Lucas Neill: Did you know he sponsors two Aussies to go overseas each year?

Our key defender.

Lucas Neill obliges for a photo after today's press conference. A little tension in the air, between Coach Graham Arnold and the press.

I guess the importance of the game is hanging on Arnold's mind. Plus the press, in general, appear to focus on the negatives.

Still a win could relax everyone.

Lucas Neill? Well, he was relaxed, and smiling. Took it all in his stride.

Lucas Neill's salary has been discussed often in the Press recently. Not so well known is his contribution to young Australia players.

He contributes to two Australian players going for a week's trial in England every year.

Very impressive. Makes my heart warm to hear such a positive story from one of Australia's star men

Here at the my first Presser!

Well I learnt a new word this week!

Of course I sat in the front row.

Probably not close enough for my photography skills.

It's Michael Beauchamp, Brett Emerton and FFA Communications Manager Stuart Hodge.

Yes I asked two questions at my first ever Presser (Press Conference apparently)

Well what would you ask the day before Australia play Iraq?

1. Brett are you comfortable playing right-back or would you prefer to play further forward. (implication being I don't think he is.)

Brett: I've been playing there all season so I'm pretty happy. I'll play where I'm picked.

Dynamic question number two.

2. Are you and the Australian players aware that the Iraqi team each lost a member of their family in the war in Iraq?

Brett: No, we're just concentrating on our preparation. We haven't been thinking about the other team.

So marks out ten for me....no actually, keep it to yourself!

Observation:
Press Conferences are dead dead boring if this is anything to go by.

Are you fit?
Do you think you'll play?
How is your knock?
Did you expect to play last time?
How is the team?
How is the heat?
Did you underestimate Oman?

And so on and so forth.

Given we are playing Iraq and the significance of that in view of Aussie troops being at war in Iraq if not with Iraq, you think someone would have asked something along those lines..wouldn't you.

Maybe no-one cares.

Or can someone from The Chaser come in and just liven it up.

So my mate wants to know Red Curry or Green Curry? Which is their favourite?

Arnie's up tomorrow, what should I ask?