Melbourne Observer. 120822C. August 22, 2012. Part C. Pages 41-56

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 41

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: 3AW website hacked ..... Page 42 Veritas: Overnight program goes national ......... Page 43 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 43 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 44 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 45 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

EISTEDDFOD BY THE BAY Happy Ending

Czechmate!

■ Melbourne Theatre Company presents Happy Ending from September 5 to September 22 at the MTC Theatre, Ray Lawler Studio. Playwright Melissa Reeves flies the flag for middle-aged female desire in this, her MTC debut, which portrays a woman with a desperate and passionate crush on her Chinese masseur. For Louise, the daily ritual of taking her baby for a stroll in the local shopping centre becomes a lot more enticing when she encounters Lu, an excellent and handsome young masseur. Louise is transformed into a woman in lust. Despite warnings from her best friend and the owner of the massage parlour, Louise will stop at nothing until she wins Lu’s heart, or at least his attention. But how far is too far when it comes to an unrequited crush? Directed by Susie Dee, the cast of Happy Ending includes Keith Brockett (Wen/Jun), Nell Feeney (Louise), Roz Hammond (Liliana), Fanny Hanusin (Jie), Jim Russell (Alec/Jeweller) and Gareth Yuen (Lu) . Venue: The MTC Theatre, Lawler Studio Season Dates: September 5 to September 22 Opening Night: Friday September 7at 7.30pm Tickets: $40, Under 30s $25 Bookings: 8688 0800 or mtc.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

John-Michael suspended ■ 3AW has suspended Sunday Morning panellist JohnMichael Howson four four weeks after he made offensive remarks on-air at the weekend. “I understand that many listeners took offence to these comments and I sincerely regret having uttered them. I did not intend to imply that our guests or anyone shares the views of the Nazi party or seeks to control free speech.

You, Dead Man ■ Melbourne’s Black Lung Theatre and Whaling Firm is embarking on a unique collaboration with East Timorese companies Liurai Fi’er and Galaxy, to present the Victorian premiere season of Doku Rai (You, Dead Man, I Don’t Believe You) from August 29 to September 2 at the Arts House Meat Market, North Melbourne. Conceived during the filming of Balibo, the companies have taken up residence during 2012 in an abandoned colonial hotel on a remote island off Timor-Leste, where each artist has become an author, critic and performer, drawing on shared narratives that cross cultures as well as their own stories and references. Directed by Thomas M Wright, Doku Rai is the first international theatre production to be created in East Timor, upriver and at the end of the road. Doku Rai is born of an improbable union of artists drawn together by their need to eat, sleep and work together with the barest of materials, resulting in an intense and consuming production. Venue: Arts House, Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne Season: Wednesday, August 29 – Sunday, September 2 Time: Wed – Sat 7.30pm; Sun 5pm. Duration: 80 – 100 minutes. Tickets: Full $25 / Conc $20 Bookings: artshouse.com.au or 03 9322 3713 Warning: This performance explores themes of war, suicide, homicide, religious and political critique. There is also frequent course language, cigarette smoke and smoke effects, strobe lighting and very loud music and effects - Cheryl Threadgold

● Kate Amos ■ The 57th Eisteddfod By The Bay (formerly the Mordialloc Eisteddfod) Senior Classical Vocal Section will be presented on Sunday (Aug. 26) from 10.15am-5 pm at the Kingston Arts Centre, Cnr South Rd and Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin. The Lieder and Ripponlea Mitsubishi Aria from Grand Opera section will be presented on Thursday, August 30 at 7.15pm at the same venue. Admission is $15, including supper. Last year’s winner of the Eisteddfod by the Bay Aria Award was Kate Amos, who completed her Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the University of Melbourne in 2011, with a Diploma in Languages (Italian). She is currently completing Honours in Voice under the tutelage of Rosamund Illing. Having won many impressive awards, Kate’s varied performing credits include Victorian Opera’s Pirates of Penzance and The Yeomen of the Guard, Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (Johanna) for Melbourne University and most recently Offenbach’s The Red Apple (Catherine) for Lyric Opera of Melbourne. In 2003 at age 13, Kate first sang publicly in the Eisteddfod By The Bay and has sung in the competition ever since. One year when on crutches after a foot operation, she won first place in the Musical Theatre section singing I Could Have Danced All Night! Kate encourages others to enter the Eisteddfod By The Bay: “It gave me the initial confidence, and desire to continue singing and make that initial step to decide to study professionally.” Recently performing alongside mezzo-soprano Suzanne Johnston in From Bizet To Broadway in Morning Melodies in the State Theatre, later this year Kate will create the role of Amanda in the premiere musical/Lieder play A Garden of Money composed by Noel Fidge. She will also play Yum-Yum in a new production of The Mikado with GSOV at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University in October. For enquiries regarding attending the 2012 Eisteddfod By The Bay’s Senior Classical Vocal Section at the Kingston Arts Centre, please call 9551 2710. - Cheryl Threadgold

Ernie’s special reunion: P43

● Jakub Hrusa conducting ■ One of the world's great classical orchestras is set to delight Melbourne audiences next week at the newly refurbished Hamer Hall. The renowned Czech Philharmonic orchestra will be in full flight at 2pm on Sunday (Aug. 26) and 8pm on Monday (Aug. 27). And in circumstances that could be described as Czechmate, an exciting young conductor, Jakub Hrusa, will be replacing the conductor originally scheduled to take charge, Jiri Belohlavek. However, there is no mystery or coup involved, as it's simply the unfortunate circumstance of Maestro Belohlavek falling victim to ill health and being unable to travel down under. But as in famous showbiz stories, the Maestro's bad luck has led to a wonderful opportunity for a personable 25-year-old conductor. Born in the Czech republic in 1981, Jakub Hrusa was named in 2011 by the international Gramophone magazine as one of 10 young conductors "on the verge of greatness". Jakob has worked with many leading European orchestras, and in 2010 became the youngest conductor since 1949 to lead the opening concert of the Prague Spring Festival with the Prague Philharmonia. Jakub received critical acclaim at his debut as a guest conductor with our own Melbourne Symphony Orchestra last year, having made his Australian debut in 2009 conducting the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. He now works with such famous orchestras as the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, the Washington National Symphony and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, to name just a few across the globe. Melburnians can enjoy the skills of this exciting conductor and the 'Czech Phil' in a program of Smetana, Suk and Beethoven's much loved Symphony No 3 in E flat major, on Sunday afternoon, while Monday night's concert will include Janacek, Martinu and Dvorak's Symphony No 6. Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183. - Julie Houghton

● Jakub Hrusa


Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Observer Showbiz

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

‘CLYDE WAS MY RADIO FATHER’

Country Crossroads

● From Page 5

info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3. Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads. Casey Radio 97.7. Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

MORE TRIBUTES FOR CLYDE SIMPSON

3AW website hacked Rob Foenander

NEW RELEASE FOR BOB

■ 2012 Toyota Starmaker winner Bob Corbett will release his prize album during the upcoming Optus Gympie Music Muster. "We've already been blown away by the cyclonic first single from the new album," said a spokesman for Star Maker organisers and now the big launch is almost here. This is Bob's second solo album from five career releases.

DICK SPONSORS AWARDS

■ Well-known Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith is sponsor of this year’s Slim Dusty Community Mateship Awards. The awards are in recognition of someone in the community who is carrying on the great traditions of mateship, helping your neighbour and simply being a decent person, something that the late Slim Dusty championed and wrote about during his career as one of Australia's music legends. More info at www.slimdustycentre.com.au

AUSSIES TO NASHVILLE

■ Kasey Chambers, Caitlin Harnett, Jordie Lane, Shane Nicholson and Felicity Urquhart have all been booked for official showcase performances at this year's Americana Music Festival in Nashville next month. These artists are part of the two dozen Australian roots music artists who will be appearing in America's Music City for the 13th annual festival and conference. The event runs from Wednesday September 12 to Saturday, September 15.

● Jane Holmes Responding to news of his passing at the weekend, Magic 1278-3AW presenter Jane Holmes described Clyde Simpson as her “radio father”. “Love you always, Clydie. Deepest love to Nola and family,” Jane wrote on Facebook. Michelle Marshall said: “Clyde was my boss at 3MP. Being his PA was a privilege. “He was a beautiful man that always had something nice to say and had a smile. A gentlemen who will be sadly missed.” Paul Walsh commented: “About 40 years ago, I received offical notification from Clyde Simpson, boss of 3XY, that I had been banned from winning any more telephone competitions on the station. “Seventeen years ago he helped me realise a lifetime ambition, by giving me the

SONGWRITER SESSIONS

■ One of Australia's most prolific songwriters Colin Buchanan has released his new CD aptly titled The Songwriter Sessions. Duet partners and guests on the release include Troy Cassar-Daley, Peter Denahy, Anne Kirkpatrick, Dobe Newton, Sara Storer and John Williamson. The album is produced by ex-Sherbet keyboard player and now a well respected country music identity Garth Porter. - Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

● Paul Walsh

● Clyde Simpson, General Manager, EON-FM, 1980 pleasure of sitting behind the microphone at 'the Greater' (3UZ) filling in for some mid dawn shifts. “I just loved 'talking radio' with the guru. He was a very, very special man.” Mark Ridoutt, of Vision Australia Radio, said: “One of the very best. I can't think of a better radio bloke. Will miss ‘old matey’.” Peter Smerdon, formerly of SEN 1116/3MP, said: “So sad to hear the news. Another one ● John Vertigan of the good ones gone.” 3UZ veteran John Vertigan sion for radio and especially said: “How sad. I just had so older music.” Di Rolle and Peter Mobbs much respect for this man. He certainly liked the old music also posted tributes on the Ausand had great knowledge of it. tralian Radio page on Face“Not just that, but a great book. On radio, Bruce Mansfield love or radio in all its aspects. He was also such a nice per- told how Clyde Simpson came into 3XY into the 1960s as a son.” Former employee Dianne fresh-faced salesman, later to Johnston said: “Very sad lead the station through its topnews. A lovely person, great to rating era. Philip Brady spoke work for and just loved his pas- of Clyde’s time at 3UZ.

● John-Michael Howson ■ The 3AW website has hacked after an on-air confrontation between Sunday Morning commentator John-Michael Howson and the mother of Julian Assange, Christine. Hackers posted a message (below) on the frontpage of the radio station’s website: “We at 3AW have a very important announcement to make. “We did take into account that this might cause confusion and disdain with some of our followers. But truth will be told. “We are a bunch of NeoNazis and supporters of the ideals of the great Adolf Hitler. “Thank you for your understanding and your support is greatly appreciated. “With kind regards, the staff at 3AW Melbourne. “Seig Heil! Seig Heil! Seig Heil!” (sic)

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, August 23 August 22

Friday, August 24

Saturday, August 25

Sunday, August 26

Monday, August 27

Tuesday, August 28

■ American actress Valerie Harper, who first starred in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, is 72. Cindy Williams, American actress, star of American Graffiti, is 65. Tennis champion Mats Wilander was born in Sweden in 1964 (48).

■ British comedian and playwright Stephen Fry is 55 (1957). English dwarf actor Kenny7 Baker is 78 (1934). American musician Mason Wiliams is 74 (1938). Australian singersongwriter Mike McLellan was born in 1945. He is 67 today.

■ Actor Van Johnson was born in Rhode Island in 1916. He died aged 92 in 2008. US composer Leonard Bernstein was born in 1918. He died aged 72 in 1990. Scottish actor Sir Sean Connery was born in 1930 (82). US TV man Regis Philbin is 81 (1931).

■ Theatre entrepreneur J C (James Cassius) Williamson was born in Pennsylvania in 1845. He died aged 67 in 1913. Australian radio personality Dita Cobb was born in 1923. She died aged 67 in 1991. American actor Macauley Calkin is 32 (1980).

■ US President Lyndon Johnson was born in 1908. He died aged 64 in 1973. Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman was born in 1908. He died aged 92 in 2001. Voice-over man Kev Golsby is 77 (1935). US actor Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubenfeld) is 60 (1952).

■ Singer Shania Twain (Eileen Edwards) is 47. Donald O’Connor was born in 1925. He died aged 78 in 2003. English actor Windsor Davies (It Ain’t Half Hot Mum) was born in London in 1930 (82). Australian surfer and TV sports presenter Mark Warren was born in 1953 (59).

■ US actor Gene Kelly was born in 1912. He died aged 83 in 1996. Bandleader Bob Crosby, brother to Bing, was born in 1913. He died aged 79 in 1993. American actress Barbara Eden (I Dream Of Jeannie) is 78. Keith Moon, drummer with The Who, was born in 1947. He died in 1978

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au


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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 43

Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler ‘TALKING MELBOURNE’ Media Flashes

ShowBiz!

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven. ■ Monday, August 27. On the outer with his friends, Andrew deals with a mysterious illness alone. Dealing with Sophie’s recovery makes Kate re-evaluate her priorities and pushes her back into teaching. ■ Tuesday, August 28. Ajay’s new opportunity threatens his friendship with Toadie; Tash learns to compromise for the sake of her relationship. ■ Wednesday, August 29. Rhys is shattered to learn he may never perform surgery again; Ajay and Toadie have to rethink their friendship when Ajay becomes Toadie’s boss. ■ Thursday, August 30. Rhys vows to fight for his dream with Vanessa’s support; Jade is caught off guard when Sonya asks her to be her unborn baby’s godmother. ■ Friday, August 31. Convinced he’s getting nowhere with rehab, Rhys loses heart; Lucas lets his feelings for Vanessa surface again.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7. Program synopsis not to hand from the Seven Network when the Observer went to press.

Reunion for Ernie

● Pat Hatherley with Ernie Sigley Photo: Robyn Irving ■ Entertainer Ernie Sigley had a surprise reunion with a former school teacher Pat Hatherley (nee Levey) at a Dorset Gardens Hotel performance this month. Pat explains: “Ernie Sigley was a scholarship student at Christchurch Grammar, South Yarra, when I came to teach a composite class of which he was a member, more years ago than I care to remember. “He travelled to school every day from Footscray, and although he sang like a bird in the choir, was a constant target of dislike and chastisement by the then Archdeacon, whose word was law over and above that of the headmistress of the school Mrs Lethbridge, who was both wise and humane. “However, Ernie's bubbling personality and sense of humour, made him resilient. He bounced back after each confrontation with renewed enthusiasm for life, and it was a pleasure to have him in my class each day. “I was unaware he had a schoolboy crush on me at the time. Let's face it; I wasn't all that much older than he! I only found out decades later when he was reminiscing on radio one day, and I was enormously flattered that he still remembered me. “I met up with him some years ago when he compered the opening of a store in Dandenong, but when I saw an advertisement in the local paper recently for a lunchtime show he was to give with the talented Denise Drysdale at the Dorset Gardens Hotel I was determined to get tickets. If any of you harbour a schoolboy crush on your teacher, stick around for the next 63 years and you might get to kiss her!”

GOES AUSTRALIA-WIDE

● Mark Petkovic with Andrew McLaren ■ 3AW’s midnight-dawn program is this week also being piped into Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra. The 5½-hour daily program, hosted by Andrew McLaren and Mark PetMelbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic kovic, is being heard on 2UE, 4BC and 2CC, during the two-week leave of regular presenter Tim Shaw. The show also goes to 17 stations on the Star network of country stations across five states and territories. 3AW General Manager ● Sydney station 2UE’s website was not Shane Healy insists the quite sure who was broadcasting the overnational format for the night program into the harbour city on MonMelbourne-based pro- day morning. It showed a photo of Andrew gram is for two weeks McLaren, but listed the presenter as Alan only. Pearsall. The program has been re-branded as Australia Now Yumi has been Overnight, and local Melsacked by the Australian bourne segments have Radio Network from her been permanently axed. position on The 3pm These include the NonPickup on Mix 101.1. Pro Theatre report by Stynes has been coCheryl Threadgold, and hosting the pre-recorded the Queen Victoria Marhour show with close ket report by Grant Cook. friend Chrissie Swan. Some radio industry Stynes will be replaced observers believe the by Mix 101.1 breakfast 3AW relay to its sister stashow co-host Jane Hall. tions overnight will be a “We need to do it daily,” permanent move, despite Swan said. She revealed the claims by Healy. that some programs had AW will relay its week● Chris of been pre-taped, up to 10 end program, hosted by Broadmeadows days in advance. Alan Pearsall, into the in- his depression. Awkward terstate markets. That pro- talkback caller Bob of gram has been hosted, to Caulfield argued with the date, by John Kerr. hosts. All rivetting for listeners in Lithgow, Bathurst, Mackay and Muswellbrook.

Veritas

Standby relays

■ It was an interesting start for Australian Overnight on Monday morning. The first hour was dominated by Victorian callers including Queenie of Bayswater who spoke of a 3AW party at Dingley, and Chris of Broadmeadows who spoke of

Yumi axed - again! ■ For the second time in less than a month, Yumi Stynes has been axed from a media job. First, Yumi lost her TV gig when The Circle was chopped by the Ten Network.

● Yumi Stynes

Award for Gudinski

● Michael Gudinski ■ Music entrepreneur Michael Gudinski was honoured as the Melburnian of the Year at the weekend, while Vasili Kanidiadis of Vasili’s Garden, Hatem Saleh of the Atlantic Group, Tennis Australia, Melbourne Heart FC and Keep Cup were also celebrated for their contributions to the city.s profile, community and sustainability. Michael Gudinski said: “I’ve lived and breathed Melbourne my whole life . Melbourne is after all the Australian music capital. “I’m absolutely humbled and honoured to be given such a prestigious award from the city that I love so much.¡± Lord Mayor Robert Doyle paid special tribute to this year.s winner.: “Michael has made an enormous contribution to the city over the past four decades. “His work has put many Melbourne bands and artists on the musical map, and his great support of the victims of the Black Saturday tragedy through Sound Relief has made him a Melbourne icon.”

Claim dismissed

■ A claim made against Bonzawebsites.com has been dismissed by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Deputy President Ian Lulham. Jet Breath Pty Ltd made a claim against Anthony Williams trading as Bonzawebsites. Jet Breath, which sells model aircraft, entered into a contract for its website to be developed, and customers were permitted to advise of requirements before the site went ‘live’. It paid $10,000 upfront. VCAT was told that the website developer made ‘adverse comments’ about the site, which was misunderstood by Jet Breath. Mr Lulham said Jet Breath failed to establish the burden of proof.

Cold case re-opened ■ The disappearance of 1960s TV chef Willi Koeppen has been re-opened as a Victoria Police cold case. Derryn Hinch said the Chef Presents host was believed to have been murdered in 1976. Koeppen was well-known as co-owner of the Cuckoo Restaurant at Olinda.

Colin Friels collapses ■ Actor Colin Friels was resting after collapsing on stage during a performance of Death Of A Salesman. He was taken to hospital in Sydney.A Belvoir Theatre spokeswoman said the 59-year-old had been suffering from flu for a few days. He was unwell at inetrval. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1997 and has been in longterm remission.

● Colin Friels


Page 26 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not in DVDs and Blu-Ray

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Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

Melbourne International Film Festival A Look Back - Part 1 ● Susan Sarandon and Frank Langella from the film Robot And Frank

● Johnny Depp gets more and more unhinged as journalist Paul Kemp in The Rum Diary, based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson. FILM: THE RUM DIARY: Cast: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi. Genre: Comedy/Drama. Year: 2011. Rating: M. Running Time: 120 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: *** Verdict: An American journalist takes on a freelance job in Puerto Rico for a local newspaper during the 1960s and struggles to find a balance between island culture and the expatriates who live there. This labour of love for Johnny Depp to his friend Hunter S. Thompson [Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas] is a quietly quirky and unique journey that is one worth taking but fails to leave any lasting impression when all is said and done. FILM: THE EALING COMEDY COLLECTION: Cast: Ian Carmichael, Terry-Thomas, Alec Guinness, Margaret Rutherford & More. Genre: Comedy. Year: Assorted Years. Rating: G. Running Time: 423 Minutes. Format: DVD. Stars: ***** Verdict: Classic British comedy just does not get any better than this purely delightful DVD box set collection box set containing such comedy masterpieces as School for Scoundrels, The Lavender Hill Mob, Passport to Pimlico, Whisky Galore and The Maggie. Featuring the Who's Who of the best of British talent at their peak and o v e r flowing with priceless humour, poignancy and style these landmark films are wonderful selection of the very best, each with no comparison and every one a gem! FILM: THE WAY AHEAD: Cast: David Niven, William Hartnell, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway. Genre: War. Year: 1944. Rating: G. Running Time: 115 Minutes. Format: DVD. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: Superb World War II drama from Sir Carol Reed [The Third Man, Odd Man Out] of a group of conscripts are called up into the infantry during WWII. At first they appear a hopeless bunch but their sergeant and Lieutenant have faith in them and mould them into a good team. Taut, vivid direction by Sir Carol Reed, intelligent script by Eric Ambler [A Night To Remember] and Peter Ustinov, an outstanding cast that all shine, combine to make this a captivating, charming and exhilarating experience not to be missed. FILM: A DANGEROUS METHOD: Cast: Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen. Genre: Drama. Year: 2011. Rating: MA15+. Running Time: 99 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: The strong and jarring character driven story of a young woman suffering from hysteria and psychological problems that are deeply rooted in her childhood and her violent father, and is hospitalized under the care of Dr. Carl Jung who seeks consultation from Dr. Sigmund Freud. Based on a true story, and featuring good strong performances and vivid period detail, this is a dark, methodical and fascinating tale of psychological, sexual and intellectual discovery.

■ With the Melbourne International Film Festival over for another year, it is certainly interesting to look at the highs and lows of this hugely popular event. After a couple of years of frustrating disorganisation, especially in regards to screenings starting ridiculously late, this year saw a massive improvement, and a huge thanks must go out to the organisers and volunteers who kept everything running smoothly and effeciently, and were always helpful and polite. Feedback from other patrons were also noticeably more positive : a particular woman was very passionate in her praise of the climate change documentary Chasing Ice, as well as the Japanese drama I Wish; a number of people enjoyed Billy Bob Thornton's Jayne Mansfield's Car; Killer Joe, directed by William Friedkin (The Exorcist) was met with much enthusiasm; and the comedy/ drama Robot And Frank was a soldout hit. Many now hope that a strong proportion of the movies screened can receive a commercial release in Australia sometime in the near future. Over the next two weeks I will review the films I saw at the Festival, as well as mention some others that met with good word-of-mouth. Headshot (MA). 105 minutes. ***½. Unusual thriller about a hitman whose world is literally turned upside down when he is shot during a particular assignment. Beautifully shot and effectively moody. Will be released on DVD on September 12. The Intouchables (M). 112 minutes. ****. A genuine crowd-pleaser that shows you don't have to sacrifice quality for mainstream success. Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy are both superb. A mega-hit in Europe, this will be released in Australian cinemas on October 25. Ace Attorney (M). 135 minutes. ****½. Based on the very popular video game, this highly entertaining courtroom comedy/mystery was one of the Festival highlights. Both sessions were sold out, and the word-of-mouth was terrific. Robot And Frank (M). 89 minutes. ***½. A retired cat-burglar returns to a life of crime when his son gives him a robot. Fine blend of comedy and drama features a strong cast, including Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden and Liv Tyler. A Monster In Paris 3D (PG). 90 minutes. ***. Cute animated film, set in Paris (circa 1910), starts out somewhat forced and bland, but does improve as it goes on. Family-friendly film has stunning animation and impressive use of 3D. Produced by Luc Besson. V/H/S (R). 116 minutes. **½. One of the Festival disappointments, this highly-anticipated horror anthology failed to scare, with obnox-

ious characters, silly dialogue, and an increasingly repetitive nature. Also relies on graphic gore far too often. Supremely well-crafted though, with seamless blending of effects into the digital format. Le Tableau (PG). 76 minutes. ***. Characters in an unfinished painting come to life to convince the artist to complete his work. Beautiful animation and an intriguing premise help off-set the somewhat heavy-handed material. Gentle, fun viewing. A Letter To Momo (PG). 120 minutes. ***½. A lovely film about a young girl trying to get over the death of her father, with the help of three bumbling spirits. Not quite up to the standards of Studio Ghibli, but it is still solid, involving viewing. The animation is first-rate. Easy Money (MA). 124 minutes. ****1/2. Another Festival highlight, this tough crime drama about a young man who ends up out of his depth dealing with drug dealers is confidently handled and completely engrossing. Star Joel Kinnaman is going to be the title character in the remake of Robocop. Errors Of The Human Body (MA). 100 minutes. *½. The biggest disappointment of the Festival, this poor man's David Cronenberg lacks imagination and invention, and is full of clunky dialogue and bad performances (with a distractingly cast Rik Mayall, of Young Ones fame). The result is deadly dull viewing. A pity, as it has a credible scientific foundation. Opening soon in Australian cinemas. The Man On The Roof (MA). 110 minutes. ****. This 1976 corrupt-cop thriller is topshelf entertainment, building slowly to an intense, well-executed finale. The main character was also played by Walter Matthau in the 1973 film The Laughing Policeman. Hara-Kiri : Death Of A Samurai 3D (M). 126 minutes. ***. This remake of the 1962 masterpiece lacks the edge and intensity of the original, making the mistake of trying to be too respectful to the source material. Splendidly subtle and clever use of 3D. Sleepless Night (MA). 98 minutes. ***½. A dirty cop gets more than he bargained for when he tries to rip off a notorious drug dealer. French thriller (about to be remade by Hollywood) was lively and enjoyable until the film unforgivably broke down about 80 minutes in, meaning I have to wait until this gets some kind of DVD release to find out how it ends. A definite Festival lowpoint (the breakdown, not the movie). The Blindfold (M). 95 minutes. ***½. Intelligently low-key and made under considerable restraints, this important film about religious extremism and the distortion of the written word makes for compelling viewing. - Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. 2. THE SAPPHIRES. 3. THE CAMPAIGN. 4. MAGIC MIKE. 5. STEP UP 4: MIAMI HEAT. 6. TED. 7. ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER. 8. ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT. 9. BRAVE. 10. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: AUGUST 16: STORM SURFERS 3D: THE MOVIE, BERNIE, THE BOURNE LEGACY, TORTOISE IN LOVE, EK THA TIGER. AUGUST 23: BULLY, HOLY MOTORS, HOPE SPRINGS, SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD, TOTAL RECALL. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE HUNGER GAMES [Action/ Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson]. 2. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN [Comedy/Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott-Thomas]. 3. THIS MEANS WAR [Comedy/ Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine]. 4. THE AWAKENING [Thriller/ Rebecca Hall, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West]. 5. WRATH OF THE TITANS [Action/Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Danny Huston]. 6. THE RAID [Action/Ananda George, Ray Sahetapy]. 7. BATTLESHIP [Action/ScienceFiction/Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch]. 8. Dr. Seuss' THE LORAX [Animated/Family/Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift]. 9. KILLER ELITE [Action/Robert De Niro, Clive Owen, Jason Statham]. 10. 21 JUMP STREET [Comedy/ Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube]. Also: THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE, THE RUM DIARY, PROJECT X, THE BIG YEAR, GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, HAYWIRE, LONDON BOULEVARD, CONTRABAND, HEADHUNTERS, WANDERLUST. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: PASSION PLAY [Thriller/Megan Fox, Bill Murray, Mickey Rourke]. AMERICAN PIE: REUNION [Comedy/Jason Biggs, Eugene Levy, Chris Klein]. THE LUCKY ONE [Romance/Zac Efron, Blythe Danner, Taylor Schilling]. THE INNKEEPERS [Horror/Kelly McGillis, Pat Healy, Sara Paxton]. GABE: THE CUPID DOG [Family/ Boti Bliss, Brian Krause]. METAMORPHOSIS [Thriller/Horror/Christopher Lambert, Irena A. Hoffman]. PSYCH 9 [Horror/Michael Biehn, Cary Elwes, Sarah Foster]. SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA [Drama/ Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, Melissa Leo]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: JAWS: Anniversary Edition [Thriller/Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw]. Turn To Page 51


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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 45

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ PLOS Musical Theatre: The Secret Garden August 26. Director: Brad Dart; Musical Director: Malcolm Fawcett. Further enquiries: www.plos.asn.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Secret Bridesmaids' Business (by Elizabeth Coleman) August 26 at 5.00pm, August 27 at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Annie Blood. For audition bookings email bloodannie@gmail.com ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Dixie Swim Club (by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten), September 8, 9 from 11.00am by appointment. Director: Lois Collinder. Audition bookings: 0417 589 015. ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Hay Fever (by Noel Coward) September 10 from 8.00pm at Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Kris Weber. Audition bookings: kris@keweber.com www.stagtheatre.org

Community Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

WOMAN IN BLACK, AT LILYDALE SHOWS ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Woman In Black (by Stephen Malatratt, based on the novel by Susan Hill), August 22 - September 8 at 8.15pm, 2.00pm matinees on August 26, September 2 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Loretta Bishop. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9735 1777. www.lilydaleatc.com

This Is Impossible

Doubt,a parable

SHOWS ■ The 1812 Theatre: Brilliant Lies Until September 1 at 8.00pm, matinees at 4.00pm at the 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Zina Carman. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 9758 3964 www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre Inc: The Shell Seekers Until August 25 at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Christine Grant. Tickets: $23/$20. Bookings: 1300 138645 (toll free for landlines), 9898 9090 (for mobiles). ■ The Basin Theatre Company: Out of Order (by Ray Cooney) Until September 1 at 8.00pm; 2pm matinee on August 26 at 2.00pm, at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Tickets: $22 incl. refreshments and program. Bookings: 1300 784 668 between 7.00 and 9.00pm or online at www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Gemco Players: The Crucible (by Arthur Miller) August 23, 24 and 25 at 8.00pm and August 25 at 2.00pm at the Gem Performing Arts Centre, Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Sharon Maine. Tickets: $22/$20. Bookings: 0411 723530. ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) September 6 - 22 at Brighton Theatre Company, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: 1300 752 126 www.brightontheatreco.com

● From back left: Andrew Scarborough and Michelle Tanner; Front left: Jess Maitland, Mel de Bono (director) and Asha Sebastian. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284. Photo: Emmanuel De Bono ■ Meet the cast and director of Strathmore Theatrical Art Group (STAG’s) forthcoming production of Doubt, a Parable by John Patrick Shanley, being presented from August 30 – September 8 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore

● Joan Krutli as Miss Watson and Peter Kostopoulos as Mr MacIntosh (the Producer) in Adelphi Players Theatre Company’s comedy This is Impossible. Photo: Greg Barison ■ The Adelphi Players Theatre Company will stage their 148th production, Quartet: Four Short Plays, on August 28, 29, 30, 31 and September 1 at 8.00pm and September 1 and 2 at 2.00pm at the National Trust Mansion Labassa, 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North. Directed by Michael Mace, the plays include The Lawyer Of Springfield (by Ronald Gow), The Knock On The Door (by Bruce Olive), This Is Impossible by Patrick Hamilton, and Let’s Be Devils by Nevil Malin. Tickets: $18 / $15. Bookings are essential: 9690 1593.

SHOWS ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Loyal Women (by Gary Mitchell) August 24 - September 8 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Bruce Cochrane. Tickets: $20/$18. Gala night extra $5. Bookings: 1300 131 552. www.malverntheatre.com.au Turn To Page 51


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Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 2 Across

1. Full of vitality 6. Took a break 11. Soothes (fears) 15. Protecting 20. Red-rind cheese 21. Actor, Ryan ... (1'4) 22. Solemn promise 23. Solid ground, ... firma 25. Anglican church caretaker 26. Ethics 27. Public persona 29. Mania 32. Hind section 34. Ruler, Genghis ... 36. Innocently 39. Colorado ski resort 41. Alexandria is there 43. Titled ladies 46. Lessened 48. Hair dye 49. Madam (2'2) 51. Hideous monster 52. Replanting with trees 55. Long story 56. Arrests 59. Beginning 61. Moderate, ... down 62. Ancient musical instrument 63. Skirmish 64. Sadder (state) 67. Women's court sport 68. Legitimately 70. Japanese hostess 71. Obtained (funds) 72. Womb 73. Academy Awards 74. News stories 75. Encloses 77. Proclamation 78. Comes in 79. Behaviour 82. Simpler 86. Jewish language 87. Biblical son of Isaac 89. Minor planets 92. Gambling chances 94. Acute anxiety 96. In a frenzied state 98. European defence pact 100. Caravan itinerant 101. At a distance 103. Requirement 105. Gallows rope 106. Oil producers' cartel 108. Contest of honour 111. Nursery rhyme, Three Blind ... 112. Utterly exhausted (4,4) 114. Discouraged 116. Domestic helper 119. Actress, ... Thompson 120. Ukraine capital 121. Belonging to that 123. Writer, ... Blyton 124. Restore to health 125. Spectators 126. Senior citizen 127. Gentlest 130. Typist's complaint (1,1,1) 131. Hollering 135. Scrapes (knee) 138. Dad 139. Metal pen-points 141. Premonitions 144. Coal mine waste 146. Food enhancer (1,1,1) 147. Excessively formal 148. Sense of self 149. Established (foundations) 150. Golfing body (1,1,1) 151. Devil's abode 152. Improvised (4,2) 153. October stone 155. Feed (fire) 157. More orderly 158. Twig shelter 160. Atlantic or Indian 161. Huffs 162. Throw up 163. Reside 165. Even further delayed 166. Famous record label (1,1,1)

Across 167. Argentina's ... Peron 168. Yellowish-brown pigment 169. Rush off 171. Nimble 172. Donor 175. Tribal emblem 176. Religious statue 179. Squirm in pain 180. Crowd brawl 182. Wine, ... spumante 184. West Indian music 185. Pop group, Bee ... 186. Kangaroo pouch 188. Germination pod 189. Gearwheel tooth 190. Sixty minutes 191. Crack army force (1,1,1) 193. US space organisation 194. Deal with 196. Cereal bowl 197. Trimmed of fat 198. Aroma 200. More scrumptious 205. Wrath 207. City roads 210. Gorged oneself 211. Last day of April 212. Amongst 213. Leading 214. Household fuel 216. Spoken exam 218. Hordes 219. Was obliged to pay 220. In so far (as) 224. Political stirrer 227. Adversaries 229. Optic organs 230. Valley 231. Happen 232. Mad Roman emperor 233. Data 235. Remove (tape) from VCR 237. You 239. Cheeky smile 241. Skewered meat 244. Great Bear constellation, ... Major 246. Scenery 249. Leer 252. Straight (route) 254. Charted 256. Scattered 258. Of long duration (3-3) 259. Cavalry spear 260. Vigilantly 263. Short period 264. Synagogue scholars 265. Make untidy (4,2) 267. Huts 270. Administer 271. Slid 272. Win 273. Nuclear agreement (4,3) 274. Small herring 277. Liberated 279. Graven image 281. Distributed (cards) 284. Sinks in middle 286. Ark builder 288. Luxuries 292. Power group 294. In present condition (2,2) 295. Fork spike 298. The Suez ... 300. English tennis champ, Fred ... 301. Gaze 303. Boats' spines 306. Thickly 308. Test run 309. Blemish 311. Chunkier (stew) 314. Disorder, cerebral ... 315. Screen legend, Marilyn ... 316. Finance in advance 317. Honourably 318. Fond of, ... on 319. Nazi government, The Third ... 320. Nothing 321. Peevishness 322. Alcove 323. Moved furtively 324. Bed cover

Down 1. Do breaststroke 2. Lamented 3. Garden entrances 4. Brief 5. 12-months 6. Despoil 7. Nailfile (board) 8. Fasten (bolt) 9. Legendary kingdom, El ... 10. Take up again 11. Nearly 12. Robbery 13. Egg centres 14. Dress ribbons 15. Beef-cut for stock 16. Senseless 17. Disregard alarm clock (3,2) 18. Tick over 19. Elapse (2,2) 24. Glimpse 28. Work team 30. Irish sweater style 31. Identify 33. Weirder 35. Maxims 37. Windmill arm 38. Part of ear 40. Bridge-player's bid (2,6) 42. Spurs 44. Polar 45. University compositions 47. Concur 48. Risked 49. Mortuaries 50. Helping 53. Yacht's mooring cushions 54. Treated badly (3-4) 57. Seabird with large wingspan 58. Fluctuates 60. Cotton tops (1-6) 63. Detective story 65. Porridge flakes 66. Proportional, pro ... 68. Decoy 69. Scottish lake 76. Plane terminal 79. Silent 80. Bare 81. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2) 83. Brisbane suburb & racecourse 84. Internal 85. Decompose 88. First animals in dictionary 90. Shade of colour 91. Frosted (biscuits) 93. Tottering 95. Drawing pin 97. Incessantly (2,3,2) 99. Word formed from initials 100. Pleased 102. Dummy pass 104. Waned 107. Danger 109. Author, ... Bronte 110. Bullets 111. Non-glossy 113. Powerful light (3,4) 115. Elevate in rank 117. Spicy lentil dish 118. Futile (attempt) 121. Tel Aviv native 122. Side benefit (4-3) 127. Revolving tray, lazy ... 128. Froths 129. Greatest 132. House seller (6,5) 133. Dormant 134. Rainwater channel 135. Least rough 136. Lack of awareness 137. Most swift 138. Blazed trail 140. Deliverance 141. Vehicle distance gauges

Down

142. Capture spirit of 143. British military academy 145. Collects 151. Sack material 154. Spanish friend 156. Addicts 159. Conger or moray 164. Bustle 169. Battle 170. Large pitchers 173. Prickling 174. Baby birds of prey 177. Desist 178. Approaches 181. Foolish 183. Melting 187. Firebugs 192. Firmly securing 195. Standard 199. Inventor 201. Weaponry 202. Carry-on (2-2) 203. All set 204. Charmer, ... fatale 206. Say 207. Employees 208. Deciduous trees 209. London underground 213. Bump into 215. Prosecutor 217. Appearance 221. Take a nap 222. America, ... Sam 223. Chile's tip, Cape ... 224. Singer's solo 225. Narrow bay 226. Quarrel 228. Swedish tennis ace (5,4) 234. Views 236. Bike rider 238. Radio hobbyist 240. Charged particle 242. UK country 243. Speak to 245. Abating 247. Changed suitably 248. Spirit medium 250. Mouth cosmetic 251. Commercials 253. Chore 255. Discontinued 257. Refuses to (3,1) 258. Your school, ... mater 261. Consumable 262. Mood 265. Intimidate 266. Damascus is there 268. Uplift 269. Vendor 275. Peel (apple) 276. Snakes 278. Make bigger 280. Climb down 282. Compass point 283. Exist 285. Carbonated drink 287. ... & nail 289. Euphoric drugs 290. Topped with breadcrumbs, au ... 291. Sprites 292. Called (of donkey) 293. Part of shoe 296. Ward off 297. Stockings fibre 299. Not anybody (2-3) 302. Stun 304. Lodge deeply 305. Store for future use (3,2) 306. Fall 307. Subsequent 308. Anti-flood embankment 310. Door handle 312. ... of Capri 313. Peruse


Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 47

Solution on Page 34

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Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Melbourne People

Helen Reizer’s Birthday Photos: Sue Deenim

● Birthday girl Helen Reizer

● Melina Bagnato-Giannuzzi with Suzanne Carbone

● Annette Maloney with Shanyn Asmar

● Jim Lee

Tara Bishop’s Birthday Photos: Sue Deenim

Melbourne People

● Tara Bishop and Clemence Harvey

● Kyra Pybus

● Valentina Jovanoska with Melbourne gadabout John Parker

● Virginia Dowzer with Natasha Stipanov


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 49


Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

The Victorian Equine Group will now be servicing the Goulburn Valley and surrounding areas, servicing all routine veterinary, performance and reproduction requirements.

24 hour, 7 days a week emergency service Locally based at: 770 Central Kialla Rd, Arcadia 3631 (betwen Union & Arcadia Rds) For the very best in Equine health call today Mob: 0400 504 497 info@victorianequinegroup.com.au www.victorianequinegroup.com.au Dr Simon J. Robinson Dr Sarah Jalim Dr Michael Whiteford


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 51

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 44

CHAMPS GO AMISS

■ Incredible, but true, that a few of our champion racehorses have gone amiss and with exception most will miss the big Spring races. First bit of bad news came when the world's best sprinter, Australia's own, Black Caviar, pulled up very sore after her tenacious win in the Queen's Jubilee. After spending time in Quarantine in both England and Australia she was then immediately spelled and at the time of going to press, connections, along with he trainer Peter Moody were still deciding whether she races again or goes to the breeding barn. Then we saw another brilliant mare, Mosheen, struck down with a throat ailment. Her trainer, Robert Smerdon, was quoted that it was a minor operation and she bounce back quickly. Mosheen was operated on for an epiglottal entrapment at the Goulburn Clinic recently. Smerdon said that 19 of 20 such operations proved successful and he is extremely confident that she will bounce back to her brilliant best. He picked up the problems after she had a hit out on a Saturday morning. She was to start in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on September 1, but that looks highly unlikely. Now comes news that unbeaten mare, Atlantic Jewel, has badly gone amiss. This has shattered her trainer, ,Mark Kavanagh, who over the years has had shocking bad luck, with Maldivian, in the Caulfield Cup, and injuries to Whobegotyou, now retired. Then only last year in yet another Caulfield Cup his brilliant international stayer, December Draw, who had taken all before him, broke down when favorite. Atlantic Jewel, unbeaten in her seven starts had taken all before her and was a $4.50 favourite to win the Cox Plate in October at Moonee Valley. Atlantic Jewel at recent track work at Flemington pulled up lame.

Ted Ryan

Observer Racing

● Atlantic Jewel Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

They scanned her later, and found an injury to a laternal branch of the super flexor tendon, extending to the end region of the pastern. It is shocking bad luck for Mark, the stable and her owners. Once again, it could be a case of her starstudded career being over and heading for the breeding barn? People ask; why does this happen to a number of our champion racehorses, breaking down with serious injuries. The answer is simple, they simpler try harder overstretching giving that extra bit. Let's hope all our champion mares make it back to the track and as soon as possible as racing needs a shot in the arm after recent slurs. With Atlantic Jewel coming out of the Cox Plate, this has opened the door for a number of other acceptors. The new favourite

is the Gai Waterhouse trained champion mare, More Joyous who has come into $6 with her stablemate the unbeaten colt Pierro on $ 7. Just on More Joyous, a good friend of mine, Brad Valentine, the General Manager of my local Club, Club Ringwood, is a good buddy of John Singleton who owns the mare. Brad approached me a couple of weeks ago before Atlantic Jewel broke down and asked me what I thought of her chances and her odds of $11. I said she won't be beat Atlantic Jewel and wait you will probably get better odds than what is on offer. Guess who is barred from Club Ringwood, now that More Joyous is favorite, at just better than each way odds. The only way I will get back into the Club is pray that she gets out a bit in the markets.

● More Joyous Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

BLACK TYPE BOOST

■ The reputation of a string of feature Magic Millions races has been recognised by racing officialdom the confirmation of their black type elevation. Four races, run in three states, join two others already recognised as restricted listed (RL) events on the Millions calendar. The races to receive the endorsement are: Magic Millions Wyong 2 Y.O ClassicWyong, December. Magic Millions Cup-Gold Coast, Janu-

● Pierro Photo by MARK GATT/SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

ary. Magic Millions Perth, 2.Y.O.Classic Ascot, February. Magic Millions Perth 3.Y.O.TrophyAscot, Perth. The new changes will apply to the four feature events during the upcoming season run at Wyong in December. They join the $2 million Magic Millions 2 Y-O Classic and the $1 million Magic Millions 3Y-O Guineas which held Black type RL status for many

years. The Magic Millions Wyong 2 Y-O Stakes has quickly established itself as one of the top juvenile races run over Christmas in New South Wales. Used as a lead up to the $2 million Magic Millions 2 Y.O. Classic, the race's honour roll includes Snitzel, Karuta Queen and Hoss Amor - while Group One winner, Sirmione finished fourth in the race at two.

Keeping track ■ Some interesting facts from the Melbourne Racing Club's magazine, Keeping Track. ■ Did you that the original horse was no larger than a Golden Retriever Dog? ■ Diminutive Hyracotherium may have looked more like a small goat or deer than a modern day horse. ■ Hyracotherium lived during the Eocene epoch about 50 million years ago. ■ Did you realise that horses sleep standing up? They sleep laying down too, but only for short times. ■ Hence, Black Caviar was able to travel 30,000 kilometres to England. More next week. - Ted Ryan

Top 10 Lists NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE OFFICE (2005): Season 7 - Part 1. HAMISH & ANDY'S EURO GAP YEAR. THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS: Season 1 - Part 1. THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS: Season 1 - Part 2. THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF MIAMI: Season 1. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: The Animated Series - Volume 1. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: The Animated Series - Volume 2. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: The Animated Series - Volume 3. GRAND DESIGNS AUSTRALIA: Series 2. TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE HUNGER GAMES [Action/Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson]. 2. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN [Comedy/Ewan McGregor, Kristin Scott-Thomas]. 3. THE AWAKENING [Thriller/Rebecca Hall, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West]. 4. THIS MEANS WAR [Comedy/Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine]. 5. THE RAID [Action/Ananda George, Ray Sahetapy]. 6. BATTLESHIP [Action/Science-Fiction/Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch]. 7. WRATH OF THE TITANS 3D & 2D [Action/Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson]. 8. KILLER ELITE [Action/Robert De Niro, Clive Owen, Jason Statham]. 9. 21 JUMP STREET [Comedy/Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube]. 10. Dr. Seuss' THE LORAX 3D + Blu-ray [Animated/Family/Danny DeVito, Zac Efron]. Also: Project X, The Rum Diary, The Devil's Double, The Big Year, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Haywire, Contraband, London Boulevard, Headhunters, Wanderlust. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: PASSION PLAY [Thriller/Megan Fox, Bill Murray, Mickey Rourke]. AMERICAN PIE: REUNION [Comedy/Jason Biggs, Eugene Levy, Chris Klein]. THE LUCKY ONE [Romance/Zac Efron, Blythe Danner, Taylor Schilling]. THE INNKEEPERS [Horror/Kelly McGillis, Pat Healy, Sara Paxton]. JAWS: Anniversary Edition [Thriller/Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw]. PSYCH 9 [Horror/Michael Biehn, Cary Elwes, Sarah Foster]. - James Sherlock ■ From Page 45

Local Theatre Shows ■ The Mount Players: Wuthering Heights (by Charles Vance, adapted from the novel by Emily Bronte) August 26 - September 15 at 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 1300 463 224 www.themountplayers.com ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Our Town (by Thornton Wilder) August 31 - September 15 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong. Director: Judy Ellis. Tickets: $25 adult non-subscribers, $19 subscribers. Bookings: GPAC 5225 1200 www.geelongrep.com.au ■ Beaumaris Theatre Inc: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat August 31 - September 23 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt: Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreography: Leah Osburn. Bookings: 9583 6896 www.beaumaristheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threagold

Sulky Snippets ■ Bolinda trainer Vince Vallelonga snared the Be A Member Pace for C1 class over 2200 metres at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Thursday with Kiwi bred Mach Three/Tragically Hip 6-Y-0 gelding Shot From The Hip. - Len Baker More Sulky Snippets on Page 52


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Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Breeders Crown Day ■ The cream of talent from both Australia and New Zealand were in attendance at Tabcorp Park Melton on ‘Super Sunday’ (Aug. 19) to compete at the richest day of Australian Harness Racing - Blue Chip Farms Australasian Breeders Crown Day, where $1.6 million in stakes was up for grabs in the Finals for Two, Three and Four year old pacers and trotters, all races being over the distance of 2240 metres. On paper, the Kiwis appeared to have a huge advantage over their Australian counterparts, with friendly rivalry taking place all throughout the day. Winners were : ■ 4-Y-0 Trotters Final (Elegant Image - Andy & Kate Gath Long Forest) ■ 2-Y-0 Trotters Final (Blitztemcalder - Ross Payne (Lara) & Chris Alford) ■ 4-Y-0 Mares (Miss Moonlight - Andrew Stuart (Rangiora) & John Caldow) ■ 3-Y-0 Trotters (Triumphant Monarch - Chris Alford T/D( Bolinda) ■ 2-Y-0 Colts & Geldings (Bit Of A Legend - Cran Dalgety (Christchurch) & Dexter Dunn) ■ 3-Y-0 Fillies (Cheer The Lady - Barry Purdon (Clevedon - Auckland) & Zac Butcher) ■ 3-Y-0 Colts & Geldings (Fly Like An Eagle Mark Purdon T/D (Christchurch) ■ 4-Y-0 Entires & Geldings (Caribbean Blaster (Andy & Kate Gath Long Forest) ■ 2-Y-0 Fillies (Glenferrie Shuffle - Craig Demmler (Parwan) & Gavin Lang) To cap off a memorable day, it was the Aussies who prevailed (if you count Triumphant Monarch) winning five of the big finals compared to New Zealand's four, with driving honours going to Chris Alford and Kate Gath who each snared a double.

Locked wheels: stewards ■ As has been the case all through the season, Coimadai's Adam Kelly chalked up multiple winners at Warragul, with Shifting Sand taking the Latrobe Valley Nashos Pace for C2 & C5 class over 2205 metres and Western Arden the Jim Curran Memorial Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2205 metres on protest, as well as Takeiteasyonme in the Claimer.. Shifting Sand (Jennas Beach Boy/Princess Kenru) taking a concession for Long Forest based Alex Ashwood was sent forward from last to park outside the leader Rapid Art Beat at the bell, before dashing away on the final bend to win in a breeze over Shandon Village and Four Grinners in a rate of 2-00.6, again giving Melton the trifecta. Western Arden (Western Terror/Dainty Arden) raced parked for the final circuit when beaten narrowly by the leader Shes Irrisistable in a rate of 159.2, however was awarded the race after stewards confirmed that the winner had locked wheels over the concluding stages impeding Western Arden's progress. Western Connection finished third after trailing the leader and using the sprint lane to go down by a head and a head.

District trifecta at Melton ■ Rockbank trainer Joe Bajada combined with Michael Azzopardi to land the Gippsland Media Centre Pace for C1 class over 1785 metres with free running 6-Y-0 Pacific Rocket/Queen Meadow gelding The Silver Dart in a rate of 2-01.8. Driven hard from gate two to cross Danish King inside him, The Silver Dart kept on going to score by 4 metres from Ultimate Escape (one/one - three wide home turn), with Lordofthefly (four wide home turn) third in an all Melton district trifecta.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Hamilton/Geelong, Thursday - Kilmore/Nyah, Friday - Melton, Saturday - Ballarat, Sunday - Shepparton, Monday - Charlton, Tuesday - Cranbourne.

COASTED TO THE WIRE AT SHEPP. ■ Melton based reinsman John Caldow was responsible for the ‘drive of the night’ aboard Red River Hanover/Radiant Rhythm gelding Radiant River in the Brett Collins Refrigeration 3-Y0 Pace over 1690 metres at the Wangaratta Harness Racing Club fixture held at Shepparton on Tuesday August 14. Settling mid-field in the moving line from gate three on the second row, Radiant River trained at Bendigo by Trevor Monk made a lightning three wide move racing for the bell to lead for the final circuit, treating his rivals with contempt as he coasted to the wire 7.8 metres in advance of the pole mark pacemaker Damascus Road which stuck to his guns, with Taw (three back the markers last lap) third after following the runner up throughout. The mile rate 1-58.9.

Awkward ■ Sunbury trainer/ driver Justin Livingstone chalked up victory number six with Conch Deville/Springfield Wilma 6-Y-0 mare Rockin Wilma in the Sinclair & Rooney Painters & Decorators Trotters Mobile for T1 & T2 class over 2190 metres in a mile rate of 2-02.9. Drawn awkwardly inside the second line, Rockin Wilma raced by the Livingstone family became buried four back along the markers in the early part of the race, with the pole marker and last start Kilmore winner Spinster Clare leading from the pole. Extricating away from the markers entering the straight on the first occasion, Rockin Wilma then proceeded to race in the open for the remainder of the journey, outstaying her rivals to defeat Spinster Clare, with Clarrie Stone using the sprint lane for third after following the pacemaker.

Run of race ■ Avenel's Greg Norman snared the John Brain Roofing Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2190 metres with ultra-consistent 4-Y-0 Modern Art/ Satin Ridge gelding Did It Alone. Driven by Greg Sugars, Did ItAlong was given the run of the race from inside the second line following the heavily supported pole marker Dusty Smiles and was always travelling on a tight rein. Easing to the outside on

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Horses To Follow ■ Fearless Leader, Pride Of Sundon, It Is She, Glenferrie College, Shakas Image.

Major upset at Ballarat Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

straightening, Did It Alone had to pull out all stops to overhaul Dusty Smiles who was drilled by Morala outside her in the last lap, the margin a half neck only. Lifes A Lombo finished third after following the pair. The mile rate 1-59.9.

Milestone

■ Four year old Christian Cullen/Paulas Way gelding Uncle Wingnut who was successful in the A S Villani Building Contractor Pace for C4 & C5 class over 1690 metres at the Wangaratta meeting has been a revelation since crossing the Tasman, beaten only twice in seven outings for Woorinen (Swan Hill) trainer Vince Costa. With regular reinsman Michael Bellman in the sulky, Uncle Wingnut from gate two led throughout in accounting for Modern Warrior which trailed making no impression along the sprint lane and Kingussie (one/one) in 2-00.2.

■ Champion Bacchus Marsh reinsman Gavin Lang (formerly of Melton), considered by many to be Australia's best driver, chalked up a milestone by becoming the first in the Southern Hemisphere to register 5000 wins in the sulky at Warragul on Monday August 13, Driving training partner Adam Kelly's in-form 5Y-0 Elsu/Come Away With Me mare Takeiteasyonme in the NSAA Of Victoria Claiming Pace, Takeiteasyonme raced in the open throughout shadowing the pacemaker Adistactos, before drawing clear on the wire to score from the leader, with Mohican Prince third. Gavin who has had his ups and downs over the years labelled the outstanding trotter True Roman as his favourite horse, however Kilmore Cup winner Persistency would no doubt rate highly. Congratulations are extended to him.

Beaut run

Three wide

■ South Gisborne trainer Shannon McLean was in the winners stall at the Wangaratta fixture, when Western Terror/ Broadway Gal filly Fifth And Broadway scored in the Bonnetts Electrical 3Y-0 Pace over 1690 metres. Raced and bred by the McLean family, Fifth And Broadway a half sister to champion mare Broadways Best (Village Jasper) was driven with aggression by Chris Alford to lead from gate four and once there, travelled beautifully. Kicking clear on the final bend, Fifth And Broadway recorded her first victory in five outings, defeating Wemen Lola which trailed, with Lunar Dancer receiving inside runs from well back on the markers to finish third. The mile rate 1-58.8.

■ At Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday, Bacchus Marsh duo Alan and Amy Tubbs were successful with Blazeaway Macray, a daughter of Rustler Hanover and Kano Blaze who snared the Art Major Breeders Crown Consolation for 3Y-0 Fillies over 2240 metres. Sent forward from gate six to park out, Blazeaway Macray gained cover at the expense of Queenslander The Archduchess, with the Riverina hope Hirising at the head of affairs. Easing three wide on the final bend, Blazeaway Macray finished hard to gain the day in advance of Paintball (three back the markers) and Alina in a rate of 1-59 and will now in all probability go for a spell.

Led all way

■ Parwan trainer Jaime Madruga's most consistent 5-Y-0 D M Dilinger/Beaconsfield Gold gelding Balance Point caused a major upset in the first leg of the Quaddie at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Thursday when taking the first leg - the www.ballarat trottingclub.com.au Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2200 metres at Supertab odds of $23.50. Driven by Rod Petroff, Balance Point was given the run of the race one/one from gate two, easing wide on straightening to blouse his more fancied opponents Goodtime Jasper off a three wide trail last lap and Waterhorse which led. Mile rate 1-59.6.

Justice for all ■ Brothers Lance (Melton) and John (Toolern Vale) shared the Be A Member Claiming Pace over 2200 metres with 6-Y-0 gelding Thomas Pyke and 8-Y-0 gelding Thats Mister Ali who dead-heated in a mile rate of 2-02.8. With Thomas Pyke leading from gate five and Thats Mister Ali moving three wide in the last lap from mid-field, the pair engaged in a two horse war up the straight with the judge unable to separate the pair on the wire, even though to the naked eye it appeared that Thats Mister Ali had prevailed. Thomas Pyke was claimed in the event and will head to a new home.

Super win at Ballarat ■ Melton's Ross and Greg Sugars scored a super victory with 4-Y-0 ModernArt/Clarenden Diva gelding American Muscle in the Diamond Rewards Pace for C2 & C3 class over 1710 metres at Ballarat in a rate of 1-59.1. Worried throughout by the well supported Tinkers Taxi, American Muscle looked a sitting target for those which had been given easy runs, but rallied on straightening to score from Bronze Destiny (one/three), giving Melton the quinella, with Mister Onetwo running home late for third.

Like winning the Inter ■ The Western District prevailed at the Terang Harness Racing fixture on Wednesday August 15, with no less than five winners on the eight event card saluting the judge. Portland trainer Gloria Council was "over the moon" when her 4-Y-0 Jet Laag/Ella Jane gelding Australian Bite scored in the Vicbred Platinum Country Series B (2nd Heat) for C0 class over 2180 metres, describing the victory (her first as a trainer) as "like winning an Inter Dominion". Driven by nephew Heath Bourke, Australian Bite making his 18th race appearance, settled midfield in the moving line after starting from gate two on the second row. Sent forward three wide in the last lap, Australian Bite ran to the wire strongly in accounting for Xbolt which followed him home, with Cobargo Jack using the sprint lane for third after following the weakening leader and favourite Buddy Ripa. The mile rate 2-02.6. Raised in the sport, Gloria's father Tim has been involvement in harness racing for many years as was brother Barry (now deceased) who bred the horse.

Little trouble in winning ■ Terang's Matty Craven is making a name for himself as a trainer, adding another winner to his season's tally when Art Major/Please Dont Tease gelding Whata Punt was successful in The Standard 3-Y-0 Pace over 1680 metres. First up since August last year and first up for the stable, Whata Punt had little trouble leading from gate two and proceeded to run his rivals ragged, scoring by 3.5 metres in a brisk 1-57.9 from Cyclades (five back in the moving line) and the favourite Clipper which faced the open.


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 53


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

OUR GREAT GAME IS IN TROUBLE ■ The Ladder takes precedence. But when the two top AFL TV commentators. Denis Cometti and Brian Taylor both know and say separately two Matches of the Day for the upcoming Finals, Sydney v Collingwood in Rd 20 and Rd 21 Geelong v St Kilda last Friday night the brawling, mauling rugby packs were allowed to continue despite those games were umpired by our potential top teams for the showpiece finals our great game is in trouble. I’ve appealed and highlighted this year’s Finals especially the Grand Final can be decided by blatant umpiring mistakes. Brett Rosebury was by far our best since the retirement of Shaun Ryan but Brett is losing his great powers of concentration being teamed with lesser qualified umpires and expected to carry the load. My comments fall on deaf ears so for those in control of our umpires replay Cometti’s classic comment in last Friday night’s game at the 12.18 minute mark of the 3rd quarter. He could not contain his comments as an endless pack was “going on and on”, no action from a top umpire to break it up with a free or bounce as the ump “circled the circus” and Denis said, “what a great advertisement this is for our (world audience) and our great game!” There were three certain Final 4 and 8 winners to decide the season’s vital Ladder positions’ and they lost and added to the conundrum. They were all odds-on favourites. Essendon lost to Carlton by 96 points and drop to 10th on equal 44 points but the Blues are 9th with 6.5% points advantage. Collingwood’s 30 points loss to North Melbourne has forced them into 4th spot while Adelaide’s shock 10 points defeat by Brisbane has them in 3rd and could cost them a Home Final. The losses to St Kilda, Richmond and probably Essendon have cooked their goose and now their task is to concentrate on re-building through the Draft, the Trade and the available uncontracted players. Here are the last two Rounds 22 and 23 of the games which can affect the Final 8, but first let us study the current 11 teams who by miracle results can still change today’s Top 11 by Sunday 2/9 end Rd 23. Sydney 64 pts (1), 149.6%, v Hawthorn 60pts (2) 158.3% at SCG and Geelong 52pts 114.7% (7) at SSGeelong; Haw (60pts 2) v Swans (1) and v WCE 56pts (5), 125% at MCG, Friday N Adelaide 60pts (3) 125.4% v Melbourne (16) at MCG and v Gold Coast Suns at AAMI on Saturday 1st Sept Collingwood 60pts (4) 119% v WCE (5) 125% at Perth Sat N and v Essendon (10) 44pts 104% at MCG Sat N WCE 56pts (5) 124% v Coll 60pts (4) 119% Sat N Perth and v Hawthorn 60pts (2) Friday N at MCG North Mel 52pts (6) 115.2% v Freo 48pts (8) Sunday at Etihad and v GWS Giants 8pts (18) Skoda Saturday 4.40pm Geelong 52pts (7) 114.7% v W Bull (15) at SS-Geelong Sunday (E) and v Sydney SS-Geelong Saturday 1.45pm

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel Fremantle 48pts (8) 109.6% v North Mel (6) Etihad Sunday (E) and v Melbourne Saturday 7.40pm in Perth Carlton 44pts (9) 110.5% v GCS (17) Meriton GC Saturday (N) and v St Kilda (11) 40pts 116.94% Etihad Sunday(E) Essendon 44pts (10) 104% v Richmond 36pts (11) Fri(N) MCG and v Collingwood Sat (N) MCG St Kilda 40pts (11) 117% v GWS (18) at Etihad Saturday and v Carlton 44pts 116.9% (9) on Sunday (E) at Etihad Who can make the Final 8 in order? It’s important as the First week of Finals have Home Ground (HG) advantage. This is how it goes; 1 V 4 at 1ST HG, 2nd Qual Final 2 v 3 at 2nd’ HG, 1st Elim 5 v 8 at 5’s HG, 2nd Elim F 6 v 7 at 6’s HG. Sydney needs to win one more game to hold 1st or 2nd because of its current 16 wins (64pts) and high 149.6 %. Sydney and Hawthorn’s high %s counts for a 4points win as no other top 5 teams can better their %. Hawthorn, Adelaide and Collingwood must win both games and Sydney lose both to claim Top spot. WCE if it wins both games can finish 3rd as it plays Collingwood in Perth and Hawthorn at the MCG. Best placed to finish 1 and 2 must be Swans, Hawthorn My Final 11 in Order is: Hawthorn, Sydney, Adelaide, WCE, North Melb, Collingwood, Geelong, Fremantle, Carlton, St Kilda and Essendon.

Jim Stynes book to be launched ■ I knew Jim Stynes, his wife Sam, his Mum and Dad and brother Brian all because of ‘The Galahs’ and our Irish connection. I, like a multitude of others, loved the man, his courage, his ability to do so much good, despite the pain, and to leave a legacy of goodwill to us all to do good for our fellow man while we can – as our time to follow Jim’s message is running short. It is Not forever. I reprint with pride and gratitude some of the thoughts behind his book.

“If you let go of fear you can do anything – you can chase the things you really want to do and live the life you were born to live …” Unflinching in its honesty, My Journey is the extraordinary memoir of Jim Stynes: Irishman, footballer, Brownlow Medallist, Reach cofounder and former president of Melbourne Football Club whose very public battle with cancer touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Covering the three most important aspects of Jim’s life; family, football and empowering others to be the best they can be, My Journey celebrates the legacy of Jim Stynes, and offers an intimate portrait of a man learning to face his fears and make the most out of every single day. My Journey also includes a moving Afterword by Sam Stynes who was at the book launch by Garry Lyon in the Jim Stynes Room yesterday (Tues.) at the MCG. Jim, May God be with you and you in HIS care. ■ My Journey by Jim Stynes with Warwick Green published by Michael Joseph, an imprint of Penguin. RRP $39.99.

Performance man at the GC Suns ■ The Gold Coast Suns have announced that Stephen Schwerdt has accepted the position as High Performance Manager. Schwerdt joins the GC Suns from the Adelaide Football Club, where he has spent in excess 10 years overseeing an elite program as the clubs High Performance Manager.General Manager - Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft said Schwerdt’s appointment was a significant boost for the GC Suns. “We are really pleased that Stephen has agreed to join the Gold Coast Suns. He is a leader in his field and will bring a huge amount of experience and expertise to our football club.” "As we continue to evolve as a football department we need to ensure we provide our players with the best people and programs possible and Stephen’s appointment certainly demonstrates that." Schwerdt will commence his role with the GC Suns at the completion of the Adelaide Football Club’s 2012 campaign.

Contract talks suspended ■ The Adelaide Football Club advises that it has agreed with Kurt Tippett’s management to suspend contract negotiations until the Crows’ season ends. Crows football operations general manager Phil Harper said: “Given Kurt’s recent concussion issues he has had little time to consider his future. “He wants to focus solely on performing on-field to the best of his ability before considering his future later in the year, and to ensure that the matter does not became a distraction to him or anyone at the club in the lead-up to and during the finals. “Therefore the Club and Kurt’s management have agreed to resume discussions at season’s end. “The Adelaide Football Club had an exceptional offer in front of Kurt – and Kurt and his management acknowledge this – but Kurt has made it clear he will not make any decision until the season is finished. “The Club will make no further comment on this matter, as we focus on our own on-field performances for the rest of the 2012 season.” Tippett addressed the Crows playing group and told his teammates he had not made any decision on his playing future beyond 2012 and was solely focused on giving 100 percent to the group for the rest of the season. Tippett, 25, has played 99 AFL games for the Crows since making his debut in 2008. The former basketballer was drafted from Queensland by the Crows at pick No 32 in the 2006 national draft.

Brownlow Medal dinner ■ The Brownlow Medal is the pinnacle of the AFL season for individual awards and the presentation night is a spectacular event attended by the who’s who of our game and watched by millions nationally. This year the Adelaide Football Club will stage its own Brownlow Medal Dinner on Monday September 24 September at the National Wine Centre to take in the live telecast and celebrate the achievements of some of its players who have enjoyed an outstanding 2012 season. Past champions will attend and give their views on how their players are tracking. An added feature of the night will be a atalogue of art and wine that will be auctioned throughout the evening.

Youngsters line up ■ QBE Sydney Swans Academy players Lloyd Perris and Isaac

Round 22 Friday, August 24 Richmond vs. Essendon (MCG) (N) Saturday, August 25 St Kilda vs. GWS Giants (ES) Port Adelaide vs. Brisbane Lions (AS) Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn (SCG) (T) West Coast Eagles vs. Collingwood (PS) (N) Gold Coast Suns vs. Carlton (MS) (N) Sunday, August 26 Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs (SS) (E) North Melbourne vs. Fremantle (ES) Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows (MCG) (T).

Heeney have been identified as two of the best young footballers in the country. The pair has been selected in this year’s AIS-AFL Academy program, which takes in 62 of Australia’s best young football talent and prepares them for the elite level. Perris, who was the inaugural member of the Swans Academy in 2010, has earned selection in the AISAFL Academy for the second consecutive year. The 17-year-old has been named in the Level Two squad, for players who are eligible to be drafted in 2013, and will be managed by AIS-AFL Academy High Performance Coach, Michael O’Loughlin. Perris’s selection caps off a terrific year for the teenager who also collected the inaugural peer-voted Cameron Ling Medal following the 2011-2012 AIS-AFL Academy squad’s tour of New Zealand. The Cronulla teenager said he is pleased to earn a second year of selection with the program. “It’s awesome and is another great opportunity, and one that I had last year as well, so I’m just really looking forward to it,” Perris said. “Just the exposure to the group of guys and the Victorian players, it’s just exposure that we don’t get in New South Wales and it is something I’m really looking forward to.” According to Perris, the best part of being selected for the AIS-AFL program was the personalised training for each athlete. He said the program was particularly beneficial last year after he suffered a knee injury in a basketball game, which required a reconstruction at the end of 2011. “Being involved really helped me through this year with my injury with access to physios and doctors and just elite nutrition,” he said. “It was all individualised to my program and my circumstances, so that was also really beneficial for me going through that this year. “I also got a lot of footy knowledge out of the program as well as a lot of knowledge about how to be a better person and how to improve myself as a person.” Unlike Perris, this year will be the first time 16-year-old Isaac Heeney will get a taste of national-level high performance training. The Newcastle teenager caught the attention of Academy selectors after starring in the recent AFL Under-16 Championships in Sydney, where Heeney was named best on ground in all three matches. The Cardiff Hawks midfielder said he couldn’t wait to get involved in this year’s AIS-AFL Academy.“I’m so pumped, and am extremely excited,” he said. - Harry Beitzel


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Page 55

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