Author: australiansportreflections
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Remembering the contributions of AIS Men’s football to the Socceroos
By Greg Blood. Originally published in The Roar, 27 April 2017. The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) has announced that it will be closing its Centre of Excellence (originally AIS Men’s Football) at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra at the end of the year. It is worth reflecting on the contribution of the…
australiansportreflections
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Clubs are playing Russian roulette with long-term contracts
By Greg Blood. Originally published in The Roar, 5 April 2017. worrying development in professional sport in Australia has been athletes signing long-term contracts, which could lead to the financial ruin of some clubs. Recent reports indicate that Greater Westerns Sydney Giants player Josh Kelly is being offered a nine-year, $9 million deal with North Melbourne Kangaroos.…
australiansportreflections
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Development of an Olympic gold medallist: A study of Jared Tallent
By Greg Blood. Originally published in The Roar, 6 July 2016. Updated March 2021 on Tallent’s official retirement. In watching Australian athletes at the 2016 Rio Games, I urge viewers to take time to reflect on where they are at in their Olympics/Paralympics journey – gaining experience or strong contender for a medal. This a…
australiansportreflections
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Are the Commonwealth Games still relevant?
By Greg Blood. Originally published in The Roar, 15 March 2017. The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games baton has just left London, with Australia hosting the event for the fifth time. But are the Games are still relevant in an increasing congested calendar? The Commonwealth Games particularly for many Olympic athletes, has been an important stepping stone.…
australiansportreflections
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Note to Australia: Winning isn’t everything
Originally published in The Roar, 18 October 2016 Thankfully the Essendon Football Club sports supplements saga has come to an end, but it was just another major example of poor governance at a professional sporting club. The Essendon Football Club is far from alone. In recent years there have been numerous examples of poor governance…
australiansportreflections
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Why the professionalisation of women’s sport in Australia could put Olympic performances under threat
Originally published in The Roar, 6 October 2016. There are many positive developments happening in women’s sport in Australia but some of these developments may have a negative impact on Australian performances at the Olympics. The Hockeyroos, Opals and the Stingers have been medal performers since the 1990’s but none of these teams medalled at…
australiansportreflections
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Remembering the Sydney Olympics medal success
Originally published in The Roar, 5 September 2016. fter the Rio Olympics, there has been much discussion of why the Australian Team did not meet medal expectations. Discussion highlighted Australia’s performance at the Sydney Olympics where Australia came fourth on the gold medal tally and won 58 medals. My interest in the history of Australian…
australiansportreflections
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Rio Paralympics are a showcase of developments in medicine
Originally pubkished in The Roar, 29 August 2016. The Paralympic Games are widely regarded as the second largest sporting event in the world. They are also a showcase of developments in medicine, science, and inclusion. You are unlikely to see many athletes with poliomyelitis (polio) at the Rio Paralympics but this has not always been…
australiansportreflections
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Decline in Australian sporting teams at Rio Olympics
Originally published in The Roar, 25 August 2016. Since 1996, Australia has a very good record of bringing home medals in team sports at the Olympics. Many commentators have indicated their disappointment with Australian results in team sports at Rio, even though Australia did win a gold medal in women’s rugby sevens. The Australian Sports…
australiansportreflections
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Diversity in coaches is crucial for Rio medal success
Originally published in The Roar 2 August 2016. Coaches will play a significant role in the success of Australian athletes and teams at the 2016 Rio Games. The Olympics and Paralympics are the pinnacle for most athletes, and the same can be said for coaches. There will be two types of coaches in Rio –…
australiansportreflections