Wednesday, June 25, 2014: Improving the Foxtel Cup...

It was a grandiose dream. A knockout, FA Cup style competition where all the best state teams compete for a prize lusted after since it's inception a few years back. Teams used to competing in mildly attended suburban grounds would finally get a chance to play in giant empty stadiums, completing the time honoured tradition of climbing over a fence and up a few rows of seating to collect the football.

This years Foxtel Cup Grand Final is being held next month, last nights dominant performance by West Perth ensuring they will be there. The Falcons, reigning WAFL Premiers, held off a meek challenge by Tasmania's Western Storm to win by 74 points at Paterson's Stadium. A win that guarantees them either the $40,000 runners up cheque, or the $100,000 prize donated by someone who clearly doesn't know the value of money.

While East Perth take on Williamstown for the second Grand Final spot, The Smother wonders whether this half-commitment to the concept is the reason it has been so thoroughly ignored by the football public. The Tuesday night slot was clearly designed by TV networks, but it doesn't work. These games should be used as curtain-raisers, obviating the need for Collingwood's ridiculous dance troupe and whatever else they've decided to ruin football with this week.

What would really grab the interest of the football public would be to add AFL sides in to the latter rounds of the cup. The prospect of Carlton losing not only to GWS, but also a Tuesday night tangle with some suburban outfit - it's just too much to bear.

In the news...
Ross Lyon has romantically hosed down rumours of a lovers tiff between himself and Anthony Morabito. "All I know is we've got our arms firmly wrapped around Anthony. "I'll just put them around him and squeeze a little tighter and support him a little bit more" said the Dockers coach.

In other Purple Haze news, ruckman Zac Clarke is in doubt for Sunday's derby with knee soreness, while Matt De Boer is a chance to return via the WAFL.