2009 Nationals Preview Part 3b: The East (men)

Running a little behind time. Fought through two practice matches yesterday and spent today setting up my new laptop and interweb connection. In this update, we take a look at the region that has dominated the open scene in recent years - the East


UMLAUT
Home town: Sydney
Captain: Wally Crocker
Qualified: 5th from East (6th at Regionals)
Last year: -

Another club making their Nationals debut. Late in 2008 there was plenty of speculation over whether there would be a new club rise from the ashes of Barefoot to take up the fifth East slot. Instead...well, nothing happened, and Umlaut stepped into the void to take on the rest of the nation. The list contains a number of names not known beyond the state level, but they shouldn't be discounted by other mid-level teams. Day one might be an uphill battle depending on their group, but from Friday onwards they'll be competitive.

Key player: Wally Crocker
Their most experienced player. Fit enough to last the tournament playing most points.

Keep an eye on: Joshua Garfield
Quick defender who would be a great support player on most teams, but will need to be a key player for Umlaut



I-BEAM
Home town: Newcastle
Captain: Chris Warris
Qualified: 2nd from East
Last year: 3rd

After a disappointing semi final loss last year, I-Beam will be looking to go one better. The length of the trip has done nothing to discourage them, with no notable exclusions from the 2008 list. One name that will bolster the lineup is Gav Moore, fresh from a Dingos campaign. The height of Tats, Dave Jarrott and the Lavis boys will make life difficult for other defensive units, and the selectors have gone for speed among their secondary players. John Greenfield and Hobbit Warris will be strong leaders and should take the team to semis again, however I don't think they can go all the way.

Key player: Jonathan Tatham
Rarely referred to by his whole name, Tats will be a focal point for attack.

Keep an eye on: Rhys Clenton
Young player with a lot of raw talent. Will probably be running on defence all weekend and will be hungry for blocks to prove he belongs in the big league.



FAKULTI Y
Home town: Sydney
Captain: Ken Shepherd
Qualified: 3rd from East
Last year: 1st

After finally winning Nationals on their sixth attempt, Fakulti have reverted back to their X/X split that has caused some debate over the benefits versus drawbacks. This year, Fakulti are having to deal with the loss of Matt Dowle and Warwick Shepherd, plus ongoing injuries to top stars. This preview really should be looking at the differences between the two squads. If I were forced to pick who had the stronger list on paper, I'd say Fakulti X did based on experience. However Fakulti Y, aka Fak Kenny, have a lot more speed and fitness than their counterparts, and under the tutelage of Ken Shepherd and Matt Faulkner, they should waltz into the top 8 without any major concerns. However I think Y may not quite get to semis.

Key player: Ant Dowle
Without his brother sharing the limelight, a lot of opposition focus will be on him.

Keep an eye on: Mike Tarn
Key handler for Sydney Uni for a couple of years. Interesting to see if he plays back or if they send him upfield. Left handed with a strong forehand.



FAKULTI X
Home town: Sydney
Captain: Pete Gardner
Qualified: 4th from East
Last year: 16th

For the purpose of consistency, I have to say that the second Fakulti team came 16th last year, but this team will certainly do better than that. The top shelf on this team (Pete, Tex and James Yorston) will be a match for the top players on other teams, and they have a list with a lot of depth to back them up. The three Thunder reps (Beast, Calan and Max) will bring the intensity and energy, while some of the older hands such as Pete Liddicoat and Neil Roxburgh will balance out the hotheadedness that plagues some younger groups of players. Probably half a notch below the other Fak side. The two of them will probably face off for 5th and 6th.

Key player: Pete "Tex" Blakeley
The experience of a Barramundis campaign puts him at the top of his game. One of the fastest players in the Australian game.

Keep an eye on: Calan Spielman
Tall, athletic and fit. Should be able to negate a lot of long throwing options other teams have.



FYSHWICK UNITED
Home town: Canberra
Captain: Tom Watson
Qualified: 1st from East
Last year: 2nd

In 2008 the Canberra crew finally sorted their shit out and got a talented team together for a tilt at the crown. And they came second. With that fresh in their minds, they'll be a hell of a lot more focussed on winning and go in to the tournament as favourites or close to. With the addition of Matt Dowle and Waz Shepherd to an already stacked roster, the list looks very ominous on paper. While my buddy Twats is listed as captain, I'd suspect Jonno Holmes would be a driver on field. While they dominated at Regionals, a lacklustre performance at the BC Invite should have flagged some warning signs that they have some improvements to make. Anything less than semis would be underachieving.

Key player: Jonno Holmes
It's Jonno. Do I really need to go into this?

Keep an eye on: Max Wheeler
With the attention Dowle and Holmes will get, the handling skills of Max might very well slip under the radar of over cautious teams.


Next part of the preview will focus on the South region. Full predictions will be posted in the final part.