This was published 11 years ago
Just for the thrill of it Part 2
Sport delights, infuriates and sparks more water cooler talk than any other topic. But the one element that unites supporters around the world is the joy of watching the best go at it. To celebrate all that's great about sport, here are the biggest hits from the week that was.
Maroons celebrate
It was pure joy for Queensland in the State of Origin opener after the Maroons clinched a nail-biting 11-10 victory over NSW at ANZ Stadium to launch their bid to reclaim the shield.
Attribution: Not SuppliedMaroons celebrate
It was pure joy for Queensland in the State of Origin opener after the Maroons clinched a nail-biting 11-10 victory over NSW at ANZ Stadium to launch their bid to reclaim the shield.
Cronk claims first blood
Maroons half Cooper Cronk got the ball rolling, scoring the opening try to give Queensland a perfect start as they dominated the early exchanges.
Dugan magic
Tthe Blues were quick to answer back when fullback Josh Dugan set up a brilliant try with a long break and a cross-field kick for NSW centre Josh Morris to score.
Ice cool Cooper
But after a tight second half, where the scores were locked at 10-all, Cronk bobbed up again to kick the winning field goal and give the Maroons first blood.
Malthouse sacked
AFL news was dominated by the sacking of Carlton's veteran coach Mick Malthouse, who was sensationally axed for the first time in his record-breaking career as the club decided it had to act after just one win in the opening eight rounds.
Blues powerbrokers act
Blues president Mark LoGiudice and CEO Steven Trigg announced Malthouse's sacking at a press conference on Tuesday, declaring there had been a "loss of trust" between the club and coach.
Blues deputy steps up
The Blues powerbrokers annointed Malthouse's deputy, John Barker, as the caretaker coach to lead the club for the remainder of the season.
Mark of the year
On the field, Melbourne's Jeremy Howe threw his name into the ring for mark of the year after soaring above the pack to claim a brilliant grab against the Western Bulldogs.
Swans win bird battle
Meanwhile, the Sydney Swans gained a small form of revenge for last year's Grand Final loss to Hawthorn with a gripping four-point win over the Hawks at the MCG.
Giant win
...while their cross-town rivals GWS were cock-a-hoop after claiming a third straight victory for the first time in their history with a win over the Adelaide Crows.View more galleries
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