The last three Grand Slam tournaments in men's tennis have come down to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. For the third straight time, Djokovic won this time in the Australian Open. But this match was anything but routine.

It took nearly six hours for Djokovic to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5.

After an impressive two game road trip that earned six points, third place Wellington Phoenix return home to host fourth place Melbourne Heart in a crucial A-League game at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

With Victory showing sides of improvement last week, and Harry Kewell turning in another quality performance tonight's game should be a belter.
Big crowd, great stadium and lots of footballers on the park.
If Victory can seal their defence, the team could gain some serious confidence and climb the ladder.

Rini from Adelaide he's gone, Branko from Newcastle he's gone, Mehmet from Melbourne already gone...
A-League winner Vitaslav is surely going...The Jets give Championship winningrecently appointed Van Egmond a guarantee, Fergie is he really still there? and Miron draws 2,000 a week, crowd not dollars, and now is set to wear a mic in the half-time dressing room.

I'm not going to lie. I booed when Mehmet Durakovic's face came on the big screens at my first game of the season vs Brisbane at Etihad (as I did for all other home matches). I arrived in Melbourne with my unused membership in hand a week before the Roar game, having to sit through

Is Mehmet worse than Vitaslav?
Arguably they are about the same - although Mem hasn't had a lot of time to work his magic, I'd argue his appointment from Feb should have shown us some better football, better structure than what we've seen.
Should he be sacked?
Who knows but the Board gave him his chance, also Francis Awaritefe.

Thomas Broich's importance to Brisbane Roar was always fairly clear but the club's recent losing streak has more than highlighted just how urgently they need the German back fit. Broich's absence from the team has coincided with a run of defeats – as predicted by numerous soccer betting tips that has the potential to undo all the hard work the club did on their way to a record 36-match unbeaten run.

Despite the loss last night the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park was a great spectacle for Australian football. What an occasion to have two rivals battle it out on the pitch, while off it the fans get to celebrate the festive season supporting their team. One of the bonuses of the A-League being scheduled in

With the second Melbourne Derby of the season just days away get fired up with this excellent video. Credit goes to "elchubenibre" on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT5vemBZuk

Ho, ho, ho Argentine midfielder Jonatan Germano thought he had the perfect seasonal celebration when he scored for Melbourne Heart against Brisbane Roar: he put on a Santa hat and did a happy dance over near the corner flag. Scrooge McReferee was having none of it though and booked Germano for his exuberance in the [.

Images: AFP PHOTO/CHRISTOF STACHE, Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

Considering the problems England had trying to get permission to wear a poppy on their shirts recently, we're surprised FIFA went for this festive addition to the Augsburg home kit. As we all know, (and Jonatan Germano of Melbourne Hearts (left) found out to his cost this weekend) referees are obliged to punish players who 'reveal advertising, religious or political slogans' after goals.

Good afternoon everyone. The sun is shining in Melbourne and another match day is right around the corner. As the weeks go by every game becomes more important than the last and tomorrow night we have a real opportunity to get the three points. Adelaide are struggling just as much as we are at the

The FFA and Adelaide United held their breadth at the Asian Casino last night...and won.
United have won direct entry into the Asian Champions League - meaning Australia now has three teams in the group stages for the first time.
More exciting than watching Lou Sticca's fundraiser in Melbourne?

Brisbane thrashed Perth Glory with a stunning display against arguably the most inept visitors since....well Adelaide United.
How good do Wellington look compared to these two teams. And this a Perth team that did so well in Melbourne just last week. What does that tell us about Melbourne?

There has been some exciting, fast running Victory teams over the past seven years but this is not one of them.
In fact I'm close to declaring it the worst team the Victory has ever produced.
When you see Danny Allsopp and Archie Thompson lining up together it might bring back memories for older players but fans of the game know that partnership is little threat.

Socceroos won in Bangkok last night.
And wasn't it fantastic. Tense, tight and terrific football - from the Thai's at least. With a packed stadium in downtown flooded Bangkok the Aussies are no longer in Oceania.
And remember this is only the first group stage.
We needed a point - but if Robbie Kruse didnt know which of the Sutkee brothers at the end he played with in Melbourne - Michael Zullo had a fair idea by the end of the night.

It is anxious times for a Brisbane Roar fan. I mean hell, the undefeated streak stretches to 34 games. But it's hard not to notice that the last two games have presented a new challenge. It's hard not to notice that we have not scored from open play in the last two games.
In week one, Central Coast tried to handle us the way they almost did last season, with their half-open, counter attacking game, but once again, came up short.

Harry Kewell and Sheree Murphy walked the black carpet outside the opening of Shane Warne's new club, Club 23, at Crown Casino in Melbourne. Image taken 7.11.2011.

If you're team is bottom you aren't usually happy - and few neutrals would ever tune into watch the bottom teams in England, Scotland, Spain or Germany.
In Australia it's different - the Melbourne Heart and Adelaide United Dutch Coached teams are bottom of the A-League but both play good football, or aim to.

OK so there was a lot of action in the first 30 minutes or so. But by the 2nd half the game had flatlined. Everyone was exhausted including the referee.
Someone wrote of one of my blogs, probably in season 1, 'don't read this if your name is Ben Williams.' Now I can see a bit more of what Williams is trying to achieve as a ref.

30/11 v Indonesian All Star03/12 v The Philippines06/12 v Melbourne Victory
Not many teams squeeze the Philippines into their football itinary...

Adelaide has the strongest squad in the A-League, Brisbane has the best team, system and coach.
The turn-up, oops didn't turn up, nature of the Adelaide team has been their greatest challenge. Then there is the over-reliance on a single goalscorer (Van Dijk).
Despite not turning up against Perth, turning up big time against Melbourne and then not turning up against Sydney last night, I think they will turn up against Brisbane.

The thing is the Victory don't look like a team that has any shape, or structure.
Players are being swapped and swapped again during the game and Aussie fans watching Ante Covic and co boot the bejaysus out of the ball, especially after watching Ange P's Brisbane Roar the night before - well it's painful to watch.

Good evening. Its been a week full of excitement as the first Melbourne Derby of the season draws ever closer. I always look forward to the big games against Sydney and Adelaide but the derby is quickly becoming just as passionate. The stakes are raised even higher this time as both teams have started the

A good morning to you on this beautiful day here in Melbourne. The sun is shining and we're just two days away from live football once again. Its a massive game on Saturday, as your no doubt aware. The first derby of the season and both teams desperately want the win. There's been some interesting

Melbourne 2 Sydney 2 Semi Final, 2nd Leg March 7, 2010 Its not long now until the new season kicks off as the countdown reaches number 2! Todays classic match was one that had me on the edge of my seat. After defeating Sydney 2-1 in the first leg, Melbourne were in a strong position

Aaron Walker, Nick Cumpston, Nick Amies and Paddy Bordier talk Aussie football
It's brilliant the lads have got us through the whole of the off-season and now they are starting to fire. Harry, Holger, Socceroos, Olyroos, they are all over it - and the W-League as well.
We've got Aussie football covered.

Waiting for Harry - not even a game on!
Harry also got 10 minutes or so on the Melbourne AFL TV footy show during the week in the middle of the AFL Finals series - despite the (usual) odd comment from the commentator who said he didn't really like or watch soccer - tv audience, clearly mad AFL fans were really pleased to see Harry.

Entering its second season, Melbourne Heart FC will be looking to improve upon its 8th place finish in the 2010/11 Australian A-League. Featuring several players with recent Australia junior and senior national team call-ups, the club was recently linked with veteran Socceroo and former Liverpool FC midfielder Harry Kewell.

The medical community of Melbourne are collectively licking their lips. For the first time in his professional career Harry Kewell is playing club football in Australia. Melbourne Victory have beaten supposed interest from Sydney FC in securing his signature on a three year deal. Since emerging from the Leeds United academy in the late 90's [.

If you have played at the top in front of the Kop when you return home you want to have some passion, some feeling from a large crowd.
And what better team to sign for than the one with the biggest fanbase.
The Victory are already popular on the road - but the Derbies, Adelaide and Sydney games have just gone up a notch.

Mais um jogo amistoso, foi realizado no dia 07/07/2011, na cidade de Melbourne-AUS, no Etihad Stadium, onde jogaram as seleções da Austrália (20º no ranking da FIFA) e a seleção da Sérvia (16º no ranking da FIFA).
Antes desse jogo, as 2 seleções jogaram:
Copa do Mundo
2010Nelspruit 23/06/2010 AUS2:1 (0:0)SRB Primeira Fase
Mundial Sub-20
1987Santiago De Chile 14/10/1987 YUG4:0 (2:0)AUS Primeira Fase
Olímpiadas
2008Shanghai 07/08/2008 AUS1:1 (0:0)SRB Primeira Fase2004Heraklion 14/08/2004 SCG1:5 (0:2)AUS Primeira Fase1988Gwangju 18/09/1988 AUS1:0 (0:0)YUG Partidas da fase de grupos
O árbitro desse jogo, foi: Minoru Tojo-JAP

We all saw the Brisbane Roar flying around the field last year, the Mariners were not far behind and of course Melbourne and Adelaide always set a standard, often exciting.
Perth failed, failed to excite and this after being top of the boxing league after a few games.
Had a review - kept Iain Ferguson - and done the same.

Mais um jogo amistoso, foi realizado no dia 05/06/2011, na cidade de Adelaide-AUS, no Adelaide Oval Stadium, onde jogaram as seleções da Austrália (20º no ranking da FIFA) e a seleção da Nova Zelândia (60º no ranking da FIFA).
Antes desse jogo, as 2 seleções jogaram:
Eliminatórias Copa do Mundo
2006Adelaide 29/05/2004 AUS1:0 (1:0)NZL Segunda etapa2002Sydney 24/06/2001 AUS4:1 (2:1)NZL Play-off2002Wellington 20/06/2001 NZL0:2 (0:1)AUS Play-off1998Sydney 06/07/1997 AUS2:0 (1:0)NZL Terceira etapa1998Auckland 28/06/1997 NZL0:3 (0:2)AUS Terceira etapa1994Melbourne 06/06/1993 AUS3:0 (2:0)NZL Segunda etapa1994Auckland 30/05/1993 NZL0:1 (0:0)AUS Segunda etapa1990Auckland 02/04/1989 NZL2:0 (1:0)AUS Rodada final1990Sydney 12/03/1989 AUS4:1 (2:0)NZL Rodada final1986Sydney 03/11/1985 AUS2:0 (1:0)NZL Primeira Fase1986Auckland 21/09/1985 NZL0:0AUS Primeira Fase1982Sydney 16/05/1981 AUS0:2 (0:1)NZL Primeira Fase1982Auckland 25/04/1981 NZL3:3 (2:3)AUS Primeira Fase1978Auckland 30/03/1977 NZL1:1 (1:1)AUS Primeira Fase1978Sydney 27/03/1977 AUS3:1 (0:1)NZL Primeira Fase1974Sydney 16/03/1973 AUS3:3 (3:1)NZL Primeira Fase1974Auckland 04/03/1973 NZL1:1 (0:0)AUS Primeira Fase
Copa da Oceania
2002Auckland 14/07/2002 AUS0:1 (0:0)NZL Segunda etapa2000Papeete 28/06/2000 AUS2:0 (1:0)NZL Final1998Brisbane 04/10/1998 AUS0:1 (0:1)NZL Final1995Newcastle 15/11/1995 AUS3:0 (0:0)NZL Semifinais1995Christchurch 10/11/1995 NZL0:0AUS Semifinais
Amistosos
Melbourne 24/05/2010 AUS2:1 (0:1)NZL 2005London 09/06/2005 AUS1:0 (0:0)NZL 1997Melbourne 18/01/1997 AUS1:0 (1:0)NZL 1991Adelaide 15/05/1991 AUS2:1 (0:0)NZL 1991Christchurch 12/05/1991 NZL0:1 (0:1)AUS 1987Bendigo 16/10/1988 AUS2:0 (0:0)NZL 1987Dunedin 12/10/1988 NZL1:2 (0:0)AUS 1987Wellington 09/09/1987 NZL1:0 (1:0)AUS 1987Melbourne 02/09/1987 AUS1:1 (0:0)NZL 1986Sydney 02/11/1986 AUS2:0 (1:0)NZL 1986Auckland 25/10/1986 NZL1:1 (0:0)AUS 1983Melbourne 27/02/1983 AUS0:2 (0:0)NZL 1983Auckland 22/02/1983 NZL2:1 (0:1)AUS 1979Auckland 13/06/1979 NZL1:0 (0:0)AUS 1976Melbourne 02/03/1976 AUS3:1 (2:0)NZL 1976Auckland 29/02/1976 NZL0:1 (0:0)AUS 1972Jakarta 09/10/1972 AUS3:1 (1:1)NZL 1967Saigon 05/11/1967 NZL3:5AUS Primeira Fase1958Auckland 23/08/1958 NZL2:2AUS 1958Wellington 16/08/1958 NZL2:3AUS 1954Sydney 04/09/1954 AUS4:1 (2:0)NZL 1954Brisbane 28/08/1954 AUS4:1NZL 1954Melbourne 14/08/1954 AUS1:2 (0:2)NZL 1948Auckland 11/09/1948 NZL1:8AUS 1948Wellington 04/09/1948 NZL0:4AUS 1948Christchurch 28/08/1948 NZL0:7AUS 1948Wellington 14/08/1948 NZL0:6AUS 1936Auckland 18/07/1936 NZL1:4AUS 1936Wellington 11/07/1936 NZL0:10AUS 1936Dunedin 04/07/1936 NZL1:7AUS 1933Sydney 24/06/1933 AUS4:2NZL 1933Sydney 17/06/1933 AUS6:4NZL 1933Brisbane 05/06/1933 AUS4:2NZL 1923Newcastle 30/06/1923 AUS1:4NZL 1923Sydney 16/06/1923 AUS2:3NZL 1923Brisbane 09/06/1923 AUS2:1NZL 1922Auckland 08/07/1922 NZL3:1AUS 1922Wellington 24/06/1922 NZL1:1AUS 1922Dunedin 17/06/1922 NZL3:1AUS
O árbitro desse jogo, foi: Minoru Tojo-JAP
O primeiro gol do jogo, foi de Joshua Kennedy, aos 10 minutos do primeiro tempo, ele que é jogador do Nagoya Grampus-JAP, sendo seu oitavo gol.

One of the daftest derbies around. I always thought calling Melbourne Croatia v Sydney Croatia or Melita Eagles v Sunshine GC derbies was nuts; the tenuous link is not geographical but ancestral.
In Singapore, every bloody game is a derby unless it's something like Tampines Rovers travelling to Woodlands.

WASHINGTON - Somewhat lost in the disappointment of Saturday's 2-2 draw against Philadelphia was Fred's final appearance at RFK Stadium in a D.C. United uniform.

Just less than half a season into his second stint in DC, Fred will be let out of his contract by United in mid-July to join the Melbourne Heart of the Australian A-League, as announced two weeks ago.

The Colorado Rapids are in the middle of the MLS season, but they are already making plans for a postseason trip to the islands.

The Rapids announced today that the team will participate in the first annual Hawaiian Islands Invitational, a four-team international tournament taking place in February.

The truth willy out Hopefully you didn't miss the hilarious video OTP brought you yesterday of a player in Australia being sent-off for having his penis pierced. (If you did, it's here.) Macclesfield-born Aaron Eccleston, of Melbourne outfit Old Hill Wanderers reserves, got his marching orders after the referee discovered his genital jewellery.

By Chris Wright

An Aussie amateur playing in the VicSoccer Melbourne league earned himself a red card over the weekend for refusing to remove an 'intimate piercing' after it was spotted through his shorts by the referee good eye.

Aaron Eccleston, captain of the Old Hill Wanderers reserves, was clouted in the nads by a stray shot, only to be frog-marched into the changing rooms after the official noticed that the player had a metal stud through his old fella as he sprawled on the turf in agony.

Refereeing cock-up We have covered some weird and wonderful stories on Off The Post over the years, but this might just be the weirdest yet. Macclesfield-born Aaron Eccleston, of Melbourne side Old Hill Wanderers reserves, was red-carded at the weekend for having his penis pierced. Little Aaron's bling was deemed so offensive that the referee [.