Playoffs Preview

We are finally here. The Playoffs. The Finals. The Road to Redemption. Call it whatever you want but eight weeks of regular season Ultimate have ended and we are in the knockout stages of the season. According to our esteemed league director, all teams have a chance to make it the the Grand Finals and vie for the championship spot.

I won't get into the nitty gritty of how the knockout stages work because it's posted on the Townsville Ultimate page. The only important thing is that it's a double-header and, unless you are first or second, you will get knocked out if you lose.

Game 1 - Pinky and the Brain VS Huck Buddies

Word has been going around the league for a while now that PatB are the most stacked team in the league; and with the likes of Chris Palazzi, Andy, Rob Davies, Pete Roach, and Ash Dodd it's not hard to see why. They have able handlers and they have adept receivers, and, if they manage to get all their players to show up on game day they will score more points than you can shake a stick at. Despite losing to #YOLO (I think) and Phantasm (can I get a hoorah), they still managed to top the table thanks to their impressive point differential. Let's hope for Huck Buddies' sake that they will miss a couple of key players come Wednesday.

At the other end of the spectrum we have Huck Buddies. I like the Huck Buddies, I really do. They always have like 47 players on the sidelines cheering the team on and just generally having great fun. But then good spirit doesn't win you medals does it? Okay that was harsh. But seriously though, it doesn't. Huck Buddies have one win in nine games this season and honestly don't look like they will make it far in the knockout stages. But if my memory serves me right, I seem to remember a last place green team featuring the venerable Josh Phipps coming from last place to winning the championship a couple of seasons ago so it isn't over until the fat lady sings.

Prediction: Pinky and the Brain 13 - Huck Buddies (Biddies? Can we call you guys Huck Biddies?) 3

Game 2 - Ducks Tie Together VS Pancakes

If I had to pick one player to compare Finny to, it would be Tom Brady (or however Tom Brady-ish you can get in this league). He has the skills, he has the leadership, he can read plays, and unfortunately, he also... Likes to put his vast knowledge of Ultimate rules into good use. DTT also have other pretty decent players like Bobby, Brandon, and Carlos and they look tipped to make it to the Grand Finals and win the championship.

Honestly I expected Pancakes to do a lot better than second last. They have Chris Ende, Genge, and Johannes who are all very experienced and can play in various positions. Maybe Kristina should stop holding the team back, I don't know. I've heard that Chris Ende has been reading up on his Ultimate rules. Remember, when in doubt just contest the call.

Prediction: Ducks Tie Together 10 - Pancakes 7

Game 3 - #YOLO VS Robust Fawn

Despite not staying true to their namesake, #YOLO have done really well this season. They have the second best scoring record in the league so that's something for their opponents to think about. They are definitely one of the teams I'd tip to make the Grand Finals. Also, shout out to my boy Callum; I heard he dominated Weise last week so expect him to do the same this week.

Don't let their position on the table fool you; Robust Fawn have a very solid lineup and are dangerous in all departments of the game. Although the loss of Kim will be felt, they still have able players in Kramer, Kelly, Christian and the ever-wise backhand master Zane. They might not have done exceptionally well during the regular season, but let's not forget the playoffs are a completely different story.

Prediction: #YOLO 10 - Robust Fawn 9

Game 4 - Firetrucking Red Team VS The Dream Team ft. Weise

Of course the two teams with the longest names have to play each other. The Red Team has put in some impressive performances this semester and it's not surprising to see them in the top four. Rob will provide some height in the deep areas for the Red Team but the team is well-balanced overall. Their victory over DTT destroyed tie-dyes hopes of winning the minor premier; will they destroy The Dream Team's hopes of making the Grand Finals tonight?

I do feel that The Dream Team would've done a lot better if Weise would stop poaching 20m from his player. All jokes aside, the Dream Team do have experience and skill on their side. Ash is a great thrower and Bevo and Riley are receivers who are more than capable of making that 30% hammer into a 100% touchdown. And when Ash's hammer count goes up, so does my happiness.

Prediction: Firetrucking Red Team 6 - The Dream Team ft. Weise 8

Game 5 - Phantasm VS Green Street Elite

The last time these two teams faced off was a huge gale blowing across the fields and it looks like conditions won't be ideal tonight with the weather station predicting a 40% chance of rain. Looks like any hope of these two teams squaring off in good old-fashioned windless Townsville style is diminishing. GSE look domineering with their impressive lineup of handlers and more than adept receivers but they go up against the majestic Phantasm. Let us remember that this was one of the two teams to beat Pinky and the Brain. This should be a good match up, probably the best one tonight so everyone should come support Game 5.

Prediction: Phantasm 9 - Green Street Elite 8