This is a clash like Australia has not seen in years, one at the heart of the Wallabies’ hopes against the British and Irish Lions.

The first Big Blue of the season sees Sydney FC meet their bitter rivals at their lowest ebb, stuck at the bottom of their ladder and with their coach slamming players for lacking commitment.

Nathan Kreuger will make his debut for Collingwood against Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday after Mason Cox was ruled out with a rolled ankle. 

Melbourne footballer Libby Birch is horrified at the abuse her brother – a field umpire – cops from over the fence. But it’s not the only reason that umpires feel unappreciated and underpaid.

Star jockey Jamie Kah said the criticism and condemnation following the infamous Mornington Airbnb affair was “the darkest time of my life” but had made her stronger.

Not as much money, but not too much grief. Why life’s sweet as an assistant coach.

It was a forehand that sealed her place in Australian sporting folklore. And Ash Barty knew she may have just hit her final shot as a professional player.

At the start of the NBA season you would have been hard-pressed to argue that Josh Green would be the Australian who makes it furthest into the play-offs.

Remorse, melees and even streakers sprung to mind for Souths players when thinking back to the round-24 spite night against the Roosters.

Gypsy Goddess was so unwanted as a yearling, due to a rare jaw condition, that she could barely attract a bid. Now she’s in with a chance of winning a group 1.

Having arguably the most famous name in Australian training history hasn’t stopped Edward Cummings from doing things his way.

The men from the foot of the mountains are officially minor premiers after breezing past the Cowboys on Friday night.

James Tamou says he would welcome the chance to captain the Wests Tigers and is looking forward to the likely early arrival of a former Penrith teammate at Concord.

Brad Newley is over last year's grand final disaster, but believes NSW teams have been short-changed this year in terms of preparation ahead of the NBL season start on Friday.

The hosts had the wounded tourists near breaking point on Friday but the lion-hearted visitors mounted a spirited revival on the first day of the deciding Test.