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Football in Tasmania

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1. The Southern Tasmania Premier League never looked so good as it did on Aurora TV last Thursday night. This was a top class production and the staff at Mr Video should be applauded for their efforts.

   Game of the weekend will open this round of matches. Zebras will take on South Hobart on Friday night at KGV. On paper this should be the game of the year, but will it? Zebras are four points clear of South (despite what the FFT website ladder claims…why wouldn’t they update that score?? Everyone knows the result. Just fix the ladder or should we read something sinister into it??) and are undefeated. In some respects Zebras have exceeded the expectation of them this year. I expected them to be top four but not undefeated second match into the second round. But frankly I think this says more about the poor standard of their opposition than it does about Zebras. Yeah, they have had some decent passages of play but they aren’t consistently playing like a premiership team. I’ve said all I intend saying about South Hobart. They remain a huge disappointment to me. A team that has so much potential but fails to deliver. If I was a South supporter I’d be asking questions.

   Eagles and University clash at Clare St on Saturday but with the rain we have had this week this fixture will be more like the ‘Ice Follies’. The cricket pitch will be like a skating rink and consequently the standard will, in all likelihood, be lower than anticipated on a dry track. In the absence of an unwell Ian Parker, the Eagles training session on Tuesday night looked a tad unorthodox from my vantage point but we’ll have to wait to see if it pays dividends. I don’t expect it will but I have been wrong before. University have gone into a bit of a form slump of late and with the departure of their Danish exchange student and a few key players off the boil I don’t expect anything to great to come out of this match. A dour draw would probably be the likely result but University could win if they lift their game.

   Olympic & Metro will oppose each other at the Athletic Centre and as the game is being televised this could be a real spectacle. Both clubs have had their issues with officialdom over the last few weeks and I’m wondering if this could be a potential time bomb. Either way who ever is appointed to this match will have their work cut out for them. Not for a minute am I suggesting these clubs are undisciplined but both have enormous passion. The other factor is both teams are playing for something. Olympic need to stay in contact with the leaders while Metro remind me of a climber hanging grimly on to a rock face that is starting to crumble. Expect a game full of passion and desperation. For me I believe Olympic have too much ability to succumb to Metro’s spoiling tactics. Metro will play it from start to finish but once again they just don’t have the quality to fulfill their dreams of causing an upset.

   Knights and Lions resume their battles at Lightwood Park on Sunday. The Lions will be missing their talisman striker in Chris Sanita who has gone to Victoria and for the life of me I can’t think who will replace him unless the responsibility falls to Warren Iles and I’m not convinced Iles can take the load week in and week out. But the Lions have nothing if not depth at their club. Any aspirations the Lions may have had evaporated a few weeks ago so there is nothing but for them to blood some of the youngsters. Knights are also finished as premiership aspirants and they too need to look at next season. Tom Huigsloot has hit a drought of late and this maybe his opportunity to hit a few but the Lions are likely to use young Iseli (a player who should be in the Southern team and I bet you will see Eammon Kelly at this match to check what all the fuss is about) to nullify the big man. Knights can gain revenge for their first round loss as Lions can’t score but the likes of Ladic, Fielding & Co. will need to fire on all cylinders.

   Taroona & Clarence could be a tough, no nonsense style of a match. One paper Clarence should walk away with maximum points but Taroona have adjusted and learnt to play at the higher level, much better than any previously promoted team which is to their credit. Taroona could cause an upset but only if they have their key players included in their squad and this is not likely to happen as they have some injury concerns. The one aspect that will suit Clarence will be the small sized Kelvendon Park pitch and under those terms and with Taroona down a couple of key players Clarence should take all three points.

   Comment by Blackjack — June 28, 2007 @ 8:18 pm

2. McKenna, you are a star. Thanks for everything you have done for the club. Don’t get down, we know you’ll be back mate. Look after yourself.

   Comment by KP — June 29, 2007 @ 11:57 am

3. Wellesley Park has been CLOSED this weekend, presumably due to wet grounds. All sceduled matches have been moved to South Hobart (D’Arcy St).

   Comment by Blackjack — June 29, 2007 @ 2:24 pm

4. Another great round of matches for this weekend. Walter called the Zebras too strong for South’s tonight, but I wonder if there could be a turnaround here. All in all it should be a good match to watch. Eagles have an excellent chance to pick up much needed points if they can keep it together for the full 90 minutes whilst Uni are down some talent. I notice Metros focus also on the full 90 minutes of play with Olympic tomorrow, which in my view should be the match to watch this weekend. Olympic are missing key players and need to win to stay in touch with the leaders, Metro also needing the win badly so both clubs have something to gain here. Good luck to both teams.
   I was sorry to hear McKenna’s back problems are forcing him to early retirement for the season. It seems an ongoing issue with him and throwing himself around like he does hurts my back just watching him. I’ll miss him playing and wish him a speedy recovery.
   The only advice I’d give him is not to come back until it’s fully right this time.

   Comment by Boots — June 29, 2007 @ 3:05 pm

5. I’ll go out on a limb and say that if South can take 3 points tonight they will go on to take the title, but if they lose or draw Zebras will cruise home. It’s time for the South boys to prove that they are a good team, not just a team of good players.

   Comment by el diablo — June 29, 2007 @ 6:05 pm

6. A good game to watch tonight, good job allround.

   Comment by Boots — June 29, 2007 @ 10:52 pm

7. 2-2 at the end of the day a fair result I guess, a credit to the sth boys wrongly left with ten men in the first half, they battled hard and continued to work and ground out a result. I will say now I’m not a ref basher and tonight I honestly felt sorry for the ref, in my mind he is an up and coming talent and since a young age has put his hand up to do a difficult job. But personally and I know this was spoken on and off the field after the game by both teams, tonights game was too important and to big for Ivan to ref. A ref can’t come into a change room before a game a state that he will red card any player who misses the ball and gets the man, football has too many variables(and old guys like me ) who actually do go for the ball but miss(at times), malice and field position surely come into it!!! unfortunately they didn’t for south when Braz was brought down on the wing a bit late probable yellow but not a red. I am waiting for the free kick count by Walter because it seemed that the game was full of whistles and ones that I wouldn’t call in junior soccer. I understand that refs need exposure in big games but we currently have others such as Angel and Barker that understand and work well in allowing the game to flow and not become a farce. I’m not going to comment on the penalty at the end, I was ten yards from it on a very good angle and I believe it was clearly outside(was even told that by south players) but it was awarded and well converted.. Could have been a great game

   Comment by bpullen — June 30, 2007 @ 12:59 am

8. BP you have to get used to the decisions the same as everyone else. No point complaining….

   Can we please not turn this into a ‘the referee got it right/wrong and what should we do about it’ discussion.

   As my kids say, “Build a bridge Dad…” (this is just before they are beaten to a pulp!!!!)

   Comment by Blackjack — June 30, 2007 @ 9:58 am

9. anyone got any scores from the ressies last night? I also dont think the door is entirely shut on the title yet if clarence and olympic get up this weekend all 4 top teams are within 6 points of each other with 6 games to play which they all have to play each other anything can happen.

   Comment by D Train — June 30, 2007 @ 10:19 am

10. Interesting comment by Walter Pless when talking about the top two teams: “Neither side was particularly tactically astute”.

    
    I’m assuming by this sj that you mean one or both WERE tactically astute?? BJ

    Comment by sj — June 30, 2007 @ 11:05 am

11. Re last nights game . As a South Supporter I came away happy with a point in view of the cicumstances . I thought whilst South went at their opponents Zebras seemed from the touchline to go through passages of sit back wait and see what happens .

    A good game to watch and I am sure all of us received value for our dollars .

    I hope Souths determination and play silences Spinners critics once and for all.

    Comment by Brian Roberts — June 30, 2007 @ 4:14 pm

12. Bj - no I agree with walter.

    Comment by sj — June 30, 2007 @ 5:47 pm

13. Cannons 1 DOSA 1

    Comment by Steve Pitchford — June 30, 2007 @ 5:50 pm

14. How on earth can a coach slag a ref. (as in Walter’s report) and not get reprimanded in some way or another? I thought Lapolla’s comments were way out of line.
    -
    Does the FFT have any directive on this?

    Comment by tasblue — June 30, 2007 @ 6:01 pm

15. What a hard fought match between Olympic and Metro at the athletic center this afternoon. It always is when these two teams meet, and I’ve go to say this one was no different. Olympic were down 1 nil at half time with a great goal from an aggressive Metro attack. Olympic came back in the second half to take the tree points.
    Now.. BJ, don’t tell me to build bridges here, but the ref- ing was again in question when you have a back sent of for saying his own name. To clarify their was no shoving, decent,
    mouthing off or any other behavior discrepancies, The player mentioned “His Ball” and got a straight red, go figure.
    It seems every week there is an issue with the ref’s decision making, and why can’t it be mentioned? Why can’t they all work under the same rules? Its like watching 3 teams play sometimes.

    
    (No, that wasn’t what happened at all Boots. The player (Nagarathnam) got a second yellow - not a straight red at all. It has been confirmed by one of the Olympic players (confirmed by Metro) that Nagarathnam called for the ball using his an abbreviated version of his own Christian name that sounded like “mine mate”. The player was booked for it (his second yellow resulting in a red) and it was not until after the game that the referee realised the error. I am lead to believe the situation is under control and there is not likely to be any further action. Boots, build a bridge…. BJ)

    Comment by Boots — June 30, 2007 @ 6:33 pm

16. Good for Craig to admit his mistake but these “mistakes” can be very costly ie Friday night game as well. What a ridiculous decision for that one. Olympic had to play with 10 men for 30+ mins and the player no doubt misses another game and has a small fine to pay? Can Craig revoke the red so Hema doesnt miss the next game?
    It is very frustrating. If the incident is very dangerous or can cause serious harm then by all means caution the player but even if the player said Mine or whatever is it worth a second yellow card to send a player off? Spoils the game not to mention the stop start nature which has been evident in both games.
    Lots of controversy and all for the wrong reasons.
    Cant we take a lead of the Northern games(those whose saw Aurora on Thursday know what i mean) and let it go just a bit?
    1 Red to Olympic, 2 to Metro in the reserves for the record.
    Nice headbutt by the Mets player, absolute criminal regardless of whatever the opponent may have done earlier. Decent suspension coming up for that one.

    Comment by Juice — June 30, 2007 @ 7:06 pm

17. Some of you guys really do need to go and study the laws of the game. I’m being VERY serious with this suggestion. Referees make mistakes, you guys need to be mindful of this fact.

    As for Friday night’s send off decision, I suppose it depends on where you were sitting Juice but to me that was a clear cut decision. Not much attempt to play the ball on that one so I’ll back Ivan. Fair call.

    As for today’s send off at the Olympic/Metro game, if Olympic appeal and the referee submits a report to say he made an error the player should be exonerated from further sanction.

    Comment by Blackjack — June 30, 2007 @ 8:24 pm

18. Response to Tasblue… Ferguson and the like make comments regularly re decisions, when the press are asking for comments do the public want an honest answer (without the obvious personal attack or slander) or do they want a watered down version so everybody believes things are smelling like roses. If players or coaches make mistakes they are highlighted/criticised (fairly so), it has to be the same for everybody involved doesn’t it or are there a selected few??? All other sports would suggest not!!!

    Comment by bpullen — June 30, 2007 @ 8:57 pm

19. What exactly was the error? Not being there myself I’m finding it hard to determine exactly what happened.

    Did he deserve two yellow cards? (Read the post by boots and then Blackjack response BJ)

    Also, Huon Valley got creamed again - can’t see them staying around for much longer if they’re getting belted every game.

    Comment by redandblack — June 30, 2007 @ 9:50 pm

20. NTE 1 v Uni 1 (As for being Dour BJ - I got my monies worth) Not a bad game considering we were 1 short for 85 minutes. The guys all worked hard, Cormac did a great solo job up front and Clarky was trying very hard in midfield. Starting to create chances and could have had a couple more goals but thats the way it is when your at the wrong end of the ladder . Uni had its moments and Shep controlled things as usual. Feel we lost 2 point, UNI supporter may disagree.

    
    All power to Eagles. I believe Uni didn’t equalise until the last few minutes. Onward and upward from here eh?? BJ

    Comment by CLUTCH NTE — July 1, 2007 @ 8:48 am

21. Div 1 South 4 Nelson 1

    Nelson opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. A lightning break and first time volley from a good cross gave the South Keeper Hill no chance.

    South were playing the elaborate game but Nelson was effective in defence and their attacks always looked dangerous. Klasen on for South made a difference his ability to distribute effectively immediately apparent. South through Klasen equalized after sustained pressure.

    2nd half South much more determined and less intricate in their approach.

    2nd goal was subject of offside call by Nelson as they appeared to pause giving Klasen the opportunity to slot home 3rd goal linesman flagged South player offside, referee waved down as Nelson had cleared, ball fell to Veness who from 25 meters drove the ball into the far corner of the net through the keepers arms.
    4th goal a penalty. Klasen from the spot.

    As game wore on South gained the upper hand as Nelson lost their initial sparkle whereas South played at a consistent pace the whole game, nevertheless Nelson always looked dangerous going forward though their raids became increasingly rare as the game progressed.

    Comment by Brian Roberts — July 1, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

22. Christian United 1 Kingborough Lions 4

    
    Any scorers Steve?? BJ

    Comment by Steve Pitchford — July 1, 2007 @ 5:15 pm

23. Kingborough can’t buy a goal. Between some very reasonable keeping from Ben Peter and the offended football Gods, Kingborough just can’t put a ball in the net. On any other day the borough may have come away with a reasonable win today.

    Looks like we have to make a few sacrifices to appease those football Gods. Anyone know any virgins??

    Comment by Lionheart — July 1, 2007 @ 5:34 pm

24. Div 1 Kingborough scorers BJ…

    Martin Elliot, Tim Dale (2), David Hodgson.

    Comment by Ril — July 1, 2007 @ 7:27 pm

25. Lionheart surely you are just trying to get a rise?? lol i was at the game and it could have finised 15-4…… but knights controlled the game!! watched Mark Iseli again and anyone stating he should be in the southern squad is kidding themselves!!! i thought this but figured with all the hype maybe he has stepped up…… but na it just looks like another cannamella, bremner type own club promotion!!

    Comment by Corey Smith — July 1, 2007 @ 11:07 pm

26. Yeah, sorry Corey. I neglected to run my opinion past you. I forgot you are the authority on everything football.

    Comment by Lionheart — July 2, 2007 @ 6:57 am

27. As being at the Knights Vs Lions game yesterday i’d have to agree with Corey. The Knights looked in control, worked the ball around well on a muddy pitch, and took thier chances. Not to say the Lions didn’t have any, because they had some very good ones, but they just couldn’t get past the last line of defence.

    Comment by studzup — July 2, 2007 @ 9:22 am

28. I thought the game was a really good standard for the muddy slippery pitch and good fun to play in. I think the result is fair, but as always in the games between these teams both keepers were tested and both played good games. We could have won it, but Knights could have won by more. As always if you take your chances you are most likely to come out with 3 points. Not many games I’ve played in where no goals is going to get a win!

    Comment by charlie white — July 2, 2007 @ 9:42 am

29. <p>Zebras v South. Again C Cox!!! What a performer. People though I was mad to include him in the Southern team. He scores and performs each week for the Zebras ….<br />
    Without C Cox they are nothing:)</p>
    <p>Definite B&F candidate</p>

    <em>Is this Coxy on Coxy or the president of his fan club?? LOL BJ</em>

    Comment by Potenza — July 2, 2007 @ 10:43 am

30. I still think the Title race is relatively open with 6 points seperating the top 4 sides, have just had a look at the run home with the final 6 matches for each.

    Zebras = Olympic, Clarence, Uni, Kingo, Glenorchy, NTE

    South = Glen, Olympic, NTE, Clarence, Taroona, Uni

    Olympic = Zebras, South, Clarence, Uni, Kingo, Glenorchy

    Clarence = Metro, Zebras, Olympic, South Hobart, Uni, Kingo

    If Zebras can knock off Clarence and Olympic in the next two weeks they would be safe you would think however if they were to drop points in those games then the it’s on. South probably have marginally the easier run home. It’s heating up!

    Comment by D Train — July 2, 2007 @ 11:09 am

31. Charlie i agree with your comments about yesterdays game played in great spirits, both teams made numerous chances and we were lucky enough to grab a couple of goals but i must say your club or Kinborough council have wasted every dollar spent on that ground, once a bog hole always a bog hole, the money would have been better spent on a wicked end of season trip to tailand or over the bar 4 a month!!!

    Comment by 6 u l d v 8 — July 2, 2007 @ 12:18 pm

32. The surface may not be at its best but if you played on it say 5 years ago you would never have gotten out of the bottom end it was so muddy. Also the bounce is now at least consistent. I like the surface it suits my game!

    Comment by charlie white — July 2, 2007 @ 1:34 pm

33. With some trepidation at mentioning referees again, as I understand it, the calling of “mine” during a game is not an offence in itself. Hence a freee kick and/or a booking should not be awarded for this. The offence is unsportsmanlike conduct (or whatever the correct wording is these days) caused by attempting to gain an advantage by misleading the opposing player with the call. The referee should surely decide whether or not the call was designed to mislead and judge accordingly.

    Comment by A Whisper — July 3, 2007 @ 11:25 am

34. That’s right A Whisper. It’s unsporting behaviour, which is not a foul, but is a bookable offence, so play should never be stopped for it, what should happen is if the referee believes it was intentional to distract an opposition player, give him a yellow card at the next stoppage of play.

    Personally if in my opinion it was accidental/harmless I’d go over to them at the next stoppage, warn them, then give a Yellow if it was done again by the same player.

    Comment by Ril — July 3, 2007 @ 2:39 pm

35. Ril
    If the unsporting behaviour (calling “mine” in an attempt to deceive the opponent for example) led to the callers team gaining an advantage the referee would stop play to administer the caution, and restart with an indirect free kick as is required when play is stopped to administer a caution. If no advantage was gained then the referee might choose to wait until the next stoppage.

    Comment by sj — July 3, 2007 @ 6:19 pm

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