Trade period is upon us, and the Blimps are keen to discuss trading players and filling some needs.   The list is as follows.   The players with asterisks beside them are available for trade. Other players would, while not being untouchable, require a good deal for me to part with them.   DEFENDERS: Paul Duffield Alex Rance Dylan Grimes *Luke McPharlin *Nick Smith *Matt Dea *Rory Thompson   MIDS: Matthew Boyd *Nick Dal Santo *Nathan Foley *Brent Harvey (F/M) Ben Cunnington *Trent McKenzie *Nathan Van Berlo *Liam Picken *Dom Cassisi   RUCKS: Ivan Maric *Brent Renouf   FORWARDS: Andrew Walker Shane Edwards Eddie Betts *Jeremy Howe *Brent Harvey (F/M) Ty Vickery *Gary Rohan *Liam Patrick   NEEDS:   I'm after a backman - preferably a younger one, and possibly a younger midfielder is there is one around and available.Obviously, open to trade discussions throughout trade period.
In a shock move, one of Darraweit Guim's young leaders - Jeremy Howe - has been traded away to Venus Bay during the first week of ORFFA's trade period. After a breakthrough 2012, Howe had been earmarked for an off-field leadership role in 2013. However, in circumstances that still remain murky, he has been traded down the coast to Venus Bay and has become a vulture (not literally of course). Dirigibles management remains tightlipped on the trade, issuing a short statement saying that Jeremy had requested a fresh start, and that Darraweit Guim thanked him for his service. In return for Jeremy Howe, the Blimps have picked up a solid young defender in Chip Frawley. Chip is understood to be extremely pleased to be joining an increasingly formidable Guim defence - which includes Duffield, Rance, Grimes, McPharlin, Frawley, McKenzie, Matt Dea, Rory Thompson and Nick Smith. Frawley should fit in just fine in the blue-collar Guim team. Team management have welcomed him, beleiving strongly in the importance of building a successful team through a great defence. It is now believed the Guim will be looking for midfielders and forwards in future trade deals, as well as possibly prioritising these positions in the upcoing ORFFA draft.
As a note as well - all my defenders are now on the table and tradeable, so if anyone needs a defender, I am chasing a forward. Make an offer.
Updated: DEFENDERS: *Paul Duffield *Alex Rance *Dylan Grimes James Frawley *Luke McPharlin *Nick Smith *Trent McKenzie *Matt Dea *Rory Thompson MIDS: Matthew Boyd *Nick Dal Santo *Nathan Foley *Brent Harvey (F/M) Ben Cunnington *Nathan Van Berlo *Liam Picken *Dom Cassisi Andrew Walker (F/M) RUCKS: Ivan Maric *Brent Renouf FORWARDS: Andrew Walker (F/M) Shane Edwards Eddie Betts *Brent Harvey (F/M) Ty Vickery *Gary Rohan *Liam Patrick Thanks again to everyone who has shown interest in a trade. As noted before - all my defenders are tradeable. Asterisked players are highly tradeable ... but I'll consider any reasonable offer.
<p style='text-align: left;]Well, it ended up being a relatively active trading period for the Guim, with three new faces arriving in town and a number of players packing their bags and looking towards the draft for a fantasy football career lifeline. <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]Firstly, the Dirigibles would like to welcome: <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]Defender James Frawley, and midfielders Brad Hill and Dom Tyson. <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]We look forward to their efforts in the coming year, with hopes Brad Hill can make his mark on field, and Dom Tyson can return after injury at some stage during 2013. <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]And while we have three new arrivals, we also have a number of departures: <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]Jeremy Howe and Gary Rohan (both traded), as well as Dan Connors, Matt Dea, Nick Smith, Liam Picken, Brent Renouf and Dom Cassisi (delisted). <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]We want to thank all our departing players for their service (well, except for Dan Connors, who was a twit). Best of luck into the future. <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]The departures have seen some on-field changes - Ivan Maric retains the captaincy, but Jeremy Howe will be replaced in the Guim's leadership group after his departure. His replacement (who will join Maric, Matthew Boyd (v/c), Nathan Van Berlo (dep v/c), Shane Edwards and Trent McKenzie) will be named after the upcoming draft. <p style='text-align: left;]The final Darraweit Guim pre-draft team list, excepting any unexpected revisions, is: <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]DEF: <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]Duffield, Rance, Grimes, McKenzie, Frawley, R Thompson, L McPharlin <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]MID: <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]Boyd, Dal Santo, Foley, B Harvey (M/F), Cunnington, A Walker (M/F), Van Berlo, B Hill, Tyson. <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]RUCK: <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]Maric <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]FWD: <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]A Walker (M/F), S Edwards, Betts, Vickery, L Patrick, B Harvey (M/F) <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]TOTAL PLAYERS: 21. <p style='text-align: left;] <p style='text-align: left;]DRAFT PICKS: Five picks in the upcoming draft. Those picks look likely to be at Picks 13, 38, 45, 67 and 85. Pick 49 was traded to Iron Knob for Dom Tyson, while a further deal has seen the club secure draft picks 38 and 45 in exchange for pick 31.
As a bit of last day trade period madness, I've decided all my players are on the block bar one - Ivan Maric. I am looking for a first and/or second round draft pick/s. Make an offer, be inventive, throw around some names. You never know what I'll agree to before my third cup of coffee.
In further last day trading madness, the Guim have released one more player - Liam Patrick. Thanks for your service Liam, and I sincerely hope you are picked up by another squad (or, maybe, the Guim again!). However Guim management believe the upcoming draft is deep enough to be able to build with youth. If we can inject (not in an Essendon sports science department type of way) more quality young players into the side, all the better. We've let a couple of young players go - Dea, Howe, Rohan and Patrick. But we have also picked up a good young defender in Frawley, as well as youngsters Hill and Tyson. This leaves the Guim with six draft picks - 13, 38, 45, 67, 85 and 103. Plenty of talent in the draft, the aim is now to get the players the Guim have targeted.
<div class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody] Just when Darraweit Guim's management were preparing to put their feet up after a busy trade period, a final transaction has been confirmed - this time with Charlie's Opening. In a trade for the Dirigibles' pick 38, Charlie's Opening have sent two youngsters with plenty of potential across to play at the newly renovated Paddock in 2013. So we welcome young midfielder Jesse Stringer, and young forward Adam Tomlinson. In summary - the busy trading period has seen: <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Jeremy Howe traded for James Frawley <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Gary Rohan traded for Bradley Hill <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Pick 49 traded for Dom Tyson <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Pick 31 traded for Picks 38 and 45 <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Pick 38 on-traded for Jesse Stringer and Adam Tomlinson <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody] <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]Ultimately, in return for Picks 31 and 49, Darraweit Guim have received Dom Tyson, Jesse Stringer, Adam Tomlinson and Pick 45. <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody] <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]This is an outcome which we believe is a coup for the team and represents areal building block for the future. <p class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody] <div class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody]The Dirigibles now have just 5 picks in the upcoming draft - 13, 45, 67, 85 and 103.
<div class='Forum_Normal' id='spBody] PRESS RELEASE Darraweit Guim in draft shock Darraweit Guim management have been forced into damage control after controversially selecting Michael Walters with the team's first pick - pick 13 - in the ORFFA draft. Despite a number of highly credentialled rookies remaining available at the time of the pick, the Dirigibles' draft team took the completely unexpected step of drafting the 21 year old speedster from WA. 'We needed forwards', Dirigibles' coach Chris88 said. 'And Michael Walters was, to our estimation, in the best 4-5 forwards in the draft.' 'He has been playing at a high level since mid-2012, and has had a great pre-season, as well as standing out in a couple of trial games. To be honest, when we realised about a week ago that he was still undrafted, we were shocked.' However the Guim's supporters have questioned the decision, wondering why big name talent like Stringer, Macrae, Plowman and O'Rourke were overlooked. 'I'm not convinced team management know what they are doing,' one supporter said, making the 'drinky drinky' motion before twirling his finger in a circle near his ear and repeatedly saying 'cuckoo, cuckoo'. 'If the coach hadn't traded away the team's second round draft pick, Walters could've been picked up then.' Darraweit Guim traded both its second and third round draft picks during trade period, gaining in return youngsters Dom Tyson, Adam Tomlinson, Jesse Stringer and pick 45. This is a decision coach Chris88 defended: 'We've injected youth into our midfield and forward line with these moves - gaining Tyson, Stringer, Tomlinson, Brad Hill and now Walters. And have still held onto a pick in the mid 40s. That's good going in this competitive ORFFA league.' Club stalwarts will be keeping a close eye on the team's later picks, and have promised the burning of effigies if mistakes are made.
With great contentment the Dirigibles would like to welcome their first round draft pick Michael Walters to the fold: /Portals/0/User Images/Fremantle+Dockers+Training+Session+_djHpEgJJmBl.jpg /Portals/0/User%20Images/Michael_Walters_Draft_246a.jpg Guim management are confident Walters' stunning speed, goal sense and growing confidence will win over doubters among our supporter base. A number have already been mollified by the fact numerous ORFFA teams were looking to recruit the youngster.
Darraweit Guim would like to welcome young midfield dynamo Jack Newnes to The Paddock. /Portals/0/User%20Images/NEWNES%20Jack.jpg Best of luck Jack, here's hoping for a breakthrough year for you on-field. With two more draft picks to come, Dirigibles' management are still deciding as to the direction they wish to take with them.
Darraweit Guim would like to formerly welcome all our new recruits - draft picks as well as trades - to The Paddock for the 2013 season. Welcome to: Michael Walters, Dom Tyson, James Frawley, Jack Newnes, Rohan Bewick, Dean Towers, Jesse Stringer, Brad Hill and Adam Tomlinson. This injection of youth - everyone above is aged 24 or younger, represents a massive turnover on the Dirigibles' list. Hopefully with this injection of youth, as well as the returns of Ty Vickery, Dylan Grimes and (hopefully) Nathan Foley, will see some depth and class added to the team. Further announcements about the leadership group are forthcoming.
Some updates from the Dirigbles: Leadership Group: Post draft and trade period, our leadership group has been confirmed as: Ivan Maric (capt) Matthew Boyd (vice captain) Nathan Van Berlo (deputy vice captain) Alex Rance, Ben Cunnington, Michael Walters (leadership group) Player updates: New recruits Michael Walters and Jack Newnes have been flying during the off-season.Both look likely to break into the senior line-up and play a major role in 2013. Dirigibles management has also been encouraged with the pre-season form of Adam Tomlinson, Jesse Stringer, Rohan Bewick and Bradley Hill. Rory Thompson and Ty Vickery's returns from injury have been encouraging too. Nathan Foley and Dylan Grimes look likely to have delayed starts to 2013, as they remain in the rehab group with Dom Tyson and Trent McKenzie. Of our established players, Rance, Betts, Shane Edwards, Duffield, Boyd and Van Berlo have been impressive. Brent Harvey's form has been good too, despite him being set to miss the first six weeks of 2013. Dirigibles coach Chris88 has laid down the challenge to the players to perform in the first 6-8 weeks of the season, with worries that a slow start might see the team dismantled and a complete rebuild take place (with loads of trading and draft picks for players one would expect). Right now, the expected Round 1 Dirigibles line-up looks to be: DEF: Rance, Duffield, Frawley, McPharlin MID: Boyd, Dal Santo, Van Berlo, Cunnington RUCK: Maric FWD: Betts, Walker, Edwards, Walters I/C (FROM): Vickery, Newnes, Bewick, R Thompson, Hill (Couldn't Consider: Foley, McKenzie, Tyson, Grimes, Harvey)
It is with great happiness that the Blimps accept an invitation from Charlie's Opening for a pre-season scratch match on the weekend. The match should provide both teams with an invaluable final hit-out before the real stuff begins. The match will be conducted under slightly modified scoring, with DreamTeam scores most likely to be used and easily available. The Dirigibles will name their squad for the match tonight, with a number of youngsters pressing for selection. Thanks again to Bandit for the offer!
<p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]With the title of the best mullet in the world lavished upon him by so many, there is a real danger that Darraweit Guim and talisman Ivan Maric could be given a touch up this weekend in their hit out against Charlie's Opening at The Pit. New starting ruckman Giles will be looking to show Fitzy what he will lose this year after being traded from Venus Bay, and it may well be Maric that is on the receiving end. <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;] <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]The Spelunkers have struggled immensely by their own standards under the guidance of the 2ndin charge camel herder Bandit and will be looking to make amends for a fairly sloppy pre-season with a solid hitout against the Dirigibles, who will field such stars as Maric, Dal Santo, Boyd and first round draft pick Michael Walters. The home side will be heavily reliant on the outstanding talent that is Andrew Swallow, and will be hoping that once again he is on top form. If Heath Shaw can get away from the pie warmer he should be able to influence the game from the backline, and there is a lot of talk that new gun recruits Thurlow, Paparone and Simpson may be given a run. <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;] <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]The Spelunkers are looking forward to hosting the blimps; with the after match recovery session sponsored by James Boags bound to be a perfect opportunity for the teams to discuss the season ahead after the game. <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;] <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Preliminary squads: <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;] <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Charlie's Opening <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;] <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Def: Shaw, Davis, Reid, Mackie <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Mid: Montagna, Swallow, Jack, S. Hill <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Ruc: Giles <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Fwd: Petrie, LeCras, Reid, Jenkins <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Int from: Jackson, Gunston, Hooker, Picken, Milera, Savage, Menzel, MacKenzie, Thurlow, Paparone, Simpson <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;] <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Darraweit Guim: <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;] <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]DEF: Rance, Duffield, Frawley, McPharlin <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]MID: Boyd, Dal Santo, Van Berlo, Cunnington <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]RUCK: Maric <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]FWD: Betts, Walker, Edwards, Walters <p style='margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, San-Serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 16px; background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #000000;]Int from: Vickery, Newnes, Bewick, R Thompson, Hill, Foley, McKenzie, Tyson, Grimes, Harvey
Well, after some delay, the results of the practice match hitout between Charlie's Opening and Darraweit Guim will be known later on this evening. Problems and delays were caused by the unexpectedly inclement weather in parts of Melbourne on the weekend, something which delayed scorekeepers t the match properly submitting each player's Supercoach score. The good news is that each of the scorekeepers has now submitted their forms - however, some got rather soaked in the rain and ink has smudged. Darraweit coach Chris88 has volunteered to trawl through the scores and put together a comprehensive report this evening.
After some mad adding up and deciphering of smudged ink on paper the final scores are in and, in a close matchup played under modified conditions, Darraweit Guim won by 19 points - 796 (from 11 players) to 777 (from 11 players). Each team chose to rest a number of stars from the squad to ensure off-season preparations continued in earnest. But ultimately it was a pair of Tigers - the mighty mulleted skipper of Darraweit Guim Ivan Maric (133) and the rejuvenated Titch Edwards (155) that helped the Blimps scrape over the line. The Guim also got able contributions from the usual suspects in Boyd and Dal Santo, as well as encouraging totals from Ben Cunnington, Rory Thompson and draftee Rohan Bewick. Another draftee in Jack Newnes, as well as recruit Brad Hill also showed enough to suggest debuts aren't far away. For the Spelunkers, youngster Jack Gunston led the way with 128 points, while the mighty Kieren Jack also topped the ton (101). Solid scores came from defenders Shaw (71), skipper Phil Davis (84) and the evergreen Andrew Mackie (72). Ruckman Jono Giles continued his fine 2012 form, while Joey Montagna played well in the midfield. Both coaches were happy with the hitout, and most importantly, no injuries were recorded. It is now onto the season proper with high hopes, and with an eye to the return of a number of stars for both teams, including LeCras and Swallow for the Spelunkers, and Walters, Duffield, Foley and Frawley for the Guim. Full scores: Charlie's Opening Shaw 71, Davis 84 , Mackie 72 Montagna 75, Jack 101, Picken 37, Giles76 Petrie 50, Gunston 128, Reid 50, Milera 33, Darraweit Guim: Rance 27, Hill 45, Newnes 42, R Thompson 66 Boyd 97, Dal Santo 75, Cunnington 60 Maric 133 Betts 36, Edwards 155, Bewick 60
Well, it has been an encouraging start to the Blimps' first round match-up vs Gariwerd. Nathan Van Berlo, Paul Duffield and new recruit Michael Walters all played well in their first up outing, scoring nicely and providing a platform upon which to build. Luke McPharlin's scoring was down a touch, but he battled through. An update on the Guim's final 2013 squad: DEF: Duffield, Rance, Grimes, Frawley, R Thompson, McKenzie, McPharlin MID: Boyd, Dal Santo, Foley, B Harvey (M/F), A Walker (M/F), Cunnington, Van Berlo, Newnes, B Hill, Towers, Tyson, Jesse Stringer RUCK: Maric FWD: B Harvey (M/F), A Walker (M/F), S Edwards, Betts, Walters, Bewick, Vickery, Tomlinson At the moment, the expected Round 1 squad will be: DEF: Rance, Duffield, McPharlin, Frawley MID: Boyd, Dal Santo, Van Berlo, Cunnington RUCK: Maric FWD: Walters, Edwards, Walker, Betts I/C: From Vickery, Bewick, R Thompson, Newnes, B Hill
Injury has decimated the Dirigbles in the leadup to round 1 - with McKenzie, Grimes, Foley, Tyson, Tomlinson and now Matthew Boyd on the sidelines. Harvey's 6 week suspension bites even harder. Team management are asking those fit players to do their best this week against Gariwerd, but are also expressing the fear that this might be a lost year as the injuries continue to pile up. Our team for Round 1 - DEF: Rance, Duffield (already played), McPharlin (already played), Rory Thompson MID: Dal Santo, Van Berlo (already played), Cunnington, Newnes RUCK: Maric FWD: Walters (already played), Edwards, Walker, Betts I/C: Rohan Bewick, Brad Hill Emergencies: Frawley (defence), no-one (mids), Vickery (forward) and no-one else. It is crisis time at the Guim ... a really bad way to start the year. However, it is also 'crisitunity time' with youngsters Thompson, Walters, Hill and Newness all debuting for the Blimps, with Bewick also making his first appearance at The Paddock.
We hope you're enjoying your stay in Gariwerd. Sorry about the drama with Ty; we should have let you know beforehand... <div> anthak wrote: anthak wrote:Gariwerd Cockatoos<br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] hosting Darraweit Guim.<br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] <br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] DEF: Hurn (C), Burgoyne (VC), JGibson, TMurphy (EM: Stratton)<br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] MID: Deledio, Lower, KStevens, Cooney (EM: Toumpas)<br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] RUCK: ZSmith<br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] FWD: Sylvia, Clark, Christenson, Blease; (EM: De Boer)<br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] INT: Wallis, Tippett; (EM: Masten)<br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] <br style='color: #444444; line-height: 17.98611068725586px; background-color: #fbfbfb;[/img] The big news is that Tippett has been selected after returning back to training just a week ago. We are amazed at the turnaround as, not that long ago, we were thinking that we would have a hard time convincing him to commit to the Cockatoos program. Well, the big game to start the season is underway, and it hasn't gone without drama. There were a few problems before we even could start this weekend. First of all, Kurt Tippett spat the dummy again! He was insulted by being selected to start on the interchange and has flown the coop/nest. Once again, he is refusing to play for us and asking to be delisted midseason. At this stage, it is premature to make any statements of the clubs position on that. We can only say that we have, once again, granted Kurt a leave of absence to return home (we still don't know where that is - Sydney?, QLD?) and we will be in touch with him and his management closer to the deadline to announce midseason delistments. Luckily Chris Masten was ready to step into his role on the bench. Now, the other controversy occured when Darraweit Guim tried making a late change, bringing Ty Vickory in for Rohan Bewick. It was unbeknown to Darraweit coach, Chris88, that Vickory is not welcome in Gariwerd and we could not let it happen and put a stop to it. We initially hoped the ORFFA Commission would step in, but the Commissioner ruled that we had to handle it, so we had no option but to... send Setanta and the boys out to physically remove him: [span style='font-size: 14.666666984558105px;] [span style='font-size: 14.666666984558105px;] The game has been going great since then