Every footy season has its bolters, teams that defy the general consensus cast upon it during the preseason on the way to an unlikely finals berth or even a premiership. West Coast in 2018 is a great example of the sort of the team that gets itself on a surprise roll and ends the season on an unexpected high. But on the other hand you have your sliders. The disappointments. St Kilda were arguably the AFL’s biggest let-down from this season, not only failing to take that next step into the top eight after two promising seasons of knocking on the door of September action but falling down the ladder in a tailspin. The Saints finished 16th with just four and a half wins. After a Round 1 victory over the Brisbane Lions, St Kilda didn’t sing the song until Round 13, when they came from behind to knock off the Gold Coast Suns. In a worrying sign for the future, the gameplan was rigid and uninspiring, and young exciting prospects took steps backwards. Midfield star Jack Steven … [Read more...] about St Kilda 2019 season preview: Best 22 and predicted finish
Earning frequent flyer points
Navy braces for Air Force, eyes Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy
AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Air Force senior defensive back Garrett Kauppila’s vantage point for Navy games has included the sideline and the stands. This Saturday, he will take in the rivalry from an even better spot — the field. “I’ve seen a lot, heard a lot, heard the excitement, been on the sideline for that, in the stands for them as well, for two years,” Kauppila said . “I’m excited for the opportunity without a doubt.” There’s no need to stress the importance of the game between Air Force (1-3) and Navy (2-2) at Falcon Stadium. This is for bragging rights. This is for a leg up to capture the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, which goes annually to the academy with the best record in the round-robin competition. Army enters the season as the reigning champion, with Air Force earning the crown in 2016 and Navy in ’15. “We need to bring it back,” Navy senior fullback Anthony Gargiulo … [Read more...] about Navy braces for Air Force, eyes Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy
Hawaii has college football’s 4 most remote rivalry trophies
Hang on. “Duh, Hawaii is very far away from the mainland,” you’re thinking. I realize I’m not breaking new ground by pointing out Hawaii is actually quite far away from other stuff. We’re here to celebrate a school in the middle of the Pacific Ocean sharing rivalry trophies — things usually reserved for schools in the same region, state, or town — with schools thousands of miles away. Pillaging a rival’s campus is common in college sports. You’d need to spend basically an entire day in planes and airports in order to leave Hawaii, defile those bastards’ statues near their stadium, and return. Rivalry takes a lot of work when you’re this far apart! Hawaii’s not entirely unique here. Army to Air Force is about 1,800 miles. Notre Dame to USC or Stanford is around 2,100. The greatest trophy in all of rival-dom, the Civil ConFLiCT, spans about 1,200 miles. As soon as Rutgers and Nebraska launch a trophy, as is Big … [Read more...] about Hawaii has college football’s 4 most remote rivalry trophies
When Being separated from your luggage is a good thing
By Amy Zipkin, New York Times Published 4:46 pm CDT, Tuesday, September 18, 2018 A boarding pass is printed at the remote check-in terminals at the Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 21, 2018. Last December, Tampa International entered into a two-year contract with Bags Inc. to check luggage remotely; officials say that through the end of August about 5 percent of all Tampas bags were checked this way. less A boarding pass is printed at the remote check-in terminals at the Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 21, 2018. Last December, Tampa International entered into a two-year contract with Bags Inc. ... more Photo: ZACK WITTMAN /NYT Photo: ZACK WITTMAN /NYT Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 A boarding pass is printed at the remote check-in terminals at the Tampa International … [Read more...] about When Being separated from your luggage is a good thing
FANTASY PLAYS: Players to start and sit in Week 2
Updated 2:18 pm CDT, Thursday, September 13, 2018 Week 1 was a weak one for the likes of Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan and any fantasy Football owner who had a Bills player in their lineup. The good news is that last week is but a fleeting memory, while Week 2 offers a fresh batch of players who must be in the lineup along with others best off sitting on the sideline. Don't be surprised to see a name from last week listed in light along with a seemingly ageless workhorse who has fantasy owners feeling like it's 2008 all over again. START: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs: Mahomes played the role of gunslinger in the win at the Chargers, averaging 17 yards per completion while throwing four touchdowns. He did so without using Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce (one catch, 6 yards). Even on the road at the Steelers, Mahomes has earned must-start status as he faces a Pittsburgh defense that won't be as fortunate as they were in last week's tie at the … [Read more...] about FANTASY PLAYS: Players to start and sit in Week 2