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EDITORIAL Tel +61 0425275599 Facebook TNC Sport Founder & CEO Marcelo Aveline Editor-in-chief Gode Miguerano Sub Editor William Rivera Design Bruno Bier Creative Director Richard Rae Editor of Photography Marcelo Aveline Contribution in Journalism Leonardo Serafim, Danielle Young, Oscar Jimenez, Patrick McGann, Sebastian Giunta Distribution Jay Eddy Contributors Victoria Parra, George Kazzi, Stephen Wong, Marco Villela, Jon Hawley, Giovanni Ramos, Brandon’Lynch, Celio Agostinho, Maggie Huang and Paul. Thanks to: Saskia Taylor (NRL), Adan Mark (Football Federation Australia) Nicki Drinkwater(Waratahs Rugby), Richard Goodbody (Cricket Victoria), David Townsend (Cricket NSW) for all assistance for the completion of our job Also to Larissa O’Connor (ATC), Erin Carter (TA) and ASP for pics provided. Big thanks to radioauportal. com
ADVERTISING Tel +61 0425 275 599 Campaign Manager Marcelo Aveline TNC Sport Online tncsport.com
Director President José Aveline Neto Editor Jorge Tubino Art Direction Tom Wayne Production Manager Sandra Salomão Liability while every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publisher can not be held for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it.
TNC Sport Magazine and TNC Sport logo are trademarks of Marcelo Aveline, and used under licence By Goool Sport Publishing Group - Cycnus Bureau. Content reproduced from TNC Sport is copyright - all rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed within this magazine are not necessarily those of Goool Sport Publishing Group and Marcelo Aveline. Editorial and product submission TNC Sport magazine welcomes all submission for possible coverage. However, we respectably point out that the magazine is not obliged to either review or return unsolicited products. We can not accept responsibility for unsolicited copy. Permissions and Reprints TNC Sport may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the CEO of TNC Sport.
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For ALL sports fans of EVERY sport
Not Really The New-Kid On The Block
A
ussies love sports, but it’s fair to say that recently many of our beloved heroes in assorted sports have let not just our country down with their actions or behaviour, but on a personal level they have disappointed each and every sinCgle one of their loyal fans who looked up to them for so many years. I promise that this magazine will NOT focus on those negatives, we will leave exposing and capitalising on these “minority” cheats to the main media, our job here is to present to you the “majority” of the people in Australian sport who are dedicated, honest and really great athletes...”real heroes” worthy of your support...from Team Spirit on Saturday Football with the kids to one individual’s battle in the ring. We will cover EVERY SPORT in the country, but don’t fear if “your” sport in not featured in this “first” issue, as like with many sports we are still growing stronger as well. As we gain further accreditation, future issues of TNC Sport will keep including more and more diverse and classic sports, until each issue will feature EVERY SPORT in the country IN EVERY ISSUE. This magazine has been created FOR YOU!, the loyal fans of ALL Aussie sports, this is a publication where YOU get YOUR say and it’s not just controlled by some ageing “sports guru” pushing their views (even though we have some of those as well...ha). TNC Sport is ”YOUR” publication and will never publish photos, cartoons, stories or reviews with the intent to intentionally defame professionally or personally hurt any individual or group, we promise to stay focused on the “best” each and every sport has to offer. There should be no rivalry in Australian sport, every individual Aussie athlete should be seen as “doing their honest best on the day” in every sport and no matter what side they are on, that alone should raise applauses and make the hearts of every Australian proud. Next issue will feature a Letters Page and we want you to email us and tell us something great about YOUR sport that you believe the main media don’t focus on, or how about a local sports hero who deserves a plug, or why not just make some suggestions of how we can make YOUR sport (or sports magazine) better. On ending I’d just like to ask every reader to support our advertisers and on a personal note I’d like to say... I’m loving it and I hope you are as well.
F
or over thirty years Goool has been a traditional sports magazine in Brazil, while mainly reporting on Soccer it has also had a tradition of featuring other great sports. I’m proud to now take our original successful concept further with Australia’s TNC Sport. Our focus with this magazine is to NOT
..And Not Just Soccer
INE
MARCELO AVEL
EO Founder & C
isolate ourselves with one sport, but to promote ALL Aussie sports EQUALLY. This is our first issue BUT we have the runs-onthe-board to deliver the goods.
1. WHICH AUSTRALIAN SWIMMER WON 4 GOLD MEDALS AT THE SYDNEY 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES?
thank you!
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CONTENTS MAY 2013 RUGBY LEAGUE SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS P06 The Bunnies march on
P07 CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS Oh Barba where @ tough
P08 CRONULLA SUTHERLANDS SHARKS Wounded Sharks
P07
SYDNEY ROOSTER P09 SBW X Bulldogs
BEN BARBA
P29
P10 WEST TIGERS Tame Tigers
P11 PARRAMATTA EELS
Eels on path to redemption
FOOTBALL
A-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS P12 HIUNDAY Central Coast Mariners - The top of the pops
P14 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS Premiers - I am Wandering
P16 A-LEAGUE TOP PROFILES
Del Piero, Shinji Ono, Emile Heskey, Daniel McBreen
P18 SOCCEROOS
AFL
P12
Oh Man!!!
P20 SYDNEY SWANS
Defending the flag
MOTOR SPORT P22 FORMULA 1
From a tough begining: the new sport of kings
P29 MOTO GP
The youngest ever Moto GP winner
CRICKET
SEASON REVIEW P24 Ashes to come
UFC / BOXING
HUNT P26 MARK will challange Junior dos Santos
P20
TENNIS
P28 CAN ANYONE STOP DJOKO?
Azarenka should do it clean
SURF/ BASKETBALL P29 BELLS BEACH
Adriano de Souza rings the bell
SYDNEY KINGS
A brand new start for the Kings
RUGBY UNION
WARATAHS P30 The half full glasses of sucess
TURF
P31 BLACK CAVIAR
History Horse
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P24 2. HOW MANY GOLD MEDALS DID AUSTRALIA WIN IN THE 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES?
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RUGBY LEAGUE SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
The Bunnies
March on S
outh Sydney Rabbitohs undefeated stint in the 2013 NRL has come to a grinding halt thanks to Melbourne Storm. The Bunnies had defied all odds this season playing some scintillating football and brushing aside all before them to seat equal first after five rounds of this year’s NRL competition. the ghan jumps for Andrew Everin bourne Storm try ball to stop Mel
Prior to their winning streak coming to an end, Nathan Merritt and co were locked in a tense
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arm wrestle with the warriors outfit which was looking to claim the scalp of the so far undefeated opposition. The Rabbitohs however, were in no mood to lose their first game as Nathan Merritt, George Burgess and the everreliable Greg Inglis crossed over for tries whilst Adam Reynolds sunk his boot through the Warriors goal posts to ensure there would be no fight back from their trans Tasman opponent. The win set up a thrilling tie between the Bunnies and Melbourne Storm who were hoping to extend their unbeaten run this season when they took on the Wests Tigers 24hrs later. As was expected the Storm tackled the Tigers into submission as they came from behind to win the match in a tightly contested affair. Punters and neutrals alike that were
looking forward to this clash, which would pit league’s golden boy Greg Inglis against his former teammates weren’t disappointed. The match if anything was a litmus test of the Bunnies title ambitions, the game was unsurprisingly tight affair with neither side giving an edge to the opposition. Melbourne stormed off with the points as they edged out the previously undefeated Bunnies in a 17-10 win to remain the sole side not to have tested defeat this season. The Bunnies will no doubt be using the loss as inspiration to get back into winning habits, in Greg Inglis, Nathan Merritt and the Burgess brothers in the team it won’t take them long to get back to winning ways. BY GODE MIGERANO
3. IN WHAT YEAR SOUTH SYDNEY WON 15 GAMES STRAIGHT TO GO THROUGH THE FIRST GRADE SEASON UNDEFEATED?
RUGBY LEAGUE CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Oh Barba where @ though
T
he golden boy of rugby league is missing. Don’t fret a search party hasn’t and won’t be dispatched to look for the 2012 Daly M medal winner, the reports received indicate the mercurial Bulldogs star is well on the recovery path after completing drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment.
It was feared the NRL was on the verge of losing one of its priciest and most exciting star when news of Barba’s withdrawal from the Bulldogs team to receive treatment surfaced days before the 2013 season launch. The club and NRL must
be commended for the manner in which Barba has been managed and the delicate steps which have been taken to ensure the young star does not fall back to the traps which almost robbed the game of the talented young star. During Barba’s absence, the Bulldogs have won 1 game and lost 2 with the most recent being to a Melbourne Storm outfit which denied them a win last
e a kicks th Ben Barb ak through re ball to b s defence Rabbito
season’s epic grand final. The Bulldogs throngs of demanding
supporters will be hoping Des Hasler can reintegrate Barba into his side sooner rather than later as the club seeks to reverse its fortunes and get back to the familiar winning ways. Stay tuned for more updates. BY GODE MIGERANO
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RUGBY LEAGUE CRONULLA SHARKS
Wounded
Sharks
BY GODE MIGERANO
len Paul Galo in acti n
T
wo weeks after being relieved of his duties as Cronulla Sharks Head Coach, Shane Flanagan has seen his expulsion overturned by the club’s new chairman Glen Coleman.
Todd Carney passe just before getting s the ball ured during match against theinj Dragons
The Sharks stood down their coach as a result of an investigation into doping by elite athletes from some of the major sporting codes in Australia including those at Cronulla by the Australian Sports Drugs Agency (ASADA) two days before the 2013 NRL season kickoff. The players could have done without the distraction but NSW and Sharks captain Paul Galen led a determined shark’s
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outfit onto a packed Shark Park stadium to down the Gold Coast Titans in a 12-10 emotional thriller. The Sharks players have slowly kept posting wins in their disrupted season along with maintaining their unwavering support for their absent mentor. Flanagan’s reinstatement to his old role lightened the mood around the club and the players have since embarked on a mission to catch up with the rest
of the competition. There’s no doubting the untimely ASADA investigation has had significant impact in the Sharks fortunes this season, with their mentor back in charge and Captain Paul Galen leading the charge on the park, the Sharks are on their way to get their season back on track.
4. WHAT WAS THE NAME GIVEN TO CRONULLA SHARKS AT HIS FOUNDATION?
E
RUGBY LEAGUE SYDNEY ROOSTERS
ver needed the services of elite security personnel for a visit from your ex? Well you, like me must not be Sonny Bill Williams (SBW).
SBW
vs
Bulldogs BY GODE MIGERANO
When the Roosters announced they had successfully lured SBW back to rugby league hundreds of Bulldogs supporters reached for the old NRL fixture draw to see when their chance to get up close and personal with the prodigal son would be. The soft-spoken dual international has expertly handled the media, which has been whipped into frenzy by the magnitude of the upcoming blockbuster. The game couldn’t have come at a worse time for Des Hasler with his side struggling for form. Match day came on 12th April and the hype hit fever pitch, as luck would have it history repeated itself with SBW leading the Roosters in a morale crushing victory against his former team just as former Bulldog hit man Willie Mason did when he switched sides and lined up for the Bondi based outfit. Having helped himself to 2 tries in the 38 nil win SBW once again issued an apology to the Bulldogs supporters as he looked to move on from the saga which had threatened to over shadow the match. Whilst SBW was the main attraction for the game, James Maloney went about pulling the strings behind the scenes which ensured his side got the job done emphatically on the night.
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RUGBY LEAGUE WESTS TIGERS
Tame
Tigers T
here was a time when teams hated playing the Wests Sydney Tigers, after 5 rounds of the 2013 NRL competition the Tigers are sitting at an uncomfortable 13th place having collected a mere 4 points.
This season has seen the club bring in former Rooster Braith Anasta to bolster the team but it seems the club just can’t buy luck this
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Marika Koroibete is tackled during round 3 match at Leichhardt Oval
season. Mick Potter’s side has been unfortunate when it comes to penalty counts in their games this season but there’s hope the side will start firing sooner rather than later in a bid to avoid the proverbial wooden spoon which some punters are starting to commission for the club. They showed promising signs of improvements when they took the fight to defending Premiers Melbourne Storm in round 5 of the competition, a combination of a lopsided penalty awards and players going missing when more concentration was required allowed the premiers to reclaim the lead and storm off with maximum points. The
Tigers can’t buy luck this season; they backed up from the loss in Melbourne and put up a spirited fight against a St George Illawarra side and were unlucky to lose the game by a single point in a 12-13 thriller. The Tigers faithful will be hoping for a quicker recovery from their star Benji Marshall who was sidelined with an injury during the game against Melbourne Storm. They currently are equal 13th with 3 other sides in the 16 team competition with only 2 points separating them with the Canterbury Bulldogs who are occupying the wooden spoon position after 6 rounds of this season.
BY GODE MIGERANO
RUGBY LEAGUE PARRAMATTA EELS
Eels on path
to redemption
A
week is indeed a long time in the world of professional sport, Parramatta Eels fans had barely recovered from their sides 50 nil hiding at the hands of the Sony Bill led Sydney Roosters. The long suffering Eels supporters have borne the brunt of every joke
BY GODE MIGERANO
in the game and they would have been forgiven for being reluctant in turning up to their team’s next match. Real fans however, stick with their teams through thick and thin. They did turn out in large numbers to pay tribute to one of their former players John Mannah who had lost his fight against cancer didn’t know what to expect when they turned up for their side’s clash against Cronula Sharks which he also represented before his passing. Not one to miss a great opportunity Eels mentor Ricky Stuart managed to talk Cronulla and NSW captain Paul Galen into a bet which would see him do a nude run in Cronulla if the Eels beat the Sharks Both side’s linked arms next to the Johnny Mannah memorial cup, which they were playing for as they paid tribute to the departed legend. When the action kicked off Johnny’s
brother Tim came close to start the fairy tell when he was stopped from planting the ball on the ground by desperate sharks players. Soon after center Ryan Morgan gave the Sharks defense the slip as he crossed over to score the first of two tries to lead his side to a 13-6 point in an emotional win. The Eels fans and players went into their next encounter with the fast improving Gold Coast Titans believing they could post back to back wins but a series of blunders from match officials so them succumb to a 28-22 loss.
Your Official Venue
to Watch all Australian Games
213 Bronte Rd Waverley 2024 Phone 02 9387 2911 www.eslc.net.au
EASTERN SUBURBS LEGION CLUB TNC SPORT MAY 2013
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TOP OF John Hutchinson (L) and Nick Fitzgerald celebrating A-League Grand Final victory
I
t’s been a long time between drinks for Graham Arnold’s charges and the long-suffering Central Coast Mariners supporters. They’ve come close to claiming the title three times in the past 5 years, the closest they came was 2 years when they only had to play out the remaining 4 minutes of extra time to claim their first grand final win at a packed Suncorp stadium
only for Henrique to thump a shot past the mariners shot stopper Matt Ryan to bring the game to 2-1 and the rest as they say is history. Not one to dwell on missed opportunities
ague Hyundai A-Le s on pi m ha C 2013
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and internal club dramas; Graham Arnold has quietly gone about fine-tuning his team to meet the pressure and expectations that come with knockout football. The Mariners this season have been miles ahead of the other teams in both playing
THEPOPS CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERY ONE INVOLVED WITH THE CENTRAL COAST MARINERS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS FOR A WELL EARNED WIN. and discipline; they were unfortunate not to win the minor premiership after succumbing to the A-Leagues new boys the Western Sydney Mariners. Both teams have by far been the most consistent in the competition and it was no surprise the two sides squared off in the grand final on Sunday 21 April 2013. The welloiled Mariners machine monopolized possession and dictated play with some sleek moves and near misses when going for goal. The Mariners went into the
break 1 nil up courtesy of Patrick Zwaanswijks thumping header and golden boot winner Danny McBreen kicked off the party in Gosford with a well taken penalty to seal the win and earn his side a first ever grand final win at the fourth time of asking. The Mariners supporters were out numbered in the record crowd of 42,102, which turned up
to sample the grand final feast. The quality of the game may not have been ideal for the purists I doubt the long-suffering Mariners supporters will be losing sleep over it. This has been by far the best season of the A-League since it’s humble beginning and one can only hope next season will be even better. Congratulations to every one involved with the Central Coast Mariners and their supporters for a well earned win. BY GODE MIGERANO
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FOOTBALL WESTERN SYDNEY WADERERS
g n i r e d n a W I AM A
them, the one that made the most sense was to spread the League into the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia’s largest metropolis. With its history of producing worldclass footballers, a track record of passionate football fans, and the This story goes far beyond the most diverse community there is, simple narrative of a football club, it was an area crying a hastily cobbled team, and their out for representation fans. It is so much more – it is at the table of Austraa tale of footballing passion, of lia’s footballing elite. an amazing group of men and Rather than women, their leaders, and the ‘promoting’ people of Western Sydney. Just an existing a year ago, the Western Sydney club – as had Wanderers were little more than been suggested a press release. Now, at the end by some – they of just a single season as a club, decided instead Wanderers stand tall at the top of to build a club, Australian football, as the reigning and three teams premiers of Australia’s elite pro(Men’s, Women’s fessional football competition, the and Youth) from Hyundai A-League. scratch. It was a In the ashes of the demise of Gold very tall order, Coast United, Football Federacoming just a tion Australia knew they needed few months a replacement team in order to before the bring the A-League back up to ten commenceteams. Of the options available to ment of the fter a season during which so much has been written, there is still a great story to tell about the Western Sydney Wanderers.
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2012-13 season, but it was one that Lyall Gorman, foundation CEO, was prepared for. Knowing it had to be done properly from the very first day, Gorman put together a small team of people and went out to the streets of Western Sydney – not to put forward any grand vision he had for the new club, but rather to ask the footballing community what they wanted. From the names of possible coaches and playing style, through the colour of the playing strip, to the name of the club – these were all questions that were put forward to the people seen as most important in the whole equation. The footballing
public. And so it came together, slowly but surely, each step considered carefully before the next was taken. Rookie head coach Tony Popovic, himself a product of Sydney’s west, was given the reigns and a mandate to assemble a squad in just a few months. Whilst it was another tall order, it was one that Popovic not only relished, but also exceeded almost every expectation around. Signing little-known players, or those labelled as “rejects” from their former clubs, Popa saw something in every one of them that he knew would mould into a strong, hard-working squad. As the season progressed and the players developed a more fluent understanding with each other, results started to pile up, as the Wanderers rose steadily through the table. Into the “Top Six”, then into second place, then – the most remarkable of feats – overtaking the always-consis tent Central Coast Mariners to
been engaging with the “grass roots” of football in Western Sydney. From local park sides to the NSW Premier League, the Wanderers have actively engaged them all. This has extended into the wider footballing community, including other discrete communities, made up of Australians who have come from other parts of the world. Be they European, Asian, African, South American, they have also been included in the Wanderers Family. Not only by the club, mind you. The supporters have shown themselves to be one of the most homogenous gatherings of people you are likely to see. Of all ages, speaking dozens of different languages, bringing hundreds of unique histories, these fans have united to become one. Nikolai Topor-Stanley Led by the indefatigable en Bre Mc stopping Red and Black Bloc (the RBB) the Wanderers’ clinch the top spot on fans have set a new benchmark the A-League table. Then a in active support. Colourful, remarkable record was achieved. noisy, vibrant, they regularly turn Ten wins in a row. Something Wanderland into a cauldron of that had never been achieved song and movement – no small before at the top tier of Australian intimidation for visiting teams and football, certainly not by a newly their supporters – and visibly founded club either. With it came the opportunity to achieve an almost impossible dream – to clinch the Premiership –, it was achieved on that magical night in Newcastle, in the final game of the regular season. Another first in Australian football, another feat barely achieved anywhere in the world! The new kids on the block were now on top. A solid, core value has always
Yousso u
f Hersi s skills ahowing Brisban gainst e Roar
lift their team to new heights of performance. This family spirit extends far beyond match days too. Wearing a Wanderers jersey, cap or shirt out in public is to invite interaction with other members of this footballing family. A sticker on the back of a car attracts a friendly wave. This spirit reaches out into so many places and unites the people of Western Sydney in a way few other things can. It is a force in Australian sport now. A force for good, for unity, embracing the diversity that represents the unbreakable strength of The World Game. BY ERIC BERRY
e Hyundai A-Legu ’s 2013 Premiers
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TOP A-LEAGUE PROFILES
ALESSANDRO
DEL PIERO BY GODE MIGERANO
O
n 5 September 2012 Sydney FC broke the bank and landed one of the world’s highest profile footballers. Italian super star Alessandro Del Piero signed a two year deal worth a reported 2 million a year and effectively became the highest paid footballer to ever grace the A-League. He made his A League debut against Wellington Phoenix on 6 October 2012, the Phoenix players had clearly not read the script as they handed Sydney FC a 2 nil defeat. The following week in his home debut Del Piero treated the near sell out crowd to a taste of what was to come as he curled in a trade mark free kick from 35 yards to beat the Newcastle Jets goal keeper. Ale’s first season in the A-League has barely been the fairy tale many were hoping it would be, however there can be no doubting Sydney FC has recouped every penny it spent in getting the Italian maestro to the A-League. Ale had a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders to guide Sydney FC into the finals series but, a season plagued with inconsistent displays came to a brutal end at the hands of defending champions Brisbane Roar. He finished the season as the club’s top goal scorer with 14 goals and went on to bag a hat trick of awards at the clubs end of season award ceremony. The awards included Sydney FC, Sydney FC members and the Football Media Association’s player of the year. There’s no doubt the club will learn where it erred this season and provide Ale with adequate support which should yield greater dividends.
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5. HOW MANY GOALS DID ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO SCORE FOR JUVENTUS F.C. ?
SHINJI ONO
EMILE HESKEY
DANIEL McBREEN
It took the Japanese super star a couple games to get the feel of the Hyundai A-League, but slowly and surely the faithful who turned out at Parramatta stadium now affectionately dubbed the Wandaland by the team’s supporters are beginning to see his quality. He’s disposed young gun Aaron Mooy of his preferred number 10 spot and is now a constant menace to opposition defenses. The Wanderers attackers have been the main beneficiaries of Shinji’s wizardry, which has led the team to a respectable top 4 position in its maiden season. The demanding wanderers supporters are expecting much more from their team with 11 games to go for the regular season and Shinji and co will no doubt deliver.
When Heskey arrived in Newcastle he had missed most of his team’s pre- season preparations, having not played much before his arrival many punters were keen to see how the former Liverpool and England hitman would fare in the A-League. Heskey announced his arrival in the league with goals in his first couple games to lead his team to a great start, it didn’t take long before opposition defenders begun devising methods of nullifying the threat he posed. The seasoned veteran had his own medicine to dish out as he brought other players into goal scoring positions when tightly marked. Newcastle Jet’s were hoping their talisman would guide them to finals football however a series of injuries at key stages of the season put a dent in those hopes. Despite the hiccup the Jets and Heskey agreed to a 1 year extension to his contract.
When Central Coast Mariners head coach Graham Arnold was approached by Daniel McBreen to discuss his future he had no idea about the can of worms he was about to open. It’s reported McBreen was told if he scored 10 goals in the season then they would have a serious discussion about a contract extension. McBreen has since been playing like a man possessed, he finished the season with the golden boot having bagged 19 goals and sending his team to a fourth grand final. Graham Arnold will be hoping McBreen maintains his goal scoring form going into the final game of the season and deliver his team its first ever grand final victory after coming agonisingly close in three previous attempts.
6. WHAT TEAM WON THE FIRST A-LEAGUE TITLE IN 2005-6 SEASON?
TNC TNC SPORT SPORT MAY MAY 2013 2013
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SOCCEROOS
OH MAN!!! BY GODE MIGERANO
I
n the days leading up to the Socceroos’ clash with Oman in the AFC world cup qualifier national coach Holger Osieck and the players promised the nation they’d be putting on an attacking display. Ali Al-Habsi and his teammates must have been ruing making the trip to Australia when they heard the message, which was coming from the home camp. Barely six minutes into the game the stadium was silenced a by a slick counter attacking move from Oman, Ahmed Al Hosni sent a lofted pass behind the Socceroos’ defense for Abdul Aziz who muscled his way past Michael Thwaite to administer the punishment. They absorbed and repelled the
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waves of aerial bombardment which ensured from the home team and went into the break one up. Early in the second half the Omanis caught the Australians
off guard with a quickly taken free kick which sent Raed Saleh down Australia’s right wing, he sent a powerful cross into the Australian penalty box which
Socceroos fans cheering before the start of the match
WHO DID THE SOCCEROOS BEAT TO MAKE IT TO THE WORLD CUP 2006?
Robbie Kru break Omanse attempt to ’s defence
was met by the outstretched foot of Mile Jedinak who in his desperation to clear the ball for a corner instead sent the ball into his goal for Oman’s second goal of the night. As the Omanis took off in celebration, Holger Osieck was reading the riot act to his team and demanded an immediate response. The Ali Al-Habsi (C) stops a fatal header from Cahill (R)
home team went for broke and intensified pressure on the visitors in a bid to get back into the game, a succession of corners soon followed and when the ball was sent into the box it was met by Australia’s talisman Tim Cahill who sent a powerful header into the top corner of the goal to break the Omani’s resistance.The goal gave the home team and supporters a new lease of life as suddenly the stadium was buzzing and the attacks in the Omani box intensified. One of these attacks saw Luke Wilshire denied a spectacular equalizer when he sent a thunderous shot crushing against
the cross bar. The home team continued asking questions of the visitors and Tim Cahill was unlucky not to bring his side level when he sent a header inches high off the cross bar. Omani coach Paul Le Guen sensing his side was on the verge of a historical win took off a midfielder and sent in a defender to shore up the team, this proved to be the catalyst for the Socceroos’ come back. In the 85th minute Tommy Oar found Brett Holman in space on the left side of the field who in turn sent a pile driver of a shot past a forest of legs into the Omani bottom corner which completed the great escape and put the home side back on track for qualification of the 2014 world cup in Brazil. Holger Osieck was still fuming an hour after the end of the match as a result of his side not taking full advantage of playing at home whilst
Paul Le Guen was bitterly disappointed of his side’s inability for not seeing the job done but he was equally impressed with his sides commitment in the game despite the baulk of the team not playing professionally. Australia’s path to Brazil was further complicated less than 24hrs later when 3rd placed Jordan produced a big upset in the group when they downed the table topping Japanese who only needed 1 point to be the first team to book their place in next years world cup. The win saw Jordan take the 2nd automatic qualification spot. Australia which still has a game in hand is widely regarded as favourite to reclaim the second automatic sport and take part in a third successive world cup. Holger Osieck has promised changes in the team, it remains to be seen what cards the wily German will play come the next qualifier.
d bullet rescue Brett Holman t Oman ns ai ag lia ra Aust
TNC SPORT MAY 2013
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Swans give lesson on defending the flag
AFL
Adam Goodes wins the ball over the Suns’ players
THE SWANS HAVE PREMIERSHIP, AND
BEGUN THEIR SEASON IN STRONG SUIT FOLLOWING THEIR 2012 ARE REMINDING AFL FANS EVERYWHERE JUST WHY THEY ARE ON TOP.
D
espite a round 4 loss to the Geelong Cats at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Sydney team are far from being out of the race for this year’s title. While yet to reach their best form early on in the season, the Swans are comfortably backing up their win last season. Back in round 2, the crowd was in full voice despite the inclement weather as the Swans had their first chance to unfurl the premiership flag to a crowd of 20,000 at the SCG. Susie Colless, the wife of Swans Chairman Richard Colless, had the honour of unveiling the Swan’s fifth premiership flag in South Melbourne/ Sydney Swans history. This historic event united 2013 players
20 MAY 2013 TNC SPORT
and coaches with a group of Swans faithful including player’s parents and partners, and longtime members and supporters on the field of the SCG. Comedian and Swans supporter Adam Spencer took to the stage to congratulate the team, remarking on how they were one big family. When the Swans unfurled their last premiership flag back in 2006 they were quickly met with a 26-point defeat by Port Adelaide, but the team has learned from their mistakes and is now giving the league a lesson in how to defend the flag.This time around the Swans pushed their way to a 41 point victory against the Gold Coast, with new player Dean Towers and returning Kurt Tippett on show.
8. WHO DID SYDNEY SWANS BEAT IN THE 2005 GRAND FINALS?
In round 1 the Swans were victorious at the Sydney derby, winning by 5 goals against their much younger sibling Greater Western Sydney. Round 3 saw the premiers go up against the North Melbourne in Hobart, and put the team’s form to the test. While Sydney were handed soft matches early on, Geelong proved too much for the defending champions as a surge in the third quarter gave the Cats a matchwinning lead. The draw had been in their favour so far, but as the
team builds toward their clashes with the big 3 later in the season, their inconsistent play has exposed some vulnerability. Perhaps the secret to the Swans’ success is 23-year-old rising star Lewis Jetta, who scored the goal of the year last season in the Swans finals,match up against Collingwood pies. The young indigenous player scored a teamhigh of 45 goals in 2012, and is shaping up to be the next Adam Goodes or Michael O’Loughlin. However, the young player is in a
form slump this season, averaging only two goals and 9.5 possessions each match. Coach John Longmire is working with Jetta on his earlyseason troubles in the hope that he can lead the team to a stronger position as the finals approach. Tony Armstrong has emerged from the reserves to replace Rhyce Shaw while he is out with abdominal strain. Longmire says the development of the reserves is going well and many may soon be seeing their opportunity to play in the big league. BY DANIELLE YOUNG
Mike Pyke controls the ball before gets tackled by Gary Ablett
9. BY HOW MANY POINTS DID SYDNEY SWANS WIN THEIR FIFTH PREMIERSHIP AGAINST HAWTHORN?
TNC SPORT APRIL MAY 2013 2013
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MOTOR SPORT
From a tough beginnig:
The new sport of kings
IF MALAYSIA’S GP LEFT EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT THE SEBASTIAN VETTEL MISCHIEF, IT ALSO RAISED A QUESTION ONCE MORE: IS F1 A FAIR SPORT?
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ell, to start to understand the dilemma we should go back in time, where passionate crazy drivers sat on top of racing bombs filled with petrol. From the 50’s to the end of the turbo Era in the late 80’s, it was just about racing to win. No tactics were involved, team instructions and so on. Yes, reader, you are right to say that there was favouritism, where number one driver would have the team’s preference. It was still not as evident as it is nowadays and to be honest is a much more complicated matter, costing millions
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of dollars to build a winning car. The first two teams to dare to offer contracts to top drivers in order to win championships and risk losing it were Williams in 1980 with Carlos Reutmann and Alan Jones where the Australian got the crown. The team then had Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet in 86, but the strategy back fired when neither Mansell nor Piquet won the title that end up in Allain Prost’s hands with a McLaren. Frank Williams team got it right
one year later with the Brazilian Nelson Piquet clinching the title, but only the last race with Mansell on his heels in a clearly divided team, because Mansell and Williams were both English. Patriotism was the matter then, also the fact that untill then it had been a long time since F1 had seen an English champion. McLaren was next. In 84 Austrian Nick Lauda won over Prost by 0.5 of a point, then came 1988 and “The Professor” Allain Prost had Ayrton Senna as his team mate with Senna winning the championship. The same result one year later, McLaren once more champion, but the Frenchman finished as number 1 in the World. By that time the drivers weren’t talking to each other, going public verbalising their differences and Prost left for Ferrari. The Casa di Maranello team was hungry by
11. HOW MANY CHAMPIONSHIPS DID AYRTON SENNA WIN?
then, the scuderia hadn’t had a champion since South African Jody Scheckter in ‘79 but they failed and only years later made it happen by offering a contract to Michael Schummacher, who helped to develop the winning Ferrari not only for that year, but for five others. But also by then, the absurd cost for building cars were mounting in FIA’s back and category also had became a bore, with an unstoppable combination and the entity being obliged to cut electronic developments in 2010, making a more exciting sport to watch and ending Ferrari’s monopoly. But once again you might be questioning: But Vettel had won the three last ones!!! Yes, he did, but the races are far more enjoyable and nowadays what really matters is driver’s safety and to win the championship with
truly believes he is above anyone, untouchable really, but he is not. He should consider that the Hornes’ way of thinking is to have a more open dispute in the beginning of the season without taking unnecessary risks for Red Bull and their drivers. Mark Webber is right to complain and get the facts straight between the parties involved. He fights for more equal treatment which is only fair, and he also helped Vettel in many occasions, when he had a faster car but didn’t challenged his team-mate or even shielding the German from attacks coming from McLaren, Lotus and Ferrari. The new order in Formula 1 is to be more competitive, safer and even more lucrative. Weeks ago, Mark Webber’s future was questioned when speculation emerged that he could leave the team and Kimmi Raikkonen would be his substitute. The problem is the Finnish driver is also loud and a former champion. He would not settle less than the right to fight for another crown. The fact of the matter is Sebastian Vettel has given a huge problem to his boss to handle. Disputes on the track are what the viewers want to see and that’s a clean race. Moreover, the Red what they got in Malaysia’s Grand Bull boss, Christian Horne seems Prix with two top drivers fighting to be a Ron Dennis’ philosophy for the number one spot. There is follower, letting his drivers fight a nothing new in disrespecting team little bit more than the other teams orders, that often happened is the in F1. Of course the German ace 1980’s with Mansell, Prost, Senna is the Red Bull sweetheart, but and Piquet and again there is one if I am allowed an opinion, the person that is for sure celebrating frequent mistakes of Mark Webber what happened; The Formula 1 in 2011, when the Australian lost owner, Bernie Ecclestone. He is his big chance of becoming a the one who owns the TV rights for World champion, might had lead the coverage and who in the 80’s the team being uncertain about was the owner of Brabham. The his reliability. I am sure you might television ratings might increase be swearing at me by now. I am due to the interest generated not saying that what Vettel did by the Sebastian Vettel and this was right, but it’s the same in any sport, the three times champion 10. WHO IS AUSTRALIA’S ONLY FORMULA ONE DRIVER? 9. WHO IS AUSTRALIA’S ONLY FORMULA ONE DRIVER?
means more money for the teams which receive part of the money of the worldwide coverage. Don’t be surprised if by the end of the year FIA will consider to increase the number of races from 20 to a possible 22 if the current situation between Vettel and Webber persists. The Aussie ace is also strong off the tracks, having Flavio Briattore as a manager, and keeping good relations with Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull owner. So as you see, F1 is a business and the sportive side of it is a matter of point of view, giving who you are barracking for. In China, talks over the German aces behaviour were luckily shadowed by Alonso and Raikkonen’s performances, but the still unresolved situation with Mark Webber’s future, prolonged the drama, extending it to Baharain, where the Australian spoke clearly on his desire to keep racing in Formula 1, while also still leaving a door open for a possible transfer to Porsche in 2014. Now, you may ask... “but this means retirement?” Well, perhaps, but don’t forget, since Mercedes took over Brown, Porsche has manifested interest in re-joining the circus, probably in 2015 and not only as an engine supplier. BY WILLIAM RIVERA
TNC SPORT MAY 2013
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CRICKET
SEASON REVIEW
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t all started in October with the Sydney Sixers winning their first “Champions League” tournament in the Republic of South Africa. The Sixers were unstoppable in their first appearance in the tournament with a dominating display in the finals against the “Lions”.
ASHES
Upon returning home it was back to the restarting of the “Sheffield Shield” before a break over December and January for the start of “BBL”. Inaugural champions “Sydney Sixers” had a tough season with some of their victorious Australia`s ashes campaign begins
squad moving to other franchises throughout Australia. During the series the Australian Team were competing through a 3 Test series against South Africa & Sri Lanka. The visitors from South Africa struggled to find form but ended up drawing their 3 test series. With Sri Lanka never really looking comfortable with Australia’s new look bowling attack. Australia convincingly looked stronger. During the series the greater cricket community were in shock when Ricky Ponting and “Mr Cricket” himself Mike Hussy both decided to Hang up the boots. Punter then going on to lead Tasmania to “Sheffield Shield” victory in the final against Queensland,
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with the victory came Ponting confirming he would be back next year again. Then shortly after Christmas we were all deeply saddened to hear the passing of Tony Greig. Tony’s career through cricket as a player and commentator saw him see all the highs and lows cricket had to offer over 40 years. Cricket NSW have announced the appointment of “Trevour Bayliss” as head coach for 2013-14 season. Bayliss will coach the state squad in Shield and Ryobi Cup matches.
12. WHAT WAS SIR DONALD BRADMAN’S BATTING AVERAGE?
SERIES
TO COME
NWS Ryobe cu ready for 20 p squad 13 season Ricky Ponting bats during Big Bash League boxing day match between Sixers and Hobart at SCG
The national squad arriving home a few days ago after a 4 test drumming to host India need to build up confidence with The Ashes series to start in a few months in England, with some players being picked 13. HOW MANY TIMES HAS AUSTRALIA WON THE ASHES?
up in ,players auctions to compete in the IPL prior to the European summer. England themselves will be training hard as they had a tough series against New Zealand. Bookies currently have England as favorite for the upcoming ashes series. by JUDE McG
TNC SPORT MAY 2013
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UFC
Mark Hunt
WILL CHALLENGE JUNIOR DOS SANTOS ON THE
UFC 160
A
BY LEONARDO SERAFIM
fter knocking out the giant Stefan Struve, and leading the crowd to the madness at UFC on Fuel TV, an event that happened in Saitama, Japan, Mark Hunt already has a date set for his next fight.
Hunt, 39, known as “The Super Samoan”, will face Junior dos Santos, who is a former heavyweight World champion in a battle that promises to be one
of the biggest challenges of his career. The fighters will face each other in Las Vegas at UFC 160, on may 25th. The event promises to be bloody and for sure one of the best fights of the night.
BOXING HIGH LIGHTS
Departing the champ Mayded Ronem ends his boxing career winning the WBF Masters World Feather weight title in 5th round KO
Wood like steel The World rated middleweight Garth Wood defeats Togasilimai Letoa in night rounds to gain the PABA light heavyweight title at All Sports Arena.
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MAY 2013 TNC SPORT
KO Kid Bondi BLITZ
Bondi Boxing Gym figther Ranee ‘Ko Kid’ Ganoy won the world WBF light welter Weigh title with 3 round KO at RSL Bondi Junction.
14. WHICH AUSTRALIAN BOXER FOUGHT MUHAMMED ALI?
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TNC SPORT MAY 2013
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PHOTO: BEN SOLOMON, TENNIS AUSTRALIA
TENNIS
Can anyone stop
Djoko?
BY LEONARDO SERAFIM
W
ith a great performance against Andy Murray, at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic made history becoming the first player in 46 years to win 3 consecutive titles in Melbourne. After a hard game the Serbian secured his sixth Grand Slam(4 Australian Open)showing that the sky is the limit and proving that he will be hard to beat. At only 25, Novak Djokovic had a perfect warm up season clinching his fourth title at the Dubai Duty Free in March of this year. So far “The Joker”, seems to be unstoppable as World number one.
Congratulations Novak Djokovic!
Azarenka should do it clean
I
f Novak Djokovic was the exterminator of the men’s draw at the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre, it wasn’t quite the same in the women’s side of the first Grand Slam of the year. With more equal disputes amongst the ladies, Bielorussian winner, Victoria Azarenka, had to work a little harder for the Australian Open crown.
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Azarenka’s first big challenge came in the semifinals where she was highly criticised for faking being in need of medical care to stop the game and cool her opposition, the young U.S player, Sloane Stephens, who earlier in the tournament had sent Serena Williams’ packing. Once at the final, Victoria Azarenka defeated the Chinese Li Na 2 sets to 1, (4/6,
6/4, 6/3) to get her second Aussie Open. But having raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons the World number 3 has a challenge ahead to shut the critics up, and win without leaving a shadow of doubt at Roland Garros on May 26. BY LEONARDO SERAFIM
15. WHO DID THE ARGENTINE JUAN MONACO BEAT AT THE BARCELONA OPEN THIS YEAR?
SURF
Adriano de Souza gets the crown in
T
Bells
Beach
he 25 year old Brazilian is now the first and only South American man to win in the 52 years of the event’s history. years. I had to believe in myself that a company would believe in me and one did. I have to say thanks to Pena for believing in me. I have a lot of people to thank, but all I want to do right now is ring the bell.” The win places the young Brazilian as number 4 in the World, and his expectations go higher in the next event of the year, where his native Brazil will be the next.
BY WILLIAM RIVERA
A brand new start for the
need for speed
Kings
T
PHOTOS: ASP
In a post celebration interview to the Association of Surfing Professionals, he said: “ This is the most important event on tour to me,” De Souza said. “Guys like Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, my hero Mick Fanning, they have all rung the Bell. I have been coming here a lot of years. I love the place. It has been a tough time for me recently. I started 2013 without a sponsor for the first time in many
he championship dream is over for the Sydney Kings. After losing the best of three series games for the New Zealand Breakers(2-0) in the NBL semi-finals, the Kings went back home earlier than their supporters would imagine. This was a season of fire for the boys, but they showed they’re ready for it. For the first time since being re-introduced in the NBL in 2010/11 season. The team’s big name was the star Ben Madgen playing his prime, the Sydney’s guard was on fire all the season long. He was the league leader in points, scoring 17.1 PPG, received the Most Improved
Player of the year and was pointed at the second best player of the tournament, behind of the MVP, New Zealand Breakers, Cedrick Jackson. The King’s coach Shane Heal, being nominated as the coach of the year, so, now after showing talent and leadership and after surprisingly good season as was, Sydney Kings showed that they can reach a better place next year. The aim is go` further, snatching the NBL title. But right now, the question is? Are they ready. We’ll only have to wait for the start of the next season to find out, meanwhile, we seat back and watch New Zealand Breakers win historic third consecutive NBL championship.
16. WHICH FAMOUS AUSTRALIAN MOTORSPORT DRIVER DIED IN 2006?
M
arc Marquez of Spain became the youngest ever MotoGP winner at 20 years old.
The current Moto2 world champion beat compatriots Dani Pedrosa and current MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo. After making history by qualifying fastest for the inaugural Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas, Marquez was beaten off the start by teammate Pedrosa and German rider Stefan Bradl, Marquez showed new found maturity by quickly going past Bradl. On the 13th lap Marquez took the lead from Pedrosa and went on for a famous victory. Finishing fourth Englishman Cal Crutchlow was pleased with his result having not practiced before at the track. Bradl and Valentino Rossi made up the top six. The next race will be in Jerez Spain.
BY BRANDON LYNCH TNC SPORT MAY 2013 29
RUGBY UNION WARATAHS
Israel Folau breaks a tackle
The half full glass
of Waratahs success
FROM THE POOR PERFORMANCES SHOWED ON PAST YEARS , THE WARATAHS ARE NOW WORKING A LONG PROCESS OF GAME SYSTEM CHANGE AND CULTURAL SHIFT.
I
can see a half full glass of Waratahs success at the moment. Under new head coach Michael Cheika, the Waratahs look different and optimistic regardless some moments where the team lost self-confidence and let old habits come back. After Round 8, the Waratahs are third on the Aussie Conference ladder and 10 points behind the leaders, the Brumbies. Season 2013 has seen new players such as; Michael Hooper, Israel Folau and kiwi Grayson Hart come on board for the Waratahs. Promising young players like Ben Volavola, Ben Lucas, Peter Betham, Jed
30 MAY 2013 TNC SPORT
Holloway and Cam Crawford are keen to impress in the new Super Rugby competition. Rugby union convert Israel Folau has brought over exciting skills and talent learnt from AFL and years of rugby league. Folau is a dangerous ball carrier and runner with superb aerial skills. There’s no doubt he’ll be in a Wallaby jersey by the end of the season if he keeps up the blistering form he’s in. Old habits do surely die-hard and the Waratahs are still showing last year’s tendency to mentally
knock off before the job is done. However, Captain Dave Dennis is leading the team in implementing coach Cheika’s vision for the new look Waratahs. They are now limiting turnovers with ball a late winning John Ulugia scores st the Chiefs ain try ag
PHOTO: OSCAR JIMENEZ
17. WHO’S IS THE WARATAHS’ TOP SCORER?
in action Ashley - Cooper tahs ee Ch the against
in hand as coach Cheika desires, improving in discipline and asserting more dominance in defence. Captain Dennis leads by example and centre Adam AshleyCooper, Ben Robinson, Michael Hooper and Brendan McKibbin are all improving consistently. The Waratahs got their fourth win of the
TURF
season when they tacked the Hamilton based Chiefs on Friday 19 April. Against the defending Super Rugby champions the Tahs were still able to play good rugby with 47% of possession. However too many simple errors at key moments allowed the visitors to break the line and score two easy tries during the second half of that game. Yet, the new Waratahs pushed hard at the very end and John Ulugia’ try was the match winner. Super Rugby Round 13 will a be very interesting test at Allianz Stadium with a home game, when Tahs take on the Stormers, on Saturday May 11. The Tahs by this time will be coming home from a challenging South Africa tour and hopefully, a more mature team that believes in their strength and abilities.
ANWSERS 1. IAN THORPE 2. 16 3. 1925 4. CRONULLA-CARINGBAH 5. 290 6. SYDNEY FC 7. URUGUAY 8. WEST COAST EAGLES 9. 10 POINTS
10. 3 11. MARK WEBBER 12. 99.94 13. 31 TIMES 14. JOE BUGNER 15. BERNARD TOMIC 16. PETER BROCK 17. MATT BURKE (1172) 18. MEDIA PUZZLE
BY OSCAR JIMENEZ
We are all now part of some wonderful history
O
ne hundred years from now people will still be talking about the famous 2013 Racing Carnival and the greatest race horse ever to have existed, Black Caviar. With the announcement of the horses retirement, questions and now being asked will
there, or could there ever be another champion as great? The BMW Racing Carnival organisers and those who participated this year should all genuinely be proud of their involvement and their part in making history. While Black Caviar rightly stole much of the spotlight of the Carnival, every race was dynamic with the overall mood of this
years Carnival being one of warmth and excitement. With record breaking attendance the organisers have a tough act to follow with future events to outdo their current success, but I’m told that they love a challenge...GO YOU GOOD THING!
by RICHARD RAE
18. WHICH HORSE WON THE MELBOURNE CUP IN 2002?
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