We're the first to admit we've gone cold on the NBL in recent years. Reserved until now for the few that can attend games in person or have Foxtel, the league has taken a huge step in returning games to free-to-air TV and we're excited and looking forward to the upcoming season. The same can be said for the Adelaide 36ers who have taken some big steps forward themselves in the off-season.

First up, they said goodbye to our favourite son Scott Ninnis, replacing him with world renowned AIS Head Coach Marty Clarke, a man they've been chasing for years. They then signed young Melbourne centre Daniel Johnson, recruited tenacious point guard Rhys Carter and signed a bevy of other players. But with apologies to Johnson, Carter, Jeff Dowdell, imports Craig Winder and Troy DeVries, they all take a sideways step to today's news. You see, the Adelaide 36ers have signed 18-year old 6-5 forward Mitch Creek.

His AIS profile says "Mitchell is an explosive 3 man from Horsham in Victoria. While he loves to get to the basket and throw down rim rocking dunks, he is also an excellent passer and has great vision. In 2010, Mitchell will spend time with the Australian Institute of Sport coaches working on his shot fundamentals and improving his ball-handling."

Bloggers blogging on blogs in the blogosphere let go with a little more hyperbole, courtesy of his dominating performance at the National Championships at Gawler and his MVP-performance at the Albert Schweitzer tournament in 2010. Check these quotes and whilst bloggers are well known for going just a tad over the top, we like it.

- Huge signing. Had the privledge of playing against him. Has ridicolous athletic abilities, rebounds the basketball and is really improving his outside shooting.

- For those 36ers fans who don't really know the name, he's the kid that people speak of being the 'next Sam Mackinnon'.

- Can flat out play - GREAT GET FOR THE NBL - DIDN'T GO TO FOOTY. PUMP IT UP!!! SERIOUSLY YOUNG TALENT IN THE LEAGUE - PROMOTE THE CRAP OUT OF THIS. HE COULD BE UNBELIEVEABLE FOR THE LEAGUE.

- Best young talent now in the NBL. This guy could well be holding down the small forward position in the Boomers team within 4 years. He is rare athletic talent that can score and rebound. I hope Clarke gives him a red-hot go, because if he does, he will could be rookie of the year.

- Nice signing by the Sixers. Probably just signed the best u18 player in the country! Its been a long while since the Sixers could say that I'm guessing.

- Creek's has just 2 flaws...he is very much a lefty, and he does not yet have a reliable long range shot on him. Apart from that, at his age, he is a rare talent.
Super stuff. Sam McKinnon had NBA talent in his day and if Creek is fit to even just tie his shoelaces, this is a super signing. The 36ers are still too short to compete with the bigger teams this season but we're excited nonetheless. They'll be intense, in your face and will hustle teams into oblivion. They'll be fun to watch and best of all, basketball is back on free-to-air TV. Add Mitch Creek and the newly painted Cal McKinnon Court and folks, we're back as NBL fans. NBL Action - it's fantastic!

Wow. What a song. What a film clip. OK, slightly creepy but still, super stuff though we're slightly perturbed that she didn't answer his question at the end of the clip but we digress. Huge day today as leaguelineup.com and Thunder favourite Lionel Richie rocks the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a 3-song concert that will surely be remembered as one of the great moments in Australian music history. At least two Thunder veteran players that may or may not be named Josh Gondolf and James Smith, contacted the AFL this week, asking how to buy tickets to the concert. Sadly, AFL staff didn't stop hyping up something about a post-concert football match between Collingwood and St Kilda which didn't overly interest the duo. As for us at home on the couch, we can't wait for the concert and seeing we won't be there, we're hoping they broadcast it in its entirety in high-definition stereophonic sound. Why? Because we're easy, easy like a Sunday morning. Sorry folks but words fail us on this one. All we can say is ..... great times, great times.

PS. We've received a bucket of emails asking us for today's winner. So, here 'tis. Today's winner is the Australian public and specifically, the 100,000 people who get to hear Lionel live at the MCG. As for the post-concert football match ..... St Kilda by 12 points.

With the SABASA enjoying a mid-season bye this week due to Labour Day on Monday 4 October, it's an opportune time for us to launch SABASA 2010a First Season Review week. Yesterday was a joyous occasion as expected, with Lionel Richie rocking the MCG and Thunder headquarters like no entertainer before, since or in the future. It was a case of a few easy hello's, and then everyone present dancing on the ceiling all night long and despite the predictable blood rush to people's heads, a great night was had by all. That said, there was a "not quite so joyous moment or two" shortly after Lionel and we leave our commentary on this to 1991 SACBA captain Andrew Gill who sent the Thunder a message via Facebook re the post-concert foozball match:

"Andrew Gill wants to call Ban-Ki Moon at the UN and ask him for help in dealing with our own humanitarian catastrophe," and when someone congratulated him for picking Collingwood to win, he responded with, "It's a bit like predicting the end of the world and then finding out you're right. Obviously there is no joy or satisfaction in it."

No joy or satisfaction indeed but some super humour from a Thunder stalwart. But moving on and it's SABASA 2010a First Season Review week and first up, it's the Thunder B&F award. In a close count that we knew the result of months ago - something about logic saying that if he won an Association award and no other teammate did, then perhaps he got more votes but we digress - AWOL guard Cal McKinnon claimed his second consecutive Best & Fairest award from veteran centre James Smith. The votes were as follows:

1. Cal McKinnon - 18 votes (4x best, 3x second)
2. James Smith - 15 votes (3x best, 3x second)
3. Terry Sleep - 8 votes (1x best, 1x second, 3x third)
3. Brad Smith - 8 votes (1x best, 1x second, 3x third)
5. Michael Reu - 4 votes (1x second, 2x third)
6. Brad Anderson - 3 votes (1x best)
6. Nick Kyriazis - 3 votes (1x best)

From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, we congratulate Cal on the award but want to remind him that if we don't get an overseas tour diary update soon, we could get upset and request that the Thunder sack him for breach of contract. Yes folks, we're angry. Don't blame Lionel Richie though. Blame the post-concert entertainment. That said, Miranda Kerr makes it almost bearable but ..... no, it's not. If you're looking for us, we'll be on the moon this week, posting updates about the SABASA 2010a First Season review. Back tomorrow with the season's stats leaders. Hello darkness, my old friend indeed.

The full season stats for the SABASA 2010a First Season are finished and we hope to have them uploaded in the coming few days, along with updated all-time figures. In the meantime, here's the top three for each statistical category with both A/B Grade combined. Enjoy!

GAMES PLAYED
12 - 14 players

TECH FOULS
3 - A.Coombes (Arndale Allstars)
2 - P.Janssen (Marion Magnetics)
1 - 16 players

TRIPLES
35 - M.Donnelly (ACH White Flamingos)
23 - J.Blom (Somerton Storm)
22 - T.Blom (Somerton Storm), C.McKinnon (Somerton Thunder)
FREE THROW ATTEMPTS
58 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
58 - M.Hodge (ACH Woodducks)
44 - H.Gray (ACH Woodducks)

FREE THROWS MADE
33 - M.Hodge (ACH Guns)
30 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
25 - J.Smith (Somerton Thunder)
FREE THROW % (min 15 attempts)
81% - J.Smith (Somerton Thunder)78% - S.Gillard (Arndale Allstars)
67% - S.Hamblin (Seaton Shamwows)

PERSONAL FOULS
28 - J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)
27 - A.Ruddock (Happy Valley Wolves)
27 - G.Stam (Arndale Allstars)

FOULS AVERAGE (min 5 games)
3.00 - C.Schubert (Oakden Octopi)
2.80 - S.Cooper (ACH Guns), J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)

POINTS
179 - J.Smith (Somerton Thunder)171 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
149 - M.Donnelly (ACH White Flamingos)

POINTS AVERAGE (min 5 games)
15.5 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
14.9 - M.Donnelly (ACH White Flamingos), J.Smith (Somerton Thunder)
BEST & FAIREST VOTES
20 - M.Evans (Marion Magnetics)
19 - J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)
18 - C.McKinnon (Somerton Thunder), T.Blom (Somerton Storm)

B&F VOTES AVERAGE (min 5 games)
2.20 - M.Evans (Marion Magnetics)
1.90 - J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)
1.80 - S.Cooper (ACH Guns)

HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORE
35 - J.Smith (Somerton Thunder)32 - A.Coombes (Arndale Allstars), C.McKinnon (Somerton Thunder)

Per yesterday's post, the full season stats for the SABASA 2010a First Season are finished but how did the Thunder players go. We received a request to add the Thunder players in so with no further adieu, here's the top three for every category with the Thunder's eight players added in for extra interest. Enjoy and ..... Thunder up!

GAMES PLAYED
12 - 14 players including C.McKinnon, B.Smith and J.Smith
11 - N.Kyriazis, M.Reu and T.Sleep
10 - J.Gondolf
8 - B.Anderson

TECH FOULS
3 - A.Coombes (Arndale Allstars)
2 - P.Janssen (Marion Magnetics)
1 - 16 players
0 - All eight Thunder players

TRIPLES
35 - M.Donnelly (ACH White Flamingos)
23 - J.Blom (Somerton Storm)
22 - T.Blom (Somerton Storm), C.McKinnon
8 - J.Gondolf
3 - T.Sleep
2 - N.Kyriazis
1 - B.Anderson, B.Smith
0 - M.Reu, J.Smith

FREE THROW ATTEMPTS
58 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
58 - M.Hodge (ACH Woodducks)
44 - H.Gray (ACH Woodducks)
31 - J.Smith
14 - M.Reu, T.Sleep
13 - B.Smith
12 - N.Kyriazis
10 - C.McKinnon
4 - J.Gondolf
2 - B.Anderson

FREE THROWS MADE
33 - M.Hodge (ACH Guns)
30 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
25 - J.Smith
6 - C.McKinnon, M.Reu, B.Smith
5 - T.Sleep
3 - J.Gondolf
2 - B.Anderson, N.Kyriazis

FREE THROW % (min 15 attempts)*
100% - B.Anderson
81% - J.Smith*
78% - S.Gillard (Arndale Allstars)*
75% - J.Gondolf
67% - S.Hamblin (Seaton Shamwows)*
60% - C.McKinnon
46% - B.Smith
43% - M.Reu
36% - T.Sleep
17% - N.Kyriazis

PERSONAL FOULS
28 - J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)
27 - A.Ruddock (Happy Valley Wolves)
27 - G.Stam (Arndale Allstars)
20 - B.Smith
17 - N.Kyriazis
16 - J.Smith
11 - T.Sleep
10 - M.Reu
5 - B.Anderson
2 - J.Gondolf, C.McKinnon

FOULS AVERAGE (min 5 games)
3.00 - C.Schubert (Oakden Octopi)
2.80 - S.Cooper (ACH Guns), J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)
1.67 - B.Smith
1.55 - N.Kyriazis
1.33 - J.Smith
1.00 - T.Sleep
0.91 - M.Reu
0.63 - B.Anderson
0.20 - J.Gondolf
0.17 - C.McKinnon

POINTS
179 - J.Smith
171 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
149 - M.Donnelly (ACH White Flamingos)
147 - C.McKinnon
102 - T.Sleep
87 - B.Smith
80 - M.Reu
51 - J.Gondolf
42 - N.Kyriazis
25 - B.Anderson

POINTS AVERAGE (min 5 games)
15.5 - P.Mundy (ACH Flamingos)
14.9 - M.Donnelly (ACH White Flamingos), J.Smith
12.3 - C.McKinnon
9.3 - T.Sleep
7.3 - M.Reu, B.Smith
5.1 - J.Gondolf
3.8 - N.Kyriazis
3.1 - B.Anderson

BEST & FAIREST VOTES
20 - M.Evans (Marion Magnetics)
19 - J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)
18 - C.McKinnon, T.Blom (Somerton Storm)
15 - J.Smith
8 - T.Sleep, B.Smith
4 - M.Reu
3 - B.Anderson, N.Kyriazis
0 - J.Gondolf

B&F VOTES AVERAGE (min 5 games)
2.20 - M.Evans (Marion Magnetics)
1.90 - J.Rushbrook (Seaton Shamwows)
1.80 - S.Cooper (ACH Guns)
1.50 - C.McKinnon
1.25 - J.Smith
0.73 - T.Sleep
0.67 - B.Smith
0.38 - B.Anderson
0.36 - M.Reu
0.27 - N.Kyriazis
0.00 - J.Gondolf

HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORE
35 - J.Smith
32 - A.Coombes (Arndale Allstars), C.McKinnon
27 - A.Bentham (Happy Valley Wolves
20 - T.Sleep
18 - M.Reu, B.Smith
14 - B.Anderson
13 - J.Gondolf
8 - N.Kyriazis

Pausing in this, the most exciting of weeks being SABASA 2010a First Season review week, to deliver some even more exciting news. Yes, we know that's like saying someone looks more fake tanned than Liz Ellis on the Delhi Commonwealth Games Netball coverage at the moment - nigh on impossible - but still, here it is. Folks, the NBL is soon to be back on free-to-air TV so in celebration and to help us get through the season, we've loaded the schedule into our Headlines Menu. For interest's sake, the number of games per team is as follows:

Sydney Kings 20
New Zealand Breakers 18
Wollongong Hawks 17
Melbourne Tigers 16
Perth Wildcats 15
Adelaide 36ers 14
Gold Coast Blaze 14
Cairns Taipans 10
Townsville Crocodiles 4

No surprise with New Zealand, who are sending their local broadcast across the Tasman to Australia for free but ..... Sydney 20 games and Townsville only 4? Still, any NBL is better on TV than the none we've had over the past few years so beggars aren't choosers. Not long to go now and with Mitch Creek's signing confirmed by the Adelaide 36ers today, our excitement levels - like Liz Ellis' fake tan levels - are reaching fever pitch. Exciting times, exciting times.

With Movember invites arriving in our respective email inboxes today, it's only 24 days until Movember 2010. Time to start planning, setting the agenda for what style you'll bring to the table in 2010. Will it be the Abrakadabra, the After 8, the Boxcar, the Connoisseur, the Business Man, the Regent, the Rockstar, the Trucker, the Under Cover Brother or the Wispy? So many choices, so many options, so many decisions. Life truly is difficult some times. To all Thunder players, see your email inbox and re-register for this year so we can setup online donations again and while you're planning, take a mo to revisit the rules for Movember 2010 according to the movember.com website:

1. Once registered at movember.com, each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of November with a clean shaven face.
2. For the entire month of Movember, each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache.
3. There is to be no joining of the mo to your sideburns. That's considered a beard.
4. There is to be no joining of the handlebars to your chin. That's considered to be a goatee.
5. Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like that of a true gentleman.

And the final word goes to movember.com who issue this reminder: "A gentleman is, after all, still a man no matter how gentle he is." 24 days to go.

With only 6 days until the league tips off, time is running out to join the NBL's new fantasy league basketball competition. Run by the same people who do the AFL and NRL competitions, the NBL fantasy league isn't overly complicated and should be a barrell of laughs for those who follow the league - and perhaps those who don't.

If you're interested in being part of the Thunder's fantasy league, email Thunder Coach James Smith (or if you don't know his email address, send us a post via the guestbook) and he'll send you the league code. In the meantime, register via the NBL site (click on the picture above if you want to shortcut there) and set your team up. All and sundry are welcome - not just Thunder players but anyone who reads this site. Tell James you're interested and he'll do the rest.

PS. Thanks to James for co-ordinating this. Should be a lot of fun.

PPS. As for us, we're following the Pittsburgh Pisces this year Their team looks strong on paper, plus they've got balloons for everybody. Good times, good times.

Exciting times as we finally get the all-time SABASA stats updated, albeit nearly 4 months after the SABASA 2010a First Season concluded but better late than never. We'll have the files uploaded to our ladders, programs, statistics page shortly but for now, enjoy the Top 30 list (available via the SABASA history page in our Headlines) or for a shorter list, drop the zero and here's the all-time Top 3 for each category. OK, we concede it's not all-time but rather since 1994 but heck, that's long enough to be considered all-time and if anyone wants to collate the numbers from before then ..... be our guest. So enjoy the all-time Top 3.

ASSOCIATION "TOP 3" ALL-TIME A GRADE MEN STATISTICAL LEADERS
Listings below are of the top 3 all-time statistical leaders for the SABASA's A Grade Men competition. Current (in green) and past Thunder players (in red) are highlighted, as are other clubs' players who represented the SABASA at the 2010 interstate carnival (in blue). Minimum 30 games played. Statistics recorded from 1994. "Up" and "down" references are changes from 2009b to 2010a.

GAMES PLAYED
1. Bradley Smith (401)
2. James Smith (377)
3. Nicholas Kyriazis (320)
PERSONAL FOULS
1. Bradley Smith (666) ..... and yes, this is officially eerie
2. Nicholas Kyriazis (574) - up 13. Nigel McKenna (573) - down 1

PERSONAL FOULS PER GAME
1. Matthew Coleopy (3.39)
2. Nigel Keough (3.15)
3. Damien Sheridan (3.02)

TECHNICAL FOULS
1. Kingsley Novell (15)1. Peter Tarasiuk (15)
3. Aaron Coombes (12) - up 3
3. David Silverback (12)

POINTS SCORED
1. James Smith (5155)
2. Bradley Smith (3391)3. Josip Vucetic (2190)
POINTS PER GAME
1. Paul Hocking (17.3)
2. Josip Vucetic (17.1)3. Kym Swanson (15.1)
THREE-POINT SHOTS
1. Joshua Gondolf (355) - up 12. Josip Vucetic (348) - down 13. Kym Swanson (267)
FOUL SHOT ATTEMPTS
1. James Smith (1040)
2. Bradley Smith (803)3. Craig Merrett (537)

FOUL SHOTS MADE
1. James Smith (699)
2. Bradley Smith (365)3. Craig Merrett (274)

FOUL SHOT PERCENTAGE (minimum 30 attempts)
1. Kym Swanson (73.5)
2. Raymond Wickstein (70.8)3. Josip Vucetic (70.5)
ASSOCIATION BEST & FAIREST VOTES
1. James Smith (494)
2. Bradley Smith (290)3. Josip Vucetic (235)
BEST & FAIREST VOTES PER GAME
1. Paul Whitford (1.94)2. Josip Vucetic (1.84)3. Phillip Haines (1.72)

Today is 10-10-10 and in a fitting tribute to the greatest number ever - at least according to cubbyhouse tragics Jonty Smith, James Smith and Hope Smith (pictured above) - we bring you a few ten facts.

Ten is a composite number, its proper divisors being 1, 2 and 5. Ten is the smallest noncototient, a number that cannot be expressed as the difference between any integer and the total number of coprimes below it. Ten is the second discrete semiprime (2.5) and the second member of the (2.q) discrete semiprime family. Ten has an aliquot sum s(n) of 8 and is accordingly the first discrete semiprime to be in deficit. All subsequent discrete semiprimes are in deficit. The aliquot sequence for 10 comprises five members (10,8,7,1,0) with this number being the second composite member of the 7-aliquot tree.

It is the aliquot sum of only one number the discrete semiprime 14, and is also a semi-meandric number. Ten is the sum of the first three prime numbers, of the four first numbers (1 + 2 + 3 + 4), of the square of the two first odd numbers and also of the first four factorials (0! + 1! + 2! + 3!). Ten is the eighth Perrin number, preceded in the sequence by 5, 5, 7, and is coincidentally the time of tomorrow night's game v Seaton.

A polygon with ten sides is a decagon, and 10 is a decagonal number. But it is also a triangular number and a centered triangular number. Ten is also the number of n-Queens Problem solutions for n = 5. Ten is the base of the decimal numeral system, by far the most common system of denoting numbers in both spoken and written language. Ten is the first two-digit number in decimal and thus the lowest number where the position of a numeral affects its value. Any integer written in the decimal system can be multiplied by ten by adding a zero to the end (e.g. 855 * 10 = 8550). The reason for the choice of ten is assumed to be that humans have ten fingers (digits).

The digit '1' followed by '0' is how the value of p is written in base p. (E.g. 16 in hexadecimal is 10.) The Roman numeral for ten is X (which looks like two V's [the Roman numeral for 5] put together); it is thought that the V for five is derived from an open hand (five digits displayed). The Chinese word numeral for ten is ?, which resembles a cross.

Wow. We're loving this and we could go on and on, but we won't. From everyone at leaguelineup.com and all those whose love affair with Andrew Gaze has reached almost stalking proportions, congratulations and all the best to everyone wearing number 10. Then again, they don't need our best wishes. If it's the best number in the world as they say, they'll be happy enough as it is. Strange times, strange times.

PS. A big thanks to Thunder guard Nick Kyriazis for the ten facts above. Most of us have lives but Nick ..... he has maths and science.

Yes folks, tonight's the night with the unveiling of the Thunder's new home uniforms. Sadly, it would've been Bando's 100th appearance in the SABASA A Grade competition but he's overseas looking for Cal and it must've worked because Cal's been found alive but more on that story later this week. Tonight against Seaton should be one out of the box - literally - with the Thunder unveiling their shiny new home uniforms and we can't wait for it. If the white's anything to go by, it must be a better look and judging by the 10-10-10 photo yesterday, they look alright. We were sent the above photo in response to the Thunder unveiling their new blue uniforms, with an anonymous reader saying they snapped Mike Reu practicing in his new uni. Strewth, viewers can be hard sometimes and don't they realise Mike wears #15, not #30? But we digress and tonight's game sees the youthful Seaton against the veteran Gateway outfit on Cal McKinnon Court. Will be interesting to see how both teams adapt to the new court markings, with Messrs Sleep and J.Smith having concocted a secret surprise for their opponent. They let us in on the deal but mum's the word and we're tightlipped on this one. Should be fun to see it played out though. Seaton bring speed, Gateway bring size. Expect Gateway to get the win but with Bando and Cal both overseas, it'll be tougher than you might've thought. Thunder by 6 points.

Tough night at the Cal McKinnon office last night as the Thunder shook off two weeks of rust and unveiled their new 20-ply alpaca fleece blue uniforms. With Bando missing, the Thunder sent their veterans to work with the six Thunder players all represented in the Thunder's SABASA Hall of Fame and all ranked inside the Top 15 all-time games played list ..... and it showed. As the temperature reached a ridiculous 20 degrees at court level (the uniforms are rated to -10 degrees celsius or 263 kelvin as Nick Kyriazis would say), the players got sweaty - rainforest sweaty - and that was just the warmup. The game started with big men duo Sleep and J.Smith executing their secret game plan to perfection, knocking down the first two triples with much guile and cunning, becoming the answer to a trivia question for years to come despite Sleep insisting he hit the first shot and that's all that matters (sorry Tezza - it's a team game and one man doesn't make a team). The game quickly turned into an up-and-down track meet but despite a Sleep onslaught, the Spartans hung tough to be down only 28-22 at the break. Out of the half though, the Thunder turned the defensive screws and executed a bevy of fast breaks in succession to build the margin to 15 or so when 400-game veteran Brad Smith forgot his age and went flying into the stands to save an errant ball, bursting a blood vessel in his right calf that could've become a potentially fatal arterial bleed if he hadn't removed himself from the contest. Down a player in their rotations, the Thunder hung tough with a quartet of triples from Josh Gondolf who remains desperate to regain his crown from heir apparent ACH White Flamingo Michael Donnelly. The final score was a 68-48 win against a gutsy opponent who will push a lot of teams this season. The win sees the Thunder full of confidence for next week's matchup against the Somerton Storm, and a return to the 10-ply merino fleece white uniforms ..... and hopefully some cooler temperatures.

PS. George Clooney wasn't at the game last night but rumours abound that if Brad Smith was allowed to go in Movember next month, lost a few grey hairs, wore the blue uniforms for a month to lose about 20kg from constant sweating, got some all-white boots and wore a George Clooney mask ..... yeah, well, maybe George was at the game last night. The Architect was quiet on this one and refused to answer questions after the game. Interesting times ahead for a man with many lookalikes and almost just as many nicknames.

In a major blow to Western Australia's hopes of regaining the Inglis Memorial Shield in 2011 in Perth, Thunder and Jultopia veteran point guard Cal McKinnon is alive. He's reportedly still in the UK but the details are sketchy from there. His most recent update was on 8 October as follows:

"Contiki was amazing. 22 countries in Europe over 46 days. Back in London now at some hostels til my mate gets here on Sunday, then staying with him followed by America for 3 months, then back to Australia for the Jultopia title defence. Hope the Thunder guys aren't missing me too much, though I know I need to send more updates or they'll cancel my tour diary. Lots of photos coming soon."

OK, maybe he didn't say all that but on the bright side, it's good to know our reigning SABASA Best & Fairest is still alive. From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder players stuck in Australia for the time being (or at least until Golden North expand their sponsorship to cover the cost of international exhibition games), we wish Cal all the best for his travels ..... and look forward to more stories and photos. Click on the above picture or our OS Tour Diaries in the Headlines for more info.

Amazing news this morning, following on from yesterday's news that Cal McKinnon is alive. Bando, aka Brad Anderson and pictured above in dark glasses which partly obscure his face but don't disguise the fact he has started Movember early and risks a significant fine from the club as a result, has been missing for what seems like forever. And despite rumours that he plays for the Thunder every now and then, it feels like he's been missing for an eternity but in a strange coincidence, he's been found alive just one day after Cal. Trapped down a Chilean mine with 32 local miners, he was brought to the surface as part of a complex but incredibly successful rescue exercise in Chile today. World media reported the following from Bando.

"It was, yeah, kind of strange. There I was, looking for Cal. I knew he wasn't in London because he said he was in London but then he went missing, you know. So I thought, you know, with Cal being a minor, he could be stuck in a Chilean mine. So I went to Chile, walked into this mine and whammo, it collapsed and then 69 days later - which is like half a season in SABASA years - here I am, at the surface, treated to a Jultopia-like heroes welcome. Should make a heckuva story for the guys at leaguelineup.com," Bando may or may not have said.

Yes, we know it sounds unbelievable and there's probably a reason for that but wow. Cal McKinnon found alive one day, Brad Anderson the next. Maybe there's hope for the Thunder's backcourt after all. From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, we wish Bando and his miner colleagues all the best on what has been an amazing rescue, and for the long road to recovery ahead. In unrelated news, we're told veteran Jultopia and Thunder centre James Smith yesterday completed his back rehab from the recent 2010 Jultopia Geelong Supercats Pivotonian Bells Beach Corio Bay Sleepy Hollow Reg Hickey Charles Brownlow Ablett Family 119-Point Domination Army Recruitment Podsiadly Memorial Habadashery and Homewares Carnival. Yes, 3 months later, his rehab is complete. Hard to believe but true and lends a bit of truth to the rumour that this year's carnival may have been his last in the red, blue and gold. Interesting times ahead.

PS. Yes, we know, not all of the above is true. But the crazy thing is ..... most of it is true. Bando hopes to return to action next week for the big matchup against crosstown rival Somerton Storm. Can't wait for that one and should be good to finally have Thunder centre James Smith fit and firing again. Takes us back to the 2000 Jultopia Melbourne Knox Where's Boronia Andrew Gaze Punching Bag 720-degree Spin Celebratory Carnival. Good times, good times.

Voting has been a tad slow this week on our new poll, with the next Thunder father-in-waiting to be announced at the Gateway v Somerton game next Monday night 18/10/10. What? Via a poll? Yes folks. If you've been down a Chilean mine for several months or years like Bando allegedly was, you may have missed the power of the poll. Go on, look it up. The power of the poll has determined the last two Thunder weddings, last three babies and countless more accurately tipped events (such as last week's poll about the best Jultopia or Thunder buzzer-beater of all-time but we digress). So to all Thunder players, best get voting or risk your wife suddenly falling pregnant on Tuesday. And to the fans ..... stack the votes against the player you'd most like to see with a kid. Don't worry, we will be. In what appears to be a two-horse race, votes to date are:

Nick Kyriazis 10
Brad Smith 9
Brad Anderson 1
Michael Reu 1
Terry Sleep 1
James Smith 1

We don't condone violence. Nothing good can come from it but nonetheless, it can make for terrific viewing. Terrific viewing but it's wrong, totally wrong. Totally wrong but super for ratings. Super for ratings but bad, really bad. Really bad but strewth, we love it. We love it but we abhor it, absolutely abhor it. Now that we've made clear our position on violence ..... if you haven't seen this video, give up two minutes of your day to check out the footage from an international "friendly" (!) between Brazil and China. We quote from an Advertiser article on the game:

China's basketball association fined a series of coaches and players in the national team after a bench-clearing brawl put an end to a friendly match with Brazil. The fight erupted Tuesday night in central Henan province and has received widespread media attention, while video footage of players throwing wild punches and kicks has circulated on the internet. China's American coach Bob Donewald received the stiffest fine of 50,000 yuan (7,500 dollars), while team official Zhang Xiong was given a 30,000 yuan penalty, according to a Chinese Basketball Association statement. Both Donewald and Zhang were suspended from national team training and given written reprimands. Donewald also issued an apology. National team stars Zhu Fangyu, Ding Jinhui and Su Wei were fined 30,000 yuan each and suspended from training, while six other players were each fined 20,000 yuan. No game suspensions were meted out, however, meaning all involved will be allowed to play in next month's Asian Games barring any subsequent punishments given by basketball's global ruling body FIBA, state press reported. The CBA has passed a report on the brawl to FIBA and said it would respect FIBA's opinion on how to handle the incident, a CBA statement said. The CBA also punished the game referees and technical officials, suspending each from officiating at between two and five matches. The two teams were playing the third game of a warm-up series tied at one win each when the brawl erupted early in the first quarter (Editor's Note: yes, folks, early in the first quarter. How early? Try 90 seconds into the game! Unblvbl.) The series was aimed at helping China prepare for the Asian Games. The bad blood started after point guard Zhang Qingpeng suffered a concussion while taking a hard screen from a Brazilian player, and Donewald was assessed two technical fouls for arguing the play. On Wednesday, the CBA issued an apology to the Brazilian team. China, who thudded to a 16th-place finish in September's World Basketball Championships, were playing without their NBA stars Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets and Yi Jianlian of the Washington Wizards. Both are preparing for the coming NBA season.
Super stuff but really bad at the same time. We await news of the penalties to be imposed on the Chinese team but rumours abound that their warmup for the Asian Games could see them banned from the tournament altogether which in our humble opinion, based on the footage we saw, would be a just and fair outcome. Violent times, violent times.

Aaaah, the power of the poll. It has six Thunder players feeling rather anxious about tomorrow's announcement of who's having the next Thunder youngling and for those who don't know the power of the poll, we dare you to try and work against it. Kingdoms have fallen and many brave souls have given their lives trying to fight the poll but in the end, the poll wins. So today, the last day before the result is announced, sees the poll fast becoming a two-horse race with Baby Brad and Baby Nick almost neck-and-neck in the race to be the next Dad (or is it Baby)? Our money's on Brad but you never know and in the end, the poll decides. Current voting is as follows:

Nick Kyriazis - 30 votes
Brad Smith - 25 votes
Terry Sleep - 3 votes
Brad Anderson - 1 vote
Michael Reu - 1 vote
James Smith - 1 vote

On an unrelated story, the Australian Dollar opened trading today at parity. That is, it was worth equal to (or in fact slightly more than) the American Dollar. If you haven't shopped at Eastbay yet, it's becoming more and more attractive though forecasters are saying it could get as high as $1.10 or even $1.20. Still, it's worth looking. A reminder that there's a US$40 (A$39) postage bill on each parcel so is worth combining orders and putting them in together. Exciting times, exciting times. Back tomorrow with the big pregnancy news.

Big night tonight as the Thunder celebrate Nick Kyriazis and his pending fatherhood in a thrilling end to the poll as four-time father James Smith narrowly missed out on his dream of completing a starting five. Final results were as follows:

Nick Kyriazis - 42 votes
James Smith - 41 votes
Brad Smith - 27 votes
Terry Sleep - 3 votes
Michael Reu - 2 votes
Brad Anderson - 1 vote

Nick's pending announcement could make the 2011 Jultopia Perth carnival rather interesting in terms of timing but from where we sit, is just another reason why we expect the Thunder's Jultopia contingent not to play in July 2011. That and the rumours about an upcoming Movember exhibition series have us wondering if the Thunder has lost its collective mind but we digress and tonight should be a crackerjackmajetski. Games against the Somerton Storm used to qualify as local derbies but with the Thunder moving to Gateway in the off-season, it's local derby time no more and with the Thunder in their white 10-ply merino fleece uniforms tonight and the weather set for the mid-teens, expect them to come out firing. With Bando (aka Brad Anderson) ascending out of a Chilean mine this week and set to play his 100th SABASA game, emotions will be at fever pitch. New baby, Movember exhibition series, former local derby, merino fleece, Bando's 100th game ..... that's a full agenda if we've ever seen one.

On to the game and expect Bando to start. He won't have his land legs and will reportedly wear dark glasses throughout the game as his eyes adjust to not playing in the dark, but is said to be enjoying freedom again. "Yeah, I'll be there. The fresh air will do me good," he actually did say (unbelievably, this could be our first ever legitimate quote). Look for the Thunder to go after the Storm's star backcourt, the brothers Blom, and to push the envelope whilst the Brad Smith-David Haydon matchup will be worth the price of admission alone. We can't wait for it. Get there early folks. We will be. Thunder by 11 points with Bando to pick up 3 Best & Fairest votes and treat the crowd to one more 720-degree spin move. Dizzy times, dizzy times. As for our pending Dad, he'll have a rubbish game, with the weight of expectation of a pending pregnancy sitting heavily on his shoulders. Power of the poll, folks. You know it to be true.

Before we go though, on a serious note, from everyone at leaguelineup.com and Thunder, congratulations to Nick Kyriazis on the big pregnancy announcement, and to Bando on his 100th game. Fantastic news for both players.



PS. In a quick alphabet ball court update from yesterday's NBL match between Adelaide and Perth: Brooksy's Good Guys, Centrebet.com, don't just watch it, iinet connect better, iinet NBL 2010/11 championship, Brett Maher (though arguably, it actually says Cal McKinnon), Adelaide, Distinctive Homes Dome, Farmers Union Iced Coffee. Putting a word out to sponsors that include the following letters: jqxz. For the sake of alphabet ball, please sign up to sponsor the 36ers. And if Mobil Quix want to hold a jazz concert, we're all for it - but advertise it on the Cal McKinnon Court!

PPS. If you missed the game, Adelaide guard Craig Winder had arguably the biggest dunk and block combo of any player in NBL history. See the block amidst the first half highlights above, whilst we're still searching for the dunk. The 36ers were terrific and knocked off the reigning NBL champs and whilst you should never get too excited after just one game, we're excited. As for One HD ..... we think we're in love. Only 10 days to go and we add 3 NBA games per week to the mix. Sorry wife ..... we're leaving you for the TV.

No words required. Just press play and enjoy Craig Winder's first points in Australia's National Basketball League. Good times, good times.

Emotional scenes Monday night as Bando (aka Brad Anderson), pictured front left, played his first game since emerging from 10 weeks trapped underground in a Chilean mine. Sporting dark glasses during warmups as his eyes adjusted to the bright lights of Court Light, Bando celebrated his 100th birthday in style, looking resplendid in the Thunder's new hi-viz white uniforms and leading the team to the first jumpball in amazing circumstances, ascending through a retractable centre circle in the aptly named "Phoenix 2" capsule. Wow. We haven't seen an entrance like that since the Pittsburgh Pisces entered their stadium in a hot air balloon but we digress.

Back to the game and the Thunder started a tad slow, clearly missing the veteran fatherly influence of duo Nick Kyriazis and James Smith as they warmed up on the sidelines. Kyriazis, revelling in his newly-found fatherhood-to-be status, entered the game at the first substitution but even this wouldn't shake Somerton, the Storm showing considerable resolve and pushing the Thunder to the limit. The Thunder went into halftime with a six-point lead and an ankle injury to Captain Brad Smith, and in need of some subtle adjustments to the game plan. When The Architect pulled the pin early into the second half due to recurring ankle pain, the Thunder led by 3 points and were struggling to shake a persistent Storm. Then with 10 minutes to go, the game turned as the Thunder went harder at the basket and as the tempo lifted, they slowly broke free of Somerton's shackles. After 10 minutes of increased intensity, they eventually took the game 49-29, the scoreline not reflective of what was a very tough contest. All credit to Somerton as they played very well, and no credit to whoever cleans Court Light because they've done a very average job. The Thunder have a bye next week, followed by the first day of Movember and a game against Hallett Cove for the team's freshly-shaved players. Can't wait to see that. Good times, good times.

This could fast become too much. Like jumping out of an ice bath into a sauna, the amount of basketball on free-to-air TV is fantastic and oh so hot after many many cold years but, the shock! Oh, the shock! The NBA starts next week on One HD, with three games per week on top of the 2-3 NBL games per week. Strewth! We've added the NBA schedule to our Headlines menu for easy reference throughout the season and on the bright side, there's plenty of Milwaukee games so we can keep track of Australia's own Andrew Bogut. Is worth noting that figures are in for the NBL's opening round last weekend, with a ten-fold increase in viewers from last year's Foxtel games. An average 56,000 people watched the Kings v Tigers game with a peak of 130,000. Sunday's game averaged 73,000 with a peak of 172,000. It all bodes well for a basketball bonanza but we remain concerned about the shock factor ..... and our respective marriages here at Thunder HQ. Good times but difficult times, difficult times.

PS. Thunder players should've received a text message about a potential Movember match in country SA. Please reply to Coach James Smith ASAP per the instructions in the message. Thanks.

Word on the street is the Thunder could be playing against the Whyalla Steelers (pictured above during a recent basketball practice - yeah, this could be interesting!) in an exhibition match at the Steeler Dome on Saturday 20 Movember 2010. Details are sketchy but our bothan spies tell us Thunder Coach James Smith has contacted all Thunder players, checking their availability for the Movember blockbuster ..... and is also exploring a Thunder Under-18 team for what would be a sensational double-header in the Steel City. We'll follow this story closely folks. Not much more to say but like Big Kev (RIP), we're excited.

PS. Coach Smith contacted us shortly after refusing to confirm the story, but saying, "If you can get the word out to players to reply to me ASAP, it'd be appreciated." Your wish is our command.

If you missed RPA last Wednesday night on Channel Nine, you missed a hero. It's Breast Cancer Awareness month - and for many people, this coming week is considered Breast Cancer Awareness week - and last week we saw a hero. 19-year old Felicity endured a double masectomy after receiving news that she has breast cancer. The youngest patient ever treated for breast cancer at RPA, part two of her story screens this week at 8.30pm and if you want to see a real hero, watch the show. We warn ya - it's not for the faint of heart or weak of bowel - but forget Rambo, Terminator, Predator and the like. If you want to see a real hero, watch RPA this week and no, we don't have a sponsorship deal with Channel Nine (though we're willing to listen if they want to talk to us). From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, our thoughts and prayers are with Felicity and all breast cancer victims and survivors and we look forward to going pink this week. It's the least we can do.

PS. Sadly the Thunder have a bye this week. Otherwise, you would've seen their third set of uniforms. Guess they'll have to stay in the cupboard until this time next year .....

Hard to know what to believe on the interweb sometimes but we're told this story is true. In a Senior Men Div 3 North Group C Phase 1 match at 9.30pm on Wednesday 20 October 2010 at Wayville (and yes, that's the real name of the grade - we don't make this stuff up!), Josip Vucetic of Torrens Valley Cougars 2 dropped the big 50 on SA Church 4. But this wasn't just any SA Church 4 - it was Rob Moresi's team! The ex-Thunder forward is plying his trade with SA Church this summer and we missed the action so we want your help. Where you there? What happened? The box score shows Rob Moresi led SA Church with 17 points, whilst Vucetic was all smiles with his 50 points leading SA Church to a 105-54 victory. Thunder SACBA player Ed Howie scored 2 points for Torrens Valley but reassures us that he gave Joe "at least 28 assists" during the night - but we want more details! 50 points in any grade is a heckuva achievement. From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, we congratulate Josip on the milestone, send a big thanks to Rob for not guarding him too closely (the cheque's in the mail) and while it lasts, we're enjoying the fact that Joe is averaging 50 points a game for the season. LOL indeed.

PS. Photo used with permission from Joshua Smith.

Reminder that the Thunder have no game tonight. It's last bye of the season time, followed by a three-game run into the finals. Enjoy the night off and for those players who haven't RSVP'd to Coach James Smith yet, please do so ASAP.

Received the following information from One HD yesterday. Someone please, get this cat traded to Chicago so we can watch Bulls' games every week. Until then though, we're on board the Bucks' gravy train as our official third favourite team after the Bulls and our namesake Thunder. Read on and ..... every week, Tuesday night ..... enjoy! We will be.

ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST SPORTING EXPORTS TO PRESENT NBA PRIMETIME
Andrew Bogut to present a Milwaukee Bucks game every Tuesday on ONE HD

Australian NBA star and ONE HD ambassador Andrew Bogut will be front and centre every week throughout the 2010/2011 NBA season when ONE HD broadcasts a Milwaukee Bucks "game of the week" at 7.30pm every Tuesday commencing November 2. ANDREW BOGUT PRESENTS: NBA PRIMETIME will see the Bucks best game from the previous week broadcast in the family friendly time slot of 7.30pm allowing basketball fans of all ages to watch and support one of Australia's greatest sporting exports.

“It’s great to see how committed ONE HD is to basketball with both the NBL and NBA being broadcast on ONE. I am really excited that Australians will be able to see the Bucks play on television in primetime throughout the season,” Bogut said. "When Cal McKinnon arrives in the US later this year, we'll get him in a uniform on a 10-day contract or two and it'll be cessna-ational to broadcast the games of one of Australia's most exciting teenage prospects back home," Bogut probably didn't say.

Bogut will also be a regular guest on ONE’s new weekly basketball review show Overtime hosted by Steve Carfino which premieres on Wednesday, November 3 at 8.30pm. The NBA season will be officially launched LIVE and EXCLUSIVELY on ONE HD this Wednesday, October 27 at 11.00am with one of the most anticipated NBA season opening games in years - Boston Celtics V Miami Heat – followed by Lakers V Houston.
Again we say to our respective wives ..... sorry. We have a new love and heaven help James Packer if he kills One HD like he did One-Tel, which rumours are saying is a fair responsibility. James, if you're reading this, every man in Australia will turn into one giant collective Kevin Borseth and hunt you down for killing our one true love - sport. Don't say you weren't told and we have to say that just thinking about it ..... we're so frustrated.

Before we go and free up our calendar for every Tuesday night, an update on the NBA broadcast schedule (see below). This varies slightly from the original schedule in our Headlines Menu so our advice is simple - check broadcast guides and check often. Good times, good times.

NBA BROADCAST SCHEDULE ON ONE HD
Wednesday, October 27 @ 11am AEDT LIVE: Boston V Miami followed by Lakers V Houston
Friday, October 29 @ 11am AEDT LIVE: Orlando V Washington followed by Utah V Phoenix
Tuesday, November 2 @ 7.30pm (local time all markets): Andrew Bogut Presents: NBA Primetime Milwaukee V Charlotte
Wednesday, November 3 @ 11.00am AEDT LIVE: Milwaukee V Portland
Wednesday, November 3 @ 8.30pm (local time all markets): Overtime (premiere)
Friday, November 5 @ 11am AEDT LIVE: Chicago V New York followed by Portland V Oklahoma City

What should LeBron do? He takes 90 seconds of our precious time to throw us this question - and doesn't answer it. Well LeBron, we'll answer it for you. Try one of these five ideas:

1. Shut up.
2. Try humility for once.
3. Apologise to the people of Cleveland.
4. Let your game do the talking.
5. Do what everyone else does and go on Dancing with the Stars.

Yes folks, it's NBA time and it tips off with LeBron and the Miami Heat v the Boston Celtics. The TNT crew are tipping Miami to start slow, after what was an average preseason with injuries to Wade and Miller. The Celts (and Magic) meanwhile look ready to go. Can't wait to see Shaq v LeBron, with neither of them in last year's Cleveland uniform. Fascinating times, fascinating times.

Meanwhile, per our article earlier this week, RPA on Channel Nine at 9.30pm is must viewing folks. Step up to the plate and forget the NBA - watch this and see a real hero in 19-year old Felicity. We will be and our thoughts and prayers remain with her and her family.

Or watch both. Can we ever watch enough television? If James Packer doesn't save us from ourselves soon and ban One HD, we're gonna start packing on the kilos soon. Rescue us, James!

Multiple Pulitzer-prize winning author Hope Smith has written several stories for us over the years and lo and behold, has sent us another one. This one's a gem so with no further adieu, we present to you ..... "Little Red Riding Hood". Enjoy.

Once there was a little girl called Little Red Riding Hood. Her Mum said, "Your grandpa has a very bad cold. Please bring these surprise treats. Only talk to strangers for directions because otherwise don't talk to strangers for anything else."

So she set off into the garden and in the middle of the garden, she met a cheetah and the cheetah asked, "Why are you here without your parents?"

"Cause I'm old enough to go to the end of the garden!"

"Why are you going to the end of the garden?"

"Cause my grandpa has a bad cold."

So the cheetah ran as fast as he could so he clicked his fingers and he was there. He shouted, "It's me, Little Red Riding Hood." So grandpa said, "Come in, darling Little Red Riding Hood." So the cheetah ate grandpa.

Then Little Red Riding Hood knocked on the door. The cheetah called out, "Come in, darling."

She went in and she said, "What big spots you have, grandpa."

"All the better to show off, my darling."

"What big teeth you have, grandpa."

"All the better to eat you with."

"Wait a minute. Did you say eat?"

"Yes." Then the cheetah ate Little Red Riding Hood.

"Aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh," Little Red Riding Hood screamed, so the woodsman heard her scream and the woodsman comes in and cuts the cheetah in half and they have a big party.

The End.

Word out of the Thunder camp is that the proposed exhibition games against the Whyalla Steelers are officially on. Whilst details are still sketchy, we can confirm the following information:

- the Gateway Thunder will visit the Whyalla Steelers on Saturday 20 November 2010;
- there will be an Under-18 game at 6pm, followed by a Seniors game at 7.30pm;
- the Thunder will wear both their white and blue uniforms in either game, against the red of Whyalla;
- representing the Thunder in the appropriately titled Seniors game will be guards Josh Gondolf, Nick Kyriazis and Kerwin Penn, forwards Ben Galway and Brad Smith, and centres Terry Sleep and James Smith;
- the Thunder also hope to sign guard Ray Wickstein and forward Ed Howie for the big clash;
- the Thunder Under-18 team remains a closely-guarded secret but is expected to be announced shortly.

Interesting times ahead. Can't wait to see the Thunder fly the Movember flag for another year. Stay tuned for more news.

Following on from yesterday's announcement that the Thunder would be in Whyalla to take on the best of the west on Saturday 20 November, we can confirm that Ed Howie has withdrawn from the contest with a strained soft muscle, whilst negotiations continue with out-of-contract duo Tom Halman and Ray Wickstein, with Thunder coach James Smith expected to call on some of the so-called Juniors (ie they're under 30) to round out the bench and play a second game with the Seniors later in the evening. Sounds like fun and should make for a great night at the "Steel City Showdown".

Players are asked to be at the Dome 7pm on Monday night for press photos for the Whyalla News. Bring along both the blue and white uniforms and most important of all - ensure you're clean shaven. C'mon, we all know the rules.

In a repeat of last year's Thunder tour of Port Pirie - well, not really a repeat given it was North Adelaide playing and not the Thunder - Tom Halman's North Adelaide Rockets last night defeated the Port Pirie Panthers 85-77. Available stats for the game are as follows (with the stats from last year's Thunder game following in blue for interest's sake):

Q1: 23-17 (28-17)Q2: 51-32 (53-43)Q3: 60-56 (71-59)Q4: 85-77 (95-84)
North Adelaide Rockets 85 (Elliott 29, Simmons 16, Gaard 8, Pike 8, Vale 7, Mikic 7, Goodluck 5, Amor-Haynes 2)
Port Pirie Panthers 77 (Yates 27, Gillett 18, Magor 18, Ley 7, Hoare 5, Lambert 2)

Somerton Thunder 95 (J.Smith 22, Sleep 18, Halman 16, Wickstein 10, Zajer 10, McKinnon 7, B.Smith 6, Gondolf 3, Penn 3)
Port Pirie Panthers 84 (Yates 20, Gillett 12, Dunkley 11, Brill 10, Williams 9, Hoare 7, Leske 7, Hoare 6, Ley 2)
We say Tom Halman's Rockets because the Halmanator - pictured above at last year's game in Port Pirie - played for North Adelaide in his fledgling years before taking his game to the next level and joining the Thunder in the SACBA competition and South Australia at Jultopia. The Thunder of course, aren't playing in Port Pirie this year, instead heading off to Whyalla for the annual Movember exhibition classic. Back tomorrow with a welcome to Movember. Yes folks, remember to shave tonight. We all know the rules.