Court bans Melbourne pier picket - Ninemsn

A judge has extended a ban on a picket line blocking goods being shipped from a Melbourne port to Tasmania.

Victorian Supreme Court Justice Gregory Garde on Monday granted a temporary injunction to stop the picketing at Melbourne's Station Pier, ruling the work of stevedoring company Qube was being disrupted.

He ordered on Thursday the ban would remain in place until a trial to resolve claims that a union was behind the protest.

Dock workers and supporters have been blockading access to goods going on and off the Spirit of Tasmania at Melbourne's Station Pier since Friday, in protest against staff sackings.

Qube is accusing the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) of organising the picket, and says it has slowed freight being loaded on and off the ship.

Qube is suing the MUA, its Victorian branch secretary Kevin Bracken and two sacked workers for financial damages.

Frank Parry SC, for Qube, said the picket ignored the court order and hampered trucks loading the ship on Wednesday morning.

He told the court Mr Bracken had promised a Qube official the picket would be called off if the sacked workers were reinstated.

"We say we have direct evidence of Mr Bracken's control of the picket," Mr Parry said.

The MUA's lawyer Eugene White said union staff had simply represented workers and denied they were involved in unlawful activity.

He said there was not enough evidence to take the matter to trial and it should be dismissed.

But Justice Garde said he was satisfied the picket was causing substantial losses and extended the order until a date to be fixed.

Do you have any story leads, photos or videos?

Inside story of Storm's Inglis deal - Fox Sports

Greg Inglis for the Storm in 2010, the year the salary cap scandal broke. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

PAUL Kennedy's book Storm Cloud chronicles the rise, fall and rise of the Melbourne Storm. In this exclusive extract, he takes us back to 2008 when the Storm were negotiating the contract of star player Greg Inglis.

***

IN 2008 the re-signing of Greg Inglis became a major issue for Melbourne Storm.

Inglis was the most exciting prospect in Australian sport. Three months earlier he had helped his country beat New Zealand in the Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

There was a quiet understanding between (then Storm boss) Brian Waldron and Inglis's manager Allan Gainey. Both had been quoted in the press as saying they were not worried about Inglis leaving Storm. But still ... just to be safe. Neither wanted to even contemplate the star heading overseas. Gainey replied, "Quite happy to do so".

At that time Inglis had a decent contract: $420,000 (2009) and $450,000 (2010). Gainey knew any extension would mean a pay rise for player and manager.

Before one of the earliest meetings, Gainey spoke privately to Inglis about his asking price.

Gainey said, "I think you should go for 500 to 550." Inglis instructed, "550 would be better."

"Fine."

Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year - a good place to start.

Waldron sat down with them later and opened with a curious statement. He said he had been told by the NRL that he must do whatever it takes to secure the future of Inglis at the Storm and in the NRL long term.

Gainey took Waldron to mean that he had been empowered by the NRL, News Ltd and the Storm board of directors to negotiate whatever it would take - that he had a totally free hand to keep Inglis in the league. The CEO proposed a four-year deal.

Inglis had been contracted to Storm for 2007-2010. His performances were improving and his stature in the game was growing at club, state and international levels. Gainey said, "Greg will need a financial package of $550,000 per season to extend his contract to represent his true market value."

Waldron nodded and said he didn't think that was a problem. But he added the package would have to include third-party agreements and mentioned the possibility of a federal government program for outstanding indigenous athletes.

Gainey says he thought Waldron meant the NRL would approve any increase in salary and perhaps involve its sponsors in some legitimate side deals.

Gainey spent the rest of the meeting chasing up extras. Inglis wanted a sponsor's car to drive and he wanted airfares for his family. The agent also mentioned money owed. Inglis had still not been paid promised money through the league development scheme. Also, there was $40,000 outstanding from a contract variation.

The world's most exciting player had not spoken much during the meeting, letting his agent go to work. In wrapping up, Waldron concluded that he would seek the endorsement and ratification of the board at Storm and get back to Gainey.

As everyone was leaving Inglis said to Waldron, "Is there any chance of getting a boat for Dad?" Not even Gainey knew his client was going to make the request.

Waldron replied, "When you're ready I'll give you a contact person and they'll look after you. Up to a maximum of $30,000."

A week after the Federation Square meeting, Gainey and Inglis caught up briefly at Manly Pacific Hotel. Storm were playing the Sea Eagles at Brookvale the following day. The agent and footballer itemised the terms for extending Inglis's contract.

Inglis liked the look of the items and numbers. "I'll stay if you can get that deal done," he said.

Then Inglis flagged, almost as an afterthought, his desire for Storm to provide rental assistance to his parents should they relocate to Melbourne (they were planning to do so). Gainey said he would try to include it. He left the meeting experiencing relief and satisfaction.

News Ltd is the publisher of this website.

This is an edited extract from Storm Cloud: Melbourne Storm's Demise and Resurrection by Paul Kennedy, published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $29.95. Available in stores nationally.

Melbourne property market continues to improve - Herald Sun

Homebuyers have been warned price rises may be on the way. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

A FURTHER improvement in house prices in Melbourne last month, coupled with an anticipated interest rate cut next week, has sparked a housing affordability warning.

The alarm has been raised by market analysts at RP Data and Rismark, whose combined Hedonic Home Value Index released yesterday revealed a $13,250 (2.5 per cent) increase in values on the price of a median, $530,000, house helped put our market $23,320 (4.4 per cent) ahead, year-on-year.

That growth follows predictions last week that Melbourne's home values could return to peak levels by Christmas this year.

RP Data analyst Cameron Kusher said the figures were a mixed bag.

"It's good news for people that own their homes, but not for those looking to buy for the first time," Mr Kusher said.

"Someone looking to get in on their first time, it obviously does make it a bit harder."

But the growth in prices recorded was predominately lead by houses, with units recording more modest figures.

"It's interesting to see that houses are really picking up, people seem to be going for houses rather than units," Mr Kusher said.

He believes the link may reflect people deciding to buy houses rather than a unit while rates are low.

Mr Kusher also noted an acceleration in growth in the coming three months is possible.

"The third quarter is usually a strong one, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a little bit of an acceleration in the next three months," he said.

Ben Skilbeck, Rismark CEO, added that a predicted interest rate cut next week would make things even worse for first time buyers.

"While the highly anticipated interest rate cuts in August will further act to improve housing affordability, if these cuts do eventuate they will likely spur further house price appreciation making the deposit requirements for first home buyers more challenging," Mr Skilbeck said.

The growth in values is a response to positive conditions in our market and puts Melbourne slightly ahead of the national average, though behind market leaders Sydney and Perth.

Units were also buoyed by a slight increase, with a rise of $9,785 (1.1 per cent) recorded in the past month and $13,485 (3.1 per cent) year-on-year.

The current Melbourne median for units is now $435,000.

Both the median house and unit price for Melbourne fell last month, but this reflected poorer quality properties being sold as stock levels dropped over the winter months, according to Mr Kusher.

The data comes as CommSec and Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released this week have revealed Melbourne's outer regions are the nations most mortgaged.

A staggering 55 per cent of Melton homes are mortgaged, according to the figures.

Also high on the list are Casey, 53.1 per cent, Wyndham, 50.5 per cent, Nillumbik, 50 per cent, and Cardinia, 49.9 per cent.

Almost half, 48.4 per cent, of homes in the Manningham council area are owned outright.

Melbourne art trams back after 20 year disruption - ABC Online

Eight artists have been announced in the first round of the Melbourne Art Trams initiative for the Melbourne Festival.

"It's such a novel way of paying homage to one of Melbourne's great icons and to bring art into the public space," says Melbourne Festival Creative Director Josephine Ridge.

Ms Ridge says 117 artists submitted designs to the competition and the final decision was tough.

"We wanted to make sure they were representative of a range of styles and approaches."

Melbourne Indigenous artist Bindi Cole will see her work Lakorra, the Wathaurung word for "sky" emblazoned on a tram for the first time in October.

Her work looks back at a time before Melbourne was built up and you could see the whole sky.

She says she wants the public to relive that experience even in the depths of the CBD.

Ms Cole says she's looking forward to seeing how people react to the tram art, "I want people to go 'oh I hopped on the cloud tram today'... that kind of engagement is exciting."

The decorated trams will come online from the opening weekend of the Melbourne Festival on 11th October.

The final eight artists are Brook Andrew, Jon Campbell, Bindi Cole, Luke Cornish, Joining Forces (an artist collective comprising Zahra Zainal, Brendan Ninness, Jeffrey Phillips, Gemma Flack, Rhiannon Thomas and Sebastian Berto), Rose Nolan; and David Wadelton.

3 accused of using fake coupons at West Melbourne Publix - WFTV Orlando

WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. —

Only Eyewitness News found out how police cracked a case of extreme couponing.

Three people are accused of using phony discounts to rip off a Brevard County Publix.

Investigators said worker Matthew Heath knowingly took the counterfeit coupons at the store on Palm Bay Road in West Melbourne.

The suspects, Jennifer Bailey and Debbie Dalton, walked away with thousands of dollars in groceries, investigators said. Heath got $20 per transaction.

Police said Heath tossed the coupons before the end of every shift, which is against policy.

The suspects were wheeling out hundreds of dollars of free groceries and sometimes were still owed cash back.

West Melbourne police said some of the coupon deals, like $5 off Aquafina water or fresh produce, were too good to be true.

That didn't stop a Publix employee from accepting them in the check-out line repeatedly.

"I wouldn't have thought right away that it was somebody that was scamming the grocery store, no. I would have thought it was someone who had taken the time to go and cut all those coupons out, you know," shopper Mario Ramirez said.

Police said some of the coupons were real, but the vast majority were fake, created on a computer with some simple software.

"He said he knew the coupons were frauds, but he still took them. Once he takes them, he throws them in the trash, that's against policy," said Det. Detective Antonio Romano with West Melbourne police.

Heath is facing grand theft and fraud charges along with Bailey. Investigators have an arrest warrant out for Dalton.

"Typically they'd have between $600 and $700 worth of groceries and would spending only 15 cents to a dollar or two for the groceries," Romano said.

Sometimes Publix owed the suspects money.

I think it's a great store and I think that's absolutely ridiculous. They're taking advantage of the system," shopper Johannah Guillette said.

Police said one of the suspects wheeled out enough to donate some of her groceries to a local church and food pantry.

Police believe the suspects may have checked out with as much as $20,000 dollars in stolen groceries at the Publix.

Melbourne experiences hottest July on record - Herald Sun

If the temperature reaches 15 degrees today Melbourne will have its hottest July on record. David Brooksy swimming regardless of the weather in Brighton. Source: News Limited

IT'S official. Melbourne has had its warmest July ever recorded.

After dropping to 3.6C this morning, Melbourne hit a balmy top of 15.7C just before 2pm - pushing our average July temperature this year to 15.9C.

The previous record of 15.8C was set in 1975.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Scott Williams said this year was becoming one of the hottest on record for Australia.

"July has been at the upper end for temperatures, it has still been quite a warm year," Mr Williams said.

"While it's a very warm July, the Melbourne CBD has been influenced by the urban build-up.

"It's not all global warming, there has been a huge population growth and more heat pumped into the urban environment, more people and traffic, so this is why we are seeing these higher temperatures over winter."br

The long-term average for July is 13.5C.

The warmest day so far this month was 23.3C on July 18.

July first averaged above 15C in 1969 and since then it has happened eight times.

With the average temperature for August being 15.9C,

Melburnians may see some warmer days punctuated by cold snaps leading into August, which has an average of 15.9C.

A top of 16C is forecast for tomorrow, with showers developing and 15C on Friday followed by a cool 14C and a few showers for Saturday and Sunday.

###

Aircraft workers sacked at Melbourne Airport, tough economic conditions to blame - ABC Online

Updated July 31, 2013 20:07:42

Forty aircraft engineers in Melbourne are looking for new jobs, after being sacked.

John Holland Aviation has blamed tough economic conditions and the high Australian dollar for the retrenchments at Melbourne Airport.

Qantas said last year that more than 400 maintenance positions would be lost from Victoria.

Steve Purvinas of the Aircraft Engineers Association says maintenance work is moving away from the state.

"It's really hard because as an aircraft engineer, you start off usually at the age of 16," he said.

"We can't take our qualifications anywhere else. So anyone who's actually bound to Melbourne through their family ties or whatever it may be really don't have too many options."

Topics: business-economics-and-finance, industry, air-transport, vic, melbourne-3000

First posted July 31, 2013 19:42:00

The book the Melbourne Storm don't want you to read: Part 2 - Greg Inglis deal - The Daily Telegraph

Greg Inglis for the Storm in 2010, the year the salary cap scandal broke. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: DailyTelegraph

PAUL Kennedy's book Storm Cloud chronicles the rise, fall and rise of the Melbourne Storm. In this exclusive extract, he takes us back to 2008 when the Storm were negotiating the contract of star player Greg Inglis.

***

IN 2008 the re-signing of Greg Inglis became a major issue for Melbourne Storm.

Inglis was the most exciting prospect in Australian sport. Three months earlier he had helped his country beat New Zealand in the Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

There was a quiet understanding between (then Storm boss) Brian Waldron and Inglis's manager Allan Gainey. Both had been quoted in the press as saying they were not worried about Inglis leaving Storm. But still ... just to be safe. Neither wanted to even contemplate the star heading overseas. Gainey replied, "Quite happy to do so".

At that time Inglis had a decent contract: $420,000 (2009) and $450,000 (2010). Gainey knew any extension would mean a pay rise for player and manager.

Greg Inglis and his speed boat.

Before one of the earliest meetings, Gainey spoke privately to Inglis about his asking price.

Gainey said, "I think you should go for 500 to 550." Inglis instructed, "550 would be better."

"Fine."

Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year - a good place to start.

Waldron sat down with them later and opened with a curious statement. He said he had been told by the NRL that he must do whatever it takes to secure the future of Inglis at the Storm and in the NRL long term.

Cover of Storm Cloud, Melbourne journalist Paul Kennedy's new book on the Melbourne Storm's unprecedented salary cap cheating.

Gainey took Waldron to mean that he had been empowered by the NRL, News Ltd and the Storm board of directors to negotiate whatever it would take - that he had a totally free hand to keep Inglis in the league. The CEO proposed a four-year deal.

Inglis had been contracted to Storm for 2007-2010. His performances were improving and his stature in the game was growing at club, state and international levels. Gainey said, "Greg will need a financial package of $550,000 per season to extend his contract to represent his true market value."

Waldron nodded and said he didn't think that was a problem. But he added the package would have to include third-party agreements and mentioned the possibility of a federal government program for outstanding indigenous athletes.

Gainey says he thought Waldron meant the NRL would approve any increase in salary and perhaps involve its sponsors in some legitimate side deals.

Gainey spent the rest of the meeting chasing up extras. Inglis wanted a sponsor's car to drive and he wanted airfares for his family. The agent also mentioned money owed. Inglis had still not been paid promised money through the league development scheme. Also, there was $40,000 outstanding from a contract variation.

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith has warned the rest of the NRL: Write the reigning premiers off at your own peril.

The world's most exciting player had not spoken much during the meeting, letting his agent go to work. In wrapping up, Waldron concluded that he would seek the endorsement and ratification of the board at Storm and get back to Gainey.

As everyone was leaving Inglis said to Waldron, "Is there any chance of getting a boat for Dad?" Not even Gainey knew his client was going to make the request.

Waldron replied, "When you're ready I'll give you a contact person and they'll look after you. Up to a maximum of $30,000."

A week after the Federation Square meeting, Gainey and Inglis caught up briefly at Manly Pacific Hotel. Storm were playing the Sea Eagles at Brookvale the following day. The agent and footballer itemised the terms for extending Inglis's contract.

Inglis liked the look of the items and numbers. "I'll stay if you can get that deal done," he said.

Then Inglis flagged, almost as an afterthought, his desire for Storm to provide rental assistance to his parents should they relocate to Melbourne (they were planning to do so). Gainey said he would try to include it. He left the meeting experiencing relief and satisfaction.

News Ltd is the publisher of this website.

This is an edited extract from Storm Cloud: Melbourne Storm's Demise and Resurrection by Paul Kennedy, published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $29.95. Available in stores nationally.

Melbourne teen Feliks Zemdegs is world Rubik's Cube champ - The Age

Return to video

Video settings

Please Log in to update your video settings

Video will begin in 5 seconds.

Return to video

Video settings

Please Log in to update your video settings

We won! Australia's Rubik's cube world champ

Beating competitors from all around the world in three separate categories, 17-year-old Feliks Zemdegs crowned Rubik's Cube World Champion after solving the puzzle in just over 7 seconds.

• Autoplay OnOff


• Video feedback


• Video settings

Melbourne teenager Feliks Zemdegs has twisted his way into the history books, winning the World Rubik's Cube Championship in Las Vegas.

Feliks, 17, won the Rubik's final at the Riviera Casino and Hotel with a best time of 7.36 seconds. His average was 8.18 seconds. The champion claimed $US2000 ($2200) on Sunday.

He beat world "3 x 3" record holder Mats Valk, of the Netherlands, who in March solved a cube in 5.55 seconds. Sebastian Weyer, of Germany came third.

What a champ: Feliks Zemdegs pictured in 2010. Photo: Joe Armao

Feliks also won the 4 x 4 speedsolve event with a best time of 30.74 seconds and an average time of 31.76 seconds. He won the 3 x 3 one-handed event with a best time of 12.16 seconds and a 14.19 second average.

In the 5 x 5 event, Feliks was beaten by Kevin Hays of the US.

Feliks broke some Oceanic records at the championships, including the 4 x 4 cube, 3 x 3 one-handed, 3 x 3 fewest moves – with just 31 moves – Megaminx average and single solve, the 6 x 6 cube single-solve, and the 7 x 7 cube average and single-solve.

Before the event, he tweeted: "Very nervous for today already."

He has 2789 followers and his own YouTube channel. He was believed to be in transit at the time of publication.

World Cube Association co-founder Tyson Mao said the competition had 580 competitors and about 1000 spectators.

"Rubik's Cube champions, or really any of the top solvers, are people who not only work hard at what they like to do, but also spend time to figure out how to get better," Mr Mao said.

"Careful self-examination and research is what propels someone like Feliks to the top," he said.

"I have no doubt that Feliks has some innate talent for Rubik's Cube solving, but I feel that 95 per cent of what he has accomplished is simply through hard work, which is accessible to anyone."

The first world championship was held in the birthplace of the Rubik's Cube, Budapest, Hungary, in 1982. The World Cube Association has run the championship since 2004.

The book the Melbourne Storm don't want you to read: Part 2 - Greg Inglis deal - NEWS.com.au

Greg Inglis for the Storm in 2010, the year the salary cap scandal broke. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: DailyTelegraph

PAUL Kennedy's book Storm Cloud chronicles the rise, fall and rise of the Melbourne Storm. In this exclusive extract, he takes us back to 2008 when the Storm were negotiating the contract of star player Greg Inglis.

***

IN 2008 the re-signing of Greg Inglis became a major issue for Melbourne Storm.

Inglis was the most exciting prospect in Australian sport. Three months earlier he had helped his country beat New Zealand in the Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

There was a quiet understanding between (then Storm boss) Brian Waldron and Inglis's manager Allan Gainey. Both had been quoted in the press as saying they were not worried about Inglis leaving Storm. But still ... just to be safe. Neither wanted to even contemplate the star heading overseas. Gainey replied, "Quite happy to do so".

At that time Inglis had a decent contract: $420,000 (2009) and $450,000 (2010). Gainey knew any extension would mean a pay rise for player and manager.

Greg Inglis and his speed boat.

Before one of the earliest meetings, Gainey spoke privately to Inglis about his asking price.

Gainey said, "I think you should go for 500 to 550." Inglis instructed, "550 would be better."

"Fine."

Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year - a good place to start.

Waldron sat down with them later and opened with a curious statement. He said he had been told by the NRL that he must do whatever it takes to secure the future of Inglis at the Storm and in the NRL long term.

Cover of Storm Cloud, Melbourne journalist Paul Kennedy's new book on the Melbourne Storm's unprecedented salary cap cheating.

Gainey took Waldron to mean that he had been empowered by the NRL, News Ltd and the Storm board of directors to negotiate whatever it would take - that he had a totally free hand to keep Inglis in the league. The CEO proposed a four-year deal.

Inglis had been contracted to Storm for 2007-2010. His performances were improving and his stature in the game was growing at club, state and international levels. Gainey said, "Greg will need a financial package of $550,000 per season to extend his contract to represent his true market value."

Waldron nodded and said he didn't think that was a problem. But he added the package would have to include third-party agreements and mentioned the possibility of a federal government program for outstanding indigenous athletes.

Gainey says he thought Waldron meant the NRL would approve any increase in salary and perhaps involve its sponsors in some legitimate side deals.

Gainey spent the rest of the meeting chasing up extras. Inglis wanted a sponsor's car to drive and he wanted airfares for his family. The agent also mentioned money owed. Inglis had still not been paid promised money through the league development scheme. Also, there was $40,000 outstanding from a contract variation.

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith has warned the rest of the NRL: Write the reigning premiers off at your own peril.

The world's most exciting player had not spoken much during the meeting, letting his agent go to work. In wrapping up, Waldron concluded that he would seek the endorsement and ratification of the board at Storm and get back to Gainey.

As everyone was leaving Inglis said to Waldron, "Is there any chance of getting a boat for Dad?" Not even Gainey knew his client was going to make the request.

Waldron replied, "When you're ready I'll give you a contact person and they'll look after you. Up to a maximum of $30,000."

A week after the Federation Square meeting, Gainey and Inglis caught up briefly at Manly Pacific Hotel. Storm were playing the Sea Eagles at Brookvale the following day. The agent and footballer itemised the terms for extending Inglis's contract.

Inglis liked the look of the items and numbers. "I'll stay if you can get that deal done," he said.

Then Inglis flagged, almost as an afterthought, his desire for Storm to provide rental assistance to his parents should they relocate to Melbourne (they were planning to do so). Gainey said he would try to include it. He left the meeting experiencing relief and satisfaction.

News Ltd is the publisher of this website.

This is an edited extract from Storm Cloud: Melbourne Storm's Demise and Resurrection by Paul Kennedy, published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $29.95. Available in stores nationally.

Blake Ferguson overlooked by Canberra Raiders for Melbourne Storm clash - ABC Online

Updated July 30, 2013 21:26:08

The Raiders have again left out Blake Ferguson from their squad for Sunday's encounter with defending premiers Melbourne at Canberra Stadium.

Ferguson was cleared to return to playing duties last week after completing an alcohol rehabilitation program following a series of off-field incidents.

But Raiders coach David Furner left him out of his line-up for last Saturday's match against St George Illawarra and has chosen to stick with the same squad that beat the Dragons 22-18 in Wollongong.

Cronulla, meanwhile, welcomes back captain Paul Gallen to face the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.

It will be Gallen's first appearance on the playing field since suffering a foot injury in State of Origin II last month.

Chris Sandow's days at Parramatta look numbered after he was overlooked once again despite an injury to starting half-back Luke Kelly.

Sandow is into the second season of a four-year deal with the Eels, who he joined from South Sydney, but will once again run out for Wentworthville in the NSW Cup this week against the Vulcans in Auckland.

This is despite an injury to Luke Kelly with the half-back role being filled by Ben Roberts, one of 11 players told by coach Ricky Stuart he would be leaving the club at the end of the year.

Former Bulldogs playmaker Roberts will wear the number seven jumper against Manly, with rookie Api Pewhairangi being promoted to first grade to play five-eighth.

The Eels are looking to avoid a 10th straight loss to their bitter rivals, with the match having the added spice of Steve Matai and Mitchell Allgood going head to head for the first time since their brawl earlier this month at Brookvale Oval.

That match saw Eels prop Allgood sent off for punching Matai, with the New Zealand centre vowing to get revenge on the 24-year-old at Parramatta Stadium.

South Sydney young gun Luke Keary is once again named on an extended bench for the ladder leaders after his two-try salvo off the bench against the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The young playmaker is named on an extended bench with veteran Matt King keeping his spot in the side after a brilliant return to action against the Titans following almost a year on the sidelines with a badly broken arm.

King is still mulling over his future but says the prospect of winning a premiership forced him to keep playing.

"This might be a bit of a selfish answer but, if we were coming dead last, I don't know if I would have had the motivation to come back to play a few games and get the wooden spoon," King said.

"The fact the boys are playing awesome and I was a chance of being a part of that, it makes running up and down hills and getting up out of bed at 6am to do weights a lot easier."

Newcastle must do without former representative props Willie Mason and Kade Snowden for the home clash with Brisbane at Hunter Stadium after Mason was ruled out for a month with a broken cheekbone.

Snowden is suspended so David Fa'alogo and Zane Tetevano will make up the Knights front row in a match both sides must win to keep alive finals aspirations.

Sonny Bill Williams is out for the Sydney Roosters after taking the early guilty plea ahead of Friday's clash with Penrith.

Mitch Aubusson comes into the starting line-up in place of Williams.

AAP/ABC

Topics: nrl, rugby-league, sport, canberra-2600

First posted July 30, 2013 21:22:36

Melbourne close to recording hottest July on record - Herald Sun

IT may not feel like it right now, but Melbourne is shaping up for its hottest July on record.

It was a chilly 4.4C just after 8.30am, but if today's temperature reaches 15C than the city will break the July average of 15.8C set in 1975.

Today's forecast top is 16C. The warmest day so far this month was 23.3C on July 18.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Scott Williams said this year was becoming one of the hottest on record for Australia.

"July has been at the upper end for temperatures, it has still been quite a warm year," Mr Williams said.

"While it's a very warm July, the Melbourne CBD has been influenced by the urban build up.

"It's not all global warming, there has been a huge population growth and more heat pumped into the urban environment, more people and traffic, so this is why we are seeing these higher temperatures over winter."

The first year for July to average above 15C was in 1969, since then it has happened eight times.

With the average temperature for August being 15.9C, Melburnians may see some warmer days leading into the month, with cold snaps in-between.

A top of 16C is forecast for tomorrow, with showers developing and 15C on Friday followed by a cool 14C and a few showers for Saturday and Sunday.

Jessica.evans@news.com.au

###

Melbourne to host World Cup cricket final - Sydney Morning Herald

AAP

Batting great Mike Hussey has spoken passionately about the future of 50-over cricket, which will face a crucial challenge during the 2015 World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Cricket's governing body the ICC announced in Melbourne on Tuesday that the MCG would stage the day-night final of the tournament on March 29.

Australia's first game is a day-night clash at the MCG with England on February 14. The tournament will open earlier that day with New Zealand's game against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.

The semi-finals will be played at Auckland's Eden Park on March 24 and at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 26.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former stars including Dennis Lillee, Ian Chappell, Adam Gilchrist and India's Kapil Dev attended the launch at Melbourne's Docklands.

"I personally don't (think ODI cricket is in trouble)," 2007 World Cup winner Hussey told reporters.

"It's still very, very popular with all the crowds around the world and, from a playing point of view, I really love the game.

"It caters for so many different types of players whereas, in T20 sometimes, if you're not batting in the top three, you might not get much of a bat.

"Fifty-over cricket caters for spin bowlers, allrounders, power players, guys who work the ball, run hard between the wickets, fast bowlers.

"It just caters for so many different types of players so I personally love the 50-over format."

WACA president Lillee is confident the tournament will attract big crowds.

"To have it in Australia is phenomenal for the Australian people," Lillee said.

"You'll have great turnouts. Twenty20 is fantastic but I think the one-day World Cup is still a great event."

Four-time winners Australia are included in Pool A with co-hosts New Zealand plus England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and two qualifiers.

Pool B contains South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and a qualifier.

The 2011 quarter-finalists Australia will play pool matches in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Hobart and Brisbane plus a tricky assignment against co-hosts New Zealand in Auckland on February 28.

The top four teams in each pool will contest the quarter-finals.

"The 2015 tournament will mark 40 years since the first World Cup in 1975 and that history of great contests and heroes helps make the tournament what it is - the most sought-after prize in our increasingly global game," ICC chief David Richardson said.

"The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be returning to Australia and New Zealand after 23 years and will be staged at the back of two outstanding 50-over ICC events - the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

"I'm absolutely confident that the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will further strengthen the status of 50-over cricket as a successful and viable format alongside Tests and Twenty20 internationals."

India are the defending champions.

Melbourne Victory fan banned from matches for seven years for dragging police ... - Herald Sun

Stefan Paoli leaving Melbourne Magistrates Court. Picture: Jon Hargest Source: HeraldSun

A MELBOURNE Victory fan who dragged a police officer to the ground during a wild brawl at Etihad Stadium has been banned from all soccer matches in Australia for seven years.

Stefan Paoli, 23, was also placed on a 12-month behaviour bond and ordered to pay $1500 to charity after yesterday pleading guilty to recklessly causing injury.

Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard the charge related to a clash between police and fans about 9.20pm at a February 16 A-League match between Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park.

The court heard that during a crowd crush Paoli grabbed a senior constable by the back of his equipment belt and pulled him to the ground. Capsicum spray was used to subdue the crowd and the officer suffered back and shoulder pain as a result of the melee.

Paoli, 22 at the time, was captured on CCTV and through covert surveillance at the ground and later charged by police.

He told police he had drunk about six or seven pots of beer before the game but was not drunk and only acted when he heard a friend call for his help.

Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said police were confronted with a scene on the night that was "obviously volatile and violent", and the officer had been unable to defend himself. "I don't know why this type of rage is shown publicly," he said.

Paoli, a keen soccer fan who attended the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, sat quietly in court with his mum, brother and a friend, as a letter he wrote apologising to the officer was read.

He admitted he had put the officer in danger, said he was "deeply sorry" and had brought shame to himself and his family.

Football Federation Australia, the sport's governing body, imposed the seven- year ban in the wake of the incident, prohibiting Paoli from affiliated matches nationwide until 2020.

Mr Vandersteen said the court had a "zero tolerance" policy towards violence in sporting crowds, but he took the severity of the soccer ban into account in sentencing.

Such behaviour "damages immensely the reputation of the sport", he added.

peter.rolfe@news.com.au

UPDATE 2-Cricket-Melbourne Cricket Ground to host World Cup final - Reuters India

• Link this


• Share this


• * Rebuilding Christchurch to host matches four years after quake * Sydney, Auckland get semi-finals * Champions India face tough start (Recasts, adds details, quotes) By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, July 30 (Reuters) - The Melbourne Cricket Ground will...


• Email


• Print

Tue Jul 30, 2013 10:19am IST

* Rebuilding Christchurch to host matches four years after quake

* Sydney, Auckland get semi-finals

* Champions India face tough start (Recasts, adds details, quotes)

By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE, July 30 (Reuters) - The Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the final of the 2015 cricket World Cup, with New Zealand's Christchurch to kick off the one-day tournament four years after being devastated by an earthquake.

The March 29 final at the MCG comes 23 years after a bumper crowd saw Imran Khan's Pakistan defeat England for their maiden World Cup at Melbourne's 100,000-seat coliseum.

The semi-finals will be at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Auckland's Eden Park.

The co-hosts, who also teamed up to put on the 1992 World Cup, have adjusted their international seasons to allow for the tournament, which will see 49 matches played over 44 days.

The honour of the first match, however, will go to Christchurch, which mourned the deaths of just under 200 people in the Feb. 22 earthquake and had to cancel rugby World Cup matches later in 2011 in a further blow to the city's morale.

Christchurch will host 1996 champions Sri Lanka and New Zealand on Feb. 14, and two further pool matches book-ending the four-year anniversary of the earthquake, pending clearance from a local Environment Court to allow redevelopment of an oval on the city's Hagley Park.

"We need to make certain (the tournament) captures the hearts and minds of everybody and so in New Zealand and all the discussions, Christchurch was obviously a very big issue," the tournament's chief executive John Harnden told reporters at the launch in Melbourne's Docklands.

"And what a great opportunity, for all the people in Christchurch who have done so much hard work to rebuild their city and get it back open for business, to broadcast that to the world."

Australia's SCG, Adelaide Oval and the MCG will host three of the quarter-finals, with the fourth in New Zealand's capital Wellington.

The 2015 World Cup will feature the 10 full member nations of the International Cricket Council plus Ireland, who have won qualification, and three other nations.

Two of the remaining teams will be determined via a qualifying tournament in New Zealand in Jan. 2014.

Divided into two pools of seven, the teams play their group rivals in a round-robin format, with the top four from each pool qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Pool matches have been split evenly between both countries with seven cities hosting three pool matches each.

Organisers expect an aggregate of more than one million people to attend the matches, and a billion viewers to watch broadcasts around the world.

The lion's share of television viewers will come from the subcontinent, and many may feel anxious about champion India's hopes of defending their title.

India, who defeated Sri Lanka in their home World Cup final two years ago, have rarely prospered on Australia's hard pitches and will play pool matches against West Indies and a qualifier on the country's bounciest wicket at Perth's WACA ground, which is located in a more broadcast-friendly time zone for Indian TV viewers than cities further east.

That follows two tough openers against Pakistan at Adelaide Oval on Feb. 15, and South Africa at the MCG a week later.

The prospect of India being bundled out at the group stage would be an unedifying one for organisers and the nation of a billion people.

"I heard (it's) because of the broadcast," Kapil Dev, who captained the team to their maiden World Cup triumph in 1983, said at the launch.

"Sometimes the team want to play somewhere else because they feel comfortable, but I think broadcasters want to make money ... can't really avoid that.

"I would like to say from the India point of view they like to play in Adelaide or Melbourne or somewhere (where) the bounce is not so much."

Hosts Australia will bid for a record fifth World Cup win and will face bitter rivals England in their opening match at the MCG on Feb. 14.

(Additional reporting and writing by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

• Link this


• Share this


• Digg this


• Email


• Reprints

Dees could trump Giants for Boyd - Fox Sports

Draft ... Tom Boyd is labelled the next big thing. Source: Supplied

MELBOURNE could trump Greater Western Sydney and snare the rights to star big man Tom Boyd if handed a priority pick by the AFL Commission.

GWS has dangled the carrot of key forward Boyd to rival clubs, tempting them to assemble a package of senior players they could trade for the much-hyped kid.

But if the AFL Commission does hand out a priority pick to effectively reward Melbourne's continued failure over multiple years, it could be a selection before the first pick of the national draft.

That means even if the Giants won the wooden spoon, the Demons could take the first pick of the draft as a priority pick, then their official first selection after GWS took the second pick.

Melbourne would then be faced with a decision about whether to trade Boyd for established players while retaining its no. 3 pick.

If Greater Western Sydney loses this week to Melbourne, the Demons will be three games clear and the Giants will take the wooden spoon.

It makes the clash the "Tom Boyd Cup", and is shaping as one of the last winnable games for a Giants side that could become the first since since Fitzroy in 1964 not to win a game.

The exact make-up of the new formula for the priority pick is shrouded in mystery, with the pick handed out at the absolute discretion of the AFL Commission.

The league says it will be allocated only in "exceptional circumstances" but it has been customarily handed out before the draft or after the first round of the draft.

It is urging caution given the Demons might not get a pick at all, with the league not considering the situation until the end of the home-and-away season.

But clubs such as Fremantle have in the past been able to trade priority picks, with Melbourne in a spectacular draft position if it was handed that selection.

It would give it picks one, three and potentially 19 before it assessed its trade options, with Jesse Hogan to finally become eligible to play at the Demons from Round 1.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou confirmed at the weekend the league's list group, consisting of officials Kevin Sheehan, Ken Wood and Andrew Dillon, would assemble information to hand to the Commission.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan recently said Melbourne had a "pretty strong argument" for a pick, given it hasn't finished higher than 12th since 2007 and has won only 33 games in the past six years.

Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson is believed to have asked for the pre-draft priority pick in his submission to the AFL on a bail-out package to save the club.

VOTE: Is Melbourne or Sydney our sporting capital - The Daily Telegraph

The Australian Open kicks off Melbourne's annual sporting calendar every year. Picture: AP

DOES Melbourne securing the Cricket World Cup final answer once and for all the question of which city is Australia's sporting capital?

Melburnians will tell you the matter was never up for discussion, given their town is home to Australia's most storied stadium and more major sporting events than any of the other capital cities.

But Sydneysiders can still make a case for their city's status as the heartland of Aussie sport.

Weigh up the two traditional sporting rivals and decide for yourself below.

A STADIUM FOR EVERY MELBURNIAN?

Walk along Olympic Boulevard.

Spin slowly in a circle.

With one 360-degree twirl you can take in Melbourne Park, the MCG, Hisense Arena, AAMI Park and the Westpac Centre.

That's five major sporting facilities within spitting distance of each other.

Sporting hubs don't come much more 'hubbish' than that.

SYDNEY - SHINY IS GOOD

Just like TVs, we like our stadiums to be the latest and greatest. And they don't come much more impressive than Sydney's major venue, ANZ Stadium.

Built for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, it will forever be remembered for hosting one of the better Games on record.

Try to get wifi reception at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll realise why sometimes a rich history isn't all its cracked up to be.

MELBOURNE - MORE EVENTS, MORE OFTEN

It's hard to argue with Melbourne's stable of annual sporting staples.

Kicking off in January with the Australian Open, the Formula 1 circus soon rolls into town, as does the Melbourne Ironman, the Spring Racing Carnival, the AFL grand final, the MotoGP out at Phillip Island and now the Cricket World Cup final.

Sydney, of course, plays host to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the City2Surf fun run, State of Origin, the Australian Open golf and the lion's share of key Socceroos' matches.

But Melbourne's propensity to turn up for anything with a ball, beer and a score probably earns it the edge.

SYDNEY - PLAN YOUR OUTFIT WITH CONFIDENCE

It's nice to know you can show up to your sporting event of choice in the requisite team supporter gear and know that what you're wearing when you leave the house will likely still be appropriate when you get home hours later.

Such is the beauty of Sydney, where the weather can be relied upon to remain somewhere close to stable.

Not so in Melbourne, where you're likely to cop enough UV rays to burn your forehead in the first quarter, then be dumped on from above after half-time.

Melbourne man surrenders over kangaroo shooting - Yahoo!7 News

A 21-year-old Melbourne man has handed himself into police following a shocking bow and arrow attack on a kangaroo.

The eastern grey kangaroo, fondly nicknamed Hilary, is on the mend after being shot twice with a bow and arrow in Melbourne's outer south east.

The wounded marsupial was found with two arrows protruding from her back and side in a paddock at Endeavour Hills on Sunday morning.

She is now being looked after by Wildlife Victoria following emergency surgery.

"Hilary seems really happy, she's rested, she's alert and we couldn't really ask for anymore at this stage," said wildlife officer Amy Amato.

Staff are increasingly concerned for her missing joey, who they believe was thrown from her pouch during the attack.

The 21-year-old, of Dandenong, is being questioned by police after handing himself in a short time ago.

He is facing cruelty charges.

Injured kangaroo, nicknamed Hilary, is recovering after being shot twice with a bow and arrow. Photo: Supplied

Melbourne to host World Cup cricket final - The Age

AAP

Batting great Mike Hussey has spoken passionately about the future of 50-over cricket, which will face a crucial challenge during the 2015 World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Cricket's governing body the ICC announced in Melbourne on Tuesday that the MCG would stage the day-night final of the tournament on March 29.

Australia's first game is a day-night clash at the MCG with England on February 14. The tournament will open earlier that day with New Zealand's game against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.

The semi-finals will be played at Auckland's Eden Park on March 24 and at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 26.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former stars including Dennis Lillee, Ian Chappell, Adam Gilchrist and India's Kapil Dev attended the launch at Melbourne's Docklands.

"I personally don't (think ODI cricket is in trouble)," 2007 World Cup winner Hussey told reporters.

"It's still very, very popular with all the crowds around the world and, from a playing point of view, I really love the game.

"It caters for so many different types of players whereas, in T20 sometimes, if you're not batting in the top three, you might not get much of a bat.

"Fifty-over cricket caters for spin bowlers, allrounders, power players, guys who work the ball, run hard between the wickets, fast bowlers.

"It just caters for so many different types of players so I personally love the 50-over format."

WACA president Lillee is confident the tournament will attract big crowds.

"To have it in Australia is phenomenal for the Australian people," Lillee said.

"You'll have great turnouts. Twenty20 is fantastic but I think the one-day World Cup is still a great event."

Four-time winners Australia are included in Pool A with co-hosts New Zealand plus England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and two qualifiers.

Pool B contains South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and a qualifier.

The 2011 quarter-finalists Australia will play pool matches in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Hobart and Brisbane plus a tricky assignment against co-hosts New Zealand in Auckland on February 28.

The top four teams in each pool will contest the quarter-finals.

"The 2015 tournament will mark 40 years since the first World Cup in 1975 and that history of great contests and heroes helps make the tournament what it is - the most sought-after prize in our increasingly global game," ICC chief David Richardson said.

"The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be returning to Australia and New Zealand after 23 years and will be staged at the back of two outstanding 50-over ICC events - the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

"I'm absolutely confident that the success of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will further strengthen the status of 50-over cricket as a successful and viable format alongside Tests and Twenty20 internationals."

India are the defending champions.

Vote: In the wake of cricket World Cup venue decision, is Melbourne or Sydney ... - NEWS.com.au

Please install the latest Flash player

The MCG beat off challenges from Sydney and others to host the World Cup final. Source: AAP

DOES Melbourne securing the cricket World Cup final answer once and for all the question of which city is Australia's sporting capital?

Melbournians will tell you the matter was never up for discussion, given their town is home to Australia's most storied stadium and more major sporting events than any of the other capital cities.

But Sydneysiders can still make a case for their city's status as the heartland of Aussie sport.

Weigh up the two traditional sporting rivals and decide for yourself below.

A STADIUM FOR EVERY MELB0URNIAN?

Walk along Olympic Boulevard.

Spin slowly in a circle.

With one 360-degree twirl you can take in Melbourne Park, the MCG, Hisense Arena, AAMI Park and the Westpac Centre.

Please install the latest Flash player

That's five major sporting facilities within spitting distance of each other.

Sporting hubs don't come much more 'hubbish' than that.

SYDNEY - SHINY IS GOOD

Just like TVs, we like our stadiums to be the latest and greatest. And they don't come much more impressive than Sydney's major venue, ANZ Stadium.

Built for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, it will forever be remembered for hosting one of the better Games on record.

Try to get WIFI reception at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll realise why sometimes a rich history isn't all its cracked up to be.

Please install the latest Flash player

MELBOURNE - MORE EVENTS, MORE OFTEN

It's hard to argue with Melbourne's stable of annual sporting staples.

Kicking off in January with the Australian Open, the Formula 1 circus soon rolls into town, as does the Melbourne Ironman, the Spring Racing Carnival, the AFL grand final, the MotoGP out at Phillip Island and now the Cricket World Cup final.

Sydney, of course, plays host to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the City2Surf fun run, State of Origin, the Australian Open golf and the lion's share of key Socceroos' matches.

But Melbourne's propensity to turn up for anything with a ball, beer and a score probably earns it the edge.

SYDNEY - PLAN YOUR OUTFIT WITH CONFIDENCE

It's nice to know you can show up to your sporting event of choice in the requisite team supporter gear and know that what you're wearing when you leave the house will likely still be appropriate when you get home hours later.

Such is the beauty of Sydney, where the weather can be relied upon to remain somewhere close to stable.

Not so in Melbourne, where you're likely to cop enough UV rays to burn your forehead in the first quarter, then be dumped on from above after half-time.

VOTE: Is Melbourne or Sydney our sporting capital - Courier Mail

The Australian Open kicks off Melbourne's annual sporting calendar every year. Picture: AP

DOES Melbourne securing the Cricket World Cup final answer once and for all the question of which city is Australia's sporting capital?

Melburnians will tell you the matter was never up for discussion, given their town is home to Australia's most storied stadium and more major sporting events than any of the other capital cities.

But Sydneysiders can still make a case for their city's status as the heartland of Aussie sport.

Weigh up the two traditional sporting rivals and decide for yourself below.

A STADIUM FOR EVERY MELBURNIAN?

Walk along Olympic Boulevard.

Spin slowly in a circle.

With one 360-degree twirl you can take in Melbourne Park, the MCG, Hisense Arena, AAMI Park and the Westpac Centre.

That's five major sporting facilities within spitting distance of each other.

Sporting hubs don't come much more 'hubbish' than that.

SYDNEY - SHINY IS GOOD

Just like TVs, we like our stadiums to be the latest and greatest. And they don't come much more impressive than Sydney's major venue, ANZ Stadium.

Built for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, it will forever be remembered for hosting one of the better Games on record.

Try to get wifi reception at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll realise why sometimes a rich history isn't all its cracked up to be.

MELBOURNE - MORE EVENTS, MORE OFTEN

It's hard to argue with Melbourne's stable of annual sporting staples.

Kicking off in January with the Australian Open, the Formula 1 circus soon rolls into town, as does the Melbourne Ironman, the Spring Racing Carnival, the AFL grand final, the MotoGP out at Phillip Island and now the Cricket World Cup final.

Sydney, of course, plays host to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the City2Surf fun run, State of Origin, the Australian Open golf and the lion's share of key Socceroos' matches.

But Melbourne's propensity to turn up for anything with a ball, beer and a score probably earns it the edge.

SYDNEY - PLAN YOUR OUTFIT WITH CONFIDENCE

It's nice to know you can show up to your sporting event of choice in the requisite team supporter gear and know that what you're wearing when you leave the house will likely still be appropriate when you get home hours later.

Such is the beauty of Sydney, where the weather can be relied upon to remain somewhere close to stable.

Not so in Melbourne, where you're likely to cop enough UV rays to burn your forehead in the first quarter, then be dumped on from above after half-time.

Andrew Swallow will be missed by North Melbourne: Brad Scott - The Age

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says captain Andrew Swallow's upbeat approach to being sidelined long-term reinforces why the AFL club will miss him so much.

Swallow, who ruptured an achilles tendon against Melbourne on Saturday, sidelining him for the rest of the year and possibly some of next season, leads the Kangaroos in disposals, contested possessions, clearances and tackles this year.

But it's also his dedicated attitude that North value and Scott said that was on show even after he sustained the injury.

"None of the players or the staff actually knew that he did it. They just thought he'd rolled his ankle because he was still out there talking to the players, talking about midfield set-ups," Scott told reporters on Tuesday.

"He's a really level-headed young man and we're really fortunate to have him. We're going to miss him."

Scott said Swallow's reaction was to consider himself fortunate he had played 106 games in succession leading up to the injury.

That means Friday night's clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium will be North's first without Swallow since 2008 and Scott admitted it would be a big adjustment.

"We're going to have to replace that ball-winning ability inside and he's been really crucial for us," the coach said.

"It's uncharted territory for me too, because this is my debut as North Melbourne coach without Andrew Swallow."

Veteran key forward Drew Petrie will take over the captaincy for the rest of the season.

Levi Greenwood and Ben Jacobs are in contention to replace Swallow in the midfield.

But Scott said the Kangaroos might also have to reshuffle their defence to prepare for a Cats side that will be missing key forward James Podsiadly through suspension.

North led the Cats by 41 points just before halftime when they last met, in round two, but Geelong surged home to win by four.

Scott said the Kangaroos knew first-hand how devastating the Cats' attacking power could be but added Geelong's defence had since improved.

In two of their past three games, Geelong have restricted Melbourne to 19 entries to their attacking 50m arc and St Kilda to 25 - both stunningly low.

"They're starting to match their offence with a very good defence," Scott said.

AAP

VOTE: Is Melbourne or Sydney our sporting capital - Perth Now

The Australian Open kicks off Melbourne's annual sporting calendar every year. Picture: AP

DOES Melbourne securing the Cricket World Cup final answer once and for all the question of which city is Australia's sporting capital?

Melburnians will tell you the matter was never up for discussion, given their town is home to Australia's most storied stadium and more major sporting events than any of the other capital cities.

But Sydneysiders can still make a case for their city's status as the heartland of Aussie sport.

Weigh up the two traditional sporting rivals and decide for yourself below.

A STADIUM FOR EVERY MELBURNIAN?

Walk along Olympic Boulevard.

Spin slowly in a circle.

With one 360-degree twirl you can take in Melbourne Park, the MCG, Hisense Arena, AAMI Park and the Westpac Centre.

That's five major sporting facilities within spitting distance of each other.

Sporting hubs don't come much more 'hubbish' than that.

SYDNEY - SHINY IS GOOD

Just like TVs, we like our stadiums to be the latest and greatest. And they don't come much more impressive than Sydney's major venue, ANZ Stadium.

Built for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, it will forever be remembered for hosting one of the better Games on record.

Try to get wifi reception at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll realise why sometimes a rich history isn't all its cracked up to be.

MELBOURNE - MORE EVENTS, MORE OFTEN

It's hard to argue with Melbourne's stable of annual sporting staples.

Kicking off in January with the Australian Open, the Formula 1 circus soon rolls into town, as does the Melbourne Ironman, the Spring Racing Carnival, the AFL grand final, the MotoGP out at Phillip Island and now the Cricket World Cup final.

Sydney, of course, plays host to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the City2Surf fun run, State of Origin, the Australian Open golf and the lion's share of key Socceroos' matches.

But Melbourne's propensity to turn up for anything with a ball, beer and a score probably earns it the edge.

SYDNEY - PLAN YOUR OUTFIT WITH CONFIDENCE

It's nice to know you can show up to your sporting event of choice in the requisite team supporter gear and know that what you're wearing when you leave the house will likely still be appropriate when you get home hours later.

Such is the beauty of Sydney, where the weather can be relied upon to remain somewhere close to stable.

Not so in Melbourne, where you're likely to cop enough UV rays to burn your forehead in the first quarter, then be dumped on from above after half-time.

Battle for sports supremacy - Fox Sports

The MCG beat off challenges from Sydney and others to host the World Cup final. Source: Scott Barbour / AAP

DOES Melbourne securing the cricket World Cup final answer once and for all the question of which city is Australia's sporting capital?

Melbournians will tell you the matter was never up for discussion, given their town is home to Australia's most storied stadium and more major sporting events than any of the other capital cities.

Is Melbourne or Sydney Australia's sporting capital?

But Sydneysiders can still make a case for their city's status as the heartland of Aussie sport.

Weigh up the two traditional sporting rivals and decide for yourself below.

A STADIUM FOR EVERY MELB0URNIAN?

Walk along Olympic Boulevard.

Spin slowly in a circle.

With one 360-degree twirl you can take in Melbourne Park, the MCG, Hisense Arena, AAMI Park and the Westpac Centre.

That's five major sporting facilities within spitting distance of each other.

Sporting hubs don't come much more 'hubbish' than that.

SYDNEY - SHINY IS GOOD

Just like TVs, we like our stadiums to be the latest and greatest. And they don't come much more impressive than Sydney's major venue, ANZ Stadium.

Built for the Sydney Olympics in 2000, it will forever be remembered for hosting one of the better Games on record.

Try to get WIFI reception at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and you'll realise why sometimes a rich history isn't all its cracked up to be.

MELBOURNE - MORE EVENTS, MORE OFTEN

It's hard to argue with Melbourne's stable of annual sporting staples.

Kicking off in January with the Australian Open, the Formula 1 circus soon rolls into town, as does the Melbourne Ironman, the Spring Racing Carnival, the AFL grand final, the MotoGP out at Phillip Island and now the Cricket World Cup final.

Sydney, of course, plays host to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the City2Surf fun run, State of Origin, the Australian Open golf and the lion's share of key Socceroos' matches.

But Melbourne's propensity to turn up for anything with a ball, beer and a score probably earns it the edge.

SYDNEY - PLAN YOUR OUTFIT WITH CONFIDENCE

It's nice to know you can show up to your sporting event of choice in the requisite team supporter gear and know that what you're wearing when you leave the house will likely still be appropriate when you get home hours later.

Such is the beauty of Sydney, where the weather can be relied upon to remain somewhere close to stable.

Not so in Melbourne, where you're likely to cop enough UV rays to burn your forehead in the first quarter, then be dumped on from above after half-time.

Melbourne's reputation as sporting capital confirmed when MCG announced as ... - Herald Sun

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting. Source: Supplied

MELBOURNE'S reputation as the world's sporting capital will be confirmed today when the MCG is announced as the host of the 2015 World Cup cricket final.

The coup will see millions of dollars poured into Victoria's economy with a tourism bonanza forecast. The match is one of the sporting world's biggest drawcards.

Victoria has seen off intense competition from across Australia and New Zealand to win the final.

Every major centre campaigned hard, well aware of the huge financial benefits of hosting the final.

It will also draw a massive TV audience - a billion fans worldwide are expected to tune in when the 'G hosts the match on March 28-29, 2015.

Michael Clarke of Australia leads his team from the field. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

It hosted the final in 1992, the last time cricket's premier international tournament was played in Australasia.

Semi-finals were held in Sydney and Auckland then, and the same venues are expected to be unveiled this morning with a formal announcement at Docklands by key federal and state ministers, International Cricket Council chief executive Dave Richardson and a host of former stars, including Test legends Dennis Lillee, Ian Chappell, Adam Gilchrist and Mike Hussey.

They will be joined by Australian one-day players George Bailey and Clint McKay as the centrepiece of the presentation. Foreign cricket aces including India's Kapil Dev and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya will also be present.

Competition for other key matches generated strong bidding at state government level across the country, with major redevelopments in Sydney and Adelaide and the recently revamped Gabba now all capable of seating more than 40,000 fans.

Cricket crowds at the MCG. Picture: David Caird

Co-host New Zealand also put its case with Auckland's restructured Eden Park a contender.

There will be 49 matches over 44 days during February and March, with all venues and dates announced today.

With 14 teams in the event, including some of world cricket's minnows, there will also be several matches in regional centres.

Two groups of seven will ensure each team plays at least six matches in the round robin stage, with the top four in each group going through to quarter finals before semi-finals and the final.

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh reacts after completing overs during the ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match last year. The cricketer says he believes he was saved by God during recent flooding in India.

So big is the World Cup that Australia is hosting just four Test matches, against India, during the 2014-15 season to accommodate it.

This means that either Brisbane or Adelaide is likely miss out on a Test during the normal season, but all of the country's leading venues will be awarded a major World Cup fixture which will involve Australia.

The coup for Melbourne will come less than three months after AAMI Park hosts the opening ceremony and Australia's first match of soccer's Asian Cup.

The 1992 Cricket World Cup final was a spectacular event, attracting a then record one-day crowd of more than 87,000 to the MCG despite Australia's early departure from the tournament.

Ashton Agar of Australia celebrates taking a wicket. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Pakistan, led by Imran Khan, defeated England by 22 runs to win its first world crown. Australia has won a record four World Cup tournaments, but India will be the defending champion.

Cricket crowds at the MCG. Picture: David Caird

Michael Clarke of Australia is struck by a delivery. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images