Monday 14 October 2013

2013 Club Lunch

Hey all,

Thanks for attending the Club Lunch this year - was an incredible day (weatherwise as well as the frivolity). It was one of the most enjoyable Club Lunches in recent memory and it was because of the great group we had there - I had so much fun. I would like to go into specifics but due to potential employers having something known as "Google" I will let those stories become mythology and folklore ... count yourself lucky "you know who".

Thanks to Sean for taking great photos of the day which you can view here.

Congrats to all the players that won MVPs and Best Team Players for their teams, Sean Heylen Medals, Best Club Men and Club Champions.

Nathan Graham had a big day picking up the biggest personal award - he was a well deserved Club Champ. He has finished 2nd three times now and it great to see his name on the trophy. I overheard some heartfelt congratulations to G - a worthy winner. G also became a life member of the club and gave a great speech.

Mike Hill also had a solid haul with the Sean Heylen Medal for best player in the Intercol and MVP of the B's. Below are all the award winners.

PAOCBC Awards 2013
Club Champion Nathan Graham
 MVP Best Team Man
Saturday APhil Harford and Jack Harford-
Saturday BMike HillLachlan Campbell
Saturday CTom Oliphant Phill Farrer
Saturday DJonathon SelfNick Krantz
Saturday EAlex BubnerMatt Just
Saturday FJon Read Phil Walker
Saturday GBrendon FrancescaSam Karamoshos
Lady RedsJordan RobertsAlicia Woodrow
Monday Darcy Aistrope Tom Lunn
WednesdayJosh Orken-
Thursday Mark PowellTim Wong
Sean Heylen MedalMike Hill
Best Club ManStu MacDonald


It has been proposed we might do some fitness stuff in November and December - just to stave of the Xmas Pie gut, but will let you know.

Not going to wax lyrical about the great season we had - it has been done enough. Great season and hope you like the blog and stats. Palky

Wednesday 25 September 2013

SACBA Grand Final Results - What a Day

If you are a player, partner or friend of the Old Reds - I'm pretty sure you would have caught up with the news from Saturday night. We had four teams in four Grand Finals ... and we won them all.


It was an incredible day. On behalf of the day, I want to thank Purge for hosting the Grand Final day BBQ. I want to thank Tom Ricketts and the crew at the Seven Stars for having us in after the games, for shouting us some beer and buying us pizza because the kitchen was closed. I want to thank Simon Miller, Mark Waters, Simon Caldwell and Jay Nguyen for scoring - I know it sucks having to score when you just want to sit back and watch the games. I want to thank all the supporters for coming out and watching and cheering on the teams - the Lady Reds did a great job supporting us all day.

Before we get to the game reports - just a reminder that the Club Lunch is Saturday October 12th. The email I see has all the details but keep the RSVPs coming through please. We have 40 people coming so far with another 20 guys still to respond ... looking like the biggest lunch ever ... we only have something little to celebrate too.

Finally - well done to the Monday team - they won their 6th straight title (Mike, Darcy, Flair, Lunny, Davey, Ben Orken and Heimy). Commiserations to the Thursday C Grade team - they lost their Grand Final last Thursday.

This is the most epic review of the Grand Finals ever ... let's do this shit!
 
A's v Gateway A - I tend to write game reports from looking at the scoresheet and then patch together who scored what in what order ... I looked at this scoresheet and it was all a blur. Probably due to the couple of pre-game bevvies I consumed to calm the nerves ... and the uncontrollable nerves I had throughout the game ... stupid beer didn't work*.

Here is Gateway's website - as of Wedensday no report - but I think it will be up soon.

I was talking to Purge before the game and I told him that in the 5 previous years, I entered the A Grand Finals feeling that we were the better team - that if we played the game 10 times we would have won 7 or 8 times out of 10. This game didn't feel like that ... it felt like if we played it 10 times - we would win it 5 times and they would win it 5 times. Gateway had their full squad for the first time all year. They had Smith who is still so incredibly good at basketball - he is a great big man through which their whole team flows. They also have another solid big in Meyer, who can rebound, bang, score low and hit the outside 3. They then surround those 2 with 5 versatile, scoring guards - McKinnon, Kerwin, Tommy, Joel Horskins (young kid who can shoot the piss out of it) and Jo Vucetic (the most dangerous scorer in our league). It is a tough combination to stop - bigs who can score and rebound and then shooters all over the perimeter and then combine that with the fact they can run and finish on the break. The keys were to not turn the ball over, get to the shooters in our 3-2 and let Corey, Orks and Tauny control the Gateway bigs one on one.  

The game started well - Phil got inside for 2 and they were leaving him open for 3 and he hit back to back to get the scoring underway. Jo and Joel hit long 2's for Gateway and Smith scored inside. It was an arm wrestle but the A's pulled ahead 17-11 when Tauny scored on a perfectly drawn up out of bounds play and Liam got intentionally fouled, hit both FTs and hit a 3 on the inbound. Gateway scored late and the score was 17-14 going into halftime. 

I remember very little about the 2nd half - Jack hit a 3 from the top and Corey scored inside and then the scoring dried up for the Reds. Gateway hit a couple of 3's to stay in touch and Smith scored on a nice fadeaway. It was back and forth but Gateway were just chipping away and it felt like for a moment they were getting the momentum. But cometh the moment, cometh the man ... and in times like that you need a big man ... and then biggest man** stepped in. Orks scored on a crazy tip in to take back some momentum. He then scored off a nice pass inside and finished on a tough lefty alley-oop on the break to get the score to 4. Phil then cut to the basket and scored on a layup and the score was 6 with a minute to go. This is where it gets blurry ... I know Corey was fouled on the inbound and made the 2 clutchest FTs. Jo went 1 of 2 from the line. We were up 4 and Joel made a crazy 3 and Phil was then fouled with 0.5 left on the clock ... Reds up 1. He missed the first and missed the second on purpose - the ball got batted around and Gateway couldn't get a shot off. 

Reds win 35-34. Orks had 11 (9 in the 2nd half), Phil 10 and Liam 5. 

It was a great team effort - Phil was huge in the 1st half and made an important shot late in the game and played great D, Orks crushed the 2nd half and has finally tapped into his incredible potential and was not overawed by the moment, Jack got 10-12 rebounds and was all over the place, Liam had 30 seconds of scoring but his work getting to all the outside jumpers was vital, Corey got a massive rebound in the dying stages that I would argue no one else in the league would have been able to get to, Tauny was a rock off the bench and has a huge future with the team and Foo and Hobbs has quiet games off the bench but didn't complain about minutes - they knew it was about the team.

Huge shout out to Purge who controlled the bench, made some key moves and got all the rotations spot on. I will also say that the recounting on his blog last week about the semi final from a few years ago played a small part in getting the boys fired up and tuned it ... it is not just about this team but everything that come before them. This team is set for the next 5 years - we are going to keep doing special things for years to come.

6 in a row ... unbelievable. If people look at the record books (if there were record books) and see this run that our club has been on, they would think that we stack our teams with old NBL and ABA guys, that we had the same team for the whole 6 year run, that we were that much better than everyone in the league. It is isn't true - every year is a new team - this year had 4 new guys, we lost one of the key winners, that league is weak and we are head and shoulders above everyone. That is not the case - this is a strong league and the A's sometimes have not had the most talented teams.  I put it down to the fact that we play for each other and we want it waaaay more than anyone else. So proud to have even then smallest involvement in this team.

Unfortuantley for me is has taken my B's to wake them up for the last two years.

Liam's review: I'd like the report to say that throughout the year at any given time any individual in the team could easily have focused more on themselves and had better stats, looked flashier more important etc. but the team's focus was always on winning. Like other years the path wasn't perfectly smooth, we had our moments. We looked crushingly good in a couple of games, but by and large had to knuckle down and just focus on getting the win. It is a credit to everyone that we achieved what we did.

In each of the six years we have had some changes, but this year was unquestionably a generational change. We replaced two (eventually three sadly) veterans that had been so important to the way we played with three young twenty-something's. Personally I went from being pretty close to average age for the team to being the oldest by a distance. The team style changed with that, but happily the heart and resolve the team had learnt over the past few years remained.

One might think that with so many talented guys that resolve and culture doesn't matter and talent will win out in the end. Personally, I've been on some very talented teams at this club in past years that just couldn't get it done because of a clash of egos or other intangibles just not being there. It's a credit to everyone involved in the club that we got the four premierships on Saturday. All the teams that won had plenty of players sacrificing parts of their game to fill roles and get the win. The teams that didn't get there will no doubt get their chance in the coming years and the club will do what it can to support and continue to impart a winning mentality.

That went on a little longer than expected, anyway huzzah, woot etc. and a serious and special thanks to you both (Palky and Jack) for your work over the past year. Even without the victory on Saturday it would have been an enjoyable year, but it's a hell of a lot better with the win.
Jack's review: Interesting to note - The two losses we had against Gateway this year were both decided by the tech foul free throws we gave up. In the GF we had none and they got one unsportsmanlike foul, from which Liam went 2/2 at the line

Lenny's reveiw: What a win ... the "six"peat has happened and it was the young team who stood up and came of age this year that did it. You covered Purge's loss and eventually pulled together - it was all about basketball last night. They had to constantly adjust their game and their banging around dribbling it on the floor showed that they were under fire. Their 3 point game that had decimated you a fortnight before never really took off (apart from one amazing shot from Jo, he never got open looks) and they were the ones arguing and looking for more from the refs - and you kept your lips buttoned and played disciplined team ball. Well done to all of you. 
Corey, strong on the boards and finishing. Phil, leading the charge and setting up the chase right from the outset. Liam with some sweet 3's and attacking into the key to set up plays. Jack controlling the carry of the ball and getting some great recovery plays. Tom, nice and steady. Tauny attacking the boards and bringing great energy to the offensive second efforts and Josh, that is the best game I have ever seen you play - they had no answer for you - and you played like we were never going to lose

Way to go everybody! Bring on 2014. What a great night for the club and for all of you. The guard has changed - and you stand with your heads high in the pantheon of the PAOC BC club highlights now.
 

*Ohhh - come here beer, I could never stay mad at you.  
**In height not weight
 
Quick side note - I was going to do this at the end of the season but went away. I was going to announce Palky's A Grade MVP and All SACBA 1st and 2nd team.
 
MVP - Jack Harford
 
All SACBA 1st Team
C - James Smith - Gateway A
F - Matt de Cure - SPOC A
F - Will Good - SPOC A
G - Jack Harford - PAOC A
G - Mike Hill - PAOC B
 
All SACBA 2nd Team
C - Josh Orken - PAOC A
F - Scott Foreman - Knightsbridge A
F - Danny Meyer - Gateway A
G - Darcy Aistrope - PAOC B
G - Phil Harford - PAOC A
 
 
Agree ... Disagree?

C's v Unley Park A - Written by G - The game started off with Unley hitting their first 5 shots, but we managed to stay in touch with a couple of our own. Phill was making shots inside and getting to the line which forced Unley to move away from their box and 1 on G. We had a run of turnovers in the 2nd quarter which gave Unley a bit of a lead. Hendo hit a jumper from "Madman Corner" and G managed to bury a pair of triples to bring their lead back to 5 (21-26) at the break (which was our goal for the last 5 minutes of the half).

Unley switched back to a box and 1 for the second half which again opened the paint up for Phill and a nice STRONG side finish baseline drive from Kobe. Manners also chipped in with a couple of baskets when the opportunity arose. With everyone else managing to score their defensive coverage was wearing down and G dropped a triple, floater and a baseline and 1 with fist pump to put us 5 points ahead. On the defensive end we were starving them of good looks. They only managed 5 FG for the half with some trips to the line. The last 2 minutes became foul city as they tried to stall the clock. We hit 6/12 and Manners continued his amazing effort to stifle their best player (he had 8 for the game) to put the game out of reach. It was a massive win for the team, to come back from being down at half time and show so much heart to get over the line.

Thanks again for coaching us Palk, you did a great job too and were part of the team on the day.
BB review: I just wanted to mention that to finally win one after 4 consecutive GF losses just reinforced how special winning a championship really is. Since being at the club this championship team has been my favourite to be a part of and to finish off the season the way we did was just the cherry on top. Week in week out, we played to win and not once did any player on the team at any point of the season get annoyed at minutes played or the amount of shots another player was taking or any other type of annoyance which happens in teams from time to time. This team plays a brand of basketball that is selfless, to its strengths, and everyone backs each other to make the play. The way basketball should be. In the GF, I felt Phil, Manners and G were crucial to the win, Phil was constantly aggressive offensively and getting our score ticking over, Manner's effort in D spurred us all on and the clutch shots that G made got us over the hump. Very proud to have been part of this team.

Kobe review: Lads, thank you all again for a great season. There is often talk about teams winning for different reasons - some teams having stars such as the Lakers, some teams are great at playing as a team such as the Spurs, but I feel lucky to be part of a team that has stars playing as a great team. When we focus and want it more our best is going to be better than our opponents' best, even when they are shooting with accuracy. Revel in the win, I know I am.
See you all at the Club lunch.
Lenny's review: How sweet it is? Putting last year's loss way behind you and doing the business for BB to make this one the success that you all deserve. You played controlled. Heads up basketball and won against a very serviceable team (who looked like they could punish you if you gave them their head (and too much lead) but you dug deep, clawed back and took them apart - once they were in foul trouble they were never going to be able to get back from there. Phil was a huge presence inside; Hendo and Tom got strong boards; and Kobe's cut always threatened. Madman owned his corner. Ryan's constant defence was awesome. BB's scrapping and throwing himself around on the paint was incredibly impressive and then G found his range and hit 3 X 3 (2 to bring it back in the first half - the third to get us in front in the second - and then got inside and to the line to ice the game. Way to go men - you are the PAOC BC tightest team of the year. We've got a lot to look forward to in 2014.
  

 F's v East Allstars A - Written by Brownie - Undefeated all season, the Fs were under a lot of pressure to not screw it up in the GF against a very good East All Stars outfit.

We knew number 5 was a hot shot so broke tradition and started the game with a box-and-one to keep him at bay. This game plan shut down his run last time we met, and Jay hardly gave him any room to move again this time. A slow start to the game on the scoreboard was made more worrying when Phil had to have a seat after what we all feared was a recurrence of his recent leg injury (but luckily was able to get back on). Brad started turning it on, claiming 8 for the half and Road Train backed him up with 6. Despite EAS getting into some foul trouble, we were only able to lead at the break by one point (thanks to two free throws from Brad at the end of the half) with their #15 looking particularly threatening.

The second half saw plenty more fouls coming from the opposition, giving us opportunities from the line for the rest of the game. Jay was all over their #5 like a rash and was so effective that he even started getting a bit pissy about it and put up shots that he really shouldn't have - and only scoring two points for the game.

Stu started firing, getting a couple from inside the arc but the rest of us couldn't hit the back side of a barn. Their D made it hard to get inside, Brad was hopping along on a bung ankle and their lead stretched to six points at its height thanks to some timely triples from EAS shooters.

Time was running out and Stu was getting sick of their shit. Instead of sucker punching their best player in the balls, he sucker punched the whole team by dropping a sweet-ass triple on their faces. Then he cashed two from the line. Then he hit another fucking triple because, well, why the hell not? Another great looking outside shot went up and missed, but Stu was able to get one more from the line and Road Train finished an inside play.

With about 25 seconds left the ball was in our hands, the scores were tied and EAS weren't dicking around giving anyone an easy look which, to be fair, was very well played considering their dire foul situation. With the whole PAOCBC support crew yelling sage advice from the side, none of our guys on the court were really aware of how little time there was left on the clock because they couldn't hear shit. No shots were on and the percentage play was to move inside, get the foul and hit one from the line.

Clearly no one told Jay. Editors note ... muthafuckas forgot about Jay!

A pass from Phil, aiming for the dangerously hot Stu, ended up in Jay's hands. Three players collapsed on him and the clock burned down ...3...2... and nonchalant Jay, do-not-fuck-around Jay, I'm-going-to-beat-myself-so-hard-in-the-shower-if-I-hit-this Jay, put up the SHOT OF THE GODDAMN CENTURY AND SWISHED IT ON THE BUZZER. REDS WON 36-34, UNDEFEATED ALL SEASON BITCHES.

Dangerous Stu got 15, Brad 'Marine' Hughes 8, Road Train 8, Jay 'Clutch' Nguyen 4. Usually you don't detail who got four points but, when you hit a ridiculous buzzer beater to win the Grand Final, you're entitled to it.

A great end to a great season. Thanks to all the blokes for making the F's one of the best teams in the Club's history this year!
 
Lenny's review: Congratulations guys on a great win. Minor round form means nothing, doing it in the GF counts for everything and those young blades opposite you threw everything at you to make it a historic game. 6 down and Stu started to bring you back. Road Train got a great offensive look and one (missed) and Jay iced it. Phil got some great defensive boards. Brad's (The Marine's) defensive effort was legend ...
and the crowd roared. Savour every minute of it - it doesn't matter what level of Bball you play, a tight Gf going down to the last 2 seconds is awesome. Well done and roll on 2014 - it took everyone to get there and make it a great team result on the night - and having observed the F's this year - you were a rock solid team. Love your work

 


G's v SPOC D - Written by Hitman - The final game of the winter season for the entire PAOCBC club saw G-Force face a team from SPOC, just for something different*.  The three preceding PAOC Grand Finals had all been tighter than a cheap condom, and our last game against SPOC D had been a one-point heart-breaker, would the trend of close games continue?  Would SPOC be as inspired by their other grade’s victory as we were by ours?**  Pre-game, we knew their game-plan would revolve around volume shooting and offensive rebounding. Our game plan was simple - keep a hand in the face of their best shooter, dominate the boards, and run.  Early in the game it was our game plan that was superior.  With their best shooter hounded all over the court, mainly by Reid but with assistance from everyone, and unable to even get up a shot, the SPOC team tried to find other options, but their passes kept finding the hands of eager PAOC defenders, or passing straight through the hands of SPOC teammates and out of bounds.  The running Redmen capitalized on these miscues, rapidly building a 6-0 lead.  Then Daniele entered the game and continued the onslaught, converting a tough and-one and nailing another jumper.  SPOC were able to make the occasional basket under duress, but G-Force were also continuing to score, although at a slower pace than the onslaught of the first few minutes.  As half-time approached, a SPOC player went to the line for two shots… missed both…  G-Force secured the rebound and raced down court, with seconds on the clock Brendan set his feet for a three-pointer from the top of the arc, received the pass, and nailed the shot to give G-Force a commanding lead at the break, 19-7.  The second half began with what could only be described as youthful over-exuberance on the part of G-Force as we simply tried too hard to make things happen, particularly after securing a rebound at either end, with the result being a very lengthy scoring drought.  SPOC took the opportunity to chip away at the lead, pushing their own score into double-digits and bringing the margin back to striking distance, before G-Force took a time-out to restore order.  The resumption of play saw normal service resumed, and although the latter part of the game was very much a slow grind with baskets few and far between, G-Force still did more of the scoring and won comfortably, 25-16.  Brendan led all scorers with 11, Sam and Daniele both scored 5, and Troy and Reid both added 2.  Reid also inspired the outstanding team defensive effort, limiting their best shooter to a single desperate long-range attempt, and only one SPOC player mustered more than a single bucket.
 
Lenny's review: Congratulations on a well deserved win last night any win against Saints is pleasurable but to have our G's beat their D's is particularly sweet. Also means that our F's and G's finished above their D's and E's - what a sweet pill to savour. Nellie went out of the blocks like he had been fired from a gun. Kara was getting sweet looks. Reidy didn't let #2 get an outside shot all game. Brendan started to fire both outside the three point arc on the buzzer and got inside for some nice little runners. Troy generalled and finished a nice little lay up. Will's energy showed all game and Nigel led the team with huge calm and presence - as he has all year, bringing the young guns to the fore. Well done everyone, can't wait for 2014 now.
 

[* five of our final six games were against either SPOC D or SPOC E]
[** SPOC B played SPOC C in the NE1/B Final.  I don’t know who won, but basketball was surely the loser] ...Editor Notes - SPOC C won by 10. Man ... Saints are a rabble =)

So what a great day, what a great season. The B's came close to being in the GF, the D's and E's finished 3rd and 4th in a stacked league ... with the E's just going down to the team that ended up beating Oakden and the Lady Reds finished 3rd and were so close to being in the GF this year.

We have so much to build on for 2014 - we will be even bigger and better ... exciting times. See you at the club lunch. Palky 

Monday 16 September 2013

SACBA Week 2 - Semi Finals Results


Hey all – I am back … it is great to be back. I have an epic Semi Final report for you all. There is important info about the Grand Final BBQ and Club Lunch.
 
I am going to start with spoilers – so we can get the game times up the top of the blog.

Team
Opponent
Grade
Time
F's
East All Stars A
NE2 Grade
5.40pm
A's
Gateway A
A Grade
6.50pm
C's
Unley Park A
C Grade
8.00pm
G's
SPOC D
NE2 Reserves Grade
9.10pm

FYI:  the Grand Finals will be held at Wayville.  Re: Car Parking arrangements, for those who haven’t been there in the past 6 months or so. http://www.basketballsa.com.au/index.php?id=62&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=790&cHash=9a0e461526. Basically, there is a new car park for the Centre, closest to the railway line, which used to be a dirt car park, but it fills pretty quickly.  The old entrance to the former main car park has been closed off, now you have to enter it through boom gates near the Showground entrance, and take a parking ticket as you enter. This ticket can be validated (free of charge) in a machine on the front desk of the stadium. 

Grand Final Day BBQ: Is anyone keen in hosting the GF BBQ this year for the B’s, D’s, E’s and Lady Reds? I think we should start at 2pm this year because the first game is at 5.40pm. We will then all go to the stadium together. Let me know by tomorrow please and I will email the club the details.

Club Lunch: The 21st Annual Old Reds Basketball Club Lunch is on Saturday October 12th @ The Seven Stars … lock in the date. I will email you the full details next week but it is the same as always – 12.30pm for 1pm start. We will have 3 hours drinks package and a meal for around $50 per head (or you can just buy your own meal and drinks if you aren’t drinking). Do we want an NBA Auction this year?  You can start RSVPing now – I have Facebook messaged each team.  

Training: There is still training this week. Come out for our final run.

The stats are not up to date – but I will be doing them throughout the week when I get a minute so please be patient. If you are from the other A Grade teams in the league (Gateway, Knightsbridge, SPOC etc) I stopped doing your stats because I couldn’t get copies of the scoresheets.

To the reports:
A’s v B’s – Well the A’s screwed us again. They had the chance to beat Gateway last week to give the B’s the best opportunity to make it an A’s v B’s Grand Final … but they lost. So like last year, the A’s and B’s would face off in the Semi Final. Both teams would be fielding full sqauds – the B’s jumped out of the gate with Darcy making a couple of 3’s and Mike hitting one. The A’s then hit their straps as the B’s were a little out of control – Hobbs came in and made some big 3’s, Orks was scoring down low and getting to the line, Foo scored on the break and Tauny hit a short j (after being massively blocked by Lachy). A’s went in up 22-14. And then the A’s went crazy – in the first minute the B’s turned the ball over 3 times and you can’t stop the A’s when they are running – Jack, Phil and Hobbs all scored and the A’s got up 16. Mike Hill then went on an absolute tear – he hit three straight 3’s and the B’s got the lead back to 7. Phil Harford then stepped up made a couple of 3’s of his own, Tauny started scoring, Jack made a short j and FTs, Corey hit a fadeaway and it was all over. A’s won 51-33 and made it to their 9th straight Grand Final. A’s – Phil and Hobbs 10, Orks 9, Tauny 8 and Jack 7, B’s – Mike 14, Lachy 7 and Darcy 6.

Well done to my B’s – I came in with a game plan – probably the wrong one in hindsight and didn’t play to our strengths. Last year it took us to awaken the sleeping giant and again this year it took the B's to awaken the A's. We had an incredible season again – to knock out Saints for the second year in a row was so impressive. We played as a team and it was a joy to rock up every Saturday and play with you guys and hang out with you. Just want to give a huge shout out to Mike who has become a great leader – if I remember anything about this team it will be watching Mike grow into not only an all-round great player but a great leader both on and off the court.

So I am going to soapbox now about the mighty A’s – please have a read. The other game reports are below. 
 

When the A’s won their first A Grade title in 2007 after losing 3 in a row I was so ecstatic. Then we won back to back and I couldn’t believe it. Then we got a 3 peat and I thought that was it –we had done it all. Then we jagged the 4th in a row and it was the sweetest one of all after the best win in the club’s history (in my opinion) in the semi against Saints (Purge will be reliving the game this week on his blog). And then last year we got our 5th in a row … 5 in a row. Every team has been different, every team has been special in its own way, every team had its own identity and leaders. This weekend the A’s enter their 9th straight Grand Final and go for their 6thin a row.
 
Some of the guys in the A’s haven’t been in the club for that long – so I want them to see what came before them. Even though most of them didn’t play in the team at the start of this incredible run … I want them to see that they are part of something special, that they are part of something that is bigger than them. I have been happy with every title … and at the start of every year I think it would be nice to win another one but I am happy with the others we have … and then every Grand Final week – I forget about “nice” and I want that next one … I want it for the boys in the team – I want it for Liam so he can get his 6th, I want it for Jack so he can get his 5th, I want it for Phil and Hobbs so they can start to establish their own legacy and show that they are in the best players to ever put on an Old Reds jersey, I want it for Orks and Foo who have served their time in the B’s and showed that they are in the best 8 players in the club, I want it for Corey so he can make his mark on his adopted club and for Tauny who had unenviable shoes to fill. I want it for Goody, Big A, Madman and Mike who unselfishly gave up their spots in the A’s for the betterment of the club – they put something bigger than them ahead of their own wants. I want it for me and Sime and Lenny and Sean – guys who have given so much to this club … and we want more. And most of all I guess I want it for Purge and Stu – guys who had unfortunate injuries that ended their runs.

Winning this 6th title is more than just the 8 guys who will play Saturday – it is about all the dudes that have been before them – the Dan Garretts and James Jones and Chris Donaldsons and Sean Heylens and Chris Manns.   

This isn’t about pressure or expectation – it is about an opportunity, an opportunity that may never come around again. The A’s played with a fire, a hunger and a togetherness on Saturday – they have always had talent but that last piece of team work came out on Saturday. It is an opportunity to do something special for all of the Old Reds Basketball Club and for your teammates.

Below is each of the 5 Premiership teams and this years team.

2008 – 1st win – Finals Opponent – Beaumont A.

Purge’s first year and he bought a winning spirit, Stu was at his best, Blair was incredible, Goody and Big A were the best 2 big men in the league, Brownie was the X Factor and Madman was the selfless role player. This is my favourite A’s team ever.

Player
Games
Points
Pts Avg
Blair
17
310
18.2
MacDonald
19
201
10.6
Golding L.
17
134
7.9
Purgacz
20
100
5.0
Brown
14
94
6.7
Williams A.
20
67
3.4
Good
15
62
4.1
Williams M.
18
38
2.1
Eley
1
14
14.0
Griffiths
2
6
3.0
Yates
2
2
1.0
Orken
2
2
1.0
Jury
1
1
1.0
Harford
1
0
0.0
Collins
1
0
0.0
Totals
22
1031
46.9
Opposition
805
36.6
Total
Streak
Wins
17
6
 
Loss
4
1
Draw
1
1

2009 – 2nd win – Final Opponent – Beaumont A.

The only real change was this was Jack’s first season. This team was not as dominant but they still got the job done. This was the final of 49 fouls – Liam made a huge 3 in the GF. This was Blair’s last season with the club.

Player
Games
Points
Pts Avg
Blair
15
283
18.9
Golding L.
18
192
10.7
MacDonald
18
189
10.5
Good
16
92
5.8
Purgacz
16
78
4.9
Harford
12
76
6.3
Williams M.
18
36
2.0
Williams A.
19
33
1.7
Darsow
1
20
20.0
Eley
1
9
9.0
Motteram
1
2
2.0
Jury
2
0
0.0
Graham
1
0
0.0
Totals
19
1010
53.2
Opposition
752
39.6
Total
Streak
Wins
14
4
 
Loss
4
1
Draw
1
1

2010 – 3rd win – Finals Opponent – Saints A.

If 2008 was my favourite team, I think this is the best team ever. Blair left the team, Darsow came back and had some huge games. Dave Bowley came in, Mike Hill joined the team. With Blair out the scoring load was spread around, but this team was brutal defensively and then they would just roll over the top.

Player
Games
Points
Pts Avg
Darsow
15
190
12.7
Harford
17
175
10.3
Bowley
11
141
12.8
Hill M.
18
113
6.3
Golding L.
14
92
6.6
Good
17
90
5.3
MacDonald
14
84
6.0
Purgacz
15
62
4.1
Williams A.
15
23
1.5
Orken
1
16
16.0
Eley
1
13
13.0
Williams M.
1
0
0.0
Totals
19
999
52.6
Opposition
678
35.7
 
Total
Streak
Wins
16
8
Draws
0
0
Loss
3
1

2011 – 4th win – Finals Opponent – Saints A.

The team’s offense was less potent - caused in no small part to their leading scorer Stu blowing out his knee. After this the team’s identity shifted a little and they became a defensive force and ground out wins. Mike established himself as a scorer – and everyone chipped in. They really only had 6 players and Leo and Darsow helped out when Stu went down.  

Player
Games
Points
Pts Avg
Hill M.
18
189
10.5
Harford J.
15
149
9.9
Golding L.
15
128
8.5
Good
16
95
5.9
MacDonald
7
80
11.4
Purgacz
15
71
4.7
Borges
7
41
5.9
Williams A.
16
19
1.2
Darsow
6
15
2.5
Palk
2
5
2.5
Campbell
1
2
2.0
Altmann
1
2
2.0
Lunn
1
0
0.0
Late Player
 
7
 
Totals
18
803
44.6
Opposition
628
34.9
 
Total
Streak
Wins
14
5
Loss
4
2

2012 – 5th Win – Finals Opponent – Knightsbridge A.

You can see over the years how the team has changed ever so slightly every year – we always keep the core and then make small changes – Liam, Purge, A and Goody have been involved in all 5, Jack 4, then Mike came in … and then this season Hobbs and Phil came in. Hobbs and Phil were the team’s 2 leading scorers. Again the scoring was down but they were such a strong defensive team. The final was a scrappy affair against a feisty Knightsbridge team.

Player
Games
Points
Pts Avg
Hobbs
17
184
10.8
Golding L.
18
135
7.5
Good
19
124
6.5
Harford P.
13
105
8.1
Harford J.
16
103
6.4
Hill M.
14
98
7.0
Purgacz
16
56
3.5
Williams A.
19
9
0.5
Late Player
 
2
 
Totals
19
816
42.9
Opposition
656
34.5
 
Total
Streak
Wins
14
4
Draws
1
1
Loss
4
2

2013 – Finals Opponent – Gateway A.

And this year’s team – this was the team with the most change – 3 new players came in – Orks, Corey and Foo came in (replacing Mike, A and Goody) and then when Purge went down for the season it was a massive loss. They missed his toughness and his win at all costs attitude as well as losing one of their only 2 veteran leaders. It took them at least 2 months to recover to establish their own identity – it has been a funny year – with the team having a different line up. Slowly but surely they have come into their own – they have learnt how to work together – lead by Jack and Liam – they have bonded – playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder – it’s great to see. As I said, it took the B’s to awaken the sleeping giant.   

Games
12
131
10.9
15
128
8.5
12
118
9.8
12
88
7.3
11
82
7.5
12
71
5.9
10
67
6.7
8
27
3.4
3
15
5.0
1
2
2.0
Total
15
729
42.9
495
33.0
Total
Streak
Wins
14
6
Loss
4
1


E’s v Dunn A – Written by Diamond - The Es have not beaten Dunn all year, however with good reason we went into the game confident after only losing narrowly with a depleted team when we last met. Dunn were strong (and pretty cheap) all over the floor, but with Bubner typically dismissive of the fact two or three people were standing between him and the basket, we were well and truly in the game at the break. With both teams a little older than prime playing age, the game got scrappy in the second half. Dunn controlled the paint with at times questionable defensive tactics and we struggled valiantly, but never found a comfortable offensive rhythm. Ultimately, shooting was the difference and we were hurt by Dunn’s ability to score from beyond the arc despite our respectable (by the standard of the Es) foul shooting at 4 of 13.
 G’s v SPOC E – Written by Hitman - For the fourth time in five weeks, G-Force faced a team from SPOC, this time the ‘E’ version.  Looking to put last week’s disappointment behind them, G-Force resolved to play tight D, dominate the boards, and run the five-man opposition off the court.  The early going saw G-Force do the initial scoring to take a narrow lead, but the SPOC team continued to make baskets under pressure to keep in touch.  However, G-Force grabbed the majority of SPOC’s misses to trigger their running game with Reid cashing in, and when forced to play in the half-court, Sam was a dominant force inside.  At half-time they lead 18-15.  The second half, however, started poorly, conceding too many offensive rebounds and the sheer weight of possession finally told, allowing SPOC to take the lead by a point.  Regrouping after a time-out, greater vigor on the boards again unleashed G-Force’s running game, and coupled with better ball movement when in their half-court offence, the lead was quickly returned to G-Force and the margin slowly crept upwards.  Brendan stepped up to hit a couple of threes to put the game out of reach.  The final minutes saw desperate fouling from SPOC and repeated trips to the free throw line by G-Force, who added their final six points from the stripe to win 40-28.  Brendan finished with 14 points, Sam and Reid tallied 11 apiece.  Thanks to Ben for coaching, Mike for scoring, and the other Old Reds in attendance for their support.

Lady Reds v Adelaide A – The Lady Reds have come a long way this season and to see them fight so valiantly against the excellent Adelaide squad was impressive. The girls jumped out the gate with Jordy going nuts – as she go to the basket time and time again. Adelaide play physical and were able to get to the line for 16 FTs in the first half. Tracy hit a long j and Jordy hit a 3 and the Reds were down 16-14 at halftime. The 2nd half was a grind – the girls were getting to the line – Jordy was 0 of 6 and Georgie was 4 of 6 but Adelaide scored at all the key times. Loz hit a big 3 and had a 3 to get it to one point with a minute to go but missed. Adelaide were down to 4 players but again made a clutch basket to get the lead to 6 and it was all over. Lost 32-26. Jordy had 14 and Georgie 7.    

Another great season for the girls – it has been great to have Loz, Wans and Emma join the team. It was a tough season with Jordy, Wans and Megan missing big chunks of the season. We showed so much fight and 2 greats wins against the 2 top teams showed that we are in with a shot for the title next year. Well done girls.

See you all Saturday – Palky