The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Injuries and Ejections
How can it almost already be February? AFL and NRL teams are running match simulations. The Big Bash is in finals mode and the Australian Open is in full swing. Here is our expert analysis of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly from the past week in Sport.
The Good
Sydney Sixers progressed to the BBL final at the SCG off the back of a five-fa from Ben Dwarshuis for an extraordinary 21 runs. Sixers captain Moises Henriques had a beautiful captains knock of 59 off 50 balls after being dropped twice in the same over on 20 runs.
- Perth Wildcats extended their unbeaten NBL run to 6 with wins over Brisbane Bullets and Sydney Kings over the weekend. They have now won 15 of their last 17 games.
- Central Coast and Melbourne City brought back the biff in their A-League match with an all in melee including subs and coaches.
- Detroit Lions kept their Super Bowl hopes alive with a commanding win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Divisional Play Off round.
The Bad
Season ending injuries are tough on any player or team, but to have one before a game is even played is the baddest of the bad. Numerous players across multiple sports have gone down in pre-season hitouts with the most recent casualty being Essendon Bombers draftee Jaiden Hunter who injured his ACL in a match simulation last week.
- Aussie Tennis star Alex de Minaur crashed out of the Men’s Aus Open, ending hopes of a home grown talent in the final stages of the men’s side of the event.
- Western Sydney Wanderers lost 2-1 to Perth Glory after dominating possession 69%-31%, it was also the first win for the Glory away from home this season.
The Ugly
South East Melbourne Phoenix have gone from bad to worse over the past week. Despite having one of the best players in the league in Mitch Creek the Phoenix have lost their last three games by a combined total of 77 points.
- In a further blow to the Phoenix, guard Gary Browne was ejected for the second time this season for an unsportsmanlike foul after punching Bullets forward Aron Baynes in the stomach.
- Perth Scorchers were knocked out of the Big Bash Finals in the sudden-death elimination final against Adelaide Strikers. The defending champions had a wave of support in the media which had fired the Strikers up to stage a miraculous comeback with leg spinner Lloyd Pope claiming 4 wickets.
- Bryce Cotton confirmed he won’t play for Australian national basketball team Boomers due to frustration with administration around his citizenship application. A massive loss for the Aussies.
Conclusion
Pre-seaon injuries are tough and it is never fun when stars diss national teams but we can at least be happy for some riveting Cricket! Our experts will have their ear to the ground and their eyes fixed to their screens to bring you the Good, the Bad and the Ugly across all sports every week.
Summary
The Good:
- Sydney Sixers and Home Final
- Perth Wildcats and Win Streaks
- Football and Fighting
- Detroit Lions and Playoff Wins (again)
The Bad:
- Pre-Season and Season Ending Injuries
- Aussie Open Downers
- Western Sydney Wanderers and Inconsistency
The Ugly:
- SEM Phoenix and Losing
- Perth Scorchers and getting Knocked Out
- Bryce Cotton and Citizenship Dramas