City Homicide

Channel Seven take a bow. The much anticipated debut of the newest Australian cop drama City Homicide made a sterling debut earlier tonight.

Australian drama had been a dying art but like the rains of this winter in Sydney so has the drought’s back been broken for television drama. Australia boasts a plethora of talent and our actors have done us proud.

Aaron Pedersen provides the strongest character in the six person strong cast with charisma and humor, he plays a very convincing cop. Until our first introduction of Pedersen’s character, Duncan Freeman the drama was a bit slow starting and developing characters.

Shane Bourne’s portrayal as Senior Sgt Stanley Wolfe leader of the Homicide squad is refreshing to the role of the ‘boss’ and with Noni Hazelhurst as a female in the commanding position adds gives depth to some obvious female-male power storylines in future episodes.

Daniel McPherson plays a brash, young, arrogant know-all cop and suits his role as Detective Simon Joyner like a glove. I am yet to be convinced by Damien Richardson who plays Detective Matt Ryan but balances the three lead males.

Nadine Gardner’s character, Jennifer Mapplethorpe needs some more development in this ‘blokey’ world but the female oppression angles is all ready being investigated.

Clever camera work, editing techniques and clever scripting has given City Homicide a fantastic launch pad. Suspense was built throughout the episode in a traditional storyline of a ‘who done it?’

Overall I am impressed with City Homicide, celebrating the return of Australian cop drama. Together with Sea Patrol, the revival of All Saints and McLeod’s Daughter’s, Seven and Nine must be commended on their investment into one of our greatest assets, Australian drama.

When you read tonight’s ratings, City Homicide will be the most popular show of the night attracting at least two million viewers. Let’s hope we have many seasons of this newest Aussie drama.

"knows what it wants"

Channel 7 Chief Executive Officer David Leckie was quoted in Melbourne's Herald Sun on Wednesday saying that Channel 7 was the only network that, "knows what it wants". His comments come after Channel 9 cancelled Temptation and today being the day that 9's head of news Garry Linnell resigns.

Clearly the embattled Nine network are under further pressure with Linnell's resignation amongst a raft of personnel changes and programming changes this year. Until the last few years, Nine was "still the one" and the late Kerry Packer would turn in his grave seeing what has happened to his proudest achievement.

Sensibly James Packer pulled the family from the Network who seems to be losing ground at an alarming rate. I believe Nine still deliver the best commercial television news and their overall package is more professional in appearance than that of Seven.

Leckie's comments are validated with 7 now assured of victory in the ratings war making it 7in07. A strong programming schedule with quality US dramas including Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. Add the success of their Australian productions: Border Security, Dancing With the Stars and Medical Emergency plus the new Australian successes: Bondi Rescue, The Rich List, RSPCA Animal Rescue, Kath & Kim and Australia's Got Talent.

7 went out aggressively this year and poached one of Nine's biggest personalities Jamie Durie. His defection spelled the end of Nine who was the television stations poster boy.

With 7 launching the newly created The Morning Show beating rivals KAK and 9AM, Seven are now building their daytime audience. City Homicide debuts on Monday night and should hopefully be a success.

Seven and Nine must be credited with their re-investment back into Australian drama. Sea Patrol has been the ratings winner of Thursday prime time (despite having no competition), City Homicide should follow suit on Monday night.

Seven have won 23 of the 25 ratings week and are going to be Number 1 in 2007. Leckie has taken the network to the top at 9's expense to which the network's answer is imitation.

Nine's gambles have not paid off with Things to do Before You Die, What A Year and even Whats Good For You bombing. Nine are not re-inventing the wheel, making stale programming or clip shows like 20 to 1 or tacky game shows like The Singing Bee.

Seven looks like it knows where it is heading with an ever expanding cupboard of quality programming. For Nine, who knows what will screen next week and they have all but exhausted their cupboard. There are only so many times we can watch the same episodes of CSI

Nine does do news well with 60 Minutes still proving to be popular but they are trying to emulate 7's success with poor imitations.

Commercial news for Nine previously had a degree of edge and professionalism over Ten and Seven. The network still has the look, the 'package' but they are trying to adopt it to Seven's 'info-tainment' formula with tabloid journalism dominating our screens.

Unfortunately this type of news is proving to be more and more popular with viewers but it just does not fit the Nine formula. Seven certainly know what viewers want represented in their ratings.

Seven deserve their success because their shows are professionally created, directed and produced. As for Nine, I am sure the alarm bells are ringing because Nine has no idea what it wants, or do they? Show us...

Two Steps Backwards

I can't believe the lack of creativity that Channel 9 has come up with in 2008. The station has most definately lost irrepairable ground and head staright for the dldrums unless some creativity can be salvaged at the netword in 2008 and their new batch of US dramas prove to be a success.

Channel 7 have their own dramas such as why did next to no one watch the Grey's Anatomy's finale and why are is Shark receiving no audience, Las Vegas screening at 8.30 on a Thursday and Seven running 'worl'd worst' 'most shocking' and 'life begins' in primetime slots? Hello these (minus Grey's) shows should not be shown this side of midnight, yet alone during a ratings period.

As for Nine well they are showing nothing! No creativity and reverting now back to the 'hot seat' five nights a week in place of Temptation.

I don't know about you but are we not just a little over game shows? Millionaire won't bost 7pm ratings on Nine.

Every decision that seems to becoming out of Willoughby is negative and back pedalling or reverting decisions made in haste over the last two years. Backyard Blitz is back and even talk of bringing back good ol' Don Burke.

Meanwhile over at 7, they are just re-branding former Channel 9 personalities and giving them shows similar to what they were previously doing.

I am looking forward however to City Homicide next Monday. Aussie Cop drama - thumbs up!

Anything could be better than Sea Patrol...

What about Nine's daytime line-up, they really have screwed things over and their output war with WIN TV will see their day budget slashed further as KAK will no longer reach regional viewers.

SO what should Nine screen during the day... here is an idea:

6AM Today
9AM KAK
11AM Fresh Cooking
1130 The Price Is Right
1200 NEWS
1300 Days of Our Lives
1400 Water Rats
1500 *Kids Programming
1630 Friends
1700 News Chat Show... 'Five Live'
1730 Airline/Airport

might not work but hey i am sure it would get some better ratings than what they have now...

I am still waiting for someone to take a step forward

An e-life in an e-world

It got me thinking today for no real reason in particular but it starting consuming my thoughts as I drove wanting and wondering why I had an urgent desire to use the internet. It had only been about half an hour since I had been away from my computer but for some reason I needed it.

Almost like security or a blanket the internet and my mobile phone are an accessory much like a pair of socks and a pair of jocks. It is seriously ridiculous how I and the rest of the world are so reliant on mobile phones, emails, myspace, facebook… I mean does the world change every hour at such a rapid pace that I need to be re-informed so quickly?

What could have so drastically changed over the last half hour that will have such a significant change, outcome or bearing on my life? It scares me how I and many others are becoming all too consumed by technology and constant interaction in this e-world.

An article in today’s Sydney Morning Herald claimed that facebook is costing businesses over $5 billion per year wasted productivity because of this social network. It can also become eerie and creepy when people, ‘friends’ inform you that they know what you have been doing in your life because they read it on your facebook.

Is there any such thing as a personal space in this e-world? Do any of us lead private lives or have our private diaries, thoughts, emotions, scrapbooks, pictures and video’s been uploaded and opened to all so we can experience an ‘e-life’?

Technology is consuming our lives at a scary rate and I have realised this moreover in the last few months. Posting videos on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and the like gives the entire e-world complete access to your e-life.

It is becoming so easy to discover things about yourself behind the confines of a computer screen and the public forum of the internet.

What did people do 200 years ago? Send letters, carrier pigeons and transport was by horse and cart plus across water via boat. Now it’s instantaneous from the revolutions of AOL Instant Messenger – ICQ – MSN – myspace – facebook and beyond… what is the next part of my e-world to show everyone my e-life…

It’s scary but I am far to consumed by this eworld and wonder if I will stop or if it will stop me.

Garbage on our screens

I am looking very hard to find a television schedule from 1997 because what we are screening on Commercial and Pay television at the moment is garbage. There appears to be no thought, no development or desire to create programmes that will last and be popular, develop, build and maintain audiences.

Thank God You're Here is an acceptation and maybe Border Security but enough of this pseudo infotainment-lifestyle-reality programmes that involve Jamie Durie, backyards, living in confined or remote places and pointless contests that overall are dumbing society. These clip shows like 20 to 1 and What A Year, where is the imagination and who thought up these series?

Not to pick only on 9 but they have had some really bad concepts for television like The Code: Crime and Justice, Mothers In War and wait for it.... here comes The Farmer Wants a Wife... ARE YOU KIDDING?

Why are television stations paying money for people to develop television shows like this? A twelve year old can tell you that NO ONE will watch this and the programme will fail.

I cannot believe that Australia's Best Backyards debuted with such success last night winning the vital 6.30PM Sunday Night slot. Yes it had Jamie Durie but it had no substance, no originality and falls into the same category of shows mentioned above that is all to repetitious.

Last Chance Learners, Celebrity Dog School... I could go on and on... but not to totally bag all the shows coming out of the Networks. There is some merit in Dancing With the Stars and Australian Idol but they to will soon start to become tired.

For a competitive television market and that we have in Australia, I am amused by the amount of bad television that we produce. What do consumers want?!

Drama was starting to become a lost art but All Saints delivers sound figures and McLeods Daughter's holds its own on Wednesday evenings. Sea Patrol has had a stunning debut for 9 and I hope the myriad of new Aussie Dramas replicate this success.

There is no better television in my opinion than a good well-made drama and Aussies do a good job at it. Don't let this industry die, there are thousands of fantastic Aussie actors scratching at the bit for a gig on Australian televsion.

Enough of the info-tainment reality repetitious lifestyle crap... bring on the drama!

Has Seven's horse bolted too early

In a tv market dominated by ratings and revenue, Channel Seven headed by David Leckie have had a stella year-to-date. In Sydney a dominant Sunrise, News and Today Tonight have usurped Channel Nine's long dominance as news and current affairs leader.

With Leckie and Peter Meakin, Seven have all but brought about a new leader in news and current affairs. David Koch and Melissa Doyle, Seven's own born stars still blow Nine's Today Show away every weekday morning. As well Ian Ross and Anna Corren win the competitive 6-7pm news hour in Sydney each week night.

Nine has now answers to-date. The week Peter Harvey read the news, ratings in Sydney increased, could he be the unlikely hero for Nine?

With The Catch-Up failing to impress, The Lost Tribes, The Nation and a bad crop of failed American dramas in 2007, Nine has really felt the effects and will become Number 2 for the first time.

But has the horse bolted on Channel Seven?

Over zealous programming perhaps in their first half year scheduele with Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and The Life of Brian trying to challenge Nine's dominant Sunday Night line-up. Overall it failed to make too many in-roads into 60 Minutes or CSI.

Now Seven's cupboard is looking somewhat bare forcing the network to screen movies on Wednesday evenings when they could have held back the likes of Betty or Grey's. I think Seven went too hard too early and the effects have been felt with poorer than expected ratings for Hereos, Lost and Prison Break.

If Seven had saved some of these shows then their second half dominance would steamroll Nine who have just launched the impressive Sea Patrol.

Seven still have another series of Dancing to air, plus Shark and the debut of Kath and Kim on commercial television. Border Security, RSPCA rescue and Medical Emergerncy are delivering strong 7.30 series but the 8.30 scheduelling is questionable.

Nine could have counteracted this with holding one of their big shows like CSI or CSI (do they have anything else) back and made a real go of part 2, 2007 but there is much more needed to be done at Nine than a few imorts.

Since the Packer's sold Nine, who is in charge and what is happening? Will there be a total overhaul or will Bert Newton and Ray Martin be presenting Today and the news?

Maybe Humphrey B Bear could save the ratings but this second half of the year looks very very interesting

Un(in)credible Affair

Carrissa hopes to start school in Victoria after leaving her home and her parents in Brisbane. A troubled teenager leaves home in Brisbane, and runs to Victoria to be with boyfriend. The girl, 14 here mature aged boyfriend 15 and they met on the interent...

Are you kidding? These two kids claim they want to get married and this makes news. Its a funny story but does warrant 'A Current Affair'...

Take the David Sherma example last week and his bust by Ben Fordham, that was a good example of these current affairs shows but tonights story well well well

THE REPORT CARD

After 11 Rounds of the NRL season, I am rating the teams on their performance, giving them an overall score out of 10… Let’s start with the wooden spoon contenders.

DRAGONS

Horrible run of injuries has impacted a team that have promised so much yet never reached the mark. With only 3/10 wins the team are looking like one of the strongest contenders for the wooden spoon.
THE BAD: The number of injuries: Gasnier, Young, B. Morris, Ryles, Simms, Hornby
THE GOOD: Josh Morris – two are better than one
PREDICTION: Nathan Brown will shoulder the blame and be sacked by the end of the season, Ian Millward to probably get the nod. Should finish in the bottom three.
PERFORMNACE: 1/10

ROOSTERS

Change of guard from the Fittler-Ricketson-Ricky Stuart era. Starting to find form with an excellent win over the Sharks last season, despite also having 3/10. If this new found form continues they could scrape into the 8 although they don’t have a halfback but Craig Wing, Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichello are refinding form – this could be dangerous.
THE BAD: terrible start to the season, Chris Anderson has not had the best influence on the team and looks like he may have lost that coaching credibility.
THE GOOD: Minichello and Wing are back. Sam Perrett and Shaun Kenny-Down have proved to be excellent three-quarters.
PREDICTION: Could make the 8 if Minichello and Wing stay in form otherwise they’ll be fighting off the spoon.
PERFORMANCE: 2/10

BULLDOGS

Another club who have enormous potnential and names but are just not firing. Sitting 14th on the ladder is not acceptable to the club who need to have a good look at their roster. The loss of Asotasi, Myles and O’Meley leaving is taking its toll on a forward pack that haven been feared in the past.
THE BAD: Sonny Bill-Williams, not the player her was two years ago, hope he refinds his form
THE GOOD: Luke Patten – every club has brilliant full backs and Patten is ‘The General’.
PREDICTION: Won’t make the 8 this year which will also cause personnel changes, for a start they need a first grade hooker.
PERFORMANCE: 3/10

PANTHERS
Shown promise and are slowly adapting to new coach Matthew Elliot but they’re hot and cold. Need Gower, Pridiss and Rhys Wesser to fire.
THE BAD: there inconsistency and Joel Clinton
THE GOOD: Peter Walace but he might be off the Broncs
PREDICTION: If they find some consistency and Clinton starts firing they could scrape into the eight
PERFORMANCE: 3/10

BRONCOS
Horrible start to the season but the smashing of Newcastle will be the turning point for the 2006 premiers. A classy side who have a wizard of a coach and the second best player in the world – Darren Lockyer.
THE BAD – the start to the season and Wayne Bennett but also good because he takes attention off his players.
THE GOOD – Darren Lockyer
PREDICTION – see you in the semi’s.
PERFORMANCE: 2/10

TITANS
5/11 not to bad a start and they’re sitting 11th on the ladder so not to far off the mark in their first season. Scott Prince has been fantastic and really stepped up as a brilliant play maker.
THE BAD – Michael Henderson’s injury – head up kid
THE GOOD – Scott Prince and Luke Bailey – priceless ability and work rate plus Anthony Laffranchi – put him in the origin team.
PREDICTION – Will hover, may make it, may not - their fitness is a key to success and Cartwright’s enthusiasm. If they keep Prince, Rogers and Bailey injury free they will be in the 8, without Prince or Bailey, they won’t.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

RABBITOHS
Super start to the season but they’re struggling and will do without David Kidwell and David Peachey. Huge inroads have been made but we need a little less ‘Hollywood’ and a little mor action.
THE BAD – they are playing like the old days at the moment
THE GOOD – Jason Taylor
PREDICTION – Without an established half, no Kidwell or Peachey, they won’t make the 8, I just hope they don’t bite the spoon.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

EELS

Growing from strength to strength with Michael Hagan. Look like making the Top 8 and could take things to the final weeks of the finals.
THE BAD – Losing Wade McKinnon to the Warriors.
THE GOOD – Nathan Hindmarsh is a work horse
PREDICTION – semi finals
PERFORMANCE: 5/10

WARRIORS
Another up and down team, they need some consistency but I think they’ll be there come finals time.
THE BAD – Manu Vatevi v Parramatta
THE GOOD – Steven Price the best 33 year old in the game
PREDICTION – They’ll make the 8.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

KNIGHTS
Can they keep playing without Joey? Brian Smith’s credibility is also on the line…
THE BAD – Joey’s career ending injury.
THE GOOD – Kurt Gidley
PREDICTION – Crash and burn, wont make the finals and Brian Smith wont be the coach in 2008.
PERFORMANCE: 4/10

RAIDERS
Stunning win over the Dragons, if they can maintain this form they will make the finals as a surprise. Canberra can become a real graveyard for traveling teams…
THE BAD – Todd Carney’s off field dilemmas.
THE GOOD – Their young backs led by William Zilman and Captain Alan Tongue.
PREDICTION – they don’t get the credit of the major metro teams but watch out these guys look good. They will make the 8.
PERFORMANCE: 6/10

SHARKS
Found their click. Ricky Sturat is bringing the best out of all their players with Kimmorley looking good again.
THE BAD – Loss to the Roosters, psychological blow over Stuart.
THE GOOD – Greg Bird, now an NRL enforcer
PREDICTION – Semi finals is on the cards
PERFORMANCE: 6/10

COWBOYS
7 wins from 11 starts not bad with the World’s greatest player: Jonathan Thurston. Together with Matt Bowen, they are the best combination in Rugby league.
THE BAD – Luke O’Donnell’s injury
THE GOOD – Jonathan Thurston
PREDICTION – They will be in the semis again but their forward pack are not as mobile this year. Still Steve Southern and Jacob lillyman have to shoulder some of the loss of O’Donnell.
PERFORMANCE: 7/10

WEST TIGERS
Their back and their unearthing some great new talent, like Chris Lawrence.
THE BAD – Benji Marshall’s shoulder… AGAIN
THE GOOD – Robbie Farah, one of the best dummy halves in the game.
PREDICTION – Another top 8 finisher but wont win the comp will make the top 6.
PERFROMANCE: 7/10

MELBOURNE
With 9/11 the Storm are looking like this will be their year. They have learnt from the disappointment from 2006, looking hungrier and more determined to win the premiership this year. Cooper Cronk is climbing the ranks in the half back world
THE BAD – Is there anything bad about this team?
THE GOOD – Israel Falou, where can they fit him?
PREDICTION – 2007 premiership winners
PERFORMANCE: 8/10

MANLY
Sitting top of the table, Des Hasler must be proud of his Sea Eagles. Looking fantastic, but will it last?
THE BAD – trying to fit 17 players into their weekly selections
THE GOOD – Michael Monoghan but why are they letting him go?
PREDICTION – Final 4 but wont be in the grand final. Its hard to maintain this form.
PERFORMANCE: 9/10


FINAL 8 PREDICTION:
MANLY
MELBOURNE
BRISBANE
WEST TIGERS
SHARKS
RAIDERS
TITANS
EELS

FINAL 4 PREDICTION
MANLY
MELBOURNE
BRISBANE
EELS

GRAND FINAL PREDICTION
MELBOURNE
EELS

PREMIERSHIP PREDICTIONMELBOURNE

Thank God... The Return of the Playmaker

Rugby League has been boring for a while. Losing Andrew Johns, we had to wonder are there any creative players left?

With the game (league) becoming so physical, it is now reliant on strong forwards hitting the ball up with the creative element taking a back seat. Probably due to the lack of dominant creative and effective players, we now breathe a collective sigh of relief...

Thank God for Jonathan Thurston. Our faith has been restored that life will go on post Andrew Johns.

Going through the early 1990's there was a plethora of halves including Laurie Daley, Allan Langer, Ricky Stuart and Brad Fittler. In the latter part of the decade and the early naughties the likes of Trent Barrett emerged with Andrew Johns on the mantle.

Darren Lockyer has been groomed into a dangerous half but now we have another superstar in Thurston. The Bulldogs must regret there decision to allow him to leave every day.

Thurston has restored faith in the playmaker and shows finesse that has not been seen since Johns dominance. He is an all round attacking and defensive footballer. A complete player.

His kicking game, ability to kick goals and put players through holes, there is no else like him in the game. New South Wales are just hoping a play-maker with similar ability will be discovered trying Jarrod Mullen in Origin one.

Sitting a little far a way but not to far from Thurston's heels are Scott Prince and Cooper Cronk. Unfortunately two more Queenslander's who fail to fill the New South Wales halves dilemma.

Prince asserts his presence on the game and a contest between himself and Thurston is a pleasure to watch. Cronk, still in his infancy will be the next big time player.

But are there others coming through? The Dragons would like to see Matthew Head play a season to gain his confidence as he can have a devastating effect on the game.

Jarrod Mullen has shown promise but his Origin debut has proven he is not quite up to the mark. Ben Roberts shows promise and is the New Zealand half, but again needs some experience under his belt.

At least the signs are more positive and there is a return of the playmaker. Perhaps we can get more excited about the game and see The Number 7 dominate football again.

Television Stations Focus on Different Nights but Fail Others

Nine have finally decided they'd attack Tuesdays and give Seven some competition. After conceeding to Dancing With the Stars, nothing has worked for the embattled network who is yet to win a ratings week this year.

It would have made sense to attack Tuesdays when Dancing went wrapped up its recent season and It Takes Two returned. Clearly there is not as much interest with It Takes Two down almost half a million viewers than Dancing in that slot.

It should be more but Nine have not offered any competition, rather screen repeats of 20 to 1, CSI and the failed Justice, I Shouldn't Be Alive, Amazing Medical Stories, Extreme Makeover and anything else that won't rate. Finally Nine have moved new episodes of CSI: NY to Tuesdays at 8.30PM, plus the return of the re-branded Crime and Justice plus a new series, Neighbours At War.

Hopefully these will become alternatives to the horrible It Takes Two which should be the last series.

While Nine sharpen it's Tuesday line-up, Seven look to claw back Thursday's by moven Heroes to 8.30 and Lost back to 9.30. The proof will be in the ratings results tomorrow but the expense will be on Wednesdays with Seven more or less conceeding the night but screening a one hour version of Police Files Unlocked.

Seven are hedging there bets with House on ten, Chaser on ABC as the leaders for Wednesday nights.

It's negative tactics, but so are networks showing repeats or specials when there are events on other channels that they know will lose them the night. Seven screening a movie during State of Origin and Nine showing repeats all this week because Origin will win them the week.

Get serious television executives and get competitive. Nine show repeats because they don't have the rating-winning programs but Seven are just as average.

Lets see some quality and variety...

Lots of pressure on Lisa

Lisa Wilkison becomes the latest victim to accept the challenge of the unpopular eviction ‘hot seat’, as the new co-host of the Channel Nine Today Show. Wilkinson, previously the host of Channel Seven’s Weekend Sunrise, will now front the embattled Nine breakfast program five mornings per week.

The former magazine editor becomes the fifth presenter since Tracy Grimshaw left the program at the end of 2005. Jessica Rowe was finally ‘boned’ on Saturday and since has had the glamorous Sarah Murdoch (who would be my pick) and Kellie Connolly in the presenting role.

Is it the embattled co-woman presenter or can some of the blame be passed on to the male equivalent Karl Stefanovick? He must be surely as nervous as Wilkinson, having witnessed the ‘revolving door’ of the women’s seat that he sits next to.

Stefanovick comes across confidently and has grown into the role but he must be slightly concerned about no stable on-air partner.

If Wilkinson is not the answer to the Today Show’s problems, then what will Nine do?

The pressure is mounting on the Network and the troubled breakfast program. It will be interesting to see how Karl and Lisa progress from May 28.

What state is cricket in after the World Cup

Australian Cricket stands head and shoulders above any other cricketing nation, but will this dominance continue and if so, for how long? How are the other nations shaping up after a two month long tournament?

On an off the field, the 2007 Cricket World Cup has been plagued with controversy that could blacken the sport. The off-field dramas including the ticketing prices, the length of the tournament, the death of Pakistani Coach Bob Woolmer have stolen the headlines from the game of cricket itself.

This world cup will be marked as a changing of the guard, as a number of coaches are retiring, key players, legends of the game, marred with turmoil and controversy leaving a rather bitter taste in the ICC’s mouths.

Was the tournament too long and why did the cricket not live up to everyone’s general expectations?

Australia are to take full credit and much of the attention of this world cup as noted above has been on ‘other dramas’. They totally and utterly desimated every opponent with class and charisma. Every player stood up and was counted for in same way, shape or form.

Matthew Hayden’s domination was matched by Glenn McGrath’s pure genius ability to bowl and leave the game on top of the world as player of the tournament.

With John Buchnanan retiring as Australian Coach, a change of the guard will take place as Tim Neilson steps into the role.

McGrath has a long list of replacements ready to take his place including the returning Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus. All are more than capable to add depth to Australia’s bowling but will have enormous shoes to fill.

Nathan Bracken and Shaun Tait have stood up and are to be credited for the excellent bowling in this cup and Bradley Hogg, likewise.

At the next World Cup Australia will not have the likes of McGrath, Hayden, Adam Gilchrist or Brad Hogg. So consider this as a possible team to compete in the 2011 world cup:

Brad Hodge
Michael Hussey
Ricky Ponting
Michael Clarke
Andrew Symonds
Brad Haddin
Adam Voges
Brett Lee
Nathan Bracken
Ben Hilfenhaus
Shaun Tait
Also: Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson, Dan Cullen, Stuart Clark

Note that there is no front-line spinner in this attack as there is also no Shane Watson. I have preferred to go with four genuine pace bowlers spearheaded by Tait and Lee with the added advantage of Bracken and Hilfenhaus. To fill the last quota Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Adam Voges and Brad Hodge can become the part-time spinners, giving Australia more balance and variety in their attack.

The batting is equally impressive with depth as the powerful and promising Adam Voges at number seven behind Brad Haddin.

Australia should continue to dominate but their opponents are starting to build. If England can sort themselves out, they have a promising team in the making.

Likewise Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan.

New Zealand will go through some more tough times with the retirements of Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond imminent and will probably occur before 2011.

India are all out of sorts again as they cannot choose eleven players yet alone an administration that supports both players and coaching staff. They need bowlers for a start and confidence.

Too much is asked of Indian Cricket and lives (as we saw with Woolmer) are placed on the line for success or failure.

Who would want to coach a cricket team after this year’s world cup or even become an administrator?

Let’s get on with playing the game of cricket and keep the bitching politics off the headlines and more of the on-field success taking credit for the game of cricket.

Mental Toughness will make it a hat-trick

Australia totally and utterly destroyed South Africa last night and exposed the weak mental toughness that the South Africans have. Australia always have the edge over South Africa and captain Graeme Smith in particular.

Smith set the tone attempting to slog Bracken in the third over only to be bowled. This single act sums up the stronghold Australia has over South Africa.

To be 5/27 in a semi-final, South Africa looked totally out of their depth and scared in a semi final when they were only two weeks ago ranked the number one team. Credit must be given to the Australian bowling attack spearheaded by Glenn McGrath who grabbed match honours once again.

McGrath took the crucial wickets of Kallis, Prince and Boucher, while Bracken sent the Captain packing. McGrath will leave the game on top of the world, bowling the best he has bowled in years which is a true testament to the longevity of his career, cunning length and line bowling that proves consistency is key.

Shaun Tait has been born and last night took impressive caught behind dismissals with De Villiers, Gibbs and Hall looking out of depth and scared against the extra pace. Again, Brad Hogg was impressive capturing 1/24 (10) and could have had a few more scalps.

Australia walk into the final with their bottom three batsmen (Bracken, McGrath and Tait) not having to pick up the bat. Sri Lanka will undoubtedly pumped up to defeat the favourites but you can’t go past Australia.

Ponting’s men will be switched on and be giving 150% to send Glenn McGrath out a winner. I can’t see the Sri Lankans matching it with the Australians.

COME ON AUSSIE… COME ON!

SALARY CAP INEQUALITIES

I might sound like a winger because the St George Illawarra Dragons are having a woeful start to the season. With injuries to key players, the loss of Trent Barrett and the impact of the salary cap, the Dragons just don’t have depth or experience on the field to be competitive in the NRL.

In the Round 7 clash against the Roosters, the Dragons had no Mark Gasnier, Simon Woolford, Jason Ryles or Dean Young and Matthew Head is out of sorts playing Premier League. Add the loss of Shaun Timmins, Trent Barrett, Luke Bailey and some of the up and comers Daryl Millard, Aaron Gorrell and Clint Greenshields on the back of the 2006, so whats left and who is playing?

Josh and Brett Morris are doing a sterling effort as only twenty year olds, but the exposure of Richard Williams, Tony Ellis, Rangi Chase, Tom Hewitt, Chase Stanley and the like have people wondering who are these kids?

Sure they have ability and promise but they are too young to be playing first grade and be expected to perform. Nathan Brown has no experienced players or older heads to lift the boys around them.

Once these kids have exposure to the top grade a club will the struggle to keep them the following year. Because of the injuries to key players, i.e Mark Gasnier and Simon Woolford then youngsters are exposed to first grade when they shouldn’t be.

While they are exposed to the top grade they now demand that they stay there, get paid more money and consequently leave, go to another club and play first grade becoming regular players. Daniel Holdsworth and Daryl Millard are now at the Bulldogs who came through the Dragons ranks.

Why is it though that some teams can continue to be successful and the salary cap does not affect their performance?

The Broncos have been a dominant team, in/or around the fringes of the premiership for fifiteen seasons. Maybe its lifestyle, maybe the Dragons have deep rooted problems attracting players.

Why would you want to train in two locations an hour and a half apart on alternate days?

A base needs to be established and possibly the salary cap needs to be revisited…

Then there were four

The Cricket World Cup is now in its final week. A time we thought might never come, after a long and at times tideous two month campaign.

Nevertheless the business end of the cup is upon us as the world's eyes will focus on four - Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Probably the four most deserving teams to have made the finals after 48 matches, 16 teams over 50 days of cricket to determine the make-up of the finals mix.

Semi Final 1: New Zealand v. Sri Lanka

An expected bouncy wicket for the first semi final will play into the hands of two key bowlers. Bond, Shane Bond and Slinga Lasith Malinga will be looking to dominate the Sabina track.

New Zealand may choose in fact to bowl as they are keen chasers and if Shane Bond is on song, it could be devestating. Likewise, Lasith Malinga will be itching to get his hands on the ball, as he seems to have an edge over New Zealander's who struggle against the faster skidding ball.

In the past New Zealand batsmen have struggled against Malinga and Australian Brett Lee. Malinga has the back-up in Chaminda Vaas, one of the best bowlers in the modern game and of course Muttiah Muralidaran. This attack is formidable and ricals only the Australian bowling brigade.

New Zealand will rely heavily on Bond, but he can be assisted by Daniel Vettori and (if picked) Jayten Patel. I would be picking the two spinners because the New Zealander's faster bowlers are not as convincing.

Whether Matthew Mason, James Franklin or Mark Gillespe are picked, will be decided on Jacob Oram's fitness. Oram plays an integral role with both bat and ball and I see benefits to Mark Gillespe being the second bowler to Bond, but the selectors will probably go with Franklin.

The batting will also be crucial to the result with Sanath Jayasuriya keen to end his career on a high note and will be going all guns blazing. Kumar Sangakarra has had a quite tournament by his standards, which is a worrying sign as the finals may be his time.

Sri Lanka's stregth lies in its middle order with Mahela Jayawardene, Russell Arnold, Tillekeratne Dilshan and Chamara Silva. Silva is the one who impresses me most and looks a real star for the future.

New Zealand's batsmen could do anything. Hot one day, cold the next.

Stephen Fleming needs runs for his team to score runs and he will be looking for a positive start. Ricky Taylor, Craig McMillan, Scott Styris and Jacob Oram need to post fortys or half century's to be competitive.

Overall the star studded bowling attack and depth of batting should see Sri Lanka qualify for the grand final.

Semi Final 2: Australia v. South Africa

De ja vu? But what will the result be this time. Australia have the edge over South Africa, thrashing them in the earlier rounds of the competition.

Australia have stood head and shoulders above every team at this world cup, and not making the final would be a failure in the team's books. Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith are the keys for mind both in their leadership and as batsmen, their teams rely on their skippers to have big games for their teams to succeed.

Ponting has the mental toughness, as a Captain, batsmen and big match player. His determination is unrivalled and he has the players to back his decissions.

Nevertheless South Africa have chased down 400 against Australia and won, so there will be some concern in the minds of the Australians.

Matthew Hayden is again key at the top of the order, scoring 580 runs with a highest score of 158 including four centuries in this years would cup at an average of 82.85. Ponting is not far behind him and Adam Gilchrist is still really to fire.

Australia's middle order looks solid with Michael Clarke's consistency, Andrew Symonds big hitting that can turn an innings on its head, Michael Hussey's unquestionable ability in the middle order and Shane Watson can also ignite some fireworks.

Suprisingly Nathan Bracken, Glen McGrath and Shaun Tait have not had to put the pads on once in this world cup, a testament to their top order.

The top class batting has been matched by impecable bowling. Glen McGrath will retire on top of his game.

Australia's fast bowler of the last decade has saved his best performances for the cup, becoming the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets at 14 and he will leave the games as the highest world cup wicket-taker of all time.

McGrath has been backed up in his fast bowling trio by Shaun Tait. Despite going for a few runs , Tait can devistate attackes with his pace, bounce and skid and looks devestating in full flight. Likewise Nathan Bracken has been consistent and provides the variety in this trio, not allowing a batsmen to get settled.

Brad Hogg caps off the variety of this attack having a memorable world cup. Arguably Australia's best bowler of the tournament, Hogg has 19 wickets at 15.21.

Australia has the leading wicket-taker and run scorer. Interestingly 12 months ago Glen McGrath, Matthew Hayden and even Brad Hogg were not guranteed positions in Australia's one day team and today there are the key ingriedients to this team.

South Africa will depend on their top four to score the bulk of their runs. Graeme Smith needs to attack the quicker bowlers and A B de Villiers needs to follow his skipped.

De Villiers has struggled against the Australians. Jacques Kallis needs to stand up and be counted, score runs at a quicker rate than he usually does, likewise Herschelle Gibbs who can be a match winner.

South Africa have stregth in their middle order with Mark Boucher, Justin Kemp and Shaun Pollock.

The bowling is what lets South Africa down. Pollock is not the bowler he was and Makhaya Ntini has struggled to impact on the fast bowler friendly wickets.

Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel or Andrew Hall could have that other position which should go to Nel who can get under the Australian's skin and offers more than the other options.

No quality front line spinner lets down the South Africans who crave a variety, change-up bowler. Their bowling is what lets down the Proteas as I see the game going the way of the Australians.

We will have to see what happenes this week but Australia should knock off the Proteas and meet Sri Lanka in the grand final. All will be revealed in 96 hours.

Talking FM changes its TUNE

So audiences now demand comic relief and the end of the day. Driving home, sitting on a bus or riding in an overcrowded train, people don't want music they want The Akmal Show, Hamish & Andy or Will & Lehmo.

Is there now much difference between and FM or AM drive-time shift? They both have talk, talkback and less and less music.

Perhaps its the ipod revolution, myspace and the internet that is allowing audiences to get their own music and not rely on the good old wireless, but why, now does each younger audience music station have a talk-based drive shift?

Music countdowns come-back in during the night-time and the philosophy seems to be less talk, more music while you are at work. Will any of the FM leaders restore a music based format?

The quality of the talent in drive has also picked up with the untested and somewhat politically incorrect comic Akmal Saleh with Kate Ritchie on NOVA. 2DAY have networked the popular Hamish and Andy duo which seems to have the FM drive momentum.

Triple M have answered the cry on April 2, installing former Glass House and Triple J breakfast presenter Wil Anderson to their drive shift with former SAFM breakfast anchor Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehman.

In the case of the first two, Akmal and Hamish&Andy will be more comic and probably stupid, while Wil and Lehmo will focus on political and news satire.

But what is funny?

In the aftermath of the University Massacre in the United States last week, Will and Lehmo responded by asking their audience to call in and share who in their office would be the most likely candidate to perform a massacre?

Comedy or Distaste?

Say no more... YOU decide

Talking FM changes its TUNE

So audiences now demand comic relief and the end of the day. Driving home, sitting on a bus or riding in an overcrowded train, people don't want music they want The Akmal Show, Hamish & Andy or Will & Lehmo.

Is there now much difference between and FM or AM drive-time shift. They both have talk, talkback and less and less music.

Perhaps its the ipod revolution, myspace and the internet that is allowing audiences to get their own music and not rely on the good old wireless, but why, now does each younger audience music station have a talk-based drive shift?

Music countdowns come-back in during the night-time and the philosophy seems to be less talk, more music while you are at work. Will any of the FM leaders restore a music based format?

The quality of the talent in drive has also picked up with the untested and somewhat politically incorrect comic Akmal Saleh with Kate Ritchie on NOVA. 2DAY have networked the popular Hamish and Andy duo which seems to have the FM drive momentum.

Triple M have answered the cry on April 2, installing former Glass House and Triple J breakfast presenter Wil Anderson to their drive shift with former SAFM breakfast anchor Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehman.

In the case of the first two, Akmal and Hamish&Andy will be more comic and probably stupid, while Wil and Lehmo will focus on political and news satire.

But what is funny?

In the aftermath of the University Massacre in the United States last week, Will and Lehmo responded by asking their audience to call in and share who in their office would be the most likely candidate to perform a massacre?

Comedy or Distaste?

Say no more... YOU decide

What makes news?

Infotainment is the buzz word that news-makers are concerned about because of the perceived preference that audiences what light-hearted, information and entertainment instead of the harder, more serious news.

The changes witnessed in all forms of media, such as the casual more chatty Sunrise breakfast television program which now outrates rival Today is one example of the changing nature and interest of audience.

Even radio, with 2UE's Mike and Fitz Breakfast Show being more light hearted than rival Alan Jones. But why are audiences so interested in this 'coffee chat' gossip?

Britney Spears latest movements, the Anna Nicole-Smith saga and even the movements of Mercedes Corby are all news items that radio, television and newspapers place high emphasis on reporting.

It's not news - it's gossip. So what is news?

There is a continual decline in interst in international news stories or a crisis in a remote region. Surely there are more pressing issues than Britney's head being shaved.

Audience's lack of interest in wars in the middle east, regional pacific unrest and even aids in Africa is a poor reflection on the dumbing down of society.

We are isolating ourselves, becoming arrogant and to overly concerned in celebrity gossip, that we are becoming less inteligent.

A stronger focus on international news is needed to place ourselves in society so that we do not get to wrapped up in ourselves and our own little world.

Seven makes it 2/2

Week 2 of the television ratings and its appearing that it could be ‘7 in 07’. The crop of American dramas, aggressive Sunday night programming and a new installment of the successful Dancing With the Stars and Nine programmers would be getting worried.

Week 1 saw Seven defeat Nine by 0.1%, without a Sunday night line-up of Australia’s Got Talent, Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy. With Week 2’s results being just released, Seven convincingly won by 4.8% capturing 31.0% of the audience with Nine behind on 26.2% and Ten struggling with 20.8%.

Seven’s ‘Beautiful Sunday’ will be tested tonight when mile-high airhostess tells 60 Minutes reporter Peter Overton about her sex romp with Ralph Finnes. Will 60 Minutes claw back from Seven’s most popular show, Ugly Betty who scored over two million viewers in its first week.

Nine must be concerned that Seven has launched an aggressive and so far successful Sunday night which sees Seven dominate all nights bar Thursday, which Nine hold strong with high-rating RPA and Missing Persons Unit.

The worry for Seven is it’s Thursday with poor returns for How I Met Your Mother, which has seen the formerly successful My Name is Earl and Lost underperforming and Bones struggling to make headways.

If Seven get Thursdays right, then Nine will be demoralised. Nine will be disappointed with their underperforming dramas and the much anticipated The Code: Crime and Justice failing to draw the audiences that would rival Border Security, while 1 V 100 ratings continue to fall.

Ten seem to have got it wrong with their big local productions, The Con Test and Celebrity Dog School and The Biggest Loser not living up to their expectations. The head of programming David Mott would have to be concerned with the current performance of Ten.

Just how long until the first scheduling changes will be made at the three major networks? Will Nine gamble with The Lost Tribes, Mania and Sea Patrol to try and turn around their fortune or will it be ‘7 in 07’?

And they're off...

The 2007 ratings season for televison kicked off last night with hype, fanfare and predictions that Channel Seven will actually become number 1 in 07. The year has been set up as the closest yet with Seven having the crop of US series plus the highest rating local produce should see the network take poll position for the year.

Seven have launched a killer scheduele across the major rating days Sunday – Thursday squeezing Desperate Housewives, Lost, Prison Break, Dancing With the Stars and Border Security into the market along with hopefuls Hereos, Ugly Betty and Brothers and Sisters. 7 now have a challenge worthy Sunday night with Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy squaring off with 60 Minutes and CSI, the leaders of Sunday night.

Over zealous programming by Seven may however be a downfall, with so many good shows on now – what will be broadcast in the second half of the year?

Nine will be backing their Sunday success with 20 to 1 repeats, 60 Minutes and CSI to hold their mantle as Number 1 on Sundays. Seven poses a real threat and Ten with Big Brother and Australian Idol later this year will also make Sundays the one to watch.

Quiz shows are also the flavor for 2007 with Seven’s The Rich List looking competitive against Nine’s 1 V 100. The ratings for both have been impressive just far, but how long can it last?

Ten has chipped in with The Con Test but this seems destined to fail and will be pulled within a few episodes.

Nine are backing their CSI franchise, Without A Trace, Cold Case, McLeods Daughters, RPA, Missing Persons Unit, Getaway, Whats Good For You who all pull good ratings to be the backbone of the Nine schedule in 2007. Don’t forget Hotel Babylon returns for a short and sweet second season which is a top-rating drama.

Experimenting with new programs such as 1 v 100, The Lost Tribes, Mania, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Kidnapped and Sea Patrol all appear to be gambles. For a start, Studio and Kidnapped have all ready been cancelled in the US this year.

Justice on the other hand another series that has been cancelled shows potential as quick speed, high profile legal drama sure to cause a stir in the ratings. This is my bolter for 2007 and the concept Mania which debuted as Abbamania last year hosted by Richard Wilkins and Bec Hewitt, but there are a few flops too.

Australia’s Got Talent will not get off the ground. This looks like any other talent show and I will be surprised if it rates.

The Lost Tribes is a terrible concept for a show, another reality television mistake that Nine should never have commissioned. It makes you wonder if it will debut much like the promotion of Rome and Invasion (which was never seen) in 2006.

Seven have the power and the scheduling to win 2007. Nine will bank on familiarity and its unparalleled ability to have ‘the big news stories’ and leading coverage of sport.

Losing the AFL to Seven and Ten could hurt Nine badly as a number of South-Western state audiences will be lost.

It’s shaping up as a huge year in 2007 and we as the audiences can only benefit from better quality television as the networks compete for ratings glory.