So regular readers will have noticed we have stepped back from daily updates to zero updates.
Here at stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion, there’s a lot of not Brisbane Ultimate community stuff going on (although the admin stuff continues as usual). So blogging will be sporadic at best for a bit while we see if the blogging batteries can be recharged.
Don’t forget we’re always looking to post your material or even offer you a room here at the stately mansion yourself, complete with access to the gold plated hovercraft and the private indoor disc golf complex. You just need to be able to write relatively coherently (sorry Carl).
As this post may be at the top of the blog for a while, for those new to town or seeking some news on the Brisbane Ultimate, here’s a quick summary.
Brisbane Ultimate generally has its off-season over December-January, with Mixed, Women’s and Open Leagues restarting in early February. Get onto the BUDA email list (link on the right there) to get up to date. The top level Open and Women’s Clubs Firestorm and Black Betty are training through these months as preparation for Nationals, which will be held here in Brisbane on 1-4 April 2011. There is also some Wednesday night pickup (open to new players) at Oakman Park over the Summer, but you’ll need to be on the BUDA list to keep up with rain closures and the like.
Local tournament-wise, people are keeping their eyes open for the Australia Day Beach Ultimate Championships in late January, as well as booking their flights to the Queensland Open State Championships (aka Northern Regionals) to be held in Townsville on 19-20 February.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
BPL Wrap
Just for the record, we're posting LD Stu's final email. Sorry we haven't got a separate report to post.
Champions
In last nights game the combined team of UQ couldn't do what Lovers and Passion have done before them; win the tittle. Dojo Mojo exploded out from an 8-6 lead at half to finish off UQ 15-8.
Dojo finally get their name on the BPL trophy alongside Whippett Good, MBB (in various names) and UQ (lovers and Passion). Will next season see another new team name on the trophy?
Spirit
After a bit of thinking I decided that Slamtown had done the honourable thing and provided plenty of warning for their forfeit, and so that game wasn't counted in their average spirit score and they take the title of Most Spirited Team.
Average spirit scores for each team were:
SFC - 8.312.
MBB - 8.283.
Heroes - 8.174.
UQ - 7.835.
Cobras - 7.256.
Dojo Mojo - 7.11
Most Valuable Player
The Most Valuable Player goes to the person that averages the highest MVP points from the games that they played.
Congratulations to Jody Thomas of Slamtown for winning the trophy.
The BPL MVP starting 7 for season 2 2010 are:
Jody Thomas (SFC) - 0.832.
Al Don (UQ) - 0.752.
Adam Beu (Heroes) - 0.754.
Abra Garfield (Cobras) - 0.675.
Bevan Rudolph (Heroes) - 0.636.
Pete Allen (Dojo) - 0.567.
Liam Gillions (Cobras) - 0.56
The Hard Core
And a final well done to the following people who had 100% attendance during the regular season:
MBB - Si, Stu, Tony,
Trev, Tim J, Manuel
Cobras - Liam, Jack, Mike, Erhart, Abra
Heroes - Carl,
James, Tom D, Chris F
Dojo - Andy L, Pete
UQ - Nathan
Regards
Stu
*Dojo would have finished 5th (7.75) if they had let people know of their forfeit.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
When Does Next Season Start?
So barely had the disc settled onto the stubby grass at Annerley last week before someone started asking when next season starts.
The short answer - start thinking about it after Australia Day (and that special beach Ultimate tournament on the Gold Coast), and it’s likely Leagues will begin in mid-February.
Traditionally, December and January is the ‘off season’ for Ultimate Leagues in Brisbane. It’s the summer and Christmas holidays, Uni and school is out, its pretty hot, and after ten months of Ultimate its time for a break for organisers and players.
That said, many stronger players train through December and January as part of their preparation for Nationals in April, so if you’re looking for an extra run and a chance to improve your skills, ask around for training times.
Pickup games (including weekend beach trips) also get a new lease of life over Summer, so make sure you’re on the right email lists.
A big challenge with establishing the start date for 2011 is that our field providers are focused on supporting their Winter sports, and so tend to not get going until after us. As a result, they can be hesitant to commit fields and times to us that they may wish to use for themselves.
The field providers are also aware that they want to give the fields the biggest possible rest to regenerate before their seasons begin (those noting the state of Annerley Field 3 will recognise that it could really use a lot of time off).
That said, QUDA and the League Directors have worked very hard in recent years to give us robust relationships with our field providers, so hopefully they’ll be able to announce firm starting dates as early as possible.
The short answer - start thinking about it after Australia Day (and that special beach Ultimate tournament on the Gold Coast), and it’s likely Leagues will begin in mid-February.
Traditionally, December and January is the ‘off season’ for Ultimate Leagues in Brisbane. It’s the summer and Christmas holidays, Uni and school is out, its pretty hot, and after ten months of Ultimate its time for a break for organisers and players.
That said, many stronger players train through December and January as part of their preparation for Nationals in April, so if you’re looking for an extra run and a chance to improve your skills, ask around for training times.
Pickup games (including weekend beach trips) also get a new lease of life over Summer, so make sure you’re on the right email lists.
A big challenge with establishing the start date for 2011 is that our field providers are focused on supporting their Winter sports, and so tend to not get going until after us. As a result, they can be hesitant to commit fields and times to us that they may wish to use for themselves.
The field providers are also aware that they want to give the fields the biggest possible rest to regenerate before their seasons begin (those noting the state of Annerley Field 3 will recognise that it could really use a lot of time off).
That said, QUDA and the League Directors have worked very hard in recent years to give us robust relationships with our field providers, so hopefully they’ll be able to announce firm starting dates as early as possible.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Movember Still Has a Few Days To Go
Our mortal brains are still reeling from DojoMojo's win on Thursday night to properly put fingers to keyboards to record the event further for posterior, but that doesn't mean you can't donate in the last few days of Movember 2010.
The Brisbane Ultimate Blog has been proud to continue our tradition of support (2009 Phil Stocks, 2008 Matt Anscomb and 2007 Rodney and Mansauce (again)) and this year we've done our bit for facial hair and men's health via aL, Dusty and Mansauce.
You can donate too!
Donate to aL Don (soon to be renamed MaL)
Donate to Dusty Czok (soon to be starting in his own 'tasteful' video collection)
Andrew 'Mansauce' McCasker (because while everything is better with mansauce, its better +1 with 'sauce'stache)
Let's hope that next year, Buzz, MatR and ... let's say the entire Slamtown Flatball Club can mo up!
The Brisbane Ultimate Blog has been proud to continue our tradition of support (2009 Phil Stocks, 2008 Matt Anscomb and 2007 Rodney and Mansauce (again)) and this year we've done our bit for facial hair and men's health via aL, Dusty and Mansauce.
You can donate too!
Donate to aL Don (soon to be renamed MaL)
Donate to Dusty Czok (soon to be starting in his own 'tasteful' video collection)
Andrew 'Mansauce' McCasker (because while everything is better with mansauce, its better +1 with 'sauce'stache)
Let's hope that next year, Buzz, MatR and ... let's say the entire Slamtown Flatball Club can mo up!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Less Than Five Hours to Go!
Less than five hours to go until the BPL final tonight, and there's no time to post!
We've only been able to talk to a couple of people about the Final, but they've got some wise things to say.
Yesterday we bumped into Dan Strelan on the train: "It's the battle of the walking wounded. Dojo - Fatty's arm, no Cunliffe (rules is rules). UQ - No Gref (whip), Jules ankle. Hopefully Dojo bring their A-game. They will have to work hard on D to shut-down an all-class UQ. The talls are mentioned but a firing BW and hard-working Nathan in the midfield will play a big part. I think the game is in UQ's hands - it will be up to Dojo to snatch it out."
Earlier in the week we dragged Stef away from a pile of schools to receive these insights: "Reckon the Dojo were more dominant this season, but the Lovers have peaked at a better time. Stephen Cameron will need to rally his troops... maybe even hand the reins over to the likes of Pallen or Fatty to ensure it's not a nonchalant affair. Is aL's knee ok?? What about Julians ankle?? For all the speculation about Fatty's hand, the Lovers are dealing with some rusty wheels as well. The Dojo went undefeated against SFC while the Lovers were winless against us. What is Ryan Black really doing next Thurs?? We may have been born at night.... but not last night sensei. There is no way they would be benching a top flight reciever for the finals.... I'll believe what i read on the Dojo blog if I see Ryan there on the night. Go the Dojo."
League Director Stu had of course already posted the following data, which we fearlessly cut and paste: "UQ (in various names) have made the BPL final 7 times; losing 4 of them to MBB, beating MBB twice, and last season beating Cobras in sudden death. Dojo have famously been in 5 finals and lost 4 of them to MBB and one to Whippett Good. Can they beat the choke by beating UQ? Come along to AJSC next Thursday at 7.40pm to find out!"
Of course, you'll also want to check out the relevant thoughts offered at the Dojo Blog and the Gold Coast blog.
And if none of this takes your interest, why not join the conversation about the structure of BUML 2011 over on the Heroes blog?
We've only been able to talk to a couple of people about the Final, but they've got some wise things to say.
Yesterday we bumped into Dan Strelan on the train: "It's the battle of the walking wounded. Dojo - Fatty's arm, no Cunliffe (rules is rules). UQ - No Gref (whip), Jules ankle. Hopefully Dojo bring their A-game. They will have to work hard on D to shut-down an all-class UQ. The talls are mentioned but a firing BW and hard-working Nathan in the midfield will play a big part. I think the game is in UQ's hands - it will be up to Dojo to snatch it out."
Earlier in the week we dragged Stef away from a pile of schools to receive these insights: "Reckon the Dojo were more dominant this season, but the Lovers have peaked at a better time. Stephen Cameron will need to rally his troops... maybe even hand the reins over to the likes of Pallen or Fatty to ensure it's not a nonchalant affair. Is aL's knee ok?? What about Julians ankle?? For all the speculation about Fatty's hand, the Lovers are dealing with some rusty wheels as well. The Dojo went undefeated against SFC while the Lovers were winless against us. What is Ryan Black really doing next Thurs?? We may have been born at night.... but not last night sensei. There is no way they would be benching a top flight reciever for the finals.... I'll believe what i read on the Dojo blog if I see Ryan there on the night. Go the Dojo."
League Director Stu had of course already posted the following data, which we fearlessly cut and paste: "UQ (in various names) have made the BPL final 7 times; losing 4 of them to MBB, beating MBB twice, and last season beating Cobras in sudden death. Dojo have famously been in 5 finals and lost 4 of them to MBB and one to Whippett Good. Can they beat the choke by beating UQ? Come along to AJSC next Thursday at 7.40pm to find out!"
Of course, you'll also want to check out the relevant thoughts offered at the Dojo Blog and the Gold Coast blog.
And if none of this takes your interest, why not join the conversation about the structure of BUML 2011 over on the Heroes blog?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday Night's All Right for Ulti - BUML Finals Wrap
So despite a bit of rain the fields had dried enough that the dreaded email from ARC hadn’t arrived and we here at the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion fired up the gold plated hovercraft and scooted down to the Annerley Fields to watch the conclusion of Brisbane Ultimate Mixed League Season 2 2010, taking along Young Son in his bright blue Dyspnoeics shirt to show some allegiance, or at least score some extra cuddles from Suze.
Of course, bringing along Young Son meant that your correspondence was only able to watch snatches of the games, but here’s how it seemed to go down.
Over on Field 5, Frisky Time (est. 2010 – Motto “What?”) took on the Kelvin Grove Cougars (est. 2009 – Motto “Run hard, huck fast, and eat the corpse”) for the Div 2B Final.
The match was fairly close, but the key to the game seemed to be that the full compliment of Cougars was available, fired up and on time, while the Frisky’s seemed to limp into the event with six on the line for the opening huck, and various injuries, contact lens issues and other lateness hampering their chances to rock. The Frisky’s fought hard but its seems the Cougars got up to claim the win – a great cap to what’s been an excellent season for the northsiders in red. I should also note that at one point Tim Johnson threw an outstandingly excellent hammer.
On Field 3, the Div 2A Final saw one of the most historied teams in the League, the Dyspnoeics (est. 2006 and along with Bermuda Triangle the only original teams still remaining in the League (Mellow Yellow and the Chimichangas formed a season later) – motto “Bet you can’t spell or say our name the same way twice”), take on one of the newest, the Discheads (est. 2010 – motto “Gimme Dischead ‘til I’m dead.”). The Discheads had a full turn out of fans thanks to their connections with the Heroes Drinking Club, who duly brought a keg of homebrew and all the supporting accompaniments including Carl's Dad (who went to school with Buzz) and Starky. As for the game itself, it was a close one with much heroics on both sides, before the Discheads got away with it for the win. Well done to both teams for entertaining the crowd.
Presentations for Division 2 were then held while the Division 1 Final commenced in the background. Medals and ribbons were provided, along with bottles of plonk as thanks for the Captains, and thanks also were extended to everyone who helped with the administration of the League, in particular Adilia Murabito and Chris Fox. Well done to the Griffith Go-Go's for taking out the Division 2 Spirit Prize. Pizza was served, and a few of us got the chance to personally thank John Coorey for his massive efforts over the year. Thank you, thank you, three times thank you John! Planning for 2011 is underway.
So on to the Division 1 Final between the tie-dye clad Wushi Finger Hold and the outrageously panted Chimichangas. We here in the mansion have seen reports this morning that Wushi were victorious – well done to them. Sadly for this correspondent, it was well past Young Son’s bedtime and we had to depart after watching only one dazzlingly brilliant point featuring Peta McNaughton.
And so Finals week rolls on, with our next stop at BPL on Thursday, and then the QUDA Bash on Sunday. But for Monday night ... see you next year!
Of course, bringing along Young Son meant that your correspondence was only able to watch snatches of the games, but here’s how it seemed to go down.
Over on Field 5, Frisky Time (est. 2010 – Motto “What?”) took on the Kelvin Grove Cougars (est. 2009 – Motto “Run hard, huck fast, and eat the corpse”) for the Div 2B Final.
The match was fairly close, but the key to the game seemed to be that the full compliment of Cougars was available, fired up and on time, while the Frisky’s seemed to limp into the event with six on the line for the opening huck, and various injuries, contact lens issues and other lateness hampering their chances to rock. The Frisky’s fought hard but its seems the Cougars got up to claim the win – a great cap to what’s been an excellent season for the northsiders in red. I should also note that at one point Tim Johnson threw an outstandingly excellent hammer.
On Field 3, the Div 2A Final saw one of the most historied teams in the League, the Dyspnoeics (est. 2006 and along with Bermuda Triangle the only original teams still remaining in the League (Mellow Yellow and the Chimichangas formed a season later) – motto “Bet you can’t spell or say our name the same way twice”), take on one of the newest, the Discheads (est. 2010 – motto “Gimme Dischead ‘til I’m dead.”). The Discheads had a full turn out of fans thanks to their connections with the Heroes Drinking Club, who duly brought a keg of homebrew and all the supporting accompaniments including Carl's Dad (who went to school with Buzz) and Starky. As for the game itself, it was a close one with much heroics on both sides, before the Discheads got away with it for the win. Well done to both teams for entertaining the crowd.
Presentations for Division 2 were then held while the Division 1 Final commenced in the background. Medals and ribbons were provided, along with bottles of plonk as thanks for the Captains, and thanks also were extended to everyone who helped with the administration of the League, in particular Adilia Murabito and Chris Fox. Well done to the Griffith Go-Go's for taking out the Division 2 Spirit Prize. Pizza was served, and a few of us got the chance to personally thank John Coorey for his massive efforts over the year. Thank you, thank you, three times thank you John! Planning for 2011 is underway.
So on to the Division 1 Final between the tie-dye clad Wushi Finger Hold and the outrageously panted Chimichangas. We here in the mansion have seen reports this morning that Wushi were victorious – well done to them. Sadly for this correspondent, it was well past Young Son’s bedtime and we had to depart after watching only one dazzlingly brilliant point featuring Peta McNaughton.
And so Finals week rolls on, with our next stop at BPL on Thursday, and then the QUDA Bash on Sunday. But for Monday night ... see you next year!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Monday Night Mixed League - the Grand Finale (rain permitting)
Games hopefully on Monday night to round out the season (rain permitting)
Division 2 Pool B Grand Final
Kelvin Grove Cougars vs Frisky Time
Two of the fastest running teams in the competition. Red vs light green. Bring it!
Game on at 6.45pm, on Annerley Field 5.
Division 2 Pool A Grand Final
Discheads vs Dyspneoics
Two of the most skilled teams in the competition. Grey vs blue. Leave your fear at home!
Game on at 6.45pm on Annerley Field 5.
Division 1 Grand Final
Wushi Finger Hold Vs Chimichangas
You can poke and prod the food all you want, but in the end you have to eat it!
Game on at 8.15pm on Annerley Field 3.
FREE PIZZA! BYO champagne for the 'champagne Ultimate'!
Division 2 Pool B Grand Final
Kelvin Grove Cougars vs Frisky Time
Two of the fastest running teams in the competition. Red vs light green. Bring it!
Game on at 6.45pm, on Annerley Field 5.
Division 2 Pool A Grand Final
Discheads vs Dyspneoics
Two of the most skilled teams in the competition. Grey vs blue. Leave your fear at home!
Game on at 6.45pm on Annerley Field 5.
Division 1 Grand Final
Wushi Finger Hold Vs Chimichangas
You can poke and prod the food all you want, but in the end you have to eat it!
Game on at 8.15pm on Annerley Field 3.
FREE PIZZA! BYO champagne for the 'champagne Ultimate'!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Poll Catch Up - Obscure Nicknames
A while back we had a bit of a fad using polls over on the east wing of the stately mansion, but we've been a bit slack about posting some of the results. So let's rectify this matter with a look back at the obscure nickname poll.
It's not surprising we suppose that Wetnose won this poll. Wetties' nickname sounds a little bit rude, although apparently it comes from his skill and dedication to playing the position of 'puppy' in a defensive zone. That and that it can be difficult for the Australian accent to get the L's in 'Get moving Liam' or a 'Lay out Gillions' off the tongue quickly in a game situation.
There is probably more of a story about Dr Chris Burwell getting the 'Buzz' many many years ago. We'll hazard a guess its at least partially to do with his study of entomology, partly to do with his intense play, and partly aliteration with Burwell. Commenters may wish to put forward their own theories.
'Silent' George is obvious to anyone who's met him, particularly if they did so early in his days on the Ultimate scene. He's a quietly spoken fellow who doesn't say much, and runs very frickin' fast without betraying his location to those with ears.
The nickname of Jangles makes very little sense, until you discover that Adam's surname is Beu (pronounce "Bo"), and have a passing familiarity with the 60's era song "Mr Bojangles." We're not sure how many out there are familiar with early twentieth centry tap dancer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, but the description on Wikipedia seems to fit: "Audiences enjoyed his understated style ... rarely did he use his upper body, relying instead on busy, inventive feet and an expressive face".
We think Leon 'Fatty' McIntyre has landed Fatty to reflect the Australian tradition of reverse-nicknames - he's tall and skinny so they call him Fatty.
John 'Cheeseburger' McNaughton picked up the cheese following the Queensland u19 team nicknaming his dad, Bruce McNaughton, as Big Mac.
Think we're wrong? Got more info? Comments lines are open.
It's not surprising we suppose that Wetnose won this poll. Wetties' nickname sounds a little bit rude, although apparently it comes from his skill and dedication to playing the position of 'puppy' in a defensive zone. That and that it can be difficult for the Australian accent to get the L's in 'Get moving Liam' or a 'Lay out Gillions' off the tongue quickly in a game situation.There is probably more of a story about Dr Chris Burwell getting the 'Buzz' many many years ago. We'll hazard a guess its at least partially to do with his study of entomology, partly to do with his intense play, and partly aliteration with Burwell. Commenters may wish to put forward their own theories.
'Silent' George is obvious to anyone who's met him, particularly if they did so early in his days on the Ultimate scene. He's a quietly spoken fellow who doesn't say much, and runs very frickin' fast without betraying his location to those with ears.
The nickname of Jangles makes very little sense, until you discover that Adam's surname is Beu (pronounce "Bo"), and have a passing familiarity with the 60's era song "Mr Bojangles." We're not sure how many out there are familiar with early twentieth centry tap dancer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, but the description on Wikipedia seems to fit: "Audiences enjoyed his understated style ... rarely did he use his upper body, relying instead on busy, inventive feet and an expressive face".
We think Leon 'Fatty' McIntyre has landed Fatty to reflect the Australian tradition of reverse-nicknames - he's tall and skinny so they call him Fatty.
John 'Cheeseburger' McNaughton picked up the cheese following the Queensland u19 team nicknaming his dad, Bruce McNaughton, as Big Mac.
Think we're wrong? Got more info? Comments lines are open.
Next Week is the Last Week
Assuming the rain gods don't keep messing with us, there's three big events here in Brisbane that will wind up our year of Ultimate around the State. So get it together to get along to all of them.
Monday Night 22 November will feature the Grand Finals for Divisions 1 and 2 of the Brisbane Ultimate Mixed League aka BUML. Details to come, but there will be pizza to come and good fun clean mixed Ultimate to watch.
Thursday Night 25 November will feature the heckle-fest that is the Brisbane Premier League's Grand Final. This is top-shelf Ultimate featuring some of the best looking local lads you'll ever see charging around after a disc. Details to come, but there's usually food and drink involved too.
Finally, Sunday afternoon 28 November from 2-6pm is the end of year QUDA Bash and BBQ! The BBQ and other goodies are $10 and you need to RSVP arrange to pay beforehand so the catering can be done just right. Email 2010bash@quda.org or put yourself on the Google Document. If you can pay as a team that smooths things out - Account name: Qld Ultimate Disc Association Inc BSB: 034002 Account Number: 167889. Reference: Your full name or teamname (if paying for everyone).
Everything is on at the Annerley Recreation Club fields at Greenslopes, where BUML and BPL are played every week.
Wednesday pickup at looks like continuing over the Summer, as will various Club training, but otherwise that's mostly it until around Australia Day ... and then it all goes nuts again ...
Monday Night 22 November will feature the Grand Finals for Divisions 1 and 2 of the Brisbane Ultimate Mixed League aka BUML. Details to come, but there will be pizza to come and good fun clean mixed Ultimate to watch.
Thursday Night 25 November will feature the heckle-fest that is the Brisbane Premier League's Grand Final. This is top-shelf Ultimate featuring some of the best looking local lads you'll ever see charging around after a disc. Details to come, but there's usually food and drink involved too.
Finally, Sunday afternoon 28 November from 2-6pm is the end of year QUDA Bash and BBQ! The BBQ and other goodies are $10 and you need to RSVP arrange to pay beforehand so the catering can be done just right. Email 2010bash@quda.org or put yourself on the Google Document. If you can pay as a team that smooths things out - Account name: Qld Ultimate Disc Association Inc BSB: 034002 Account Number: 167889. Reference: Your full name or teamname (if paying for everyone).
Everything is on at the Annerley Recreation Club fields at Greenslopes, where BUML and BPL are played every week.
Wednesday pickup at looks like continuing over the Summer, as will various Club training, but otherwise that's mostly it until around Australia Day ... and then it all goes nuts again ...
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
BPL - Let's Talk Snakes and Sumo
So to conclude our season review before tomorrow’s Semi-Finals, we turn to two teams that have arguably kept somewhat under the radar this season, but have managed to get themselves into the top half of the ladder – the Dojo Mojo and the Cobras.
And they’re playing each other in the Semi Final – so let’s take a look at that too (ill-informed though we are, and lacking the time to ask around properly!)
Dojo Mojo – Six wins, one forfeit away, two losses.
The Dojo started the season in somewhat embarrassing circumstances with a forfeit to the Buggers. But it got a heck of a roll on from there, defeating the rest of the competition in a four game winning streak, before losing to a Buggers outfit that was keen to show what was missed in Round 1.
The second half of the season was more uneven, and the chatter on the Dojo blog also coincidentally declined, with second wins over the Heroes and Cobras, but a return loss to the UQ Lovers most recently.
Cobras – Four wins, one forfeit to them, four losses.
On the board its been a see-sawing season for the Cobras. The snakes came out of the swamp hard with wins over Slamtown and the Buggers in Rounds 1 and 2, before crashing to earth with a loss to the Dojo. Next was the first of their two wins over the Heroes, but aside from these relatively-easy-beats, they haven’t won a game, having been robbed of a game by a Slamtown forfeit and defeated by the Buggers and Dojo.
Semi Final – Dojo Mojo (2) vs Cobras (3)
Why the Dojo Will Win: It’s pretty simple here. The Dojo are the favourites. They’ve beaten the Cobras twice this season, 15-12 in Round 3 and 14-11 in Round 8, without too much difficulty (on the scoreboard at least). They’ve got buckets of talent and plenty of BPL Finals experience. Flan and Lankowski.
Why the Dojo Might Lose: Everyone loves to joke that the Dojo’s finals experience is all about ‘the choke’. Fatty’s broken wrist.
Why the Cobras Might Lose: Key player Mike Nolan Jr has left town (we think?). Exams. The weight of expectation.
Why the Cobras Will Win: Will be very hungry for it, following an indifferent season and the loss to the Passion of the previous season’s Final must still rankle. Remember they beat the Dojo twice in the previous season. Abra.
Will Ultimate be the Winner? There's been a few spirit issues between these teams through the year, but they seem to have gotten better at sorting these things as they've gone along. They both like to play open games and throw it around. So yes, Ultimate will be the winner.
Separate tipping post to come, but feel free to offer your analysis - you probably know more than we do.
And they’re playing each other in the Semi Final – so let’s take a look at that too (ill-informed though we are, and lacking the time to ask around properly!)
Dojo Mojo – Six wins, one forfeit away, two losses.
The Dojo started the season in somewhat embarrassing circumstances with a forfeit to the Buggers. But it got a heck of a roll on from there, defeating the rest of the competition in a four game winning streak, before losing to a Buggers outfit that was keen to show what was missed in Round 1.
The second half of the season was more uneven, and the chatter on the Dojo blog also coincidentally declined, with second wins over the Heroes and Cobras, but a return loss to the UQ Lovers most recently.
Cobras – Four wins, one forfeit to them, four losses.
On the board its been a see-sawing season for the Cobras. The snakes came out of the swamp hard with wins over Slamtown and the Buggers in Rounds 1 and 2, before crashing to earth with a loss to the Dojo. Next was the first of their two wins over the Heroes, but aside from these relatively-easy-beats, they haven’t won a game, having been robbed of a game by a Slamtown forfeit and defeated by the Buggers and Dojo.
Semi Final – Dojo Mojo (2) vs Cobras (3)
Why the Dojo Will Win: It’s pretty simple here. The Dojo are the favourites. They’ve beaten the Cobras twice this season, 15-12 in Round 3 and 14-11 in Round 8, without too much difficulty (on the scoreboard at least). They’ve got buckets of talent and plenty of BPL Finals experience. Flan and Lankowski.
Why the Dojo Might Lose: Everyone loves to joke that the Dojo’s finals experience is all about ‘the choke’. Fatty’s broken wrist.
Why the Cobras Might Lose: Key player Mike Nolan Jr has left town (we think?). Exams. The weight of expectation.
Why the Cobras Will Win: Will be very hungry for it, following an indifferent season and the loss to the Passion of the previous season’s Final must still rankle. Remember they beat the Dojo twice in the previous season. Abra.
Will Ultimate be the Winner? There's been a few spirit issues between these teams through the year, but they seem to have gotten better at sorting these things as they've gone along. They both like to play open games and throw it around. So yes, Ultimate will be the winner.
Separate tipping post to come, but feel free to offer your analysis - you probably know more than we do.
About the Brisbane Ultimate Blog
We've had a spike in readership over the last month, including it seems people who are coming back for more. so we figure its worth bringing everyone up to speed. This might get posted every once in a while.
The Brisbane Ultimate Blog was initially started by Rueben Berg back in early 2006 to enable Brisbane people to discuss all things Ultimate Disc.
In May 2007 Jason 'JdR' de Rooy wondered if he had what it takes to generate content for a blog on a near-daily basis, and he’s been doing that reasonably consistently ever since (with occasional BPL-focused help from Liam ‘Wetnose’ Gillions).
In 2010 the blog hit 1,000 posts, and has inspired several other related blogs. We generally average between 40 and 150 hits per day, and around 800 unique visitors a month. We encourage you to have a look around the archives as we think there's some interesting stuff there.
We have many regular readers and commenters whom we love and try to serve, but we’re also aware that at any time we could have a brand new Brisbane Ultimate player, or any member of the general public, reading along. Let us know what you like, or would rather we do.
While Jason posts the most, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog is not intended to be a personal one. Jason wears lots of other hats within the Ultimate community. We try and reduce confusion with those other hats by blogging in the impersonal “royal we”, style, or referencing "the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion" to add an element of suspension of belief and a reminder that we do this for FUN.
On the other hand, the content can’t help but reflect the spare time, experience and interests of the writers and we put our names on what we post. We tolerate anonymous comments that are respectful and engaging, but we encourage members of our community to identify themselves, particularly if they don't want their comment ignored.
We’re constantly on the look-out for people who want to blog with us and can expand and improve our voice. We don’t know everything and everyone, and would happily increase the flow of information and opinion.
We aim to promote Ultimate and Brisbane in all its forms, but we also aim to be interesting and put our own flavour when we repeat information available elsewhere.
We seek to engage with our readers, share knowledge and encourage them to consider new ideas as ideas worth consideration, even if the end up being bad ideas.
We endeavour to be balanced and positive in our posts, while still encouraging people to express their passion for Brisbane Ultimate, and to support improvements in our sport.
We aim to be exceptionally supportive of the volunteers who are the lifeblood of Ultimate administration, particularly by promoting their activities and recognising their good work.
We have in jokes and heckles, but we try to make it clear to the casual reader that they’re not missing anything and to those involved that no harm is meant.
We sometimes get things wrong, and we encourage people to call us out on them and aim to be quick to correct our mistakes. We believe its better to say something interesting and get it wrong, and have everyone learn from that, than to stay silent and miss the opportunity to be corrected. Trying to be perfectly correct on everything all the time would lead to a drastic decline in the quantity of content on the blog.
We hope that when you visit us here in the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion, you enjoy yourself.
The Brisbane Ultimate Blog was initially started by Rueben Berg back in early 2006 to enable Brisbane people to discuss all things Ultimate Disc.
In May 2007 Jason 'JdR' de Rooy wondered if he had what it takes to generate content for a blog on a near-daily basis, and he’s been doing that reasonably consistently ever since (with occasional BPL-focused help from Liam ‘Wetnose’ Gillions).
In 2010 the blog hit 1,000 posts, and has inspired several other related blogs. We generally average between 40 and 150 hits per day, and around 800 unique visitors a month. We encourage you to have a look around the archives as we think there's some interesting stuff there.
We have many regular readers and commenters whom we love and try to serve, but we’re also aware that at any time we could have a brand new Brisbane Ultimate player, or any member of the general public, reading along. Let us know what you like, or would rather we do.
While Jason posts the most, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog is not intended to be a personal one. Jason wears lots of other hats within the Ultimate community. We try and reduce confusion with those other hats by blogging in the impersonal “royal we”, style, or referencing "the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion" to add an element of suspension of belief and a reminder that we do this for FUN.
On the other hand, the content can’t help but reflect the spare time, experience and interests of the writers and we put our names on what we post. We tolerate anonymous comments that are respectful and engaging, but we encourage members of our community to identify themselves, particularly if they don't want their comment ignored.
We’re constantly on the look-out for people who want to blog with us and can expand and improve our voice. We don’t know everything and everyone, and would happily increase the flow of information and opinion.
We aim to promote Ultimate and Brisbane in all its forms, but we also aim to be interesting and put our own flavour when we repeat information available elsewhere.
We seek to engage with our readers, share knowledge and encourage them to consider new ideas as ideas worth consideration, even if the end up being bad ideas.
We endeavour to be balanced and positive in our posts, while still encouraging people to express their passion for Brisbane Ultimate, and to support improvements in our sport.
We aim to be exceptionally supportive of the volunteers who are the lifeblood of Ultimate administration, particularly by promoting their activities and recognising their good work.
We have in jokes and heckles, but we try to make it clear to the casual reader that they’re not missing anything and to those involved that no harm is meant.
We sometimes get things wrong, and we encourage people to call us out on them and aim to be quick to correct our mistakes. We believe its better to say something interesting and get it wrong, and have everyone learn from that, than to stay silent and miss the opportunity to be corrected. Trying to be perfectly correct on everything all the time would lead to a drastic decline in the quantity of content on the blog.
We hope that when you visit us here in the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion, you enjoy yourself.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
BPL For and Against Season Review - Lovers and Heroes
So in a recent post we here in the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion fired up our ‘Footy Show’ style analogue season summary machine to consider how the Moreton Bay Buggers and the Slamtown Flatball Clubs got themselves into 4th and 5th places at the end of the for and against season. Today, as we rush towards tomorrow’s Semi-Finals (rain permitting!), we’ll have a look at minor Premiers the UQ Lovers, and wooden spooners (there’s always something for the cabinet), the Heroes.
UQ Lovers – Six wins, one draw, two losses.
The new-look UQ Lovers, hoovering up most of the best of the previous season’s Champion and fifth placed teams, seem to have totally stuck to the script this season. To wit, a Win-Loss-Win-Loss opening four games while the team worked out who had which side of the bed, followed by an unbeaten run up to the Semi-Finals and the Minor Premiership.
The Lovers losses have been against Slamtown who are taking no further part in the season, and the Dojo, who they won’t see again unless both make the Final.
Elsewhere, the Lovers have had the wood on the Heroes and the Buggers, beating them twice. A chance to add the Cobras to this double-win list was lost due to rain.
Still, the most recent game against the Buggers was as close as you can get without being a draw– 13-12. The Buggers know that Finals time is a whole new disc-game – do the new Lovers know this too?
Heroes – nine losses.
Its been a tough second season for the sixth team in the Brisbane Premier League, the green clad Heroes. In their first season, they managed to pick up a win to keep the home fires burning and the ladies interested, but this time around the champagne has been kept well corked.
The best results were to hit double figures but go down by 3 last week against the Cobras, and by 4 against UQ in Round 6.
Still, nobody in our hearing is talking about the Heroes going away or doing anything other than improving. If this were the EPL, there’d be talk about the need to bring over a top flight striker. But on the other hand, with three ‘feeder’ teams in the BUML, its arguably only a matter of time before the home grown talent shines through.
UQ Lovers – Six wins, one draw, two losses.
The new-look UQ Lovers, hoovering up most of the best of the previous season’s Champion and fifth placed teams, seem to have totally stuck to the script this season. To wit, a Win-Loss-Win-Loss opening four games while the team worked out who had which side of the bed, followed by an unbeaten run up to the Semi-Finals and the Minor Premiership.
The Lovers losses have been against Slamtown who are taking no further part in the season, and the Dojo, who they won’t see again unless both make the Final.
Elsewhere, the Lovers have had the wood on the Heroes and the Buggers, beating them twice. A chance to add the Cobras to this double-win list was lost due to rain.
Still, the most recent game against the Buggers was as close as you can get without being a draw– 13-12. The Buggers know that Finals time is a whole new disc-game – do the new Lovers know this too?
Heroes – nine losses.
Its been a tough second season for the sixth team in the Brisbane Premier League, the green clad Heroes. In their first season, they managed to pick up a win to keep the home fires burning and the ladies interested, but this time around the champagne has been kept well corked.
The best results were to hit double figures but go down by 3 last week against the Cobras, and by 4 against UQ in Round 6.
Still, nobody in our hearing is talking about the Heroes going away or doing anything other than improving. If this were the EPL, there’d be talk about the need to bring over a top flight striker. But on the other hand, with three ‘feeder’ teams in the BUML, its arguably only a matter of time before the home grown talent shines through.
Perils of Blogging Ahead
Sometimes its just like when Bill Murray's character tried to record the weather report a day ahead of time in the movie Groundhog Day, only to find it come back and bit him in the ass.
We've had the chance to get ahead in the posting this week and have been trying to schedule posts to automatically come up when the time comes.
But alas, we've cocked it up and they've come out in a funny order ahead of time. Things must be confusing if you're following us via email updates. Oh well, better luck next time.
Anyway, we'll sort them out and leave them up here for your consideration, and rest assured the staff have been beaten.
We've had the chance to get ahead in the posting this week and have been trying to schedule posts to automatically come up when the time comes.
But alas, we've cocked it up and they've come out in a funny order ahead of time. Things must be confusing if you're following us via email updates. Oh well, better luck next time.
Anyway, we'll sort them out and leave them up here for your consideration, and rest assured the staff have been beaten.
BPL For and Against Season Review - Buggers and Slammers
So yesterday a Bugs player called us out for daring to suggest in a faux-controversial way that Slamtown were a superior team and should be in the Semis instead of the Buggers (the comments were also about stirring pots and stuff, but we'll leave that for today).
We made a bit of a response in the comments, but we’ve never been ones to shy away from a bit more controversy here at the Brisbane Ultimate Blog (so long as its interesting), so what they hey, lets look at the season-long records rather than the 15-10 score from the Slamtown-Buggers matchup last week.
Coincidentally, the Buggers and Slamtown blogs have been reflecting on the season going into the finals, so make sure you check them out too!
Slamtown – 2010 Season 2 - Four wins, two draws, one forfeit away, two losses
It’s the numbers above that suggest that Slamtown are one of the strongest teams in the competition. But drilling down it gets more interesting.
Two of the Coast’s wins are of course against the sad-to-say-but-let's-be frank cellar-dwelling Heroes.
But Slamtown are undefeated by the Lovers and the Buggers, having beaten and drawn with each in their two games.
But on other parts of the ledger, they lost to Dojo in Round 5, and of course didn’t get to play the occasionally very good Mojo again. They also lost to the Cobras in Round 1, and of course didn’t take their chance to have another crack at the snakes and forfeited that game.
There’s certainly some who’d suggest that forfeiting a precious BPL game is so sinful that greater disadvantage should be extracted than the present zero ladder points. But let's go look at the Bugs.
The Buggers – 2010 Season 2 - Three wins, one forfeit to them, one draw, four losses.
The Buggers started by picking up a forfeit from the Dojo in Round 1. Now let’s note, we here in the BUB think many Ultimate players traditionally would rather have a decent game and lose than pick up a forfeit, and the Buggers in particular LOVE to play Ultimate. And indeed, they got extra revenge by beating the Dojo in Round 6, making it clear that back in Round 1 they were certainly shafted of the opportunity for a good game and a likely win.
Elsewhere in the season, the Bugs have lost twice to minor premiers the Lovers, and if we can tangent briefly to looking ahead to this week’s Semis, its going to be big if they can get over the students.
But remember, the Buggers are ALWAYS all about building through the season and being better in the finals series than anyone has seen them before, although they are coming off two losses in Rounds 8 and 9.
For their other losses, they lost to the Cobras in Round 2 (but came back to beat them in Round 7), and of course to Slamtown last week in the replay to their earlier draw.
If you’re just thinking about ladder points though, it’s worth noting that the game that the Buggers didn’t get to play due to the washouts was against the Heroes, and as the Heroes went 0-9 for the season (and 1-19 for the year), its fair to say that would’ve been a win.
The Weigh In
So lets weigh up the factors
We made a bit of a response in the comments, but we’ve never been ones to shy away from a bit more controversy here at the Brisbane Ultimate Blog (so long as its interesting), so what they hey, lets look at the season-long records rather than the 15-10 score from the Slamtown-Buggers matchup last week.
Coincidentally, the Buggers and Slamtown blogs have been reflecting on the season going into the finals, so make sure you check them out too!
Slamtown – 2010 Season 2 - Four wins, two draws, one forfeit away, two losses
It’s the numbers above that suggest that Slamtown are one of the strongest teams in the competition. But drilling down it gets more interesting.
Two of the Coast’s wins are of course against the sad-to-say-but-let's-be frank cellar-dwelling Heroes.
But Slamtown are undefeated by the Lovers and the Buggers, having beaten and drawn with each in their two games.
But on other parts of the ledger, they lost to Dojo in Round 5, and of course didn’t get to play the occasionally very good Mojo again. They also lost to the Cobras in Round 1, and of course didn’t take their chance to have another crack at the snakes and forfeited that game.
There’s certainly some who’d suggest that forfeiting a precious BPL game is so sinful that greater disadvantage should be extracted than the present zero ladder points. But let's go look at the Bugs.
The Buggers – 2010 Season 2 - Three wins, one forfeit to them, one draw, four losses.
The Buggers started by picking up a forfeit from the Dojo in Round 1. Now let’s note, we here in the BUB think many Ultimate players traditionally would rather have a decent game and lose than pick up a forfeit, and the Buggers in particular LOVE to play Ultimate. And indeed, they got extra revenge by beating the Dojo in Round 6, making it clear that back in Round 1 they were certainly shafted of the opportunity for a good game and a likely win.
Elsewhere in the season, the Bugs have lost twice to minor premiers the Lovers, and if we can tangent briefly to looking ahead to this week’s Semis, its going to be big if they can get over the students.
But remember, the Buggers are ALWAYS all about building through the season and being better in the finals series than anyone has seen them before, although they are coming off two losses in Rounds 8 and 9.
For their other losses, they lost to the Cobras in Round 2 (but came back to beat them in Round 7), and of course to Slamtown last week in the replay to their earlier draw.
If you’re just thinking about ladder points though, it’s worth noting that the game that the Buggers didn’t get to play due to the washouts was against the Heroes, and as the Heroes went 0-9 for the season (and 1-19 for the year), its fair to say that would’ve been a win.
The Weigh In
So lets weigh up the factors
- That Round 9 Result – Slamtown 15, Buggers 10, trumping that earlier draw.
- Missing Round 10 - Buggers were far more likely to beat Heroes (firing up their goal difference on the way), than Slamtown would’ve been to beat Dojo
- Missing Opportunities - Slamtown had plenty of opportunities to seal the deal with two draws against teams they otherwise beat, for starters.
- That Forfeit – yep, the rules have been clearly stated and applied for some years – a team that receives a forfeit gets 3 ladder points and 15-0 marked on their points difference, as a recompense for not getting a game.
- That Other Forfeit – yep, and if Slamtown can’t make it to a game, then yep they don’t deserve any points.
Weighing that up, there’s a solid argument that while Slamtown may have won a battle or two through sheer force of arms, the Buggers won the war.
League play and the agreed rules of BPL are about doing what you have to do, week in and week out, to get the ladder and field points to get you into the Semi-Finals – its only there that winning means glory!
Are Slamtown a better team than the Buggers? Yes, in Round 9 they were. 15-10 tells us that.
Do the Buggers deserve to be in the Semi-Finals over Slamtown? Yes. 18 ladder points and a better points difference tell us that.
Tough luck, Slamtown, and good luck Buggers!
Tomorrow – we’ll try to talk tops and bottoms - the Lovers and the Heroes.
Monday, November 15, 2010
What's In a Name
Readers will of course know that we here in the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion are so old school that our bus has stained glass windows, and of course anyone involved in Ultimate or Canadian super-hero Shaman for that matter will know to respect The Old Ways, even if its hard in our fast based blogging by the seat of our pants culture.
What the heck are we talking about? Respect, and showing it by spelling correctly, particularly when it comes to people's names. But that isn't to say you can't take a few short cuts and make it easy to get it right, so as usual here we are helping you out again.
>> The big man with the double-barrelled everything needs two Ps and two Z’s to encompass the awesomeness – Rappazzo.
>> I before E except after C, or when you’ve just been skied by big Mike Neild.
>> Always brief and to the point is the one T in Mat Ryan.
>> Nathan’s spark is lit, and then he’s like “Zow” – ie Litzow
>> Stu doesn’t stew. Or when you see him in action, its more like "Ooo!" than "Eew."
Got some other suggestions, or personal beefs of this particular flavour? Comment lines are open as usual.
We got nothing witty, just remember it’s a small d, a capital R and two O’s in there when you’re talking de Rooy.
So Let's Belatedly Flame Up Another BPL Controversy
Those without good memories might want to go back to read what we here at the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion wrote, in our role as purveyours of Brisbane Premier League commentary and controversy, back in August.
For those who can't be shagged clicking on the link, following the Round 1 forfeit by Dojo Mojo to the Moreton Bay Buggers, we philosophised that in a tight season, the 15-0 scoreline awarded to the team that turned up and sadly didn't get a proper game possibly could lead to an unfair outcome in such a tight season, if goal differences involving one of those teams are relevant when it comes to Semi Finals time.
And so it came to pass. The Buggers are into the Semi Finals on goal difference over the Slamtown Flatball Club, a team that is demonstrably a superior team having beaten the Buggers 15-10 last week and drawn with them earlier in the season.
If we were some sort of important sport, you could now cue up much wailing and gnashing of teeth from the opinion press and other uninformed types (alas, there is just us bloggers, who are nonetheless pretty uninformed).
Of course, all the above is not a call for Slamtown to be put in and the Buggers put out (we're really just "raising controversy" as usual for fun and because people enjoy being passionately one-eyed about BPL). The rules were established before the season and fair enough they are to be abided by.
The use of points difference to differentiate between ladder positions does add some spark to the League, with players able to argue that 'every point counts'.
But equally, shouldn't a genuine win count more than a forfeit (which is sadly, a "might've won")?
(of course, AFDA it seems can't be shagged applying its own tie-breaking rules, and has instead announced that there will be a whole lot of "equal fifteenths" and such following incompleted games at Mixed Nationals 2010. Disgraceful! But that's a post for another day).
Comments are open for the vitriolic, who hopefully can keep their tongue in cheek and aim to be as entertaining as we routinely endevour (even if we occasionally fail).
Keep your eye out for the rest of BPL Semi Finals Week here at the Brisbane Ultimate Blog.
For those who can't be shagged clicking on the link, following the Round 1 forfeit by Dojo Mojo to the Moreton Bay Buggers, we philosophised that in a tight season, the 15-0 scoreline awarded to the team that turned up and sadly didn't get a proper game possibly could lead to an unfair outcome in such a tight season, if goal differences involving one of those teams are relevant when it comes to Semi Finals time.
And so it came to pass. The Buggers are into the Semi Finals on goal difference over the Slamtown Flatball Club, a team that is demonstrably a superior team having beaten the Buggers 15-10 last week and drawn with them earlier in the season.
If we were some sort of important sport, you could now cue up much wailing and gnashing of teeth from the opinion press and other uninformed types (alas, there is just us bloggers, who are nonetheless pretty uninformed).
Of course, all the above is not a call for Slamtown to be put in and the Buggers put out (we're really just "raising controversy" as usual for fun and because people enjoy being passionately one-eyed about BPL). The rules were established before the season and fair enough they are to be abided by.
The use of points difference to differentiate between ladder positions does add some spark to the League, with players able to argue that 'every point counts'.
But equally, shouldn't a genuine win count more than a forfeit (which is sadly, a "might've won")?
(of course, AFDA it seems can't be shagged applying its own tie-breaking rules, and has instead announced that there will be a whole lot of "equal fifteenths" and such following incompleted games at Mixed Nationals 2010. Disgraceful! But that's a post for another day).
Comments are open for the vitriolic, who hopefully can keep their tongue in cheek and aim to be as entertaining as we routinely endevour (even if we occasionally fail).
Keep your eye out for the rest of BPL Semi Finals Week here at the Brisbane Ultimate Blog.
BPL Results - 2010/2 Round 9 (Final Round)
The stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion was empty on Friday as the residents and staff vacated south for Badman's Birthday Bash, and hence the delay in posting last Thursday's results.
Round 9 Results
UQ Lovers 15 defeated Dojo Mojo 10
Slamtown Flatball Club 15 defeated Moreton Bay Buggers 10
Cobras 13 defeated Heroes 13 - 10
Note that due to washouts during the season, Round 10 will not be played, and BPL goes into Semi-Finals next week.
Competition Ladder following Completion of Season
1. UQ Lovers - 22pts
2. Dojo Mojo - 20pts
3. Cobras - 19pts
4. Moreton Bay Buggers - 18pts
5. Slamtown Flatball Club - 18pts
6. Heroes - 9pts
Next Week's Draw - Semi Finals
Field 1 - UQ Lovers vs Moreton Bay Buggers
Field 2 - Dojo Mojo vs Cobras
Round 9 Results
UQ Lovers 15 defeated Dojo Mojo 10
Slamtown Flatball Club 15 defeated Moreton Bay Buggers 10
Cobras 13 defeated Heroes 13 - 10
Note that due to washouts during the season, Round 10 will not be played, and BPL goes into Semi-Finals next week.
Competition Ladder following Completion of Season
1. UQ Lovers - 22pts
2. Dojo Mojo - 20pts
3. Cobras - 19pts
4. Moreton Bay Buggers - 18pts
5. Slamtown Flatball Club - 18pts
6. Heroes - 9pts
Next Week's Draw - Semi Finals
Field 1 - UQ Lovers vs Moreton Bay Buggers
Field 2 - Dojo Mojo vs Cobras
Friday, November 12, 2010
Just in Case You Haven't Marked the Calendar
In the land of bizarre coincidence (maybe?), two people have phoned the stately BUB HQ in the last half an hour to check the dates of Nationals 2011.
Don't forget Brisbane folk, if you ain't playing, its hoped that you'll be able to help out. So mark these dates. Here's the announcement from AFDA (which otherwise can't be found on their website as yet).
Don't forget Brisbane folk, if you ain't playing, its hoped that you'll be able to help out. So mark these dates. Here's the announcement from AFDA (which otherwise can't be found on their website as yet).
The AFDA is pleased to announce that the Australian Ultimate Championships
2011 (AUC2011) will be held in Brisbane from Friday 1 April until Monday 4 April
2011.
Please note this is different than our usual dates of the weekend closest to Anzac Day.
The reason for this change was the triple whammy of Anzac Day, Easter AND School Holidays all occuring at the same time. Therefore it was decided that availability of flights/accomodation needed to be considered when making this decision.
This weekend is outside of School Holidays so these issues should not hamper
attendance.Regional Qualifiers would be held on or prior to the 19/20 February 2011.
Regards
Simon Wood
AFDA
National Events officer
admin@...
0430 076 807
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Growth in Brisbane Leagues - 2006 to 2010
[edit - hopefully we can't seem to cromulate the 'team numbers' embiggening problem, so will post it separately another day]
Data drawn quickly from the AFDA Registration Database, with all the limits that entails, but generally the longer a League has used the system, the better the quality as players and administrators become used to it. Up to the reader to judge the value, anyway.
We've left WUFL 2009 Season 3 off as the other Leagues didn't have a season 3 that year, and that data didn't buck the general trend. WUFL Season 2 2010 also had only 15 people registered, so we left that off too (although we know there were four teams).
UQ and Townsville Leagues don't use the registration system (which annoys QUDA and AFDA, as they can't report those player numbers when we seek funding etc - but equally, UQ and Townsville question the need for their players to pay AFDA fees when their Universities provide public liability insurance), and Gold Coast has only recently started, so no trend data there as yet.
Do these graphs tell a story? Maybe that BUML Div 2 is the engine for growth in Brisbane (the mid-table drop is presumably tied to the establishment of Div 1). Its also evident in BUML Div 2 that team size must be growing, as team numbers aren't growing at the rate player numbers are.
Of course, growth isn't everything - most obviously it's worth noting that BPL, in focusing on elite play, doesn't specifically aim for growth.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
BPL Draw - Catch Up Week
This week is on the draw as 'rain catch up week', which means the rained out Round 9 will be played.
Draw over here.
Or you can just have the text:
Field 1 - UQ Lovers v Dojo Mojo
Field 2 - Cobras v Heroes
Field 3 - Moreton Bay Buggers v Slamtown Flatball Club
Draw over here.
Or you can just have the text:
Field 1 - UQ Lovers v Dojo Mojo
Field 2 - Cobras v Heroes
Field 3 - Moreton Bay Buggers v Slamtown Flatball Club
Exam Time
Why do you readers think we haven't been updating the blog lately?
a) Apathy - just can't be arsed at the moment
b) Priority - just to busy with other stuff at the moment
c) Finality - blogging is over, dude.
In answering this question in the comments, please show your work or illustrate with examples.
a) Apathy - just can't be arsed at the moment
b) Priority - just to busy with other stuff at the moment
c) Finality - blogging is over, dude.
In answering this question in the comments, please show your work or illustrate with examples.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Flarkin' Rain
Feel free to insert your own fictional expletive in the comments.[Update - Annerley Fields are now closed]
Appy Days
So its presently raining here in Brisbane on a Thursday morning. Flark it. We're not saying anything yet about fields. But maybe as preparation let's get out our i-Devices and check out a couple of Ultimate related apps.
WFDF Rules - well, this should be on everyone's i-thingee. It's free. The rules of the game, cleanly presented, easily searchable.
Stick Ultimate - T-Ross pointed this one out to us a while back and we put down our $1.19 to see what it was about. Frankly, its a bit disappointing. I think the game (two offensive stick figure players verses a defender) would be tolerable if it happened at any sort of speed and the disc did anything other than go at a straight interceptible line. We applaud the programmer for having a go and getting something out there, but we can't recommend it.
Championship Ultimate - Well, we just gave them our $6. It looks fancier than Stick Ultimate, but also very parochially North American. We'll let you know if its any good.
Flingy - not a flying disc game alas, but included here because the programmer is Griffith Ultimate's own Dustin, and he could use the money (let us know if there's other Aussie Ultimaters looking to make a buck through App design). A fun little time-waster. JdR's top score is in the 13,000s.
WFDF Rules - well, this should be on everyone's i-thingee. It's free. The rules of the game, cleanly presented, easily searchable.
Stick Ultimate - T-Ross pointed this one out to us a while back and we put down our $1.19 to see what it was about. Frankly, its a bit disappointing. I think the game (two offensive stick figure players verses a defender) would be tolerable if it happened at any sort of speed and the disc did anything other than go at a straight interceptible line. We applaud the programmer for having a go and getting something out there, but we can't recommend it.
Championship Ultimate - Well, we just gave them our $6. It looks fancier than Stick Ultimate, but also very parochially North American. We'll let you know if its any good.
Flingy - not a flying disc game alas, but included here because the programmer is Griffith Ultimate's own Dustin, and he could use the money (let us know if there's other Aussie Ultimaters looking to make a buck through App design). A fun little time-waster. JdR's top score is in the 13,000s.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Less Than Two Weeks Until Badman's Bash
We know lots of you are planning to go - do the guy a favour and let him know you're coming by registering. Registering of course also means you get to stay with the group and enjoy yourself.
http://www.afda.com/rego/showteam.php?teamid=8585
And here's the latest from the man himself:
to all badmans bash party goers
just to let you all know
on friday night there will be a booze cruize
in a psychodelic double decker bus
departing 6-630 (NSW time!)
this will take us on a tour of the byron highlights
and maybe even pop down to lennox
yes we are able to drink on the bus (:
this will take us to the byron brewery for dinner/party
and there will be a bus to take us back to cabins
this is included in fee (except for fri dinner)but i will get us a deal
if you could russle up some more drinking buddies/ultimate players, the more the merrier
please get them to register as the accomodation needs to be prepaid
get ready for a fun weekend
luv yas all
bads
http://www.afda.com/rego/showteam.php?teamid=8585
And here's the latest from the man himself:
to all badmans bash party goers
just to let you all know
on friday night there will be a booze cruize
in a psychodelic double decker bus
departing 6-630 (NSW time!)
this will take us on a tour of the byron highlights
and maybe even pop down to lennox
yes we are able to drink on the bus (:
this will take us to the byron brewery for dinner/party
and there will be a bus to take us back to cabins
this is included in fee (except for fri dinner)but i will get us a deal
if you could russle up some more drinking buddies/ultimate players, the more the merrier
please get them to register as the accomodation needs to be prepaid
get ready for a fun weekend
luv yas all
bads
WUFL - Grand Final Time!
So last week Moulin Rouge defeated Titanium Nachos 12-8 in their semi, while Missfire had to forfeit to Wonder Women (a game was still played with WW coming out on top something like 9-4).
All this sees this Thursday's FINAL being a head to head between the green and the red! Wonder Women vs Moulin Rouge!
Will the Wonder Women put the first Championship trophy into the Heroes Ultimate Club's mantlepiece? Or will there instead be much bottom showing in the house of love?
Be at Oakman Park to find out!
All this sees this Thursday's FINAL being a head to head between the green and the red! Wonder Women vs Moulin Rouge!
Will the Wonder Women put the first Championship trophy into the Heroes Ultimate Club's mantlepiece? Or will there instead be much bottom showing in the house of love?
Be at Oakman Park to find out!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Very Suggestion Fills Me with Anger That Burns Every Fibre of My Being
Its an amusing paradox that nothing gets the haters out like discussions about Spirit of the Game (we will assume you readers are familiar with the flamewars, particularly in the USA, on such matters.
So having written the harshest thing up front, let us now slide down to today's minor issue and relax a bit.
As part of its consultation with key administrator types and other well-knowns, AFDA has asked for views on adopting a BULA style spirit ranking sheet and system for use at Nationals and Mixed Nationals.
Our views here at the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion have been posted extensively before - the last time this came up after Mixed Nats 2008. Go read it, we're rather proud of it. Actually, its all you need to know on the topic.
Basically, its a bad idea done for all the wrong reasons. Just go read the post to grasp this if you haven't already.
But as we like to generate new content for you readers and provide advice based on our vast experience and intellect ... (we put that statement there to flag you to remember that we here in the mansion want it both ways - to be serious and not. We beg your indulgence on these matters based on your recognising the effort we put in here. But enough disgression).
Here's what in our humble opinion should go on a piece of paper about Spirit that could be given by TDs to teams after each game:
Many teams do some of these things without needing such a list, just as many teams provide sensible spirit scores without a sheet of rules for working it out. But hopefully the above encourages people to put more thought into their Spirit, just as Ultimate requires more responsibility than other sports.
So having written the harshest thing up front, let us now slide down to today's minor issue and relax a bit.
As part of its consultation with key administrator types and other well-knowns, AFDA has asked for views on adopting a BULA style spirit ranking sheet and system for use at Nationals and Mixed Nationals.
Our views here at the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion have been posted extensively before - the last time this came up after Mixed Nats 2008. Go read it, we're rather proud of it. Actually, its all you need to know on the topic.
Basically, its a bad idea done for all the wrong reasons. Just go read the post to grasp this if you haven't already.
But as we like to generate new content for you readers and provide advice based on our vast experience and intellect ... (we put that statement there to flag you to remember that we here in the mansion want it both ways - to be serious and not. We beg your indulgence on these matters based on your recognising the effort we put in here. But enough disgression).
Here's what in our humble opinion should go on a piece of paper about Spirit that could be given by TDs to teams after each game:
1. Did people on your team talk to the opposition before the game and give them information to help them help you manage the game in a spirited way - eg inexperienced players, language barriers, your team's culture of play, the sorts of staff, spectators and supporters who will be nearby, etc?
2. After the game, did your team discuss, as a group, the Spirit shown in the game and agree, as a group, a simple rating for the opposition (assuming the TD asked for this)?
3. Did you provide feedback to the opposition on your sense of their Spirit?
4. In your team's discussion, did you find out things about the game - particular rules, or perspectives on things that happened - that you didn't know before the discussion?
5. Did your team talk about your own Spirit, and if possible identify where the group and individuals will do better next time?
6. If you recognised that your team showed poor Spirit or could improve, did you inform your opponents that you have recognised this?
7. Will you hold the group and individuals to this recognition that you will do better next time?
Many teams do some of these things without needing such a list, just as many teams provide sensible spirit scores without a sheet of rules for working it out. But hopefully the above encourages people to put more thought into their Spirit, just as Ultimate requires more responsibility than other sports.
Friday, October 29, 2010
It Be the End of an Era
The Brisbane Premier League's Director, Stu Austin, announced yesterday that he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the season.
This is a great loss to the BPL, but equally, Stu leaves the role in such excellent shape that the League will have no trouble continuing to be excellent (and of course, he'll still be there playing every week! So no need to get too depressed!)
Stu took on the role of BPL Director back in September 2008, joining an elite group of
Efficient and passionate are the two words which spring to mind in thinking about Stu's work and the style in which he approaches it. Stu's passion for elite Ultimate is outstanding. His efficiency in delivering that has been fantastic.
We should also add one element of Stu's directorship that isn't obvious or talked about but it unconsciously prized by players - consistency. Stu established how he was going to share information and run the league and delivered that, week in and week out for over two years - a challenge for any volunteer who's got other things to do.
This is not to say Stu hasn't had a willingness to change, reform and grow the League. Think of the introduction of portafields which brought a new 'professionalism' to the League. Add to that the commitment of two fixed seasons rather than the 'endless play' that players sought in the past, which made ladders and finals all the more climactic and enjoyable. BPL players now have a stronger understanding of competition rules, rostering and reporting, and their value in delivering exciting Ultimate. The League grew to its largest size ever at one point in his leadership, and the quality of the competition has never been higher.
This is not to say we haven't had controversy which we shall address humourously and remind everyone that we play for fun and it doesn't really matter - TomsteveMVP-gate, Passion-no-semi's-gate, 'goddamit the fields are closed'-gate(s), occasional-whiney-email-gate, anything-to-do-with-SteveC-or-Stef-gate - and no doubt heaps of things that anyone lacking omnipotence or an intimate relationship with Stu would be aware of.
Stu has handled stressed out and upset people and irate (or just slightly snarky) emails with an air of confidence and clarity, and we hope he hasn't been too stressed and upset by such events. We suspect the positive relationships he cultivated with the League Captains and senior players (the key to any successful BPL Directorship) helped to ease some of these hassles on the relatively rare occasions they came along.
We in the stately mansion have long appreciated Stu's support for the Brisbane Ultimate Blog and our efforts to help make the Brisbane Premier League competitive and exciting. We (and we include our commenters here) may have occasionally irritated him, but he always seemed to grin back and add value to our enterprise.
So, regards and cheers to Stu. But most of all, WELL DONE and THANKS!
[the above has been edited to add J-Ray to the previous LD list - the fact checker will be punished]
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Should We Change the Size of Nats and Mixed Nats?
Following Mixed Nats 2010 (continuing a string of highly appreciated events over the last several years), AFDA has hit the ground running in inviting State and National administrative types their views on some of the key issues surrounding Nationals and Mixed Nationals.
We here in the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion of course (as you readers have no doubt come to expect) have some views, so we'll try to discuss over the next few weeks, starting with the size of Nats and Mixed Nats.
One of the things that regularly comes up is the size of Nationals and Mixed Nats. Since about 2005, the Open and Women's divisions at Nationals have been generally capped at 16 teams, and Mixed Nats at 24 teams. (There have been a few variations - Nationals 2006 allowed two WUCC-bound Masters Clubs expand the Open division to 18, and Mixed Nats this year grew to 28 because of the number of NSW teams wanting to go and the availability of field space. The Women's division also periodically doesn't fill its division.)
The reasoning for capping is generally two-fold. One is it builds the quality of play. As Ultimate grows, keeping the numbers at Nationals the same should see the quality of play continually improve because its frankly harder for chumpy players to get there (see Open Nats in 2003 and 2004). Without a cap, the event becomes a bit of a free-for-all, with a very wide range of talent involved, including near-beginner people who didn't know the rules etc etc (shocking eh?)
The second reason is to smooth out and support volunteers hosting the event. A routine size helps establish basic standards (eg you must have at least 9 fields to host Nats) and knowledge (eg you need to order this many discs). Volunteers (both hosts and AFDA) are always desperate for feedback (ie acknowledgement of their work) and Nationals players generally provide their feedback in terms of comparisons to other years, and negative feedback can be devastating, so there's a driver to try to do at least "the same as last year".
Keeping the cap steady is also powerful for establishing continuity from year to year (9th out of 16 is a definite improvement on 10th out of 16 the previous year, as opposed to being 9th out 12 one year and 10th out of 27 the following.) Having a clear and entrenched structure also helps people plan from year to year - they get to know the qualification system, the draw structure and so forth. This saves a lot of angst - people have appreciated the certainty in size we've had over the last six years. Good policy is by definition something you don't change often, after all.
Still, the other perspective is that its unfortunate that people who really want to go miss out on going to Nationals/Mixed Nats. If the sport is growing, why aren't our major events, after all? Ultimate is about including everyone we can and so forth.
And capping also discourages elite players from going 'long term' and getting involved in weaker teams and risking missing out, meaning that our major events don't contribute to growing the sport outside the event (not that they have to, but it seems most people want us to do everything we can to grow the sport in the ongoing search for greater legitimacy).
Consistent apping also means that there is very little turnover in the players attending Nationals from year to year. If someone wants to crunch the numbers, that would be very interesting, but annecdotally you'd have to assume that somewhere upwards of 75% (quite possibly in the 85-90% range) of the people who attended Nationals 2010 would've attended Nationals 2009 and probably Nationals 2008 as well. We all know that going to Nationals is a great way to grow a journeyman player (and group of players) to the next level, and that this delivers on all fronts when that person gets back home. But equally, these group of people have a vested interest in the present system which shouldn't be ignored when thinking about this.
So the view for change here in the stately mansion is twofold.
A simple approach would be that AFDA could continue with the current caps as minimums, BUT if a host can provide a suitable venue and AFDA is confident they can do it, then AFDA should be willing to enlarge divisions. This needs to be done at the bidding stage. In weighing up bids, if there are differences between them as to the number of teams hosts can welcome, then this should be a factor in deciding. And when the successful host is announced, people need to be told then the number of teams that will be invited (ie several months out and well before players start preparing).
But here's something more daring. In future, AFDA could *require bidders* to describe how they would *concurrently* run Bashionals with Nationals.
Same host (or two hosts in partnership), same weekend (maybe only 2 or 3 days rather than 4), same admin including promotion, same social events (huge muthaflarking parties!), but using a separate venue within the same city - because deep down, its field availability that determines size, but players want to feel like they are part of something BUG. Bashionals becomes clearly Nationals Division 2. If it was keen enough, AFDA could even make Bashionals 'real' by shrinking Division 1 from 16 down to 12 teams (or 24 down to 16) for a few years to establish its numbers as well as making a clearly quality statement about both Div 1 and 2. And the winners of Div 2 could even an automatic Wildcard to Div 1 the following year or something.
Your thoughts welcome in the comments section below, but you can also email AFDA and State/Territory admin types with your constructive views - they love to hear about it.
We here in the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion of course (as you readers have no doubt come to expect) have some views, so we'll try to discuss over the next few weeks, starting with the size of Nats and Mixed Nats.
One of the things that regularly comes up is the size of Nationals and Mixed Nats. Since about 2005, the Open and Women's divisions at Nationals have been generally capped at 16 teams, and Mixed Nats at 24 teams. (There have been a few variations - Nationals 2006 allowed two WUCC-bound Masters Clubs expand the Open division to 18, and Mixed Nats this year grew to 28 because of the number of NSW teams wanting to go and the availability of field space. The Women's division also periodically doesn't fill its division.)
The reasoning for capping is generally two-fold. One is it builds the quality of play. As Ultimate grows, keeping the numbers at Nationals the same should see the quality of play continually improve because its frankly harder for chumpy players to get there (see Open Nats in 2003 and 2004). Without a cap, the event becomes a bit of a free-for-all, with a very wide range of talent involved, including near-beginner people who didn't know the rules etc etc (shocking eh?)
The second reason is to smooth out and support volunteers hosting the event. A routine size helps establish basic standards (eg you must have at least 9 fields to host Nats) and knowledge (eg you need to order this many discs). Volunteers (both hosts and AFDA) are always desperate for feedback (ie acknowledgement of their work) and Nationals players generally provide their feedback in terms of comparisons to other years, and negative feedback can be devastating, so there's a driver to try to do at least "the same as last year".
Keeping the cap steady is also powerful for establishing continuity from year to year (9th out of 16 is a definite improvement on 10th out of 16 the previous year, as opposed to being 9th out 12 one year and 10th out of 27 the following.) Having a clear and entrenched structure also helps people plan from year to year - they get to know the qualification system, the draw structure and so forth. This saves a lot of angst - people have appreciated the certainty in size we've had over the last six years. Good policy is by definition something you don't change often, after all.
Still, the other perspective is that its unfortunate that people who really want to go miss out on going to Nationals/Mixed Nats. If the sport is growing, why aren't our major events, after all? Ultimate is about including everyone we can and so forth.
And capping also discourages elite players from going 'long term' and getting involved in weaker teams and risking missing out, meaning that our major events don't contribute to growing the sport outside the event (not that they have to, but it seems most people want us to do everything we can to grow the sport in the ongoing search for greater legitimacy).
Consistent apping also means that there is very little turnover in the players attending Nationals from year to year. If someone wants to crunch the numbers, that would be very interesting, but annecdotally you'd have to assume that somewhere upwards of 75% (quite possibly in the 85-90% range) of the people who attended Nationals 2010 would've attended Nationals 2009 and probably Nationals 2008 as well. We all know that going to Nationals is a great way to grow a journeyman player (and group of players) to the next level, and that this delivers on all fronts when that person gets back home. But equally, these group of people have a vested interest in the present system which shouldn't be ignored when thinking about this.
So the view for change here in the stately mansion is twofold.
A simple approach would be that AFDA could continue with the current caps as minimums, BUT if a host can provide a suitable venue and AFDA is confident they can do it, then AFDA should be willing to enlarge divisions. This needs to be done at the bidding stage. In weighing up bids, if there are differences between them as to the number of teams hosts can welcome, then this should be a factor in deciding. And when the successful host is announced, people need to be told then the number of teams that will be invited (ie several months out and well before players start preparing).
But here's something more daring. In future, AFDA could *require bidders* to describe how they would *concurrently* run Bashionals with Nationals.
Same host (or two hosts in partnership), same weekend (maybe only 2 or 3 days rather than 4), same admin including promotion, same social events (huge muthaflarking parties!), but using a separate venue within the same city - because deep down, its field availability that determines size, but players want to feel like they are part of something BUG. Bashionals becomes clearly Nationals Division 2. If it was keen enough, AFDA could even make Bashionals 'real' by shrinking Division 1 from 16 down to 12 teams (or 24 down to 16) for a few years to establish its numbers as well as making a clearly quality statement about both Div 1 and 2. And the winners of Div 2 could even an automatic Wildcard to Div 1 the following year or something.
Your thoughts welcome in the comments section below, but you can also email AFDA and State/Territory admin types with your constructive views - they love to hear about it.
This One Time, At BUML, I Stuck My Flute ....
Official draw of course over on the official website (see Monday Night League on the link list over on the right there. But here's our artistic interpretation.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
'Scuse Me, While I Touch the (Big) Sky
It's not too late to get a run this Saturday!
As most of you will know there's a little tournament happening this Saturday called Big Sky 10's.
Along with being a fun day out in the sun it also has a more serious side in that it's being run as a fundraiser to help out Mike and Stacey Neild.
http://bigsky10s.blogspot.com/
Unfortunately one of the 12 teams registered has just pulled out leaving eleven teams and a vacant spot in a twelve team draw. Would be great if enough bodies rustled together to get a twelfth competing on the day.
The organisers have added a team to the AFDA rego page called "I'd like to play". So register yourself for the lucky dip!
http://www.afda.com/rego/showdivision.php?divisionid=1471
As most of you will know there's a little tournament happening this Saturday called Big Sky 10's.
Along with being a fun day out in the sun it also has a more serious side in that it's being run as a fundraiser to help out Mike and Stacey Neild.
http://bigsky10s.blogspot.com/
Unfortunately one of the 12 teams registered has just pulled out leaving eleven teams and a vacant spot in a twelve team draw. Would be great if enough bodies rustled together to get a twelfth competing on the day.
The organisers have added a team to the AFDA rego page called "I'd like to play". So register yourself for the lucky dip!
http://www.afda.com/rego/showdivision.php?divisionid=1471
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Its Kinda Easy, Being Green
So we haven't got the details here yet, but as the little sweetened birds return from Mixed Nationals, they tell me that the Heroes' own nugget-of-love, Dan Stelan, was recognised as AFDA Recruiter of the Year!
Hopefully the details will be up on the afda.com website some time this week, and no doubt the Heroes blog will be going nuts once they sober up this morning. But well done Dan, and this is presumably also a tribute to the work of the Heroes Ultimate Club in bringing new people into Ultimate.
Hopefully the details will be up on the afda.com website some time this week, and no doubt the Heroes blog will be going nuts once they sober up this morning. But well done Dan, and this is presumably also a tribute to the work of the Heroes Ultimate Club in bringing new people into Ultimate.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Fields Closed - Darnit!
BUML was taking a night off tonight, with many players returning or away with Mixed Nationals 2010 being held over the weekend.
But alas, tonight's planned pickup games at Griffith are cancelled as the fields have been closed following last night's rain. :(
Presumably the Heroes Club will invite you to go out socialising with them instead. :)
But alas, tonight's planned pickup games at Griffith are cancelled as the fields have been closed following last night's rain. :(
Presumably the Heroes Club will invite you to go out socialising with them instead. :)
QUDA Confirms - Go (Way) North Young Man!
QUDA President Matt Boevink confirmed today that Northern Regionals 2011 (the Open Division anyway) will be held in Townsville on the weekend of 19-20 February.
Matt is encouraging all eligible South-East Queensland (and northern NSW) young males to book their flights asap. "You'll get on a team - you just get yourself there!" Return flights are presently in the realm of $150-200.
Townsville are promising to host a Regionals to remember, offering billets and airport pickups to everyone and promising a hot hot party to remember.
Word on the street outside the Firestorm international headquarters were that a few folks were peeved at having to spend a few more precious bucks than expected for what they'd view as their 'automatic' entry to Nationals 2011. However, the flamers seem to have sucked that up with confirmation of the BCI in Canberra in March (between Regionals and Nationals - remember Nationals is three weeks early next year) and recognition they've got to qualify like everyone else. No word yet on Firestorm B, but it seems unlikely that the brains trust will be interested in bringing newer players along when their focus will be laser-tight on trying to bring home a medal at their home Nats. If you otherwise missed it, training starts on 2 November!
Our pals Corey and Jay up in Cairns reckon they'll be able to put the bones of a team together - but anyone from SEQ who's looking to give them a hand will be very welcome. Having such a major event only four hour's drive away may be what gets Cairns Ultimate permanently on the map!
Senior players on the Gold Coast face a tough decision very soon - try to gain a spot on the Firestorm team in pursuit of personal glory, or dig deep and get the Slamtown Flatball Club first to Townsville and then onto Nats. Any early decision here may be important in attracting Brisbane based players who are looking for an option other than Firestorm, although the ambitions of key personalities just over the border in Byron Bay may be influential in the end.
Those in Brisbane may also want to look towards the Heroes, who are also commiting to Regionals and hold genuine hopes of qualifying for Nationals. The Heroes Senior Executive (now properly elected and all) are putting together a strategic plan that will take the Heroes to World Clubs 2014 in Columbia, and the next six months will be vital to developing talent.
The big winners of course are the TownsVillains in gaining a local qualification event after spending the six previous years travelling south. Hosting what's effectively the State titles is a great headline in recruiting and promoting Ultimate in Townsville, and of course they'll be able to put the absolute best of their locals on the field. A 'Townsville B' team is planned too, so as to begin exposing the future of Townsville Ultimate to some high level competition.
QUDA has indicated at this stage that it expects to keep the Women's division in Brisbane.
It's all building up to Nationals 2011!
Matt is encouraging all eligible South-East Queensland (and northern NSW) young males to book their flights asap. "You'll get on a team - you just get yourself there!" Return flights are presently in the realm of $150-200.
Townsville are promising to host a Regionals to remember, offering billets and airport pickups to everyone and promising a hot hot party to remember.
Word on the street outside the Firestorm international headquarters were that a few folks were peeved at having to spend a few more precious bucks than expected for what they'd view as their 'automatic' entry to Nationals 2011. However, the flamers seem to have sucked that up with confirmation of the BCI in Canberra in March (between Regionals and Nationals - remember Nationals is three weeks early next year) and recognition they've got to qualify like everyone else. No word yet on Firestorm B, but it seems unlikely that the brains trust will be interested in bringing newer players along when their focus will be laser-tight on trying to bring home a medal at their home Nats. If you otherwise missed it, training starts on 2 November!
Our pals Corey and Jay up in Cairns reckon they'll be able to put the bones of a team together - but anyone from SEQ who's looking to give them a hand will be very welcome. Having such a major event only four hour's drive away may be what gets Cairns Ultimate permanently on the map!
Senior players on the Gold Coast face a tough decision very soon - try to gain a spot on the Firestorm team in pursuit of personal glory, or dig deep and get the Slamtown Flatball Club first to Townsville and then onto Nats. Any early decision here may be important in attracting Brisbane based players who are looking for an option other than Firestorm, although the ambitions of key personalities just over the border in Byron Bay may be influential in the end.
Those in Brisbane may also want to look towards the Heroes, who are also commiting to Regionals and hold genuine hopes of qualifying for Nationals. The Heroes Senior Executive (now properly elected and all) are putting together a strategic plan that will take the Heroes to World Clubs 2014 in Columbia, and the next six months will be vital to developing talent.
The big winners of course are the TownsVillains in gaining a local qualification event after spending the six previous years travelling south. Hosting what's effectively the State titles is a great headline in recruiting and promoting Ultimate in Townsville, and of course they'll be able to put the absolute best of their locals on the field. A 'Townsville B' team is planned too, so as to begin exposing the future of Townsville Ultimate to some high level competition.
QUDA has indicated at this stage that it expects to keep the Women's division in Brisbane.
It's all building up to Nationals 2011!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Mixed Nats Fireside Chat - with Big Hugh!
Editor's note - so in running short of time this week, we've neglected to post this interview! Obviously the Townsville Ultimate Blog is too focused on its upcoming League Finals to provide adequate coverage to the TownsVillains assault on the senses of the people of Bathurst. Anyway, here we go again.
Brisbane Ultimate Blog: Hi Hugh - thanks for coming in to talk about the TownsVillain's trip to Bathurst. How does the team think it will go?
Hugh: The team can field a relatively strong line and is the best team Townsville's produced for a Mixed Tournament with enough depth for a few really good lines, but still some new legs out there. For two of the players this will be their first ever tournament. Sadly we've lost the ever reliable Matt DeWitt only a week out as he's one of the best handlers Townsville's produced and we wish him well with his health.
BUB: How do you think the other Queensland teams will go?
Hugh: I've only had a cursory glance at the other 3 Queensland teams and I think I saw their results from Regional Qualification. I think John Doe will finish in the top 8 but the others don't look quite as strong. I think the Villains will be a better team than the other two Queensland teams just based on how we went against John Doe at Halibut, it was a pretty close result. However, their preparation and team structure will have improved dramatically since then.
BUB: Looking at the draw, who do you expect to beat?
Hugh: Our pool has recently been bumped up to 7 teams with the same number of top qualify places to go around so competition in the pool will be even more fierce. With challenging but potentially beatable teams at the start of both our pool days, these middle ranked teams will really decide how we finish the tournament. If we come out strong at the start of the day we could earn ourselves a higher spot.
We're hoping for a top 12 finish, and it would be a dream to finish in the top ten but realistically I think we'll be fighting hard in the 12 -16 bracket. Still a noble result if we get it. I think the new unknown challenges for our team will come from how we start the day, the larger pool and the loss of just one experienced player from the team.
BUB: Bathurst is slightly out of the way - is anyone on the team got any unusual travel plans?
Hugh: Bathurst has been a pain in the arse for those from Townsville to get to - its funny seeing people from frickin' Sydney or Melbourne whine! For us it's already difficult enough to get a team to afford the flights. University for most of the team is heating up so SADLY this doesn't leave anyone with any time or motivation to go on a exciting historical gold mine tour of the region or learn about the history of car racing. But still, we're sure Bathurst is going to be well worth getting too.
BUB: Let's talk party. Do your own thing, or team costume for the party?
Hugh: Party theme was announced only recently. We'll try and come up with a theme, but already having trouble thinking outside the box. Hopefully we get to sift for gold on the first morning with the late start and maybe that'll bring some inspiration.
BUB: Are your handlers, receivers, or defenders going to win games for you?
Hugh: One of the American pick-ups we've received this semester has been Shelby, he's gonna probably be used as a handler though would usually play mid or deep. At Halibut his gun flick against most zone defences either broke through them or sent rocket hucks to our speedsters who only had to outpace the deeps long. It'll be pretty hard to beat.
Deanna Finn is a newby and youngin' but is already understanding the immediacy of cutting and has good timing on her cuts both deep and long, with her speed it might see her wrack up a few points.
Obviously we've got the likes of Mike Larson who'll be doing much of the captaining of the team on the field, lots of insight into the other teams strengths/weaknesses will see some creativeness on D and O and will be interesting to have. Intense focus on shared goals from the whole team will be our real driving force and is what'll win the tight games for us.
BUB: Anyone carrying any injuries?
Hugh: Shelby recently rolled an ankle. Mike's feet are a bit fucked up. Sarah's done something to her knee. Chris did an ankle too. Hopefully we'll be right come Friday and we'll rest up when we get the chance. Then we'll battle the sore dancing feet and hangovers on Saturday and Sunday.
BUB: How much preparation has the team done?
Hugh: Team preparation has mostly involved improving fitness through playing hard points and using limited to no subs in the three local Ultimate Frisbee nights in the week as well as personal preparation.
The Townsville Royalty Hat was timed to coincide with preparation for the tournament and gave all our players a good run in the heat with almost no subs in general but even less for Mixed Nats players. It was placed two weeks out to give everyone time to recover.
As far as team tactics, a lot of clashing events took the wind out of the sails in the later part of preparation to implement anything too new but we'll play our game and we'll do it well.
BUB: Do Halibut or Lovefest results count for much?
Hugh: The Halibut result is encouraging. It was a slightly different team from what we have now but the core was similar.
BUB: Who do you like to play against more - ACT teams or SA teams?
Hugh: Don't really know. I think ACT would be nicer just because their top team we won't beat but we'd stand a chance at any lower than that just going off 2008 Mixed Nats results. I don't know much about SA teams but they look to have more depth, we're facing their number 1 seed as the top of our pool so we'll find out soon enough, no point intimidating ourselves beforehand.
BUB: Thanks Hugh - best of luck then!
Hugh: Can I just say, "Hi Simon!" And "Let's f$%king do it Townsville!"
Brisbane Ultimate Blog: Hi Hugh - thanks for coming in to talk about the TownsVillain's trip to Bathurst. How does the team think it will go?
Hugh: The team can field a relatively strong line and is the best team Townsville's produced for a Mixed Tournament with enough depth for a few really good lines, but still some new legs out there. For two of the players this will be their first ever tournament. Sadly we've lost the ever reliable Matt DeWitt only a week out as he's one of the best handlers Townsville's produced and we wish him well with his health.
BUB: How do you think the other Queensland teams will go?
Hugh: I've only had a cursory glance at the other 3 Queensland teams and I think I saw their results from Regional Qualification. I think John Doe will finish in the top 8 but the others don't look quite as strong. I think the Villains will be a better team than the other two Queensland teams just based on how we went against John Doe at Halibut, it was a pretty close result. However, their preparation and team structure will have improved dramatically since then.
BUB: Looking at the draw, who do you expect to beat?
Hugh: Our pool has recently been bumped up to 7 teams with the same number of top qualify places to go around so competition in the pool will be even more fierce. With challenging but potentially beatable teams at the start of both our pool days, these middle ranked teams will really decide how we finish the tournament. If we come out strong at the start of the day we could earn ourselves a higher spot.
We're hoping for a top 12 finish, and it would be a dream to finish in the top ten but realistically I think we'll be fighting hard in the 12 -16 bracket. Still a noble result if we get it. I think the new unknown challenges for our team will come from how we start the day, the larger pool and the loss of just one experienced player from the team.
BUB: Bathurst is slightly out of the way - is anyone on the team got any unusual travel plans?
Hugh: Bathurst has been a pain in the arse for those from Townsville to get to - its funny seeing people from frickin' Sydney or Melbourne whine! For us it's already difficult enough to get a team to afford the flights. University for most of the team is heating up so SADLY this doesn't leave anyone with any time or motivation to go on a exciting historical gold mine tour of the region or learn about the history of car racing. But still, we're sure Bathurst is going to be well worth getting too.
BUB: Let's talk party. Do your own thing, or team costume for the party?
Hugh: Party theme was announced only recently. We'll try and come up with a theme, but already having trouble thinking outside the box. Hopefully we get to sift for gold on the first morning with the late start and maybe that'll bring some inspiration.
BUB: Are your handlers, receivers, or defenders going to win games for you?
Hugh: One of the American pick-ups we've received this semester has been Shelby, he's gonna probably be used as a handler though would usually play mid or deep. At Halibut his gun flick against most zone defences either broke through them or sent rocket hucks to our speedsters who only had to outpace the deeps long. It'll be pretty hard to beat.
Deanna Finn is a newby and youngin' but is already understanding the immediacy of cutting and has good timing on her cuts both deep and long, with her speed it might see her wrack up a few points.
Obviously we've got the likes of Mike Larson who'll be doing much of the captaining of the team on the field, lots of insight into the other teams strengths/weaknesses will see some creativeness on D and O and will be interesting to have. Intense focus on shared goals from the whole team will be our real driving force and is what'll win the tight games for us.
BUB: Anyone carrying any injuries?
Hugh: Shelby recently rolled an ankle. Mike's feet are a bit fucked up. Sarah's done something to her knee. Chris did an ankle too. Hopefully we'll be right come Friday and we'll rest up when we get the chance. Then we'll battle the sore dancing feet and hangovers on Saturday and Sunday.
BUB: How much preparation has the team done?
Hugh: Team preparation has mostly involved improving fitness through playing hard points and using limited to no subs in the three local Ultimate Frisbee nights in the week as well as personal preparation.
The Townsville Royalty Hat was timed to coincide with preparation for the tournament and gave all our players a good run in the heat with almost no subs in general but even less for Mixed Nats players. It was placed two weeks out to give everyone time to recover.
As far as team tactics, a lot of clashing events took the wind out of the sails in the later part of preparation to implement anything too new but we'll play our game and we'll do it well.
BUB: Do Halibut or Lovefest results count for much?
Hugh: The Halibut result is encouraging. It was a slightly different team from what we have now but the core was similar.
BUB: Who do you like to play against more - ACT teams or SA teams?
Hugh: Don't really know. I think ACT would be nicer just because their top team we won't beat but we'd stand a chance at any lower than that just going off 2008 Mixed Nats results. I don't know much about SA teams but they look to have more depth, we're facing their number 1 seed as the top of our pool so we'll find out soon enough, no point intimidating ourselves beforehand.
BUB: Thanks Hugh - best of luck then!
Hugh: Can I just say, "Hi Simon!" And "Let's f$%king do it Townsville!"
Nice Photoshopping There
Mixed Nats has started!
Livescoring is available. Don't forget them southerners are on daylight savings time.
There's also some stuff being shown via youtube. Alas, we can't see it at our present location, but post any tips in the comments!
We love the tinkering on this profile shot of our pal Reece.
We should also point to the full preview over at Forcesideline!
Livescoring is available. Don't forget them southerners are on daylight savings time.
There's also some stuff being shown via youtube. Alas, we can't see it at our present location, but post any tips in the comments!
We love the tinkering on this profile shot of our pal Reece.
We should also point to the full preview over at Forcesideline!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ok, Let's (Quickly) Talk Mixed Nationals 2010
[Editors Note - This mammoth post has gotten out of control and we're out of time to finish it properly. Apologies for this. But given the work that's gone into it, we'll leave aside our usual quality controls and post it anyway. Apologies again for those who don't get the attention they deserve]
So earlier this week, Nat and Tati and child and the QUDA trailer set off forBethlehem we mean Bathurst for the promised land of Mixed Nationals 2010 (is that enough mixing of metaphors for you?), and thereby flagging the start of the exodus (dig that Bible as a cultural touchstone) that leave those of us who can't go missing out on League games at BPL and WUFL this Thursday, and BUML next Monday (although there'll be pickup available instead).
Anyway, enough gripes, let's check out the tournament and who we're sending.
Mixed Nats 2010 is being hosted once again by the fantastically well organised Hills Ultimate Club, based out of Western Sydney. They're holding the event in Bathurst because its practically impossible to find a suitable venue in overcrowded Sydney. In contrast, regional centres have the space and moreso are exceptionally welcoming to the idea of a bunch of nice frisbee players coming to spend thousands of dollars locally.
Apparently there's been some whining about going to Bathurst, but the BUB totally supports the venue, and reminds the whiners that nobody is forcing them to go.
Anyway, Mixed Nats is a three day tournament, this year featuring 26 teams. The draw is over here and essentially starts with four pools through the first day and a half. After that the top team in each of the four pools go direct to quarterfinals. The teams that came second and third in each pool cross over to battle for the remaining quarterfinal places. And those eight teams battle it out from there. There's a similar structure for the bottom half of the draw.
Queensland is sending four teams to battle for Mixed supremacy over 20 or so other teams from around the joint, which includes NZ this year.
John Doe - "Eeeeere we go!"
John Doe is the top ranked South Queensland team, and goes to the tournament seeded 11th overall and into Pool D. The Does have prepared with a heavy training schedule, and championships from the Queensland Qualifier and Halibut under their belts. Under their belts is also where they keep those loud loud shorts that Maylin's teams keep coming up with.
Day one should start relatively smoothly against Mr Burns' Casino who came eighth in the NSW Championships, despite a solid build-up via Halibut. But things will toughen up real quick and spotters will be making their predictions on John Does' final resting place when they face NSW number two's Jericho Turnpick Bandits and Canberra's best in Team Happy . A hard hard first day is then finished with a fourth game, this one against Tasmania's finest LOG! The Musical(featuring Huddy) who are seeded 14th based largely on their effort at Mixed Nats 2009, and which may well determine who goes through to the pre-quaters and who doesn't.
If exhaustion allows them, the team will party hard that night, before returning to face The Incredibles (SA's third ranked team, seeded 19th) then finishing up Pool D against locals the Bathurst Bulls (26)
Sugar - seeded 16th Pool B
Joyfully start the tournament on Friday morning with a game against top seed 1980 (the gag is all the players on the team were born in 1980) as a warmup. Dusty doesn't get out of bed to piss for this kind of stuff, but hopefully they'll still score a few points thanks to Paul. Sugar then sweeten up against eighth seed Friskee (NSW3) and Megapussi from the North Island of the Eastern Territories (aka NZ). Sadly, I think we can suspect that the NZ teams are all seeded very low. Day 2 should be a bit easier but more vital in terms of the eventual placing in the tournament, against South Australia's Ultimate Evolution then the big battle against Bender.
UQ Ultimate Lovers - seeded 18th Pool C
It all depends on Nathan's clutch. The pool is also smaller giving less margin for error. Day 1 against seventh seed Funny Duck (Vic 2), half of Newcastle Pie, Canberra B aka SOMA. Day 2 is against second seed and top Victorian team Moredisco, and Warpath.
Townsvillains - seeded 20th (top seed from North Queensland) Pool E
Their first two games are really must win, against middle to low range NSW teams the Mix Masters, Wagon and Special Cause, before finishing Friday against Hills who will be tired but still very deep and strong and probably whip some exhausted Villains we're afraid.
Day 2 is against an underseeded Blacksheep of NZ, and then it'll be time to get out the Gargamel outfits for the game again the best of South Australia in Smurf.
BEST OF LUCK QUEENSLAND, and make sure you have fun and mix it up if you can.
Special kudos also to the Hills Ultimate Club, who are now pretty much the default organising committee for any major tournament you'd care to think of.
Party Theme is Golden. I shudder to think the number of folks who're going to turn up in shower curtains.
So earlier this week, Nat and Tati and child and the QUDA trailer set off for
Anyway, enough gripes, let's check out the tournament and who we're sending.
Mixed Nats 2010 is being hosted once again by the fantastically well organised Hills Ultimate Club, based out of Western Sydney. They're holding the event in Bathurst because its practically impossible to find a suitable venue in overcrowded Sydney. In contrast, regional centres have the space and moreso are exceptionally welcoming to the idea of a bunch of nice frisbee players coming to spend thousands of dollars locally.
Apparently there's been some whining about going to Bathurst, but the BUB totally supports the venue, and reminds the whiners that nobody is forcing them to go.
Anyway, Mixed Nats is a three day tournament, this year featuring 26 teams. The draw is over here and essentially starts with four pools through the first day and a half. After that the top team in each of the four pools go direct to quarterfinals. The teams that came second and third in each pool cross over to battle for the remaining quarterfinal places. And those eight teams battle it out from there. There's a similar structure for the bottom half of the draw.
Queensland is sending four teams to battle for Mixed supremacy over 20 or so other teams from around the joint, which includes NZ this year.
John Doe - "Eeeeere we go!"
John Doe is the top ranked South Queensland team, and goes to the tournament seeded 11th overall and into Pool D. The Does have prepared with a heavy training schedule, and championships from the Queensland Qualifier and Halibut under their belts. Under their belts is also where they keep those loud loud shorts that Maylin's teams keep coming up with.
Day one should start relatively smoothly against Mr Burns' Casino who came eighth in the NSW Championships, despite a solid build-up via Halibut. But things will toughen up real quick and spotters will be making their predictions on John Does' final resting place when they face NSW number two's Jericho Turnpick Bandits and Canberra's best in Team Happy . A hard hard first day is then finished with a fourth game, this one against Tasmania's finest LOG! The Musical(featuring Huddy) who are seeded 14th based largely on their effort at Mixed Nats 2009, and which may well determine who goes through to the pre-quaters and who doesn't.
If exhaustion allows them, the team will party hard that night, before returning to face The Incredibles (SA's third ranked team, seeded 19th) then finishing up Pool D against locals the Bathurst Bulls (26)
Sugar - seeded 16th Pool B
Joyfully start the tournament on Friday morning with a game against top seed 1980 (the gag is all the players on the team were born in 1980) as a warmup. Dusty doesn't get out of bed to piss for this kind of stuff, but hopefully they'll still score a few points thanks to Paul. Sugar then sweeten up against eighth seed Friskee (NSW3) and Megapussi from the North Island of the Eastern Territories (aka NZ). Sadly, I think we can suspect that the NZ teams are all seeded very low. Day 2 should be a bit easier but more vital in terms of the eventual placing in the tournament, against South Australia's Ultimate Evolution then the big battle against Bender.
UQ Ultimate Lovers - seeded 18th Pool C
It all depends on Nathan's clutch. The pool is also smaller giving less margin for error. Day 1 against seventh seed Funny Duck (Vic 2), half of Newcastle Pie, Canberra B aka SOMA. Day 2 is against second seed and top Victorian team Moredisco, and Warpath.
Townsvillains - seeded 20th (top seed from North Queensland) Pool E
Their first two games are really must win, against middle to low range NSW teams the Mix Masters, Wagon and Special Cause, before finishing Friday against Hills who will be tired but still very deep and strong and probably whip some exhausted Villains we're afraid.
Day 2 is against an underseeded Blacksheep of NZ, and then it'll be time to get out the Gargamel outfits for the game again the best of South Australia in Smurf.
BEST OF LUCK QUEENSLAND, and make sure you have fun and mix it up if you can.
Special kudos also to the Hills Ultimate Club, who are now pretty much the default organising committee for any major tournament you'd care to think of.
Party Theme is Golden. I shudder to think the number of folks who're going to turn up in shower curtains.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
BUB Fireside Chat with AFDA Secretary Mel
Welcome back to BUB Fireside Chats!
Once again, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog confirms its place in the absolute stratosphere of Ultimate Frisbee and Internet-related flam-flimmery by gaining an EXCLUSIVE interview with one of the shining, nay, let us say, BLAZING lights of the Australian Ultimate firmament, Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA - our national body) Secretary Mel Gangemi.
Brisbane Ultimate Blog: All praise to AFDA *genuflects* and kisses the Secretarial pinkie ring.
Mel: Settle down there.
BUB: Sorry, we’re just a bit overwhelmed.
Mel: You shouldn’t be! We’re very approachable in the AFDA.
BUB: Ok, we’ve contained ourselves again. But thanks for agreeing to the interview, especially with Mixed Nats coming up this weekend.
Mel: You’re welcome. It’s great to have someone interested in what we’re up to, and willing to spend some time finding out! Of course, we’ll have a few exciting bits of AFDA info to share at Mixed Nats this weekend!
BUB: Yes, we’re looking forward to seeing if Badman’s Birthday Bash scoops the pool again. Yeah Bads!
Anyway, we’d better ask you some questions, but first, perhaps for those who’s horizon’s don’t stretch far beyond Brisbane, you could tell us a little about yourself?
Mel: Well, where to start. While it’s hard to think of a life before Ultimate, I’ve been playing Ultimate now for about ten years. It all started at the University of Sydney, and has continued more recently in Melbourne, in particular with the wonderful women’s team Honey.
While some may be in shock that I have a life outside of Ultimate, I work as a lawyer for the Australian Government Solicitor. However, much of my non-work hours are spent playing, socialising and administrating Ultimate - nowadays in my role as the Secretary of the AFDA.
BUB: That sounds pretty important. Is it like those dudes who run the Unions and stuff? Are you the Jenny George or Greg Combet?
Mel: Not quite. Being AFDA Secretary doesn’t put you on the fast track to a plumb seat in Parliament with the Labor party.
However, there are a number of important things I do as AFDA Secretary. The Secretary is the AFDA Director charged with overseeing the organisation’s operations. Much of this is performed by the wonderful Mr Simon Wood, who I work closely with to ensure that we respond to correspondence, maintain our insurance, liaise with stakeholders like the ASC and so on.
The Secretary also oversees other core activities such as the AFDA AGM, preparation of the AFDA Annual Report, AFDA Awards, AFDA policies, codes of conduct, membership agreements and more.
BUB: So is “Director of Operations” code for “key paper pusher”?
Mel: I’d like to think that I do a pretty awesome job at pushing that paper BUB.
BUB: But – I don’t see that much paper on the Ultimate field?
Mel: That’s right BUB – we have eight directors on the AFDA Board and some directors focus more on Ultimate playing (e.g. Piers Truter as Director of High Performance, John Hempel as Director of Events and Luisa Fearnside as Director of Development). Other directors such as our Treasurer (Carlie Ryan) and Director of Marketing (Paul Keighley) focus more on the tools we need to promote and grow the playing side of things.
BUB: When you first joined the Board you were living in Sin City – but are now in Melbourne – how does it work with the Board and the AFDA’s employees spread so far across the country?
Mel: Surprisingly well! For a community of nerds, we are all pretty IT saavy and run most of our dealings by email. Important decisions are conducted by on-line poll, and teleconferences run through Skype or equivalent. Wander past a laneway cafe in Melbourne on the way to work, and you’re likely to find me enjoying the brew and dealing with AFDA Business.
BUB: Is it true what they say about Melbourne coffee?
Mel: Only positive things can be said about Melbourne.
BUB: Even Melbourne weather?
Mel: Did you say something?
BUB: So what’s on the immediate horizon for the AFDA at the moment? Say like between now and the end of the year?
Mel: Well, for our players, Mixed Nationals is this weekend of course, with approximately 400 of our members making the trek out to Bathurst this year. Apart from determining the best team in the country, the AFDA will also be announcing the recipients of the second round of grants from its grants program as well the recipients of the AFDA Awards for 2010.
Then, over the weekend of 13-14 November, the AFDA Administrators’ Conference is to be held in Melbourne – which is probably the highlight of the AFDA Calendar. The conference, which is held annually, brings together key administrators from each of the State Associations and the AFDA together in one place. We get to share ideas and discuss problems that face each association. We also get to work out how we can do things better. And sing some mean karaoke along the way.
BUB: Isn’t this just one big talk fest? Or do things happen?
Mel: Well, last year – our State Associations indicated that they wanted more help with administration. In response, the AFDA employed Anna Haynes as our Development Officer. Anna has been working with each of the states to improve their governance, as well as provide on the ground support.
BUB: And just back to Mixed Nats for a second (and totally off-topic from AFDA-stuff). Your team has landed top seed thanks to an outstanding effort at the NSW Championships. Does this say anything about the strength of having a restrictive selection policy?
Mel: There are certainly plenty of monkeys on the team. But I think most people will agree that the field at Mixed Nats this year is wide open. It’ll all come down to who plays well on the day – reputations won’t matter for much. The top NSW teams of course look strong – MCMLXXX and Jericho – and SA1 – Smurf – will be looking to build on their excellent performance at World Clubs. MegaPussi of NZ will be another team to look out for....both on and off the field.
BUB: Ok, now Mel, as you know you’re a bit of a celebrity in Ultimate circles … stop blushing, its true … so we should do a proper bit of quizzing so that your fans can know how they can best be like you.
Mel: Oh gosh.
BUB: Favourite throw?
Mel: Are you trying to exploit all my secrets? I’ve always liked a good I/O forehand.
BUB: Favourite person to receive your throw?
Mel: Any one of the lovely Honey ladies. There’s nothing like a good honey pass.
BUB: How do you like to score?
Mel: Enough with the innuendo. Surely Brisbane Ultimate has more exciting things to ponder....
BUB: No, we're all about the scoring here. But next, favourite annual tournament?
Mel: Halibut of course!
BUB: Woo – 10 points there Mel - what a pollie! And what’s your favourite pre-tournament breakfast?
Mel: I’m a weetbix kid. I took a stash with me to Prague this year.
BUB: Relationship status?
Mel: I’ve been married for the past four years to the ever-patient Tim. I’m not sure if I should read anything into the fact that Tim’s been living in the US on secondment for the past few months.....
BUB: All hail TIM! And what will you be wearing to the party at Mixed Nats?
Mel: I have the gold sequined cowboy hat lurking in my fancy dress box is firming as my likely attire.
BUB: Lucky Tim! ;) Who’s your tip to win this season of the Brisbane Premier League?
Mel: Looking at the leader-board, it’s a tight competition, and certainly very strong in the self-promotion if those websites are any indication. But, everyone in Melbourne is still talking about Collingwood’s flag, so perhaps it will be the season for Dojo Mojo.
BUB: Favourite Ultimate website?
Mel: Why, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog of course!
BUB: Right you are there! Well, I guess we’re nearly out of time, but have you got anything else you’d like to add?
Mel: Thanks for asking me to come onto the BUB. It’s been swell!
BUB: Thanks again Mel!
And with that, Mel returned to the gold-plated AFDA Force 2 hovercraft, and darted off …
Mel and others will no doubt be monitoring the comments section - so why not pose your own questions? And let us know who else you think we should be grilling next time!
Once again, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog confirms its place in the absolute stratosphere of Ultimate Frisbee and Internet-related flam-flimmery by gaining an EXCLUSIVE interview with one of the shining, nay, let us say, BLAZING lights of the Australian Ultimate firmament, Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA - our national body) Secretary Mel Gangemi.
Brisbane Ultimate Blog: All praise to AFDA *genuflects* and kisses the Secretarial pinkie ring.
Mel: Settle down there.
BUB: Sorry, we’re just a bit overwhelmed.
Mel: You shouldn’t be! We’re very approachable in the AFDA.
BUB: Ok, we’ve contained ourselves again. But thanks for agreeing to the interview, especially with Mixed Nats coming up this weekend.
Mel: You’re welcome. It’s great to have someone interested in what we’re up to, and willing to spend some time finding out! Of course, we’ll have a few exciting bits of AFDA info to share at Mixed Nats this weekend!
BUB: Yes, we’re looking forward to seeing if Badman’s Birthday Bash scoops the pool again. Yeah Bads!
Anyway, we’d better ask you some questions, but first, perhaps for those who’s horizon’s don’t stretch far beyond Brisbane, you could tell us a little about yourself?
Mel: Well, where to start. While it’s hard to think of a life before Ultimate, I’ve been playing Ultimate now for about ten years. It all started at the University of Sydney, and has continued more recently in Melbourne, in particular with the wonderful women’s team Honey.
While some may be in shock that I have a life outside of Ultimate, I work as a lawyer for the Australian Government Solicitor. However, much of my non-work hours are spent playing, socialising and administrating Ultimate - nowadays in my role as the Secretary of the AFDA.
BUB: That sounds pretty important. Is it like those dudes who run the Unions and stuff? Are you the Jenny George or Greg Combet?
Mel: Not quite. Being AFDA Secretary doesn’t put you on the fast track to a plumb seat in Parliament with the Labor party.
However, there are a number of important things I do as AFDA Secretary. The Secretary is the AFDA Director charged with overseeing the organisation’s operations. Much of this is performed by the wonderful Mr Simon Wood, who I work closely with to ensure that we respond to correspondence, maintain our insurance, liaise with stakeholders like the ASC and so on.
The Secretary also oversees other core activities such as the AFDA AGM, preparation of the AFDA Annual Report, AFDA Awards, AFDA policies, codes of conduct, membership agreements and more.
BUB: So is “Director of Operations” code for “key paper pusher”?
Mel: I’d like to think that I do a pretty awesome job at pushing that paper BUB.
BUB: But – I don’t see that much paper on the Ultimate field?
Mel: That’s right BUB – we have eight directors on the AFDA Board and some directors focus more on Ultimate playing (e.g. Piers Truter as Director of High Performance, John Hempel as Director of Events and Luisa Fearnside as Director of Development). Other directors such as our Treasurer (Carlie Ryan) and Director of Marketing (Paul Keighley) focus more on the tools we need to promote and grow the playing side of things.
BUB: When you first joined the Board you were living in Sin City – but are now in Melbourne – how does it work with the Board and the AFDA’s employees spread so far across the country?
Mel: Surprisingly well! For a community of nerds, we are all pretty IT saavy and run most of our dealings by email. Important decisions are conducted by on-line poll, and teleconferences run through Skype or equivalent. Wander past a laneway cafe in Melbourne on the way to work, and you’re likely to find me enjoying the brew and dealing with AFDA Business.
BUB: Is it true what they say about Melbourne coffee?
Mel: Only positive things can be said about Melbourne.
BUB: Even Melbourne weather?
Mel: Did you say something?
BUB: So what’s on the immediate horizon for the AFDA at the moment? Say like between now and the end of the year?
Mel: Well, for our players, Mixed Nationals is this weekend of course, with approximately 400 of our members making the trek out to Bathurst this year. Apart from determining the best team in the country, the AFDA will also be announcing the recipients of the second round of grants from its grants program as well the recipients of the AFDA Awards for 2010.
Then, over the weekend of 13-14 November, the AFDA Administrators’ Conference is to be held in Melbourne – which is probably the highlight of the AFDA Calendar. The conference, which is held annually, brings together key administrators from each of the State Associations and the AFDA together in one place. We get to share ideas and discuss problems that face each association. We also get to work out how we can do things better. And sing some mean karaoke along the way.
BUB: Isn’t this just one big talk fest? Or do things happen?
Mel: Well, last year – our State Associations indicated that they wanted more help with administration. In response, the AFDA employed Anna Haynes as our Development Officer. Anna has been working with each of the states to improve their governance, as well as provide on the ground support.
BUB: And just back to Mixed Nats for a second (and totally off-topic from AFDA-stuff). Your team has landed top seed thanks to an outstanding effort at the NSW Championships. Does this say anything about the strength of having a restrictive selection policy?
Mel: There are certainly plenty of monkeys on the team. But I think most people will agree that the field at Mixed Nats this year is wide open. It’ll all come down to who plays well on the day – reputations won’t matter for much. The top NSW teams of course look strong – MCMLXXX and Jericho – and SA1 – Smurf – will be looking to build on their excellent performance at World Clubs. MegaPussi of NZ will be another team to look out for....both on and off the field.
BUB: Ok, now Mel, as you know you’re a bit of a celebrity in Ultimate circles … stop blushing, its true … so we should do a proper bit of quizzing so that your fans can know how they can best be like you.
Mel: Oh gosh.
BUB: Favourite throw?
Mel: Are you trying to exploit all my secrets? I’ve always liked a good I/O forehand.
BUB: Favourite person to receive your throw?
Mel: Any one of the lovely Honey ladies. There’s nothing like a good honey pass.
BUB: How do you like to score?
Mel: Enough with the innuendo. Surely Brisbane Ultimate has more exciting things to ponder....
BUB: No, we're all about the scoring here. But next, favourite annual tournament?
Mel: Halibut of course!
BUB: Woo – 10 points there Mel - what a pollie! And what’s your favourite pre-tournament breakfast?
Mel: I’m a weetbix kid. I took a stash with me to Prague this year.
BUB: Relationship status?
Mel: I’ve been married for the past four years to the ever-patient Tim. I’m not sure if I should read anything into the fact that Tim’s been living in the US on secondment for the past few months.....
BUB: All hail TIM! And what will you be wearing to the party at Mixed Nats?
Mel: I have the gold sequined cowboy hat lurking in my fancy dress box is firming as my likely attire.
BUB: Lucky Tim! ;) Who’s your tip to win this season of the Brisbane Premier League?
Mel: Looking at the leader-board, it’s a tight competition, and certainly very strong in the self-promotion if those websites are any indication. But, everyone in Melbourne is still talking about Collingwood’s flag, so perhaps it will be the season for Dojo Mojo.
BUB: Favourite Ultimate website?
Mel: Why, the Brisbane Ultimate Blog of course!
BUB: Right you are there! Well, I guess we’re nearly out of time, but have you got anything else you’d like to add?
Mel: Thanks for asking me to come onto the BUB. It’s been swell!
BUB: Thanks again Mel!
And with that, Mel returned to the gold-plated AFDA Force 2 hovercraft, and darted off …
Mel and others will no doubt be monitoring the comments section - so why not pose your own questions? And let us know who else you think we should be grilling next time!
Monday, October 18, 2010
The What-Now? Oh Yeah, That BUML Thing I Was Talking About ...
We're not too sure that people even know what Monday night Ultimate looks like at the moment, having lost so many recent nights due to rain. But checking out our advanced weather station on the roof of the stately Brisbane Ultimate Blog mansion, we can see its been sunny all weekend, and is sunny today, so we figure people will be all over it like Oprah on a ham.
The official draws are of course over here and here, but we've reproduced below for those who like their colour or the chance to tip their teams.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Getting All Billy Bragg On Your Bottom
So the good commisars of Union of Socialist Canberrean Ultimate have confirmed the move of DisKapital from January to November, and are inviting everyone from Brisbane, indeed Australia wide, to head on down for some good old communist-themed (ie hat - from each according to his ability, to each according to his feet) Ultimate Frisbee tournament play. Just in case you don't get the pun in the tournament's name, check out here (as opposed to here).
Canberra and DisKapital are famous for its man-of-steel (some say, Stalinesque) style of play that saw one guy spend three days afterwards in intensive care (no laughing matter). Thankfully they've eased back on the tractor throttle a bit, I think because Leon (not Trotsky, the other one) is otherwise engaged updating his facebook status. Rumours that you can only play with your left hand are unfounded.
It's the weekend after Badman's Birthday Bash to maybe you can string together some sort of road trip. You could probably peristroika pretty easily from Byron to Canberra that week too! Test out your systems for BCI3 as well.
DisKapital 2010 - Remember the Shitsu Tonka!
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2010
Canberra
Rego over here.
Canberra and DisKapital are famous for its man-of-steel (some say, Stalinesque) style of play that saw one guy spend three days afterwards in intensive care (no laughing matter). Thankfully they've eased back on the tractor throttle a bit, I think because Leon (not Trotsky, the other one) is otherwise engaged updating his facebook status. Rumours that you can only play with your left hand are unfounded.
It's the weekend after Badman's Birthday Bash to maybe you can string together some sort of road trip. You could probably peristroika pretty easily from Byron to Canberra that week too! Test out your systems for BCI3 as well.
DisKapital 2010 - Remember the Shitsu Tonka!
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2010
Canberra
Rego over here.
Friday, October 15, 2010
WUFL Results - 2010/2 Round 6
Round 6 Results
Moulin Rouge 14 defeated Titanium Nachos 4
Missfire 7 drew with Wonder Women 7
Moulin Rouge 14 defeated Titanium Nachos 4
Missfire 7 drew with Wonder Women 7
BPL Results - 2010/2 Round 8
Round 8 Results
UQ Lovers 13 defeated Moreton Bay Buggers 12
Slamtown 15 defeated Heroes 4
Dojo Mojo 14 defeated Cobras 11
Competition Ladder following Round 8
1. UQ Lovers - 19pts
1. Dojo - 19pts
3. MBB - 17pts
4. Cobras - 16pts
5. SFC - 15pts
6. Heroes - 8pts
Spirit Table will be updated when the data is available.
Round 9 Draw - 28/10/10 - Note No Games Next Week
Field 1 - UQ Lovers v Dojo Mojo
Field 2 - Cobras v Heroes
Field 3 - Moreton Bay Buggers v Slamtown
UQ Lovers 13 defeated Moreton Bay Buggers 12
Slamtown 15 defeated Heroes 4
Dojo Mojo 14 defeated Cobras 11
Competition Ladder following Round 8
1. UQ Lovers - 19pts
1. Dojo - 19pts
3. MBB - 17pts
4. Cobras - 16pts
5. SFC - 15pts
6. Heroes - 8pts
Spirit Table will be updated when the data is available.
Round 9 Draw - 28/10/10 - Note No Games Next Week
Field 1 - UQ Lovers v Dojo Mojo
Field 2 - Cobras v Heroes
Field 3 - Moreton Bay Buggers v Slamtown
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Two Events You'd be Totally 27-Cat Crazy to Miss
These really are two essential tournaments (although we don't want to oversell them and see them overrun by undesirables ...)
Big Sky 10’s
At the Gap Soccer Club
On Sat 30th October
Website: http://bigsky10s.blogspot.com/
Rego: http://www.afda.com/rego/showdivision.php?divisionid=1471
Badman’s Birthday Surf and Turf Bash (Stef’s Birthday Too)
At the Belongil Fields at Byron Bay
On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November (but be there on Friday night)
Website: http://www.afda.com/showtournament.php?tournamentid=722
Rego: http://www.afda.com/rego/showteam.php?teamid=8585
Big Sky 10’s
At the Gap Soccer Club
On Sat 30th October
Website: http://bigsky10s.blogspot.com/
Rego: http://www.afda.com/rego/showdivision.php?divisionid=1471
Badman’s Birthday Surf and Turf Bash (Stef’s Birthday Too)
At the Belongil Fields at Byron Bay
On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November (but be there on Friday night)
Website: http://www.afda.com/showtournament.php?tournamentid=722
Rego: http://www.afda.com/rego/showteam.php?teamid=8585
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