by Nick Gibson

It would seem these days that if you haven't been in rehab you just haven't lived. Disgraced player agent Ricky Nixon has been the latest victim and what a turn around for this once very powerful man.

In his stable over the years he's represented names such as Gary Ablett Snr, Wayne Carey and Tony Lockett to name a few. It's been said if he ordered all his boys to strike at one time he could put the AFL on its knees.

Is this however just a ploy so he can use substance abuse as an excuse for when the truth comes out from this teenage girl?

What his antics have done though is question the need for his profession. Now no longer in the background, the player agent's cons can outweigh his worth.

Superstars certainly need them but most players know their worth and are paying lawyers one off fees instead of handing over 5-6% of their annual wage. If Ricky starts losing market share i hope he blames the man he sees in the mirror!

His rehab mate Brendon Fevola is still in the news and proving his issues are a lot deeper than most people give him credit for. i'm starting to feel like Fev doesn't actually think anyone else exists in this world but him.

In the past fortnight he has received over a million big ones from the Lions, gone gambling in public and then told us all of his suicidal tendencies. Put the TV on Fev and check out the devastation in Japan - have you really got it that bad?

Some say his footy skills have have been a hindrance to his life. If that's the case, Fev go and flip burgers and get on with it. Too much money with too much time on his hands - a deadly combination for a child!!

In relevant footy news, Brisbane had its first hit out against the new kids on the block, Gold Coast, and smashed em' by 70 points. Maybe the post Fev era will be magnificent after all.

The AFL have labelled this local derby the 'Q Cup' to build a great culture. I liked the name 'Ranga Cup' as both coaches are red heads but i guess it's not sustainable forever. Lets face it, Brisbane's coach next year, Mick Malthouse, has dark hair.

Yes i'm dreaming but i would love to have him or Paul Roos (former Fitzroy champion) at the helm next year as they are proven winners. Malthouse is a career coach and will be dangled many carrots next year and apparently Carlton already have Roos on their radar.

The Cairns Taipans and Wollongong Hawks face off on Saturday night and what the winner will most probably get is a playoff berth. There are still three rounds to go but only one of these clubs can make it.

The good news for Cairns is that Ubaks and Jones are back in form, but the bad news is the Gongers are also firing and healthy again. If Cairns don't make the playoffs that recent five game losing streak will be to blame and just goes to show you can't have lapses in pro sport.

While i'm on basketball i'd like to congratulate the Bulleen Boomers women for grabbing their first WNBL title on Sunday. Before moving to Port Douglas i was heavily involved in the mens program at Bulleen and saw how hard and professional the women worked.

It's taken 25 years but they now hold the holy grail and it brought a tear to my eye to see all the old crew still supporting and passionate as ever. Start a dynasty girls and get after more.

Last week's winners were Collingwood by 22 points (only a genius could have picked that), Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Roar and the Aussie Cricket team.

Losers - Fevola (again), Ricky Nixon and the thousands who left the A League Final when Brisbane were down 2 -0 with 10 minutes to go. Wait for the fat lady people!!