Latest news with #Blues
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Carlton keep fading out of games. It inspired a meme
Loading If football was played over one quarter, Carlton would be on top of the ladder, Tom De Koning would have a powerful reason to stay, and life would be rosy for coach Michael Voss. An Instagram post this week by the account Memes About Carlton, presumably run by a Blues fan, gave a glimpse into this parallel universe. Featuring highlights from the 1995 grand final under the title '2025 Carlton if AFL games ended at quarter time', the post finished with Stephen Kernahan and David Parkin holding aloft that year's premiership cup, the last won by the Blues. The Blues have won 10 of 13 first quarters, equal with Adelaide. They play daring football in this period, move the ball quickly by hand, are efficient inside 50 metres and kick straight. But things change dramatically after the first break, almost as if the quarter-time siren to them is what the stroke of midnight is for Cinderella. The key metrics drop. The Blues are less willing to handball after a mark, score conversions after entering 50m drop, as does accuracy – from third to 14th for the final three quarters. Unfortunately for success-starved Blues supporters, the events on the opening night of round one against Richmond were not an aberration, even if their subsequent fadeouts have not been as spectacular or as embarrassing. They have won just three of 13 second halves and are equal 16th for winning final quarters. In the 10 games they have led at quarter-time, they have won six, well below the competition average of 76.5 per cent. Even with one more win, they could have been playing this week for a spot in the eight. There are numerous theories to the Blues fadeouts. They are slow; they are not a good kicking team; or, don't have the fitness to play a physically taxing game built on contest and clearance are among the schools of thought.
The Age
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
Carlton keep fading out of games. It inspired a meme
Loading If football was played over one quarter, Carlton would be on top of the ladder, Tom De Koning would have a powerful reason to stay, and life would be rosy for coach Michael Voss. An Instagram post this week by the account Memes About Carlton, presumably run by a Blues fan, gave a glimpse into this parallel universe. Featuring highlights from the 1995 grand final under the title '2025 Carlton if AFL games ended at quarter time', the post finished with Stephen Kernahan and David Parkin holding aloft that year's premiership cup, the last won by the Blues. The Blues have won 10 of 13 first quarters, equal with Adelaide. They play daring football in this period, move the ball quickly by hand, are efficient inside 50 metres and kick straight. But things change dramatically after the first break, almost as if the quarter-time siren to them is what the stroke of midnight is for Cinderella. The key metrics drop. The Blues are less willing to handball after a mark, score conversions after entering 50m drop, as does accuracy – from third to 14th for the final three quarters. Unfortunately for success-starved Blues supporters, the events on the opening night of round one against Richmond were not an aberration, even if their subsequent fadeouts have not been as spectacular or as embarrassing. They have won just three of 13 second halves and are equal 16th for winning final quarters. In the 10 games they have led at quarter-time, they have won six, well below the competition average of 76.5 per cent. Even with one more win, they could have been playing this week for a spot in the eight. There are numerous theories to the Blues fadeouts. They are slow; they are not a good kicking team; or, don't have the fitness to play a physically taxing game built on contest and clearance are among the schools of thought.
Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
Chiefs vs Crusaders: How to watch Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final - Live streaming, TV, time, date and other details
After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. (Super Rugby Pacific Photo) The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in Christchurch as the Crusaders and Chiefs clash in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final on what promises to be a classic encounter, the Crusaders return to their backyard - where they boast a perfect record in playoff rugby. Since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996, they have remained unbeaten in 31 finals and knockout matches played on home soil, a staggering run spanning three decades. ALSO READ: Red-hot Chiefs challenge Crusaders' reign in Super Rugby Pacific finalLooking to rewrite the script are the Chiefs, making their third consecutive Grand Final appearance. After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. Match: Crusaders vs Chiefs Date: Saturday, June 21 Kickoff Time: 3:05am ET Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Where to Watch: ESPN+ Live and FloRugby & FloSports app HOW TO WATCH SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL IN NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final can be watched at 7:05pm NZST on NZR+ and Sky TV New Zealand in NZ, while in Australia you can grab the action on Channel 9 & Stan at 5:05pm AEST. CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (C), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo CRUSADERS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (C), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
Courier-Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
‘Fraud': Blues scammed by unrecognisable superstar in series-tying loss, Cameron Munster, Billy Slater
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. COMMENT Let history show there was only one fraud responsible for ensuring an Origin decider in 2025 - and it wasn't Ashley Klein. Cameron Munster's infectious performance in game two will not only be remembered as one of the great playmaker's knocks, but also the biggest scam in Origin history. Why? Not because the Maroons barely eked home on sloppy Blues goalkicking, nor because Klein blew the whistle so often he was mistaken for a car alarm. Nope, it's because Munster did the Blues dirty with a shock new routine - the ability to dominate in Priest Mode. In horrific news for NSW, the captain's role has unlocked a new aspect of Munster that's as level-headed as it is two-faced. Announced as the state's new leader last week, Munster as a Maroons father figure was always bound to conflict with the bottle blonde tomcat we've come to know in so many larrikin grabs and grainy viral videos. Cameron Munster led the Maroons to victory with a dominant display. Cameron Munster led out a team of leaders for the Queensland. (Photo by) But when he presented with a chill steeliness and clean shaven face at his unveiling, we were witnessing the beginning of the transition in real time. Then when he fronted multiple media calls throughout the week in full dad mode and team uniform - and not just to crack zingers or issue a public apology - he was truly unrecognisable. But once Munster lead by example on the paddock in a man of the match performance, not only had he fully transformed in to one of those testimonials on a Tony Robbins self help manual, he'd also confirmed his appointment a rousing success. Sure, it's too early to elevate the new skipper to the bar alongside esteemed types like Baron Cameron Smith, especially after he confirmed his latent larrikinism by slipping a cheeky F-bomb in the post-match interview like a verbal wink in a hostage video. However, the 30 year old proved Wednesday night that the weight of responsibility won't hamper the spring in his step. Billy Slater nailed the captaincy call on Cameron Munster. (Photo by) Cameron Munster was all heart on Wednesday night. (Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP) Just because he was Danny Tanner all week and held a stridently earnest pre-match interview with Johnathan Thurston on the team bus didn't mean he'd also play his footy like a sitcom dad. And just because he openly professed his love for the coach in the post-match press conference without being six beers deep doesn't mean he'll lose his playful edge either. Credit where it's due, Billy Slater has made his fair share of boofheaded decisions this series but he's absolutely nailed this one to the wall. With the series on the line, the coach was under stifling pressure to pull the right rein on Daly Cherry-Evans' replacement at skipper, lest be underlined as the first Queensland coach sunk by Aaron Woods. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY But when he ignored a raft of club captains to anoint Munster as captain, many believed he'd confused the state role with the social club. For all his mercurial brilliance, the Storm talisman has been widely celebrated as the Dally Messenger of good times, a free spirit whose rhinocerene appetite for a beer is matched only by his love of a poor decision. Who could forget when he was sin binned in the 2018 grand final for kicking? Or when he was banned for 12 months by the QRL in 2016 for breaking curfew at an Emerging Origin camp? X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Conversely, what about playing a leading hand in the 2020 series victory after fronting the team photo looking like he'd just served a 12 week sentence in the Milton brewery? Munster has always saddled the line between professional and playboy, a position that reached a crossroads in 2021 when he was sprung on film mucking up on the Gold Coast with Brandon Smith. When it comes to selecting a new skipper, there's no scarier trio of terms on a CV than 'unidentified white powder', 'Gold Coast' and 'The Cheese' - but Slater still bravely gambled on his five-eighth and its come up trumps. Sure, we've all seen similar glimpses of Reverend Munster in recent times as he abandoned the bottle and the extra pounds, albeit the latter only because his wife jibed him about his muffin top. But his performance to save the series proves this captaincy caper could catapult his influence in Origin further towards Wally-esque areas. And all they had to do was shave him down and let him flip the coin. - Dane Eldridge is a warped cynic yearning for the glory days of rugby league, a time when the sponges were magic and the Mondays were mad. He's never strapped on a boot in his life, and as such, should be taken with a grain of salt. Originally published as 'Fraud': Blues scammed by unrecognisable superstar in series-tying loss
Sky News AU
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Sky News AU
AFL 2025: Carlton coach Michael Voss on Tom De Koning's contract call
Carlton coach Michael Voss says he's balancing his conversations with out-of-contract big man Tom De Koning between personal chats and knowing when to 'leave him alone' as he weighs up a multimillion-dollar offer from St Kilda. Voss has drafted in another ruckman, Marc Pittonet, to help De Koning out in Saturday's clash with North Melbourne, a game the 6-7 Blues have to win to remain in the hunt for finals. Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow is also a confirmed starter to tackle the Roos, having been subbed out of last week's win over West Coast with a calf niggle. But while the focus is on the now, Voss said he couldn't ignore the De Koning situation and while the 25-year-old wasn't being hassled by anyone at the club to make a decision, there had been conversations. The Saints have reportedly offered De Koning a $12m mega contract, a figure the Blues can't match. Voss said he had taken questions from De Koning on the club's future but never at any stage urged him to make a call. 'I reckon two years ago, we were sitting in the same situation – then he walked into my office one day and signed the next day,' Voss said on Friday. 'He'll make that decision whenever that is in due course. But I look at what he's providing us, the investment he has in our team and how much he loves his teammates … this is his team, and he sees himself as that. 'When we have these conversations, that's what we talk about – the team, how he's going to get better and what that looks like in the future. 'We're more than happy to have those he needs from me is the reinforcement of what he brings to the team, how important he is to us as a player and he'll continue to do so. 'The dialogue I have had with Tom is ongoing. We have had some more personal chats with that, but there's also knowing when to leave him alone and give him space to get on with playing football.' Voss said Curnow 'trained pretty much the whole session' on Friday and was expected to take his spot against the Kangaroos, and the Blues had a 'laser focus' on what's needed, with so much at stake. 'We're laser focused in on making sure we play well. We've got a system we want to play, we've been really proud of some aspects of our game that we're getting right,' he said. 'We're laying those foundations down, but we're also really clear on the things we need to be better at – that's where all our energy has been. We haven't shifted our focus, it's the next contest, it's the next team we play and that's North Melbourne. That's what gets our sole attention.' Originally published as Carlton coach Michael Voss reveals how he's handling the contract call for star big man Tom De Koning
