Michael Lynch, The Age's expert on soccer, has had extensive experience of high level journalism in the UK and Australia. Michael has covered the Socceroos through Asia, Europe and South America in their past three World Cup campaigns. He has also reported on Grands Prix and top class motor sport from Asia and Europe. He has won several national media awards for both sports and industry journalism.
Melbourne Victory skipper Carl Valeri has backed Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury's loan move to Inter Milan – the club Valeri cut his professional teeth at – saying playing in the Serie A should help the centre-back develop and improve his game.
Top apprentice Ben Thompson made a massive breakthrough in the spring when he secured rides on outsiders in the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups, and the teenager is hoping to keep the momentum going in the autumn in the big group one handicaps.
You can't keep a good man down, especially when he's returning to his roots to continue his career in the region where it all started.
Sportsmens egos are generally fragile things, so its rare to find one of the top players in his league confessing that he is out of form, particularly in the run up to a major local derby that could make or break his club's season.
Anyone having a bet on the race for the A-League golden boot could be forgiven for focusing on the top two strikers who will face off on Saturday night in the third Melbourne derby of the season.
Fans and pundits are rarely short of suggesting the names of in-form  A-League players who should be considered for the Socceroos.
The owner of Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden is stepping up his interest in Australian racing after the Gold Coast Magic Millions sale.
There's nothing like working with racehorses to bring you the highest of highs, and plunge you to the lowest of lows - as Steve Richards, the experienced Melbourne trainer, knows all too well.
Melbourne City will have to beat Premiers Plate winners Canberra United on their own turf next weekend if they are to have a hope of defending their W-League championship.
Melbourne City coaching staff are hopeful that marquee man Tim Cahill will be fit to take his place against local rivals Melbourne Victory in the third A-League derby of the season next Saturday night.
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