Hi all, I'll be providing a fast-paced commentary of the pre-season Heart vs Phoenix game. If I can find one of those beer-can-hats-with-a-straw, commentary may be a bit faster because I can then type with two hands.

I'll also try and provide a run-down of the least greasy fish and chip shop between Melbourne and Shepparton, as well as my impressions of the town, the crowd and the atmosphere.

Video updates, which may not be possible during the match, will be on my youtube channel, which you can access at the (currently empty) sidebar on the left.

The T.A.B. have released the current odds for the match, so place your bets...

Odds of me using the phrase "THAT'S A 9.5 ON THE RIGTER SCALE" during the commentary: 1.2:1
SCRATCHED! Oh well, good luck with those Greek leagues mate!

Odds of Marco Rojas getting a beer accidentally spilled in his lap if I see him in the crowd: 1.4:1

(All joking aside, good on you Rojas, do what's best to develop your game, after all, at least you're still an All White)

Odds of the locals referring to a good save by either goalie as "a really good mark": 2:1
 
Odds of the locals losing interest in Ridiculoball (AFL) and deciding to become soccer fans: 15:1

Odds of Harry Kewell copping a groin strain during the game, even though he doesn't play for either team, won't be at the match and probably isn't even in the country: 1.5:1

At the bottom of the blog is the live blogging window I will be using for the actual game.. live coverage starts at about 7pm (AUS) / 9pm (NZ), kickoff at 7.30pm (AUS) / 9.30pm (NZ).
If you want to know how it works, click on the "Reader Information" button. If you want to be notified by email when coverage starts, enter your email in the box below. Apart from signing you up to the "Americans for Cloning Elvis" mailing list, your email will not be used for anything else. Note that Coveritlive has an Android and IPhone app: simply install and search the live listings for this event.. this only works after the coverage has started though!

During the event, it's possible to submit comments or questions in the appropriate box.. please feel free! If you are at the event, no, I can't bring you a pie.