BPL - Power Rankings - 2011 - Week I

The new season is nearly set to kick off, with only the Cobras keeping people guessing with their would be line up. The Dojo have even got around to submitting a roster, and with 3 days to spare until competition kicks on. The Heroes don’t look likely to take the brunt of anymore of my criticism with an ever improving core and the return of some of their pillars. The Buggs still have Mike, SFC picked up a pair of shooters, and the Lovers have a young Latin feel about them... er I mean Los Bandidos.

As is always the case in this competitive league, anyone can win it. The hype is winding up with numerous clubs announcing their rosters around the blogshperes, and Gref has even returned from blogger hiatus to enlighten us on his thoughts for the season over at The Friz.

It will be tough job to separate some of these spots, but someones gotta do it.

As I explained last season, these pre season rankings are essentially a prediction for finals rankings based on paper rosters, but after 2 seasons of Ranking Power, my predicted winner has not yet even appeared in the Grand Final.

Let’s see if this year is different.

1) Dojo Mojo – The Kenshi will be back with a vengeance, and will for the first time in their colourful history be wearing the target. First time defending champions, everyone will be out to prove something against the Dojo, and to try and knock off the Champs. Besides Coops, Daz, and Rohan, I’d have to say the other 11 are over 6’!! Adding Jules to the roster makes for a Sensei wet dream coming true, and an in-form Cunliffe for the year is yet another handy tower. It seems that Cola will be missed after his orbital injury, but it seems they’re depth will handily compensate. The only thing that might slow the Dojo down is their attendance, with 14 on the roster an evening of perfect attendance, coupled with not warming up could be the only thing preventing them from getting into rhythm. Their first hit out will see them face up against many a past team mate as SFC gets the first crack at the champs.

2) Moreton Bay Buggers – As mentioned on the Friz this roster seems to have incurred the least amount of change, even after holding public invite trials. They have a wealth of experience which inevitably come with some rusty wheels. But they also have a very balanced looking lineup with handlers, defenders, and cutters all being very distinguishable throughout the lineup. The two main factors for this team to return to glory are as follows. 1) the Mike Factor – If Mike is at every game, then there is a very real chance that they can win every game they take the field for. 2) The Maradona factor … no, they haven’t acquired a short, fat, coke hungry pimp…. The Maradona Factor refers to the ‘hand of god’ … seeing that Buzz was born in the same hospital as god, and that his ailing ‘throwing’ hand has been an issue, will he be able to produce a steady supply of lofty hucks for number 1 to turn into goals? If so, look out for the Buggs. First up for the crustaceans are the new and improved Heroes.

3) Slamtown Flatball Club – The Flatballers have picked up some star power, in aL and Abra. The two national reps have become immersed by the beach culture of SFC and are keen to provide some much needed stability to the offence. SFC have never been seen as a tall team, and with Joelly’s move to Melbourne, and no real big air receiver, this team has already had fingers pointed at them for failing in the height department. But vertical challenges aside, This team has most certainly shown improvement from last season, and are poised to make their first post season appearance. As far as some anonymous critics are concerned the SFC are the c*nts of the league, but as far as we're concerned, those are for smashin'. SFC open the season up against the champs and will be tested early to see how their team stature stacks up.

4) Heroes - That's right, the Heroes are lookin to start filling up the win column this year, after a dismal season on the ladder last year, the Heroes now have a lot going right. The return of George and Myall gives them a speedy tandem of first cuts, while the rest of the team has benefit from training with Firestorm except two by my count. Matt Boevink and Captain Dan are the only two not in season training right now. Mat will add some stable 'old guy' handling wile Dan will add a very slow paced post game speech. They have a chance to break into the win column this week if they can boil the Buggs.

5) Los Bandidos - This team looks very UQ to me, sure they aren't the Lovers, but they are undoubtedly a team representing the university. Gref seems to have dropped all the old guys, and replaced them with a bunch of young legs. Though there are a few recognizable names, the bulk of this team haven't seen too many games at this level. Much will rest in the hands of the few experienced players on this team if they are to get their team off on the right foot and develop a winning team culture. Gref, BW, and Alex Livingstone in particular are going to have to lead through example to inspire this team to a handful of victories. I'm just keen to see what their uniforms look like, with only 6 teams in the league, it's interesting to see them take to the Hero colourway. The Bandits open up against the Cobras with a chance to keep them in the basement.

6) Cobras - Now, I'm not even too sure if I believe this, but with only 3 on the roster currently, we have nothing to really go on but hearsay and speculation. Here's what I do know, they will have two of the Firestorm captains in Reece and Trachter, to steer the ship while Dingo hopeful Jack, and Finnn will use their FS Ignition chemistry to work out of the stack, Earhardt will be there for the dump, but I just don't know what else will be happening. The big issue for the Cobras is what they have lost. Abra was wooed by the Coast, Wetnose, Dan Yong, and the leagues most spirited player (Mike Nolan Jr.) have all left Brisbane. The serpents will have a chance to shut me up this week if they can put the newcomer Bandidos in their place this Thurs.

Well, that's where we stand for now, as always, feel free to leave your opinion of my opinion in the comments section below.

See you on Thurs.