The sports wrap with Nicky G



Wednesday 27 July 2011

The sports wrap with Nicky G

Neil Craig is the first coach to bite the dust in 2011 and I can't help but feel sorry for the guy. He was very passionate about the Adelaide footy club and his early reign included minor premierships and a pre-season cup.

Those early years also featured champions like Ricciuto, McLeod, Bickley, and Goodwin but after these guys retired the next group have failed to deliver - rebuilding can be a real bitch!

What's the bet one of these guys jumps into the big mans shoes? In fact word on the street is if Roo (Ricciuto) wants it - it's his!

Mick Malthouse' name is also being thrown about which is great but nothing seems to upset Collingwood these days. It's obvious he and Buckley are two bulls which won't survive in the same paddock next season but from all reports Mick has signed on to run the footy department. I'm sure if the right offer comes up that bit of paper will be easily screwed up!

I hope Craig holds his head high and when he returns from a break I hope the Crows hierarchy find him a position with the club. I bet he would have a good eye for talent or even as a club president.

I would love to go through the footy archives and find out which club in which year (in the draft era) climbed the most ladder spots from the previous season. Surely if West Coast finish this year strongly they are a chance to eclipse this record.

Last years wooden spooners have found a new tough resolve and are a serious chance of a top four finish! To beat Freo in the local derby this round was another great effort and let's see how far this group can go.

This weeks winners

Carol Evans; I didn't even know you were into cycling!   
Geoff Huegill; The comeback king continues to produce!
Neil Craig; All good things come to an end!
Mick Malthouse; About to be the most sought after man in the AFL!
Michael Beer; Australians need beer to be winners!
Hawthorn and St Kilda; Making the top 8 spicy!
Carlton; A bit up and down but watch out when they put the accelerator down!

This weeks losers

Essendon; That's like a 2010 loss!
Melbourne Dees; Soft!
Richmond; Had the bye but just as soft!
Collingwood; Lost a quarter to the Gold Coast!