Adelaide coach Don Pyke says his AFL players wont be trying any harder than usual to win for stalwart Scott Thompson.The midfielder will become the fifth Crow to play 300 AFL games when he fronts against Collingwood on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval.Im not sure that players necessarily go out and play extra hard based on the fact that its Thommos 300th, Pyke said.We will go about normal business in terms of how we want to play and prepare for the game. But we recognise its a unique night for the footy club and for Thommo.Pyke was the Crows midfield coach in 2005-06 when Adelaide-born Thompson returned after four seasons with Melbourne.I got to see him when he first arrived as aggressive, probably a little bit impatient, but clearly driven, Pyke said.Returning down the track, to come across a slightly older, slightly wiser Thommo, he has just matured.Thompson will be the 75th AFL player to reach the 300 game milestone.Its a massive achievement, Pyke said.He has been a super player - you dont play 300 games of AFL footy without having some real genuine quality, both as a person and as a player.His competitive spirit is probably the thing that stands out for me ... he wills himself on and on. Max Kepler Twins Jersey . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Kent Hrbek Twins Jersey . The formidable trio of Canadian receivers -- individually known as Chris Getzlaf, Rob Bagg and Andy Fantuz -- will share the field at Mosaic Stadium one more time on Sunday. http://www.twinssale.com/twins-eddie-rosario-jersey/ . Boucher previously coached the Tampa Bay Lightning and had a 97-78-20 record over two-plus seasons. He was dismissed by the team last March after the Lightning struggled in the lockout-shortened season with a 13-18-1 record. Willians Astudillo Twins Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Addison Reed Twins Jersey . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer.Head coach Dan Ryan hopes to commit his future to Manchester Thunder for years to come after guiding his team to a Grand Final in his first season in charge. The Australian left his role as assistant coach with Adelaide Thunderbirds to take charge of Thunder and has steered his side to Saturdays title decider against reigning champions Surrey Storm at the Copper Box Arena, live on Sky Sports.Ryan paid tribute to his players and coaching staff for their role in a successful season, which saw them finish top of the Vitality Netball Superleague with just one defeat, and wants to complete a dream ending. Defending champions Surrey Storm will meet Manchester Thunder in the Vitality Superleague Grand Final after Saturdays semi-finals It will be a dream come true to be honest, Ryan told Sky Sports.Its been an unbelievable life experience, coming here to England, and head coaching Manchester Thunder. Ive been embraced by the players, the franchise, the fans from the very start. I think Ive got unfinished business here at Thunder and would like to really be a part of this culture for the years to come. Dan Ryan On a personal level, Ive sacrificed a lot to come here, moving over the other side of the world. I wouldnt change it for anything. To wrap up my season with this great group of players and these wonderful people would be just the ultimate, and hopefully we can finish off what we started at the weekend.I think Ive got unfinished business here at Thunder and would like to really be a part of this culture for years to come. I just think we are starting to scratch the surface of what we can do as a franchise and hopefully we can start off our relationship together with the Premiership and see where we go from there.dddddddddddd Reaction from both camps after Manchester Thunder beat Team Bath in the semi-finals Vitality Netball International Series: England v Jamaica Tickets will be available at 10am on Friday 6th May via Sky Tickets Second-placed Storm are returning to the same sold-out venue where they took the trophy just over 12 months ago, but Ryan does not believe Surrey will have a psychological edge.I think it perhaps puts a little bit more pressure on them to retain their title to be honest, he said. Its always hard when youre defending stuff and were super keen to go there and steal the title off them, so I think in that regard its going to be a great contest. Storm defeated Hertfordshire Mavericks in last years Grand Final They had a really tough semi-final and really proved their worth to jump into the final, when they themselves I dont think thought they would make it this far. But theyve done fantastic job to get to this point of the competition.I just think its going to be a great showdown of two classy teams. Whoever wants it more will come out on top. Watch Saturdays Grand Final between Manchester Thunder and Surrey Storm from 4.30pm on Sky Sports 5. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV. Also See: Sky Live: Superleague Grand Final Taumaunu to take England role WATCH: Housbys magic moment Vote for Player of the season ' ' '
