SEMI-FINAL stars Robbie Kruse and Archie Thompson will play against Korean league runner-up Seongnam Ilhwa tonight, and several youth team and fringe Melbourne Victory players could also see action, as the defending A-League champion battles fatigue and injury problems.

EMERALD, the Dandenongs: One of the local cab drivers, parked under the trees near the footy oval, is lying sideways in his seat, with the door open. If this was the inner city you'd think "mob hit" — but here it's all about the heat. A 40-degree day.

FITNESS DVDS AND PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS

There's much more to physical education these days than long jump and laps of the oval, writes Kristie Kellahan.

BINDI Irwin's role in a new chocolate cake campaign has been slammed by a leading nutritionist who said it is "sad" the 10-year-old is pushing unhealthy food to other kids.