by Nick Gibson

Any Brisbane Lions supporter will be nice and happy this week as the boys have strung together two wins in a row. It’s amazing what Johnathon Brown does for this side but the way he plays you have to acknowledge the fact that another injury is never far away.

He reminds me of a young James Hird where they are brilliant when on song but miss a lot of footy because they are so fearless with their bodies. A coaches dream! The win over Adelaide has thrust the spotlight on coach Neil Craig however and as much as I like what he’s done for the Crows I doubt he’ll be there next season.

I bet they’ll put something together similar to what Essendon just did with ex champions Goodwin, Ricciuto, Mcleod etc. all coaches in waiting.

Dean Bailey of Melbourne must also need to pull some wins out of the bag soon to avoid ‘chop’ talk. The Dees were supposed to be the big improvers in 2011 and have certainly under achieved. It will be interesting to see what changes these clubs make to help climb the ladder.

The NBA is down to two franchises left standing with Miami winning the East and Dallas taking the West.

When you talk of what champions can do for clubs Lebron James needs a mention. A lot of people didn’t like his switch from Cleveland to Miami but the haters are probably from Cleveland. I think Miami will win it all in 6 and Lebron (with Wade and Bosh) will start their ‘ring’ run.

Cleveland now sit with the NBA’s worst record because they lost their superstar – sad for Cavs fans but great for Miami. I think Dwayne Wade will get the better of Jason Kidd to tip this series Miami’s way.

The Bosh – Nowitzki showdown will also be crucial! These guys all might balance out and it could come down to good games from second tier guys like Mike Bibby or Shaun Marion. I’m looking forward to this!!

This week's winners

Queensland Maroons (another State of Origin win and the juggernaut continues to roll)
Dallas and Miami (roll the dice)
Brisbane Lions (sigh of relief for Vossy)
Collingwood (are they beatable?)
Dale Thomas (good player but I’m not ready to call him the best)
Gary Ablett (his former teammates found out how good he really is)
St Kilda (coming good)
Mick & Sue Whalen (all class!)

This week's losers

Richmond (you’ve gotta beat Port Adelaide)
NSW Blues (overdue)
Western Bulldogs (are supposed to be premiership material and can’t win a game)