Aussie Frisbee Blogs

Well, I had mentioned in a previous post that I did not want to divulge too much information about the depth of the SFC. And true to that post, I keep tight lipped.

However, I have had ample opportunity to mull over the other rosters in the league and have decided to offer up my two cents on what I think of them.

Let's work our way down from the top.

Starting with last years Champions.

I'm not sure of precise statistics, but this team has basically won every final but one since i've been in Australia. And in the season that they did not win... I have this feeling that big #1 wasn't playing.

This team is very much centered around Mike Nield, and so they should be. He is the most dominant pure receiver in the country, amongst the best in the world. To add to it, he makes a habit of bringing out his best performances in the big games.

That said, the whole Bugger clan is a well oiled machine. They effectively take away the unders knowing that they have a great insurance policy, and have a fast moving answer to most defenses put in front of them. Beyond their style of play, this team is without question the most disciplined in the league. It only makes sense, with the thought of a JRay verbal scalding to immediately follow any mishap... those mishaps become less frequent.

That's not all JRay dishes out, though his name is not officially on the roster yet, I don't doubt he will be ready to consistently deliver back of the endzone pulls, and to some how keep putting up floaty deeps for Mike to get under.

This team also sees the return of Graham Pricket, and Spinner which will add to their experience and ticker. LD Stu will likely add some sort of assist to his team through scheduling... as well as his fast paced, and efficient play.

The services of Jangles and Silent will surely be missed, as the two have moved on to the Heroes, but this team is still the king of the castle awaiting a worthy opponent to knock them down.




Speaking of worthy opponents, this team has done everything but 'win the big one', this is my old outfit, and one that shows the most consistency from tip to tail of the roster. A devastating loss in the last years final labeled them as 'chokers', and is something that they desperately want to rectify. I, as much as anyone, wear that moniker painfully .... and if the sour taste from last year doesn't spark this team, well... then maybe the new look roster will.

The Sensei was dealt with a major shake up. Not only has the emergence of SFC resulted in a handful of defectors, but the Dojo has also seen the loss of Stefan the German, Goldy, and now Andy McLean as well. Basically half of a roster!!

But a blog plea has proved fruitful. The Dojo acquired the services of new kenshi Pete 'I'm Back' Allen, as well as ex-LD John 'It's all' Good.

As impressive as these two names are, it's amazing to see the return of the'God Squad' , and an unknown to me, in Adrian Thomson. Wiley veterans Fatty, Eastburn and Flanagan, round out this roster, and make this team nearly as dangerous as they were when they had me.

The Dojo ways rely on individual excellence, which once again the roster seems to employ. What is to be determined is weather they find that killer instinct to put them over the top.




The Cobras came into last season as 'the new kids on the block', a role that SFC will take on this season, but they certainly had a very impressive looking roster. And by the end of the season, this team came within 2 or 3 points of beating the Buggs in the semi-final proving they were indeed a force to be reckoned with.

This season sees some drastic change to their lineup, and I'm still struggling weather to believe they will be improved or depleted.

Their losses are significant, Jimmy Larkin has left to represent his area code right here with the SFC, he served as a top utility man being a more than reliable handler, cutter, defender, and tactician. Piers Truter has not yet shown up on the roster and is likely to be leaving his 'make a big call at a crucial moment' game behind in exchange for his endless efforts in developing the junior program. And Cupcake has fallen back down to Sydney where he won't be bothered about outstanding fees.

On the flip side, Mr. Gillions was very quick to snap up the services of Abra Garfield, an Australian Open rep on the Dingos, as well as new Canadian import Rob Tracht, and the brothers Channon.

For a moment, it seemed they had the services of the JMac as well, but it seems his passionate loyalty prevailed.

This team is very much the league dark horse, if they begin to fire, they have the right personnel to get on a dangerous and momentous roll.



That's all for now..... stay tuned as both UQ teams and the new Heroes are next up for dissection.


Let's go Slamtown!!

Hi! My name is Tyko. I am 4 years old and I have Autism.

My parents (Kai and Kerstin) are looking for adult volunteers to come and play with me as part of my in-home therapy program.

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Just in case you aren't on the right email lists (and you should be if you want to keep up to the minute), here's the February 2010 QUDA Newsletter, cut and pasted from email (apologies for lack of full formatting transition).

Yes, you know you can rely on the Brisbane Ultimate Blog to keep you up to date!

Hi everyone, happy new year,

Here's a whole heap of info about what's coming up. Sit back, relax and read all about it!

1. Northern Regionals 2010 - 13-14 March, J.F. O'Grady Fields, Fairfield , Brisbane

QUDA is pleased to award hosting rights for Northern Regionals 2010 to the Black Betty team, who plan to host the tournament in Brisbane . The national association, AFDA, recently devolved responsibility for Regionals to the local state associations. QUDA has approved Black Betty using the event to raise funds to support its nationals campaign.

Northern Regionals has two divisions - Women's and Open - and is used by some teams to qualify to attend the corresponding National titles, which will be held in Adelaide at the end of April.

Northern Regionals has traditionally been a high participation event - everyone is welcome at whatever level of skill they choose to bring. For many mixed players, Northerns provides a great change of pace in just playing with the boys or the girls. We hope everyone can attend.

2. Brisbane Northside Pickup Starts this Sunday 7 February - Kalinga Park , Clayfield.

If in Brisbane and you're fangin' to play some Ultimate, Jangles has generously offered to take the lead in getting regular Sunday pickup games played. Pickup is a great way to bring new people down to have a go at Ultimate, while also stretching yourself and playing with different people. Its free, just bring a white shirt and a black shirt, a waterbottle and some sunscreen. Arrive about 3pm, and leave when people are to pooped to play on (or it gets dark).

Location: http://www.whereis.com/qld/clayfield/149-diggers-dr?id=2DC59F2FCC2873

3. $200 grants for under 18’s going to major tournaments this year

The Queensland State Government has a grant program that provides a $200 rebate to under 18’s who must travel more than 200km to compete in a State, National or International Championships. The grant can only be applied for after the event.

So if you are an under 18 who is travelling more than 200km to attend Northern Regionals, Nationals, Halibut, Mixed Nats, Youth Nats or World Juniors, please get in touch and we’ll help you out.

More info at: http://www.sportrec.qld.gov.au/Funding/Ourfundingprograms/YoungAthleteAssistanceProgram.aspx

4. Brisbane Canberra Invitational - 27-28 February, State Hockey Centre, Colmslie

Its Brisbane 's turn to host the Brisbane Canberra Invitational (aka the BCI) at the end of the month. Teams and players are already sorted, but this is probably the highest quality Ultimate you'll see in Brisbane this year. 16 of the best Open and Women's teams from Australia and New Zealand will be attending. The Firestorm team are leading the charge in running the event, but if you want to lend a hand, let them know. But otherwise, get your spectating gear on (including your Firestorm and Black Betty fan supporter's merchandise)and get along.

Full info is available at: http://firestorm.quda.org/?page_id=211

5. QUDA Gets a Trailer!

After many years of relying on the good nature and general roadworthiness of the McNaughton family trailer (thanks Bruce!), Ultimate in Queensland now has its own piece of registered on-road hardware - the QUDA Trailer - with which to cart its gear around in.

There's even a photo on line at: http://brisbaneultimatedisc.blogspot.com/2010/01/quda-gets-trailer.html

Did you know that QUDA also now stores most of its tournament gear (marquees, water containers, BBQ, etc) at JF O'Grady Field, in Fairfield ? If you need to borrow the gear, now including trailer, for your Ultimate event, get in touch. Oh yeah, and we need a volunteer Equipment Manager to handle this baby - see below.

6. Leagues Starting Up Around the State

For those in the know (and on the right emailing lists):

The Brisbane Women's League (WUFL), starts tonight, Tuesday 2 February, at Oakman Park , Toowong;

The Brisbane Mixed League (BUML), held on Monday nights has been delayed slightly while fields get finalised, but hoping to start in the next week or two - news soon on the BUDA and YUFL email lists;

The Brisbane Premier League (BPL) for A-Grade Open players, is programmed to start on 18 February, with some training nights beforehand, field availability pending;

The Townsville League for all comers, is getting going on Wednesday 24 February at the JCU AFL Oval - keep an eye on Townsville Ultimate at: http://townsvilleultimate.blogspot.com/

The Gold Coast League (GCL) is set to go on Wednesday 17 February at Pizzy Park . Email gcultimate@gmail.com or keep an eye on http://goldcoastultimate.blogspot.com/

7. North Queensland - Fee Free QUDA Events and Local Travel Grants

Two bits to this. First, QUDA has agreed that in 2010 and 2011, any players from North Queensland who travel to South-East Queensland to play the Northern Regionals or Halibut tournaments, will be able to play these QUDA-run tournaments for free. This is to support those players who must spend a lot on travel to get to these events, and folks in the south certainly benefit from having extra teams attend.

Second, Townsville City Council provides occasional travel funding of $150-200 to people from Townsville heading to the SEQ or interstate for a State or National titles (so Regionals, Nationals, Halibut, Mixed Nats, or Youth Nats). Ideally, people would apply for this as a group. http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/services/departments/cip/grants/sport-rec

Also Cairns Regional Council also provides travel funding of $100-$300 for under 18’s travelling to State and National titles. http://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/content/grants/files/Young%20People%20In%20Sport%20Application%20Form.pdf

8. Halibut 2010 and Regionals 2011 - Invitations to Regions to Bid

To support and reflect the growth of Ultimate on the Gold Coast, QUDA has invited Gold Coast Ultimate to prepare a bid to host Halibut 2010. It is hoped to announce the success of this bid by the end of March at the latest. Halibut had previously been held on the Gold Coast in 2004 and 2005.

In April 2011, Brisbane is due to host the National titles, so QUDA has invited Townsville Ultimate to prepare a bid to host Regionals 2011, along with a two year plan to further develop Ultimate in Townsville. This will be a big step for this event. It is hoped to confirm this arrangement by October 2010 at the latest, to allow for SEQ-based players to get organised.

9. QUDA Annual General Meeting

The QUDA Annual General Meeting will be held over the weekend of and at Northern Regionals (13-14 March). The meeting involves reports from the President and Treasurer on the state of the Association, as well as elections for positions on the Executive. Members are also welcome to propose items of general business - please get in touch if you think there's anything you'd like to see discussed. More to come.

10. Play in Cairns

Do you know any Ultimate players in Cairns ? There seem to be plenty around, and we're trying to link them up so they can start playing more officially. Spread the word, and send us your contacts.

11. Other Weekend Disc Fun to Mark on Your Calendar

There are a few more announcements to come, but here's a few to salivate over:

Disc Golf - every Sunday from 3pm, at the Yeronga Disc Golf Course! Enjoy a round of relaxed or competitive disc golf (whatever suits you, really).

Beach Ultimate - The Beach Ultimate Series (BUS) is still running, with play planned for the weekends of 20-21 February and 20-21 March (will probably be one day events). Keep your eye on the blog at: http://adbuc.blogspot.com/

Bashionals - 17-18 April 2010 "The Nationals you have when you don't qualify for Nationals!" Bashionals is a new tournament we're hosting in Brisbane , open to all the many teams who don't qualify to attend Nationals (which will be in Adelaide the following weekend). We're hoping a few local Queensland teams will line up against the best B teams from around the country, so lock it in, Eddie.

Fight the Phat - 9 May 2010 - The hat for cool cats, returns. Jangles wants you for a day of Ultimate fun.

11. Volunteer of the Month

QUDA's Volunteer of the Month is Ms Notty Nott! If you haven't heard otherwise, you'll be saddened to know that the long-standing Director of Brisbane's biggest League, BUML, is leaving our fair State, as her employer is sending her off to steely Woolongong.

Notty has been a fantastic and dedicated League Director for Monday nights, as well as being one fo the first to put her hand up whenever there's any Ultimate-related work to be done around Brisbane .

Hope we'll see you back here a lot for tournaments and stuff, and moving back here permanently in 12 months!

12. Yes, and You too Can Help!

As you may guess, there are lots of volunteer jobs currently looking for someone to take on - maybe you can make 2010 your year to lend a hand and give something back to the sport?

BUDA (the Brisbane Ultimate Disc Association) is looking for committee members (particularly a Secretary). Elections will be held at the QUDA AGM. Want to help develop the strategic direction of Ultimate in Brisbane ? This is your chance.

QUDA is looking for a new Equipment Manager, when Jangles retires at the AGM. Like to buy stuff and keep records of what we've got and who's borrowing it? Go to lots of tournaments? Get in touch.

QUDA is also on the lookout for a new Universities Coordinator, with the upcoming retirement of Nathan. Perhaps you're into the Uni scene but don't think your particular club needs all your attention. Maybe we want to help spread Ultimate to new University campuses. Maybe you like to party, hard.

Griffith Nathan O-Day - QUDA is putting on a stall at the Griffith Nathan O-Day on Wednesday 24 February. We're trying to encourage a club to form. Let us know if you can come and give us a hand!

Really, any time you feel like putting your hand up, there'll be something for you to do. Or we can work out what you might want to do, so that you can put your hand up! There's so much going on building our sport larger and better, and we rely on your help so get in touch with someone who's doing something, and offer them your time, hands and brains.


Well that's it - a big year coming for Ultimate in Queensland ! See you on the field.

The next issue of Australian Ultimate magazine is coming out soon - update your contact details to ensure you get a copy!

The UQ Club and Global Octopus has announced details of this year's League.

What: Mixed UQ Social League
When: Wednesday nights all UNI semester, 6.00 PM for a 6:30 start - 8:30 PM.
Where: Oval 7, corner of Coleridge Street and Sir Fred Schonell Drive, St Lucia
Cost: $70 includes a disc.

Check out the UQ website.

Well, folks have been impatiently (but politely of course) for the return of Leagues. Last Tuesday of course saw the start of WUFL at Toowong, but problems with the lights and bookings at the ARC fields at Greenslopes has led to a few delays for BPL and BUML.

BUML is starting to move though, starting with this update from the new BUMLOC (BUML Organising Committee):

Well, there is some good news and some bad news ... and then some more good news.

Good News : Our new League Director has an even bigger Iron Fist than Notty and looks ready to take us to the next level over the next 12 months.

Bad News : Annerley will not let us use the fields on the 8th and we are not sure about the 15th yet. Jason has been working hard trying to negotiate something for us.

Good News : PICK UP IS ON THIS SUNDAY and every Sunday at Kalinga Park Clayfield 3pm. Bring a white shirt and a black shirt. ALL WELCOME, even beginners. Get your frisbee fix.

More Good News : Jason has just secured some field space at Griffith for Monday nights from the 22nd so keep your eye on the BUDA mail group for news of what will be happening. Nice work Jason !

League Committee
League Director : John Coorey (buml@aanet.com.au)
League Assistants : Chris Fox (remington_fox@yahoo.com) and Adilia Murabito 0411873743
League/Fields Advisor : Jason deRooy

Rough Plan for BUML 2010 Season 1

2 weeks of Pick-Up and Learn to Play
Once we have secured some fields there will be approximately 2 weeks of Pick-Up and Learn to Play - Date and Location to be advised. ALL WELCOME - Bring your friends First timers are encouraged to come and try it out. This will be a great night to meet people and recruit for your league team, or form a new team.

Field Space
- Field space at Annerley is an issue every year. Jason is working hard to secure some options for us. We will advise when location(s) for the league has been decided.
- The number of fields and locations available affects how many teams we can have and how we structure the league so stay tuned for more details.
- You can help by finding out about any fields you think we could use in the future (on any night).

League Format
- Start date to be confirmed
- 8 - 10 week season
- Div1/Div2 or other format and timeslots to be confirmed

Team Registration
- Given that we have not confirmed the location and format of the league, it is difficult to confirm teams but more information should be available next week. At this stage just use the current Div1/Div2 registration format and we will go from there.

- All players must be registered on AFDA under their team. http://www.afda. com/rego/showcompetition.php?competitioni d=763. If you do not already have a free AFDA number, go to afda.com and press 'join'.
- If you do not have a team, please register under "I Need a Team"
- If you are playing in more than one division, register in BOTH divisions and put your alternate team name in the "Team name in other division" field. (The ability to play in two divisions may be subject to change depending on format/location of league.)
- Div 2 teams must have a minimum of 7 "Div 2 only" players (This could change as well)
- All teams must have a minimum of four people of each sex registered. Aim for at least 12 people in total.

Pick-Up Players
- Pick-Up will now be held on weekends thanks to Jangles.
- BUML is not a pick-up league.
- Players who are not registered under a team are considered pick-up players and will not be permitted to play for that team. All Pick-Up players are to report to League Director on the night and may be required to pay a fee.

Fees
- Fees will be team based. Total fee to be advised.
- A deposit will be required prior to draw being issued. Cut-off date will be advised.
- Remaining balance will be due by week 3 of the league.

Playing Rules
- Timeouts, points cap, half time, time cap, gender split etc to be advised,
depending on length of time-slots and number of women registered.

Communication
After the draw is issued, all communication regarding Monday night league/draw/ results will be via the YUFL_intermediate yahoo mail group.

Warmly
League Committee

As of recently, GCU has announced that it will be trying a new format for running it's league.

Chiefly decided upon in order to develop a full range of players, it has been decided to dismantle existing teams for a single season, and to try a draft league.

It was over much debate that this decision was made, but in the end, these were the key reasons:

- lopsidedness - the league had two 'experience rich' teams and three 'experience lacking'
- development - new players had less of a chance of being sponge like learners, if they weren't on one of the two 'experience rich' teams. Also, with the 'experience' being redistributed, everyone will have a better chance of learning.
- to grow the league - it is very difficult to add a brand new team in a community of developing ultimate, and many existing teams are very picky about adding players to their rosters, mostly because they will take away their 'playing time', but also because teams may choose the risk is not worth the reward in terms of weather the player amounts to a 'new discovered superstar' or a 'liability'.
- the draft system will allow anyone to hop right in... and the overall skill level of each team will provide a much sought after parity. (assuming selector competence)

So, as we suspected, we have many new players signing up... ready to play.

However a few things have happened that have caused us to lose players too.

- I have entered a team into the BPL, a Brisbane league that plays on Thurs nights. Due to this happening, 4 existing players have reorganised their schedules to play BPL and are henceforth unable to play GCUL. This seems like it might be for the greater good.
- Many experienced players from both of the 'experience rich' teams have decided not to play in a draft system. This needs remedy.

I run one of these teams... and as of now I'm sitting at about half of my team from last year is committed to playing. Most of the men are 'in', but it seems my ladies are less likely to play if they are not teammates. Though I am still working on them.

The other team seems to be 'all out' with the exception of one or two.

With so many of the experienced players opting to sit out rather that lend their experienced hands to the likes of less experienced players, we are put in an undesirable situation. No matter how undesirable the situation may be, the decision is final and we are going ahead with this system.

I only wish there was a way to get across to these players and have them play for the good of the game.

Believe me, I know all about cliquieness, and the snobbishness of team play in ultimate, but I think that needs to be reserved for a higher level league where winning means more. I am a staunch competitor, and love winning more than anything, but I must admit, that my team was playing at a different level than most of our competition, all season long. If ever the level of play across the board is to rise, to that of last years top two teams, then this draft season needs to happen.... and it needs the involvement of all of the experienced players in the GC.

I urge you (experienced players) to remember being a new player on a 'good team', and to relive the ease in learning because of your fortunate situation. If that wasn't the case... well, then find it in your heart to do the right thing, and give back to ultimate.

Coordinators: Will Larkin and Nat Litzow

Mailing List: Sign up to our email list at http://groups.google.com.au/group/uq-ultimate-league

Contact: uqultimate at hotmail dot com

The UQ League is a casual mixed league, with deep roots in the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland. The league is a good place to get an introduction to Ultimate, meet new people, and keep fit with friends. While most of the people who play in the league study or work at UQ, it is open to anyone who wants to come down.



The league in Semester 1, 2010, begins with two Come and Try nights, on the 24th of Feb and 3rd of March, which are free nights to introduce new players to Ultimate and allow everyone to meet other people. Following that is a 12 week league, culminating in finals and an end of semester party - traditionally at the Regatta and featuring many shenanigans.


What: Mixed UQ Social League
When: Wednesday nights all UNI semester, 6.00 PM for a 6:30 start - 8:30 PM.
Where: Oval 7, corner of Coleridge Street and Sir Fred Schonell Drive, St Lucia
Cost: $70 includes a disc.

Ok everyone - there was some recent action in the stately mansion, which has resulted in the Brisbane Ultimate Blog's own JdR deciding to take on the challenge of the Clem7 Tunnel Charity Run.

What's likely to be the biggest tournament in Queensland this year (although there are rumours circulating about some ambitious Halibut action coming), the Brisbane-Canberra Invitational (great how Brisbane is first in that name there, like its an old fashioned sexist thing with Brisbane as the boy and Canberra is the girl or something) is on soon.

Tournament Director John McNaughton recently stepped out from the dodgy timber Firestorm share-house to face the assembled Ultimate media and read the following statement*.

Ladies and gents of the press, and curious observers,

Thank you for joining me for this media conference. May I first acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Moreton Bay Buggers. I will beat you at BPL yet, you scurvy dogs.

I'm afraid I am pushed for time and there will be no questions, I shall instead read a short statement. George, the statement please. Thank you.

"The Golden City Classic has been run and won, which means that the 2010 BC
Invitational is less than 4 weeks away!

TOURNAMENT INFO

So here's the basics.

The BC Invitational is the Brisbane/Canberra Invitational, alternately hosted by Firestorm and Fyshwick United. It is an elite invitational tournament for the best teams in the country, and created with the goal of making it the premier Open/Women's tournament on the Australian Ultimate calendar, outside of
Nationals itself.

2010 will be the second time the tournament has been run, and Firestorm's
first year hosting.

It will be held at the Queensland State Hockey Centre in Brisbane on 27-28
February.

Let's talk Teams.

We've had a great response from invited teams this year, which will make for an intense and competitive tournament with the best clubs from around the country:

In the Open Division, we have of course Firestorm (from Brisbane, and the best and most good looking team), Fyshwick United (Canberra), Chilly (Melbourne), Heads of State (Melbourne), I-Beam (Newcastle), Karma (Adelaide), Sydney Men (I like that name - simple and to the point), and Auckland Open (ditto).

In the Women's Division, we have of course Black Betty (from Brisbane, and the most charming and well groomed team), FACTory Girls (Canberra), Sporting Team Box Athletico United (Melbourne), Honey (Melbourne), Indies (Perth), Sydney Women and Black Betty 2: Electric Boogaloo (Brisbane of course).

Instead of asking me silly questions, why not check out the website which has all the key information: http://firestorm.quda.org/?page_id=211

Or you could try meeting us privately to ask questions or do other things that consenting adults do together in private - use the Contact Us page if you have any questions, or email me directly. Note that I'm afraid our rubber-wear expert has left the country.

We will be aiming to keep the website up to date with everything over the coming weeks, as much as possible, and posting score/game updates throughout the tournament. Yes, you can follow along at home with your mates, and bet matches or something on the games. We also intend to provide frequent score/game updates at the tournament on the Firestorm Ultimate Twitter feed:

http://twitter.com/firestormulti

We hope to share some footage and hopefully overwhelm the media, so it doesn't look too hard for dodgy party photos. We are hoping to capture a reasonable amount of footage from the tournament, and possibly even make some form of lightly-edited DVD available for sale afterwards. No guarantees on this though - it's a bonus that we'll organise if everything else is well covered.

Finally, let me personally invite anyone in Brisbane to come down and see the best teams in Australia going at it. Please wear your Firestorm and Black Betty fan gear of course. The tournament draw will be posted on the website, including timeslots, so you can pick your match-ups if desired.

Looking forward to it. Thank you for your time media scrum. Please get out of the way now Simmo so that I may return to my regularly scheduled program."

So there you have it folks. John McNaughton's State of the BCI address. Expect more news to come. Now back to you in the studio.

*Which we have fleshed out a bit - the tape recorder we found in the desk drawer at stately Brisbane Ultimate manor kept playing up.