Many AFL fans will be thrilled to see the back of Jeff Kennett when he officially finishes up as Hawthorn president in December this year. But Ben Waterworth believes the outspoken figure should stick around and put his strong opinions to good use.
While eight AFL clubs are preparing for a gruelling finals series, nine others are relaxing and reflecting on what has been a hectic season. Ben Waterworth assesses the teams that won’t be featuring deep into September.
The sole problem Collingwood has at the moment is deciding which players to leave out of its dominant team. Ben Waterworth predicts the 22 players that will give the Magpies the best chance of going back-to-back.
Many AFL fans will be thrilled to see the back of Jeff Kennett when he officially finishes up as Hawthorn president in December this year. But Ben Waterworth believes the outspoken figure should stick around and put his strong opinions to good use.
While eight AFL clubs are preparing for a gruelling finals series, nine others are relaxing and reflecting on what has been a hectic season. Ben Waterworth assesses the teams that won’t be featuring deep into September.
The sole problem Collingwood has at the moment is deciding which players to leave out of its dominant team. Ben Waterworth predicts the 22 players that will give the Magpies the best chance of going back-to-back.
Ben Waterworth recently returned home from working for the Rugby News Service at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. After his experience at the tournament, he believes the news service at major sporting events is crucial to its success.
Many AFL fans will be thrilled to see the back of Jeff Kennett when he officially finishes up as Hawthorn president in December this year. But Ben Waterworth believes the outspoken figure should stick around and put his strong opinions to good use.
While eight AFL clubs are preparing for a gruelling finals series, nine others are relaxing and reflecting on what has been a hectic season. Ben Waterworth assesses the teams that won’t be featuring deep into September.
The sole problem Collingwood has at the moment is deciding which players to leave out of its dominant team. Ben Waterworth predicts the 22 players that will give the Magpies the best chance of going back-to-back.
Fremantle’s poor record in Victoria continued on Saturday night with a big loss to North Melbourne. Ben Waterworth believes the Dockers will not be considered premiership contenders until they rectify their phobia of Victoria.
Hawthorn stars Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli lit up a tedious contest at the MCG on Saturday, kicking 14 goals between them. Ben Waterworth asks who is the more exciting player: bustling Buddy or slick Cyril?
Tanking is a hot topic amongst the AFL community again and Ben Waterworth believes the only way to stop the craze is by abolishing priority draft picks.
Before the start of the AFL season, many questioned whether Gary Ablett would be able to balance captaincy and the title of being Gold Coast’s star player. But Ben Waterworth believes the star midfielder has developed into a genuine leader, while maintaining outstanding form.
Cadel Evans has joined the calibre in that of Sir Donald Bradman, Rod Laver, Cathy Freeman and Ian Thorpe after becoming the first Aussie to win the Tour de France, says Ben Waterworth.
On Friday, Collingwood’s Heath Shaw was suspended for eight games after betting on an AFL match earlier in the year. But according to Ben Waterworth, Nick Maxwell’s involvement in the incident didn’t warrant a $10,000 fine.
Eight rounds remain in the AFL season and there are seven teams competing for the final three spots in the top eight. Ben Waterworth looks at each team and there respective chances of seeing September action.
GWS is on the lookout to recruit players before it enters the competition next season. Ben Waterworth believes the longer these players deny they’re NSW-bound, the more likely they’ll sign with the Giants at the end of the season.
West Coast, the AFL’s biggest success story in 2011, has gone from zero to hero in 10 months. Now, it has the potential to challenge for the top four, says Ben Waterworth.
Carlton has rediscovered its famous swagger from the club’s golden era. And Ben Waterworth believes it will only help the Blues, who are now genuine contenders for the 2011 premiership.
Another AFL player was racially vilified on the weekend with North Melbourne rookie Majak Daw copping abuse from a disgruntled fan. Ben Waterworth says in today’s game, there’s simply no room for racism.
Ben Waterworth believes Melbourne’s Jack Watts is one of a number of young AFL players who are unfairly scrutinised. Therefore the AFL community needs to have some patience and let these young players develop in the early stages of their careers.
This AFL season, the onus has been on the players to decide whether or not to take advantage from a free kick. But Ben Waterworth says the new rule has everyone confused.
Many expected Geelong to slide down the ladder in 2011. But after seven straight wins, including the one against Collingwood on Friday night, Ben Waterworth believes the Cats are no longer the hunters – they are the hunted.
Not too many would’ve predicted Essendon to be sitting in fourth spot on the ladder after seven rounds of this season. But that’s how it’s played out so far and Ben Waterworth believes Bombers fans should be jubilant.
The AFL recently announced its massive broadcast rights agreement, to reap more than $1.25 billion from 2012-2016. But despite the large sum of money, Ben Waterworth believes the code’s fans are the biggest winners of the deal.
