SPORTING LIFE

FREMANTLE fans who thought the air tasted a little thinner yesterday morning were experiencing something even more unusual than the giddy high of a round-one victory. Kicking clear of Adelaide at Subiaco on Sunday night was enough to leave the Dockers second on the AFL ladder after round one €” the highest position they have occupied in their entire, 15-and-a-bit season history. Not only that, but if not for a late Kurt Tippett point that reduced the margin to 56 points, the Purple Haze's percentage would have stood at 193.4 (not 190.3), and been enough to vault them above Hawthorn (191.8) to the top of the ladder. As one ecstatic poster to bigfooty.com said yesterday, "Already have my 'FREO 2010 PREMIERS' tattoo across my neck." A little premature, perhaps, but heady times clearly call for insane measures. Fremantle has actually only been as high as third three times €” after thumping West Coast in the round 21 derby of 2006, and again after beating Melbourne the following week €” and after beating Port Adelaide by 35 points in round one, 2005. This week is the first time the Dockers have been in the eight since they made the 2006 preliminary final.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

When French rugby union clubs started signing National Rugby League stars there were fears it would destroy the Australian code. Sport&Style investigates.

We can't go cold on expansion

Frank Lowy is keen on a second division, thinks Sydney is ready for another A-League team and is eyeing a place in the second round for the Socceroos at the World Cup. He speaks to Michael Cockerill.

A Star Trek

Susan Gough Henly takes on the Gold Coast Great Walk and is blown away by its beauty.

Trapperazzi Trick Sends Stars Into Hiding

FOR years, players going on Kangaroos tours of England have been warned to be wary of any situation that could be a carefully laid trap by one of the country's notorious tabloids or an enterprising member of the public looking to cash in on their brush with fame.

Going Going Gone

The Hunter's Golden Door Health Retreat Elysia is offering a Mother's Day healthy weekend escape for two. Bookings for two-nights attract a $200 credit to use in the resort's spa sanctuary during the weekend. Valid until June 30, 2008. See the "Parent Getaways" page of www.holidayswithkids.com.au.

Pyrotechnics At The Bdo

RAIN might have threatened to turn the Gold Coast's Parklands Showgrounds into a Glastonbury-style mudfest but this year's eclectic Big Day Out bill wasn't dampened as a result. While no performance was truly mind-blowing, a day spent wandering from stage to stage produced an overall experience that was greater than the sum of its parts.

Going For Gold

From sightseeing with Japanese tourists to the mysteries of the unitap, JIM SCHEMBRI wades into the Gold Coast waters. IT'S amazing. The moment you touch down on Queensland soil you start to feel better. That southern State cynicism just melts away as the palm trees lining Coolangatta airport wav