Tomster wrote: Team selection is still unknown at this stage, although Gisborne is always looking to blood new players. The Smugglers won't stand a chance this week, since we have THE in-form ruckmen of the competition Gee Chief, you're a bit free with your compliments. Big Trent is going ok but to be labelled THE in-form ruckman of the competition. I can name 2 who are going better than him atm, and 1 of them only managed 10 games all last season. Sauce is av.102 over his last 3 games, my mate Robbie is av.100 over 3, and Big Trent is still going ok with a 95 av. over the last 3, but not THE No.1 in-form ruckman for mine. I reckon things will get real interesting when Big Trent comes up against Robbie later on in The Rivalry Round later in the season. Bring it on.....lol!
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 7: Christmas Island 1015 defeated Gisborne 1000 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Delving back into the memory banks: the Smugglers finally pushed their ledger into positive territory recording their 4th win of the season over an undermanned Gisborne. This leaves Christmas Island, in what appears to be quickly becoming their traditional&rdquo; position, 9th, one win outside the 8. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]As predicted this was a dire game with the Smugglers posting their lowest score of the year. Most of the blame has to lie with the coach, who failed to name an emergency on the rock solid&rdquo; midfield line, choosing instead to have Will Hoskins-Elliot's 98 cover the interchange. This came back to bite the Smugglers when Hamish Hartlett had to withdraw because of a serious case of the sniffles. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]After this debacle Gisborne took a seemingly unbeatable lead at &frac34; time through the BOG performance of McVeigh (135). However, the Grenades were hit with their own issues, as Hill and Wellingham couldn't find their way out of the changerooms, leaving the Smugglers with a one-man advantage late in the game. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Terrible scores by Gaff (55) and Horlin-Smith (45) in the final quarter were just enough tosee CIFC limp home. This was the second week in a row where only the Smugglers' superior numbers clinched the win, however, given close to 200 points were left on the pine, the selection committee has to shoulder the responsibility for almost dropping the game. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 7 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: D.Tyson (112) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: M. Suckling (108) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: D. Heppell (99) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]11: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]9: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]6: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: D. Tyson, M. Suckling <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: M. Wright <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: A. Gaff, D. Martin, H. McIntosh, J. White <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]MSD Report <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The Smugglers said goodbye to four foundation players in the mid-season draft period. Their contribution was recorded on the honour boards in the club's boardroom (behind the picture of the Queen, as it really wasn't much of a contribution). <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <table style='border: currentColor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Games <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 42.55pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Ave <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Highest score <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]J. Patfull <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 42.55pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]42 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]59 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]B.Goodes <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 42.55pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]42 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]42 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]J. Stringer <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 42.55pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]51 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]51 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 63.4pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Morabito <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 2cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]0 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 42.55pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]- <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 49.6pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]- <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]In their place arrived: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Michael Johnson - Def - currently the 7th highest averaging defender in the comp, Johnson will bring some much needed composure to a part of the ground in which Christmas Island has struggled so far this season. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Jimmy Webster - Def - a youngster with superior footskills, Webster will be looking to force his way into the starting team over the next 2 years. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Chris Dawes - Fwd - the big man has been in career best form and is a useful addition to CIFC's depth up forward. On the cusp of selection in the second interchange position given Gaff's horror season so far. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Trent Dumont - Mid - redresses the list problem at CIFC in not having any Shinboners. A hard-ball specialist who will tackle all day long, Dumont is one of the Smuggler's long-term projects.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 11: Christmas Island 1338 defeated Eden 1127 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The Smugglers maintained their stranglehold on 9th place in the FU with their 5th win of the season against the Whalers at Eden Footy Ground. Credit must go to the Whalers' staff for realising this was CIFC's only trip to NSW this season and therefore providing plenty of Reschs to the thirsty Smugglers. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Eden sprung out of the gates well, with Malceski putting in a BOG 144. Evergreen Boomer was solid for the Whalers with 120, however the pair received little support from the rest of the team, who averaged 66. With some good performances (notably Suban) in the magoos coach Holky must be tempted to swing the axe at the selection committee. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]CIFC's consistencyled tothe win, with 10 players posting 90+ scores. This consistency has been a trademark of the wins to date, highlighted by the fact that no Smugglers have received 3 BAFFU votes, and the club has only picked up 12 of a possible 30 votes, in the wins so far this season. The coach is pleased by the around the ground effort, but remains concerned that the lack of a gun midfielder limits the club's competitiveness against the top teams. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]With Hamish Hartlett and new recruit Chris Dawes, who both missed the Eden game through suspension, available this week, the Smugglers are looking to push through the 1350 barrier (90 ave) for the first time. The Smugglers host the sensationally named Manangatang Orang-utans this weekend at Flying Fish Cove Park. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 11 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: J. Redden (125) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: K. Tippett (116) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: D. Martin (102) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]12: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]11: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]6: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: D. Tyson, M. Suckling <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: M. Wright, D. Martin, K. Tippett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: A. Gaff, H. McIntosh, J. White
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 12: Christmas Island 1279 defeated Manangatang 1110 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]It was a week of firsts as the Smugglers recorded their 3rd home win of the season against an undermanned Orang-utan outfit. The win places CIFC in the top 8 for the first time, and Hamish Hartlett is the first Smuggler to receive 3 BAFFU votes, with a BOG 152. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The game was a late start due to Manangtang's Malaysia Air flight struggling to find the tiny airstrip on Christmas Island. The delay obviously affected the Orang-utan's preparation with the Smugglers racking up an impressive half-time score of 801/8. Redden dominated the stoppages, while Hartlett and Gaff collected plenty of the ball, with Gaff kicking 3 goals. After being shopped around in the mid-season trade period, the much-maligned (primarily by his coach) midfielder had his best game in blue, green and yellow. Hopefully he can maintain this current form, with his 3 game average of 108 currently 4th best at the club. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Disappointingly, the Smugglers switched off at half-time, only scoring 478/7, with Dom Tyson's tagger affected 37 the lowlight. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The Orang-utans were solid in the midfield, with Hayes, Greenwood and Ziebell all tonning up. Unfortunately, skipper Watson was injured late in the game and is highly unlikely to play again this season. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Christmas Island have injury concerns of their own, with key defender Michael Johnson and full-forward Kurt Tippett both suffering knee injuries. The pair are likely to miss around a month's football, which could not have come at a worse time for the Smugglers. Over the next four weeks CIFC face a potentially season defining run of games, starting with a trip to Groper Park to face the dangerous Gropers. The players are looking forward to catching up with Jake Stringer, who joined the Gropers mid-season. Ex-groper Michael Johnson's injury will spare him the jibes of Southern Cross' passionate fans, however the Smugglers are still expecting a raucous reception at one of the FU's most intimidating grounds. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]After this CIFC play 3 of the top 4 teams in a period that will test the club's finals aspirations. A 2-2 win ratio should keep them in the hunt, any less and it's almost time to start looking at season 2015. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 12 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: H. Hartlett (152) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: J. Redden (128) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: A. Gaff (116) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]14: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]11: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]9: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: D. Tyson, M. Suckling <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: M. Wright, D. Martin, K. Tippett, A. Gaff <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: H. McIntosh, J. White
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 13: Christmas Island 1106 defeated Southern Cross 1080 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Can't really remember this one - except we were lucky as Shuey was a late, unreplaced, out for the Gropers. Just happy to come away from Groper Park with the four points. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Judd (111) was strategically left in the magoos by the coach. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 14: Christmas Island 1346 defeated Pakenham 1067 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Christmas Island hosted FU royalty this week, with the biggest name in the competition, Garry Ablett, making Flying Fish Cove Park his own. An imperious 160 from the little master was the highlight for Pakenham. It wasn't quite a lone hand by GAJ, as he received good support from Buddy(121), Goddard(120) and Barlow(114), but there weren't enough contributors for the Parasites (in fairness the vest and injuries did take their toll on Pakenham this week). <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The Smuggler's forward line (total 422) ran roughshod over the Pakenham defence (total 156), with Dusty Martin's season high 148 being the standout. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]And although praising someone in these reports is the kiss of death for their scoring (see Matty Wright's 3 game averaging dropping from 108 to 55, and Tyson's from 103 to 60) the coach will risk it to make note of Harbrow's 119, which has him as the highest averaging playing defender at the club. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The tough run for the Smugglers continues, heading to Coolgardie to take on the table-topping Prospectors. Hartlett will come back to give the midfield more run, while Tippett is a chance to return to the forward line in place of the struggling Dawes. CIFC need to match the FU's form ruckman, Shane Mumford, who is likely to receive quality support from the rested Dean Cox. If these two provide first use of the ball to the Prospectors' quality midfield, then it could be a long boat ride home for the Smugglers. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Horlin-Smith's resting in round 14 may have cost him his spot, with Judd and Gaff both putting in solid efforts. In other injury news, Michael Johnsonis still arounda month away from returning, although the coach was happy with new recruit Jimmy Webster's 85 on debut. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 13 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: H. Heppell (118) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: D. Martin (108) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: E. MacKenzie (106) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 14 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3. D. Martin (148) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. J. Harbrow (119) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1. M. Wright (113) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]14: J. Redden, D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]9: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]7: D. Martin <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: D. Tyson, M. Suckling <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: M. Wright <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: K. Tippett, A. Gaff, J. Harbrow <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: H. McIntosh, J. White, E. MacKenzie
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 15: Christmas Island 1315 defeated Coolgardie 1143 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]7 on the bounce now for the Smugglers as they knocked off the top-of-the-table Prospectors in Coolgardie in one of the club's best wins of the season. The win sees the Smugglers in fourth place on points scored and with a two game buffer over the clubs fighting for the last spot in the 8. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The Prospector's defence couldn't contain the Smugglers forward line, being outscored 177 to 379. Charlie Dixon's season high of 114 hopefully signifies a return to form for the big man, who has had a quiet month by his lofty standards. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]JPK (130) was everywhere in the midfield for the Prospectorsand was ably supported by young guns Wines and O'Meara. CIFC's midfield put in their worst performance in 2 months, however Coolgardie unfortunately could not convert this dominance into points, with their forwards only averaging 70. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Jarrod Witts was sensational in the ruck, easily outpointing his more fancied opposition in a career best performance. With Hamish McIntosh missing the game through an ankle injury, the sole ruck role seemed to suit the young behemoth. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The win came at a cost however, with ultra-reliable tackling machine Jack Redden suffering a stress fracture in his foot and seeming certain to miss several games. The injury could not have come at a worse time, with the Smugglers hosting the FU's no. 1 team, the Goondiwindi Goannas, at Flying Fish Cove Park this weekend. With veteran defender Sam Mitchell likely to return for the Goon, the Smugglers will be hard-pressed to maintain their winning streak. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A loss here could see the Smugglers, with their poor points scored, fall towards the bottom of the 8, which is not a great place to be given their tough run home. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 15 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3. J. Witts (135) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. C. Judd (118) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1. D. Heppell (115) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]15: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]14: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]9: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]7: D. Martin <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: D. Tyson, M. Suckling <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: M. Wright, J. Witts <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: K. Tippett, A. Gaff, J. Harbrow, C. Judd <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: H. McIntosh, J. White, E. MacKenzie
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 16: Christmas Island 1236 defeated Goondiwindi 1147 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]For the second week in a row the Smugglers have beaten top-of-the-table opposition, and in the process now sit atop the FU ladder for the first time in the club's history. While there's excitement among the Smuggler's fans, coach Damo has tried to keep a lid on expectations, quoting Mike Ehmantraut (a hard as nails small defender in the New Mexico league) Just because you shot Jesse James, don't make you Jesse James.&rdquo; <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Hamish Hartlettcontinued his all-or-nothing season, with his 4th 3-point game of the year. He sits 3rd in the Abbots Booby medal count, having not picked up a single vote outside of his BOG performances. He, along with Judd and Heppell controlled the midfield, with the Goannas stars, especially Swan and Jack, well below their best. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Jarrod Wittsmaintained his POOOYA winning form, this week claiming the scalp of Aaron Sandliands 97-76. Witts will be keen to keep this rich vein of form going, taking on another Giant Tap contender in the Armadillo's Minson this week. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Kurt Tippett was a late out with his troublesome knees playing up again, leading to Chris Dawes making his CIFC debut. The injury will keep Tippett out of this week's game against the resurgent Ararat and will be the 10th game he's missed this season. Unfortunately he's unlikely to be the only out, with Charlie Dixon injuring his calf. This leaves the Smuggler's forward stocks bare, and hoping that Jesse White, who hasn't played since round 11, manages to get up for this game. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]It was a terrible week on the injury front, with confirmation from the medical staff that Jack Redden, currently 2nd in the club's B&F, and Jimmy Webster, would both miss the rest of the season with foot injuries. This run of injuries will test the Smuggler's depth as they look to wrap up a finals position. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]In a rare piece of good injury news, Michael Johnson, who has only played two games since arriving in the mid-season trade period, looks likely to make his return this week. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A tough run homes continues for the Smugglers this round, hosting Insider's Armadillos, who are looking to cement their spot in the top 8. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 16 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3. H. Hartlett (111) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. D. Martin (102) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1. C. Judd, H. McIntosh (100) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]15: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]14: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]12: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]9: D. Martin <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: D. Tyson, M. Suckling <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: M. Wright, J. Witts, C. Judd <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: K. Tippett, A. Gaff, J. Harbrow, H. McIntosh, <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: J. White, E. MacKenzie
My pick for the flag. The stats don't suggest it, but I have a feeling Xmas Island will be the team to beat. I reckon a minor premiership is almost guaranteed grand final berth, so if they keep up their winning ways they will have that place in the final
Tomster wrote: My pick for the flag. The stats don't suggest it, but I have a feeling Xmas Island will be the team to beat. I reckon a minor premiership is almost guaranteed grand final berth, so if they keep up their winning ways they will have that place in the final not running into much this week. decimated by injuries, i have one playing emergency should be an easy W for the Smugglers
Round 17: Christmas Island 1251defeated Ararat 1061 The Smugglers clung to top spot with a hard-fought victory over Ararat at Flying Fish Cove Park. The Armadillos were without 2 first choice defenders and their star midfielders, Treloar and Congilio and unfortunately their replacements couldn't get the job done with 3 players posting scores under 50. Minson was the only player from Ararat to crack the ton, although Wallis and Vince were handy in the midfield. The loss sees the Armadillos fall out of the 8 to 10th, as part of the logjam of 5 teams on 32 points. Hamish McIntosh lead the way for the Smugglers, with a season best 144. There will be some players sweating the outcome of the selection committee, with Kurt Tippett a certainty to resume his spot next week. Jarrod Witts and Chris Dawes have their heads on the chopping block at the moment. Things don't get any easier for either side in the split round 18, with the Smugglers travelling to the fortress of Mill Park to take on a resurgent Staghorn Flat, while the Armadillos host the FU's highest scoring team, the Goondiwindi Goannas. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]With Redden out for the rest of the season the Abbotts Booby medal is Dyson's to lose. 2 points this round gives him a 5 point lead over Hamish Hartlett. Dusty Martin is coming home like a freight train though, but will need some BoG performances to make up Heppell's substantial lead. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;]Round 17 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3.H. McIntosh(144) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. D.Heppell (107) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1.D. Martin(103) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='color: #000000; text-decoration: underline;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]17: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]14: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]12: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]10: D. Martin <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: D. Tyson, M. Suckling, H. McIntosh <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: M. Wright, J. Witts, C. Judd <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: K. Tippett, A. Gaff, J. Harbrow <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: J. White, E. MacKenzie
insider wrote: Tomster wrote: My pick for the flag. The stats don't suggest it, but I have a feeling Xmas Island will be the team to beat. I reckon a minor premiership is almost guaranteed grand final berth, so if they keep up their winning ways they will have that place in the final not running into much this week. decimated by injuries, i have one playing emergency should be an easy W for the Smugglers It was a good week to play Ararat for sure Insider. Not sure the Smugglers will be able to hold onto top spotthrough the final rounds though. Our poor points scored (from our atrocious start to the season) means any loss will drop us to around 4th. Having to knock off the Bulls, Panthers and Cudas might be a bridge too far unfortunately. We're not above takingout the minor premiership by default though, so here's hoping the mighty Armadillos, Bar-Crawlers and Cudas canbeatthe rest of the top 4 thisround.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 18: Christmas Island 1232defeated by Staghorn Flat 1254 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The Smugglers suffered their first loss since April being run-downin a superb second half performance by the Bulls at Mill Park. The loss, Christmas Island's first on the Australian mainland, sees the Smugglers slip to 3rd, with two rounds left to play. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A huge first half from the Smugglers midfield (Tyson 159, Heppell 129 and Judd 115) suggested a thrashing was on the cards as the teams went into the long break CIFC 642/6 (107) to SFB 405/7(58). What followed however was one of the great comebacks in FU history with the Bulls taking the lead in the third term thanks to an epic performance from captain Rockliff (175), who was ably supported by dual 120's to the Bull's big men, Roughie and McEvoy. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]The Smugglers had a chance to steal the game late, but the poorly timed substitution of Matty Wright (45) blew any chance of extending the winning streak to 10 games. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]To add injury to insult, Smuggler's forward Charlie Dixon looks to have suffered a season ending groin injury. He is now the fourth 1st XV player to be on the growing LTI list, which is testing CIFC's depth late in the season. Chris Dawes is likely to come back into the starting line-up after being omitted for the clash against the Bulls. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]CIFC will be hoping to return to the winner's circle this week, when they take on the Pearcedale Panthers in a welcome return to Flying Fish Cove Park. The match has ramifications at both ends of the top eight, with Pearcedale needing the win to keep its finals chances alive, while a Smugglers win, and some results falling their way, will see them return to their rightful place atop the FU table. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]All over bar the shouting as Dyson picks up another 2 votes to extend his lead to 7 over his closest playing rival. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='text-decoration: underline; color: black;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='text-decoration: underline; color: black;]Round 18 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3.D. Tyson(159) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. D.Heppell (129) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1.C. Judd(115) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;][span style='text-decoration: underline; color: black;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]19: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]14: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]12: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]10: D. Martin <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]8: D. Tyson <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: M. Suckling, H. McIntosh <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]4: C.Judd <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: M. Wright, J. Witts <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: K. Tippett, A. Gaff, J. Harbrow <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: J. White, E. MacKenzie
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Fallen behind on the match reports, so let's skip to the good stuff: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 19: Christmas Island 1286defeated by Pearcedale 1367 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 20: Christmas Island 1303defeated by Groote Eylandt 1368 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Lost the Islander cup, held on to a finals spot, so I'll take that as a win. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1st week finals: Christmas Island 1316 defeated Blanchetown 946 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Blanchetown continues to be a happy hunting ground for the Smugglers, as they notched up their second win there this season. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Proving the maxim that quantity has a quality all its own&rdquo; Christmas Island's starting 15 were never troubled by the Bunyips, who could only field 11 players as injuries and late outs took their toll. It was an unfortunate end to the season for Blanchetown, who were touted by experts (well, me at least) as being one of the top contenders for the title. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]As has been the case for most of the season no huge scores were posted by the Smugglers, but their consistency came to the fore with 5 tons and 4 scores in the 90s. An average of 88 for CIFC compared favourably with the Bunyips' 86 (for playing players only), but highlights how close the game would have been had Blanchetown been at full strength. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Unfortunately, but not unsurprisingly Charlie Dixon suffered another injury to post only 15, while Matt Suckling also looks set to miss the Prelim final with an ankle injury. Jesse White and Chris Dawes will be fighting for the forward spot in training this week, while Sam Gilbert will play just his second game this season in defence. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]It's now off to Ararat to face the Armadillos for a place in the FU Grand Final. The Smugglers recorded a 200 point win in Round 17, but Ararat have been buoyed by the return of young guns McKenzie, Hibberd and Treloar since then. Only 15 points separated the two teams in their 1st week final scores, so a tight contest is on the cards. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]A.Booby Medal: <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Congratulations to Dyson Heppell who now has an unsurpassable lead in the count and therefore has taken out the inaugural Abbott's Booby medal. Challenged early in the season by Jack Redden before his injury, the young superstar (with the best hair in the game) has so far this season has producedfive BOG performances, including two in the last two weeks and polled votes in over 60% of games to be a worthy winner. <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]/Portals/0/User%20Images/ORFFU/D%20Heppell.png <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 19 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3.H. Hartlett(139) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. D.Tyson (138) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1.A. Gaff(125) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Round 20 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3.D. Heppell(129) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. C. Judd (115) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1.A. Gaff(109) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1st week final <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3.D. Heppell(119) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2. H. Hartlett (117) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1.E. MacKenzie (111) <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]Overall <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]25: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]17: H. Hartlett <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]14: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]10: D. Martin, D. Tyson <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]6: C.Judd <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]5: M. Suckling, H. McIntosh <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]4: A. Gaff <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: M. Wright, J. Witts <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: K. Tippett, J. Harbrow, E. MacKenzie <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: J. White
Trade period review <table style='border: currentColor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 84.65pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]In <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 4cm; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]Out <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 84.65pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]B. Deledio <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 4cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]A. Gaff <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 84.65pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]M. Lecras <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 4cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]C. Dixon <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 84.65pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]S. Hurn <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 4cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]M. Suckling <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 84.65pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]M. Kreuzer <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 4cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]W. Hoskins-Elliot <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 84.65pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;] A.Monfries <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 4cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]G. Burbury (delisted) <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 84.65pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]S. Grigg <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 4cm; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]G. Horlin-Smith The Smugglers have wrapped up a successful trade period, welcoming 6 players to Flying Fish Cove Park. Veterans Shannon Hurn, Brett Deledio and Mark Lecras have been added to bolster the scoring in defence, the midfield and up front respectively, while a risk has been taken on the talented, but injury-prone no.1 draft pick Matty Kreuzer in the ruck. Kreuzer is the only number one pick at the club, and displaces captain Chris Judd (no.3, 2001) as the Smugglers' highest draft pick. These quality inclusions will hopefully see the club push towards a premiership in the next two years. Shaun Grigg and Gus Monfries (ASADA permitting) add some depth to the roster and will both be looking to improve on injury-affected years in 2014. Unfortunately the club had to cull some talented youngsters in its drive towards the FU flag, and it was especially difficult to part ways with two of our top 3 recruits from the original draft in Charlie Dixon and Matt Suckling. Less difficult was the cutting of Will Hoskins-Elliot and George Horlin-Smith after Club President Bjorn Bjornberg issued a bizarre press release, claiming that players with double-barrelled names were destroying the club's culture and had to be purged from the playing list&rdquo;. The release then flowed into a rambling (and libellous) 40,000 words of free verse about Bjornberg's relationship with Bill Cosby. Coach Damo attributed Bjornberg's aggressive mood to a particularly unsuccessful spring carnival punting session. As is tradition, the departing player's records have been added to the Smugglers' Honour Board: <table style='border: currentColor;' border='1' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0] <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt; border-style: solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt; text-align: left; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]Name <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.95pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]Games <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]Average <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]Top Score <td valign='top' style='border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt; text-align: left; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] A.Booby votes <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]A. Gaff <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.95pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]19 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]87.7 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]125 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]4 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]M. Suckling <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.95pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]19 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]76.4 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]122 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]5 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]C. Dixon <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.95pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]12 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]65.8 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]114 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]0 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]G. Horlin-Smith <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.95pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]9 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]72.8 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]113 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]0 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]G. Burbury <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.95pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]4 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]53.5 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]77 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]0 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.75pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]W. Hoskins-Elliot <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 73.95pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]1 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]69 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]69 <td valign='top' style='border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.2pt; text-align: left; border-top-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; background-color: transparent;] <p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;]0
Minimal positional changes at Christmas Island, with Deledio and Harbrow gaining fwd and mid eligibility respectively. Lids' move to the fwd line has left the Smugglers list with plenty of forwards, so we are reopening trade discussions. Looking to trade a forward for a mid or def. Pick 33 is also available as part of any deal.
After close to a 2-year hiatus, the club reporter has finally decided to get his act together and put some thoughts on paper about the 2015 and 2016 seasons. In short, they weren’t good. 2015 – started poorly, winning streak mid-season, lost late ones, finished ninth, won the loser cup. Martin took out the Abbotts Booby medal. 2016 – 2016 was never expected to be the Smugglers’ year, but few at the club thought it would deteriorate as quickly as it did. For a team with limited firepower in the midfield, losing Heppell for the year was always going to be tough to overcome, but a series of midfield injuries resulted in Heppell, Dayne Beams, Hamish Hartlett and Michael Rischitelli all sitting out the later part of the season. When this was combined with Brett Deledio’s absence up front, and Michael Johnson down back, the youngsters were called on to deliver, which unfortunately they couldn’t do. Defence continued to be an issue for Xmas Island, with Trent McKenzie and Marley Williams having injury-affected off years. McKenzie in particular needs to improve in 2017 or he could very easily be looking for a new home. Captain Shannon Hurn often played a lone hand down back, with his precision kicking setting up many of the Smugglers’ best attacking raids. The coaches were also happy with the continued development of Jake Lever and the late season addition of Jackson Trengove, who looks set to gain ruck status in 2017. Upfront is where the Smugglers do their best work and 2016 was no exception, with Dusty Martin stamping himself as the one of the league’s best, pushing his average towards 110 for the first time. Dan Menzel lived up to his billing as one of the steals of the 2016 draft, with 4 120+ games and 6 Abbott Booby votes in his debut season. Mark LeCras was slightly down on his 2015 form and it looks like age might be catching up with the veteran. With Brett Deledio to return, and Jayden Laverde developing, the Frenchman might struggle to hold his spot in the starting XV next year. Matty Kreuzer lead the Smugglers’ ruck division all year and did a solid, but not spectacular job. However, the coaching staff were thrilled that he managed to play a full season, and should improve his scoring output next year. The “Kreuz missile” was assisted in the ruck by mid-season recruits Shaun Hampson and Jackson Trengove. The coaches are expecting that both will also improve (if given the opportunity) in 2017, having had a decent run at the No.1 ruck role for the first time in their careers this season. Abbotts Booby Medal: 26 – Martin 16 – Tyson 9 – Hurn 8 – Rischitelli 7 – Grigg, Tippett Dustin Martin retained the B&F award, streaking the field in a season that saw him step up to elite level. Martin picked up 5 BOGs, and polled in 12 out of 17 games, to post the largest win in the medal’s short history. With the return of the inaugural medallist, Dyson Heppell, in 2017 it will be interesting to see if Martin can complete the hat-trick. Where to from here? The addition of Dyson Heppell and Dayne Beams has the potential to be transformative for the Smugglers, if both can get back to their best in 2017. Throw in a fit Deledio (possible) and Johnson (unlikely) and Christmas Island start to look like the team that were a couple of straight kicks away from a GF in 2014. The coach is a little more realistic than that, as several teams have improved greatly since the FU’s inaugural season, so a lower spot in the 8 is the aim.
The Smugglers celebrated mad Monday and their presentation night at the local haunt, the Golden Bosun, after returning from Serengeti overnight. Coach and players were in high spirits despite the GF loss, as the Smugglers celebrated their most successful season to date. Awards Abbots Booby Medal Dustin Martin retained the Smugglers season Best-and-Fairest, the Abbots Booby medal, after another stellar season from the midfielder. Dustin scored votes in a phenomenal 14 out of 20 games, including 7 best-on-ground performances. The superstar led the count from the very first round where he posted his season best of 159. Second was ruckman Matty Kreuzer, who had a career best year, both form and healthwise. Third was new recruit Dayne Beams. 32 votes – D. Martin (7 BOG) 22 – M. Kreuzer (3 BOG) 18 – D. Beams (3 BOG) 13 – D. Heppell (2 BOG) 11 – S. Hurn (2 BOG) 6 – M. Johnson (1 BOG) 5 – S. Grigg (1 BOG), L. Taylor 3 – J. Lever (1 BOG) 2 – M. Williams, A. Hall, I.Smith 1 – D. Tyson, L. Dunstan Goshawk Medal In recognition of the Smugglers’ run to the Grand Final, the Board decided to mint a new medal, for the Finals MVP. Determined on the basis on percentage variance between finals average and season average the inaugural winner of the Goshawk is Isaac Smith, whose run, carry and long range goals were vital to the Smugglers’ (partial) success in the 2017 finals. 38% variance – I.Smith 20% - D. Beams 18% - L. Dunstan Season Records Finished: Runners-Up (lost to Serengeti 1332-1417) Highest score: 1432 (semi-final versus Groote Eylandt) Largest winning margin: 380 (semi-final versus Groote Eylandt) Lowest score: 934 (R12 versus Coolgardie) Largest losing margin: 251 (R4 versus Pearcedale) List Analysis Defenders The Smugglers lack an outright superstar down-back, instead having a group of solid contributors in Hurn, Lever and Hartlett who will all be available in 2018. The captain, Shannon Hurn, showed that he is still one of the best kicks in the game, posting a couple of massive scores in the middle of the season. Michael Johnson may choose to play on next year, but he slowed significantly as the season wore on and youngster Riley Bonner showed enough in a couple of games late in the season to suggest he’ll be threatening to take a starting spot next year. Marley Williams and Trent McKenzie added good depth but injuries kept both from securing a regular spot in the line-up this year. The off-season will be especially interesting for McKenzie. Midfielders Dustin Martin and Dayne Beams are the rolled-gold superstars in the Smugglers midfield and were responsible for most of the Smugglers’ success in 2017. The pleasing thought for fans is that Beams missed several rounds through injury, and also had a couple of injury-affected scores, so both his average and total points scored should improve in 2018. Dyson Heppell was one of the disappointments for the team this year. The inaugural Abbots Booby medalist announced his return after a year off (coaching staff still not sure where he went in 2016) with a stellar 152 in R1. 10 more centuries followed, but so did plenty of sub-par scores to see him finish the season with an average of 99.5. Hopefully 2018 sees him take the next step to 105, even 110+ average. The coach was encouraged by the development of Luke Dunstan, with an average of 109.6 in the final five rounds and an exceptional finals series showing the contested-ball specialist’s ability. Aaron Hall, Shaun Grigg and Dom Tyson were competing for the remaining midfield and interchange spots and given the inconsistent nature of all three it regularly did the selection committee’s heads in trying to choose who to start. The coach expects the same headaches to arise next year. Joe Atley made his debut and showed glimpses, but is a work in progress. Rucks As number one ruck, Matty Kreuzer took his game to a new level in 2017, averaging a career best 109.8 and playing all 20 games. A second-place finish in the Abbots Booby medal was a just reward for the big man, who was also the highest placed ruckman in the BAFFU. Shaun Hampson struggled with a LTI for most of the year, but pleasingly made a return in the reserves a couple of weeks ago. However, he is likely to struggle to gain a starting XV spot in 2018, with the coach seemingly wedded to the small structure that worked well this year. William “Peter” Frampton has been on the list for 2 years and has not come anywhere near a senior debut. While nothing was given up for Zac Clarke in the mid-season draft period, he provided nothing in return. Both are a decent chance to be cut in the off-season. Forwards For so long the Smugglers’ strength, 2017 saw a new-look, less-powerful forward line at Flying Fish Cove Park. Serious injuries to Brett Deledio and Jayden Laverde in the pre-season meant that for several games in the early part of the year the Smugglers were playing OOP defenders up-front with little success. However, the midseason arrivals of Isaac Smith (especially) and Bailey Dale (somewhat) resolved this issue. Smith finished the year as the Smugglers best up-front, but was being challenged late by a resurgent Deledio. Hopefully with a full pre-season under his belt Brett can push towards a 90 average in season 2018. Veteran Mark LeCras looks cooked and should be put out to pasture in the off-season. Youngsters Lewy Taylor, Bailey Dale and Shai Bolton showed their natural talent at various stages of the year, but it is hard to see anyone but Taylor being a regular starter in 2018.