Sunday Pick Up

So if you are like me then you haven't touched a disc all week or even longer and you just want to get out and play. Here is your chance. 

Free pickup Sunday from 4PM til dark at QUT Kelvin Grove! Work of the christmas lunch and get out and play some ultimate. We will be there even if it is raining. 

Easy to get to - if you're catching a bus, just get to Cultural Centre or King George Square and catch a 330 or 333 to QUT Kelvin Grove; or if you're driving, just park in the huge carpark on Sports lane here: http://goo.gl/maps/slcE9
Bring your cleated boots, white and dark shirt, plenty of water and SUNSCREEN.
See you there!
Jangles
Call me if you have any questions 0424 037 797

BPL Grand Final

So given my bias for the final I thought I would call in an expert to help me break down the final. Unfortunately no one would answer the call so I had to settle for "Mr Nice" himself Pete Allen

What do you like about the Bugs offence?

The Bugs offence has transitioned in the seasons since Mike and JRay to be a lot more dependent on the short running game and all round team effort. That being said, they have got the most consistent thrower in Australian ultimate at their disposal in Buzz, who will always be ready to take that shot and more often than not it will be served on a platter. Hard running is the name of the game this season with Bugs, focussing on simple yet effective plans. Against a zone, they will have Jangles popping along with a few others lending a hand and that hammer to the weak side is always an option with Buzz around.

Where will the bugs struggle on offence?

Although they are hard running and quite efficient, with the large amount of pressure that Slamtown is capable of applying to them with their man D and zone D alike, they may have the propensity to make simple errors. The few less experienced or those who have been sitting a bit idle of late may be just that weakness that is exploited. They will fare well with decisive cutting and attacking every single disc, but even one single slow approach to the disc could present that opportunity that Slammers are only too willing to take.

What would you recommend the bugs do on D?

The Bugs defence has proven to be quite effective this season, there is no real secret to it really. They don’t do anything out of the ordinary or special in any way (well if they do it’s not obvious). They just stick to the basics; hold a force, take away the unders and get to the contests. Any zone they put on is done to apply pressure and does so quite well. Against, Slamtown, this may work well, but they are going to have be very close to their man at all times because when that huck comes (which it will pretty much every point, especially if Kalin gets his hands on the disc), they are going to need to be there in numbers to prevent the plethora of Slamtown receivers from taking easy catches. In my opinion, you know pretty much exactly who on Slamtown is going to huck it and when, so if you are aware of who and where the disc is you can go help out when it comes.

Who are the Bugs Key players?

There are obvious Bugs players who are key to their game and have been there when they win this season. Buzz, obviously is a key handler, and Slamtown will struggle to shut him down even when they try their darndest. Jangles will be running constantly and in straight lines all over the field. But it is going to come down to who can get some important blocks throughout the game and here I think it falls down to 3 or 4 players, who will have to step up. Trevor, Special, Twebb and Matt Ryan. Trevor has shown glimpses of being a game changer when he wants too, Special has been doing it for years quietly, Twebb has the athleticism and Matt has the Tenacity.  These guys will be required to mark the downfield players when those bombs come and get in front and above their marks to take down the stuff that will come their way.

What do you like about the Slammers offence?

Slamtowns rise over the past few years has been quite obvious to all, and it is ongoing, even after a stumble at the start of this season. The basis of this rise is having a group of players that play with each regularly at leagues, tournaments and ... elsewhere. One of the things that stems from this knowledge of each other is their willingness to take shots from anywhere on the park to anywhere on the park and trust their receivers will bring it down (bit like how most previous teams who have won BPL have done). Also helping this is having some great throwers in aL and Abra, and some others that keep defence on their toes (Kalin), and then others that are just safe as houses recycling the disc at the back until an opportunity arises. Then to cap it off, downfield they are strong with their top tier receivers being a constant threat, but then if that is stopped they have a 2^nd tier that is on par with most other teams top tier, making it very hard on any defence.

Where will the Slammers struggle on offence?

The Slammers biggest strength in taking big shots and bringing them down is also their only real weakness. When frustrated they can be forced to take these shots from inopportune areas of the field and if the defence down field is doing their job properly they will always have the opportunity to get there first.

What would you recommend the Slammers do on D?

The Slammers job on D is pretty simple, do what they normally do. Mark hard, with good matchups and make sure when Buzz gets the disc he has limited options down field. They can put on their 2-3-2 from time to time to change things up, but if the Buggers are patient enough they should be able to get through it, so this should be a changeup play rather than the norm.

Who are the Slammers Key players?

The key players on Slammers again stand out for the handlers, with aL and Abra being the shot takers and a few others who will be the safe and sound recyclers. Downfield, it will be hard to look passed Gref and Kalin who are threats both under and long, as well as their most prolific defenders. But I think the player that could stand out and make the big difference is Jordan Stone, often underestimated and given a lesser match-up, he can run rampant deep taking down big grabs and getting great layout blocks from behind his man. And of course, Kocher might turn up which will just be one more player to watch out for. Another massive figure will be the bearded and big haired guy on Crutches, Rapazzo, who will be a leading and shaping the team from the sideline.

What Match ups interest you the most? 

There will be two match-ups (amongst the rest) to keep an eye on, Abra if he is there will probably be given the task of marking Buzz, he’ll try his best and can be good for a few hanging layout blocks in a final, but I expect Buzz if the delivery is good enough will prevail in this matchup using his experience to get free. The other matchup I hope to see is Trev v. Gref. Hopefully they can make this happen as I want to see how it plays out.

Who do you expect to win and why?

Having played against both these teams this season, it is very hard to see Buggers winning it against the minor premiers. If they keep to the basics and frustrate the Slammers they may just have a chance, but due to recent experience against both teams, I’ll be putting my money on Slamtown with the usual Grand Final Score – 15 -8

How do you see the game panning out?

Slamtown will come out strong and get a few points lead, Bugs will lift and trade until half with a break back. After half more trading will ensure, Bugs will get a couple of breaks but then Slamtown will run away with it to finish at 15 – 8. 10 minutes before time, allowing plenty of time for the league wrap from Ads and beers for all involved. I think spirit-wise it will be alright, there will be a few minor arguments over calls as can be expected with these 2 teams, especially with some selective heckling from the crowd, but nothing too unspirited that can’t be laughed about after the game.

Would a 3/4 playoff be more interesting?

A 3/4 playoff, an interesting idea. I think if you could get the 2 teams involved to care about it in some way it would be a closer game. But I think both teams will already be looking to the off-season and next season by now and no heart would be in it. As it is, taking away the home field rights to field 1 for the winners of the previous season was a terrible decision so I can’t see anything worthwhile being offered to the winners of a 3/4 playoff.

BPL Semi Final 2 - Cobras v Bugs

Northside Cobras (2) vs Moreton Bay Buggers (3)

Semi Final 2 is in my unbiased opinion the game to watch. These 2 teams have up and down performances all season. Cobras with a dominant first half of the season and then their fall from grace losing to UQ. Bugs started in fine style loosing their first 3 games only to pull it all back to finish 3rd. Cobras will go in favorites  but this is far from a walk over win for the snakes from the North.

Northside Cobras
North is were it is at, At least if your are a hipster or a stylish uni student. Cobras bring a flair to their game which make their game entertaining to watch. I would go as far to say pretty in fact far from it, they bring the unexpected with ruthless passion.

Last seasons wooden spooners have been reinvigorated by the return of founding father wetnose and the addition of T-bone booth from south of the border. Also by cutting some of their weaker players sees cobras shed many of their turnovers and increase their potency on offense. In addition to this the snakes play an excellent defence strangling teams into submission. Against the bugs offence I would expect the cobras defence to generate plenty of turns, however it will be their ability to hold onto the disc that will determine if they dominate this game.

Players to watch on the Cobras will be Dan "the vegan" who has to be respected as a threat. He will be smiling all the way to the end zone if you give him an inch. Finn will need to work hard on defence in the absence on Dr. Grundles and his killer Mo.

Moreton Bay Buggers
The once dominant force in brisbane mens Ultimate has been plugging along in recent years without the drive of its spiritual leader in Mike Nield. Now this team is pretty darn old team with only a couple of guys below 25 and not too many more below 30. But with age generally comes experience with a number of bugs players ultimate careers old enough to head off to high school, while Buzz's is about to graduate university.

The Bugs early season was one of experimentation and high hopes and while they did loose 3 straight they were 3 close games. They reverted back to a traditional no fuss bugs offence and surprise surprise they started to win games. This team isn't about to blow any team off the field with athleticism and height but they do bring desire and mongrel enough to roll any team on their day. Hinging on the work of TJ, Trev, Spesh and Jangles in the middle of the field to get the disc moving, the bugs offense has been gaining momentum when they need it most.

Defence is probably always going to be an older teams Achilles' heel and Bugs are no different. Often struggling to match up across the park the Bugs have become a strong zone unit trying to force the disc toward its stronger defenders. Expect plenty of zone especially if there happens to be wind.

Players to watch. Spesh G the original Spesh has to be respected on the field. You don't win nationals just by being on a team with Gak. Oh wait maybe you do but you need to at least get selected on the team and Spesh is definitely good enough to make a nationals team. Often overlooked when being match up on man he is likely to cause you plenty of headaches if you do. For any new player to the game you must pay attention to what Buzz does with the disc. Not only does he have some of the best throws in the game he also has some creative shot selection and a knowledge of the game that only 20 years of ultimate will bring. Self promotion time, Jangles will be a significant part of the offence for the Bugs and will fill in where ever he is needed. With his old man hip finally starting to come good you might be lucky enough to see him layout, but I wouldn't hold your breathe.

Jangles Prediction: I would really like this one to go to golden point. I expect the game to go the way of Cobras but I intend to make them earn it.

BPL Semi Finals - Slamtown V Dojo

Of course I have to do a write up for the Semi finals.

Slamtown Flatball Club (1) v Dojo Mojo (4)

The form team of this season against the form team of the last few years. I have been thinking for a few days about how I see this game playing out. To be honest it is hard to see the dojo getting up over what is an formidable GC team. So lets start by looking at each team.

Slamtown
While no Mayor on field for slammers has little effect on the team. If anything it probably adds a bit more mobility to a handling line that is already hard to stop. Abra, Al and Boo will continue working as a solid unit, controlling the disc and looking for the easy hucking options. Obviously the Chris K factor is a big problem for the Dojo, who do you sacrifice to mark him? For me it is probably a ryan black or walls match up as pete is needed else where and most of the other players are too slow. Cola would be handy so I assume Sensei has had the cement truck park out the front of cola's place to help him harden up for the game.

Slamtown have shown us that they can compete against zone and man D's. If anything I would say they are a little more likely to turn the disc against a zone. However if you have some mobile talls like dojo does (sort of) might like to play straight up to give some chances to get some swill hucks to pull down.

Players to watch will be Gref as always will be making a duckface as he gets horizontal just in case someone happens to be taking a photo. Al would make anyone think this game was easy. The smoothest thrower in brisbane if not Australia, he finds a way to make hucking 50 meters look like a dump pass. Kalin is the slamtown hustler. If he live on the coast I can imagine him set up in the mall, card table ready to hustle to gullible tourist out of some multi-coloured Australian monopoly money. If Kalin isn't in his mans pocket, he will probably poach off to steal something from the fridge. Chris K "nexgen" is one for the young guys to watch. I have had the pleasure of chasing him around the field. I say chasing as he is too fast and smart to shutdown easily. Eventually you lapse in concentration and he pounces.

Dojo
Dojo's strength for many seasons has been their zone defence. Why teams have struggle in the still and humid brisbane night time conditions I don't know. It is safe to say that BPL has reached the point where teams need start looking at using more man defence and less zone with stronger throwers and deeper teams shredding weak zones. Dojo however will win or loss this game in the warm up. Yes big call, but the good Dojo used to show up at 7:15 throw a couple of discs and a few more heckles then take the field. Now they think they are some sort of elite team and run a warm up. Many of Dojo's players will be ready to set up camp and rest walking from their cars so lets not make them run anymore than they have to.

Offensively Dojo are almost completely reliant on the holy trinity of Pete, Fatty and Coops. The other will fill in but pete and fatty will start things off 9/10 and get some flow going. Coops has some of the best fakes in the league and has plenty of throws in the kit bag to get the disc to his key men down field. I would recommend the slammers to make the Dojo run as much as they can early in the game. This will pay off in the second half as the fatigue sets in and the lack of fitness takes its toll.

Players to watch. Wallsy is still an excellent receiver and if you are lucky he may pull something out of the kit bag. His best days are probably behind him, but he still has a shoulder height lay out in him. He just doesn't bounce like he used to. Mr Bionic Watson has spent plenty of time mucking around with a disc and thus has one of the best thumbers (excluding Bmc) in brisbane ultimate. May not be the best option but it is a scoring option and seriously who thinks of marking the thumber. Pete Allen "the boy who didn't" will be at his usual tall best. However if Dojo are to get up he will need to find another gear for this game. It will be a good test of his temperament as he will need to get some turns for Dojo to make up for the number of turns the Dojo offence is likely to have. I am also keen to see Pete v Gref, I remember the Pete v Mike match up and the number of massive aerial battles that could go either way. Lets hope both sides get us some floaters and they can have a ding dong battle.

Jangles Prediction: I see this one getting away from the Dojo. Slamtown can adapt better than any team in the league and the distribution of responsibility on the slamtown line relieves much of the individual pressure. Slamtown by 4.


Bugs v Cobras to follow.

PS. Anyone who complains about the grammar will be shot on site as I haven't had a chance to edit this yet.

Queensland Hat This Weekend

Hi friends,

Was wondering if you all have considered playing the QHat or attending the QUDA ball. If you are intending on playing and have been just little slack on registration we need you to register ASAP so that we know numbers for the tourney and importantly for catering at the Ball.

If you are concerned about the price of this tourney I'd like to remind you that you get two days of disc, a jersey, food on the days, the Ball which includes a two course meal and drinks, all fee's tourney and ball prizes. Considering that the Ball is valued at $120 (Yay Dusty negotiations skills) it is really great value.

Dates: 24th-25th November, 2012
Venue: Annerley Soccer Club, Greenslopes
Format: Hat Tournament
Cost:
Full tournament and Ball = $100
1 day and Ball = $100
2 day without Ball = $70
1 day without Ball = $70
Ball only = $70
Registrations: http://www.afda.com/rego/showcompetition.php?competitionid=1338

So if you're on the fence, just think, it's a weekend of Frisbee with your mates, a ball organized by yours truly and an excuse to dress up with a bunch of your friends. What more could you want, isn't this a weekend you don't wanna miss?

Please try and help me and the TD out with positively promoting this unique tournament to other Frisbee folk you mingle with.

Thank you very much
Queen Dustin Czok

 

If you aren't playing Qhat then Pick up at QUT is still a go for sunday afternoon. 

Sundays are for Pick Up

For many years there has been a lack of ultimate on the weekend. Sure there is the occasional tournament like QHat or club training sesssions. I remember the good ol days before dub step hit main stream and Junior was still a junior. It was a simpler time and sundays were spent playing pick up at QUT.

QUT pick up was started by Beth Rougier and Myself as a way to get an ultimate scene going at QUT way back in 2006. It was a success over the summer with the like of Huddy and hungover Dusty becoming regulars on sunday afternoons. Now there is reason for me reminiscing of the good ol days. Like all good things that come back into fashion Sunday Pick up is back this summer.

Break out the camping chair the floppy hat, your radio to listen to cricket and come on down to the Kelvin Grove fields to enjoy some Sunday arvo Pick up. Like school kids on holiday we will be starting at 4 O'clock and running until you need to go home at dark. Cleats, soccer boots and all types of footwear are allowed so take that wednesday nights. No commitment is required, but if I make the effort to come down I expect you too as well. I will be happy to do some coaching for those who ask as well as answer your questions all things ultimate. So bring friends, family, housemates, randoms of the street or just yourself and play some pick up.

Sunday Arvo Pick up
Where: QUT Kelvin Grove fields
https://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=-27.448838,153.017212&num=1&gl=au&t=m&z=17
Time: 4-Dark on sunday arvos
Cost: Free, suits all budgets
Bring: Light and dark, water bottle, disc and boots

BPL The Run Home

So BPL is nearing the pointy end of the season and there are still six teams in the comp who can make finals. Cobras and Slamtown are in the finals and it is just a matter of where they will finish. You would expect these 2 teams to lock down the top 2 spots, but the order will be decided by the head to head game this week.

This leaves the 4 way scuffle for the 3rd and 4th. Bugs, Dojo, Heroes and Blitz are all locked in this tussle and we are going to look at how they got to this point, the run home and where we expect them to finish. What we do know is that 6 wins will get you a finals berth this season. Thats means you need the magic 28pts to fall over the line.

Cobras
After a pedestrian effort last season with much the same personal, Cobras turned the league on its head. Cutting some of the fat then adding even more with Troy and wetnose the team seems to have found a better balance this season. Consistency doesn't exist between points let alone games with this team. They are likely to do something crazy just coz it looks good. The Key seems to be wetnose. Not so much for any thing spectacular but for exploiting the lack of depth of other team. A solid receiver in his own right you risk conceding an easy goal if you give him a weak match up.

Run Home
Slamtown(L),Heroes(W), Bye

Current Position 1st
Predicted finish 2nd.

Slamtown
Now for those who may have been around for a few years, The Mayor is the new Pottsy. While he is a good player in his own right it is his ability to draw good players to himself that see his teams feature at the top of nearly every competition he enters. This Slamtown team is no different. I will give him the GC players that he has on the team as a given Al, Beans, Nandor, Troy, Bo and few more however it is the brisbane pickups that start to really fill out the list e.g. Gref, Kalin and Abra. Now in saying this I doubt they have had the same team show up to consecutive weeks, so come finals personal maybe an issue. This week is a must win if they are to take out top spot but I am backing them.

Run Home
Cobras(W),Bugs(W), Blitz(W)

Current Position 2nd
Predicted finish 1st

Bugs
Looking back at their early season form http://brisbanepremierleague.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/bpl-power-rankings.html, Bugs where in some deep doo doo. The lost their first 3 games and where showing no signs of turning things around. It should be noted that Buzz was absent, getting his post worlds chinese bug finding skills honed. Since then bugs have gone 4-2 which puts them up with the top 2 teams in the form guide and will have the others worried. What has changed well the structure has sorted itself out some what. The younger fitter bugs (most of whom are over 25 except trev who is just an old man) are running riot down field. Once the disc gets moving the down field skill and throwing threats are hard to shut down.

Run Home
Blitz(W), Slamtown(L), Lovers(W)

Current Position 3rd
Predicted finish 3rd.

Heroes
The boys have lost their way a bit in the latter half of the season. I don't know if the early season form went too their heads or they have changed anything, but they are looking like the easy beats of old in recent weeks. I am hopeful that the heroes boys can turn it around however if they can't account the boys from that fancy university this week then they will be out of the race for the finals. Their top 4 will need to be on there game for the green machine to roll into the finals.

Run Home
Lovers(W), Cobras(L), Dojo(L)

Current Position 4th
Predicted finish 5th

Dojo
The boys from the are trying a new tactic this season. For years they have won the minor premiership and then chocked in the final. They are trying to sneak into the finals and choke a week earlier. Now if they just too my advice and tied and gagged sensei in the back of ads mini then they would roll most teams in the competition. I would expect the dojo to all show up for the finals as they don't like to loose. I would hate to have to play them in the semi finals with Fatty, Coops and Pete all there and firing.

Run Home
Bye, Lovers(W), Heroes(W)

Current Position 5th
Predicted finish 4th

Blitz
Now these boys have gone the opposite way to the bugs. They had a suprise start to this season rolling some of the top teams and playing some good ultimate. I don't know what has changed but I guess there is less people throwing to Chris's lane poaching these days. They could mathematically make the finals still but they need to win against the in form bugs and the flatballers for the GC.

Run Home
Bugs(L), Bye, Slamtown(L)

Current Position 6th
Predicted finish 6th

UQ
These boys are out of the race for the finals but they can still avoid the wooden spoon and stuff up jangles prediction table. With BW weekly reminding us to read the rules to which I say I agree, some of the old boys are still operating on 2007 rules. He is doing some great things with the UQ boys when he can keep their heads in the game and off the niggle. I hope these boys don't just show up for the last 3 weeks as they are playing 3 of the 4 teams fighting for a finals berth.

Run Home
Heroes(L), Dojo(L), Bugs(L)

Current Position 7th
Predicted Position 7th

Big Week of Ultimate

For all the unimformed there is plenty on the go this week.

Monday Night - yes tonight, sees the BUML finals with 3 games to keep you entertained. Why sit on the couch and talk to your TV, when you can come on down and heckle a real life frisbee player. Games start at 7:30 at Griffith Nathan.

Wednesday Pick-up

Thursday Night -BPL is hotting up with only a few weeks left there are some close games every week and must win games if teams want to make the final. If you are keen to watch some of the best ultimate you will see in brisbane come down and check it out. Annerley Junior Soccer Club from 7:30. Also WUFL is on I think, if the girls can fill us in that would be great.

Saturday - Big Skys is on again. If you haven't got yourself on a team I am not sure if it is too late but it is for a good cause with all proceeds going to help support Mike and Stacy Nield in there battle with Motor Neuron Disease. If you can't play come on down and watch the fun, Play some sideline games in the Slamtown tent? and by some raffle tickets. The Gap Soccer Club games start early and run all day.

Sunday - Firestorm and Betty are launching their club seasons. If you are keen to play nationals or are just looking to take your game to the next level it may be worth coming down and checking it out. Starts at 9am and will run most of the day and will included some fun activities and drills to help improve your game. At the same place as Big Skys on the same nice fields.

Over summer looking to keep playing ultimate? There will be sunday arvo pick up back at QUT Kelvin Grove. Yes you heard it here first, the return to sunday in the sun just no gaurantee of Huddy being there this time. More Details to follow.

BUML Grand Final Preview

After taking a trip to research ultimate blogs in other countries, I’m back just in time to help fill you in on the most important games of the year: The BUML Season 2 Grand Finals!

Division 3

Ultimate Apostles Vs Dump and Burn

It’s safe to say the Ultimate Apostles have been the dominant force in Div 3 this season. With only 1 loss, 1 draw and more wins than Goose has had bad haircuts, the Apostles are definitely the favourites in this match. This team was undefeated until round 9 and has an imperious points differential of +62. What does that mean for this game? Everything and nothing. Strange things happen in grand finals and Dump and Burn are not a team to be taken lightly. While their offence only ranks 4^th in division (the Apostles scored 36 more points than them over the 11 games), they have the number 2 ranked defence. Oh and that single loss the Apostles suffered this season? That was against Dump and Burn. The Dumpers have shown this season they know how to win close games, something that counts when there is pressure on every throw like in a grand final.

Pete Allen Niceness Scale (PANS) Score: 83%. The 2 most spirited teams in the Division should ensure a well spirited and nice game.

Most likely to score a high amount of Robert Horrys: Nicholas Coote from Dump and Burn.

The Verdict: If Dump and Burn can keep it close they have a huge shot. If the Apostles get an early lead, they should be too strong to run down. I’m smelling something cooking here, and it’s not just Jangles’ practicing for when he becomes a dutiful house husband. Or the Rock. I smell an upset. Dump and Burn to win in universe point 13-12.

Division 2

What The Huck? Vs The Ghost Who Walks

This should be an awesome game. Both teams are full of match winners and play a whole team game, using every weapon at their disposal. They also contain some of the BUB’s favourite players! On the purple side is the BUBs own Adam ‘Jangles’ Beu. Jangles has proven a key pickup for Ghost this season, giving them leadership and experience across all aspects of the game apart from laying out. I don’t think Jangles has won anything for a while, so expect him to be fired up at the prospect of a trophy. Standing across the field from Jangles in ridiculously long socks straight out of a David Jones catalogue from 1972 will be the Huckers own Trevor ‘Trevor’ Lovering. Trevor brings key height to a fairly short WTH? Team and also some sound Div 2 level handling skills. Statistically these 2 teams are very evenly balanced. Ghost has a slight advantage in the scoring department, but their defence is on par with the opposition. Both teams also employ good zone defence, smothering the opposition and forcing them to make mistakes. In theory this should mean they both know how to play offence against zone as well. These teams have only met once this season and Ghost got a sneaky 1 point win.

PANS Score: 75%. Both teams are well spirited and will no doubt look to the nicest guy in Ultimate for inspiration.

Most likely to score a high amount of Robert Horrys: TJ from WTH?

The Verdict: We already know both teams can defend, so it will come down to which team shows more composure with disc in hand. I think Ghost will use their height to good effect and get the W 14 to 11.

Division 1:

Dyspnoeics Vs Cadillac

This promises to be a battle royale of epic proportions. How epic is that you ask? It should be bigger than Ben Hur’s brother. More powerful than Dave Warren even! Well, nothing is quite that powerful, but you get the drift. It’s another 1 v 2 match-up and was the grand final many people picked at the start of the season. For Dyspnoeics, getting to this game has been harder than usual. The normally stable team has had more roster disruptions than times Reece has been photographed urinating outside. Apart from a single injury concern, the Blues should have a full strength team for one of the first times all season. Cadillac has had similar problems over the course of the season, but have pulled it together on the run home and been in devastating form. Both of the teams are chock full of big names from Brisbane Ultimate. For Dyspnoeics, look out for Andy Lankowski for the men and Molly Young for the women. For Cadillac, the Mayor of Slamtown Stef Rappazzo will be a handful and Gen Healy will create match-up problems all night long for the Dyspnoeic women.

PANS Score: 91%. Neither team has Pete Allen playing, but Dyspnoeics won spirit and Cadillac has a distinctly Heroes themed team, meaning good spirit all round.

Most likely to score a high amount of Robert Horrys: Sandra Poon from Cadillac

The Verdict: Div 1 grand finals have had a tendency to be lopsided the last few years, but I see this being a very tight tussle. Both teams have experience and guns all over the park, so whoever settles better and keeps the unforced errors down should get the lollies. Dyspnoeics haven’t gotten much tipping love from me all season and I see no reason to change for this game. Cadillac to win 15-13.

Let me know how you see the games going in the comments section.

Don’t forget to come down to the fields and cheer on everyone playing! The details are:

Location - Matches will be at Griffith Uni Nathan Campus AFL Fields.
Times - Arrive from 7pm, Matches start at 7.30pm, soft Cap 8.55pm, Hard time Cap 9.00
BBQ - There will be a gold coin donation fundraising BBQ at this event and beverages available.
End of Season - Prizes and awards and all other announcement will be on the night, so please stick around after the match to show your appreciation of everyone's efforts over the season.

BPL Week 11

Slamtown v Lovers
Slamtown have been the most consistent team this year in terms of performance, however they have been the most inconsistent team in terms of personnel. Slamtown are the team you are going to have to beat if you are going to win this comp. I would not want to play them in the semi finals so the battle for 4th (or 3rd if cobras get their act together could be interesting)

Lovers are not done yet. They need to win out the season to make the finals. No easy task but it seems the uni boys have found something special to cause 2 upsets. Now I don't think they will pull it off but I am keen to see what they can do. With no easy wins in this comp the finals could be decided by teams like UQ. I expect UQ to chance their hand at every opportunity and wreak havoc with the younger legs that they have.

Jangles Prediction: Slammers by 6

Dojo v Cobras
The battle of the tanking teams. So I feel like comparing Cobras with Melbourne Demons, but I won't. As that would make troy a first round pick when he is at best a third maybe a forth round pick. So for those non AFL fans out there Cobras need to pull themselves together if they are to win this comp. They narrowly accounted for a Jangles less buggers and lost to UQ. If they go back to the Cobras of old and have Junior punting it they will continue to struggle, however if they can find their early season stingy offence then expect some tough games.

Dojo just need to tell steve cameron there is a bye.

Jangles prediction: Cobras by 3.

Blitz v Heroes
This is a must win for both these 2 teams to keep them in the hunt for the finals. Heroes will be looking to regain some of their form from early in the season. I believe they line up with their stars this week and this was the main reason for the Heroes boys struggling against a solid bugs 7. The Brown boys are the key to the heroes offence as without then there is a lack of long threats on the field. It will be a win able road ahead for heroes with the 3 teams below them on the table and Cobras who are struggling for some form when missing their key players.

Blitz have fallen a long way from the early rounds and are missing some hunger. Sure you win a couple of games against decent teams, but you need to keep it up boys. I have no pearls of wisdom for this team as the talent is there to do well, just add time and they will be mixing it with the big boys.

Jangles prediction: Heroes by 4

BPL Week 10

Field 1: Bugs v Cobras

Bugs are hitting their strides with some intense defence and superior defence. hahahahaha. couldn't say that with a straight face. The Bugs have found some form by revisiting some tradition buggers structures. Buzz has proven his worth picking up the disc and getting the offence moving. They will need their wits about them this week with the younger, fitter, faster, funnier? Cobras. I would expect the Bugs to stick with their offensive plan and mix things up on defence.

Now some would say that last week was the loss the cobras had to have. They would be wrong. Sure they were down in numbers and missing their paid imports with immigration issues, but loosing to UQ really? Reports have it that Finn scored all the goals and other reports have it that troy scored more than Finn. I have a feeling that these are both wrong and they were meant to say turnovers. I expect the boys to bounce back and cross the river with a strong game this week.

Cobras by 5 Inappropriate comments (Yes, Mat and Stu tipping against the Bugs again)


Field 2: Dojo v Slamtown

This game will hopefully be a cracker. Arguably the game of the round, Dojo need a win and the slammers will want a win to keep alive the minor premiership. With their big names back in the line Dojo are as threatening as ever. They have been there and there about this season. If you think it is because steve Cameron has played more than 50% of games your only partially right, it is because the Dojo have decided to be serious and start warming up. This is a double handicap for the team when Sensei shows up. Pete Allen and Fatty will be key to tightening up the Dojo Zone at either end and also providing legs on the offence.

Hmm all the slammers I expect will all show up this week as the Mayor has thrown his weight around and negotiated the leftover beers from last week to be brought to the field. Jokes on him Buzz got a lift home last week and drank them all. With a full handling line the slammers are a scary proposition. Stopping one of al, abra and the mayor is easy, stopping all 3 takes some good defence. Add to that Gref doing something crazy downfield to cancel out pallen, which is a match up I want to see more. This doesn't sound like a huge team, but it the players we don't normally mention getting the job done. Beaner, Bo and Jordy are all worthy of some attention and Kev will go unnoticed all night til some forward roll in the endzone to score.

Slammers by 3 Lucky Long Bombs unless thrown by Al then they are bread and butter

Field3: Lover v Blitz

Lovers are playing for pride now and I hope they have found that winning feeling finally. These young kids really just need to get that offence rolling and they will cause all sorts of headaches for most of the teams in the league. They are mostly just missing that veteran receiver to get them out of jail or just score some easy goals. They have the legs and the athleticism but are just missing the smarts which is funny for a Uni team. Should have gone to Griffith.

Blitz, well how the mighty have fallen. after shooting out of the block they have a good loosing streak going. Added to this are the reports that Spesh has strained a hustle muscle playing mixed ultimate in perth of all things. Cunliffe will need to be at his poaching best to turn this team around. Timocles "gotta catch them all" Copland has returned from Junior worlds a smarter player and is becoming more of a weapon for the team. Atlas on the other hand is already a proven weapon and just need some time to become a super player at the local level if not higher.

Blitz by 2 Cunliffe Poach D's

BPL Week 9

So it seems last week happened and the damped fields failed to hamper most teams. I myself was preparing for a warm bath in the mansion when ads informed us that he was at the fields warming up at 5pm with a coffee and some cement.

Field 1: Blitz v Dojo
Now Dojo has a win loss record to rival that of black caviar on field 1. Who knows why? but I believe it is because they don't get tired walking from their cars. Now Dojo would have to be considered favourites in this game it Fatty and Pete show up. With out their 2 work horses the dojo offence often stalls and forces a bad throw to a 50/50 match up. They are also missing their mandatory red head to baby daddy duties.

Blitz have been taken seriously in recent weeks and as a result have been put back in their place. It is good to see a team taking warm up seriously, however I think it is cunliffe trying to get himself warm as much as the rest of team. Don't write this team off yet as they have a number of gun players and if they don't make the finals they will have a say in the result.

Jangles predition: Dojo by 2 Hammer Goals, by more if all 3 dojo boys are there.

Field 2: Heroes v Bugs
This game is new school vs old school game. The younger fitter heroes team against the old and wiley bugs. Now in ultimate there is no substitute for fitness and speed and heroes have plenty in the cupboard, however this is of little use if they don't have the throws to supply the cutters. With the brown boys shooting the lights out against weaker opposition I am personally yet to see them rise to the challenge against a stronger mark. George is like a new man, I mean he talks now, he has a hunger for the disc now and with his speed and fitness there are only a number of guys in brisbane who can put and pressure on him.

The Bugs have been working on a few things early in the season only to throw them out the door and go back to what they know works. Buzz has again taken control of the handling line and with the likes of Trev, Spec G, TJ and Jangles to hit down field he is like a kid in a candy store. If this was a fantasy league there are a number of guys on this team who run hot and cold, Big Dave and Rolo for instance. Dave had a huge game against Blitz with a number of goals and huge meters only to go back to a minimal number of touches from the next 2 games. Rolo on the other hand quietly squrriels away on defence and will pull something crazy out when you least expect it.

The result of this game could go either way and I expect it to be a battle of tactics with both teams expected to play to their strengths.

Jangles Prediction: Heroes by 2 lucky Billy Brown Bombs

Field 3: Cobras v UQ lovers
hmm is it just me or are the Cobras getting cocky again. We all know how that ends up for teams **cough**dojo**chock**cough**. Now I must admit without Junior turning the disc over they are a renewed team. They are bound to get some Ds with the likes of Finn and Grundles on the line, however they are playing offence with a respect for the disc or else wetnose told them he will only run for one offensive possession. Either way the offence is looking solid and stingy to some decent defences.

UQ well this team will keep plugging away. I haven't done the figures but i think it is pretty safe to say they wont feature in the finals. It remains to see if they will take this as a sign to throw caution to the wind and play some free flowing frisbee. They have plenty of talent and athleticism just need to correct their shot taking. Now I know we are all referees however I tend to think with a team like UQ regular calls regardless of validity can cause some havoc with the flow of the offence. This may be one area UQ can improve on the timing of the calls being made as often after a foul call the defence gets some time to reassess and reposition even though it is not suppose to have the chance too. 

Jangles Predicition: Cobras by 7 and to be the first into the beers.

It's Raining

While Playing Ultimate in the rain is awesome, We rarely get permission to use the fields when it is wet.

No word on fields for BPL and WUFL yet. I am hopeful, but contingency plans may need to be thought about for the BPL beer round.

WUFL Insights

Many thanks to Mollly for providing us some specs on each of the womens teams. Time to start with the merchandising. I like the Purpler Logo, but they have sophie so I will always bet against them.  

Touted as the first women’s ultimate league in Australia, Brisbane’s WUFL has long served as a crucial venue for Brisbane women to discover Ultimate – as well as an incubator for Queensland’s elite talent.  

Yet next to her more gregarious older brother – the Brisbane Premier League – this quiet achiever is woefully under-represented in the metadialogue of the ultiverse – a fact lamented in the comments of last week’s Brisbane Ultimate Blog.

Stung by this realisation, this long-time WUFL player booted up the Dell and, while the rest of the world slumbered under the social collective anaesthesia of Grand Finals weekend, banged out the following guide to…

Who’s Who – WUFL Season 2 2012

 

Jersey colour: Blue
Captains: Ashlee “Laser” Dodd and Laura “Wayne Webke” Berendorff

Stalwarts: Molly Young, Alana “Hans” Folkes

Wins-draws-losses: 2-0-1 Imports: Scandinavian connection Bodil “Bee” Carstens.

Other noobs to watch for: Dodd-squad matriarch, Fiona Dodd

Strengths: Hucking game  - core roster all equally comfortable on either end of a big huck play; Height - average height of roster an intimidating 5’9”. Established connections: over 50% returning players from last season’s grand final-winning team.
 

Jersey colour: Black

Captains: Peta “Naughty” McNaughton and Meagan Bulley.

Stalwarts: Stephanie Moroz, Kellie Mantle.

Wins-draws-losses: 0-1-2

Allow me to introduce: Canadian import, Landra Lecour. Catch her in action on Mondays with Baby Chimis. German visitor Kaya Dresing.

Rising stars: Vanessa Brown -- this Heroine just keeps getting better – and fresh face Cara Hansen.

Strengths: McNaughton Game Analysis ^TM; precision offensive game; the Moroz hammer. Dominoes are keenly missing last season’s stalwarts Gen Healy and Aurelie “Off the Rails” Chanson, but with a new crop of unknown quantity players under the careful guidance of McNaughty, they are the dark horse of this league.

Jersey colour: Red

Captains: Jess Mumford and Dom Simpson*

Stalwarts: Anna Bui, Em Briggs (?), Bri Fyffe

Wins-draws-losses: 2-1-0

Fresh off the boat: Merridy Fairchild (South Australia by way of Rockhampton), Renata Mares (international woman of mystery.)

Two-to-watch: Antonia Burwell-Rodriguez (Hint: the clue is in the surname) and Anne Conibear – last season’s overall MVP joint-winner.

Strengths: Connections all over the shop. Powerhouse throws from Dom, Bri, Mumfy and Merridy consistently finding Anna Bui and Anne Conibear in the endzone. On paper, this is the strongest team in the league, and on the field they don’t disappoint.

*Reported to be responsible for awkward moniker. 

Jersey colour: Purple

Captains: Jo Ashdown and Samantha “Scamp” Campbell

Stalwarts: Sophie “Windsock” Stewart

Wins-draws-losses: 2-0-1

Nice to meet you: International imports Claire Stark (making her mark at recent Uni games) and Jo “Gogo” Herschan. Both experienced players. Look for yellow shorts.

Rising stars: Too many to name them all, but they include… Maddy Coman (last season’s overall MVP joint-winner and hot contender for speediest girl in Brisbane ultimate). Kate Stewart (scientists are lining up to study her DNA in an effort to isolate the elusive “Australian Junior Worlds Captaincy” gene).

Strengths: Also a very strong team on paper. Inexplicably struggled against Pleasure Zone when they met early in the league, but expect them to come back strong. Consistent level of skill and speed across the roster. The rumour mill suggests that the support of ultimate-playing partners and Sophie Stewart’s sideline chatter give them an extra edge.