The imminent opening of the Commonwealth Games headlines what will no doubt be another exciting fortnight for sports fans at SSC. Of course footy season rolls on, the US hardcourt tennis tour is in full swing and we’ve been loving all the thrills and spills of the Tour de France.
Speaking of cycling, Australia’s greatest ever female cyclist Anna Meares has been unveiled as the flag bearer who will lead the Australian team at the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow. Competing at her fourth Commonwealth Games the dual Olympic gold medalist was a popular choice among teammates, the announcement evoking tears from the 30-year-old.
“I just never thought I’d get the chance,” Meares said with her voice crackling. “I’m always emotional, that’s just the sort of person I am and being a sprinter we’re pretty emotional creatures. It tells me I’ve done a really good job in my career so far.
Wednesday’s (Thursday morning AEST) grand opening will kick-start 11 days of competition that will see around 6,500 athletes from 71 countries compete for glory in 17 sports. After a somewhat disappointing return at the London 2012 Olympics the Aussie team are primed to show the world they’re the strongest in the Commonwealth.
Back home and there are some absolute blockbuster clashes across the three footy codes this weekend. It all begins on Friday when the Broncos host the Storm with both teams desperate to keep there finals push going. There was huge news coming out of Brisbane today following the announcement club coaching legend Wayne Bennett will return to the helm next season so it will be interesting to see how the Broncos respond.
Saturday night will see the AFL ladder leading Swans take on reigning premiers Hawthorn in what promises to be one of the most epic clashes of the season. Sydney will be looking to keep their remarkable unbeaten streak in tact when they travel to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while Hawthorn will be eager to get one over Buddy Franklin after their former star defected north of the boarder.
Also on Saturday night the table-topping Waratahs will host the Brumbies for a shot at the Super 15 title. Their semi-final is set to be the biggest Super Rugby match in Sydney in over a decade and looks set to eclipse the all-time attendance record with an expected crowd of over 40,000. The Waratahs are still searching for their maiden championship but they’ll have to take things one set at a time despite easily accounting for the boys from ACT in their recent encounter.
It all points to another huge weekend of sport at Strathfield Sports Club. Just who’ll come out on top remains to be seen but you can be sure we’ll be watching in the clubhouse so come down and be part of the action.