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2/27/2009

The Rushed Behind Rules!

Last night, in the Richmond vs Collingwood match the first free kick for a rushed behind was called. For those of you who havent caught up on football news until football season actually starts, first shame on you and secondly, I'll have to explain the rule to you. Last year, in the Grand Final Hawthorn rushed far too many behinds to keep Demitriou happy. So the rules of the game committee decided that a rushed behind would merit a free kick against a team that does so deliberately. This would result in far less rushed behinds (obviously, because a rushed behind would probably be worth 7 points after a shot is nailed from close range). For now, this rule is in the NAB Cup only, but will probably be put into the rgular season also. At first, I thought this rule was stupid. It meant that rushing a behind was simply not an option, and who in a crowd doesn't like booing the opposition for this?

But then I watched a few NAB cup games. The new rule seems to work remarkably well, making defenders create to find an option from the last line instead of simply working set plays from a kick in. Score 1 for the rules committee! I've decided to change the name of this blog permanently to Rushed Behind, because it is wittier and easier to tell your mates about (hint, hint, nudge, nudge).

However, the other major rule change (which I believe has been brought into the regular season) is to penalise a player with a free kick and 50 metre penalty for any attention after they have disposed of the ball. This one hasn't been umpired to the letter of the law by the officials so far, but if it is, then a further softening up of this once-great game will result. So what if you sling an opponent in a tackle after he gets rid of the ball? It doesnt hurt him, but it lets him know that he has to be quicker next time and inflicts a bit of psychological damage. Next time he will get rid of it earlier, putting your team in a better position. That Nick Maxwell was initially given 4 weeks by the match review panel is a joke, surely. Its Australian Football, not Basketball or Soccer.

As a final note, I've got an Adelaide Crows season ticket for next year, so I decree there shall be more match reports!

2/23/2009

Dream Team - Bargain Players

The AFL Dream Team Season (the only Dream Team season of note, there are not enough stats for fair scoring in anything else) is fast approaching and the most important thing in getting a good team is your first 30 players picked. A good side will have a mix of stars, bargains and rookies. Anyone can pick good stars (Dean Cox) so I will run through my tips in the bargain and rookie areas before the season starts. The rookies will be left until atleast preliminary teams are announced for round 1, because you will want rookies that are playing most games.

If anyone doubts my Dream Team qualifications, I came in the top 5 for Rd 22 last year, and would have won the round and prize if I didn't have a 0 scoring Matthew Pavlich in my team (I checked those above me and was only around 20 points behind those teams with 22 playing). I aim to go a little better this year and win a round.

So, with no further ado,
Crowmaniac's Bargain Picks for DT 2009:
Defenders:
Traditionally, defenders are the hardest picks to get right, and this year is no exception. Try to find players who will move from stoppers to rebounders, or those who are young and likely to improve significantly. For my team, I will be trying to get more stars into my defence this year, becuase the bargain crop looks pretty woeful. Still, I'll try to find some value for you.

Shannon Hurn ($197,400) (WCE):
Played the whole 2007 season but found himself on the fringe in 2008. Should play all of this season barring injury and will continue to improve, playing as a rebounding 1/4 back in a team that is expected to struggle and play young players.
Trent Croad ($182,400) (Haw):
Has played more defensively in previous years, reducing his output in DT games. However, with the development of the Hawks' younger backs, may be given the chance to move to a Bock-like rebounder again. Even if he doesn't, should still play all games and average atleast 60.
Matt Maguire ($145,300) (StK):
Is coming back from an injury derailed 2008 season. Should play CHB and get some cheap stats. Won't score big, but should be a consistant 50-60 average and play most games.
Scott Selwood ($207,600) (WCE):
Young, but showed promising signs last year. Should step up to play most games this year, as a def/mid role.
Andrew Raines ($188,100) (Ric):
In 06/07 averaged 18 and 19 disposals per game. Had his 08 season derailed and only played 2 games.Probably the likely highest scoring bargain so far in this list and so he should be in your team (assuming he plays Rd 1)
Andrew McLeod ($318,100) (Ade):
Barely counts as a bargain, but should still play well, rebounding from an Adelaide defence that likes to share the ball around. Only concern is age, which may be a factor in him missing some games.

Midfielders:
A veritable array of talent is cheap in DT 09 that will play in the middle. It may be worth playing a cheaper midfield to strengthen up another area of your side. Not as many listed as for defenders, because they could all slot into your team easily. Also, good midfield rookies tend to be better than any other position (Selwood, Palmer, Dalziell etc.)

Daniel Kerr ($339,200) (WCE):
Like McLeod, barely counts as a bargain but is one of the best in the competition on the field and is available for $100K less than similar class players.
Paul Hasleby ($257,800) (Fre):
Is a seriously good in-and-under midfielder coming back from injury. Should be as good as your stars if he can keep his body right.
Brent Reilly ($284,000) (Ade):
A very capable midfielder who will alternate with rebounding from 1/2 back this year. Is capable of performing well above his price range if he can keep his body right.
Mark Coughlin ($176,400) (Ric):
A somewhat risky pick, despite his talent. But Coughlin is a class player and, if fit would be priced at $150K more than this.

Rucks:
Your second ruckman to Dean Cox should be a bargain type player. There are several worth looking at in the upper bargain range.

Kepler Bradley ($300,700) (Fre):
Also selectable as a forward, but good 2nd rucks are much harder to find. Kepler is now, with the departure of Warnock the obvious choice as 2nd Ruck to Sandilands at Freo. This would normally be a reason not to pick a player, but Kepler is the typoe of player who should hold down a key position and rotate into the ruck for 20-30 mins per game. Alsmost everyone has given up on him as a hack, so there shouldn't be too many who pick him either.

Justin Koshitzke ($319,700) (StK):
Not the player who he could have been, but still a solid utility key position player who will pinch hit in the ruck. Also selectable as a forward and should average 70 or so.

Hamish McIntosh ($296,600) (Ka):
Had a poor year last year, but starred in 07. Is better than his 08 form would show, but perhaps not as good as Kossie.

Ben Hudson ($263,600) (WB):
Appears to be dropping off towardsb the end of his career, but will still play every game as No. 1 ruckman. Main problem in DT is his refusal to kick the ball, opting for the cheap handpass instead.

Kurt Tippett ($191,300) (Ad):
Showed promise last year and with the Crows lack of quality up forward, should be picked for almost all games up there. Also selectable as a forward.

Forwards:
Travis Cloke ($334,000) (Col):
Good key forward who continues to improve. Plays a lead-out role, so he should get plenty of the ball and marks without too much attention.

Travis Varcoe ($271,300) (Gee):
Small forward/midfielder who should get more minutes this year and average over 70. Plays in a team that will share the ball, so should get cheap marks and kicks in forward 1/2 despite the more zonal defences this year.

Jack Riewoldt ($257,800) (Ric):
It may be too early for the brother of Nick, but he has abiltiy and should get more opportunities with Richmond needing to find a replacement for an aging Richo.

Scott Lucas ($222,800) (Ess):
Aging key forward, but should still play most games and is signifiacntly better than his price suggests. Will get picked in a lot of teams, he should be in yours too.

Hayden Skipworth ($196,600) (Ess):
Mature aged re-draftee who had heaps of games with Adelaide before being delisted. Despite what BS reckons, should be a very capable player who will play most games and get a lot of cheap touches for the 'Dons.

Trent Hentshell ($122,700) (Ade):
Was injured and has been absent from the AFL from the past 2 years. Howeverr, he played SANFL and reserves SANFL for the 2nd 1/2 of last year, and seems to have his body mostly working again. Should be a capable buy, and is at practically a rookie price. Get him.

So theres the run-down on your bargain buys for DT season 09. Check back here for a shorter run-down on the rookies you should be considering after 1st round teams are announced (hopefully that will be a bit earlier than the couple of hours before the DT deadline like last year, otherwise you might not hear from me at all on rookies).

Finally, I found a great run-down on the IPL teams for the coming season. It has prospective player lineups and the major team changes from last year's season.

More finally, if you want to compete with me in DT and compare teams, join my league number 135697 from the AFL Dream Team site
I will probably mention the league on this blog, and it has been started expressly for the readers of this blog. That means you. Yes you, sitting infront of the computer there.

2/18/2009

The Specialist Fielder - Moises Henriques

The Specialist Fielder will cover a player who has been picked for a sporting team with no recognisable skills with the bat or ball (in cricket) or just general incompetence in another sport. The classic specialist fielder is Cameron White for Australia, who bats at 7 or 8, has a highest score of 45 in 28 matches and an average of 24 with the bat overall in ODI matches. He only bowls occasionally, going for 6.4 runs an over when he does. Somehow he has maintained his position in the Australian ODI and 20/20 sides. However, sledging White is old-hat so this week's Specialist Fielder is:

Moises Henriques!

Moises was picked for the Australian 20/20 side for the match against NZ despite doing nothing at all to deserve the call-up except being young. He has averaged 19 with the bat and 39 with the ball in domestic one day matches , and these games have been gifted to him because of his "potential" and history as Aussie under 19 captain. Henriques will be a good player, in 5-10 years time but surely the best side avaialble must be picked, not the best side for the 2016 World Cup!
Unsurprisingly, Henriques was out for 1, batting at 8 and was not bowled, with the part time spin of Dave Hussey preferred. Hopefully he doesnt get another game until he is ready for it!

2/10/2009

Match Report - Australia vs New Zealand ODI, Adelaide 10/2/09

The Match report will be a section where I report on a match. That I've been too. Not too complex hey?

Today I saw Australia convincingly defeat NZ in the 4th Chappell-Hadlee game to lock the series at 2-2 heading into the decider on Friday. The highlights of the game were three great batting innings .First Ross Taylor (76 in better than even time) in the Kiwi's innings of 8/244 before Dave (79 at a strike rate of 82) and Mike (75 in better than even time) Hussey did the bulk of the chasing. Kyle Mills was the most impressive bowler in the match, proving impossible to get away and conceding only 30 runs from 9.2 overs.

NZ Innings:
An uncharacteristicly slow start from McCullum (playing despite his injuries) meant that the Kiwis struggled at around 3.5 runs an over for most of their innings. However, Ross Taylor opened up towards the end after the introduction of Cam White swayed the momentum away from the Aussies. White conceded 24 off 2 overs after strangly being brought on to help out Clarke as the 5th bowler (Clarke took 1/23 off 8 to have what someone looking at the scorecard at the end of the game would assume a best bowler performance). However, before White allowed the Kiwis the momentum, all of the 5 Aussie bowlers were going at less than 4 runs an over. The death bowliong was poor after this, allowing a defendable target when 210 was achievable for Australia. On the flip side, Taylor was very good, and Mills stayed with him in the death. Guptill and McCullum were servicable opening but were far too defensive.

Aussie Innings:
A slow start also for Australia, with Haddin and Clarke a makeshift opening combination again. Clarke fell reasonably quickly and Ponting followed with a slow, low scoring innings held tight by Mills. At this point, the game was slipping away from Australia. Dave Hussey had achieved only modest returns and some were questioning his position in the side. This would make or break his career as an international cricketer. Dave took it in his stride and, with some support from Haddin initially and his brother Mike compiled the perfect innings for the situation. He became bogged down just before reaching his half century but once this mark was achieved, he blasted out before missing a straight delivery from O'Brian. At this point, the result was really beyond reasonable doubt, with Ferguson joining Mike Hussey to finish off the chase.

Special Mention:
To the person in the crowd who brough in a blow up doll and hit it around the crowd like a beach ball.
To the person in the crowd who pretended to "have relations with" the blow up doll.
To the legend in the crowd who climbed up onto the bar underneath the Adelaide Oval scoreboard to retrieve a blow up animal and stayed up there for a good 10 minutes, infuriating police and being cheered by the crowd.
Not that I condone such behaviour, not at all .-)

Hopefully this is close to the first match report you can read on the net about this game!

2/08/2009

The Game Plan - Adelaide Crows and Australian Cricket Team (against NZ)

The Game Plan will be a segment where I dissect/ridicule the game plan of a sports team.
First up, the 2009 model Adelaide Crows:

The plan, as seen in last night's game against the Indigenous All-Stars is to chip the ball around the side of the field, taking as many possessions as possible and hence, improving Neil Craig's Dream Team score. For Fuck's Sake, play a proper Centre Half Forward like Nick Gill at CHF and direct the play through there. The chipping style works straight into the hands of the new zoning style defence because they can set up perfectly while you dilly-dally around the wings. Robert Shirley is not a lead-up forward. The structure of the side looked much better back when we had Ian Perrie in that role (becuase it was the only thing he was good for). However the convincing loss was due to more than the game plan. The Adelaide players refused to go in and get the hard ball or lay tackles onm the opposition, Myke Cook being one of the few who had a red hot go. Kurt Tippet showed glimpses, but against defenders giving away 15cm he should be able to monster them.

The Australian Cricket team's game plan against NZ seems to assume that NZ are completely incompentent batsmen. They are mostly incompentent, but when you presume that 220 will be a winning score and are satified with 3.5 runs an over batting first, you won't win many games.

2/03/2009

Stat-Tastic: Australian Cricket Team

Stat-Tastic will be a quasi-regular segment, looking at the stats behind an event in sport. This week, the demise of the Australian cricket team. The three of the past four series Australia has been involved in, they have lost (only beating New Zealand) and the number one ranking in ODI cricket has already been lost, with the test match ranking likely to soon follow. Certainly the opposition has been tough these past few series (beaten by South Africa and India, the other teams in the top 3 of each ranking) but Australia seems ot have lost its aura, shown by the poor result against New Zealand on Friday. Can the Stats tell us how this may be fixed?

The players used by Australia in the past few series will be listed in their positions:
Openers:
Simon Katich (Test Matches):
Despite doubts over whether he had enough ability to play test cricket, Katich has gritted out an average of 47 in 19 innings for Australia. Should remain an option for ODI cricket if Marsh and/or Warner fail as with an average of 37 he will provide a stable option (despite a low strike rate of 69).
Matthew Hayden (Test Matches):
In the past year he has averaged 24 in his 17 test match innings, well shy of his career average. Whether he retired too early is a matter for purely academic debate now, but he did manage an ODI average of 37 across 8 innings in this period.
Shaun Marsh (ODI):
Shaun had an exceptional debut series in the West Indies and has faded slightly in recent games. Still maintains an average of 43 and a decent strike rate of 76 in 14 ODI innings. However, his domestic figures question whether this can last as he averages only 34 in first class cricket and 36 in ODD matches. Will be considered to replace Hayden in Tests and will maintain his ODI position unless his form slumps further.
David Warner (ODI):
A revelation in the 20/20 format, Warner consistantly loses his wicket early in ODI matches, averaging only 21 with a strike rate of 86. You have to question whether he is ready for international cricket with such a difference between his domestic ODI average of 40 and strike rate of 109 and his international figures. David would seem to require more time at the domestic level to hone his game but with the injury to Marsh he will retain his place, almost by default as the others in line for an opening position (Jaques,Rogers,Hughes,Klinger) are all pigeon-holed as test match only players.
Phil Jaques (Indian Tour Squad Member before being sidelined by injury):
A test match average of 47 from 19 innings and 54 at domestic first class level underline the ability of Jaques. However, he has been sidelined by injury since the start of the Indian tour and is yet to hit form in his few comeback games. His ODD average of 43 and strike rate of 90 show he can play well in the shorter form of the game but in 6 ODI innings he only averages 21. Will be in the touring party for South Africa but may be bypassed for a place in the first 11 by Hughes or Marsh.

Batsmen:
Ricky Ponting(C):
Has been below his best in the past year, both with the bat and in captaincy. Averages 44 and 26 in Test and ODI matches in the past year, compared with 57 and 43 for his career. Ricky has also made mistakes with his captaincy at critical moments in Test matches, with "Overrategate" issues occuring. Also appears too defensive in his field settings, especially in Test matches. Ricky has a tendency to back players he likes to the hilt (such as Symonds) but can also lose confidence in players very quickly (Krejza). His place as a batsman is not under question but could he be removed as captain and remain in the team?
Michael Clarke:
Has been missed when recently absent due to injury. Is fast becoming a key player in this team, averaging 49 and 42 in Tests and ODI matches and chipping in with handy wickets at 37 and 34 respectively. May be force to carry the spin burden in test matches if a suitable spinner cannot be found.
Mike Hussey:
Still an excellent player and stats say that his recent bad form has been overreported. Has still averaged 34 and 48 in the past 12 months. Not quite as Bradmanesque figures as before this period but has recently started to pick his form back up and will be a key player for the next few years.
David Hussey (ODI):
Has filled a difficult middle-lower order position fairly well, averaging 31 and striking at 89 in a finishing role. His bowling however, has been less than stellar, recording only 1 wicket at 172 and an economy rate of 5.6 during his ODI matches. However, it is probable that his bowling ability has been overrated by Ponting and the selectors as he only averages 61 and 46 at domestic first class and one day levels. Needs to improve his results to be considered for a test match position on the upcoming tour but this should be possible with a first class average of 55.
Andrew Symonds :
Has been troubled by injury and personal problems in the past year which have prevented him from bowling and often even playing. Will cut back on his bowling duties for the rest of his career to prevent injuries (and hopefully his drinking duties). Averages 40 with the bat in both Test and ODI matches so should be capable of fighting his way back into the Australian side but will need to prove he can stay calamity free for a period with Queensland first.
Brad Haddin(WK):
Has been servicable without the batting performance many expected from a player who averages 41 in first class cricket. Has averaged 39 in Tests but only 28 at a strike rate of 80 in ODI matches. His position will be secure for several years unless his form dips significantly as Ronchi is an inferior batsman and keeper.
Adam Voges(Called up to current ODI squad):
Will get another chance for Australia, mostly on the strength of his career record. Recent form has been poor by all reports but a career ODD average of 46 with the bat and handy spin averaging 37 at first class level are figures worthy of a chance.
Callum Ferguson(Called up to current ODI squad):
Surprise call up from SA. Has been in good recent form but career records are below par. A career ODD average of 28 with a good-but-not-spectacular strike rate of 85 should not be enough to gain a position in the australian ODI side. However, with injuries and pigeon-holing thinning out the options Callum will get a chance to prove me wrong.

All-Rounders:
Shane Watson:
The injury prone Queenslander is an automatic pick if he is fit. But he is not fit. Ever. A test match batting average of only 20 with the bat belies the talent Watson has, better illustrated by a batting averge of 35 and strike rate of 82 in 54 innings for the ODI side. He also averages 36 and 32 in test match and ODI matches respectively with the ball. His first class figures also show the genuine all-round nature of his abiliies, averaging 45 with the bat and 29 with the ball. Should be an excellent player but if he can't get his body right his may be a career of opportunity lost.
Cameron White:
Is not a Test player. Period. Has averaged 29 with the bat and 68 with the ball so far. Is an option in the lower order of an ODI side but his bowling lets him down badly. In ODIs he averages 24 and strikes at 96 with the bat. Not bad if he can bowl right? His career economy rate in ODIs is 6.3. 6.3!
Andrew McDonald (Test):
Has only played the one test, averaging 15 with the bat and taking 3 wickets at 24 with the ball. Showed enough promise to be worth experimenting with, particularly considering the first class averages of 38 and 29 show he has real ability with both the bat and the ball.
James Hopes (ODI):
Needs to improve his batting to secure his position in the ODI side, averaging only 22 in 30 innings. Bowling has been handy, taking 33 wickets at 34 and an economy rate of 4.2. Will never be a test player but is a handy ODI option.

Spinners:
Nathan Hauritz:
Does not turn the ball but somehow has managed to average 32 and 33 in Test and ODI matches. However, his career first class average of 47 shows that this cannot remain the case. Needs to quit while he's ahead or learn how to bowl spin instead of simply slow bowling.
Jason Krejza(Test):
A surprise call-up to the test squad, Krejza impressed on debut but performed poorly in his second match, losing the confidence of Ponting and hence his position. Averaged 43 in his test matches and also averages 43 in first class cricket. Leaks runs badly and must improve his control to be given more matches while Ponting is cpatain.
Bryce McGain(Test squad for India before injured):
Has recently recovered from an injury which prevented his debut in India. The pre-eminent spinner in Aussie first class cricket, averages 34 in first calss games and 27 in ODD matches. Should be given a chance, either on the South African tour or against New Zealand in ODI matches.

Pace Bowlers:
Stuart Clark:
Has been below his best, even when fit and time may be catching up with Stuart, who averages 23 in Tests and 29 in ODI matches. Should still come back to the Aussie side when fit, but may not last long.
Brett Lee:
The past year has seen his slightly below his best, averaging 37 with the ball in Tests (compared with a career average of 31) but Lee is still the spearhead of the attack when fit. However, his body may be catching up with him and he has probably only a few years left.
Mitchell Johnson:
Has taken over the reins from Lee and done well as the main bowler. Is still not used as an opening bowler for some reason despite being able to swing the ball. Averages 29 and 26 with the ball in Test and ODI matches. Could become a handy lower order batsman too but cannot make a score in one day matches. Averages 26 and 25 in Test and first class games but 9 and 12 in ODI and ODD matches.
Nathan Bracken (ODI):
Is one of the best bowlers in the world in the ODI format, averaging 23 with an economy rate of 4.3. However, has been pidgeon-holed in this role after several tests a few years ago where he took 12 wickets at 42. Should be given a chance to show he can play Tests also (he has a first class average of 26) but will have to be satisfied with being an ODI specialist.
Peter Siddle (Test):
Showed promise by taking 17 wickets at 31 but has not been considered for the ODI side. Could be a long-term fixture in the Aussie side once Clark and Lee retire.
Ben Hilfenhaus (ODI):
Has played most of the ODI matches and averaged 29 but had a higher than required economy rate of 5.2. Has promise if atmospheric conditions are right for him but if the ball is not swinging he will struggle.
Shaun Tait (ODI):
Was the revelation of the '07 World Cup but has struggled with personal and injury problems since. Averages 25 in ODIs with the ball but recently has been worse than these figures indicate. Cannot maintain his pace for more than a couple of overs and once his pace slips he has few weapons. Still an option for the 20/20 side but should be left to play in SA for a while and get some match fitness up.
Doug Bollinger (Test):
2 wickets at 66. Bowled better than these figures suggest but will now be behind Lee,Johnson,Clark,Bracken,Siddle and Hilfenhaus for a position in either side.

Wow, that was much much much longer than I expected.

So basically, the problems with the Aussie side are many. The openers should be fixed by adding Phil Hughes (first class average of 60) to Katich in the test side and Marsh in the ODI side. The spinners are a serious problem in the long term as Bryce McGain will not be able to play for more than a few years at his age. The riot act must be read to the states to pick their spinners and develop them for the good of Australian cricket. The test match middle order batting is looking shaky with Haddin and an all-rounder at 6 and 7 so a genuine batsman or Watson (who averages like a genuine batsman at first class level) must fill the slot at 6. Brad Hodge should fill this spot. Michael Clarke will improve the side, coming back from injury but the ODI side appears too stacked with hitters rather than batsmen. If Dave Hussey doesn't improve then Hodge could be brought into this role as well. But above all, Australia must play a spinner in their ODI side. Unfortunately, the spin stocks are very thin at the moment in domestic ranks, with McGain the only real option regardless of age or form. Once Lee and Clark come back from injury, the bowling unit should look much more imposing and fast bowling should take care of itself.

Come In Spinner!

First Blog

This first post from the Crowmaniac blog will serve to enlighten you as to what is to come. I am a sports loving Aussie who will blog about the world of sport down under, ranging from Cricket (for the next couple of months over the Aussie summer or on intermittant tours (such as this year’s Ashes contest)) to Aussie Rules (only 4 days to go until the NAB cup) and other sports such as Soccer and Motorsport as well as specials around important games in other sports (superbowl, tennis grand slams, tour de france, rugby league state of origin). I am a regular attendant of local (Adelaide) football (both AFL and SANFL level, especially Crows and Roosters games) and State level cricket (South Australia) so where possible I will give reports on any games I go to. This blog will probably be updated weekly, depending on other commitments. I will throw in quasi regular segments such as “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Sport” on a random basis . At this point it would be pertinant to outline to you, the reader what my major allegiences ar, so you can tell what bias I am likely to provide (but thats all part of the colour of a blog compared to a regular news source right?).

Sports Teams:

Adelaide Crows

North Adelaide Roosters

Australian National Teams

South Australian Cricket Team

Leeds United

Adelaide United

Adelaide 36ers

Holden Racing Team

Saxobank

I'll also give a shout out to the BS Daily and note that this is (vaguely, witha several year gap) continuing on from my old blog

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