The official opening is in Birmingham this morning with squash legend Rachael Grinham and Kookaburras captain Eddie Ockenden carrying the Aussie flag. It will be worth it just to glimpse Games mascot Perry… Less than half of our 431-strong team will march in the ceremony due to COVID concerns – before you get too judgy about that, there have already been a few infections, including our 2-time world javelin champion Kelsey-Lee Barber. As the Games get underway, note that the 9-hour time difference means Aussies watching from home will have a few early mornings/late nights, but it will be worth it with a huge haul of medals expected. Our leading hopes are in the pool and track/field – fingers are also crossed for the netball, women’s cricket, and Comm Games staple – lawn bowls. And questions of the Games’ ongoing relevancy aside, who doesn’t love seeing the Poms get schooled in sports…