The new year has come and both Michael ‘Speedy’ Stratton and The Area News sports journalist Ben Jaffrey have survived the celebrations.
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The pair are kicking off 2017 with an At The Bar full of predictions for the coming year in sport.
Ben: Mate, our predictions were average last year.
Speedy: Very average. I started off in a blaze of glory but fell in a heap.
Ben: This year, I say we stick to some major competitions and we can see who goes better at the end of the year. First up, NRL – who wins?
Speedy: Cronulla. They’re the defending champions but Canberra aren’t far behind.
Ben: I love your confidence in my Sharkies but the loss of Michael Ennis will be too hard to overcome. I think it’ll be Canberra raising the trophy.
Speedy: They were unlucky last year, that was it.
Ben: Moving right along, who will take out the flag in the aussie rules.
Speedy: I think the Swans.
Ben: That’s my tip, too. They’ll be hungry after last year’s loss.
Speedy: Hawthorn will be right up there again and GWS will give it a shake, too.
Ben: Neither would surprise. It’s exciting times at GWS – a lot of young guns in there who keep getting better.
Speedy: There’s not many bad players amongst them.
Ben: Let’s venture into unknown waters, if you will, with the Super Rugby. My knowledge isn’t that great so I’ll run with the local side in the Waratahs.
Speedy: They’ve had too many chances for mind. I’m going to throw in a roughie. Melbourne Rebels are a side on the up but the Hurricanes are going to be hard to beat.
Ben: I can’t argue as I simply just don’t know enough. Something I know a bit about is the Big Bash League.
Speedy: I’ve been following it as well. I think Hobart can get there. I like the way they play.
Ben: Tim Paine leads them. He’s been killing it.
Speedy: In saying that, it’s hit and giggle isn’t it? A lot is based on luck.
Ben: It doesn’t take much to swing a game. I’m on the Brisbane Heat.
Speedy: They were my second choice.
Ben: Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum are devastating when they’re on.
Speedy: We all know what they can do.
Ben: Will Sydney FC win the A-League?
Speedy: Melbourne Victory are next best but Sydney are favourites. Quickly, did you see Andy Murray was knighted? If only I was a pom. I’d be next in line.
Ben: You’ve had a lot of nights out. Does that count?
Speedy: I don’t know, I might have to write a letter to the Queen.
Ben: She’ll be writing one to you in a couple of years, won’t she?
Speedy: I’m not that old.
