Melbourne Observer. 110928C. September 28, 2011. Part C

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - Page 47

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Caro wins top award ..... Page 48 Veritas: Writers’ Guild ward winners ................. Page 49 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 49 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 50 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 51 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

ST KILDA’S ‘SITE UNSEEN’ Aspects Of Love

Yes, Prime Minister

● Philip Quast (left) is Sir Humphrey and Mark Owen-Taylor the Prime Mnister, Jim Hacker, in the stage play of the BBC series, Yes, Prime Minister, to be staged at the Comedy Theatre from January 31.

■ Written by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay, the creators of the classic BBC comedy that was compulsory viewing for millions worldwide, Yes , Prime Minister was a sell out in London’s West End, went on a triumphant tour of the UK, and is now back for a return London season.

“Yes , Prime Minister won the West End Best New Comedy award,’ says Andrew Guild, joint producer with Simon Bryce, Tim Woods and UK partners Yes, Prime Minister (International) Ltd. Andrew promises that the West End hit is witty, fast paced, clever and unpredictable “It’s guaranteed to have audiences walking out whistling the tunes: global warming, government cynicism and manipulation, the role of the media, and asylum seekers.

“Yes , Prime Minister is an absorbing, very contemporary comedy that forces us at the same time to confront real moral issues, but never preaches. We leave laughing – and we’ve got enough material for water cooler conversations to last for weeks.”

Media Flashes ■ The Australian Press Council has upheld a complaint lodged against the Herald Sun about a headline that was said to have implied that the behaviour of a minority of Muslims outside a Court should be regarded as typical of the religion itself and its followers. Dr Zachariah Matthews from Just Media Advocacy said that this implication conveyed an inaccurate and unfairly negative stereotype of Islam and Muslims.

■ The Press Council has upheld some aspects of a complaint by John Barnes against the Ballarat Courier. Mr Barnes said the newspaper misinterpreted Victoria Police statistics in a Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development report.

■ The City of Port Phillip, the Port Phillip Community Group, Many Moons Group and Sacred Heart Mission present the world premiere of Site UnSeen from October 6-22 as part of the Melbourne Festival.

Venture into the underworld of Site UnSeen where social exclusion and homelessness collide with mirth, satire, beauty and grim reality.

An interactive multimedia theatre piece, Site UnSeen literally walks its audience through the darkened streets of St Kilda, crafting with dark humour and wit, the sensate moments that constitute a life of homelessness.

Created by art and theatre workers collaborating with communities of people who have experienced homelessness, Site UnSeen utilises iconic locations around St Kilda to present the reality of those who are most invisible, and has been co-created by people who have been there.

From the initial Circus of Exclusion to the final Kaleidoscope of Multiple Exits, the show discards the veils surrounding invisible people and places, to take you on an extraordinary journey where the usual codes of behaviour do not apply … or help you survive.

Principal art-makers Graham Pitts and Robyn Szechtman have worked in a close collaboration with more than twenty key community members for over twelve months.

Together they have created this unique, site-specific narrative ‘documentary’ where audience members are sometimes observers and the observed - the act of seeing and being a strong element of the work.

Venue: Various, commencing at the St Kilda Lower Esplanade Carpark (St Kilda Triangle Site, next to the The Palais Theatre, St Kilda), Alfred Square and Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda.

Dates: October 6 – 22 Times: Thu Oct 6 - 4pm and 6pm; Mon – Fri at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 6pm, 8pm; Sat – Sun @ 4pm, 6pm, 8pm Duration: 1hr 20mins – no interval Tickets: $35 full price $15 Concession, Vic Carer’s Card Holders Free. Schools book through ATOM (Australian Teachers of Media) Bookings: Ticketmaster, Theatre works, ATOM - Cheryl Threadgold

● Sam McPartlan and Britt Lewis are in CLOC's Aspects of Love. Jessica Cornish’s review from opening night is on Page 49.

Photo: Richard Crompton

Beccy’s new CD

TALKING SET-TOP BOX FOR SIGHT IMPAIRED ■ Vision Australia, the Australian Government and industry are celebrating the commercial release of a product that is set to revolutionise the way Australians who are blind or have low vision access TV. Using text to speech technology, the Talking Set-Top Box is designed to assist with the navigation of electronic program guides, on-screen menus and TV settings.

Vision Australia worked with the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy to carry out a trial of the talking set top box as part of the Household Assistance Scheme rollout in regional Victoria.

The Household Assistance Scheme provides free help for maximum rate pensioners to switch to digital TV. To find out more about the Household Assistance Scheme and the switchover in your area visit www.digitalready.gov.au or call 1-800 20 10 13.

● Beccy Cole is releasing a new CD, Songs and Pictures. Rob Foenander has all the details on Page 48.

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

TOP FOOTY AWARD FOR CARO

Country Crossroads

‘ALF BROWN AWARD’ GOES TO CAROLINE WILSON

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

Rob Foenander

Country pottery ■ The internationally-renowned Hermannsburg Potters have made several pots featuring many well known Australian country music singers including BuddyWilliams, John Williamson with Warren HWilliams, Slim Dusty with Joy McKean,Troy Cassar-Daley and Archie Roach.

These pots are currently being exhibited in the Desert Mob exhibition, a premier annual indigenous art exhibition held at Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs.

Beccy Cole’s new CD ■ Australian country music favourite Beccy Cole releases her new album Songs and Pictures on September 30. The 13-track CD has Beccy teaming up with some of Australia's finest and well known artists such as ARIA winners Shane Nicholson and Kasey Chambers.

Beccy's career includes seven Golden Guitar awards, six albums and a previous tour of duty, entertaining Aussie troops in Iraq. The new album is available at JB Hi-Fi.

Tamworth sneak peek ■ All stake holders and volunteers of the 2012 Tamworth Country Music Festival were treated to a Festival Sneak Peek on Thursday.

Held at the Tamworth Capitol Theatre all who attended were given a behind-the-scenes look at where preparations have progressed with the hallmark 40th Festival.

As well as receiving a glimpse of what is in store leading up to and during January next year, a history of the event was also presented.

Country’s big earners ■ Forbes magazine has released their list of country music's highest-paid stars.

To compile the list, Forbes looked at money earned between May 2010 and May 2011. Industry lawyers, managers and agents feedback was included in their findings.

Based on their estimates Toby Keith landed at the top of the list with $50 million, Taylor Swift came in second with $45 million and Brad Paisley third with $40 million.

- Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, September 28 ■ Actor Peter Finch was born as William Mitchell in London in 1916. He died aged 60 in 1977. He starred in A Town Like Alice.

French actress Brigitte Bardot (Camille Javal) was born in 1934 (77).

English singer Helen Shapiro was born in 1946 (65).

● Caroline Wilson ■ 3AW and Age football commentator Caroline Wilson took out the coveted Alf Brown trophy at Australian Football Media Association's awards late last week.

Wilson claimed the overall award for excellence in the football media in addition to winning the best print columnist category and most outstanding deadline report.

The Clinton Grybas Rising Star was awarded to the ABC’s Corbin Middlemas and the Herald Sun’s Matt Windley.

Life membership was awarded to Caroline Wilson, Geoff Roach and Ken Piesse.

Most outstanding news reporter: Mark Robinson, Herald Sun Most Outstanding Columnist. Caroline Wilson, The Age Most Outstanding Feature Writer. Mark Robinson, Herald Sun Most Outstanding Photographer, Colleen Petch, Herald Sun Most Outstanding Action Photograph. Paul Rovere, The Age Most Outstanding News/ Feature Photograph. Colleen Petch, Herald Sun Most Outstanding Program - Tleevision. The Footy Show, Channel 9 Most Outstanding Program - Radio. Crunchtime, SEN. Most Outstanding Special Commentator - Television.

Luke Darcy.

Most Outstanding Special Commentator - Radio. Chris

Grant, ABC Radio.

Most Outstanding Caller Television. Dennis Cometti, Channel 7 Most Outstanding Caller Radio. Anthony Hudson, SEN Most Outstanding Electronic News Reporter. Damian Barrett, Croc Media/The Footy Show Most Outstanding Coverage of Community Football.

Nathan Templeton and Roger Oldridge, Channel 10.

Meet You At The Footy Award - Editorial. Gerard Whateley Meet You At The Footy Award Photographic. Andrew Tauber.

Grand Final giveaways ■ Brian Taylor is promoting that 3AW sponsor Toyota will be giving away AFL Grand Final tickets at a pre-match broadcast at the MCG this Saturday (Oct. 1).

Steve Price’s heart failure

Condolences to Tony Tardio

● Steve Price ■ Melbourne radio man Steve Price (the entertaining one, not the angry one) has been released from hospital after suffering heart failure.

Pirce, who broadcasts on Casey Radio, is well on the mend.

He hosts the Casey Radio 3SER 97.7 FM Goodtimes, Classic Gold program every Wednesday from 8 pm.

● Tony Tardio ■ Sympathy is extended to 3AW newsman Tony Tardio on the passing of his father, Paolo, at age 94.

Requiem Mass was held yesterday (Tues.) at St Luke’s, Lalor.

South of the Yarra

At RPP opening

● Pictured at the opening of 3RPP’s new studios at Mornington at the weekend were Mornington Pensinuls Shire CEO Dr Michael Kennedy with Capt.

Dick Cox of the Rotary Club of Somerville-Tyabb.

● John Burns ■ Would 3AW breakfast program co-host John Burns have a radio job if he wasn’t working with Ross Stevenson?

Burns’s life experiences relate to his south-eastern suburban life.

He seems to have little concept of life in Melbourne’s ‘struggle streets’ of the north and west.

“Where’s Mernda?” he asked last week, of the northern suburb located between Mill Park and Whittlesea.

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, September 29

Friday, September 30

Saturday, October 1

Sunday, October 2

Monday, October 3

Tuesday, October 4

■ Jerry Lee Lewis, the American rock ‘n roll singer, was born in 1935 (76).

Football Darrel Baldock was born in Devonport in 1938. He died this year, aged 72.

Australian actor Tony Martin was born in Tamworth in 1954 (57).

Actor Mark Mitchell is 57 today.

■ Actress Deborah Kerr was born in Scotland in 1921. She died aged 86 in 2007.

US tele-evangelist was born in 1926 (85).

American actor Fran Drescher was born in New York City in 1956 (55). Her played Greg in The Brady Bunch.

US actress Angie Dickinson is 80 (1931)

■ Walter Matthau was born in New York City in 1920. He died aged 79 in 1000.

Tom Bosley, who played Howard Cun-ningham in Happy Days, was born in 1927. He died in 2010.

Dame Julie Andrews is 76. She was born in England in 1935.

Actress Kate Fitzpatrick was born in 1947.

■ Groucho (Julius) Marx was born in New York in 1890. He died aged 86 in 1977.

William ‘Bud’ Abbott was born in 1895. He died aged 78 in 1974.

Actress Lorrae Desmond was born as Beryl Hunt in 1931 (80).

Actor Henriz Szeps was born in Switzerland in 1943 (68).

■ Tennis player Neale Fraser was born in Melbourne in 1933 (78).

Actress Noeline Brown was born in Sydney in 1938 (73).

US singer Chubby Checker was born as Ernest Evans in 1941 (70).

Radio host Margaret Throsby was born in 1941 (70).

■ Actor Buster Keaton was born in Kansas in 1895. He died aged 70 in 1966.

Charlton Heston (John Carter) was born in 1922. He died aged 84 in 2008.

Chef Iain Hewitson was born in Otaki, New Zealand, in 1948 (63).

Writer Jackie Collins is 74 today.

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - Page 49

Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler GRAND FINAL TV Veritas

ShowBiz!

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, October 3. Toadie gets approval to make generous offers to Lucas, Kyle and Lou for their businesses but can't help feeling conflicted.

■ Tuesday, October 4. Malcolm doesn't take Karl and Susan's decision to seperate well. Can they really face life without each other after all these years?

■ Wednesday, October 5. Lucas considers the offer for the sale of the garage but feels the pressure from Chris and Paul to turn it down. Susan struggles to deal with everyone's sympathy since the seperation.

■ Thursday, October 6. After knocking back Kyle's suggestion that they try being a real couple, Jade reports to Sonya that she's finally sorted out her feelings for him.

■ Friday, October 7. Andrew worries that Summer is relying on him too much for emotional support Tash fears she'll never learn about her mother's side of the family.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7.

■ Monday, October 3. Tension builds between Romeo and Harvey. Gypsy struggles to bring Mark and Lily together. Liam feels betrayed by Bianca.

■ Tuesday, October 4. Bianca catches Gypsy and Liam together. Bianca is forced to admit her life is a train wreck. Casey is left without a defence team for his trial.

■ Wednesday, October 5. Casey puts himself in danger out of fear. Charlie and Bianca make a pact together. Leah and Miles are growing further apart.

■ Thursday, October 6. Dex is worried about his lack of intimacy with April, and Leah gives Miles and ultimatum.

■ Friday, October 7. Dex is worried about Sasha's rebellious ways, Sid warns Roo about Harvey, and Ruby and Casey reunite.

Media Flashes ■ The Australian Communications and Media Authority has registered a new commercial radio code of practice that contains safeguards for participants in live hosted entertainment radio programs.

The new code - which prohibits the broadcast of programs which treat participants in a highly demeaning or highly exploitative manner - are broadly in line with the protections for reality television participants in the commercial television code of practice.

■ The North Melbourne Football Club’s annual Grand Final Breakfast promises to be the biggest ever. NBA superstar Andrew Bogut headlines the list of celebrities.

Hosted by Craig Willis, the highly anticipated event will be held in front of more than 3000 guests at Etihad Stadium and will be broadcast live on Fox There will be expert opinion and analysis from the likes of Brad Scott, Guy McKenna, Brad Johnson, Gerard Healy, Jason Dunstall, Barry Hall, David King, Dwayne Russell and Mike Sheahan.

Celebrities and VIPs joining Bogut include NBA champion Luc Longley, budding NBA star and Melbourne Tigers recruit Patrick Mills, author Li Cunxin, musician Johnny Diesel, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, Australian music icon Molly Meldrum, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and Lord Mayor Robert Doyle.

■ The AFL Grand Final will be telecast on the Ten Network from 10am on Saturday (Oct. 1).

Pre-match entertainment starts at 2pm, and the match telecast is timed to begin at 2.30pm.

The Grand Final presentations take place at 5.30pm.

Nine's Grand Final Breakfast, live from Crown Palladium, will be aired between 9am and 11am, and hosted by Tony Jones.

The Breakfast includes Footy Show panellists led by James Brayshaw, Garry Lyon, Shane Crawford, Billy Brownless, Sam Newman, Dermott Brereton and Nathan Brown.

The Grand Final edition of The Footy Show will air from 8.30pm tomorrow (Thurs.).

Melbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic

AWGIE Awards winners

● Sam Newman, Footy Show

ASPECTS OF LOVE

■ CLOC’s premier season of Aspects Of Love opened last week at the National Theatre. The Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber operetta is set in 1947 France, and explores how ‘love changes everything.’

The musical explores both conventional and unconventional relationships that form between main characters George Dillingham (Zak Brown), Rose Vibert (Rosa McCarty) and Alex Dillingham (Blake Testro).

Visually, the set design is beautiful.

Set designer Brenton Staples has done a wonderful job creating different looks throughout the show. Scrim cloths are incorporated into the show and are very effective in adding enormous depth to the stage and conveying obvious location changes to the audience.

Lighting designer Stelios Karagiannis creates some nice looks throughout the operetta. The lighting design for the circus scene at the end, using a mixture of red and blue lights, is incredibly effective. However, overall the show is fairly dark and could benefit with more light.

A couple of dome and audio cues were also missed throughout opening night, but as the season progresses these

Showbiz People Ahead of his 40th birthday on Fri★ day (Sept. 30), Melbourne media man Mark Richardson had the good news that a TV series that he pitched to executives has won the goahead. Now, he says, he has the task of quickly writing 13 episodes!

minor issues will surely resolve themselves.

The production is fairly solid and the cast give strong performances throughout the night. The small cast of 16 ensemble members and leads directed by Shaun Kingma do justice to the show.

The show will continue to run until October 8 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

Booking enquiries: 1300 362547.

Book online at www.cloc.org.au - Jessica Cornish

■ The Australian Writers’ Guild held their annual awards at the weekend, with Libbi Gorr hosting the night.

TV winners included: Kit Dention Fellowship.

Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney.

Foxtel Fellowship. ● Libbi Gorr Kris Mrksa.

Fred Parsons Award. Chris Lilley.

Hector Crawford Award. Denise Morgan (posthumously).

Children's TV Award. Bananas in Pyjamas: Morgan’s Cloud – John Armstrong Chiuldren’s TV. C Classification. My Place: 1868 Minna – Nicholas Parsons.

Comedy, Sketch or Light Entertainment.

Good News Week: Australia Decides 2010 – Dave Bloustein, Simon Dodd, Bruce Griffiths,Warwick Holt, Paul Livingston and Ian Simmons.

Comedy: Situation or Narrative. Laid: Episode 4 – Marieke Hardy.

TV: Mini-Series. Original. Small Time Gangster – Gareth Calverley and Joss King.

Telemovie. Original. Underbelly Files: Tell Them Lucifer Was Here – Peter Gawler John Hinde Award: Matt Ford for Panic at Rock Island

Observer Special Reader Offer

Book Offer: ‘Long Shots’ $20 including postage and handling Ash Long is a veteran of the Australian media industry. He has worked in newspapers, radio, television and ‘new media’. Back in 2001, facing hard business times, he penned Long Shots. It’s a 304-page book with 63 chapters, 183 photographs and a cast of 1851 people. Times have changed - Ash has now been EditorPublisher of the Melbourne Observer for nearly 10 years. But back then, he was facing one of the toughest business challenges of his life. Grab a glimpse of a Melbourne man with a 40-year media pedigree. We have found two boxes of the Long Shots, and we are offering the book at a discounted price of $20, postage paid, to Observer readers.

To: Local Media Pty Ltd c/- PO Box 1278, Research 3095

Simply send the form below. All orders will be despatched promptly after cheque/money order clearance.

Please PRINT CLEARLY your name/address/phone number, and mail with cheque or money order to Local Media Pty Ltd

30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham

Yes! Please send me a copy of Ash Long’s book, Long Shots. I enclose my Cheque/Money Order for $20.

Name: .....................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................ ● Mark Richardson

...................................... Phone: ............................................

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Observer Showbiz

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Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

What’s Hot and What’s Not on DVD & Blu-Ray FILM: ORANGES AND SUNSHINE: Genre: Drama/Historic.

Cast: Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham.

Year: 2010.

Rating: M. Running Time: 101 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: An immensely captivating, thought provoking and powerful drama based on the extraordinary true story of an ordinary social worker from the United Kingdom who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals of recent times, the deportation of thousands of children from the United Kingdom to Australia, and how she almost single-handedly, against all odds and with little regard for her own well-being, she reunited thousands of families and drew worldwide attention to an extraordinary miscarriage of justice, Emily Watson gives a stunning performance as the determined social worker, Margaret Humphries, as do Australian stalwarts Hugo Weaving and David Wenham as just two of the stolen thousands, extremely well written, directed and filmed, in the United Kingdom and Australia, this hugely tragic tale is an emotion charged story that grabs you by the heart and never lets go, and could very well be the most historically important DVD release of the year. Don't miss it!

Comparable Recommendations: Into The Arms of Strangers, The Magdalene Sisters, Angela's Ashes.

FILM: BATTLE OF BRITAIN: Genre: War/Drama/Historic.

Cast: Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Kenneth More, Christopher Plummer, Edward Fox, Ian McShane, Susannah York, Trevor Howard, Robert Shaw, Harry Andrews, Ralph Richardson, Michael Redgrave, Curt Jurgens.

Year: 1969.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 131 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: A rousing big budget all-star-cast war epic about of the most historic air battle in history, when the outnumbered British RAF fought off an invasion by the powerful German Luftwaffe in 1940, filled with many thrilling moments, one of the last films to actually use real vintage aircraft from WWII before CGI, in fact, so many aircraft were utilized to make the film that the production was recorded as the 35th largest air-force in the world at the time, great all-star cast, but the real stars in this one are the planes, and even though the film does have a few minor weaknesses, it's a ride well worth taking and one you won't forget, or regret.

Comparable Recommendations: The Dambusters, 633 Squadron, A Bridge Too Far, TORA! TORA! TORA! FILM: NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY: Genre: Comedy/Thriller.

Cast: Rod Steiger, George Segal, Lee Remick.

Year: 1968.

Rating: M. Running Time: 108 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: Oscar winner Rod Steiger gives a stand-out, over-the-top performance in this campy comic character driven thriller of a crafty serial killer who plays a game of cat-and-mouse with a police detective trying to track him down, George Segal also works well as the detective constantly at odds with his Mother and the killer, but this one belongs to the legendary Steiger who chews up the scenery, based on the novel by William Goldman who would go on to write Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All The President's Men, Marathon Man and many others, good fun!

Comparable Recommendations: Dirty Harry, Strangers on a Train, The Boston Strangler, 10 Rillington Place.

FILM: HIT MAN - He Aims To Please: Genre: Thriller/Action.

Cast: Bernie Casey, Pam Grier, Kisa Moore.

Year: 1972.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 90 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: ** Verdict: A man whose brother was killed, and finds out he was murdered, goes after those responsible. Sound familiar? It should, this is a Blaxploitation remake of the searing British crime classic Get Carter starring Michael Caine, and made only a year after its release, and the results are almost laughable by comparison, dated badly by the early 1970's fashions and talk of the day, it just doesn't come remotely close to the original Get Carter, which is now considered a classic of the gangster genre, mildly entertaining as a curiosity piece only, so grab the original instead.

Comparable Recommendations: Get Carter, Death Wish, Across 110th Street, Jackie Brown.

Turn To Page 55

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE SMURFS. 2. JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN. 3. HORRIBLE BOSSES. 4. RED DOG. 5. THE HELP. 6. ZOOKEEPER. 7. THE CHANGE-UP. 8. FRIGHT NIGHT 3D. 9. FINAL DESTINATION 5.

10. EYE OF THE STORM.

● Australian actress Rose Byrne (Tom Wilkinson), who can no longer acquire cadavers for his medical ■ (R). 115 minutes. Available to rent classes.

When a tenant of Hare's suddenly on DVD now.

Featuring a tremendous central dies, it looks like everyone will get performance and deliberate pacing what they need.

This true story has been filmed a that proves effectively disquieting, number of times, with the best exBedevilled is a powerful combination of drama and thriller, and one that gets amples being The Body Snatcher (1945), The Flesh And The Fiends under your skin.

Set on a small island far from the (1959), and I Sell The Dead (2008).

As written by Piers Ashworth and big city, we see a particular woman, who has been forced by her boss to Nick Moorcroft and directed by take a vacation as she has become Landis, Burke And Hare has a lightcold and mean-spirited towards her hearted tone and atmosphere, and banking customers, arrive here for a never seems interested in the more gruesome aspects of the story (which brief holiday.

The woman lived here as a child, is not surprising, given that the film before moving away to the city. Her was financed by Ealing Studios).

Pegg is likeable as Burke, but is childhood friend still lives here, and welcomes the visitor with warm, open outshone by the always-reliable Serkis, who is terrific as Hare. arms.

RATING - *** It doesn't take long for the woman to realise that her friend is being badly abused by not only her husband, but by his brother as well.

As time goes on, feelings start to ■ (M). 98 minutes. Available to rent sour between everyone, and it is only on DVD and Blu-Ray now. a matter of time before it reaches boilThe Australian duo of James Wan ing point. and Leigh Whannell, who struck it The oppressive nature of the first big in Hollywood with Saw (2004), are three-quarters of the film is so vivid back to try and send a shiver down and tangible that you truly dread when our spine with Insidious, a nicely oldeverything is going to explode. fashioned ghost story with an admitWhen it does happen, a strong tedly neat twist. sense of sadness overwhelms proJosh Lambert (Patrick Wilson), ceedings, showing the true conse- Renai Lambert (Aussie Rose Byrne) quences of when people treat each and their three children have just other badly, or when people just turn moved into a new house. their heads away from what is going They've barely unpacked when on. strange things begin to happen, which Production values are excellent, particularly upsets Renai. and the director never loses his grip When son Dalton falls into a myson the material. terious coma, Renai suspects that his RATING - **** condition may be caused by something not of this world.

The reason behind the ghostly occurances is a rather clever one ■ (M). 91 minutes. Available to rent (similar to the Michael Keaton thriller White Noise and the 1982 classic Polon DVD now.

Director John Landis (The Blues tergeist), and makes for a solid founBrothers/ An American Werewolf In dation, but Whannell's script is highly London/ Innocent Blood/Trading variable.

Performances too a very uneven, Places) makes a welcome return to despite the presence of a strong cast. form with Burke And Hare, a goodDirector Wan shows a refreshing natured comedy that deals with rather love for a more old-fashioned style of grim material. horror where sounds, darkness, and Set in 1820's Edinburgh, Simon suggestion are far more effective than Pegg and Andy Serkis play William over-the-top blood-and-gore.

Burke and William Hare respectively, Insidious proves to be Wan's most two down-on-their-luck con-artists successful film to date. who are barely making ends meet.

RATING - *** Also having problems is Dr Knox - Aaron Rourke.

Bedevilled

Insidious

Burke And Hare

NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: SEPTEMBER 22: ABDUCTION, CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS, THE LION KING, THE (3D), MAYDAY 3DNA, MONTE CARLO, SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD, TABLOID, THE SCORCEROR & THE WHITE SNAKE. SEPTEMBER 29: CRAZY STUPID LOVE, FORCE, PROJECT NIM, THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE, THE WHISTLEBLOWER. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. FAST AND FURIOUS 5 [Action/ Thriller/Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson].

2. SNOWTOWN [Crime/Drama/ Daniel Henshall, Lucas Pittaway, Craig Coyne].

3. HOODWINKED TOO! - HOOD VS EVIL [Animated/Family/Glenn Close, Martin Short].

4. BLITZ [Action/Thriller/Jason Statham, Paddy Considine, David Morrissey].

5. SOURCE CODE [Thriller/Science Fiction/Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan].

6. SUCKER PUNCH [Action/Fantasy/Thriller/Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone].

7. BIUTIFUL [Drama/Crime/Mystery/Javier Bardem, Maricel Alvarez].

8. BATTLE - LOS ANGELES: [Science Fiction/War/Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez].

9. THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST [Thriller/Noomi Rapace].

10. INSIDIOUS [Horror/Thriller/ Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne].

Also: DRIVE ANGRY, THE HOLE, PAUL, SECRETARIAT, ARTHUR, BURKE & HARE, YOUR HIGHNESS, VANISHING ON 7th STREET, UNKNOWN, THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: RIO [Animated/Family/Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Jamie Foxx].

ESSENTIAL KILLING [Thriller/ Vincent Gallo, Emmanuelle Seigner, Zach Cohen].

KILL THE IRISHMAN [Crime/ Drama/Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer].

THE GUNDOWN [Western/Peter Coyote, Andrew Walker, William Shockley].

LIKE DANDELION DUST [Drama/ Barry Pepper, Mira Sorvino].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE TWO JAKES [Drama/Crime/ Thriller/Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Meg Tilly].

FALLING IN LOVE [Drama/Romance/Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep].

Turn To Page 55

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - Page 51

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS

Gemco Players ■ Murder on the Puffing Billy Express Sunday, October 2 between 2 and 4pm at the Hall, The Gem Community Arts Centre, Emerald. More actors needed. For more details see http://www.gemcoplayers.org/puffing-billy-audition/

Waterdale Players ■ Parade October 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 from 6.30pm - 10.00pm at Yarangabee Centre, Parade College, 1436 Plenty Rd., Bundoora. Director: Aimee Fraser; Musical Director: Ian Nisbet; Choreography: Emma Kiely. Audition bookings: 0402 517 515.

SHJooSH Productions ■ Pageant October 25 from 7.00pm at the Catchment Rehearsal Factory, 10 Malua St., Reservoir. Directors: Nathan Firmin and Brad Fischer. 5 males required who will be performing as women in this riotous comedy for the 2012 Midsumma Festival. Audition bookings: 9408 1350.

FEATURE SHOW

Hartwell Players ■ The Voysey Inheritance What are the scandalous practices that have been kept secret for two generations within the Voysey family? As a young man reveals the news his older siblings don't want to believe, a family is split apart in a bitter struggle for control. Until October 1 at 8pm, at Ashwood Performing Arts Centre, Vannam Drive, Ashwood. Tickets: $18 Full price, $12 Concession $40 Family. Group discount: Book in advance for 10 or more and pay just $10 per ticket.

Bookings: http://hartwellplayers.org.au/Plays/Voysey or call 9513 9581.

SHOWS

MLOC Productions ■ Camelot November 4 - 12 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd., Elwood. Director: Judy Sullivan; Musical Director; Danny Forward; Choreography: Merilyn Young.

Bookings: 9570-4052.

Community Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

‘THE MOUSETRAP’ AT BALLARAT SHOWS ■ Ballarat National Theatre: The Mousetrap October 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 at 8pm, October 8 at 6pm and October 2, 8, 9 at 2pm at the SMB Courthouse Theatre, Lydiard St. South (Parking off Armstrong St. South), Ballarat. Tickets: $20/$17. Bookings: 5333 5888.

Pygmalion

Babirra Music Theatre ■ The Pajama Game October 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 8pm and October 9, 15 at 2pm at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Codirectors: Jaison Hoernel and Kerryn Hoernel; Musical Director: Naomi Osborne. Bookings: 9262 6555 or www.babirra.org.au

Croydon Parish Players ■ The Sound of Music October 14 - 22 at the Mahon Theatre, Aquina College, Great Ryrie St., Ringwood. Director: Nick Walter; Musical Director: Jenn Walter. Tickets: $30/$26/$20 Bookings: 0447 014 584.

Gemco Players ■ Blood Brothers October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 8pm, October 23 at 5pm and October 29 at 2pm at The Gem Community Arts Centre, Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Tanya RyderBarnes; Musical Director: Marg Gemmell; Choreographer: Trent Morison. Bookings: 0411 723 530 between 7.00-10.00pm, or text during the day.

● Colonel Pickering at left (Gary O'Dwyer)is a little astonished by the ‘natural philosophy’ of Eliza's father, Alfred Doolittle (Joe Grgic).

■ Pygmalion is being presented at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute PerformingArts Centre, Cnr Sydney and Glenlyon Rds., Brunswick until October 1 at 8pm.

In this George Bernard Shaw classic directed by Karim Shaker, we see that the words we use sometimes matter less than the way we speak them.

Tickets: $20 or $15 unwaged. Bookings: 9388 1942.

Cheryl Threadgold on 3AW ■ Non-Pro Theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold is heard weekly on 3AW Melbourne Overnight program hosted by Andrew McLaren. Cheryl presents a segment with the latest community theatre news at 12.45am Wednesdays.

Don’t Take It As Gospel

Strathmore Theatrical (STAG) ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Educating Rita (by Willy Russell) November 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 24, 26 at 8pm; November 20 at 2pm at the Strathmore Community Hall, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Brett Turner. www.stagtheatre.org ● Professor Higgins (Rowan Butler) pontificates as usual to a distinctly unamused Eliza Doolittle (Grace McKenzie).

Photo: Steve Gagen

Eltham Little Theatre ■ The Perils of Purity Pimble (Music Hall) (by Joan Dalgleish) November 10 - December 3 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Bookings: 9437 1574or eltbookings@gmail.com

COMMUNITY RADIO EXTRA

Beatles show, 19 years on

The Basin Theatre Group ■ Jigsaws (by Jennifer Rogers) November 10 - December 4 at Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Joe Tuppeney. Tickets: $22. Bookings: 1300 784 668.

THEATRE EXTRA

Greek Film Festival ■ The Greek Film Festival will be in Melbourne from October 12-30. It has one of the strongest programs to date including internationally awarded and acclaimed films, comedies, dramas, documentaries and classics by the late legendary Greek director Michael Cacoyannis (Zorba the Greek).

Specific to Sydney and Melbourne's program will be a tribute to film legend and multi award winning Michael Cacoyiannis. From a documentary of his life in My Life And Times: Michael Cacoyiannis (dir. Lydia Karras) to some of his greatest works including Stella (1955) and A Girl In Black (1956) this legendary Greek-Cypriot director's contribution was the first to give Greek film an international reputation in a country with no previous history of cinematic distinction.

● Laura Ireland and Colin Morley in Don't Take It As Gospel ■ Dandenong Theatre Company Inc proudly presents Don't Take It As Gospel until October 8 at the Old Council Chambers, Trades Hall, Carlton.

Written by DTC member Matt Caton of Croydon, Don't Take ItAs Gospel is the company's entry in the 2011 Melbourne Fringe Festival.

The play is a cheeky and irreverent celebration of how the greatest book ever written came to be. Exploring the role that publishing, editing and Dan Brown all had on the final edition of the Bible that we know today, the show studies the process from the perspective of four unemployed writers ... who happened to be disciples ... who walked into a bar.

Tickets: $18 full price $15 concession. Bookings: 9660 9666 or www.melbournefringe.com.au

■ A Melbourne community radio program featuring The Beatles celebrated its 19th birthday on Monday (Sept. 26).

Let It Be Beatles goes to air on Stereo 974, hosted by John Shorten, at 10pm Mondays.

In 1992 at the close of the football season, John Shorten was looking for something to occupy his time slot during the off season.

He thought a Beatles program would be great and he approached fellow announcer and Beatle collector Graeme Dickenson to see if together they could create an enjoyable program on the Fab Four. The program was christened Let It Be Beatles.

At the commencement of the next football season Shorten's program returned to his normal format and Let It Be Beatles continued in a new time slot Here started a day-by-day history of the Beatles in the studio featuring Interviews, live recordings, out-takes, demos and completed product.

Over the years Let It Be Beatles has featured exclusive interviews with George Harrison and George Martin. www.twacorbiesdesign.com/Radio+Show

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 g y, y , Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 6 Across

Across 1. Most advantageous 6. Drearier 11. Oil-exporting cartel 13. Oar 17. Frustrates 22. Mushroom seed 23. Go to bistro (3,3) 24. Chief 25. Step 26. Scottish city 27. Cavort 29. Domesticated 32. Flair 34. Terra firma (3,4) 35. Chain-store outlet 36. Demure 38. Glide aloft 39. Thoughts 41. Pointy beard 42. Keepsakes 44. Finest 46. Mausoleum, Taj ...

48. Doze, ... off 49. Common shoreline bird 50. Lucifer 51. Direction 53. Elbowroom 56. A single entity 57. Man 58. Reached high point 59. Female fox 60. Beast 63. Agree to 65. Deity 66. Red-faced 67. Grandma 68. Squash (insect) 69. Cloth scrap 71. Manned (ship) 72. Skirt edge 74. Fencing sword 75. Canine skin disease 76. Float on breeze 77. Early Peruvians 79. Classic painting, ... Lisa 80. Adult education group (1,1,1) 82. Elliptical shapes 84. Vegetable paste 85. Tiny 87. Tennis champ, Monica ...

89. Mad Roman emperor 91. Recount 93. Disguises 94. Circus performers 96. Demise 98. Festival, Mardi ...

101. Mongrel dogs 102. Female zebras 103. Meal, bangers & ...

104. Quantity of paper 106. Streamlined 108. Plain-spoken 109. Minerals 110. Attracted 111. Earthquake measure, ... scale 113. Dressed 115. Fully satisfies 117. Active European volcano 118. Persona ... grata 119. Eiffel Tower city 120. Heavily scented 121. Restorative medicine 123. Move unsteadily 125. The masses, ... polloi 126. Eskimo coat 127. Flagpoles 128. Jacob's Old Testament twin 130. Racing driver, ... Mansell 132. Verification 134. Marshy 135. Drains (udder) 137. Shout 139. Apple drink 141. Me, ... truly 143. Wigwam 144. Money factories 145. Floor dance 147. Patch up 149. Recorded 151. Trace 153. Cracks (of lip) 154. Israel's ... Meir 155. Tablets 157. Soon 159. Mention, ... to 161. Damascus is there 162. Aviator, ... Johnson 163. Dads 164. Card game 166. Fuse (of bones) 168. Challenger 170. ... Francisco 171. It is (poetic) ('3) 172. Peaceful resort 173. ... Lang Syne 174. Form (conclusion) 176. Valley 178. Giant 180. Golfing body (1,1,1) 182. Asked (question) 183. Healthy 185. Radial or cross-ply 187. Utter (cry) 189. Tibetan priests 191. African language group 192. Super athlete, ... Lewis 193. Army eatery 195. Naval exercises 197. Couple 199. Filled pastries 201. Gullible 202. Greek philosopher 203. Killer whale

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Implement Haggard Drizzles Musical, Porgy & ...

Cuban currency Sink in middle Following Clothing Tennis great, ... Borg Ermine Eternal City Singer, ... Horne Italian money unit Blunders Glum Canadian gold rush region Lifeless (hair) Rescue Jazz style, bossa ...

Toadstools China's ... Zedong Bark ... mortis Boxing dais White ant Wordless acts Actors Gibson or Brooks Underneath Of birth Murder (2,2) Cash advances Pulverises (fruit) Ravine Old photo shade Scour Haemorrhaged Brazil's ... Paulo Surrenders Metal mixture Howls shrilly Egret US shares index, ... Jones Unwanted plants Verdant Chairs Inflexible Playwright, ... Simon Macho Small change Delivery vehicle 135 down opera house, La ...

Uncovered (facts) (3,2) Elevators Police klaxon Also known as (1,1,1) Skip Run off to marry Half Queens' seats Bops Potato Brown pigment Principle Phoned Jug Styles Stairs, apples & ...

Hurl ... & lows Shrieked Rent out again Slum area Nail Judges Nasty Sections The Constant Gardener's ... Fiennes Longbow timber Skating stadium Hitler's Third ...

Golfing stroke CDs, compact ...

Beliefs Thus far, as ...

Neatly Yasser Arafat's group (1,1,1) Salesmen Double agent Sit idly Windies batsman, ... Richards Prima donna Writer, ... Hemingway Itemises Carnival car Seed Fashionable, ... mode (1,2) Movie examiner Religious sister Scene of event Clever Irish paramilitary force (1,1,1) Thai food ingredient, ... grass Composer's work Bombardments Dishes Viola flower Solid Tenancy agreements Snagged First Collar folds Prayer ending Rugby player Ocean phase (3,4) Balderdash Garden water feature Twice Master of Ceremonies Reckoned Stylish Louts Ordered about Scraped (river bottom)

Down

Down 1. Continuing 2. Sad play 3. Flavour enhancer (1,1,1) 4. On top of 5. Cut (lawn) 6. Debauched 7. Bonier 8. NCO rank, ... corporal 9. Engrave 10. Caviar base 11. Sofa footstool 12. Bosom 13. Gently touch 14. Cricketer, ... Gilchrist 15. Fuel oil 16. Property 17. Little bit 18. Engage 19. Dryly humorous 20. Rude driver (4,3) 21. Encumbered (with) 28. Considered 30. Yemen port 31. Males 33. Nuzzles 35. Betting organiser 36. Doled (out) 37. Namely (2,3) 40. Extinguish 41. Dirty looks 42. Mel Gibson movie, Mad ...

43. Footy Show personality, ... Newman 45. Employ (4,2) 47. Positive electrode 49. Mankind 50. Scorch 52. Tells good story 54. Fishing bait 55. Sighed sleepily 58. Pressed fabric folds 59. Windmill arms 60. Appalling 61. Chatter 62. Mixed (with poison) 64. 12 months 67. Irritating complainers 68. Chanted 70. Strong winds 72. Testosterone & oestrogen 73. Melted (of rock) 75. Contemplated 76. England's Isle of ...

78. Closes securely 81. Withholds vote 83. Tubs 84. Trims 85. Feebly sentimental 86. Vertical 88. Pilfer 90. Lecherous gaze 92. Greek & German currency unit 93. Hymn, Ave ...

94. Car hoists 95. Beauty parlour 97. Excited (3,2) 99. Baseballer, Babe ...

100. AD, ... Domini 102. Unclear 103. Fogs 105. Frenzied 107. SeaChange actress, ... Armstrong 110. Jumbo 111. Teething sticks 112. Contact 114. Number 116. Scurry 119. Book leaves 120. Mediterranean republic isle 122. Lebanese wood 124. 24 in a day 126. Opium source 127. Cares for 129. Fertiliser compound 131. Social outcast 133. Becomes tattered 134. Light rays 135. Northern Italian city 136. End 138. Jerk 140. Refurbish 142. Abandon 143. Siamese 144. Scooter 145. Bacon edge 146. Trudge 148. Hunger 150. Evil spirit 152. Monarch 154. Relinquished (4,2) 155. Election 156. Varieties 158. Longest river 160. Proportional, pro ...

163. Bygone 164. Strain (muscle) 165. "No" vote 167. Office casual 169. Lantern 171. Burrows 172. Integrity 173. Spray can 175. Inscribed 177. Romantic US falls 179. Kenya's capital 181. Sneeze noise (1-6) 182. Prepares (the way) 183. Irrigate 184. Stick-on symbol

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Wise men Drunkard Apply friction to Transgression Steak cuts (1-5) Tart Actor, ... Sharif Type of orange Yield, ... in Prompts (memory) Similar Roman garments Writer, ... Blyton Singer, ... King Cole Auction items Jostles Yeses NRL legend, Laurie ...

Nick Door handle Cupid Weather feature, El ...

Dossiers Cantaloupe Friend in war Pontiffs Less frequent Cover with gold Address to royalty (2'2) Caked with soil Stubborn animals Cunning tricks Graphic Inert gas Removes skin from Music guru, ... A Baker Quickly False Lived Dollars & ...

Ram zodiac sign Piously Musty Timbuktu's river Thin biscuit Injures with horns Announces (5,3) Deadly sin Three Musketeers author Excavated Cat-like mammal Bullets Pen-points Greenfly Squeeze between fingers Mooed Facets Lethargy Actor, ... Russell Trial Famous Swiss mountain Send (payment) Sudden bumps Ooze Chirp Feels about Clemency Mucus Sharp-tasting Happy face Eject lava ... & crafts Speaks gratingly January birthstone Dry Blades Spurn Ski trail Lives without comforts, ... it Banish Ku Klux ...

Submitted (application) Islamic governors Of kidneys Treats royally, ... & dines Dallied Holding dear Blood-sucking creature Dried coconut kernels Small chunk Folk heroes Dubious Male duck Zigzag-edge scissors, ... shears Listen attentively (3,4) Dirtied Wrinkle Floral arrangement urn Fellows ..., steady, go Assault weapon, battering ...

Swimming places Truck's unladen weight Snow-covered peaks Vagrant South African conflict, ... War Belonging to it Jar top Chinese ... sauce Centre Liquid crystal display (1,1,1) Teeny-weeny

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - Page y y g 53

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Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Success at Maryborough ■ Huntly breeder/owners Ian and Sue White were also successful at Maryborough with consistent 6Y-0 Keystone Salute/Vestal Vee gelding Vee Salute in the Crameri Export Quality Chaff Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2190 metres.

Trained by Ian's father Bill a veteran of the sport, Vee Salute driven by Ian was given every chance from barrier four trailing the polemark leader Outpunch Enchanter throughout the race.

Using the sprint lane on turning, Vee Salute finished his race of well to chalk up his 5th victory in 49 outings, defeating Le Chabanais from three back in the running line and Mattnabbey which trailed home both the favourite Bargain Basement and Xanderxav three wide in the last lap. The mile rate 2-06.3.

Profitable time at Kilmore ■ Meltonians Dianne Giles, Lance Justice and Jason Hackett enjoyed a profitable night at the Kilmore meeting held on Tuesday September 20, with each figuring in the winners stall.

Dianne Giles produced 4-Y-0 Mattuity/Aarrana gelding Star Of Aarrana bred, raced and trained by her to land the cash in the Goulburn Murray Credit Union Pace for C0 class over 1690 metres.

Driven by Jason Hackett, Star Of Aarrana ($27.60) second up since January enjoyed a cosy trip from gate four trailing the leader Dabeers Zargon, before easing to the outside on the final bend and finishing best to score from All Aussie Star and Dabeers Zargon in a rate of 1-59.5.

Partner Lance Justice followed suit with ex-Kiwi Rural Jack in the Anthony Schembri Memorial Pace for C0 class over the same journey.

Driven for speed from gate six, Rural Jack a 6-Y0 gelded son of now defunct Falcon Seelster and Soky's Rose, led throughout to account for Holdem Poker which shadowed him for the last lap, with Kurt Angle (one/one last lap) third. The mile rate 157.7.

I Look A Lot at Terang ■ Melton trainer Mick Hughes (part of the Lance Justice, Dianne Giles & Jason Hackett operation), landed the M.J. O'Keeffe Memorial Pace for C2 to C4 class over 2180 metres at Terang on Thursday with ever reliable 5-Y-0 Our Sir Vancelot/Mirra Mirra gelding I Look A Lot. Driven by Jason Hackett, I Look A Lot began very fast from gate five to lead, before handing over to the favourite Lucksonmyside which drew outside him to receive the run of the race.

Easing away from the markers on the home turn to challenge, I Look A Lot proved too strong for the favourite to score by 3.7 metres in a rate of 1-59.3, with the well supported Transformation third off a three wide trail in the last lap.

Run of the race ■ Ararat's Michael Bellman did quaddie punters no favours at the Geelong fixture on Wednesday after winning the first leg - the APG Yearling Sales3-Y-0 Pace over 2100 metres with $15.70 chance Misschinoise.

A daughter of Die Laughing and Lily Princess trained and driven by Mick, Misschinoise was given the run of the race from the pole trailing Peter Manning's Oh So Bossy Lombo drawn next to her, before using the sprint lane to gain the day in a rate of 2-02.4 over the leader and Vesper Lynd (one/one - three wide home turn) which made two moves.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Kilmore, Thursday - Bendigo, Friday - Horsham/Ballarat, Saturday - Shepparton, Sunday - Cranbourne, Monday - Maryborough, Tuesday - Mildura.

GOOD FORTUNE AT CHARLTON ■ Up and coming squaregaiter Miss Southern Land brought up three wins in succession when victorious in the Danny Hawkes Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2100 metres at the central Victorian venue of Charlton on Monday September 19.

A 4-Y-0 daughter of Continentalman and quality mare Miss Universe which has had had plenty of problems since her juvenile days, is raced by Daylesford's Anne-Maree Conroy and husband Mick Barby, with Mick also in charge of the mares training program.

Driven by Gavin Lang, Miss Southern Land at start number 10 began safely from the 10 metre mark, settling three back in the moving line, while what was considered to be her main danger ex-Kiwi Perfect For Us was not on her best behaviour galloping several times.

Moving three wide to park outside the pacemaker Ourlittlelil at the bell, Miss Southern Land was always coasting and effortlessly surged to the front on the home turn to win with plenty in hand over Clarrie Stone (one/ one last lap) and Cost Me A Quid (three wide last lap) in a rate of 2-07.3.

To the front ■ Riddell trainer Vince Vallelonga scored a firstup Australian victory with former Kiwi 5-Y-0 gelding Fiery Count in the Rob Auber Pace for C1 class over 2180 metres at Kilmore on Tuesday.

Driven by Damian Wilson, Fiery Count (Courage Under Fire/ Make Em Count) having his first outing since October last year was eased to the tail of the field from outside the front line, before moving forward three wide solo at the bell.

Sustaining a long run, Fiery Count raced to the front halfway up the running to gain the day in advance of Classic Jet along the sprint lane from four back the markers, with Incoming Flight third after leading. The mile rate 201.8.

Broke status ■ Elmore trainer Keith Cotchin's ever reliable 4Y-0 Bettor Watch Me/ Keeping Watch gelding Bettor Watch Me broke his maiden status at start number four in taking the Charlton & District Community Bank Pace for C0 class over 2100 metres at Charlton on Monday.

Driven by Greg Sugars,

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Horses To Follow ■ Makemcrymaori, Fiery Exit, Jaccka Murray, Lucksonmyside, Ultimate Escape, George Samuel, Ohoka Mach, Princess Fiona.

6 out of 16 Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

Bettor Watch Me from gate three led and after being pressured severely by the local hope Xbolt at Supertab odds of $76.40 on the home turn which actually appeared to take a slender lead on straightening, fought back under vigouous driving to gain the day in a rate of 2-02.6, with Mister Pickles (one/ two - three wide last lap) close up third.

Responded ■ Lemnos duo Russell and Nathan Jack's speedy 4-Y-0 Bettors Delight/Lisa Lombo mare Lombo Little Charmer was successful in the Harness Breeders (Vic) Pace for C1 & C2 class (mares) over 2100 metres at Charlton.

Burning across the face of the field to lead from gate six, Lombo Little Charmer was restrained shortly after the start to take a trail on coShepparton trained Riddle Me That, thus enjoying the run of the race throughout.

With Flylika Bird Lombo applying plenty of pressure to the leader approaching the home turn, Nathan Jack was able to ease Lombo Little Charmer three wide on the final bend and when asked for an effort, responded to draw clear over the concluding stages over a game Flylika Bird Lombo and Riddle Me That in a rate of 2-01.1.

Three wide ■ Bendigo trainer/driver Glenn Comensoli's very professional 5-Y-0 Jet Laag/Trendy Jacqui gelding Summanus registered his 12th victory when successful in the SEWEurodrive Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2180 metres at Kilmore on Tuesday, returning a mile rate of 200.4.

Although trapped wide from outside the front row as the starter released the field, Summanus angled across to enjoy a perfect

one/one passage throughout the race, with Our Falcons A Tact working extremely hard to lead from gate six.

Eased three wide on the home turn, Summanus put pay to his rivals in the twinkling of an eye, careering away to win in a breeze from Madam Altissimo which trailed the leader, moving to be one/one on the final bend, with Ohoka Mach an eye catching third from miles back.

Surprise!

■ Sunshine resident Alexandra Hurley along with breeder Graeme Sheers and partners received a pleasant surprise when their 5-Y-0 Grinfromeartoear/Bonnie Cheval (Village Jasper) gelding Smile No More was on his best behaviour to land the Yankee Spider @ Bayunga Lodge Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2190 metres at Maryborough on Friday September 23.

Trained at Longlea by Glenn Sharp who must get very frustrated whenever the horse goes to the races as he usually gallops due to being so spooky, Smile For Me with Chris Alford handling the reins stepped beautifully from barrier five to be outside the leader Oi You which had worked hard to arrest the front running away from the pole marker Town Player who galloped under pressure on the first turn.

This allowed Smile For Me to stride clear and allowed to bowl along at his leisure, ran his rivals ragged in defeating Mister Jonas and Maggie Truscott in a rate of 2-06.

It was Smile For Me's 2nd victory in 38 outings.

Alex can be heard on a regular basis as co-host of the award winning radio program Harness Review, (8.30pm, Mondays on 979fm).

- Len Baker

■ Peter Manning's consistent Earl/Kims Fantasy 4-Y-0 gelding Lillingstonelovell registered his 6th victory in 16 outings when a convincing winner of the Geelong Australia Trotters Mobile for T1 & T2 class over 2100 metres at Beckley Park.

Driven by Glen Craven, Lillingstonelovell showed brilliant speed to lead from outside the front row and never looked like being beaten, coasting to the wire 4.3 metres in advance of Titillate (one/one at bell) and Keystone Crown which trailed the winner in a mile rate of 2-04.7.

Punters in disbelief ■ Hamilton's Caleb Lewis had quaddie punters scratching their heads in disbelief at Terang on Thursday, after winning the first leg - the Reicha's Store Terang Pace for C1 class over 1680 metres with Portland owned 5-Y-0 Bookmaker/Manwarra Backchat gelding Manwarra Logic at Supertab odds of $64.40.

Trained and driven by Caleb, Manwarra Logic from gate four on the second line commenced a forward move three wide from near last in the final circuit, being obliged by Girls Got Rhythm coming out ahead of him, giving him a nice trail into the race.

Despite being wide on the final bend, Manwarra Logic finished best to register his 4th victory in 31 outings, defeating Bentom Belle along the sprint lane to give Hamilton the quinella which paid $447.20, with the favourite Tagging third after leading. The mile rate 2-00.2.

Manwarra Logic was formerly trained by expectant mother Emily Wombwell in Portland.

Sent forward from 20m ■ Great Western part-owner/trainer Warren Bird can usually come up with a winner every now and then and snared the Emerson's Printing & Publishing Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2180 metres with 6-Y-0 Malabar Maple/Chiolas Luck gelding Looks A Moral.

Sent forward from the 20 metre mark by Chris Alford to park outside his stablemate Gingimrick which led off 10 metres, Looks A Moral outstayed his rivals to score from My Dads Poppy (three wide last lap) and Master Kiesey (three back the markers) in a rate of 2-07.4.

Good luck at home track ■ Wallan's Ruth and Chris Shinn were successful at their home track of Kilmore on Tuesday September 20, when Yankee Paco/Sophisticated Rhythm filly Tai Chi brought up a hat-trick of wins in taking the George Brosnan Memorial 3-Y-0 Trotters Handicap over 2150 metres in a rate of 2-08.3.

Bred and raced by Noel Shinn, trained by Ruth and driven by Chris, Tai Chi began safely from a 10 metre handicap, biding his time four back along the markers, with Picture Of Hope leading from outside the front line.

When Mister Pepe dashed to the front approaching the home turn after trailing the pacemaker, Tai Chi was in hot pursuit, proving far superior on straightening to score by 7.6 metres on the wire over him, with Jack Castleton (three back the markers) a distant third.

Great night at Terang ■ Dunnstown trainer/driver David Murphy had a night to remember at Terang on Thursday, bowling punters for a six after scoring aboard two roughies One Fellas Fancy ($11.40) in the Willsher's Showcase Jewellers Camperdown Pace for C1 class over 1680 metres and Mwerrangker ($26.80) in the Terang Ideal Dairy Pace for C0 class over 2180 metres, both mares.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - Page 55

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 50

BLACK CAVIAR, HOW FAR? ■ After nominations were received fro the rich Patinack Farm Classic it appears the unbeaten Australian Horse of the Year, Black Caviar, has a mortgage on the event, providing she comes back to her brilliant best, when she resumes at Caulfield on Guineas Day, October 8.

Having won he first 13 starts, the daughter of Bel Espirit, only needs to win at Caulfield to emulate the mighty Phar Lap, who strung together 14 successive wins before being beaten.

Already acknowledged as the best sprinter in the world"; ‘Nellie’ as she is known around the stables looks set to continue on her merry way according to her trainer, Peter Moody, who says she has come back after her spell, bigger and better than ever.

At a look at the nominations there don't appear to be many that could match it with the ‘Speed Queen’.

The Peter Snowden great galloper, Sepoy, a winner of the Blue Diamond and the Golden Slipper, looks to be the only one that can get near her.

In all 43 nominations were received from Australasian sprinters for the Global Sprint Challenge leg.

Peter Moody has more than 20 per cent of the Patinack Farm Classic noms.

Along with Black Caviar, he has entered Beckon, Curtana, Doubtful Jack, Golden Archer, Huegill, Kulgrinda, Mid Summer Music, and Panipique, his other nominations.

Leading Sydney trainer Peter Snowden may also have multiple runners with Beaded, Parables, Pinwheel, Rarefied, and Soul along with Sepoy.

Former Australian Racehorse of the Year, Scenic Blast, Golden Slipper winner, Crystal Lily, boom three-year-old Smart Missile, multiple Group 1 winners, Danleigh and Response, and ex Hong Kong star, Happy Zero, now in the care of Team Hawkes, John, Michael, and Wayne - are among

Ted Ryan

DVD, Blu-Ray FILM: THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ADELE BLANC-SEC. Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Comedy.

Cast: Louise Bourgoin, Mathieu Amalric, Philippe Nahon.

Year: 2010.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 107 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: *** Verdict: The Fifth Element, La Femme Nikita and Leon: The Professional director, Luc Besson, is back in the director's chair with this entertaining adventure set in the early part of the 20th century of a popular novelist and her dealings with Cops, Monsters, Ancient Egyptian Mummies and other daily distractions, all in an endeavour to cure her ailing sister, a good fun unfailing and traditional romp filled with plenty of innocent enough thrills and laughs, not quite up to par with some of Besson's previous classics, but a highly enjoyable journey filled with delightfully quirky characters in the tradition of those mentioned below.

Comparable Recommendations: Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Mummy [1999], Sherlock Holmes [2009].

- James Sherlock ■ From Page 50

the big-name entries.

They will join Godolphin's Delegator, as the 44 Patinack Classic entries.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained son of Dansili, accompanied Society Rock as the international entries, and while Society Rock has been withdrawn, Delegator remains in contention fro a trip to Flemington.

Exciting type ■ Flying Queensland filly, Karuta Queen, could be seen at the Spring Carnival in Melbourne, after her brilliant win in the listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill recently.

One of the most popular fillies racing in Australia, Karuta Queen showed her usual high cruising speed and a great burst in the last 200 metres to win by 2.5 lengths.

On her day there is none better than her out of the machine, and her Queanbeyan based trainer, Neville Layt said his flashy filly, a winner of the Magic Millions could even come up against Back Caviar, when she travels south.

Layt said: "She'll go to Melbourne for a couple of 1000 metre races and she is going to be hard to catch".

"It doesn't matter what's behind her-unless it's Black Caviarthey have to be able to run the time to catch her".

Karuta Queen was a $30,000 buy for owners Glenn and Viva Williams at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Turangga Farm.

Now a five time winner from only nine runs, the Not a Single Doubt youngster, has earned a staggering $1,592,750.

Karuta Queen is a daughter of the Group winning Final Card mare, Card Queen - a five time winner including a Group 3 Diamond Prelude for fillies.

The mare's latest yearling- a cracking filly - will go under the hammer during the super select session of the 2012 Magic Millions Perth yearling sales on February 14t.

A striking chestnut filly, Karuta Queen, will be a standout everywhere she goes in Victoria, a really lovely filly.

Check her out when you see her in the mounting yard, in Victoria, come Cup Carnival time.

test cricketer and leading racing man, Simon O'Donnell.

Glen, who piloted the mighty mare, Makybe Diva to three Melbourne Cups in 2003-4-5, is a great speaker and it should be a big night.

With a lead up to the Melbourne Cup it is a night you shouldn't miss.

Legends Family Day ■ As a lead up to the big Spring Racing Carnival, Living Legends are ready to sizzle, with their Legends Family Day on October 16, the day after the Caulfield Cup at their magnificent Homestead at Sunbury, just near the Tullamarine Airport.

The special occa-

● Glen Boss Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 sion will tie in with the Hume Festival of Music, when they will host an exciting fun filled carnival day fro the ■ It you would like to join me in some fun whole family.

Highlights will in- nights over the Spring clude pony rides, face Racing Carnivals join painting and kid's en- me at the Newmarket tertainment, photo op- Tavern on Raceportunities with the course Road, near the Legends of the Turf, Flemington Track on including many Caulfield Cup Eve, Melbourne Cup win- October 14; Cox Plate ners, like Saintly, Eve, October 2; and Doreimus, and Might Derby Eve, October 28.

Giveaways and and Power.

You will have the tips for all races the opportunity to wander next day at the big through the historic ones.

Then on Melhomestead and garbourne Cup Eve, I dens.

Live entertainment will be running the will be provided by Calcutta Night on the Bobsy Die, a good Cup with a Phantom time folk music group Call at the South performing traditional Oakleigh Club, in Vicand contemporary tor Rd, East Bentsongs from around the leigh. Phone 9579 4855. world.

Hope to see you at The Hume Festival is set to run for 10 days. both venues.

Racing nights

■ CHANGING LANES [Drama/Thriller/ Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Affleck].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: AFL - Brisbane Lions vs Essendon - The Final Story: 2001 - 10 Years On. Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! - Wubbzy and the Fire Engine.

John Farnham: The Acoustic Chapel Sessions DVD/CD. TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. STAR WARS - The Complete Saga [Science Fiction/Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Ewan McGregor].

2. SNOWTOWN [Crime/Drama/Daniel Henshall, Lucas Pittaway, Craig Coyne].

3. FAST AND FURIOUS 5 [Action/Thriller/ Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson].

4. BLITZ [Action/Thriller/Jason Statham, Paddy Considine, David Morrissey].

5. SUCKER PUNCH [Action/Fantasy/Thriller/ Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone].

6. BATTLE - LOS ANGELES: [Science Fiction/War/Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez].

7. HOODWINKED TOO! - HOOD VS EVIL [Animated/Family/Glenn Close, Martin Short].

8. BIUTIFUL [Drama/Crime/Mystery/Javier Bardem, Maricel Alvarez].

9. SOURCE CODE [Thriller/Science Fiction/ Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan].

10. THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST [Thriller/Noomi Rapace].

Also: The Hole, Insidious, Apocalypse Now, Secretariat, Paul, Arthur, Drive Angry, Your Highness, Unknown, The Adjustment Bureau.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: RIO [Animated/Family/Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Jamie Foxx].

ESSENTIAL KILLING [Thriller/Vincent Gallo, Emmanuelle Seigner, Zach Cohen].

KILL THE IRISHMAN [Crime/Drama/Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer].

THE GUNDOWN [Western/Peter Coyote, Andrew Walker, William Shockley].

- James Sherlock

Great night coming ■ An evening that racegoers shouldn't miss will be held at Flemington on October 8, with the special Guest one of our truly greats, iockey Glen Boss.

One of the best in the business, Glen is one of the nicest guys to ride will entertain you, when he will be interviewed by former

Top 10 Lists

The Last Word ● Karuta Queen Photo by GREG IRVINE

■ Crime in multi-level car parks. That is wrong on so many levels.

■ I admire these phone hackers. I think they have a lot of patience. I can’t even by bothered to check my OWN voicemails.

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Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

MICK OUT-MALTED, BUT HAWKS FERMENTED ■ Alistair Clarkson copied Mick Malthouse tactics perfectly for threeand-a-bit quarters with players racing in numbers to the drop of the ball, outbodying opponents in ruck and marking duels and pushing them out of the contest.

Darren Jolly hampered by his groin injury couldn’t jump so he was forced to fight for front position and push back at throw-ins while Max Bailey and David Hale rode him like oversized jockeys.

The Magpies finished with 24 H/o to Hawks 48 helped by Hodge and Lewis, 6 each who were able to out jump Jolly.

Of course no free-kicks which Mick M had to accept because Jolly used these tactics all season.

Captain Nick Maxwell with his broken hand and injured wrist couldn’t jump over packs and thump the ball to the crumbers.

Dale Thomas struggled after missing 4 weeks with a paltry 20 Possessions and Didak was left too long on the bench.

Collingwood will improve next Saturday for many reasons and it is Mick Malthouse’s end of a brilliant career as a player and coach.

Clarkson and President Jeff Kennett were entitled to be shattered.

So too the players who watched the Magpies dig deeper and out-run the exhausted Hawks in the final 15 minutes.

The Hawks, top team for accurate kicking to team-mates forgot about the football ‘keepings-off’ strategy, packing the backline and even when ‘Buddy’Franklin gave them the three point lead with a delightful dribble goal and three minutes to play they chose not to run-down the clock.

At stages in the match the Hawks led by 30 points, 23 points and into the last quarter by 17 points.

Collingwood kicked 5.2 to 2.0 to snatch a victory which Hawthorn chose to lose.

Collingwood could not have won without Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury.

Swan was unlucky in the Brownlow last year and may never win one but he would be first pick in my team.

He lifted the Magpies spirits with his ‘never give up’ leadership.

Cats too strong ■ Geelong was too talented and too strong for WCEs who had a big year coming from ‘wooden spooners’ to finish Final Four.

It is likely Stevie Johnson will make a miracle recovery with his wrenched knee which will be important because he is a big occasion contributor and there is no bigger occasion than the Grand Final.

During the season I’ve warned how the Umps could suddenly clamp down on certain rules which would upset the Malthouse brew.

In the recent Finals weeks I’ve noticed they have insisted on policing the 5m protected area when a player chooses to go back and take his kick rather than elect to ‘play-on’.

The rule on ‘standing the mark’ is clear. No player is permitted within 5m either side, plus importantly the protected 10m area behind the mark.

Which means an opposition player cannot stand closer than 5m to tackle the player in this protected area.

It was not enforced on Saturday.And for most of the season

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel the player with the ‘guts’ to gather the ball and in straightening up is mowed down from behind and pushed face down into the ground with the opponent lying on top pinning him gets the Free for ‘holding the ball’.

Totally wrong decision.

So congrats to ‘Razor Ray’ Chamberlain for correctly paying in the back on Saturday.

But then his good work was undone when Tom Hawkins threw Eric McKenzie to the ground out of a marking contest, got the front position, and was paid the mark.

Robert Walls, who is a top special comments man on Ch 10 said “how good was that for Hawkins to get rid of McKenzie, get front position and take the mark – great play!”

Rob, you are not supposed to interfere with an opponent in any contest especially ‘marking’ unless the ball is within 5m and it is a legitimate action.

The ball was 35m away!

VFL Grand Final ■ The VFL Grand Final was played at the weekend. It reminded me of the ‘good old days’ of the now extinct VFA which was the original footy competition started in 1877, (the VFL/ AFL started in 1898).

It was between Williamstown v Port Melbourne. I recall so many stories from these two teams by my sidekick in radio, Tommy Lahiff and Gordon ‘Butch’ Ogden.

Both at stages in their careers were playing coaches of these two famous clubs.

The battles were fierce on the field but fiercer off-the-field with supporters fighting and pelting ‘yonnies’ (small bricks) and chasing each other to the trains and buses.

I guess Tommy, ‘Butch’, Sir Alex Gillon and Normie Goss would have been looking down from above and enjoying the Grand Final by two great adversaries.

Incidentally Port Melbourne, of which I’m a Life Member and at one stage No. 1 Member won the day – thefFinal scores: Port Melbourne 22.12.144 d Williamstown 13.10.88 by 56 points.

Port is coached by former Hawthorn great Gary Ayres.

There was a proud history to the VFA. They were innovative in their endeavours to survive against the powerful VFL and introduced the ‘throw-pass’, 16-men a side and best

of all Sunday Football, televised live on Channel 0 which became Ch 10.

It was hosted by my first co-commentator on Radio 3KZ, Phillip Gibbs, who was a big name in radio and whom I recall with great fondness.

I helped him get the ‘gig’ at Ch 0 as I recommended Phillip to Len Mauger, CEO of 10, when we sat together on a flight from Los Angeles back around 1963.

Phil became their top sports commentator. They also televised midweek horse racing.

Truscott Medal ■ Melbourne Football Club vicecaptain Brent Moloney has capped off an outstanding season, winning the 2011 Keith ‘Bluey’Truscott Memorial Trophy on Friday night at Crown.

Moloney, who finished second in 2009, claimed his first best and fairest with 227 votes.

He won the trophy by 26 votes, ahead of defenders Jared Rivers (201) and James Frawley (178), who finished second and third respectively.

Rounding out the top five was ballwinner Nathan Jones (171) and Jack Trengove (170).

The 27-year-old Moloney amassed 509 disposals (23.14 per match) – the best by any Melbourne player in 2011 – and was the club’s standout performer.

Moloney, who has endured his share of injuries in his 130-game AFL career, played all 22 matches in 2011 – the first time he has played every match in a season.

It was the midfielder’s ninth AFL season, after he played 23 matches with Geelong in 2003-04.

Moloney was traded to Melbourne for the 2005 season, and has since played 107 matches, reaching the 100game milestone this year.

For Rivers, who won the Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy, it was his highest finish to date in a Melbourne best and fairest, and the first time he has claimed a top-three placing.

And after finishing second last year, Frawley backed up with another fine season, claiming the Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy for third.

Jones, who received the Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy for fourth place, achieved his highest result since coming runner-up in 2007.

And, in just his second AFL sea-

son, youngster Jack Trengove claimed the Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy for coming fifth.

Meanwhile, Jordie McKenzie claimed two trophies – the Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (coach’s award) and the Heart and Soul Player Award.

Jack Grimes was presented with the Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy (leadership award), Colin Garland received the Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy (club ambassador award) and Jeremy Howe was awarded the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (best first year player).

And the Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy (highest votegetter by Melbourne-listed player in Casey Scorpions best and fairest) was won

by Matthew Bate.

Keith ‘Bluey’Truscott Memorial Trophy – top 10 1 – Brent Moloney (227 votes) 2 – Jared Rivers (201) 3 – James Frawley (178) 4 – Nathan Jones (171) 5 – Jack Trengove (170) 6 – Colin Garland (156) 7 – Mark Jamar (154) 8 – Stefan Martin (147) 9 – Jack Watts (145) 10 – Colin Sylvia (143)

Umpires’ power ■ Last Wednesday in my website TidBits column I opened with “Umpires will decide this week’s Prelim Finals and then the Grand Final”.

It prompted this email from a champion from the past who emailed my friend Baden Pratt: “Hi H,A request from Ocker. (Austin Robertson Jnr., who holds the WAFL top Goal-kicker career record with 1211 goals for Subiaco plus 44 for WA in State games and 60 for South Melbourne in 18 games he played for them in 1966.

It is the same man who was employed by Kerry Packer to organise World Series One Day cricket and managed and help produce John Cornell (‘Strop’ in the Paul Hogan TV series.)

“Would Harry give me some quotes on how the umpires could affect the result of this year's grand final?

“Maybe he thinks they won't have an effect, but I believe that the umpires at the West Coast-Carlton match seemed to lean towards the Eagles.

“Home ground? I don't know. It was not so much the difference in the number of free kicks -- it was where they were given.

Anyway, would Harry give me a few lines on how the umpires prepare, what goes through their minds prior to the game and during the heat of battle. Can do?

And please do not forget to pass on my best wishes. A great bloke, I recall -- and a fabulous umpire.” (??!!

H) It was a strong line but prompted by the three umpire system to work perfectly there must be ‘consistency’ in all aspects of the Rules, what is a genuine free, when is it in the back, who started the initial action which led to wrestling, inter-locking arms, shepherding in Ruck contests at bounces and ‘throw-ins’, and most important of all when can a player interfere with an opponent in a marking contest – the rule states when the ball is within 5 metres but we have the strong men like Travis Cloke,

Darren Jolly, Lance Franklin, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie and others who ‘push and shove’ their opponent when the ball is 30m away, when is it ‘play-on’, what is a fairdinkum 15m for a legitimate mark, when should the 50m penalty be paid and are all umpires on the same page as to how far is 50m?

With three individuals to get them all adjudicating and seeing incidents exactly the same is a ‘big’ ask and to give you an example with the latest trend is clever smaller men deliberately diving into packs head first to win an around the neck free.

And why so many packs?

Break them up with the first free which will stop the pack building to a wild scrimmage followed by the inevitable ‘ball-up’.

So far as to how they prepare under the three umpire system I don’t know. (It would be advantageous if the three had a pre-game discussion on how they will handle the major rules so they work as a consistent team) I can only share with you how I prepared under the one umpire set-up and what directives I gave when I was honorary Umpires’ Director.

I wrote on the back of my hand four points, 1. Pay the first free, 2. Protect the ball player, 3. Packs are out, 4. Play must be kept moving.

Eventually it boiled down to one line The 4 P’s!

I believe it is the umpire’s role to help the player by communication, empathy, strong control and above all CONSISTENCY. That was not on show in the Eagles v Carlton and too many matches in the past few years, come the last quarter, are a totally ‘new ball game’.

Average salary tops $221,000

■ Interesting to see Matt Burgan report THE AVERAGE salary for an AFL-listed player in 2009 was $221,480. Matt reported: The figurewas revealed in the AFL annual general report, an increase of 3.5 per cent over the previous year.

For those players who featured in at least one AFL match in 2009, the average wage per player was even greater at $241,436.

Both 2009 figures included additional services agreements, which is a separate limit set for payments to players for marketing activities.

No player earned more than $1 million last year - one player did so in 2007 and two in 2008.

Last year, two players were paid between $900,000-1,000,000, with seven others earning more than $700,000.

Only 40 AFL-listed players - nine of whom who featured in an AFL match - earned below $60,000 in 2009.

It's a far cry from 1990, when 442 players earned $0-60,000, 88 were in the $60,001-100,000 bracket and eight sat in the $100,001-200,000 category.

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