing short of a victory and the three points will be good enough for the home side, who sit just outside the top six going into the final round.

The fact there is so much at stake with the Wanderers needing a draw to secure the Premier's Plate only adds to the theatre of what should be a pulsating clash.

Boosted by more than 6000 Wanderers fans, officials are optimistic a crowd of more than 20,000 will be at Hunter Stadium.

Adding spice to the contest are the six former Jets players in the visitors' squad.

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