The Royal Adelaide Show

The Royal Adelaide Show is currently on and is buzzing the sleepy town of Adelaide.

On Wednesday i decided to bite the bullett and take the family, we took advantage of cheaper tickets by saving $8 on the family pass through our RAA membership, so $48 to get in.

We also decided to pre-book Carny Cash, you can buy $100 worth of this through ticketek for just $80! Thats a massive bargain considering you will easily spend that.

My big gripe about the show is the amount everyone spends, for families its getting harder and harder every year to actually find this affordable. When we did the count back yesterday we easily spent between $500 - $600... for a family of four that is a bit excessive...

When we compare what a family ticket at the theme parks in the Gold Coast cost it really is not fair... I understand though that the carny's need to make money as do the show organisers but surely something needs to be done to ensure the survival and viability of the show for future generations.

For example, make it a set amount for entry and rides. So as an example, instead of say $50 to just gain entry for a family, make it $100 or $120 and give everyone unlimited rides. Your guaranteeing that if people then pay less for the entry and rides then they will feel they can spend more on showbags and food and drinks.

The organisers need to sit back and evaluate whether they can continue to justify the high amounts for both entry, car parking, show rides, food and showbags..

Just to park in the City Parklands is now $12, most of the carny side alley games are between $5 & $10, the average price for one ride is $8..

As an example, our family had 3 rides on one we thoroughlly loved. It fits 3 of us at a time so each turn one of us took turns riding with our two children. At $8 each it was $24 per ride.. I don't know how they can justify $72 for 3 rides, simply cannot fathom this.

There was no lineup for this ride, the ride was never full in the time we either were there or walking by...

So my question is, why not increase the entry fee and make all rides free?

The showbags was a mixed bag for me this year, we told the kids that we would buy them an expensive one (approx $20 - $25) then we will get them a couple of cheap ones each.

We were pleasantly suprised by the way they reacted and stuff and in the end they got a few extras.

Had they been bratty and expect alot of stuff we would have enforced the max rule but in fairness they were absolute angels on the day which shocked me, with so much to see and do and spend on they were alot more restrained than i thought they would be.

Its funny, I always think back to stories my mum would tell me as a kid, now im old and wiser these stories make me laugh as they hit hard now.... Mum used to say back in my day (Don't think she said that but as a child we always start our mimic's of them like this...) showbags used to be given to you at the show, not purchased. Companies used to use the show to promote their products or use the show to announce new products to try... These days we get dodgy little bags with bugger all in them where you would be better off buying them at the shop, or, bags full of plastic toys which break on the way home...


Full credit to my wife and kids as we arrived at the show at 11.30am, we finally got home at 7.45pm, spent, but had an awesome time...

So, hopefully an organiser reads this and everyones thoughts over twitter, facebook and the www. something needs to be done, its becoming unaffordable and the danger is families will start going less and won't spend as much. If you sit down properly with the carnies, the food companies and nut out a fair deal for everyone im sure it can work out best for all.

A set price for entry including rides needs to be achieved or we run the risk of either the show not running as long as it currently does or only the rich will go and eventually the show will die off.




The show is a great day, not just for the kids but adults too, lets start promoting it as it should be, a great day, not let it be drawn down as the most expensive thing to do...

Its not just showbags and rides, its about letting the kids learn also, city kids take for granted what happens in the country and how food is processed, its events like this that help the learn and prosper from the experience.

One of Adelaides Gems - The Coffee Barun

I would like to share with you what i refer to as one of Adelaides Gem businesses.

The Coffee Barun which is situated on Main North Road in Sefton Park is the business, for me its one of the greatest cafe's around. The owners, Mark & Kate Barun know everything there is to know about coffee and have taken their business from the humble beginnings of selling coffee beans at the Pooraka Flea Market, to establishing their first shop just metres where their current one stands today.

Ok, I am a little biased in my opinions as i have known them for some years now, their eldest daughter used to go to child care with my eldest boy and they were the best of friends for some time.

So, lets discuss business, why are they so good?

Simple, for one to sell coffee, one must understand everything there is to know about coffee, a true barista. This sums Mark up perfectly.


Ever since i've known the Baruns, i've known them as the guru's in coffee. Mark sources specialty coffee of the highest quality, nothing less. I have never seen someone so passionate about coffee before, for me its something that comes easy - coffee is made before my eyes and i make zero effort to get the coffee... for Mark, its not as easy and cut and dry as that.


He sources the best, roasts them himself and on my recent visit was doing some interesting work with what i'm sure looked like a bunsen burner and sciencey looking glasses...

My wife and I had the day off today so we decided to head there for breakfast, here is the Barun Breakfast which we order each time we go there. Eggs made how you like them (for me it has to be poached....) generous amount of bacon, stunning beef sausages from an award winning maker in Adelaide, tomato, hashbrown and a beautiful mushroom all served on sliced foccacia.


As usual the breakfast does the job, beautiful fresh produce all super tasty. To compliment, we also enjoy a large cappucino of Marks finest brew.

 

So, if your a coffee enthusiast or know absolutely nothing about coffee like me, then do yourself a favour and visit The Coffee Barun, located on 217-219 Main North Road, Sefton Park. They also have a website too you can visit: www.thecoffeebarun.com

Trent Cotchin - The Future of Tigerland

Trent Cotchin to me is how i would want my junior players model themselves on for their development.

 

Trent epitimises the hard work ethic and using your footy brain rather than getting caught up as a midfielder that just tags other good players out.

His work rate and team ethic is one i haven't seen at Richmond for some time. I remember one game i watched with my son, Trent was off the half back and ran past another player to receive a handball, he then short passed it across half back and continued to run past and receive another handball, he handballed it up to another player whilst they manouvered around the opposition.

Any other player would have stopped there and caught their breath, not Trent Cotchin, he continued to the opposite wing and created space to then receive the ball back and eventually deliver into the forward line for the new Coleman medalist Jack Riewoldt to get onto.

That one passage of play is what caught my eye the most about Trent and why i have such a huge respect for him, his effort across that half back is something he does game in game out, not just in that area but all over the ground.

Funny the games he has off form and not as much of an impact he still manages 30 touches...

Richmond right now are on the cusp of breaking the finals drought, its no wonder supporters like myself are so passionate and excited for the future and the present.

This year we missed by just a few games, yet i count atleast 6-8 games we lost by under 2 goals, atleast 4-6 of those were in last few minutes...

We have the players to really break this drought and make a real impact on our future, just one finals appearance will do so much for this club, not just to finally taste finals, this will catapult us into a sense of what we've been yearning for... This isn't just for the players, i'm talking the club in general, supporters, administration, players etc..

Players like Trent are what Finals & Brownlow dreams are made of, he thoroughly deserved his Richmond Best & Fairest and I can see he will win many more in the years to come, Get around him too for Brownlow this year, if he doesn't win it like i think he will, it will come in the next few years.

Should Trent take over the Captaincy from Chris Newman who just recently announced he is stepping down from the captains role, Absolutely, Trent is the ideal captain, yes concerns are his age only currently being 22, however he is far more mature in his years than most give credit for. Everytime he enters the training grounds or the ground on gameday he enters with team in mind, not individual growth, team.


I can't wait to watch him over the next ten years as he is what will drive our success.

(Photos courtesy of Herald Sun & The Age)

AFL Free Agent - Who Should the Tigers Target

Ok I'm going to look at the current list of Free Agents the AFL has to offer, there are two types - Restricted and Unrestricted.

From what i understand Restricted means; you have played more than 8 seasons at the one club and in top 10 highest paid players at the club.
Unrestricted: the player has played 8 or more seasons at the one club, isn't one of the top 10 highest paid and is out of contract for the first time. or the player has played more than 10 seasons with the one club and has already been out of contract once and is now out of contract again...

Alot to understand, basically to me the difference is, Restricted- current club has right of response. Whereas an Unrestricted Free Agent has the power to determine if they seek better from their current club if they've received an offer from a rival club.

So, I sit here Round 1 of the finals, my beloved Tigers have just missed out again, i wonder if there is anything in the pool below that could help us next season?

I've borrowed a list from www.afl.com.au and will add my thoughts below, feel free to view and leave a comment!

Apologies now for formatting.. made this on old internet explorer which has struggled with adding stuff today!

Adelaide Crows

Chris Knights (Unrestricted)

Rumored to be already on his way to Tigerland, this rumor has been rife in Adelaide the last few months, Crows seem happy to let him move on considering not getting a good go in Adelaide. Another Crow to make a big impact at Richmond? ala Ivan Maric?

Would i take him? Yes, all reports are the kid has talent, just not getting a go...

Brisbane Lions

 

Simon Black (Unrestricted) Sadly Simon's days are almost over in the AFL, has been one of the best servants at Brisbane for past decade. 1 or 2 years at most would be left in him, thats if he hasn't already thought about retiring.. Would I take him, absolutely with my heart, not with my head - 1 year fix is not what we need...

Josh Drummond (Restricted)

At 29 Josh has still got the goods to make the regular team up in Brisbane, great left foot and quick rebounding defender.

Would I take him, No, Tigers aren't in the need for another half backman when we have the likes of Delidio, Houli, Newman, Ellis all capable of rebounding into our forward line.

Ash McGrath (Unrestricted)

Ash is passed his use by date in my opinion, was once a feared backman and one i hated the Tigers coming up against. Had he be a free agent many many years ago i would have said yes straight away.

Would I take him... No. as i said, passed his date and prob will retire soon.

Carlton

Heath Scotland (Restricted)

I wish this option came up a few years ago, great on the ball player, gets alot of it and in my opinion has a great football brain. Doubt he'll be leaving Carlton anytime soon and at 32 I'd expect him not to gather too much interest from other clubs.

Would I take him.. No, at 32 only has a year or so to go, Tigers would prefer to put time into Foley, Martin, Grigg, Cotchin, Delidio, Conca etc..

Jordan Russell (Unrestricted)

Previously linked to Port Adelaide and has wanted a passage back to SA, has a history of injury, has played well back or forward.

Would I take him.. No, although he could be a good punt for a half forward option i don't think the Tigers should take the risk on him, injury and a desire to return home could be a factor should he sign with us..

Bret Thornton (Unrestricted)

28 and can play forward or back, has been apart of the team for some time and cemented his spot in defence.

Would I take him... Yes, could be a great player to add as a CHB or another forward option, however i wouldn't offer the moon for him. Would want cheap as i'm not 100% convinced he's the smartest footballer...

Collingwood

Travis Cloke (Restricted)

Biggest name of the free agency so far, has been rumored to both Carlton, Richmond, Gold Coast etc.

Would I take him... Yes, but not on $1m per season, I would prefer the club to buy 2 players at $500k a year than one player...

Ben Johnson (Unrestricted)

A fan favourite at Collingwood and I doub't he'll leave until shown the door. Great player off the Half Back and any club would love his services.

Would I take him... Absolutely, great player and any club would profit from his acquisition.

Harry O'Brien (Restricted)

Another fan favourite, Big Harry has become a legend at the Pies and a key defender in their best 22.

Would I take him... Of course, he is an awesome player and well worth a shot at, could be a great buy if a struggling defensive team needed to bolster their lineup, just not sure if Tigers need that part of the basket...

Essendon

Ricky Dyson (Unrestricted)

About to turn 27 and is still a much looked at player at Essendon.

Would I take him... No, Tigers have enough midfielders to warrant going after a player like Ricky.

Dustin Fletcher (Unrestricted)

One of the much loved giants of the game, whether your a bombers supporter or not. I've watched him his whole career and his whole career i've wanted him at Richmond...

Would i take him... Yes, but thats not my head talking, thats pure heart - he is a legend of the game, no one can deny that, even one year at Tigerland would be awesome. Would be a great mentor too to young Alex Rance!

David Hille (Unrestricted)

Ruckman who can also be used up forward and kick a few goals, has kicked over 20 goals in 8 out of last 10 seasons..

Would i take him... Yes&No... If we could get him at the right price he would be an awesome addition to go 2nd tier to Ivan Maric, if not also provide another forward option...

Nathan Lovett-Murray (Unrestricted)

Loose cannon both on and off the field, has talent but has wasted it with silly indescretions..

Would I take him... Absolutely Not, Our club has a history of rehabiliating troubled players but Nathan would benefit getting out of Victoria, not to another Vic team..

Angus Monfries (Restricted)

Young key forward with alot to offer a team that can supply their forwards.

Would i take him... Yes, could be a great player to add to our forward line, either off the pocket or half forward. Would compliment Jack & Ty as well as help Nahas, King & Edwards.

Henry Slattery (Unrestricted)

Has spent alot of time down back and often used as a defensive midfielder however history of injuries.

Would I take him... No, as mentioned before, Tigers have a plethora of midfielders and defensive midfielders.

Fremantle

Luke McPharlin (Unrestricted) Defender previously with Hawthorn before being traded Would i take him... No, Tigers have enough young defenders to waste bringing in a 2nd tier defender, if we are to bring in a defender it would need to be a big name.

Geelong Cats

Shannon Byrnes (Unrestricted) Gun little midfielder who can be used up forward, has had alot of injury concerns though... Would i take him... Yes, only cheaply though, injuries are a concern but if fit and healthy could be handy off the half forward.

Paul Chapman (Unrestricted)

One of Geelongs key forwards who can also play midfield and dominate.

Would I take him... No, Like Scarlett, i feel his seasons are numbered as he is about to turn 31, prob 2 years left in him.

Corey Enright (Unrestricted)

One of Geelongs premium midfielders and continues to serve them since the departure of Ablett.

Would I take him... Absolutely, But he won't be leaving Geelong anytime soon, i expect he will finish his days with the club he started with.

Josh Hunt (Unrestricted)

Great player who has played well over his career with the Cats, but has had alot of injuries over his career.

Would i take him... No, expecting to retire in the next year or so, not what the Tigers need in the youth phase. However, does fit the Dimma hard nut mould....

Matthew Scarlett (Unrestricted)

Been their greatest Full Back for the past decade, played against and beaten some of the best Full Forwards in the game.

Would i take him... No, Matt is expected to announce retirement soon, if he didn't, i would say his days would be at geelong and not another club.

David Wojcinski (Unrestricted)

Great defender for Geelong and has been there through their dominant years.

Would i take him, No... About to turn 32 and is nearing the end of career, best he end it at his club then other places..

Hawthorn

Chance Bateman (Unrestricted) Handy forward who can also be used in the midfield. Would i take him... No, What i've seen over the last few years i don't think he gets enough of the ball to warrant an offer for him

Thomas Murphy (Unrestricted)

A player i must admit i haven't heard or seen alot of, reports suggest he is a good defender and can be used as a ruckman if required.

Would i take him... No, If he's not on my radar now, he aint gonna be..

Michael Osborne (Unrestricted)

Great midfielder who can change the face of a game, uses ball well.

Would i take him... No, at 30 the Tigers would be foolish to add a mature aged midfielder, we need youth with pace in there...

Clinton Young (Unrestricted)

Rated as the best left foot kick on the run and was pivotal in the Hawks recent premiership. Handy acquisition for any club needing a Wing or Forward.

Would i take him... Yes, I love lefties, build a side of them i say, just not FF, best Full Forwards usually are right footed hahaha. But, whack him on our half forward or even on the wing and laughing.

Melbourne

Matthew Bate (Unrestricted) Forward line player who can be used in midfield also, has had some success in front of goal. Would i take him... No, Only averages approx 12 goals a year, for a forward thats not enough.

Lynden Dunn (Unrestricted)

All rounder, can play back, mid or forward

Would i take him... Yes, At the right price (Dirt cheap), i'm alone on this but i think Tigers could be a good fit for him. See alot of potential.

Brent Moloney (Restricted)

Midfielder with alot of talent but hurt in previous years by injury.

Would i take him... No, Just don't think he'd be the right fit at Tigerland.

Jared Rivers (Unrestricted)

Key Defender who gets alot of the ball

Would i take him...Yes, like Lynden i see alot of upside to him, could be handy in a back pocket however then again, could he win a spot against the likes of Rance, Grimes, Houli, Newman, Dea, etc.

North Melbourne

Michael Firrito (Unrestricted) Key defender for the Roo's, would be a great addition to any team. Would i take him...Yes, this is one I would put my hand up for, good defender who could slot into CHB or FB and push Rancey to CHB.

Port Adelaide

Troy Chaplin (Restricted) One of Ports key defenders looking for a go somewhere else, rumor has it he's on his way to Richmond unless Port can woo him until then.. Would i take him... Yes & No, Yes he is a good defender but i just don't think he is that good foot skill wise or see him as the one to move into our backline. Would rather put time and money into young Dylan Grimes and keep backing Alex Rance...

Brett Ebert (Unrestricted)

Small forward

Would i take him, Absolutely No! Ok i'm biaised on this one, i don't rate him at all, to me, the last name keeps him playing.

Danyle Pearce (Restricted)

Midfielder/Forward option, started with a burst in first couple of seasons then suffered almost career ending form slump... Has played well latter half of 2012 season.

Would i take him... Yes, recent form has shown he can still play, might be handy up on the half forward, could also be used in midfield to provide more rotation.

Steven Salopek (Unrestricted)

Midfielder who has seen limited time over last few seasons.

Would i take him... No, If he can't get a full time gig in Ports midfield then theres something wrong there. Might suit a GWS or GC move.

Jacob Surjan (Unrestricted)

Smaller defender coming originally from WA

Would i take him... No, As mentioned, all should be pushed on current defenders.

Richmond

Luke McGuane (Restricted) Spent alot of his career down back however lately has rejuvenated his career up forward as another marking option. Would i keep him... Yes, I think lets give him another year to prove the recent good form isn't just a flash in the pan

Shane Tuck (Unrestricted)

Fan favourite, has worked his backside off to get a gig in the Tiger midfield. Recently received 1 year contract from Tigers.

Would i keep him... Yes and for gods sake give him a contract extension for 2 more years. He is by far the best ball getter in the team for hard ball gets.

St Kilda

Jason Blake (Unrestricted) Utility player who recently played his 200th game. Would i take him... No, nearing the end of his career and seems to be out of flavour with the Saints.

Raphael Clarke (Unrestricted)

Strong defender who can rebound the ball well.

Would i take him... No, started with promise but has since lost form over last year or so. Would rather invest in Grimes & Rance.

Brendon Goddard (Restricted)

Midfielder who can also rebound well off half back, very talented player.

Would i take him... Absolutely! What club or supporter wouldn't throw money at this one!

Jason Gram (Restricted)

Defender and Midfielder who is a much required player at St Kilda.

Would i take him... Absolutely, however i wouldn't pay the earth for him, if good price he would be worth a punt.

Justin Koschitzke (Unrestricted)

Forward who is handy also as a 2nd ruckman, hit hard with injuries over last 3 years.

Would i take him... No, His days are almost over and don't feel he has half the impact he used to.

Sydney Swans

Jude Bolton (Unrestricted) Has had a stellar career at the Swans and is one of their preferred midfielders. Would i take him... No, for the fact that i don't think he'll leave Sydney, he's one of the fan favourites and i expect him to see out his days in NSW...

Jarred Moore (Unrestricted)

Midfielder turned forward who can kick some goals.

Would i take him... No, Not the option we need in tigerland.

West Coast Eagles

Andrew Embley (Unrestricted) Loomed to be one of the key goal kickers at the Eagles until a few injuries kept him down. Would i take him... No, Injury concerns and has turned 31, doubt many more years so would pass this one.

Daniel Kerr (Unrestricted)

Talented midfielder on the verge of retirement, injuries of late have hurt him and to be honest i can't remember the last game i saw him play...

Would i take him... No, Sadly his career almost looks over and i can't see what value signing him would do for Tigers.

Quinten Lynch (Unrestricted)

Key forward for the Eagles and has alot of success up there of late, 200 game player also for them, can't see him moving.

Would i take him... Yes, but like i said, can't see him moving, would be another tall forward option.

Mark Nicoski (Unrestricted)

Key forward coming off a pretty bad hamstring tear, what was thought to be quick to come back was soon ruled out for all of this season.

Would i take him... No, Don't think i'd like to put my money on an injury as bad as his was, may still miss parts of next year...

Western Bulldogs

Will Minson (Unrestricted)

Ruckman for the Bulldogs and does a handy role at it too, can move up forward and snare a goal or two.

Would i take him... Hmm, Maybe... Not sure on this one, loose cannon who likes to cause trouble... But could he be a 2nd string ruckman to Ivan?

 

 

Bo Gas's Gallery

Well time for a lighter blog this time around, i wanted to share some photos i took yesterday during my corporate cup run i competed in.

I live in a sleepy town called Adelaide, located in South Australia, very sleepy but certainly inspirational when it comes to photography!

During my morning participation in our local corporate cup event a fog which was mainly on the other side of the city quickly spread to the area we were running in providing some awesome opportunities for photos!

Anyhow heres the first one i took in the morning, i've included both the before shot and also the edited version, personally i love the edited:


Development on Adelaide Oval





















Edited version
 

The next two i took on the walk back from corporate cup, must admit i was pretty tired at this stage and still panting after a hard run! Showing one with the filter and one with out, both still look good!


Adelaide Oval (including the tennis arena)


 

 

The next few I took on my path back to the city centre, firstly crossing the bridge then heading up King William Street.

 

This next lot are my favourites, i filtered these into black and white as i felt that brought the best out of the scenery....





Ok so that was some of my photos i've taken, just a small sample of what i've taken however these are some of my favourites which the lovely mother nature helped provide.

A simple morning where i went to go and run in a corporate cup run allowed me to capture an amazing fog engulfing the city and all from my trusty iphone!

 

I will add some more of my photos eventually however if you would like to see more jump on over to instagram and check me out on there!