Is Mike Hussey the new Richo?

I thought Mike Hussey should have been dropped from the team prior to the first test. Statistics since then say this might have been a silly call - ok, that it was a stupid call. But... Mathew Richardson played on for far too long - in his third last year he came third in the Brownlow - everyone loved him. But how many young players did he hold back by continuing? How many new team strategies did his presence abort? How much did playing on hold back the development of a new and exciting team?

I think Hussey should have been dropped and I think he should step down now. It is no good prolonging the dim glory days. We need a new fresh team. Mathew Hayden should have gone much earlier - Philip Hughes might by now have dealt with his technical issues - but no, Haydos stayed around - famously saying there was more to being in the team than pure runs!

One of Ponting or Clarke should be left out for this test - that is a hard call as neither are doing well. If Ponting is unfit perhaps both should be out?

I'm sure many agree (I'm sure that is not true but I'm on a roll here!)

Annual FIshing expedition

Some snaps from the annual fishing trip to the untouched Valley

Tasmanian Tigers - they're a victory machine!!!

I may be tempting fate here but what a great start to the year. Can they grab ten wickets tomorrow in between the showers. Actually it's not raining now. Why don't they turn on the lights at beautiful Bellerive and start now?

Some snaps from the day the music died

At KGV - the Taroona warm up and the Taroona dug-out.

Little heard from the Supercoach since then - assume he is in negotiations.

An end to all that and a moral victory!

Taroona won a moral victory today in the final match of the season - the Knockout Cup final at KGV. South Hobart won the game 4 - 1 but Taroona played their best football in the second half for the whole season.

South Hobart are undefeated this season, are coached by a professional coach, train three nights a week, approach the game like a machine and generally don't look to have much fun. Taroona have a Super Coach, train one night a week, approach the game with a healthy attitude and have great fun.

Taroona scored the last goal of the season - a Jack O'Sullivan classic which brought the vocal Taroona fans to their feet. All played very well - Man Manager Geoff brought the best out of his team with a number playing their best games for the season - Angus, Tom and Joseph all played their best. Will Hunt - contemplating life on the road - refused to let the South boys have it their way -stealing the ball from the South attackers on numerous occasions . The out ball was back - Mat Etherington sending it back towards the Derwent and the Showgrounds on numerous occasions - and he didnt muck around. The game was interrupted on a number of occasions for the ball to be retrieved, or a new ball sought.

Ben Wisby was very unlucky not to have scored - the ball hitting the post and deflecting the wrong way in the first half. Joey went on a run that went wrong - unlike his run against Kingborough yesterday that ended level with the penalty box. This time Joey didnt get as far and had to scamper back to the box. South had a shot and missed - such is Joey's force! He didn't even have to be there to make them miss!

Joe Atkinson, James Doyle, James - I'll deal with that injury later - Cherry, Aaron all played well. Liam Own Boots O'Donovan made the wings his own - enjoying the space that KGV provided. Liam showed no signs that he was about to wing away to Paris today - his determination would see him get there on foot if he wanted. Sam James was superb - showing the South Hobart boys on numerous occasions that if you want the ball you can often have it no matter who had it before you.

Jack's goal was a real beauty!

The game was well refereed - well done to the tallest ref I've seen.

After the game Match Manager Tim the urbane O'Sullivan addressed the players and parents - highlighting the quality of the character of the team, the injuries suffered, the parents who put in and of course Super Coach Geoff Atkinson. Why he was not in the running to take over from Pym is a mystery to me. I admit I am flummoxed. Yes he has a real job, yes he would turn Frank and Ben Buckley down, yes he would have to move but he is the man to take us to the World Cup in 2014.

Taroona started the season in Division 2, were promoted mid way, held their own in Div 1, won two nail biting penalty shootouts, made it to the Cup final, played to instructions and will have a superb summer. South Hobart will be training.

John Wisby started this team on the road to success. Geoff stepped in and made it happen.

Before I watched this team I didn't understand the game.

Thank you linesmen, thank you ball boys!

Nil all draws

Returned to the pitch on Saturday - outside the Goulburn St Polling booth first of all, then at Prince of Wales Bay for the latest joust with the Knights. After a midweek downpour the pitch was a paddling pool, adding something to the game with a Pinball-like slow down, no-roll area.

A late inclusion for the Pirates - from the Premier League - was Sam James. In the first two minutes he had twenty touches! Taroona had much of the play but when the Knights went forward they looked more dangerous! However, in their way was Joey The Imposing Taylor - who played a blinder.

After some nail biting - not from Joey who strode imperiously from the box to repel the attackers - the game ended as did the previous encounter - nil all. After Supercoach Geoff addressed his charges at the end of the game, the Knights Quartermaster approached the Taroona Camp in peace and praised the Taroona boys for their efforts, their spirit and their approach - predicting that at some point one of the teams would score.

Meanwhile in Canberra the result is the same - Nill all.

Time for a rematch?

Soccer update

Been quiet on the pitch lately - three weeks ago - son was sick and didnt play. (The team lost 1 Nil - the mercurial Zac suffered a hideous injury) The next week son and Aeorspace engineer Joe went to Melbourne - apparently now named Melbz! (The team lost 4 - 1 at Ranelagh). This weekend much of the team went to New Zealand for a band tour - or was it a squad training camp? (The team forfeited).

Season over: Junk Time

The commentators are often heard calling the last few minutes of a game - once the result is clear - "junk time". I think that is the stage we are at with the AFL season - it's over and we may as well start the finals. What do you think?

We're off to Wembley! - Penalty shoot out Mark 2

Last time the Taroona juggernaut went to Prince of Wales Bay the game was a scrappy, aerial rebound match - which was lost 2-3. This time the game was scrappy, aerial rebound match but the result was much sweeter. Master Coach Geoff called for his charges to include more or the key ingredient - mental toughness under pressure. He called on his team to ignore their opponent's pushing and shoving - and to focus on the ball.

The game started promisingly - Taroona attacked and attacked - Geoff had identified the Knight's Goalkeeper's propensity to grasp the ball on the second grab and instructed his charges to be near the fall of the ball. Then the game descended to the scrappy, kick for kick dish we saw last time we were there. In the shadows of half time the Knights snuck behind the Taroona wall to go one up.

Master Coach Geoff plotted revenge and not long into the second half Mat Etherington headed the equaliser. This being the Knock Out Cup semi final a penalty shoot-out loomed.

When the whistle blew it was one-all. On the last visit the refereeing was nothing to write home about. This time the refereeing was spot on - even a yellow card was shown to a Knight who would have been free kicked on the MCG for his well executed push in the back.

Here the planning from Master Coach Geoff to concentrate today on mental toughness was rewarded. Taroona had the first penalty. It was like a scene from one of those sporting movies - the crowd was silent, the picture became black and white and the motion was slow. The aerospace engineer Joe Atkinson struck - but his parry was defended by the Knight's keeper. Joe considered his calculations and saw no reason why he hadn't scored. But the Ref did - he saw the keeper move before the kick was taken. He called for the penalty to be taken again and after some quick recalculations in it went.

Joey is known to this column as Joey the Imposing - crouching legs and arms astride he makes a formidable stopper. The first Glenorchy kick went high - and Joey had defended without needing to touch the ball. Up stepped James the artist Cherry - it hadnt been a great day. Forgetting his shorts led to some wardrobe machinations on the sideline as the Taroona boys shared those available. When he was brought on mid way through the first half, still ill from the day before, he added some strength to the mid field - weakened though he was. At the penalty spot James struck but missed his mark. The next Glenorchy shot went wide of the goal. Joey the Imposing then imposed himself even more notably on the result by putting the next Taroona shot in. Then he stopped a rocket from Glenorchy. All the pressure then fell on Liam Own Boots O'Donovan - he calmly put the next in and it was all over. Taroona won the shoot out, the semi final and the honours.

The Cup final is scheduled for August 29 - the day after the last roster match. The opponent - South Hobart - who again put 6 goals in yesterday in the other semi.

What will Master Coach Geoff pull from the larder this time?

Taroona get 3 more points, Julia calls election

In a curious interplay of politics and the personal, just after half time at Gormley (is there a worse name) Park, Julia announced that we will go to the polls on August 21 - a great relief to many attending a function on August 28, with an essay due on August 27 etc.

Similarly there was great relief that Joey the Imposing plays for Taroona. Another blinder. Time after time Joey was in the right spot - judging his runs and his leaps to perfection when the wall that is the Etheringtons, James Cherry, Joe Haddin and others was punctured. Solid defence was called for and solid defence was delivered.

At half time Supercoach Geoff Atkinson ignored the politcal uncertainty and held his nerve - urging his team on.

Taroona went to half time 1 up after a cross to Joe Atkinson, from Ben Wisbey was intercepted by the Kingborough goalie who in an English team like second, dropped the ball and retrieved it from inside the net. A classic lob from Ben - playing the team game - became the winner if Taroona could hang on.

The second half saw the Lions practice their passing and their shooting. Joey was having none of it though.

Supercoach Geoff has moved this team forward - from Division 3 under 14s to Division 1 under 16s, Super PM Julia is now moving her team forward.

Make a mistake and have your name broadcast!

Returning to Kelvedon for the first Div 1 game against Glenorchy Knights yesterday. Without a Vuvuzela soundtrack the Taroona boys were solid in defence from the start - welcoming back Mat Etherington after a week out. Joey put all that practice from last week to great use - but nowhere near as often as at the Wellesley earth station.

Glenorchy had their own special negative comments broadcaster - who helpfully named all those who made a mistake soon after they committed their error - presaging a week of torture coming up. This made all the difference to his team - not only did they make a blue but they felt bad too! Mitchell probably didnt mean to give the ball away!

It soon became clear that the knights were not all that impressed with the Taroona responses to their jousting.

In the Taroona box Coach Geoff Atkinson (who provides a complete contrast to his opposite number) maximised his side's effectiveness by cleverly throwing his charges on at crucial points - his use of Aaron was particularly effective. On the other line sidelined Liam ran the line - back next week I understand.

So another point to the Taroona boys - a solid result.

Next week to Gormley park where the Kingborough boys are plotting their revenge for their penalty shoot out disappointment.

Six goals in ten minutes, nil all for the rest of the game

Taroona was involved in a clash of cultures yesterday. Boys who were out to have fun and enjoy a game came up against boys who must win.

South Hobart are apparently coached by the Premier League men's coach Ken Morton - of the Morton academy fame. They train three nights a week. They are very skillful. They are very dedicated. Having said all this it was great to see the half time result - nil-all. Joey the Imposing played a blinder in the first half as the Taroona defence struggled manfully to deal with the professionalism of the South Hobart team. Joseph Haddin put in his best game for the year - consistently stopping his opponent and more often than not winning the ball from him. The talk at half time was of the possibility of the scoreline being preserved and how to respond if South scored.

The second half started much the same as the first - grim, but often brilliant defence. Then the South Hobart machine slipped in their first. Then second, third, fourth and then the softest penalty awarded this year - including in the World Cup. Will Hunt was the closest when the number 8 for South went down - the whistle blew and in went the fifth. One more saw the end of the horror period and there was still 15 minuted to go. Taroona again held on - apart from that ten minute period it was a nil-all result.

One first for this round was playing on a ground so wide the curvature of the earth came into play. Add that to undulations and you have Wellesley Park.

Credit must go to Supercoach Geoff Atkinson - his team enjoys life, the odd game of soccer and all that goes with being 16.

Vuvuzelas at Kelvedon park provide soundtrack to first points in Div 1

Up against the trad rivals Huon Valley, this time at home at the beautiful Kelvedon Park - sans grandstand - whatever happened to all that money we raised at the Quiz night? An early Saturday morning game was a shock to the system but remarkably we got there on time.

The Pirates were at there "Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrr" swashbuckling best as they ran onto the ground - making more noise than a vuvuzela (I thought at the time). Lifted by the result from last week the team was keen to reverse the last result against the Valley Voltage from those dim dark days of Div 2.

The game got underway and the peace of an early Saturday morning was smashed by a chorus of Vuvuzelas from the seat on the hill. Very funny. I can believe how loud those things are - as I'm sure the local residents would agree. Unlike the World Cup soundtrack the Taroona vuvuzelas were quite restrained and only lasted for the first half - Jack O'Sullivan appeared to be a favourite with the chorus.

The game started with Taroona pushing hard. The the Voltage responded - Joey was at his imposing best. At half time it was nil all. Super Coach Geoff - who is keeping coy about calls from Frank Lowy for the 2014 slot - talked the team into a mood where they were determined to resist the tendency for a quick post half time pounce from the Valley.

Joe Atkinson's goal deserves a paragraph all of it's own. Crossed by the hard working Tom, helped on by others till Aerospace Engineer Joe volleyed it to the back right hand corner of the net. A remarkable goal - which suggests a career launching the Mars shots may be in the offing for Joe - who has scored three similar calculated surgical strikes this year.

From there Taroona held on - wiping out disappointments from previous encounters.

The match was well refereed by the urbane Tim O'Sullivan - who stepped in when FFT failed to provide a referee. They may have a new CEO - but they still cant get it right.

Next week Wellesley Park - which frankly should not be a venue for football of this class.

Kingborough Lions down in penalty shoot out

Well I missed it but it sounds like game of the season so far. The Lions - Division 1 that is - were kept scoreless during the alloted time. Ben Wisby hit the post but the Lions had a few chances too.

Then - this being a championship game - the penalty shoot out.

Up step the conquerors

Joe Atkinson

Ben Wisby

James Cherry

Joey the Imposing; and

Jack O'Sullivan

Taroona put five in, meanwhile Jpoey saved the fourth Kingborough shot.

Taroona on penalties 5-4 and into the semis.

Time to revise the Supercoach's contract

Division 1- white socks and Zebras

A strange disconnected day. Arriving late through misreading the roster, the ref telling the team he will not let them play with white socks - where are the away team black, superb diplomacy by Supercoach, a "feels like" temperature of 5 degrees, a barren windswept pitch beside the Funeral home, a car break-in in broad daylight, a Zebra goal before half time and some superb passing by Taroona in the midfield. Such was the introduction to Division 1. The team's history in Div 2 has been wiped from the internetosphere - thanks FFT. You show the wisdom and wit of those refs FIFA have imposed on the Socceroos. More vuvuzela to you I say.

The second half saw another Zebra goal after Joey the Imposing was clearly knocked off the ball while he had control of it - perhaps we havent read that page yet. A superb goal from Ben "I'm back" Wisby gave the zebras something to ponder for the rematch coming at Kelvedon. And afterwards we had the Ghana match to look forward to!

Next time we'll wear black socks.

Return to Ranelagh - a pleasant experience

Last year Taroona visited Ranelagh following a few wet weeks and played the local side in a swimming pool where dribbling caused a wake that could be surfed by the younger and lighter members of the team. A three nil half time deficit was recovered for a draw that influenced the final standings to the detriment of the locals. This was probably the most physical game all year.

Yesterday the return visit was anticipated with some trepidation.

In fact the game was a beauty - played between one team that dominated general play but could not convert and another that blitzed the first five minuted and went one up so that Taroona were always catching up. Taroona played far better than last week but lost by more - such is the way of the beautiful game.

Two more Huon goals put the result beyond doubt but a trademark steal from Zac saw the locals fearing another comeback - which was not to be.

Highlights were ball control from Ben Wisby, Willo Hunt imitating the wall in defence, brilliance from the Etheringtons and reliability from Angus - who wasn't distracted by his Dad doing a leg on the line in the second half.

Now for some rest and recreation during the school holidays - however, dark moves are afoot to change the makeup of the competitions and rule a line under the progress so far!

Once again Coach Geoff drew lessons for the school weary boys to ponder. His approach makes Paul Roos look like a bad tempered vein popper - he continues to draw the best from his group and it is only a matter of time before he gets the national job.

Some will think I'm joking!

Great First half - ordinary second half

Rather than a trip to Ranelagh we went to Prince of Wales Bay - under the Lutana hill. On arrival world traveller Peter Tathum exclaimed he was "in the sticks!" After acclimatizing to the ground next door - the Taroona undefeated Pirates found the right ground but played the first part of the first half like it was their own home ground. The Professor Jo Atkinson again used all the science required to lob the ball over the keeper's head for the first. Liam O'Donovan slotted a beauty after dominating his wing. But then some relaxation seemed to set in. The Imposing Joey saved the Tarrona bacon as the Glenorchy Knights rebuilt their game - ceaseless running, stout defence and the odd bout of pushing came to nought by half time.

The second half saw two goals scored quickly as the jousting continued - the Knights' game plan was now back in place. An interesting penalty decision - which saw our own twins engage in robust debate with the Ref - led to a third Knights' net. Double tagging the Taroona attackers closed down the counter thrusts.

From there the game deteriorated. Rather than possession and precision it was crash, bash and slam - the Taroona boys falling for the opposition game plan not their own.

Ever the teacher, the wise owl Geoff Supercoach calmly distilled the lessons from the game for the team like a master vigneron - teasing out the grapes of wisdom rather than those of wrath.

THIS week - the Ranelagh swimming pool!

5 Nil victory built on Goalkeeping

Taroona began it's cup campaign today against last week's victims Woodbridge. No doubt the Woodbridge Whalers stored up on salmon and ocean trout over the past week but it was to no avail. Taroona lost three players from last week - but still triumphed - this time 5 goals to nil.

Jack O'Sullivan scored two beauties, Jo Atkinson calculated wind direction, land speed, curvature of the earth and angles like a built in GPS device to punish the Woodbridge goalie, Ben Wisbey floated in a beauty and Zac received his long overdue reward for his striking play.

But none of these heroics would have counted without the masterful performance of the Imposing Joey - back in the goal after a half upfield last week. Joey was brilliant - attacking the ball as it came towards him on many occasions. The Woodbridge team had been strengthened during the week with the return of some key players and they made many chances up front - but none got past Joey who attacks in the most defensive of positions with the ferocity of a marauding viking without any of the ill-manners. Not only did he defend his goal - his kicking and throwing to attackers was great to watch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Kelvedon park.

Next week a trip the swimming pool at Ranelagh - watch the rain prepare the pitch!

Round 3 - Second Game - 7-Nil

Woodbridge produces the best smoked salmon in Tasmania. Woodbridge ocean trout poached in champagne is a signature dish in this house.

Woodbridge were welcomed back to the league - after an absence of some years in this division, with a poaching at Kelvedon Park. Into the teeth of a gusty breeze the Taroona boys showed salmon skills all of their own - keeping the ball low and finding the net - 4 times before half time.

With the breeze the Taroona boys feasted on another three majors (not sure what a minor is in this context) before finally snuffing out the challenge from the southerners.

Ben Wisby - two goals - reveled in his return to the team, James the artist Cherry bagged two and Liam O'Donovan - in his own boots - also scored two. Jack O'Sullivan made an early nomination for goal of the season - a lob which silently pierced the gap between keeper and cross bar while the crowd gaped.

Meanwhile, Supercoach Geoff stood by - encouraging democracy in the change rooms and urging his team on.

Geoff - the British people could do with your guiding hand now!

"It's much easier when the other team doesn't score!"

The thing about supercoach Geoff The Engineer Atkinson is his ability to make the deceptively simple thought a profound statement.

Without the Imposing Joey's keeping today the Taroona Pirates could not have played the free-flowing buildups that yielded a James The artist Cherry round one hat-trick and Ben The Bolter Wisby a welcome net on his return to the fold.

Supercoach Geoff was onto this early - he saw the team shake off the summer cobwebs and roll the Premiers in their first hit out for the year. Banished was the old Taroona - "here guys have a goal in the first thirty seconds" - game plan that led to the comeback scenarios that thrilled us in 2008.

Let's look forward to a great year.

Ambivalence

I am ambivalent about the Pakistan loss to Australia. It was so inevitable - once the Australians took the lead by more than 100 it was just about all over. I think it true that the Pakistan team lost rather than the Aussies win - clearly though the Aussies had to be there to win it.

Why am I ambivalent? This success will delay changes that I think are necessary. Mike Hussey should be dropped. He was lucky to get to three figures - he has been slow all summer and the Pakistan wicket keeper has made a big contribution to the continuation of Hussey's career. Ricky Ponting should bat elsewhere while he is injured. Michael Clarke and Marcus North cant get too many more chances - surely? (Except of course Michael Clarke is from New South Wales - and he has got many runs on the board).

For me the shining light was Nathan Hauritz - he looks out of place but keeps hanging in there. Clearly he hasn't let it go to his head either!

I think that the result proved Ponting made the right decision to bat - but if we had been playing South Africa the calls for his head might have been deafening by now.

The next test could be a real fizzer - what a pity the Pakistan team didn't win to make Hobart the decider.

Of course, we all look forward to the 20 over and 50 over games - that anticipation makes the Hobart test seem a bit pointless! I look forward to some forward thinking experimentation from the Aussie team - perhaps they will wear a different brand of sunscreen?