Alright...with a game under our belts and the new season upon us I felt the need to officially greet those as well as make my usual predictions and observations...lol
So, firstly, a warm welcome on behalf of those of us in Div III.3 to 5 new teams: the Knox stars, Taggies, Flames, The Argonauts and the Hansbrough Hurricanes. Welcome managers to the greatest Div III league in Australia...well, okay perhaps that a little too much of a claim...but welcome anyway...
...as those accustomed to my posts I will add to this official greeting by listing the 16 teams, their current player salary totals with a few side notes. It usually helps us to get an initial picture of what is happening in our league.
The total salary player totals (listed in brackets) are close estimates and do involve players currently listed for sale. These estimates were calculated as of 7:45 Perth time on 13/2/2012.
SEASON 19
Big 8
1. Hawthorn ($185k)
2. Mash Brewers ($180k)
3. Knox stars ($75k) Promoted from Div IV.16 on account of their 20-2 record (interesting) in Season 18
4. Top-Prides ($150k)
5. Glenvale Cheaters ($130k)
6. Taggies ($135k) Crowned Div IV.49 Champions in Season 18
7. The Legends678 ($175k)
8. Flames ($233k) Relegated from Div II.4 in Season 18
Great 8 (the better side :P)
1. GC Vikings ($360k)
2. Maltese Falcons ($125k)
3. CARLTON SUNS ($200k)
4. The Argonauts ($60k) Crowned Div IV.47 Champions in Season 18
5. Moorditj Magick ($110k)
6. Doons Dazzlers ($80k)
7. Hansbrough Hurricanes ($105k) Crowned Div IV.4 Champions in Season 18
8. Cheltenham Bombs ($135k)
So, some interesting observations here: Firstly, three Div IV Champions have joined us and only one Div II team has been relegated. However, the Flames were relegated from Div II.4. In case this Div II doesn't ring any bells, I'm sure you all recall last seasons' champions, the CROCKERS, who after relegating from this very same league at the end of Season 17 stepped up and spoiled the Vikings' party in the finals last season. I of course, have four good friends (and fellow Calamari men) playing in Div II.4 in Robhoe, Yodabig, Naker and Xerxes (the Western Titans, Chelsea Seagulls, Viral Infections and Persepolis Immortals respectively). So I'll get the gossip on Flames and get back to you all! Jokes... :P
Secondly, in terms of salaries, the GC Vikings, with their $200k monster C still have the largest player salary total at $360k! However, the Flames, recently relegated from Div II (see above), while having more than $100k less than the Vikings, have the 2nd most expensive list at $233k! The question is: how much money do they have and do they want to return to Div II immediately?The Vikings will be very interested in the answer to that question I'm sure.
Thirdly, it seems that there are several teams tanking this season. Hmmm. What to make of this? It could simply be a reflection of the times (Div III teams are being forced to tank just to have a chance at promoting into Div II). I must stress that it is too early to be sure of who is tanking and who is not. Only the Glenvale Cheaters and Moorditj Magick have come forward in this regard so far.
Finally, while these current figures (listed above) seem to suggest how strong or weak teams are, a word of caution: some teams are focusing on the Cup, others on training and cash, and others are just having fun! In other words, everything I have written in this post is simply crystal ball stuff and should be treated as such. anything can happen and often does.
PS. I heard the Magick had 3 million dollars in the coffers! Surely not! :P
Last edited by Mr J at 02/13/2012 07:29:46