UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Much has been said about this seasons OAFL introduction of an official "Reserves" competition league - with a real season fixture and a real trophy and title on offer. The new "Reserves" league can be seen as an indicator of the continuing natural development of the league and game in Toronto. Teams are recruiting and keeping new players more effectively than ever before and the growing base of players continuing on from their first, second seasons coupled with the seasoned veterans, the league and its clubs have never been in a stronger position in terms of the popularity of the game.

Last year 5 recreational games were played between composite sides hosted by the Central Blues and the Broadview Hawks. They were composite sides because often you would find players from other clubs outside of the Blues and Hawks joining in for extra run. Sometimes you would even find Blues playing in the Hawks jumpers and vice versa (yes it was they were dirty acts - but it just served to show how little these games mattered). The composite Hawks won the first few before the Blues got some revenge later in the year. In the end the scores never mattered as there was never a trophy and title on the line - and the sides composition never allowed for that pride felt when wearing YOUR club jumper. And more importantly it was just a chance for a somewhat regulated game of footy - where new players could get a taste of what the game was about and oldies got a chance to relive bygone glory days.

With the introduction of an official title and trophy on the line, coupled with increasing competition for a spot on the "Seniors" squad - players will need to take these games more seriously. I know for a fact that the Blues coaching team this year will be using performances by the players in the reserves games as ne way of selecting some players. So those players on the fringe of selection, and even those players who think they have a permanent spot in their clubs senior side should sit up and take notice. Many of the OAFL clubs have never been in such a luxurious position (in terms of the number talented players to select from) as they find themselves with as they head into the upcoming season. Unfortunately there will always be players who miss out in being selected to suit up with the "Seniors". It will burn - when you think you've done all you can at training and still missed out on a coveted spot. Use that pain and hunger to drive your performances in the reserves games. Because you can be damn sure that the coaches will be watching.

Last year there was one "recreational" game which will stick in my mind more than the rest. This "rec" game was not organised by the OAFL. It was an initiative between the OAFL's newest member the Quebec Saints and the Central Blues with the two sides facing off in Ottawa after the Blues defeated the Swans in Rnd 5 of the 2008 season. The history of Saints and the Blues are of course inextricably intertwined - with former Blues player Luke Anderson leading the way in the creation of this Quebec club and new Blues Coach Jaye Macumber along with player Jeff Lavoie being some of the Saints big names at the time of their creation. It was strange - even heart-wrenching to see the "Blues" players LA, Jmac and Jeff pulling off the Blues jumpers and replacing them with the Saints then-uniforms. It didn't seem right - these guys had only minutes earlier lined up and successfully went into battle for the glory of the Navy Blue jumper, but that was the scene.

Traitors

Regardless once you cross that white line - friend or foe - the game is on and you take no prisoners. It was a tightly fought contest, with neither side willing to back down. In the end the fresher Saints overcame a last quarter stand by the Blues to win their first ever game (Full-Match report available HERE). The Blues had become the Saints first scalp albeit in a "friendly rec game". I don't remember the final score - but I can remember the sound of the Saints players singing victoriously. And I know I didn't like it. Sure the Blues squad had many players who were lining up for the second game in a row (after downing the Swans) - but that is bittersweet consolation. I for one do not enjoy accepting defeat - and especially one as historical as this match was.

That is why I am specifically pencilling in the Blues v Saints game in Rnd 6 fixture in my calendar! I suggest if you're not lucky enough to be playing in this game - that you find yourself a prime seat to watch the spectacle set to unfold in this game. The Saints will be hungry to show their first up win against the Blues was no fluke, while the Blues have unfinished business to exact some sweet sweet revenge. The continuing rivalry between these two sides looks set to continue with two games (Rnd 10) up for grabs in 2009. Set aside the dates and make sure you're available, as there is nothing sweeter than beating a friend - and I know that as much as the Blues will enjoy giving this Quebec side a good old fashion flogging, I also know that there'll be a few Fosters shared with each other post game.

Blues 2009 Season Schedule Released

Click HERE to see the schedule.

Central Blues 2008 Highlight Video Released

The Blues have released their 2008 highlights video. Check it out!

Creator of the video - Rob Chapman has advised that when viewing the video that you make sure to click on the HQ - High Quality option to see the video in all it's glory!! GREAT WORK Chaps!!

Blues 2009 Recruitment Poster

Jmac - The Coach

Article profiling the history of the Blues 2009 Senior Head Coach - Jaye Macumber has just been posted on the Central Blues Official Blog.

Check out the story HERE.

Central Blues AGM Announced

Blues Club President sent out an email announcing the AGM for the Central Blues Football Club. The AGM, to be held Saturday 10 January 2009.

Of note the announcement also advised that new coach Jaye Macumber will also be in attendance - where he will be taking in the player presentations recently requested by the coach.

The venue for the meeting has yet been disclosed - and will be advised at a later date.

Here is the full email from Chaps:

Hey Blues,

We will be having the Blues Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sat Jan 10th 2009 at 12pm. Like all previous years we ask that ALL Blues attend.

This will be an info meeting that will recap what the Blues did in 08, and what we plan to do for 09. We will be briefly discussing all departments of the Club off and on the field, as well as revealing summarized results of the Annual Survey.

We will be also electing for executive positions. Currently many of the present Blues executive will be re-running, but please let me know in advance if you are willing to step up to any positions (see below for Exec Positions). The entire club will vote at the AGM. Also this gives an opportunity to anyone on the Blues to bring anything to the Club they wish to suggest for 2008.

If you have something you would like to present to the team or discuss at the AGM this is a great time to do it.

Jaye Macumber will also be in attendance to discuss the Blues coaching plan for 2009. Jaye will be addressing the club and also has a his group presentations which he highlighted in his past email. I'll have more info as the time come closer.

See you then.

Chaps

Exec positions:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director of Sponsorship
Director of Fundraising
Director of Recruitment and development
Director of Social

Third Time Lucky for the Blu-Tang Clan with their first play off outing

The 2008 Blu-Tang Clan

The Blu-Tang Clan 2008 squad managed to pull off a surprise victory in its third TSSC Dodgeball Tournament. After losing 7-1 in its first match against the much-hyped Dropped Balls team, it looked like it would be a long day for the Clan. Players of note: Mel Cain was solid contributor holding the fort - and often finding herself one out against a full opposing side. Knackers was disappointing after self-appointing himself as captain. Carlos was his ever energetic self - however was often targeted by the opponents for his outwardly enthusiastic efforts. New clan recruit Jack Humphrey helped inject some youth into the aging squad and was a big part in assisting with the Clan winning their sole game in their first match for the day. J Cain pulled up limp after this match - however managed to battle through for the rest of the game. The team doctors told BluesNews that they expected J Cain to be fine for the start of pre-season training. After a quick regroup at the JD Bar (aka Knackers very own tailgate party held out the back of his truck) held in the St Luke's carpark - the squad refueled with a quick couple of beers. A short but blunt assessment by self-appointed team captain Knackers that the team awful in its first outing was just what the doctor ordered.

Apart from time spent at the JD Bar, this was the only time D-Train smiled all day - as white-line fever kicked in for the passionate big-man.

Knackers throwing his shoulder out in the first match

The side regrouping after a demoralising 7-1 loss at the JD Bar

The fired-up squad came out with all guns blazing. But the opposing side (Team Alma), were seemingly just as hungry. The games were all close. And with two minutes remaining - the score was at 2-2. To win the match - the Clan had to win the game outright or have the most players remaining on the siren. Climatically this was when the Clan spirit came to the fore. After playing some great defence, the Clan found themselves 3 v 1 with M Cain, K Naismith and J Humphrey scaring the shit out of a 12 year old asian girl - the Clan were just too strong. R Chapman was superb with some incredible dodging.

K Naismith, M Cain and J Humphrey bully their opponent.

Carlos finishing off the Team Alma

Another session at the JD Bar - another couple of beers. Next up, Team Headshots. This was to become a bloodbath - only the wrong way. The clan copped a 10-1 thrashing. It appeared the beers were kicking in, with the squad more intent on waiting for time run out on the game so they could continue on with another session of in-game tailgating. Knackers played some selfish dodgeball hiding behind teammates even pulling teammates into the line of fire. Chapman was again a solid contributor alongside Hastrich who was picked on for his short shorts by the arrogant Team Headshots.

Despite some radical game techniques the Clan copped 10-1 thrashing

Following their 3rd session at the JD Bar - the Clan discovered their one win for the day was enough to put them into the play-offs. The Clan was to play the Thunder Chickens who was the bottom side from the higher Dip Division (The Clan were suprisingly allocated to the lowest Dive division despite their reputation). After a heated started the Clan showed why they should have been allocated in the higher division 4-1 up. It looked like the Clan was on their way to some finals glory. Unfortunately it was not to be - as the Thunder Chickens through caution to the wind and started playing some very aggressive dodgeball. The beers really started to kick in as the Clan rapidly deteriorated as the match went on - before going down 5-4 in a heartbreaker.

Team Manager - Dan Zimmerman told BluesNews that the 5-4 loss in the first play off game was disappointing, but that it was just another lesson for the developing side. He was excited by the relatively inexperienced 2008 squad - with half the team made-up of Australians (who all had never played the game before) it was always going to be a tough day. He singled out Mel Cain and Krystle Naismith as the surprise players in his opinion. With Knackers the disappointing player.