inMelbourne

Carlton coach Brett Ratten knows it is asking a lot of his men to defeat a Sydney unit playing arguably more fluent football than the 2005 premiership team.

In an ominous message for other finalists, St Kilda insists it has more improvement to come after beating defending premiers Geelong.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy insists it is business as usual as the Storm prepare for their final match of the season against Newcastle on Sunday.

Issued: Saturday at 12:28pm EST Description: Flood warning Summary: Minor Flood Warning – Maribyrnong River and Jacksons Creek

Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick says his A-League side is lacking a killer instinct and has urged his young strikers to be more selfish in front of goal.

JORDIE McKenzie was with mates at lunchtime on Wednesday, no doubt enjoying nothing more exotic than a toasted sanger.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocks New Zealand’s second largest city Christchurch, causing injuries and widespread damage.

Australian High Commission in Wellington is liaising with New Zealand authorities to check if any Australians have been affected by Saturday’s earthquake.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson has warned his men not to bother turning up for a sudden death AFL semi-final unless they are prepared to be desperate from the start.

Victorian Premier John Brumby is being urged to reconsider the decision not to upgrade all power lines as recommended by the Bushfires Royal Commission.