SCSUL Media - "Street Talk"
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In The Mix: Who’s Pushing for Selection in Round 8?
Who's knocking on the selectors' door? Who's coming back from injury? And who's under the pump?
WHO IS a chance to play in Round 8?
In this week's In the Mix, brought to you by Bay Villas Resort Port Douglas, we find the players who are giving their selectors plenty of food for thought.
Who's going out, who's sore, who is under the pump? Our reporters attempt to pick all the Round 8 ins and outs. Check it out.
Arcadia Timelords
With the Timelords already riding high after their 83 point away win over Creme De La Creme last weekend, they will be looking forward to being further strengthened by the expected return of Jaeger O’Meara as they return to The Tardis to take on the Neptune Knights. This should enable Kyle Langford to return to his more comfortable half forward position.
There will also be some selection headaches with defenders Aaron Francis (ankle) and James Harmes (wrist) reported to be recovered from their respective injuries and Matt Guelfi continuing to show strong form in the reserves. However, the recent strong form of the defensive unit will make it difficult for any of the three to break into the team.
Brayden Fiorini and Nicholas Shipley keep on racking up the possessions at the lower level and are just waiting for the selectors to give them an opportunity.
In what may be an envy to many UL teams, Arcadia have a number of players keeping the pressure on ruck duo Nic Naitanui and Sean Darcy, with Nathan Vardy, Josh Treacy, and Riley Thilthorpe all continuing to push their case for inclusion.
Hayden McLean (4 goals) and Zac Langdon (2 goals) are an outside chance for inclusion as the Timelords look to improve their recent poor conversion rate from the ample inside 50 opportunities provided.
Verdict: O’Meara for Brander - Riley Beveridge
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MOTHER'S DAY ROUND - GUERNSEY REVEAL
Round 8 of the 2021 SCSUL season will have a touch of pink as we celebrate the women in our lives with the inaugural Mother's Day Round.
Thanks to the Dagobah Immortals, The Giants have been able to arrange tickets for every one of our players mother's and families to be in attendance at this weekends away fixture at The Quagmire. Post game we will be holding a club function back at GOODMAN FOOTBALL GROUP HQ, where we hope to be celebrating our second win of the season.
Round 8 of the 2021 SCSUL season will have a touch of pink as we celebrate the women in our lives with the inaugural Mother's Day Round.
Thanks to the Dagobah Immortals, The Giants have been able to arrange tickets for every one of our players mother's and families to be in attendance at this weekends away fixture at The Quagmire. Post game we will be holding a club function back at GOODMAN FOOTBALL GROUP HQ, where we hope to be celebrating our second win of the season.
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In The Mix: Who’s Pushing for Selection in Round 9?
Who's knocking on the selectors' door? Who's coming back from injury? And who's under the pump?
Who's knocking on the selectors' door? Who's coming back from injury? And who's under the pump?
WHO IS a chance to play in Round 9?
In this week's In the Mix, brought to you by Bay Villas Resort Port Douglas, we find the players who are giving their selectors plenty of food for thought.
Who's going out, who's sore, who is under the pump? Our reporters attempt to pick all the Round 9 ins and outs. Check it out.
Luke Ryan remains a 50-50 chance at best as his calf soreness from two rounds ago continues to linger and keep the clubs 2020 Best and Fairest Winner on the sidelines. Nick Hayes (hamstring) is at least another week from a return, while Tom Highmore didn't get a chance to further present his case for a recall as The Giants reserves fixture was postponed due to the Covid-19 snap lockdown. James Worpel has been in good form since returning to the side, while it is expected that star midfielder Patrick Cripps will be backed in to return to his best despite rumours that he is playing injured. Newly acquired forwards Anthony Scott and Harry Schoenberg are expected to slot straight into the lineup in place of the departed Jack Darling and Harry Himmelberg. Archie Perkins has been impressive since making his senior debut, and should keep the likes of Dylan Moore (managed), James Rowe and Finlay Macrae fighting for a spot in the emergencies.
Verdict: The departed Darling and Himmelberg out for debutants Scott and Schoenberg. - Sarah Black
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In The Mix: Who’s Pushing for Selection in Round 9?
Who's knocking on the selectors' door? Who's coming back from injury? And who's under the pump?
WHO IS a chance to play in Round 9?In this week's In the Mix, brought to you by Bay Villas Resort Port Douglas, we find the players who are giving their selectors plenty of food for thought.
Who's going out, who's sore, who is under the pump? Our reporters attempt to pick all the Round 9 ins and outs. Check it out.
The Timelords have a real conundrum on their hands this week with James Harmes reminding everyone of what they have been missing in his return game in the reserves. With the worst defender scoring 95 points, it is going to be unlucky for anyone who misses out this week to make way for him.
Jaeger O’Meara (soreness) should be a welcome inclusion for the all important top of the table clash with the Jets at the Tardis.
Up forward, replacements will need to be found for Jeremy Finlayson (suspension) and Lachlan Murphy (syndesmosis) with Brendan Ah Chee, Riley Thilthorpe, Hayden Maclean and Zac Langdon all leading the way for possible inclusion.
Verdict: O’Meara and Ah Chee for Finlayson and Murphy - Riley Beveridge
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In The Mix: Who’s Pushing for Selection in Round 11?
Who's knocking on the selectors' door? Who's coming back from injury? And who's under the pump?
Who's knocking on the selectors' door? Who's coming back from injury? And who's under the pump?
WHO IS a chance to play in Round 11?
In this week's In the Mix, brought to you by Bay Villas Resort Port Douglas, we find the players who are giving their selectors plenty of food for thought.
Who's going out, who's sore, who is under the pump? Our reporters attempt to pick all the Round 11 ins and outs. Check it out.
Ruckman Sam Draper is on the brink of a return from his ankle injury and could take his place this weekend against The Jets if he gets through training this week. Tom Highmore was a carry-over emergency last week against The Darkness and should come into consideration for a recall, whilst Kieren Briggs (26 disposals, 45 hitouts) starred in the reserves but will find it hard to get into the side. Hugo Ralphsmith was quiet at the lower level and could be due a rest to freshen up, while emergency Anthony Scott faces a test later this week after a head knock. The uncapped Trent Bianco will also be considered for midfield/defence roles, while Finlay Macrae and Jay Rantall are both around the mark. Former second-round pick from the 2019 SCSUL Draft Class Brodie Kemp had 18 disposals and eight marks at reserves level in a nice return from knee and syndesmosis injuries, but isn't ready yet.
Verdict: Draper for Bryan, and possibly Highmore for Koschitzke. - Callum Twomey
Another excerpt from Dagobah Sports Entertainment Nightly news.....
"We cross over to Tracene Kane again down at The Quagmire for the latest Immortals selection news, so we finally see Tim English return Tracene?"
"Great news Gavin, Tim English will finally get out on the field again, overcoming that concussion that has kept him out for over a month. Further Noah Balta returns while Liam Stocker will get the chance to show his wares coming into the side. Unfortunately the Immortals will be without Hunter Clark, the Club has been a little cagy on exactly what his injury is, while Andrew Phillips and Hamish Hartlett have been dropped.
Now Gavin, as you know Manager Philzsay is impartial to a wine or two, just like yourself; well now he is taking that liking literally and promoted Oliver Wines to the Captaincy this week. Back to you Gavin".
"Thanks Tracene, we coule all do with a wine or two in these crazy times. Now let's cross to the lovely Rebecca with the weather".
"We cross over to Tracene Kane again down at The Quagmire for the latest Immortals selection news, so we finally see Tim English return Tracene?"
"Great news Gavin, Tim English will finally get out on the field again, overcoming that concussion that has kept him out for over a month. Further Noah Balta returns while Liam Stocker will get the chance to show his wares coming into the side. Unfortunately the Immortals will be without Hunter Clark, the Club has been a little cagy on exactly what his injury is, while Andrew Phillips and Hamish Hartlett have been dropped.
Now Gavin, as you know Manager Philzsay is impartial to a wine or two, just like yourself; well now he is taking that liking literally and promoted Oliver Wines to the Captaincy this week. Back to you Gavin".
"Thanks Tracene, we coule all do with a wine or two in these crazy times. Now let's cross to the lovely Rebecca with the weather".
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The Darkness progresses list rebuild
- Defender Oleg Markov has been recruited on a four year deal. He is expected to add run to the club's defence, as well as bringing much-needed mustachio, following the recent trade of Jake Lloyd, and potential departure of Dane Rampe at season's end.
- Connor Budarick also joins The Darkness and will enhance the depth to the club's defensive stocks. His contract is expected to be extended at year's end, for a duration to be determined. Budarick is currently recovering from a knee injury, alongside clubmate Elijah Hollands, but coach Darkie looks forward to both debuting for the club in 2022.
- At the other end of the ground, the Darkness' offensive stocks have been strengthened by the additions of young forwards Tom Papley and Gryan Miers. Papley joins the club on a two year deal, and is set to be tasked with managing the club's liaisons with the umpiring fraternity. Miers' contract ends in 2022, with The Darkness having RFA rights thereafter.
- Experienced recruit Jack Billings should add solidity to the club's midfield. He has been secured on a five year deal, and it is hoped that Billings will be able to provide guidance to The Darkness' young midfield talent as it continues to mature.
As part of these trades, Jack Ziebell, Bayley Fritsch, Lachie Hunter and Jack Gunston will depart the club, seeking premiership glory at YRA and Jordan's Jets. Draft picks have also been exchanged as part of a number of deals, including Budarick's trade from Arcadia Timelords.
Coach Darkie said "We wish Jack, Bayley, Lachie and Jack well at their new clubs. It is disappointing to see them depart, but we couldn't offer them a real prospect of a flag this year, given where our list is at. We are, however, excited to welcome a number of young players that we hope will take the club forward longer term."
Following Jack Ziebell's departure, star midfielder Travis Boak has taken over as captain at The Darkness. In announcing the appointment, coach Darkie praised Boak's reliability and consistently strong performances for the club. Keen observers have noted that the club has already traded its captain twice this year, causing some to query whether Boak will see out his two year contract, with coach Darkie commenting "Trav is a fantastic player and excellent clubman. We're really confident he will provide strong leadership for the club for as long as he remains with us."
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Gary Buckenara analyses the Jabukanji Stingers list at the end of the 2021 season
Jabukanji Stingers on field performances remain inconsistent but there seems to be signs that the Stingers’ group is coming together quite nicely under Ken Lockhart.
From a list perspective, I don’t mind the way the Stingers are tracking.
I like the look of some of their development players coming through and this does bode well for the Stingers over the next three-four years as they get games into them.
The Stingers have been unlucky to lose key players such as Ivan Soldo, Rory Lobb, Andrew McGrath, Griffin Logue and Luke Davies-Uniake at certain times over the past few years.
The Stingers should look to acquire a top ruck and midfield leader to help their young midfield brigade.
But Stinger supporters should feel quite optimistic about the future.
With some luck, strong development, coaching, list management and recruiting, Jabukanji Stingers should be thereabouts over the next five years or more given the younger players coming through.
LIST NEEDS
Ideally, the Stingers would add some top-end talent during the trade period but, with the amount of development players on their list likely to become A or B players, that number of 17 A and B-grade players will start to increase.
The Stingers need to keep investing in the draft for the next two years and keep hold of their early draft picks. They need young talent with elite skills and decision-making, and midfielders with pace, endurance and skill.
TRADE TARGETS
I would be on the phone to managers, sounding out the players that fit the mould of A or B-grade players, especially in the ruck, though an A grade midfielder would help the youngsters develop.
I would not entertain trading any early picks, so that would rule out being overly active in the trade period this year. But like everything, it is wise to never say never. If they were to go down that path, it would need to be a top-line player, under 25 and willing to go to the Stingers if they were to look at trading an early pick.
UNTOUCHABLES
All of their A, B and future AB players. These give the Stingers 33 talented players and provides them with good depth and balance, with a combination of experience and potential, alongside some handy C-ranked depth players. Some may well be late developers. This is the challenge of list management to balance list needs with development, without being impatient with younger players.
TRADE BAIT
I would expect the Stingers to be a club that asks a lot of questions during the trade period to add another talented player if possible. They may have to offer B grade talent, either in defense or midfield, to entice the quality they should be seeking.
DRAFT PICKS
2 (Lottery), 12 (Lottery), 22, 24, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72
WHAT THE RATINGS MEAN
List management is one of the most important jobs at an SCSUL club. Poor decisions can be catastrophic.
Far too many clubs can often hold an overly-optimistic view when ranking their own lists and this can lead to years of mediocrity.
When clubs are rating their lists, they should rank players as: A+, A, B+, B, C+, C and Development.
In this list analysis, I have just done A, B, C and two tiers of development (“future AB players” and “need more time”) because with the younger players it is important to see who is coming through and those that need more time.
The important area for clubs to look at is how many A and B ranked players they have as well as future consistent AB players.
These rankings are my opinions, but they should give supporters a reasonable snapshot as to where their playing list sits now — and how they might look in a few years’ time.
Players 22 and over
A-grade: Elite players on any SCSUL list
B: Top 10-18 player on most lists
C: An 19-30 player on a list
Developing: Aged 21 or under
Future AB players: These are players that will hopefully develop into an A or B ranked player once they turn 22. They might be playing to this level now, but it takes sustained years.
Need more time: These players would be a player recently drafted that is still developing and therefore will need more time to see if he is likely to develop into an A or B grade player.
RATING THE LIST
Players 22 and over
A-grade: Hugh McCluggage, Andrew McGrath.
B-grade: Blake Hardwick, Aliir Aliir, Tom Barrass, Bailey Williams, Sam Collins, Griffin Logue, Brennan Cox, Rory Lobb, Jy Simpkin, Karl Amon, Callan Ward (FA), David Swallow (FA), Luke Davies-Uniake, Brandan Parfitt, Connor Rozee.
C-grade: Luke Dunstan, Matthew Flynn, Esava Ratugolea, Lloyd Meek, Ivan Soldo, Jack Higgins (RFA), Todd Marshall, Mitch McGovern, Tristan Xerri.
Development
Future AB players: Liam Henry, Heath Chapman, Nicholas Coffield, Nick Blakey, Braeden Campbell, Fischer McAsey, Xavier Duursma, Paddy Dow, Xavier O’Halloran, Curtis Taylor, Tom Sparrow, Dylan Stephens, Cody Weightman, Ned McHenry, Darcy Fogarty, Tanner Bruhn
Need more time: Ely Smith, Dylan Williams.
LIST BREAKDOWN
A Grade = 2
B Grade = 15
C Grade = 9
Development
Future AB players = 16
Need more time = 2
CRYSTAL BALL
There are 17 A and B-graders on the list and a number of C-graders that are handy at the SCSUL level but the number of future AB players is where the excitement lies on the list.
The Stingers have quite a well-balanced list of players and they have invested well in the draft over the past few years and this is set to provide them with some great depth.
The top-end is a bit thin on quality and this may be a slight worry but as some of those future AB players develop, I am sure this will be rectified over the next couple of years.
Jabukankji Stingers are a club that has not produced consistently enough since its inception, with further volatility expected over the next couple of years while the young kids develop.
They are prepared to play the younger players. A major part of the development of young players is to guide them coming out of under-age football into the SCSUL system and get them to believe in themselves that they do belong at the level and the abilities they showed to get drafted have not disappeared.
It is just a matter of transferring them to a new standard of football and playing them when their form at the lower level warrants it. It’s so important for them and coaches that ignore the opportunities to do this can really destroy the belief of a young player very quickly.
Jabukanji Stingers are on the way, everyone, so be ready for them. I am watching them closely and waiting to see this potential blossom.
Jabukanji Stingers on field performances remain inconsistent but there seems to be signs that the Stingers’ group is coming together quite nicely under Ken Lockhart.
From a list perspective, I don’t mind the way the Stingers are tracking.
I like the look of some of their development players coming through and this does bode well for the Stingers over the next three-four years as they get games into them.
The Stingers have been unlucky to lose key players such as Ivan Soldo, Rory Lobb, Andrew McGrath, Griffin Logue and Luke Davies-Uniake at certain times over the past few years.
The Stingers should look to acquire a top ruck and midfield leader to help their young midfield brigade.
But Stinger supporters should feel quite optimistic about the future.
With some luck, strong development, coaching, list management and recruiting, Jabukanji Stingers should be thereabouts over the next five years or more given the younger players coming through.
LIST NEEDS
Ideally, the Stingers would add some top-end talent during the trade period but, with the amount of development players on their list likely to become A or B players, that number of 17 A and B-grade players will start to increase.
The Stingers need to keep investing in the draft for the next two years and keep hold of their early draft picks. They need young talent with elite skills and decision-making, and midfielders with pace, endurance and skill.
TRADE TARGETS
I would be on the phone to managers, sounding out the players that fit the mould of A or B-grade players, especially in the ruck, though an A grade midfielder would help the youngsters develop.
I would not entertain trading any early picks, so that would rule out being overly active in the trade period this year. But like everything, it is wise to never say never. If they were to go down that path, it would need to be a top-line player, under 25 and willing to go to the Stingers if they were to look at trading an early pick.
UNTOUCHABLES
All of their A, B and future AB players. These give the Stingers 33 talented players and provides them with good depth and balance, with a combination of experience and potential, alongside some handy C-ranked depth players. Some may well be late developers. This is the challenge of list management to balance list needs with development, without being impatient with younger players.
TRADE BAIT
I would expect the Stingers to be a club that asks a lot of questions during the trade period to add another talented player if possible. They may have to offer B grade talent, either in defense or midfield, to entice the quality they should be seeking.
DRAFT PICKS
2 (Lottery), 12 (Lottery), 22, 24, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72
WHAT THE RATINGS MEAN
List management is one of the most important jobs at an SCSUL club. Poor decisions can be catastrophic.
Far too many clubs can often hold an overly-optimistic view when ranking their own lists and this can lead to years of mediocrity.
When clubs are rating their lists, they should rank players as: A+, A, B+, B, C+, C and Development.
In this list analysis, I have just done A, B, C and two tiers of development (“future AB players” and “need more time”) because with the younger players it is important to see who is coming through and those that need more time.
The important area for clubs to look at is how many A and B ranked players they have as well as future consistent AB players.
These rankings are my opinions, but they should give supporters a reasonable snapshot as to where their playing list sits now — and how they might look in a few years’ time.
Players 22 and over
A-grade: Elite players on any SCSUL list
B: Top 10-18 player on most lists
C: An 19-30 player on a list
Developing: Aged 21 or under
Future AB players: These are players that will hopefully develop into an A or B ranked player once they turn 22. They might be playing to this level now, but it takes sustained years.
Need more time: These players would be a player recently drafted that is still developing and therefore will need more time to see if he is likely to develop into an A or B grade player.
RATING THE LIST
Players 22 and over
A-grade: Hugh McCluggage, Andrew McGrath.
B-grade: Blake Hardwick, Aliir Aliir, Tom Barrass, Bailey Williams, Sam Collins, Griffin Logue, Brennan Cox, Rory Lobb, Jy Simpkin, Karl Amon, Callan Ward (FA), David Swallow (FA), Luke Davies-Uniake, Brandan Parfitt, Connor Rozee.
C-grade: Luke Dunstan, Matthew Flynn, Esava Ratugolea, Lloyd Meek, Ivan Soldo, Jack Higgins (RFA), Todd Marshall, Mitch McGovern, Tristan Xerri.
Development
Future AB players: Liam Henry, Heath Chapman, Nicholas Coffield, Nick Blakey, Braeden Campbell, Fischer McAsey, Xavier Duursma, Paddy Dow, Xavier O’Halloran, Curtis Taylor, Tom Sparrow, Dylan Stephens, Cody Weightman, Ned McHenry, Darcy Fogarty, Tanner Bruhn
Need more time: Ely Smith, Dylan Williams.
LIST BREAKDOWN
A Grade = 2
B Grade = 15
C Grade = 9
Development
Future AB players = 16
Need more time = 2
CRYSTAL BALL
There are 17 A and B-graders on the list and a number of C-graders that are handy at the SCSUL level but the number of future AB players is where the excitement lies on the list.
The Stingers have quite a well-balanced list of players and they have invested well in the draft over the past few years and this is set to provide them with some great depth.
The top-end is a bit thin on quality and this may be a slight worry but as some of those future AB players develop, I am sure this will be rectified over the next couple of years.
Jabukankji Stingers are a club that has not produced consistently enough since its inception, with further volatility expected over the next couple of years while the young kids develop.
They are prepared to play the younger players. A major part of the development of young players is to guide them coming out of under-age football into the SCSUL system and get them to believe in themselves that they do belong at the level and the abilities they showed to get drafted have not disappeared.
It is just a matter of transferring them to a new standard of football and playing them when their form at the lower level warrants it. It’s so important for them and coaches that ignore the opportunities to do this can really destroy the belief of a young player very quickly.
Jabukanji Stingers are on the way, everyone, so be ready for them. I am watching them closely and waiting to see this potential blossom.
The Darkness welcomes new squad members
The Darkness FC is pleased to announce several list changes, carefully negotiated over the summer months, ahead of the upcoming 2022 season:
- Experienced utility Will Hoskin-Elliott is headed to Roppongian Rangers on a discounted salary, in exchange for young midfield prospect James Jordon, who gained valuable experience last season at the premiership club. The Rangers also receive a round 4 draft pick.
- Sydney Stack joins The Darkness on a three year deal, with future round 3 and 5 draft picks making their way to the Rangers for the talented utility.
- Kyron Hayden joins the Rangers on a two year deal, with The Darkness paying the defender’s salary to the completion of his contract. The club receives pick upgrades in 2022 and 2023, as well as a freed up list spot.
- In a slightly unusual deal - involving neither Roppongian Rangers, nor multiple legs - mature age defender Will Gould departs for last year’s runners up Arcadia Timelords. Forward Josh Honey will join The Darkness, with each player set to enter their second contract. The deal should assist both clubs to strengthen areas of relative weakness, while providing the two players with better on-field opportunities.
The club thanks Will, Kyron and Will for their services, and wishes them well as they chase premiership glory at last season’s grand finalists. The Darkness maintains a strong complement of Wills on its list, with Will Phillips and Willem Drew looking set to be key pieces of the midfield, and young swingman Will Kelly providing significant flexibility for the club at both ends of the ground.
New additions James, Sydney and Josh are settling in well in their new surroundings, and look forward to being part of the club’s build over the seasons to come.
Coach Darkie said “It’s really pleasing to be able to progress our list build over the off season. We’re coming from a fair way back after a tough 2021, but we’re looking to move forward and improve our squad as best we can. Unfortunately that means saying goodbye to a number of loyal servants, but we wish them well at their new clubs, and hope that we’ve been able to secure some young prospects who can help us build towards an era of success.”
The Darkness welcomes new squad members
The Darkness FC is pleased to announce several list changes, carefully negotiated over the summer months, ahead of the upcoming 2022 season:
- Experienced utility Will Hoskin-Elliott is headed to Roppongian Rangers on a discounted salary, in exchange for young midfield prospect James Jordon, who gained valuable experience last season at the premiership club. The Rangers also receive a round 4 draft pick.
- Sydney Stack joins The Darkness on a three year deal, with future round 3 and 5 draft picks making their way to the Rangers for the talented utility.
- Kyron Hayden joins the Rangers on a two year deal, with The Darkness paying the defender’s salary to the completion of his contract. The club receives pick upgrades in 2022 and 2023, as well as a freed up list spot.
- In a slightly unusual deal - involving neither Roppongian Rangers, nor multiple legs - mature age defender Will Gould departs for last year’s runners up Arcadia Timelords. Forward Josh Honey will join The Darkness, with each player set to enter their second contract. The deal should assist both clubs to strengthen areas of relative weakness, while providing the two players with better on-field opportunities.
The club thanks Will, Kyron and Will for their services, and wishes them well as they chase premiership glory at last season’s grand finalists. The Darkness maintains a strong complement of Wills on its list, with Will Phillips and Willem Drew looking set to be key pieces of the midfield, and young swingman Will Kelly providing significant flexibility for the club at both ends of the ground.
New additions James, Sydney and Josh are settling in well in their new surroundings, and look forward to being part of the club’s build over the seasons to come.
Coach Darkie said “It’s really pleasing to be able to progress our list build over the off season. We’re coming from a fair way back after a tough 2021, but we’re looking to move forward and improve our squad as best we can. Unfortunately that means saying goodbye to a number of loyal servants, but we wish them well at their new clubs, and hope that we’ve been able to secure some young prospects who can help us build towards an era of success.”
The Darkness and the Rangers have agreed a further trade, as action heats up ahead of the upcoming auction and draft.
Young forward Jacob Koschitzke will join a number of his former clubmates at the Rangers, with The Darkness paying his 2022 salary. Jordan’s Jets’ and YRA’s 2023 R5 picks will also head to the Rangers, with The Darkness’ 2023 R3 pick coming home in exchange.
The Darkness continues list regeneration
The Darkness is pleased to announce the completion of three further trades, as the club continues to regenerate its list:
- Ruck-forward Darcy Cameron joins the club from Jordan’s Jets, with dashing defender Adam Saad returning to his former club. Saad said “It’s good to be heading back to the Jets. I enjoyed my time at The Darkness, but it was a slightly strange experience with so much going on. I was only there for a few months, and now I find myself heading back to my former club. Apparently The Darkness are paying my salary this year too … I guess they must know what they’re doing. The backline should be okay without me though - that’s an area of strength for the club, with some proven performers as well as some good young guys coming through. Hopefully I can settle straight back in at the Jets, with our defense now looking strong as well.”
- Talented young midfielder Lachie Sholl will cross to the Timelords, in a deal which sees two R4 picks added to The Darkness’ draft hands. The Darkness will pick up a portion of his salary. Coach Darkie said “It’s a shame to see Lachie go. He clearly has some elite attributes with his running and his kick, which is strong on both sides. No doubt he will add some run to the Timelords’ midfield, he could even play down back at some point.”
- A pick swap has been agreed with Creme de la Creme, involving an exchange of round 4 picks across 2022 and 2023, with The Darkness providing a sweetener. Creme de la Creme’s 2023 R4 pick said “It looks like being a busy trade period for the R4 picks - I heard there’s been six traded already - so it’s good to be part of the action. Apparently there’s a good 2023 crew coming together over at The Darkness, so it’ll be nice to slot in to that.”
Speaking about the club’s recent announcements - with 8 trades announced this off season - coach Darkie said “We’ll continue to take an active approach as we work to improve our list. Unfortunately that sees a number of players leave the club, but our squad understands that if we’re going to build a premiership side, there will need to be further changes. You should expect us to keep regenerating our list through active trading, alongside the upcoming auction and draft. It’s an exciting time for the club and for the League.”
Haha, I think it’s in the process of being approved still so we will await the Commisioner approval.
The Rangers recruitment department possibly napping a bit as no such opposition analysis has been undertaken! Seems like the YRA will be coming very prepared and with deep pockets to tonight’s draft!
The Rangers recruitment department possibly napping a bit as no such opposition analysis has been undertaken! Seems like the YRA will be coming very prepared and with deep pockets to tonight’s draft!