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3
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Trumpled (Alternative Leading)
Last post by Lods -
Strange days indeed...
Trump's done a bit of a U turn and called upon Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files.

He's probably got a little caveat planned. ;)  :D
4
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Shawny’s concerns about Victorian and Australian Governments
Last post by DJC -
Looks like Brad Battin's days as Victorian Opposition Leader are numbered.

If shadow treasurer Jess Wilson rolls him as expected, that will be three Opposition Leaders in less than 12 months.

You would think that the Coalition have the next election sewed up but the deep divisions in the Liberal Party could see them lose yet another election.  All they would really have to do is put on a united front and avoid major gaffes but that seems to be beyond them.

I can't say that I'll be sorry to see the back of Battin and I don't know anything about Wilson.  John Pesutto was doing OK until he upset the right by taking on Moya Deeming.  I can't see them letting him back.
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The Sports Desk / Re: God help me - the Test Cricket thread
Last post by ElwoodBlues1 -
The real problem with cricket is on display in Saffie land. The insiders are slamming the pitch, even players involved in the game are out throwing rocks at the curator.

But despite the pitch doing the usual things that aren't expected from a "real wicket", the true problem on display is the loss of will for players to work at the long format game. Both teams have basically give up and turned the game into a 2 x ODI, IPL, BBL, etc., etc., has turned them into sponges, too soft for the tough jobs.

The pitch is ordinary, but it's the sort of pitch a Border or Simpson would scratch out a ton at snail pace, modern players just don't have the will to accumulate big scores in 1s and 2s. The modern players don't want to do it tough, they fly 1st and stay in 5 star, no more tin sheds, wooden benches and cold showers, it's caviar and Krug for then before another early night. More money for less work, it's killing the game!
Test is actually in Kolkata in West Bengal, pitch is horrendous at Eden Gardens much like the city itself.
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Blah-Blah Bar / Re: Trumpled (Alternative Leading)
Last post by Thryleon -
I know everyone is fascinated by this but step back and we quickly see that whilst this will cause a bit of immediate strife the future is already written.  Trumps second term is almost over.  He wont get another, and what happens from here is largely irrelevant.

As expected when he was elected, it hasn't been the car crash anyone forecaster and it hasn't been the raging success the others voted in.  The larger status quote remains and all is generally ok.

Theres been some middle east war stuff, and thats about business as usual from where I sit.

Now if the Epstein stuff topples him then what?  He gets thrown out theyll end his tenure what, 1 year early?

Like him, hate him, or indifferent, its all been a bit like a reality TV program and I for one have disregarded most of it.
9
Ladies Lounge / Re: AFLW - FINALS WEEK 2 - Carlton vs Hawthorn - Sat 7:15 @ Ikon
Last post by DJC -
There were plenty of lessons to learn from last night, but one really sticks in my mind; you have your better players available and you are much more likely to contend.

When was the last time the boys had a whole list to choose from? Early 1996. That is an entire generation without having our best line-up available.
Not sure what our AFL program can do, but Innes and his minions can see what is required.

That said, can you see anyone who didn't play last night making a case for a spot next week? Skepper is one who comes to mind, even if her form has been pretty ordinary this season. However, 3 weeks ago I was saying that Maddy Guerin was having a less than stellar year. In the last 3 weeks she has been nothing short of brilliant. Last night she had huge numbers: 24 possessions, 11 tackles and 7 clearances. That is Cripps-like.

Of our lowest 4 possessions getters, one was Jess Good who dominated the ruck!
Maddie Hendrie didn't get a lot of ball, but she did her job. I don't think she would be under pressure.
Tara Bohanna only had 7 possessions and scored only 2 points, but there is no way known she'll miss.
Gab Pound? 5 possessions and only 66% game time.

The thing with Gab is that she gets important possessions or lays decisive tackles when they count.  She had a quiet night but her experience and footy nous could be very handy next week.  I think that those four will keep their places and we may well go with an unchanged lineup.

It is a strange position to have a winning Carlton team and be looking at where we can strengthen it  :)
10
Ladies Lounge / Re: AFLW - FINALS WEEK 2 - Carlton vs Hawthorn - Sat 7:15 @ Ikon
Last post by DJC -
Powerful display by the girls!

Play of the night in the third quarter:
Intercept mark by Vescio - kick to Vickers.
Vickers - kick to Guerin.
Guerin - kick to Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick - long kick to Bohanna for contested mark.
Bohanna - handpass to Hill.
Hill - kick to Sholz for contested mark.
Sholz - handpass to Finn.
Finn - GOAL!!