“I tried not to take it (the loss in Eugene) to heart, there is always that sort of humiliation element when you get run out in the heats, but I just tried to bounce back and not take it to heart and trust that the form is there it is just in the execution and I think I have tapped into a good bit of form for these championships.
“For sure there is more in me. I always planned on running this round hard. At this level you have to treat every round with respect but there are two rounds to come and I don’t want a repeat of Tokyo where I was out in the semis.”
The field is strong in Birmingham in the sprints with nine runners who have gone under 10 seconds before.
Doran was drawn in the same heat as the favourite, Akani Simbine of South Africa, who won gold on the Gold Coast. Doran ran well to come second behind Simbine.
Akani Simbine, of South Africa (centre).Credit:AP
“I had him in the heats at worlds so I knew what to expect, but it is not just Simbine there are fast guys in that heat, I had a Jamaican (Nigel Ellis) and you know how talented they are. I knew what to expect.
“I wasn’t next to Simbine this time so that gave me a bit more freedom to move and not tense up and that’s what I was able to do in that race just ease up and get over the line in a second.
“I was thinking to myself I can cut the jets here and I thought ‘actually no there is a Jamaican next to me I probably should run through the line’. I am just happy to have finished the race in one piece.
“To beat a Jamaican that is always fun and to race Simbine again he is a phenomenal athlete so I am really excited.
“I am happy with that performance I know I can go faster. So there is more to come tomorrow. Simbine is still to beat, he is 2-0 against me but there are some fast guys to come, we know Rohan can put on a show.”
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On an impressive opening day of athletics for Australia Naa Anang and Bree Masters both also went through to the semi-finals of the women’s 100m. Anang finished second in her heat at 11.37s and Master was second in 11.41s.
Critically for the games, Jamaican superstar Elaine Thompson-Herah, the five-time Olympic gold medalist, was in the field. Her presence of her provided the star quality to the games after her compatriot Shericka Jackson chose not to come. She cruised through her heat in 10.99s.
Australia’s Henry Frayne, the silver medalist from the Gold Coast games, needed just one jump to qualify for the long jump final hitting 7.85m with his first effort. It was enough to guarantee he advanced to the end. Chris Mitrevski also advanced with his best 7.76m.
Catriona Bisset who dramatically fell in her world championship final and was put through to the final, looked strong in her heat coming second in 2:00:40 and going through to the semis.
Get all the latest news from the Birmingham Commonwealth Gameshere. We’ll be live blogging the action from 4pm-10am daily.
Cody Simpson has gone from the music charts to off the charts in his swimming career.
The 25-year-old has ticked off everything he wanted to in his Commonwealth Games campaign and the biggest tick came on Wednesday morning in his pet event — the 100m butterfly — where he lined up alongside Aussie national champion Matt Temple.
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In a thrilling final, Temple picked up the silver medal in a swim where the top three swimmers all finished within 0.16 seconds of each other.
Temple shared the silver with England’s James Guy after they were both pipped in the reach to the wall by the strong-finishing Joshua Liendo-Edwards of Canada.
Simpson, meanwhile, was slow out the blocks and it looked like being a disaster for him when he made the turn after the first 50m before he powered home in the second 50m to finish fifth — an extraordinary result.
His time of 52.06 seconds was the second-quickest of his career, but it was still outside his personal best of 51.79 seconds.
The pop star started his swimming comeback journey just two years ago after 10 years away from the pool and he did it as something of a sideshow alley attraction. Now he’s proven he is box-office on his swimming credentials alone.
Aussie swimming legend Cate Campbell told Simpson in his post-race interview he was changing the game as a mature-age converter to the sport.
“It has been a meteoric rise, a phenomenal effort and you are really re-writing what people can do in this sport,” she said.
“We are usually seeing people coming in as teenagers and you are told, if you are entering as a teenager, you’re too late.”
Simpson responded: “I want to inspire young people to know that they can do whatever it is they want to do, even if they feel like it’s too late or they’re too old to pick something up, because it’s never too late,” I told Channel 7 after the race.
He said he is well ahead of where he thought he would be in his dream of chasing a medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“I think with experience comes confidence. And I’m still gathering the experience, so still gaining confidence,” he said.
“I am happy to be here. And I think, win or lose today, I’m going to go back to the drawing board and make sure I come back stronger. I’m already way ahead where I thought I would be at this stage.”
The Queenslander’s journey from music artist to swimming star has captivated Australia this year since he qualified for the Commonwealth Games at the Australian Swimming Championships in May.
His swimming career changed forever earlier this week when he picked up a gold medal in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, where he swam in the heats before missing out on a spot in the final.
His dream of representing Australia had already come true this campaign when he competed in the semi-finals of the 50m butterfly.
But it has always been the 100m butterfly that he has had his eye on.
He was able to move through to Wednesday’s final with the fifth-quickest overall time, swimming at 52.16, well outside the personal best time of 51.79 he set at the Australian National Championships in May.
“We do have a legal contract with him (Piastri) into the future for ’23. And if an option is taken up, for ’24,” he said.
“I don’t know what he’s done with McLaren … I’m not privy to that.”
Oscar Piastri looms as Australia’s next big thing in F1 – but it won’t be with his current French team.Credit:Getty Images
Piastri had previously been linked to Williams, but that was as a loan deal on the understanding that he would return to Alpine when Alonso left.
There was no comment from McLaren, who are battling Alpine for fourth place in the constructors’ championship, and Piastri’s management could not be contacted immediately.
McLaren have Daniel Ricciardo and Britain’s Lando Norris but the experienced Australian has been performing below expectations and his place called into question.
Ricciardo, who joined McLaren from the Renault team that is now Alpine, has insisted he is staying and has an option on his side.
Oscar Piastri and fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo at a Renault event in 2020.
Formula 1 has a contracts recognition board to settle disputes between teams over drivers and the matter could end up there.
Alpine, as part of a major manufacturer, are unlikely to have taken the step of announcing a driver without feeling confident, however.
“We believe we are legally correct in our statement,” the team said, without further comment.
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There was an air of uncertainty and mis-communication, however, with Szafnauer saying he found out about Alonso’s move only when he read Aston Martin’s press release.
Asked whether he had spoken to Alonso, Szafnauer replied: “I haven’t talked to him, since he’s on a boat, I think, in the Greek Isles somewhere.”
Alonso then posted on Instagram a video of himself walking in his home town of Oviedo in northern Spain. He also tweeted a picture of a go-kart at his museum track with the caption “favorite activity on holidays”.
The dispute echoes another ongoing contract clash between McLaren and Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar over reigning champion Alex Palou.
Spaniard Palou announced last month that he will be joining McLaren’s roster of drivers for 2023, hours after Ganassi said he was staying with them.
Reuters
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A member of the ‘rainbow 17’ – one of the Manly stars who did wear the pride jumper last week – has broken his silence over the issue that has divided the game.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he painted a grim picture of a team still very much at war with itself over the controversy.
While officials insist the club is now united after coffee meetings, a visit from a mediator, text messages and peace offerings, the player revealed a deep resentment against the seven players who stood down last week remains.
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“They (the seven) are still saying they weren’t consulted about the pride jersey and it went against the religious a cultural beliefs,” the player said.
“We weren’t consulted when a betting sponsor was placed on our jersey – the guys wear that every week… I’m not sure what their god would say about that.
Christian Tuipulotu celebrates scoring a try during the round 16 NRL match between Manly and the Storm. (Getty)
“No one asked us when our oval was renamed after a brewery (4 Pines Park) – I don’t think their god would have been crazy about that either.
“And I can tell you very few young blokes in our club live by the 10 commandments – nor most young blokes in Australia for that matter.
“Yet these guys take a stance over a good move by the club to make the gay community feel inclusive in our game.
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“They could have said they didn’t support the initiative but to refuse to play with their mates, it doesn’t sit well, and there is something of a rift in the group as a result.
“If those two lost points – and we are confident we would have won (against the Roosters) – cost us a place in the finals, it will take a long time for us to get over it.”
One man who has spoken out in support of the seven rebels is Paul Abboud, principal at East Hills Boys High School in Bankstown.
Manly rainbow meeting held amid fears of ‘rift’
Abboud posted on social media: “I have been a Manly fan for 47 years, like most, loud and proud. In amongst the furore of last week, I got a call from teachers who have taken a year nine group to Narrabeen for a camp .
“After the seven players who have elected to stand down had their meeting with (club owner) Scott Penn, they hung around and chatted and took selfies with the boys at the camp. Even under the enormous pressure they’re under this week they took the time to inspire the next generation.
“I’m prouder than ever to know these blokes represent my club every week. They took some time today and created memories for life for these kids.”
COURT CASE COULD DECIDE FUTURE OF NRL
The NRL’s worst nightmare is currently being played out in the English legal system.
A group of nearly 200 former rugby union players have launched a class action lawsuit against World Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football Union over the failure to protect them from brain damage caused by concussion.
And the firm that represents them has also signed up 75 British ex-rugby league players who will watch the trial with great interest.
Put should be scratched from season: Johns
If the rugby union group is successful, the league players are certain to take their own legal action – and that could have far reaching effects for the NRL.
The league players include former Great Britain Test star Bobbie Goulding, who at 49 has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
The NRL has taken its hardline stance against head injuries specifically because they knew that sooner or later, this day would come.
There are many ex-players in Australia who are suffering from early onset dementia and concussion related brain injuries that could have been caused by playing football.
And the scary thing is that these lawsuits are successful, the very future of both rugby union and rugby league will be in doubt.
REAL REASON BEHIND TIGERS DECISION
Plenty of Tigers fans are shaking their heads at the decision to allow their best outside back, David Nofoaluma, to spend the rest of the year with Melbourne
But there is a method behind the Tigers’ madness – and it’s one that won’t make Nofoaluma happy.
The Tigers have let the sometimes wayward star go to what they believe will provide a demanding boot camp.
David Nofoaluma is set to move to the Storm for the rest of the season. (Getty)
Nofoaluma is a class player but his off-field behavior has frustrated the Tigers for some time.
Craig Bellamy runs the tightest ship in the NRL and the Tigers believe that after a couple of months in the Storm system, Nofoaluma will return to the club a more professional and hardened player – and that can only be a good thing for the Tigers.
SON OF A GUN JOINS SHARKS
The son of Kiwi great Kevin Iro has signed a deal with the Sharks and has immediately been included in the club’s top 30 squad.
Kayal Iro, a speedy outside back in the same mold as his dad, has been in superb form for the high-flying Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup this season.
Iro has just signed a contract with the Sharks until the end of 2024 and looked a fine prospect playing for the Cook Islands against Samoa in the recent Pacific Test match.
A former Warriors under 20s player and Newcastle lower grader, 22-year-old Iro may even get a chance in the NRL this year if injuries hit the Sharks.
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Commonwealth Games in pictures: English swim star Adam Peaty apologises for ‘arrogant’ interview
The Newcastle Knights and their coach Adam O’Brien are at a crossroads after a horror season that could see them go from the finals to the wooden spoon in one year.
The Knights have the worst defensive record in the NRL and their attack is not much better with the pressure ramping up on O’Brien to keep his job amid turmoil and player unrest at the club.
Paul Kent believes the recent changes to the club’s football department is evidence that the Knights desperately need to change the way they operate in time for next season.
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“This is a touchstone moment for Adam O’Brien,” Kent said on NRL 360.
“His career now is at a tipping point. After the season they have had where they have shown no improvement on the two previous seasons. In fact they have gone backwards.
“You have got player unrest. You have got a club that is trying to turn things around.
“Phil Gardner has moved himself away from much of the football operation, which he needed to do because he was inexperienced and after putting his toe in the water for 18 months he failed to come up with what they need.
“They have got a rookie football manager in Danny Buderus, who has suddenly been pushed sideways to bring in Peter Parr. They are trying to start the turnaround.
“Adam O’Brien has realized that he is either part of the solution or part of the problem and it starts now.”
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Knights coach Adam O’Brien.Source: Supplied
Phil Rothfield revealed O’Brien admitted he has eight weeks next season to turn things around, but Kent believes that might be generous, given their current predicament.
“Buzz said he has six to eight weeks next year,” Kent said.
“I don’t think he has got that because if the Knights find out eight weeks into next season that they have made a blue, then next season has gone as well.
“Adam O’Brien touched on in that press conference that their summer training was not up to speed this year as it should have been.
“He said, that is the one thing he would like to get in order going into next season. That’s where it starts for them next season. It begins for him now.”
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Klemmer sanctioned for abusing trainer | 02:55
Kent accused the Knights of being too soft on their players in the wake of the decision to reprimand David Klemmer.
“It began it appears today with David Klemmer and let’s talk about player discipline and how players buy into what is going on at teams,” Kent said.
“David Klemmer is known for not wanting to go off the field. Let’s cop that. It happened at Canterbury. It has happened before.
“But we talk about Brandon Smith and what Melbourne have done to him since he got sin-binned and suspended a couple of weeks back and how they drive their discipline, which Adam O’Brien has been aware of.
“I think for too long up there he has been running a soft ship and they basically have been taking the mickey out of him, so I think that is where it starts.”
Is O’Brien under pressure at Knights? | 05:59
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio agreed O’Brien’s future is on thin ice, given they are unlikely to win another game in 2022, with the wooden spoon a real possibility.
“I think Adam’s coaching career is right on the precipice,” Riccio said.
“Don’t forget this Newcastle Knights side can still get the wooden spoon. They play the Tigers this weekend.
“If they lose to the Tigers you can bet your bottom dollar the heat will be turned up.
“They then play the Broncos away. They play the Raiders at home. The Titans away and they finish with the Sharks at home.
“I haven’t got the Knights winning any of those games.”
Kent believes the introduction of Parr as the club’s director of football means that Phil Gardner will no longer have the final say on O’Brien’s future.
Inside Klemmer’s failed move to the Eels | 02:08
“Gardner has no longer got the say,” Kent said.
“Parr will have the say. Parr will sit there over summer and if he decides things aren’t looking the way they need to look, he can still find himself a coach.
“He has got trainers and strength and conditioning coaches in from the Roosters and the Panthers and everywhere else. They are in good hands there.”
Riccio agreed the board will decide who the long-term coach will be based on a recommendation from Parr.
“I think it will come down to the board,” Riccio said.
“I think Peter Parr has been put there for a reason. Not only for his experience and know how, but I believe he can make a tough call.
“And Gardner can remove himself from what has been a car crash since he got there.”
In light of O’Brien’s comments that he has seen what success looks like at the Storm and the Roosters, Kent believes it is time for less talk and more action at the Knights.
“At some point you have got to start living the standard and not talking the standard,” Kent said.
“I think for too long at Newcastle they talk about what they want to do.
“It has been going on for too long where they just basically pull the shades down over everybody’s eyes and say, don’t worry about us we are going OK, when in fact they are not doing what Newcastle are known for, which is playing tough, hard football and being constantly competitive.”
Kyle Chalmers said it took all his strength and courage to win his third gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the men’s 100m freestyle.
It wasn’t his fastest swim, but he said it was “bigger than just me racing”.
“It’s very, very bittersweet. It’s been the most-challenging, probably 48 hours of my swimming career,” Chalmers said.
“And, as much as it’s nice to win, it’s probably just a big sense of relief, rather than the satisfaction that I thought I’d feel and want to feel after a performance like that.”
Chalmers has been the center of intense scrutiny over his personal life, and it came to a head at the Sandwell Aquatics Center a couple of nights ago, where he faced more questioning over unsourced rumors about rifts in the team after winning the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay .
The 24-year-old considered walking away, and admitted he barely slept ahead of the 100m freestyle heats.
But I have pushed on to send a message.
Gold medalist Kyle Chalmers sent a message to the media after weeks of intense scrutiny.(AP: Kirsty Wigglesworth)
“I’ve definitely had big battles with mental health over a long time, and it’s one of the most-challenging things that I’ve had to face and see my teammates face and family face,” he said.
“I think it’s important that people have the courage to stand up and speak about it.
“I’ve been around for a while and I need to create the conversation and try to help people going through similar things and just make it more normal.
“If I can be a positive influence and try to help people in the same struggles, I know that I’m doing my job in the sport and hopefully inspiring people.”
Chalmers was also racing for a special viewer back home.
His brother is in the army and hasn’t had access to his phone, but he was given special permission to watch the race.
“He’s my best mate, someone I haven’t got to speak to a lot over this last little period. And the only reason I was able to have the strength to get back in the pool yesterday for the heat was FaceTiming my brother the night before,” Chalmers said.
“I think, for me, it’s going to be a while to break down what’s just happened,” he added.
“I’m very, very grateful for all the support I’ve had at home, and it’s been very overwhelming how many people have reached out to me and so many high-profile people as well who fight similar battles in their sports or respective fields.”
Kyle’s father, Brett Chalmers, spoke to Mix 102.3 Adelaide after the 100m freestyle medal win, and said Swimming Australia does not do enough to protect athletes from invasive media questioning.
“They failed hugely,” he told the Ali Clarke Breakfast Show.
“To me, it’s the workplace. They’ve got a due diligence to look after their people and their staff and their athletes right from the start.”
The former AFL player became emotional when he was asked about the media furore surrounding his son’s Birmingham campaign.
“If it was in [another] workplace and you kept getting asked the same question over and over and over again, it’s a form of bullying and harassment,” Brett Chalmers said through tears.
“It’s not condoned and it’s not accepted. You’d be pulled into the manager’s office or HR’s office pretty fast and if you didn’t stop you’d probably lose your job.
“These people get away with it. They destroy people’s lives and livelihoods.
Mundy’s first match was a 143-129 win over Neale Daniher’s Melbourne at the MCG. Read that scoreline and weep. Alongside Mundy were Bell, Matthew Pavlich, Jeff Farmer, Paul Hasleby, Des Headland and a certain Justin Longmuir. Facing him were David Neitz, Russell Robertson, Brad Green, Aaron Davey, Brock McLean, Adam Yze, and Travis Johnstone. This is a wonky old time machine.
David Mundy looks to handball.Credit:Getty Images
Mundy immediately, and permanently, installed himself. He has played 17 games in that debut season and only eleven since he has played fewer games in a season. He was third in the Rising Star, behind Brett Deledio, but leaving Lance Franklin as an also-ran.
At least 15 of Mundy’s 2022 listmates had not started school then and were blithely unaware of the Dockers, let alone the straggly-haired rookie. Of the 236 players who have represented the club, Mundy has played alongside 147 and counting.
Only 10 Fremantle players other than him have reached 200 games, and Mundy has played in the milestone game of every one of them, and Michael Walters will soon make an 11th. I have kept signing long-term contracts. Whenever he might have thought about a change of Guernsey, Fremantle changed their own. He has also worn untold iterations of it.
Only 10 Fremantle players other than him have reached 200 games, and Mundy has played in the milestone game of every one of them, and Michael Walters will soon make an 11th.
Mundy won a best-and-fairest, made an All-Australian team, played in a grand final, captained the Dockers for a year and has been a life member for 10 years. There were a couple of mark-of-the-year nominations in his youth, and a quirky predilection for last-kick winners against Richmond.
David Mundy, right, celebrates a goal with Sean Darcy.Credit:Getty Images
It might look like a modest tablecloth. Even Fremantle struggled to define him. Their banner for his 250th acclaimed “250 solid games”. One hundred and twenty more have followed.
Rather than any singular skill, prodigious feat, commission or trophy, Mundy’s monument is his durability and loyalty. He keeps getting himself up for games, and keeps getting himself to where he needs to be within games, quarter after quarter, year after year. He has missed very few, and has always been worth the next for nearly two decades.
In celebrating his career, Fremantle made a point of noting that he had led the club in all-time disposals, clearances and tackles. He has been the consummate modern footballer, the players’ player. And he still is.
As a long-termer near the end, the standard formulation is to say that the club will be doing it for him. For whatever remains of this season, you can be sure the Dockers will be doing it for Mundy but, just as crucially, he will be doing it for them.
In many other sports, they would retire his No.16 Guernsey – except that it would probably keep playing anyway.
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Carlton’s loss to Adelaide has been compounded by a string of injuries.
Plus the latest on a star Richmond duo.
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CARLTON has suffered some significant injury blows after the loss to Adelaide.
corey durdin is set to miss a week with a shoulder injury he suffered during the game, while George Hewett’s back issue will see him miss a second straight game, which this one being a crunch clash against Brisbane at the Gabba.
Nick Newman is set to miss the rest of the regular season after sustaining a shocking cut to his knee.
Newman was injured by his opponent’s footy boots which dragged across his leg as he attempted to lay a tackle.
late in the contest matt kennedy was assisted from the field after a head knock, with scans revealing he suffered a fractured jaw, which will see him sidelined for at least a fortnight.
Crows surprise Blues at Adelaide Oval | 01:31
RICHMOND admits it is “doubtful” star defender Dylan Grimes will play again in the home-and-away season after his latest hamstring injury.
Grimes suffered the injury in the second half of Sunday’s thrilling win over Brisbane, adding to a streak of soft tissue injuries for the 31-year-old.
Tigers fitness boss Peter Burge said on Tuesday that Grimes’ injury required “further investigation”.
“At this stage it’s probably looking doubtful that he’s going to play in the last three home and away games of the season.
“So, we’re going to need to have a look at what lies beyond that. We’ll gather some information over the next couple of days and we’ll give everyone an update.“
Meanwhile, Dustin Martin remains in a “holding pattern” with his hamstring injury.
The club says it’s “hopeful” a round 23 return is still on the cards, but admits, “if we’re not able to progress significantly in the next week or so, that starts to become a little less clear.”
The Lions Also Lost Zack Bailey in the first half of Sunday’s contest, with the mid-forward taken to hospital with a chest issue after a collision with Richmond’s Marlion Pickett.
Remarkably, despite Bailey spending Sunday night in hospital as his teammates returned home without him, the Lions are yet to rule him out of Round 21.
Scans cleared the 22-year-old of any serious injury and he was able to be discharged.
“Bailey spent the night in hospital in Melbourne after receiving a knock to his sternum in Sunday’s match with Richmond at the MCG,” the Lions said in a statement.
“Bailey was released from hospital on Monday and cleared to fly home to Brisbane.
“He will be further assessed to determine his availability for Sunday’s match against Carlton at the Gabba.”
COLLINGWOOD will be without star taylor adams for the remainder of the home and away season after he limped off in the win over Port Adelaide.
Coach Craig McRae confirmed Adams’ suffered a groin injury.
After scans, the club released a statement confirming the extent of the injury layoff.
“Collingwood vice-captain Taylor Adams will miss the remainder of the AFL home and away season after scans revealed a strain to his groin,” the statement read.
“The 28-year-old will be assessed further in the coming weeks.”
But there is good news for defending Jeremy Howeafter he suffered a heavy knock.
“Howey just got a knee in the backside and unfortunately just couldn’t function,” McRae said.
“He’ll be fine but he just couldn’t get back on the ground.”
Howe was able to complete a pool recovery session with teammates on Monday.
“He is expected to complete limited training on Tuesday before being assessed on Thursday,” the club said.
Brodie Grundy is no certainty to receive an AFL call up for Round 21, while Brody Mihocek is in a race to provide his fitness after missing Round 20 with a hip injury.
Grundy made his return in the VFL last weekend after 13 weeks on the sidelines with a PCL injury.
“Grundy played into the fourth term and collected the typical bumps and bruises sustained during a first game back,” the club said.
“He will also be assessed on Thursday.”
GEELONG are set to be without Gary Rohan for the clash with St Kilda after he was subbed out with a head knock.
Coach Chris Scott was unsure if Rohan was officially concussed, but said he was told Rohan “couldn’t go back on”.
“He said to me he’s perfectly fine, so that’s a good sign,” Scott said post-match.
“You never know how these guys are going to pull up.
“You know when it’s bad… but this isn’t one of those if appearances are anything to go by.”
Feet pip Port to the points at the MCG | 02:20
HAWTHORN coach Sam Mitchell is counting the cost of the loss to St Kilda.
The Hawks gallantly fought back in the final term, despite being down to three on the bench.
mitch lewis injured his knee early in the contest but tried to run it out, Josh Morris suffered a shoulder injury while Jacob Koschitzke suffered a cork.
“We lost three today,” Mitchell said.
“Tank Morris, he was going really well. I was sad for him – he finally got his chance. He’s put together a really good month of footy.
“He popped his shoulder, it came back in but obviously wasn’t going to come back on the field.”
Mitchell said the club wasn’t going to risk Lewis even though he tried to play on with his knee injury.
“Mitch Lewis has had a little bit of a sore knee for a while and just landed on it awkwardly,” he explained.
“It wasn’t OK to keep going.
“It’s one of those injuries where there’s a small amount of risk to it… the game was put away so we weren’t going to risk an important player like him.”
Mitchell praised Koschitzke’s ability to play on despite being clearly hampered by injury.
Saints survive fast-finishing Hawks | 01:00
“Kossie really worked hard. He has got a really nasty corky – he could hardly walk even to half time but we were already three on the bench so we needed him to soldier on,” he said.
“I have committed to that and gave us what I could. He couldn’t run or lead very much but he gave us a reply.
“Sometimes as a young player having to fight through when your body is nowhere near its best is an important lesson to learn.”
MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin says young ruckman Luke Jackson will be right to go against Collingwood after passing his concussion test in Perth.
Jackson came from the ground in the win over Fremantle appearing to be dazed but was given the all clear.
“He just had a little knock late in the game. He was checked by the docs and got the all clear,” Goodwin said.
“There’s nothing wrong with him, he’ll be fine. He’ll be ready to go next week.
“He got checked and passed his test.”
Goodwin also said Christian Salem would be able to back up after a blow to his face left him bleeding from the nose.
“Salem had a bit of a cut to his face, but we’ve come through unscathed,” Goodwin said.
james hames (concussion) and ben brown (knee soreness) will both need to provide their fitness to face the Pies on Friday night.
“Brown, following two weeks on the sidelines due to knee soreness, has ramped up his training program this past week and will also look to be available for selection,” the club said.
Joel Smith played his first VFL minutes since suffering a serious ankle injury back in Round 7.
the WESTERN BULLDOGS are sweating on star Adam Treloar‘s fitness ahead of this weekend’s must-win game against Fremantle.
Treloar has been battling a calf complaint and finished his past two matches early.
“Adam suffered some calf tightness in the game against Melbourne,” Dogs head of sports medicine Chris Bell said.
“He still wasn’t 100% during his fitness test last Thursday, so was unavailable for selection.
“We will again assess Adam as this week progresses and make a call on his availability towards the back end of the week.”
Anthony Scott (concussion) and hayden crozier (ankle) remain in the hunt for selection.
Scott was now “symptom-free” after being convicted in the clash with Sydney in Round 17, while Crozier has made steady progress since his ankle injury suffered in the VFL a month ago.
“We couldn’t be happier with how he has progressed over the last two weeks since coming out of the CAM boot,” Bell said.
“He will start to integrate back into training this week and we will determine if he returns to playing this weekend or next.”
Jarrod Brander‘s first season with GWS is over after the utility injured his hamstring playing the VFL.
Jacob Wehr is also unavailable for selection this weekend through injury.
Wehr suffered a calf strain against the Swans, ending his run of 10 straight game since debuting in Round 10.
Matt Flynn (ankle) and Conor Stone (hamstring) will have to provide themselves fit to face Essendon on Saturday.
In some good news for the club, Bobby Hill has been medically cleared to return after undergoing surgery for testicular cancer.
Hill hasn’t played since his shock diagnosis back in May.
PORT ADELAIDE are confident Travis Boak may back up against Richmond, despite fracturing his hand in the loss to Collingwood.
The 34-year-old was able to play out the match, after suffering the injury in the second term.
“He will be monitored throughout the week with an expectation that he will be able to take on the Tigers,” the club said in a statement.
Darcy Byrne-Jones will need to pass a fitness test after spraining his ankle early in the clash with the Pies.
The club expects Riley Bonner to be available for selection after he clears the AFL’s Health and Safety protocols, while dan houston could come into the mix after serving his 12-day concussion break.
FREMANTLE will be without skipper Nat Fyfe until at least Round 23 as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Fyfe hasn’t played since the Round 19 draw with the Tigers and remains no guarantee to play before finals.
“We’ve got a target of round 23 for Nat, obviously there’s a bit of work to do before we get there but that’s our target,” Dockers footy boss Peter Bell said.
Sam Switkowski is another Docker pushing to return before finals, as he recovers from a serious back injury.
“Sam’s a really important player for us, so if he is to come back it will be really positive,” Bell said.
The club it was still to put a line through Jye Amiss despite the rookie’s kidney injury landing him in hospital.
“Jye is going pretty well, we’ll be in constant dialogue with the specialist,” Bell said.
“Every day he’s getting better, it’s great to have him back out there. We haven’t put a line through him for the season, that’s for sure, so he’s training well.”
Oscar Piastri said he won’t drive for Alpine next season, mere hours after the Formula One team promoted the Australian reserve driver to replace Fernando Alonso.
Alonso surprised the team Monday when he informed Alpine he’ll move to Aston Martin next year. Alpine needed just one day to announce it would promote its 21-year-old budding talent to race alongside Esteban Ocon in 2023.
But the Melbourne native said that’s not happening.
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“I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year,” he wrote on Twitter.
Alpine’s news release had not included any comments from Piastri. There has been speculation that the current F2 champion was working on a better deal with another team.
In Alpine’s announcement, team principal Otmar Szafnauer said Piastri is “a bright and rare talent” who is “more than capable of taking the step up to Formula 1.”
Aston Martin on Monday signed the 41-year-old Alonso, a two-time world champion, to replace Sebastian Vettel, who announced his retirement last week. Alonso’s contract with Alpine was ending this season.
It’s been a hectic six days of F1 “silly season” that opened ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix with Vettel announcing he’ll retire at the end of the year. Alpine said Alonso had not given the team any indication he was leaving as late as Sunday night after the race, and the Piastri promotion was quickly announced. Williams, meanwhile, said American driver Logan Sargeant will make his F1 debut when he runs the first practice session at the United States Grand Prix later this year. Sargeant, a current F2 driver from Florida, will be the first American to participate in an F1 weekend since Alexander Rossi in 2015.
Oscar Piastri. (Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Alpine said Piastri has already been undergoing “an intensive and comprehensive training program” this season to “prepare him for the next big step” into F1.
“As our reserve driver he has been exposed to the team at the track, factory and testing where he has shown the maturity, promise and speed to ensure his promotion to our second seat alongside Esteban,” Szafnauer said. “Together, we believe the duo will give us the continuity we need to achieve our longterm goal of challenging for wins and championships.”
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Commonwealth Games in pictures: English swim star Adam Peaty apologises for ‘arrogant’ interview
Commonwealth Games sevens bronze medalists Theresa Fitzpatrick and Tyla Nathan-Wong and World Cup winners Victoria Subritzy-Nafatali and Charmaine McMenamin will join the Black Ferns for the O’Reilly Cup series against Australia.
Director of rugby Wayne Smith named the quartet in a 33-strong squad for two tests in Christchurch on August 20 and Adelaide on August 27.
Inside back Ruahei Demant will be joined as co-captain by Waikato loose forward Kennedy Simon with former skipper Les Elder again overlooked.
Elder’s hopes of making the World Cup now look dim after missing selection for a second time this year.
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Demant led the Black Ferns to the Pacific Four tournament victory in June while Simon was the 2021 Black Ferns Player of the Year but missed the most recent series with a knee injury.
Smith said the return of loose forward McMenamin and inside back Subritzky-Nafatali added experience and depth.
“Charmaine brings a huge work rate and a wise head, and it’s been her form in FPC [Farah Palmer Cup] that clinched her selection. She has recovered from what could have been a career-ending injury, so we’re excited to have her in the team.
“Vic isn’t your ordinary player – she is mercurial. She’s returning after a long layoff and has done incredibly well to get to this point, so having her back in the mix is great.”
Maarten Holl/Stuff
Black Fern Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali celebrates winning the 2017 Rugby World Cup at a civic function in Wellington.
Nathan-Wong – a Black Ferns Olympic sevens gold medalist – is one of three new caps in the test squad, along with Chiefs props Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 24, and Santo Taumata, 19.
Smith said the standard of play in the Farah Palmer Cup set a strong platform for players coming into this series.
SPARK SPORTS
The Black Ferns clinch the Pacific Four Series title with a third successive win in Whangārei.
The beauty of the FPC at the moment is there is huge attacking intent, players are in better condition and as a result we are seeing fast, open and exciting games.
“The trial we held early last month also added real depth to our game. It did end up a bit one-sided but regardless of the result there were players from both sides who showed up and we saw humility, honest endeavor and drive, which are attributes we are looking for,” said Smith.
Aaron Gillions/PHOTOSPORT
Black Ferns captain Ruahei Demant (L) and director of rugby Wayne Smith with the Pacific Four tournament trophy.
The two-match test series holds special importance to Smith, named after his former coaching mentor and friend Laurie O’Reilly.
“Laurie inspired me to be a coach and I feel really fortunate to have had such a great relationship with him.
“These are test matches and they are called that for a reason – they test our ability to play under pressure against other world-class players. These are incredibly important games from a historical perspective, an emotional one and as a selection tool for the World Cup,” said Smith.
Black Ferns squad for O’Reilly Cup series
Hookers: Luka Connor (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty), Natalie Delamere (Matatū, Bay of Plenty), Georgia Ponsonby (Matatū, Canterbury).
props: Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs, Waikato), Pip Love (Matatū, Canterbury), Krystal Murray (Blues, Northland), Amy Rule (Matatū, Canterbury), Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Chiefs, Waikato), Santon Taumata (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty ).
Locks: Chelsea Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury), Joanah Ngan Woo (Hurricanes, Wellington), Maiakawanakaulani Roos (Blues, Auckland).
Loose forwards: Alana Bremner (Matatū, Canterbury), Tafito Lafaele (Blues, Auckland), Charmaine McMenamin (Blues, Auckland), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Hurricanes, Manawatū), Kendra Reynolds (Matatū, Bay of Plenty), Kennedy Simon (Chiefs, Waikato ).
