GFL 2001 Season Review

PREMIERS	RUNNERS UP
Western Dolphins	Portside Phantoms

A short selection of the main contributors from each team to highlight the team strengths:
Darlington 69ers: Jarman, Wanganeen, Bizzell, Loewe, A.Lynch, D.King, Buckley, Rioli, McRae, C.Cornes
Amongst many teams the 69ers had a chance right down to the last round literally, to book a finals berth, but an unlikely loss to the cellar dwellers ensured their season finished on a sour note. It didn't start off too flash either, because their second win of the season didn't come until Round 8, and the coach was more akin to letting default teams stave off the opponents than an actual selection strategy. But like most teams that have a sour finish, it is probably accurate to say that mixed fortunes were there throughout the year, and relegation to back duties for the likes of Gehrig did not help their cause either. But there were plenty of bright spots in an otherwise dim year, with Cornes stepping up a notch and Wanganeen, King and McRae all contributing some useful tallies to the goal kicking table, but never enough it seemed to truly win over opponents. The highlight of the season for the 69ers was probably Moorcroft's mark, and the lowlight being the same thing, since he wasn't selected in the starting 8. There's likely to be a caretaker's role up for grabs in 2002 as the 69ers venture overseas to sort out a few recruitment hassles.

The Bills: Lloyd, McKernan, Dixon, Hammil, Koutoufides, O'Loughlin, B.Holland, Lockwood, N.Thompson, Garlick
The arrogance of the Bills is best shown by their reluctance to participate in any of the drafts this season, banking on their stable team list to see them through yet another premiership in this tight competition. The amazing thing about this is that it almost actually occurred! The reigning premiers again held top spot for most of the season and took out the minor premiership and were in most ways the team of the competition for the year. They were there on hand to belt the living crap out of opponents even when they threw their best at the Bills. One classic example came when the Bills were trailing the Phantoms in a match at "3 quarter time" by about 9 goals. There was only one player in the match left to play and it was Lloyd - he kicked a lazy 10 and handed the Bills victory. So long as Lloyd was up front the Bills seemed almost invincible pulling off wins with essentially a 4-goal contribution texta'd down on paper. And the couple of occasions he went begging, well there was someone else to step up for him. The Bills received some hiccups when Lloyd was sidelined through suspension and ironically (or justifiably, depending on your view) it was this which caused the team not to go all the way in Season 2002 - huge sighs of relief went around the league, as two newcomers contested the Grand Final.

Western Dolphins: Farmer, Tarrant, Power, Tredrea, Ottens, B.Johnson, Goodes, Mensch, S.Rocca, M.Lappin
What makes a Fantasy Footy competition so complete and fulfilling is knowing that any team would be, on its day, capable of taking out the premiership. There is probably no better example than this than through the team list of the Dolphins who had easily the best depth of any team in 2001 - it came to a stage where no matter what line up they would choose, they would kick 100+ points and their best team would have kicked a few more goals and 5-goal haulers omitted while everyone selected still managed to contribute 2-3 goals each. Batting down to number 16 in this case was no exaggeration. It was of no surprise then in the end that the Dolphins took out the premiership with only team selection the major headache of the club throughout the whole year (and who wouldn't mind that one!) - although akin to a migraine would be better. The biggest hurdle for the Dolphins was trying to work out which players were in and out of goalkicking form for any particular round. But overall little did it matter to the outcome. Commiserations then to the other 8 players not featured in the highlights package above!

GTO LIONS: Bradshaw, Everritt, Fevola, Welsh, Mercuri, Robertson, Beinke, J.Longmuir, C.C-Collins, L.Davis
Just what did happen to the Lions in season 2001 is anyone's guess - they had quite clearly the second best depth of any club in the season, with all players able to bat down to number 18 on the list (although not quite to the extent of the Dolphins list) and yet their competitive scoreline achievement was very few and far between. For the most part the Lions also seemed to be chasing their tails, nearly every week, especially in the last half of the season, it seemed that they would leave someone out of the side who would bag four or five goals. No matter what stategy they employed to do this, the same scenario happened every week. Many of their big name players like Everritt and Welsh were MIA at the goal front and the potency of the Lions was measured only by the contribution that Bradshaw - a favourable trade after giving Carey his marching orders, in spite of the fact it did not get that way til late in the season - was able to Muster. Anything from 3+ goals from him ensured a generally competitive achievement by the Lions. Paul Williams (that still ridiculous trade for M.O'Loughlin) finally fell sour of the Lion axe when he was offloaded at the Mid Season draft and severed a long lifeline with the club through a tumultuous career. The only highlight for the Lions for the season was the final minor round of the season when they somehow pulled a rabbit out of the hat to beat the minor premiers and secure a finals berth - the only combined CSAFL/GFL team now to have appeared in every finals campaign (the Raiders having finally missed out this year). But the lowlight was clearly the elimination final matching against the Groom lead Krill - and become the first team in living history to lose a finals match against any of Groom's GFL outfits. The laughing will continue well into 2002 at the Lions expense.

Krusty's Klowns: Modra, Hird, R.Smith, Vardy, McLeod, S.Grant, Daffy, Ahmat, Caracella
There was very little for the Klowns to gloat about again this year in what would be a very forgettable season for them. Perhaps the only consolation - other than first pick in the 2002 pre-season draft - is the fact that they largely shaped the final rungs on the GFL finals ladder in 2001. Big deal! It was a case of too little by too few in the side with Vardy, Hird and Modra all missing through injury and not contributing anywhere near the expected tallies they were asked of. Modra finally succumbed to the surfing bug and retired a few rounds before the end of the season proper. The Klowns had very few winners in their line up and it is almost laughable - if it weren't so serious - that McLeod for much of the year was vyeing for leading club goalkicker honours. Many of the supposed midrange goalsneaks had little effect and the season was all but loss by about the fifth round for the Klowns. But they rallied and ensured the Lions became their guaranteed source of four premiership points before posting what was in the end a very competitive and credible 6 wins for the season, narrowly missing out on a finals berth in spite of having to share cheese with the rats over the summer. The Klowns have a history now of some under performing selections in the draft but in 2002 the loss of Modra looks like it will be replaced by Lockett, and what a coup that will be, if he plays often enough to make a difference! The Klowns clearly need to get rid of some deadwood and reinvigorate the list.

Keswick Krill: Hudson, Wilson, Whitnall, Burns, N.Holland, B.Green, Croad, Burton
It is first pick of the pre-season draft 2001 and all eyes are focussed on the Krill coach about who he will select from a seemingly talented pool of potential goalsneaks for the forthcoming season. Will he go for Ladhams - the Adelaide rookie who promised so much in the pre-season draft; will he go for Wilson - a touted full forward drafted in his late years, with little proven ability thus far; or will he go for A.Richardson - the same trait as Wilson, but a proven SANFL leading goalkicker. The Krill spoke officially to a local scout for the Weagles who confirmed the intentions of Wilson in the AFL club, so on this knowledge and this alone the Krill picked him up first in the draft and by a few rounds he had amassed 7 goals and 12 scoring shots in one game alone. The other two potential candidates had kicked just ONE goal between them up to and including that round in total. For once the Krill's first pick was a winner and Wilson was the stand out recruit for season 2001. But the likes of Hudson and Whitnall let the team down dramatically while Burns, Burton and Holland missed so many games through injury it was hardly worth their being part of the highlights package above. In spite of all this the Krill made it into yet another finals campaign - and like every other finals campaign to date, were tipped to fall foul in the first elimination match scheduled. But amazingly after some 7 years in various competitions, and some four or five Elimination Finals appearances, the Krill found themselves in unchartered territory, winning that very game (against yours truly!!). But alas it was such a giant leap that the club said its finals campaign should be taken one step at a time and promptly lost the following week. The Krill must wait one of their longest waits for a pick in the pre-season draft, although something tells me there will be a few deals struck and the side is likely to have a higher pick instead.

Portside Phantoms: M.Richardson, B.Hall, Carey, C.Grant, M.White, Alessio, Ball, Dew, A.Richardson, Barker
In 2000 the Phantoms suffered terribly at the hands of form and injury after many of their stars were MIA for much of the season. For a while there it looked terribly like a repeat performance in 2001. Richardson on injury, Bradshaw traded to the Lions in return for an injury plagued Carey, Ball and Alessio half out through form and injury, Grant having yips in front of goals, first pick recruit Adam Richardson failing to have any impact and Big Bustling Barry relegated to a defensive role. In fact if it weren't for the mercurial and consistent performances of Dew and Barker the Phantoms would have lost more than just their way by mid season. Then things suddenly began to click for them as Hall returned to the forward line and form was regained by many of their stars. The Phantoms suddenly became world beaters and shot up the ladder rungs almost enough to get the Bends. But two important clashes in the season ultimately cost them perhaps the Minor Premiership when Lloyd dug the Bills out of a grave to kick 10 goals and steal victory from the jaws of defeat against the Phantoms and later, the Dolphins overpowered them as they fought for minor premiership honours. But the Phantoms made the Grand Final as they threatened to do since the inception of the competition the year before and pulled out one of the great performances for a losing side, accurate kicking letting them down in a five point heartbreaker.

Standley Raiders: Cummings, Ph.Matera, Neitz, Fitzgerald, Mooney, Lucas, A.Rocca, Kelly, Waterhouse
It was the most frustrating season yet for the Raiders who finally found themselves on the outer during the finals campaign, the first time since they became part of the CSAFL/GFL footy folklore. Only the Lions now hold that title. And ironically it was the two eventual Grand Finalists that held them at bay in the final two minor rounds to ensure they would be watching from the sidelines in 2001. The Raiders fortunes were probably clear to start with, as soon as Cummings made headlines by saying he was the fittest he had ever been and took it upon himself to better his '99 return of 95 goals. The Raiders immediately smelled the acrid stench of foul play before the season had begun. They managed to offload Holland for Neitz in what was a gamble, and Neitz took his time before he kicked any decent contribution for the Raiders, while another inductee into the list Rogers was about as stable as the team could hope for of any player. Injuries to Mooney, Cummings, Matera, Fitzgerald, Kelly (still recovering from knee injury) and Waterhouse kept the Raiders well on the side for much of the year. But even at season's end, many were wondering just how they were able to chalk up a competitive amount of wins in spite of a decimated line up. Cameos from the likes of Rocca and Lucas were about as good as the team was able to rely on in 2001. It's now back to the drawing board.

ROUND 1 - March 30
The Bills 15.12.102 v Standley Raiders 12.9.81 - Sunhill Lock Up
GTO Lions 14.7.91 v Western Dolphins 11.8.74 - The Den
Darlington 69ers 11.8.74 v Portside Phantoms 15.6.96 - Batchelor Pad
Keswick Krill 10.5.65 v Krusty's Klowns 11.6.72 - Sea World

ROUND 2 - April 6
Standley Raiders 7.7.49 v GTO Lions 19.13.127 - Pain Park
Western Dolphins 16.8.104 v The Bills 9.7.61 - The Aquarium
Keswick Krill 13.9.87 v Darlington 69ers 3.8.26 - Sea World
Krusty's Klowns 12.11.83 v Portside Phantoms 22.7.139 - The Big Top

ROUND 3 - April 12
Darlington 69ers 13.12.90 v The Bills 13.6.84 - Batchelor Pad
Portside Phantoms 16.9.105 v Standley Raiders 10.11.71 - Skull Cave
Western Dolphins 16.13.109 v Keswick Krill 16.12.108 - The Aquarium
GTO Lions 11.3.69 v Krusty's Klowns 8.4.52 - The Den

ROUND 4 - April 20
Keswick Krill 14.11.95 v Portside Phantoms 14.7.91 - Sea World
Krusty's Klowns 13.5.83 v Darlington 69ers 6.10.46 - The Big Top
GTO Lions 3.6.24 v The Bills 4.7.31 - The Den
Western Dolphins 3.13.31 v Standley Raiders 6.9.45 - The Aquarium

ROUND 5 - April 25
Portside Phantoms 22.8.140 v Western Dolphins 20.5.125 - Skull Cave
The Bills 12.7.79 v Krusty's Klowns 9.4.58 - Sunhill Lock Up
Darlington 69ers 10.5.65 v GTO Lions 12.7.79 - Batchelor Pad
Keswick Krill 15.8.98 v Standley Raiders 18.9.117 - Sea World

ROUND 6 - May 4
Standley Raiders 13.8.86 v Darlington 69ers 11.8.74 - Pain Park
The Bills 18.11.119 v Portside Phantoms 17.8.110 - Sunhill Lock Up
GTO Lions 13.7.85 v Keswick Krill 15.8.98 - The Den
Krusty's Klowns 10.10.70 v Western Dolphins 11.2.68 - The Big Top

ROUND 7 - May 11
GTO Lions 6.7.43 v Portside Phantoms 15.13.103 - The Den
Standley Raiders 11.13.79 v Krusty's Klowns 4.11.35 - Pain Park
The Bills 12.12.84 v Keswick Krill 16.10.106 - Sunhill Lock Up
Darlington 69ers 7.6.48 v Western Dolphins 15.12.102 - Batchelor Pad

ROUND 8 - May 18
Krusty's Klowns 5.8.38 v Keswick Krill 16.9.105 - The Big Top
Standley Raiders 8.8.56 v The Bills 19.9.126 - Pain Park
Portside Phantoms 7.3.45 v Darlington 69ers 19.15.129 - Skull Cave
Western Dolphins 16.9.105 v GTO Lions 13.9.87 - The Aquarium

ROUND 9 - May 25
Darlington 69ers 12.6.78 v Keswick Krill 11.6.72 - Batchelor Pad
Portside Phantoms 8.6.54 v Krusty's Klowns 9.7.61 - Skull Cave
GTO Lions 10.8.68 v Standley Raiders 7.17.59 - The Den
The Bills 14.3.87 v Western Dolphins 12.5.77 - Sunhill Lock Up

ROUND 10 - June 1
Standley Raiders 8.10.58 v Portside Phantoms 10.6.66 - Pain Park
Keswick Krill 10.7.67 v Western Dolphins 13.14.92 - Sea World
Krusty's Klowns 8.5.53 v GTO Lions 9.14.68 - The Big Top
The Bills 15.9.99 v Darlington 69ers 14.5.89 - Sunhill Lock Up

ROUND 11 - June 8
The Bills 14.10.94 v GTO Lions 7.13.55 - Sunhill Lock Up
Portside Phantoms 19.5.119 v Keswick Krill 14.6.90 - Skull Cave
Darlington 69ers 7.6.48 v Krusty's Klowns 14.6.90 - Batchelor Pad
Standley Raiders 9.11.65 v Western Dolphins 12.4.76 - Pain Park

ROUND 12 - June 15
Standley Raiders 17.8.110 v Keswick Krill 13.11.89 - Pain Park
GTO Lions 9.10.64 v Darlington 69ers 19.8.122 - The Den
Krusty's Klowns 19.4.118 v The Bills 18.14.122 - The Big Top
Western Dolphins 15.6.96 v Portside Phantoms 7.6.48 - The Aquarium
[SPLIT ROUND over 2 weeks]

ROUND 13 - June 29
Tie: Keswick Krill 12.8.80 v GTO Lions 12.8.80 - Sea World
Portside Phantoms 11.9.75 v The Bills 15.5.95 - Skull Cave
Western Dolphins 12.8.80 v Krusty's Klowns 10.6.66 - The Aquarium
Darlington 69ers 14.8.92 v Standley Raiders 11.5.71 - Batchelor Pad

ROUND 14 - July 6
Krusty's Klowns 11.9.75 v Standley Raiders 14.5.89 - The Big Top
Portside Phantoms 14.11.95 v GTO Lions 12.12.84 - Skull Cave
Keswick Krill 7.7.49 v The Bills 17.5.107 - Sea World
Western Dolphins 20.11.131 v Darlington 69ers 15.8.98 - The Aquarium

ROUND 15 - July 13
Darlington 69ers 18.5.113 v Portside Phantoms 14.9.93 - Batchelor Pad
The Bills 12.9.81 v Standley Raiders 10.9.69 - Sunhill Lock Up
Keswick Krill 16.16.112 v Krusty's Klowns 6.16.52 - Sea World
GTO Lions 7.6.48 v Western Dolphins 14.10.94 - The Den

ROUND 16 - July 20
Tie: Keswick Krill 14.8.92 v Darlington 69ers 13.14.92 - Sea World
Standley Raiders 11.4.70 v GTO Lions 8.5.53 - Pain Park
Krusty's Klowns 11.11.77 v Portside Phantoms 23.15.153 - The Big Top
Western Dolphins 19.10.124 v The Bills 25.4.154 - The Aquarium

ROUND 17 - July 27
Western Dolphins 22.8.140 v Keswick Krill 6.7.43 - The Aquarium
Darlington 69ers 15.4.94 v The Bills 16.10.106 - Batchelor Pad
Portside Phantoms 13.7.85 v Standley Raiders 11.6.72 - Skull Cave
GTO Lions 20.6.126 v Krusty's Klowns 7.6.48 - The Den

ROUND 18 - August 3
Krusty's Klowns 9.4.58 v Darlington 69ers 6.9.45 - The Big Top
GTO Lions 13.13.91 v The Bills 12.5.77 - The Den
Keswick Krill 6.2.38 v Portside Phantoms 17.10.112 - Sea World
Western Dolphins 17.14.116 v Standley Raiders 12.5.77 - The Aquarium

ROUND 19 - August 10
ELIMINATION FINAL
GTO Lions 10.13.73 v Keswick Krill 14.7.91 - ATO GFL Stadium
QUALIFYING FINAL
Western Dolphins 13.8.86 v Portside Phantoms 17.3.105 - ATO GFL Stadium

ROUND 20 - August 17
1ST SEMI FINAL
The Bills 11.6.72 v Portside Phantoms 16.10.106 - ATO GFL Stadium
2ND SEMI FINAL
Keswick Krill 9.6.60 v Western Dolphins 19.12.126 - ATO GFL Stadium

ROUND 21 - August 24
PRELIMINARY FINAL
Western Dolphins 17.11.113 v The Bills 14.3.87 - ATO GFL Stadium

ROUND 22 - AUGUST 31
G R A N D F I N A L
Portside Phantoms 20.14.134 v Western Dolphins 22.7.139 - ATO GFL Stadium


Darlington 69ers	The Bills	Western Dolphins	Krusty's Klowns
Marc Verstappen	Darren Lynch	David Penney	Andrew Cropley
Darlington, SA	Parkside, SA	Holden Hill, SA	Oaklands Park, SA

Keswick Krill	GTO Lions	Portside Phantoms	Standley Raiders
John Groom	Mark Braithwaite	Wayne Warnest	Terry Standley
Keswick, SA	Aberfoyle Park, SA	West Lakes, SA	Gilles Plains, SA

#	Team	W	L	D	R/T	C/P	For	Agst	%	PTS
1	Western Dolphins	15	7	0	3023	72.19	2213	1819	121.66	60
2	Portside Phantoms	13	8	0	2707	80.97	2074	1820	113.96	52
3	The Bills	14	6	0	2338	87.10	1894	1689	112.14	56
4	Keswick Krill	7	10	2	2057	85.68	1585	1677	94.51	32
5	GTO Lions	8	10	1	2471	66.90	1415	1460	96.92	34
6	Standley Raiders	7	11	0	1967	84.76	1324	1496	88.50	28
7	Darlington 69ers	6	11	1	2228	75.93	1423	1538	92.52	26
8	Krusty's Klowns	6	12	0	1987	70.11	1189	1421	83.67	24