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The Saints coach says his star player stood up in trying conditions for marking forwards

Geelong coach Mark Thompson says salary cap issues could force changes to his premiership side

Amidst all the politicking, in-fighting and handbag-throwing around the South African Football Association presidential elections, I may have missed a trick, but one important factor has not escaped my attention, writes Jonty Mark.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson is determined that the Cats' epic 12-point grand final win over minor premiers St Kilda will not be the end of an era in Corio Bay.

GEELONG coach Mark Thompson says the Cats' dynasty is far from over after yesterday celebrating their second premiership in three years.

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP Wow, Z. Why can't you do this every time? Browse more photos » I have been, at times, the leader of the 'Trade Zambrano' bandwagon. I did so after the Z - Michael Barrett dustup in 2007, and I told him to 'grow up' after the memorable meltdown with umpire Mark Carlson last May. But there is no doubt that Z is among the most talented pitchers in baseball, and he showed every bit of that talent in shutting out the Giants 3-0 on two hits. In addition to outstanding pitching -- throwing 67 strikes in 98 pitches and allowing just two singles, one by Juan Uribe and another by Tim Lincecum, and issuing a walk to Randy Winn -- Z drove in two of the three Cubs runs, the first by beating a double-play relay throw, and the second with a double to the base of the wall in left field. Really, what more can you ask of a pitcher? Z took that intensity that we often have seen explode in histrionics and focused every bit of it on his pitching. If we kne

Ian Kinsler set a lofty goal for himself because he wanted to do his part to help the Texas Rangers become a playoff team. He reached his personal target as he became the third second baseman in major league history with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, leading the Rangers past the Tampa Bay Rays 8-3 on Friday night. 'I said in spring training that I felt if I could go 30-30, I could help the team significantly,' said Kinsler, who hit his 30th home run in the eighth inning.

The Cincinnati Reds are almost certainly en route to a ninth straight losing season, but their impressive late-season run is providing reason for optimism. It has also vaulted them past the plummeting Houston Astros in the standings, and the Reds will go for a sixth straight win overall - and ninth in a row over the Astros - as they continue their series Saturday night at Minute Maid Park. Cincinnati needs to win its final eight games to finish at .500, but the club's 22-10 mark since Aug.

There was a time earlier this season when LF Carl Crawford was on such a stolen-base tear, he was asked if he could reach the century mark.

'Sanchise' or 'Franchez' - depending on which of the nicknames his teammates have given their new franchise quarterback you prefer to use - hasn't had to perform for the Jets as his handles suggest.