Jack Toft
Years ago
R1 ABL Action - it's back!
Round 1 of Season 20 12 is here and I am more excited than a bastard on Father's Day. No, even more excited. I am as excited as 16 yo girl WITH tickets to One Direction. There’s been plenty of off-season movements in players changing teams (some saying it strengthens both teams) and a few players not playing this season for a number of reasons. Even some coaches have come and gone and played musical chairs. I also hear that some Clubs are apparently considering only accepting players with at least one parent from that Club on the advise from an AFL recruiting officer. Another Club is seeking to fill their coaching spot with a reality TV show "Please Coach My Team"
Mavs v Forestville
Women: The Mavs might be able to jump the Eagles who could still be in party mode from last season, but then again probably not. It’s hard to juggle Year 12 and Basketball. Plus, as we all know, Forestville and titles just go together like a first date and Haigh's chocolates.
Men: A new look Mavs team this year and a new coach. Let’s hope he hasn’t been taking tweeting lessons from Brad Hill. The Eagles should make a clean sweep and have plenty of time to look around a stadium whose roof doesn’t leak.
Norwood v Centrals
Women: 2011 COTY Ben Todd takes his charges deep into enemy territory against a Norwood team of WNBL stars complimented with a number of juniors. Should be a top game with every possession counting. The team who shoots the poorest will be the loser tonight, but the Lionesses might be the first paver in Norwood’s road to the top.
Men: Norwood were the tallest team last year, and fortunately they didn’t play skins, or they could have been mistaken for Wookies. Norwood has been hit by retirements, but don’t think they will be an easy win this year. Centrals have their traditional American backpacker complimenting their young lineup. Another tight one looms as teams settle, but Norwood should get an early notch.
Sturt v West
Women: Saberettes got the job done last year, but will find the going tough this year without some stars. They will put up a fight, but the Bearcats will be too big, too aggressive and too ready for the Sabres D. West women to get the first of many wins tonight. For them, it’ll be more exciting than polar bear hunting from a helicopter with Sarah Palin.
Men: Sturt will be looking for Jacob Holmes’s rebounding skills tonight, but wait...he’s not there. He’s off galavanting around the countryside in a Bongo Van with Russel Hinder. Sturt might be in for a long season this year. West look a formidable team entering this season - they will be the ones to get an early $50 on. First blood to the Bearcats as their talls “go Rambo” on the boards. West will go 2-0 and still have plenty of chalk on the cue stick for Woodville.
Woodville v South
Women: Woodville struggled all last season and South snatched defeat from the jaws of victory too many times. South have been hit harder than most by departures and so the young Woodies girls might get the jumpstart to the season they need. Cheer up Panthers, there are worse things in life than a loss to Woodville, but I just can’t think of them right now.
Men: Al Green injected some spice into the Woodies team last year and with the South team missing input from Sixers Creek and Johnson, plus a new coach, the Panthers could be the new whipping boys of the comp. Did I read correctly that a General will be one of Al’s lieutenants? (Al its pronounced Left-tenant, not Loo-tenant.) Any news on who will be the South Coach or will we find out after the door raffle? Reckon we’ll see Al beaming tonight with Woodies making a clean sweep – when was the last time that happened?
Tigers v Rockets (Sun)
Sunday Funday is back at the Vale. Polish up the Monaro and take it for a spin. This will be bigger than Boti’s annual moustache wax bill and his media trophy cabinet.
Women: Tigeresses have been a good mid-strength team for a few seasons now, but 2012 is time for them to step up. Norf will be no pushovers, but if Jo Hill is having a rest after a stella WNBL season, that will have an effect this afternoon. Team Mansfield to get the checkered flag.
Men: Tigermen may be four years into a “Three Year Plan”, but produced very encouraging results in the ABA Pre-season tournament. Where were Norf? Norf could be too strong this afternoon with only Bear Grylls able to overcome such adversity, but if they do, the Tigermen should savour the victory or get a Leif blower.
