Friday, July 4, 2014: Let the games begin...

Sometimes you just need to tell someone. Secrets eat away at us, sharing is inherent to the human experience. In refusing to share knowledge, we engage in the ultimate battle of nature versus nature; it is only our conscience that prevents it.

Even then it's difficult, as the mysterious Dr. Harcourt discovered last year. Facing a panel of FIFA officials, the need to share overcame the good Doctor. He splurged details on the ASADA scandal, which could land him in court. As well as this, he revealed some controversial information about the AFL's three-strikes policy, including that several players had been 'retired', while others had been withdrawn from playing duties to go into rehab.

So the challenge commences. While the AFL's alleged 'matches' take place this weekend, the real battle will be in Caro's library, as she agonises over injury data from recent years looking for players who have missed considerable periods with minor injuries. Let the games begin...

In the news....
Despite the Federal Government's recent attempts to encourage the retention of older workers, Mark Thompson has dropped Dustin Fletcher for this weeks match with Port Adelaide. "At this stage he's one of the emergencies" said Thompson.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna has urged his players to attempt to get inside the head of Travis Cloke during tomorrow's match at Metricon Stadium. While this correspondent doesn't see anything wrong with that, there is a lot of space between those ears, defender Lachie Keeffe has retaliated menacingly: "Trav's a big boy, he can take care of himself" he said.

Fresh from making a mess at Zagames, The Giants will welcome Toby Greene back into the side this weekend. Other teams are here.