Knives to come out for Merrick if Victory fail

It has become a running joke.

Coates slams report as a step back in time

AUSTRALIA will be forced to send smaller teams to future Olympic Games and only athletes who have a chance of winning a medal, if the Federal Government adopts the rhetoric and spirit of the Crawford report.

Choice and variety

South Melbourne's mixed-bag feel keeps prices lower, writes Susannah Petty.

Cheerleading takes a quantum leap into serious competition

AUSTRALIAN cheerleading has moved on from sets of high-kicking lovelies flashing the flesh at the football.

ON THE BOX

SATURDAY GOLF

MCG soccer gets flu all-clear

VICTORIA'S spate of swine flu cases will not threaten Australia's World Cup soccer qualifier against Japan at the MCG next Wednesday, despite the state having the highest incidence of the illness in Australia.

South Dragons pack up ball and go home

SOUTH Dragons have opted out of the new National Basketball League season, despite Melbourne Tigers announcing on Thursday that they have re-joined the competition.

Dragons Break Kiwis With Thrilling Win

THE South Dragons have cemented top spot on the National Basketball League ladder with a thrilling overtime win against the second-placed New Zealand Breakers at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre last night.

Newcastle Jets V Melbourne Victory

NEWCASTLE JETS v MELBOURNE VICTORY

Melbourne V Sydney

MELBOURNE V SYDNEY

Victory Or Elimination For Melbourne

MELBOURNE Victory coach Ernie Merrick could bring teenage midfielder Kaz Patafta off the bench and hand him a key attacking role in tonight's Asian Champions League clash against a Japanese side Gamba Osaka that is struggling to field a goalkeeper.