Sport

GEORGIE PARKER: At the midway point of the AFLW season here are five things that have caught my eye and why I am so passionate about State of Origin not just being for the blokes.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Cronulla have gone much further in the finals than anyone expected, but they are letting themselves down with this silly trait.

For me, success is what Gout Gout did in Japan. To test yourself against the best in the world at 17 and walk away with lessons, confidence and the respect of your competitors — that’s success. 

KIERSTEN DUKE: Toby Sexton was discarded mid-season in favour of a bright new NRL toy — now he holds the fate of the club that ditched him in his hands.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: One thing became very clear after last Sunday's epic final, even though some of the league’s most important stakeholders may not like it.

JUSTIN LANGER: His death shows us that even the most physically tough people can’t always find an answer or solution for themselves. WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Backing the teenager for a fierce home Ashes series is the wrong call. This is the guy we should be calling up to bat with Usman Khawaja in Perth.

RICHO’S TOP 10: There’s been a lot of talk about rule changes, but for me it’s all about the four people in the middle blowing the whistles.

SOPHIE GANNON: Every year, 18 AFL teams dream of glory — but most years, the ending is all too familiar.

GEORGIE PARKER: Going out as the number one seed in straight sets looks like a clear failure, but that’s not the whole picture.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: It was as clear as day what the superstar did and letting him off with a fine is beyond a joke.

As someone who’s spent a career around elite sport, I think it’s worth stepping back and asking the tough question about the big pay increases being demanded by female athletes: Is it viable?

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: His toilet humour may not be for everyone, but the NRL’s biggest star cuts through like few others do.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Success in short-form cricket is one thing, doing so during the heat of battle during an Ashes series Down Under is another thing completely.

RICHO’S TOP 10: It’s an ongoing issue that the league needs to get on top to maintain the credibility of the side chosen.