ISYS100MAC The Todd Carney Experience

Sports Focus - Final Report

Our team decided to base on blog on a common interest.  As there were only two of us we quickly came up with sport, namely the various football codes.  We split up the work by deciding that I (Bay) write on the NRL, and my partner Phorner would write about the AFL and we would split Rugby union between us.

As far as challenges are concerned there were not a great deal.  The biggest one we had was probably communicating with each other, as we rarely got an opportunity to speak.   Also interest.  I think I would be correct in saying that neither of us are, or ever will be interested in blogging.  It seems to be an area for those who want to get into or have been involved with journalism or are particularly passionate about a certain topic.  Unfortunately neither of us are on both fronts.  That been said it was interesting to know how to put a blog together and I did learn how to upload a video to a blog after a few attempts.

As far as final design goes it was pretty straight forward.  We simply uploaded a patch of grass as the background so it looked like a playing field and stuck to a black background so the content was easy to read.   We knew that the content is the most important thing about a blog and I think our articles are pretty good and well researched.

We didn't model our blog on any other website.  The site itself was pretty easy to understand as far as making a design and adding content.  As far as our site vs other sites are concerned they are pretty similar.  Blogger seems to be a pretty powerful tool.  The main differences between our site and proper blogging sites would be how often the site was updated.  Our site was usually updated at the end of the weekend sports, with usually 2 or 3 stories going up on Monday.  Other sites were updated on a daily basis and the more professional sites had a more polished feel about them.

Is the NSW Waratahs season now doomed?

It is no surprise that many are now AGAIN disappointed with another season of NSW's Super Rugby season. Although showing early signs of promise in earlier matches the Waratahs suffered another injury in the form of Drew Mitchell which could also have detrimental effects for the Australian Wallabies Rugby World Cup chances. Waratahs coach Chris Hickey put on a brave face and was sure his side can still be a finals contender despite the loss of Drew Mitchell for the rest of the season.

The international wing will miss the remainder of the campaign after dislocating his right ankle and fracturing a bone in his leg during Saturday night's 19-15 loss to the Reds. This game was an absolute cracker, though disappointing that it had a lot of focus on kicking penalties rather than fast paced try scoring action as has been seen this season by both sides. As we've mentioned before, the Queensland Reds seemed to have got their stuff together this year and put on a super season for fans, especially considering the years of disappointment suffered over the years for fans of the Reds.

Mitchell joins nine other players already unavailable for Hickey's side, but the coach is maintaining the Waratahs' depth has improved substantially since 2007, the year when a similar run of injuries led to a 13th-placed finish in the then 14-team competition.

Unfortunately, most people do not share the optimism of Mr Hickey about the prospects of finals hopes and we will probably see NSW Waratah's fans jump on the Reds bandwagon.

ANZAC Day Clash - AFL

With close to 90,000 fans attending the annual Essendon vs Collingwood ANZAC day clash it was little wonder that fans of both clubs and other spectators were greeted with a blockbuster that saw Essendon lose for the second year running despite being very close in the second half.

Having been down 29 points earlier in the first half, it was remarkable to see the lads get to an extremely close 1 point late in the third quarter with many thinking the Bombers could steal the show. Unfortunately, Collingwood proved why it was the reigning premiers and fought to held off the Dons in a remarkable show of defense across the 4th quarter to eventually take the game by 30 points, 107 to 77.

Had it not been for Cloke from the Magpies taking some cracker marks and converting them into goals it was clear that Collingwood's undefeated season was going to continue. Coach James Hird of Essendon said he was proud of the boys, but having now lost three games to very close margins it is clear that the pressure was getting to the team and that they needed to get back to basics.

Main Contender for Post Try celebration of the Year So Far.

Reds' Digby Ioane celebrates try in unique style (17/4)

Carney Out For Season

Tod Carney just doesn't learn.  I guess his only excuse is that he must have a medical problem as nobody could be this stupid.

As Roosters supporter it's tough to see the play-maker of your team sidelined for the season, but at the same time you have to ask?  How many chances does one person need?

Granted that in the scheme of things this offense is pretty minor, but to go out drinking in King Cross and not expect anyone to see you after the whole world know that you are in AA, are on a self imposed drinking ban and a ban issued by the club is just plain stupid.

The issue now is his team, The Roosters.  They haven't been playing well anyway, so this will just add to their issues.  So, as I called the season on the Tah's in my previous post, I call the season for last years grand finalist, The Sydney Roosters.  I cant see them going all the way this year.  In fact on current form they may not even make the top eight.

AFL - Another draw proves the tightness

In what seems to be the flavour of the 2011 AFL Premiership Season, another draw took place; the third of the season, this time between two of the oldest AFL Rivals of Carlton and Essendon and the match is impossible to not write about.

In what was not just a one-sided match up we saw the lead change hands an incredible SEVEN times throughout the match in what was a magnificent and pulsating final quarter.

In my opinion, the Blues could have gone further ahead at the half way mark after a goal by Simpson, but the run down that was chased by Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher (who is turning an un-heard of 36 years old whilst still playing at top level) who saved the goal.

Goals were shared evenly around the squad of Essendon with Jetta bagging 2, Lonergan 2 and 1 for Hurley Watson and Fletcher. On the Carlton side, Simpson bashed 3 through the two big sticks and Garlett, Laidler and Curnow scoring 1's each between others.

This weekend will see the Dons take on their ANZAC day nemesis Collingwood in what will surely be a jam-packed MCG stadium.

Hopefully we don't see the 4th draw of the season on the day.