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.
Lodged between the drama and brilliance of last Saturday's Blue Diamond meeting and the fireworks of Flemington's Super Saturday card next weekend, this Saturday's Flemington line-up, the group 1 Australian Guineas aside, always seems to be cast in the shadows.
Melbourne City's youthful defender Ruon Tongyik would appear to be certain of a first-team recall after City boss Michael Valkanis confirmed that his key defender, Michael Jakobsen, was still not fit to take his place in the starting line-up.
When Tim Cahill rose to power in a header to give Melbourne City a 1-0 victory over Sydney FC in the 2016 FFA Cup final it was a magical moment for the club as it won its first men's silverware in its short history in the A-League.
Women's sport is all the rage and Racing Victoria is determined it not be forgotten amid the focus on female footy players, cricketers, netballers, basketballers and soccer players.
Allianz Stadium will be no place for the faint-hearted on Friday night when Sydney FC look to all but mathematically confirm their ownership of the premiers' plate.
When the winger does bang in a goal he likes to make it one to remember.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) will this week begin working with A-League and W-League clubs to develop a new ownership and operating model for both leagues but have put expansion on the backburner for at least two more years.
Its hard to upstage racing's best known name, Gai Waterhouse, but the Queen of the Turf was happy enough to play second fiddle to the other star names at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Day as David Hayes, Darren Weir, Craig Williams and Joao Moreira hogged the headlines.
It looks as though veteran winger Fahid Ben Khalfallah may have played his last game for Melbourne Victory after he was again omitted from the matchday squad for Saturday night's win over Adelaide United.
A marvellous Marco Rojas free kick and a deft Besart Berisha strike help Melbourne Victory secure a 2-1 win.
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