The Back Page 13th December 2011

In this special edition of the Back Page Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Paul Kent review the year that was in sport and give their verdicts on who were the champs and chumps of 2011.

The Back Page 6th December 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Robert Craddock discuss embattled Aussie opener Phil Hughes, with Crash claiming the second Test in Hobart is make or break for the 23-year old. The panel also reflect on the amazing career of Artie Beetson, and also try to put Tiger Woods’ long-awaited win in an 18-man field in perspective.

The Back Page 29th November 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Greg Martin discuss the new look Aussie cricket team for the first Test at the Gabba.
Marto endorses James O'connor as a Wallabies flyhalf and the boys also debate the Brisbane Roar's historic unbeaten run.

The Back Page 22nd November 2011

Mike Gibson, Robert Craddock, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Paul Kent discuss Australia’s thrilling 2nd Test victory over South Africa, while Paul expresses his disappointment that South Africa’s Mickey Arthur has been named Australia’s first foreign coach. The panel also rips into Greg Norman after the International’s Presidents Cup loss.

The Back Page 15th November 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Robert Craddock and Greg Martin pay tribute to respected cricket writer and commentator Peter Roebuck, who died suddenly while in South Africa. Crash talks about the talents and torment of a man who many believe was the best in the business.

The Back Page 8th November 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and Jon Anderson discuss the Steve Williams/Tiger Woods racism row, Shane Warne’s signing with the Big Bash and Ian Thorpe’s disastrous comeback to swimming. The panel also pays tribute to boxing great Smokin’ Joe Frazier after his sudden death at 67.

The Back Page 1st November 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and Matt Hill wrap up the Melbourne Cup, expressing fears our great race could be tarnished by the domination of foreign horses.

The Back Page 25th October 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Robert Craddock wrap up the Rugby World Cup, condemning the IRB for fining the French for challenging the haka. The boys look at the Melbourne Cup, and the domination of foreign horses, while also debating Todd Carney’s move to Cronulla.

The Back Page 18th October 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and Robert Craddock pull no punches as they discuss the Wallabies defeat to the All Blacks in the RWC, targetting both Quade Cooper and coach Robbie Deans. Robert Craddock also gives his take on the surprise Test squad selection of teenage paceman Pat Cummins.

The Back Page 11th October 2011

Join Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and Robert Crash Craddock as they dissect the latest cricket match fixing allegations, all the angles from the Rugby World Cup, Tiger Woods attacked by a hot dog, and a whole lot more

The Back Page 4th October 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Paul Kent discuss all the talking points from both the AFL and NRL Grand Finals. The boys debate whether Geelong is the greatest team of the modern era, and give their take on the exchange between Brett Stewart and David Gallop.

The Back Page 27th September 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Paul Kent discuss Brownlow medal winner Dane Swan, and preview this Saturday’s AFL Grand Final. The boys also take a look at the NRL decider, and debate whether the Warriors or Manly will garner the most support on Sunday.

The Back Page 20th September 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Greg Martin discuss Darren Lockyer’s bid to play Friday's preliminary final against Manly despite suffering with a fractured cheekbone. Also, the boys wrap up the Wallabies loss to Ireland, and debate the controversy surrounding the AFL’s mark of the year.

The Back Page 6th September 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Jon Anderson discuss the latest betting dramas to hit the AFL and Manly’s decision to stand-down & re-instate Peter Peters over ‘good sort’ comment. Also, Mel wraps the world athletics championships and discusses Sally Pearson’s chances of gold at London 2012.

The Back Page 23rd August 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and Brian Taylor discuss the fallout from the suspension of Wallabies star James O’Connor, and claims of an altercation between O’Connor, Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper in Paris last November. The panel also discusses the damning Argus review into Australian cricket.

The Back Page 16th August 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Robert Craddock and Paul Kent discuss sledging in the AFL in the wake of West Coast’s Patrick McGinnity taunting a player about his mother. The boys also discuss the Dragons’ horror run, Rocky Elsom’s timely return to form and the continued struggles of Tiger Woods.

The Back Page 9th August 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Robert Craddock and Greg Martin discuss Todd Carney’s latest indiscretion at the Roosters, and whether his NRL career could be over. Marto takes aim at Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom, claiming he doesn’t deserve his place in the team following their loss to New Zealand.

The Back Page 2nd August 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Paul Kent discuss Dean Bailey’s sacking, and the candidates to coach the Melbourne Demons next year. The panel also talks about James Magnussen’s rapid rise in world swimming, and debate the interest Tiger Woods will generate at the Australian Open in Sydney.

The Back Page 26th July 2011

The panel discusses Cadel Evans’ historic Tour de France victory, and where it rates among great Australian sporting performances. The boys also take a look at Neil Craig’s demise at the Crows and Jarryd Hayne’s bizarre head-butting incident in Kings Cross.

The Back Page 19th July 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Jon Anderson discuss Barry Hall’s retirement, the Collingwood betting scandal and concerns Jonathan Brown’s playing style could cut short his AFL career. The panel also discusses the Wallabies shock loss to Samoa and Darren Clarke’s British Open victory.

The Back Page 12th July 2011

This week the panel discuss the fallout from QLD coach Mal Meninga’s controversial newspaper article, in which he slams the “rats and filth” south of the border. The boys also discuss a successful week in sport for Aussie women, and whether they get fair coverage in the media.

The Back Page 5th July 2011

The panel preview the origin decider and debate whether Ricky Stuart failing to name NSW’s 17-man squad is against the spirit of the game. The panel also looks at the confusion surrounding the sling tackle in AFL, and the ongoing saga of Harry Kewell’s proposed A-League deal.

The Back Page 28th June 2011

The boys discuss Bernard Tomic’s amazing run at Wimbledon, racism in the AFL amid claims Justin Sherman’s apology was insincere and there’s debate about the suspension of maroons forward David Taylor for a dangerous throw. Also, the panel looks at claims Mal Meninga is coach of QLD by job title only.

The Back Page 21st June 2011

The panel discuss Johnathan Thurston’s charge for making contact with a referee amid claims of a NSW conspiracy as he faces the prospect of missing the origin decider. The boys also look at the ongoing controversy of the sling tackle in AFL and Rory McIlroy’s US Open win.

The Back Page 15th June 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, and Robert Craddock discuss the uncertain future of Wallaby Berrick Barnes. They also look at the controversial outburst from dumped Aussie opener Simon Katich, and whether Geelong’s Joel Selwood should have been suspended for four weeks despite limited video evidence.

The Back Page: 7th June 2011

The panel discuss the controversy surrounding Aquila Uate being allowed to play game 2 of origin for NSW. The boys also criticise Collingwood for fighting Dale Thomas’s one match ban for striking at the tribunal, and debate the unceremonious end to Simon Katich’s Test career.

The Back Page: 31st May 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and Brian Taylor discuss all the major sporting issues including a government crackdown on sports betting, concerns over social media targeting vulnerable sports stars, and the ongoing corruption scandal at FIFA. The boys also wrap up game one of origin.

The Back Page: 10th May 2011

The panel pays tribute to two sporting legends, boxing champ Lionel Rose and golfing genius Seve Ballesteros. Mike Gibson gives some interesting insight into Rose, having followed his career from his days as a tent fighter. Also, the boys cover the big talking points in the AFL and NRL.

The Back Page: 24th May 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Greg Martin and Robert Craddock preview the first game of State of Origin, and discuss claims this is the worst Blues side ever. The boys also discuss Shane Warne’s retirement, and whether it’s OK for AFL players to have a beer while watching the footy.

The Back Page: 17th May 2011

Mike Gibson and the panel discuss the passing of AFL legend Bob Davis, and how he was a great player and coach for Geelong, while also playing a pioneering role as a television performer. The crew also talk about the controversial omission of Jarryd Hayne from NSW origin.

The Back Page: 3rd May 2011

Former Wallaby Greg Martin questions the defence of Reds playmaker Quade Cooper, labeling him a protected species. The panel also discusses the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval, officials under fire in the AFL and NRL, plus the team reflect on the great West Indies sides of the 70’s and 80’s.

The Back Page: 26th April 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Robert Craddock discuss the ongoing debate about the ANZAC game between Essendon and Collingwood, amid claims the event has become too commercialized, and that other teams should share in the day.

The Back Page: 19th April 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Robert Craddock and Paul Kent take a close look at the suspension of Todd Carney, and his uncertain future in the NRL. The panel also questions whether more needs to be done to prevent fans racially abusing players after Lance Franklin was targeted in Launceston.

The Back Page: 12th April 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Jon Anderson discuss Wayne Bennett’s move to Newcastle and the amazing charge by Australians at the Masters. Also, the panel looks at all the controversy surrounding AFL players Campbell Brown, Brent Moloney and Jack Riewoldt.

The Back Page: 5th April 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Robert Craddock and special guest Jason Akermanis discuss the Gold Coast Suns disappointing debut, and whether code crossers Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau can make it in the AFL. The boys also discuss the World Cup final and Casey Stoner sledging Valentino Rossi.

The Back Page: 29 March 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and Brian Taylor discuss Ricky Ponting quitting the Australian captaincy, and Darren Lockyer’s retirement announcement. The panel also takes a look at concussion in both the NRL and AFL, and what went wrong with Mark Webber in the Australian GP.

The Back Page: 22nd March, 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Greg Martin discuss Ricky Ponting’s future as Australian captain after several controversial incidents at the World Cup. The panel also takes a look at NRL rising star Jamal Idris, the Waratahs being booed by their own fans, and F1 at Bathurst.

The Back Page: 15th March, 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Paul Kent and David Culbert discuss the week’s top sports stories, including the Roar’s A-League Grand Final victory, the start of the NRL season, Brendan Fevola’s future and Israel Folau’s debut with the Giants. The panel also discuss champion mare Black Caviar’s record tenth straight victory.

The Back Page: 8th March, 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Robert Craddock discuss Benji Marshall’s assault charge, Ricky Nixon’s future as an AFL player manager, and the betting scandal in the NRL. The crew also looks at claims by Jack Nicklaus that Tiger Woods will beat his record of 18 major titles.

The Back Page: 1st March, 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Robert Craddock, and Brian Taylor discuss Todd Carney’s drink driving charge, and the possibility Brendan Fevola could be headed to the VFL. The boys also look at Andy Friend’s sacking as coach of the Brumbies, and the Fury’s controversial axing from the A-League.

The Back Page: 22nd January, 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Jon Anderson and Greg Martin discuss the Ricky Nixon scandal, the sacking of Brendan Fevola and Ivan Henjak, and why Nathan Tinkler withdrew his bid to buy the Newcastle Knights. The panel also debate minnows at the cricket World Cup.

The Back Page: 15th January, 2011

Mike Gibson, Billy Birmingham, Robert Craddock and Paul Kent discuss Tiger Woods fine for spitting on the green in Dubai, Matty Johns return to Newcastle, and the heated exchange between Sreesanth and Ricky Ponting. The boys also comment on Eddie McGuire’s Falafel gibe, and Michael Klim’s comeback.