As I've been away for the last couple of BPL rounds I don't have much to write about the games. I was however over at the Gold Coast blog and there were some interesting comments which got me ready to write. I was going to write about some aspects of the league at the end of the season however now seems like a good time.
This season has been great for many reasons. I think we are looking at the most competitive and open finals series in a few years, which comes on the back a very competitive season. There have been new blogs, plenty of off field comment and discussion. Crazy tipping, wild swinging results from draws to blow outs to golden point games. Most exciting of all there have been two new teams in the competition.
The Heroes have had a rough season with their results, they have also had some good patches of play and improved as a team. I think they have been a good addition to the competition. Their season would have been a fair bit different with the addition of one more experienced BPL player. They had enough close games that they could have won if an Al type handler had of been playing for them.
The Slamtown team has had more success with results during the season and are hopeful of flying into the semi finals on the back of some wild results and prayers this week. They are a template for BPL teams of the future - specific team association (in their case regional), a large recruiting pool all to themselves, uniforms, history and a team list that is all used and involved when they are playing well. Time in the BPL, increased experience of their rookie players and continued recruiting will continue to improve this team.
In the BPL we have had enough good players for 6 or 7 teams for a few seasons. What we haven't had is 6 or 7 distinct leadership groups.
The Slamtown Flatball and the Heroes clubs have added these required leadership groups to our competition. Prior to the rise of these two leadership groups it was difficult to see a clear path for our competition to grow. If results this season eventuate that these teams finish their rookie seasons in 6th and 7th place I think it is very possible to argue that they have been a success
Given that there are now 6 or 7 distinct leadership groups in the competition I'm hopeful that we can look forward to more highly competitive and exciting seasons in the future. I'd like to think that during the transition between leagues in 2010 there are a few brave individuals (George, Jangles, James and Nandor style) who migrate between teams with the goal of building up these new and exciting teams.
I'm looking forward to watching the business end of this season from afar, and I hope that team leaders and open minded players have a productive off season 'trading period' prior to season 2.
Good luck teams.
2 comments:
good comments mike. Keeping your finger on the pulse despit your absence from the brissie scene.
Unless heroes can recruit another nats level player i can't see them staying in the league. It has been a trying season for myself being thrust into the leadership roll and carrying a injury most of the season and to nationals.
With worlds on next month and some elite players leaving brisbane for a few months i dont know if expansion should be the aim for next season. I would like the league to consolidate its position and maintain its high level of play. If that means heroes has to sit a season out then come back next year i am all for that.
Consolidation instead of expansion is dead right Jangles. 6 or 7 teams would be great next season.
The key is to maintain those great independent leadership groups. I really think it is important to keep strengthening those team identities.
Strong clubs make a strong competition, and that is what has been so great so far this year.
Mike
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