For those of us fortunate to have all five senses, you can smell it in the air, you can see it in the trees, you can feel it in your bones, you can taste in on your tongue, and you can hear it in the crowd. For those missing one or two or more, it sure detracts from the experience but I'm sure you'll understand where we're coming from - it's finals time! The time of year when the minor round means nothing, the scores are reset at 0-0, and two teams go head to head for 40 minutes in a quest to bring home the John Pilley Trophy. Tonight's game will be a beauty, mark our words, because these teams have a long history and not since Ricky Noack, Daniel McDaid and Jeff Martin graced the Arndale backcourt and led the then-Renown Park to 5-straight titles in the 1980s, have Arndale had such an opportunity as they do now. Whilst their coaching staff resist our calls to unleash the new Mr Clutch, Nathan Gillard, on to the A Grade scene, they have unveiled a terrific blend of youth and experience and stand only one win away from the grand final. The Thunder meanwhile, remain are an oxymoronic undefeated minor premier, in that they won many of these games with the league's biggest frontcourt of Mitchell, Reu, Sleep, Smith and Smith, but will likely only front up with two of the big five for the finals. So, who will win?

We're struggling to find a winner because like their Saturday team, the Thunder are unpredictable in terms of their final lineup. Rumours abound that they'll have at least one player back in uniform this week and perhaps more later, but we don't know who to believe and given the Thunder's total unreliability on this front, we'll go with what we know. The backcourt is advantage Thunder with Gondolf, Kyriazis and McKinnon in fine form, the forward position is advantage Arndale with Coombes, Merrett and Rudd in terrific touch, whilst the centre position is advantage Thunder with Reu dominating the SABASA week-in, week-out. So it's a hard one to pick - perhaps harder to pick than a broken nose - but we can't go past experience and with the last three titles safely tucked away in the cupboard and a 14-0 record this season, we're going with the Thunder by 5 points in a classic semi-final. Get there early because we're predicting a capacity crowd at the 8000-seat Distinctive Homes Dome and with both teams wanting a free pass through to the grand final - which comes with a bonus three-week break courtesy of a competition bye next week - it'll be full on from the first whistle. In the other match, the ACH Flamingos take on last season's runner-up Marion Magnetics, with both teams showing premiership potential themselves. Finals time, it's exciting, be there and be early folks and from everyone at leaguelineup.com, we wish all four teams the best for the coming few weeks.

PS. Across the oceans in the SABASA's feeder competition, aka the NBA, the Orlando Magic held off the Cleveland Cavaliers to take the series 4-2 and set up an intriguing matchup with the LA Lakers. Intriguing because LA hasn't been at their best all playoffs and will need to bring their "A" game to beat the Magic, who have looked good the whole way through. We're tipping a classic contest, with LA to win in 7 games.

Like William Wallace before him, Terry Wallace escaped today without his life but takes back something much more important - his freedom. Wallace announced that this week's game against the Western Bulldogs, ironically the club he left to join Richmond five years ago, will be his last as Head Coach of the embattled Tigers. Scribes say he won't be the last to go, with rumours abounding that Mark Harvey, Mick Malthouse, and Mark Williams won't be far behind him. We can't say much about Harvey and Malthouse but we'd like to give our two bobs worth on Williams. We're lifelong fans of him, his style and his unabashed honesty and approachability - he really is a terrific bloke - but something's up with that team. They're downhill skiers and that's a terrible label to put on someone unless it's Eddie the Eagle, in which case you'd probably proudly wear the moniker. As Jacob the Surgeon said today, "We're letting Chocco down." We agree and sad as it is - and he's a terrific coach, one of the best in the league - his message doesn't seem to be getting through. As for those uniforms ..... that's a story for another day. But today's Plough's day and we're still not sure if he's done the right thing but he at least leaves with his head held high, and on his own terms. We wonder who the next poor soul will be to take the Richmond job, with the club seemingly cursed to never again play finals football. From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, we wish Terry (Wallace, not Sleep) all the best in retirement and we concur with his thoughts above. Finally, you've escaped the asylum.

PS. Sorry, but no Monday night finals results today. The game isn't until late and we've got some systems maintenance to do. We'll have the game results on Wednesday.

PPS. "Was that you, Craig?" "Nah, that was me." What the? Good times, good times.

In 400+ games of SABASA basketball, we doubt Thunder captain Bradley Smith has come up with a bigger play. Forever to be known as "the block", he made the most amazing game-saving play in the dying seconds of Monday's semi-final but before that, we review the game itself.

With big men Mitchell, Sleep and J.Smith sitting the game out, the Thunder were again short-handed against a hungry Arndale outfit and with both teams wanting the win and free pass through to the grand final, it was sheepstations from the first whistle. Point guard Cal McKinnon continued his good form for the Thunder, whilst the Coombes-Merrett combination continued their good touch in the blue and gold. With just a minute left, the Thunder turned the ball over and Arndale scored. 29-27. Thunder ball and again, turnover, and Arndale score. 29-all. Clock runs out and we're off to overtime for ..... 3 minutes? We're assuming there was a glitch in the matrix or the global financial crisis has reduced the usual 5-minute overtime period but we digress.

Game goes into OT and with just 3 minutes, it's desperation time. Neither team scores and with less than a minute to go, B.Smith drives to the basket hard, is fouled, misses, and off to the line for some nervous free throws. With no offence to the Thunder's longest-serving captain and games-record holder, he's no Eddie Palubinskas, so the cubbyhouse faithful were chewing their nails hard. Real hard. First shot goes in. More fingernails chewed. Second shot goes in too. 31-29. Arndale are into offence and with less than 15 seconds left, 2007 Jultopia champion Craig Merrett drives the lane and gets within feet of the basket. B.Smith stands between him and overtime and jumps, praying to reach the ball. Ball leaves Merrett's hands, B.Smith stretches and wham bam, thank you ma'am. The man, the moment, the block. B.Smith swats the ball away, the Thunder guards pick up the crumbs, game over. Wow. We tried to get a comment after the game but the players were all too hyped. Exciting stuff and with the Marion Magnetics scraping over the line against the ACH Flamingos by just 2 points, it makes for an exciting prelim final in two weeks betwee Arndale and Marion. The Thunder meanwhile, get a three week break and shift their focus to the Saturday SACBA competition.

And for us? We have another sensational semi-final story to share in the years to come. Like the triple-overtime 1993 semi-final win over Portside that preceded the double-overtime grand final win over Kilkenny (now THAT was a finals series), we'll forever remember: the man, the moment, the block. Now tell us please - did anyone video it? Perhaps you have access to the CCTV footage? A reward is on offer, folks. Back soon.

PS. Apologies for the lack of posts. System troubles that should be fixed by the weekend.

The man affectionately known as "Big Red", Luke Schenscher, said goodbye to the Adelaide 36ers today as he leaves town to pursue opportunities in Europe and the US. With no ill-feeling between the club that technically no longer exists and arguably its greatest ever centre (sorry folks, but Mark Bradtke's history has an asterix next to it for us after he did a Terry Wallace-Bulldogs on the club back in the early 1990s), it's expected that he'll return one day but for now, will be lost to the world of international basketball. To Luke, and we know you visit our site, all the best from everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, and remember if the 36ers don't want you, there's always a home at the Thunder.

Meanwhile, the 36ers' ownership has officially changed hands - though no public announcement has been made yet - with the club now chasing players. With Worthington linked to Melbourne and Gibson to the Blaze, Sixers' coach Scott Ninnis is chasing big man Matt Burston as the Dragons' fire sale continues. He'd be a good pick up and with John Rillie and Darren Ng also available on the market, and "Aussie" Adam Ballinger already signed alongside Aaron Bruce and Jacob Holmes, they could build a good team. Will be interesting to see where this goes but for now, we just hope they get rid of those stupid teddy bears out of the keyway soon, and give the stadium a large dose of domestos. Stay classy, Adelaide.

The folks at "ihatelebronjames.com" (seriously, this website exists and is rather hilarious - click on the picture above - we don't make this stuff up!) are having a field day after the Cavaliers' main man walked off court after the Magic's 4-2 victory earlier this week, and refused to shake hands with Orlando players, or front up for the after-match press conference. Smelling a lot like the Detroit Pistons' walkoff against the Chicago Bulls back in 1991 (though we should note perpetual class act Joe Dumars wasn't part of that and said this week that as Michael Jordan shook his hand in the three previous years when the Pistons owned the Bulls, "it was good enough for Mike so it's good enough for Joe too") the league's MVP came off looking like a big sook and despite his repeated attempts to explain himself, he did himself no favours.

"It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them. I’m a winner (Editor's Note: what the? Your team just lost!). It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them. That doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a competitor. That’s what I do. It doesn’t make sense for me to go over and shake somebody’s hand."

Interesting though that no-one in Cleveland-land will speak negatively of him because they all fear him leaving at the end of next season when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Sorry LeBron but at the risk of jeopardising any potential move to the Thunder, you acted like a sook in this. Don't email Dwight Howard the next day like you claim to have done. Apologise and remember our Mum's advice next time - win graciously and lose like a champion. We couldn't have said it better ourselves.



PS. As noted on the above-mentioned website "ihatelebronjames.com" (and we're borrowing their text from here though have censored slightly for obvious reasons), NBA Commish David Stern reversed his decision to waive the fine for LeBron’s press conference no-show after Game 6. No huge surprise there, considering the avalanche of criticism he’s been receiving. It’s only $25K, after all. After announcing the reversal, Stern then proceeded to apologize for his little brat:

"He asked that I express to the media, the Magic and the fans his apology, and particularly the young fans, because he knows he has a responsibility to all of our fans, and that sportsmanship is appropriate whether you win or whether you lose," Stern said.

LeBron can’t just go on television and say he’s sorry? Bad is not immediately apologising when you’ve been a huge jerk. Worse is refusing to apologise the following day after considering how big of a douche you’ve been. Worser is having your PR chump apologise for you. The absolute worst is never apologising and having your daddy clean up the mess by inventing and issuing an apology for you. What a joke. I think it’s pretty obvious that Stern simply invented this apology.

We know the video's not exactly basketball-related, but the whole concept had Thunder Coach James Smith splitting his sides on a cold Thursday night in Antarctica a few weeks back and he emailed us this video, saying it would be worth a quick play when the next Thunder bye came up. Well lo and behold, the Thunder play the Bye today and we're thinking they're a better than even chance of getting the win. The Bye is yet to win a game and if their rugby league team is anything to go by, the Thunder should escape with a 20-0 win or at least a 0-0 draw. Expect the usual antics from the cubbyhouse faithful down at Mars Stadium, with the Thunder in desperate need of escaping this weekend without a loss, currently sitting at 1-4 on the season in first place on the B Grade ladder. From everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, we wish the players all the best for the upcoming game and hope the team can get the win and remain injury-free for next weekend's new and exciting combined 2009 A/B Grade debut.

Well, the Jultopia Gosford Carnival program is out and the A Grade competition promises to be an exciting one, with six teams set to fight it out for the Inglis Memorial Shield. ACT, South Australia, Sydney 1, Sydney 2, Sydney 3 and Western Australia will compete for the title South Australia has all-but owned for the past eight years, with this decade's winners as follows:

2001 South Australia d Sydney
2002 Victoria d Western Australia
2003 South Australia d Western Australia
2004 South Australia d Western Australia
2005 South Australia d Western Australia
2006 South Australia d Western Australia
2007 South Australia d Western Australia
2008 South Australia d Western Australia
2009 tba
2010 Hal 9000 d David Bowman (trust us - we've seen the movie)

With South Australia still tight-lipped about their final lineup (and yes, we've tried to get more news but they're not talking), we can confirm that the men will field an A and B Grade team again, with most of the all-too familiar names going around the circle one more time, ably assisted by a handful of new faces. Travel plans are almost finalised, and accommodation has been booked at "The Blue Lagoon", with the above picture taken from their website. We've seen this movie too and trust us, if the movie is anything to go by, the accommodation will be a corker. Jultopia Coach James Smith, currently somewhere south of Tasmania, assures us everything's under control for another Jultopia Tilt and who are we to argue with him? He asked us to pass on though that if any players have any questions or concerns, to contact him, Josh Gondolf or Nick Kyriazis via the usual channels ASAP. We're excited. Stay tuned for more carnival news with just over a month until the big dance begins.

Today's post goes from the sublime to the ridiculous and is set aside for the thoughts of Thunder Coach James Smith, who emailed us today just slightly hot under the collar about a few things. He wasn't happy about us highlighting South Australia's success over the past decade in the Jultopia Carnivals, noting that the opposition don't need to be reminded and to be given any extra ammunition for the upcoming carnival.

"C'mon guys, are you serious? The opposition don't need to be reminded and to be given any extra ammunition for the upcoming carnival. They're already out for blood. Don't make it any harder for us! Frankly, I doubt we'll win this year anyway. Western Australia are improving every year and if Sydney's team from last year is anything to go by, we could be in for one seriously long week. That said, we've been in this situation before - eg halfway through last year's carnival - and things turned out OK in the end so who really knows. But if you guys could shut up about the carnival, it'd be appreciated. Now if you really want me to get hot under the collar about a few things, then how about I give you today's snow report? That's right, a snow report. We've had everything else on your website lately so why not a snow report?"

Ummmmm, OK. A snow report. This weekend is, of course, the opening of the Australian snow season so with no further adieu, we turn over our basketball website to Coach Smith so he can give us his snow report. Back again tomorrow, folks.

THE OFFICIAL LEAGUELINEUP.COM SNOW REPORT

Best enjoy this report while you can because I'm not heading back there any time soon. It's not that I don't want to, but you'll understand where I'm coming from later in the report. Today's snow was varied for the opening of the snow season, with a good 2-3 inches of snow at Perisher, whilst good falls were experienced further on towards Mount Kosciuszko at Charlotte's Pass - so good in fact, that they closed the road shortly after this intrepid reporter arrived on the scene. Meanwhile across the way at Thredbo, it was quieter than the cubbyhouse faithful during yesterday's game versus The Bye, with no snow to be seen other than a long way up the top of the mountain. Further along the Alpine Way towards Khancoban however, and the snow and ice got serious about 10km up the Snowy Mountains. So serious that the battle of Commodore versus the elements was won by the elements, but not before said chain-less Commodore (I had the chains in the back but nah, I was sure I wouldn't actually need them) began sliding down a steep ice and snow-covered hill with brakes firmly planted to the floor and the Bob Jane All-Rounders losing their grip on the road, reality and life. It was right about that time that I decided I wasn't ready to permanently hand over the Thunder to Interim Coach Josh Gondolf just yet, so after coming to a stop, turned the V6 around and headed back for safer ground. To slide down an ice and snow-covered hill with brakes firmly planted is one thing, but to do it backwards after you've lost traction going up a steep incline is another thing and whilst it's something everyone should experience once in their lives, it's not the most enjoyable experience in the middle of a blizzard when you don't know where you are or where you're going, but I digress. It promises to be a super snow season and from everyone at leaguelineup.com and the Thunder, I wish all the snowmen a happy season and sorry about where I put the carrot. It was a joke.

Call us presumptuous, call us Nostradamus, call us Marty McFly, call us anything - but not late for a game like happened back in 2007 during what was a strange and mysterious SACBA season, but we digress. Today's post is all about self-confessed media tart and Thunder captain Brad Smith, who's at it again. We received an early morning tip-off that he'll appear in today's Adelaide Advertiser (for Tuesday 9 June 2009) selling his age old message of "it was pressure we didn't need". We're not clear on exactly what the topic is and how he'll get it into context this time, but we await the news with bated breath. Brad Smith, media, pressure we didn't need. Good times, good times. Stay tuned and be sure to check out The Advertiser.

Meanwhile, we've now been visited by 41000 Thunder Fans (in 18 countries), which is the same number of tonnes this ship weighs, waiting to be torn apart in a Bangladesh scrapmetal yard. Unrelated to basketball yes, but interesting regardless. If you have any stories about scrapmetal or perhaps other topics you'd like to share, send us an email to somertonthunder@optusnet.com.au (we apologise for not replying to emails lately - we're experiencing a few system errors) or record your details on our guestbook and we'll see what we can do. Thanks again for visiting our site.

PS. We might've jumped the gun a bit with Brad's Advertiser story. Our bothan spies tell us this may be a day or two away so no shooting the messenger if he doesn't appear in today's paper. We tried to contact Brad directly but his voicemail is forwarded to his agent. Agent? Go figure.

Editor's Note: As requested by email, today's post is by Thunder Coach and SABASA Life Member James Smith..

For those who haven't heard, this will come as shocking news. Today, we lost an icon, someone who we've grown to love over many years. Christine Bradley, mother of ex-Thunder players Andrew and Derek Poulton, tragically passed away today. Out of the blue, she fell critically ill on the weekend and sadly never recovered. She leaves behind a family who love her dearly, friends who love her just as dearly, and with many memories of the good times we shared.

I'm writing this in Canberra, where the temperature is so cold, I'm going home tonight to jump in the fridge to get warm. Yet today's news has left me colder. Christine was a friend, a loving mother, and a passionate supporter of the Adelaide Crows. A week wouldn't go by without myself or another Thunder teammate stirring her up about something to do with Port Adelaide or the Crows. It's those memories I'm going to keep with me because whilst her reaction was priceless every time, it's the passion for her team and for "her people" that was truly memorable. She loved South Australia, loved Adelaide, loved the Salvation Army, loved the SABASA basketball competition, loved Adelaide Congress Hall - she had so much passion and love for so many things and it's this I'll remember. Someone who wore her heart on her sleeve and was happy to tell the world "This is who I am and this is what I believe in". Her exploits at Jultopia carnivals will long be remembered, having played in them for longer than I - and most of us - have been alive. Rivalled only by Gordon Hood, she leaves a legacy of support for her state, children and grandchildren that most of us can only ever dream of, let alone aspire to.

Finally, and because the tears are so close and so real, she leaves us with an ongoing legacy that will only ever be known by those who have received the gift of life from her. A passionate supporter of organ donation, she has passed on the gift of life to numerous people who will only ever know her as the one who cared enough to give. Those who know me know my thoughts on organ donation and if you're not registered as an organ donor, get off your behind and register by clicking here.

To Christine's family, I share your pain in the loss of an icon, someone who has meant so much to so many of us. Our sorrow is only tempered by the fact that she's now in the arms of Jesus. Well done thy good and faithful servant, and see you soon again. And only because it's you - go Crows.

PS. Funeral details will be published here once known.

The revised SACBA A/B Grade program has been published, and has been uploaded to the ladders, programs, statistics page. The Thunder's remaining games are as follows:

13 June - 1.00pm v Prince Alfred A
20 June - 2.40pm v Prince Alfred B
27 June - 2.40pm v Beaumont
4 July - 2.40pm v Clovercrest
18 July - 3.30pm v Beaumont D
25 July - 3.30pm v Modbury
1 August - 3.30pm v St Peters
8 August - 4.20pm v Prince Alfred A
15 August - 2.40pm v Prince Alfred B
22 August - 2.40pm v Beaumont
29 August - 2.40pm v Clovercrest

Interim Coach Josh Gondolf tells us he'll be in touch with players ASAP re this weekend's game. Until then, stay classy, San Diego.

Today marks the "one month to Jultopia" milestone and with only 30 days for overweight, out-of-shape, unfit, 30-something players to get themselves into full Jultopia condition, time is ticking away. Fortunately Rhonda Britten thinks we can do it and given South Australia's results over the past few years, she may be right. So in marking today's milestone, we send a call out to all prospective Jultopians - time to up the fitness levels, hit the pavement, and get serious about the upcoming carnival. Rumours abound that the teams have been named, though late breaking rumours are there's been a significant change to the A Grade Men team. Keeping with the journalistic integrity we've always displayed, we won't list those rumours here but hope to have an announcement on the teams soon. Meanwhile, it's time for the Jultopians to change their lives in 30 days. Happy exercising, gentlemen!

With the Lakers stunning Orlando in overtime in game four, the most exciting NBA playoff series in living memory is almost over, with the Lakers holding a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 lead. If you haven't guessed it by now, today's picture should give it away - we're not huge fans of the Lakers and if you're up for a laugh (though we recommend parental guidance for Lakers' fans), click on the above picture to check out an array of Lakers shirts. If someone has some spare cash lying around, feel free to buy a few crateloads and distribute them to people in your local neighbourhood. We support this as the latest stimulus scheme to get the economy going. Seriously, it's stimulus this, stimulus that at the minute. Fair shake of the ol' sauce bottle folks! And keeping with the political theme for those who follow where we're going, the entire H1N1 (Swine) Flu situation is starting to get interesting, with NRL thugby league players being banned from playing after visiting Melbourne. Our bothan spies tell us Victoria aren't sending any teams to the upcoming Jultopia carnival which is disappointing, but perhaps good for the rest of us 'cause compulsory quarantine for a week is now in place for people visiting Melbourne and if Melbournites were playing in the carnival, it could mean poor Cal McKinnon would get quarantined immediately after the grand final (for those who are counting, that's Cal joke number 87 for this year). Good times, good times.

Meanwhile, the Thunder today take on Prince Alfred A for the second time this season in a revised A/B Grade Men competition. We're led to believe they'll be without Coach James Smith (hiding in a fridge in Canberra), Captain Bradley Smith (media commitments), Steve Rudd (grieving after McLeod's Daughters was taken off-air) and Cal McKinnon (school exams). However, our bothan spies (they've been busy!) tell us The Halmanator will be back in uniform and has signed a contract for the remainder of the season. Good news for the Thunder and should shore up their backcourt which they really need given it's their frontcourt that desperately needs the help, but we digress. Regardless of new signings, the whole randomness of their roster has us wondering what will happen and we can only imagine what other teams are thinking when they come up against the #1 B Grade team in town. For what it's worth, we still think PAOC are the yardstick of A Grade and expect them to get the win by 12 points in an entertaining affair. Back soon folks.

PS. Christine Bradley's funeral will be held at Adelaide Congress Hall Salvation Army from 7pm on Tuesday night, 16 June 2009.

Amidst much hype and fanfare, Thunder Coach James Smith celebrated his 35th birthday in Canberra, far removed from family and teammates as he continues his self-imposed exile into the Australian Alps in an effort to find his mojo as the countdown to Jultopia continues. We caught up with James today via satellite link and asked him a few pointed questions about the birthday, and his future with the Thunder.

Q: Thanks for joining us today and Happy Birthday.
A: Oh look, the whole birthday thing's over-rated. I've done this 34 times before and this year isn't a whole lot different but if you guys start that whole "35 rounds up to 40" thing like you did with Nick Kyriazis, I'll call off the interview. Hear me and hear me well - 35 is the new 30.

Q: Ummmm, OK. Whatever you say, Coach. How's the Alps?
A: Cold. For those who don't know, I'm over here serving my country and Queen but I was having second thoughts on Friday just gone. The maximum temperature - maximum, I say - was 2 degrees. 2 degrees. Not 3 or 4 degrees. 2 degrees. I've been watching the Western Australian weather lately, wondering how Craig Bergin must be going with preparing the WA guys for Jultopia and their weather is consistently above 20. Meanwhile, I'm doing 5km runs in thermals and a beanie and I'm still cold. 2 degrees on Friday. It was just wrong.

Q: Thanks for the weather report. We'll ask you again, how's the Alps?
A: Amazing. Went up to Brindabella and Mount Franklin yesterday, and dropped in to Tidbinbilla. Did you know "The Dish" was wrong when they said they received the images of man landing on the moon at Parkes? It was actually at Honeysuckle Creek, the original site near Tidbinbilla that was closed in the 1970s and the dishes relocated to "The Big T". I knew movies were a lie. There hasn't been a true movie since Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. I assume you got my snow report?

Q: Sure did and we're glad you're still alive. Now the big question everyone wants to know is - when are you back?
A: I'd love to be back on Tuesday for Christine Bradley's funeral but it's nigh on impossible so unfortunately that won't be happening. I can guarantee I'll be back for the carnival but I can't make any promises about any time before then. I'm scheduled for some pre-Jultopia surgery on 30 June so my plans are to be back then but we'll see. I'm not in a hurry. Antarctica's keeping me well and I'm making good friends with the penguins and polar bears, not to mention all the Sydney Swans' games I've been seeing. And yes, I'm still a Power fan. Whichever dill wrote that on the guestbook has obviously been getting stuck into the new Vegemite. New Vegemite? When will people learn to leave things alone?

Q: We agree on that one. Three questions before we let you go to celebrate your birthday. Are you guaranteed to play in Jultopia?
A: As sure as Victoria is infested with more than just Swine Flu, the answer is unequivocally yes.

Q: Now that you've alienated a good portion of our audience (he was just joking - we think), will you play in this season's SABASA grand final?
A: (laughing) Like I said, I'd like to but I'm unlikely to be back until late June. I have commitments to my country and Queen and they come first. Would I like to play? Yes. Will I play? I guess we'll see next Monday night but I'm not scheduled to be back in Adelaide until 27 June.

Q: And finally, how far away is retirement?
A: Well, Daniel and Jonty are only 3, and Joshua's only 1. I doubt they're ready to take over rebounding duties just yet so I guess I'll have to keep playing for a while. The body feels great and rested after a good couple of months off, so all in all I'm feeling pretty good. To answer your question - how far away is the horizon?

Q: Good answer. All the best from us and Kent "Toast" French for your birthday. Any final words before we lose the satellite link?
A: Hello Bill, how are you? What? Sorry, I can't. What? Hello Bill, how are you? Just kidding. Thanks guys, and see everyone back in Adelaide soon. To the Jultopia guys, start hitting the pavement, boys. Less than a month to go and with six teams in A Grade, I can see this being one pretty darn serious competition this year. And finally to my wife, kids, dogs, cat and Tarago - keep smiling and see you all again soon.

Super interview that and thanks Jim for making time for us in your busy schedule. Before we go, on a related but unrelated topic, rarely has a drop in standings been so wildly celebrated but as Interim Coach Josh Gondolf put it after the Thunder's 67-40 loss to Prince Alfred A yesterday, "Some call it tanking. I call it list management." The loss came despite a game high 17 points from rookie forward Ben Galway, and moves the Thunder into second place on the B Grade premiership ladder and despite Josh's words, we're not sharing his enthusiasm. The Thunder must be looking forward to playing a few B Grade teams and with the only team they've beaten this season demoted to C Grade (!), things aren't looking great - unless they really are playing for draft picks. Sad times, sad times. Until next time, stay classy, San Diego.

With tonight's preliminary final between the Arndale Allstars and Marion Magnetics, everyone's attention is focussed on the Distinctive Homes Dome in Adelaide as the two teams face off for the right to contest next week's grand final against the Somerton Thunder. Our tip is that it will be close like every other final thus far and we can't pick a winner. LOBOSEF is offering equal odds on both teams so it's anyone's guess as to who will win. Meanwhile, we thought it was time for another "You're on notice!" update. So, with no further adieu, You're on notice! Keep those suggestions coming in via email to somertonthunder@optusnet.com.au or the guestbook.

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers on their 4-1 victory over the Orlando Magic, and to Kobe Bryant for being named Finals MVP. The Lakers won game five by 15 points or so and were never really headed. Coincidentally, Thunder centre Terry Sleep has been missing for several weeks while Pau Gasol has been starring in the middle for the LA Lakers. Coincidence or by design? We originally asked this question a few years back but this is getting eerie. Anyway, it's a big Kent "Toast" French clap for the Lakers and may next season start soon so we can dethrone them quickly. We've never been fans of the Lakers and yesterday's win by the purple and gold hasn't changed things for us. Go Bulls.

With Monday's preliminary final done and dusted, the grand final teams have been confirmed for all grades. In A Grade Men, Arndale fell short to a powerful Marion Magnetics outfit who look hungry and keen to go one step further than they did last season. For the record, Marion won 46-37 in a game that saw Arndale far from disgraced. Marion go on for another week though, coming up against the Thunder in the big dance next Monday. So with no further adieu, the grand final teams (and times) are as follows for next Monday night, 22 June 2009:

6.30pm Crt 2, Under-14, ACH Redbacks v Arndale Anklebiters
6.30pm Crt 3, C Men, Oakden Octopi v Oakden Powerhouses
7.45pm Crt 2, A Women, ACH Suns v Happy Valley Lynx
7.45pm Crt 3, B Women, Seaton Sapphires v Marion Magic
9.00pm Crt 2, A Men, Somerton Thunder v Marion Magnetics
9.00pm Crt 3, B Men, Seaton Ramblers v Happy Valley Wolves

Game previews of the big A Men clash will be published later in the week and in case you've been living on the moon and didn't know, we yesterday farewelled Christine Bradley at a 7pm funeral at Adelaide Congress Hall Salvation Army. We'll have more details about that tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her family at this difficult time.

PS. Happy birthday to retired Thunder centre Scott Whitmore, who turns a glorious ...... 21 today. Have a super day!

On Tuesday night just gone, we farewelled Christine Bradley (pictured above in 2006), a long-standing friend and someone who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her family and friends but we're thankful for the blessed assurance that we will see her again. There's a Steven Curtis Chapman song "with hope" that has some beautiful lyrics that are most appropriate here so with no further adieu, we wait with hope, we ache with hope, we hold on with hope and we let go with hope. RIP Christine Bradley.

This is not at all
How we thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...

We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
There's a place by God's grace
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again

And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so ...

So we can cry with hope
And say goodbye with hope

We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope

PS. We've been asked to pass on a big thanks to Western Australia's Craig Bergin, who attended the funeral and passed on the best wishes from everyone in the West. It's times like these you find out who your true brothers and sisters are and that was a simple, yet beautiful thing to do. In case you ever read this message, we wanted to say thank you.

The Adelaide 36ers, now under new ownership, took a big step forward today by signing South Aussies Brad Hill, Jacob Holmes and Darren Ng. With big man Matt Burston, formerly of the South Dragons, expected to sign next week, the team is slowly taking shape. Other players already signed are Adam Ballinger, whilst Aaron Bruce and Brad Davidson are also expected to suit.

Meanwhile in the NBA, the finals are finished and the NBA have put together a video of the top ten finals moments. We thought it was worth a look so enjoy the above video. For us, it's time to start thinking SABASA grand final. Stay tuned for our official game preview.

We're excited and it's not because there's six battles every man must win. It's because there's one battle five men must win. Well, not necessarily five men but the five on the court, with support from the guys who are on the bench at the time. You see, with a 1-5 record, the Thunder's 2009 season is on the edge of total disaster. Lose today against Prince Alfred B and they can just about kiss the A Grade season goodbye and turn their attention to B Grade. However, we're led to believe crisis talks at the club have had some effect. We're not sure what this means, but expect a different look team tomorrow. That said, they've had a different look team every week to date but our bothan spies tell us stability is on its way soon and the team will settle down for the stretch run. With no idea who will suit up, we're going for a 15-point Thunder win because, well, now we've shown them the book, they should know the ancient secrets they'll need to succeed. Work hard, defend, rebound, get the ball up court and score. Good times, good times. The cubbyhouse faithful are expected to be there in numbers today so get there early if you want a seat. Only two days until the SABASA grand final.

With a 1-5 record - and their only win being against a team since demoted to C Grade - yesterday was always going to be a critical point in the season for the Thunder and as fate turned against them by tune of a 41-36 loss, the cubbyhouse faithful decided enough was enough. Taking to the streets and demanding changes to their once proud club, the fans aren't happy and want change. We're not sure what point they proved but it's exciting stuff regardless. About the game itself, the Thunder looked OK in patches but wouldn't have hit the water from a boat, whereas the Prince Alfred sharpshooters consistently found the mark. The Thunder welcomed back veteran centre James Smith to what looked a reasonably well balanced lineup but alas, no-one really got going as they fell to 1-6. The draw doesn't get any easier, with next week's match against Beaumont Uniting sure to test their mettle, Beaumont unveiling a white Manute Bol yesterday, guaranteeing a hard time for Smith and Adam Hegarty in the paint next week. Meanwhile, the police search for the riot ringleaders continues with the Thunder face another soul-searching week as the race for A Grade slips away, and the journey to the B Grade finals continues.

PS. The guy at the front bears a resemblance to Terry Sleep circa 2006, the guy in the middle of the picture could be a bearded Greg Smith, and apparently Bando's in there somewhere too. We've given this information to police and look forward to the outcome of their investigations.

From the same folk that brought you last season's Dectopia 2008 SABASA Grand Final preview, we present our official Juntopia 2009 SABASA Grand Final preview. For the second straight season, the Marion Magnetics and Somerton Thunder square off for the title with Marion seeking their first title since the Seacombe Gardens halcyon days of the late 1990s, whilst Somerton are seeking their fourth straight flag. The above picture is of last season's victorious Thunder side after their grand final victory at the Distinctive Homes Dome.

NB: All-time statistics listed below are to the conclusion of the 2008b season. 2009a single-season statistics are unavailable so similarly, we've used the previous 2008b season as the best guide to current form. Any new players however, aren't listed as they didn't play last season so it's hard to list their stats if they weren't there! We've left out Thunder centre Terry Sleep because he's missed the last umpteen games and whilst the same can be said for fellow centre James Smith, we've included him because we're suspicious about his appearance for the Thunder's Saturday team yesterday and reckon he'll play though his voicemail, email and EA are adamant he's still in Canberra. Go figure.

LAST FIVE GAMES HEAD-TO-HEAD
2/2/2009: Somerton 38 d Marion 37
23/2/2009: Somerton 58 d Marion 28
23/3/2009: Somerton 51 d Marion 47
20/4/2009: Somerton 47 d Marion 38
11/5/2009: Somerton d Marion (score n/a)

ALL-TIME SOMERTON SABASA STATS LEADERS
Games: B.Smith 364, J.Smith 341, Kyriazis 283, Gondolf 277, McKinnon 120
Triples: Gondolf 295, McKinnon 201, Kyriazis 165, B.Smith 76, J.Smith 76
Free throws: J.Smith 638, B.Smith 343, Kyriazis 153, Gondolf 112, McKinnon 104
Free throw %: J.Smith 67%, McKinnon 65%, Gondolf 56%, Kyriazis 52%, B.Smith 46%
Fouls: B.Smith 615, Kyriazis 518, J.Smith 496, Gondolf 276, Reu 241
Points: J.Smith 4617, B.Smith 3149, Gondolf 1629, Kyriazis 1541, McKinnon 1337
B&F votes: J.Smith 456, B.Smith 269, McKinnon 97, Kyriazis 83, Gondolf 46

ALL-TIME MARION SABASA STATS LEADERS
Games: Janssen 128, Ellis 32, Schmidt 32, Jack 28, Fisher 20
Triples: Janssen 87, Schmidt 51, Ellis 26, Jack 12, Fisher 5
Free throws: Janssen 129, Jack 23, Ellis 16, Schmidt 14, Fisher 13
Free throw %: Ellis 53%, Schmidt 52%, Janssen 51%, Fisher 38%, Jack 35%
Fouls: Janssen 24, Ellis 47, Jack 45, Fisher 35, Schmidt 26
Points: Janssen 1077, Schmidt 349, Jack 237, Ellis 234, Fisher 148
B&F votes: Janssen 60, Schmidt 43, Jack 21, Fisher 13, Ellis 3

2008b SINGLE-SEASON SOMERTON SABASA STATS LEADERS
Games: Gondolf 10, B.Smith 10, J.Smith 10, Kyriazis 8, McKinnon 7
Triples: Gondolf 9, McKinnon 3, Kyriazis 1, J.Smith 1
Free throws: J.Smith 32, Gondolf 9, McKinnon 6, B.Smith 4, Reu 3
Free throw %: Gondolf 75%, McKinnon 67%, J.Smith 65%, B.Smith 29%, Reu 25%
Fouls: B.Smith 12, Kyriazis 10, J.Smith 9, Anderson 7, Reu 6
Points: J.Smith 179, McKinnon 73, Gondolf 68, B.Smith 64, Reu 45
B&F votes: J.Smith 20, B.Smith 5, McKinnon 4, Gondolf 2, Reu 1

2008b SINGLE-SEASON MARION SABASA STATS LEADERS
Games: Ellis 9, Jack 9, Schmidt 9, Janssen 8, Fisher 7
Triples: Schmidt 15, Janssen 10, Jack 6, Ellis 3, Fisher 2
Free throws: Janssen 9, Jack 7, Schmidt 6, Ellis 5, Fisher 4
Free throw %: Schmidt 75%, Ellis 63%, Fisher 50%, Janssen 35%, Jack 29%
Fouls: Janssen 21, Ellis 18, Jack 15, Schmidt 10, Fisher 9
Points: Schmidt 105, Janssen 103, Jack 101, Fisher 52, Ellis 44
B&F votes: Schmidt 10, Jack 9, Janssen 7, Fisher 5, Ellis 1

2009a TEAM STATISTICS
Somerton Thunder: 14 wins, 0 losses, average score 47-33
Marion Magnetics: 5 wins, 1 draw, 8 losses, average score 42-44

2009a TEAM FINALS RECORDS
Somerton Thunder: 1-0, defeated Arndale Allstars (semi)
Marion Magnetics: 2-0, defeated ACH Flamingos (semi) and Arndale Allstars (prelim)

OUR PREDICTION
Aaaah, June. It's cold, Jultopia's approaching, and the smell of finals is in the air. This June brings a repeat of last season's grand final and two teams hungry for the flag. Somerton have swept all before them this season with a 14-0 record but fell over the line in several games, winning by extremely narrow margins. Whilst this was a worrying sign at times, it provided a level of reassurance for Coaches Smith and Gondolf in that when things got tight, they knew their team would dig it out. However, a mid-season snag struck big time with the loss of Mitchell, J.Smith and Sleep and with J.Smith considered only a 20-80 chance of playing tonight, they could go into the season's biggest game without the 2004-05-06 Jultopia frontcourt. Enter guard McKinnon who returned from Ireland mid-season to cover the retirement of forward T.Kyriazis and where the Thunder lost traction up front, they gained in the backcourt in the form of the Irish schoolboy champion. Meanwhile, Marion's record was 5-1-8 after a disastrous 1-3 start and shaky early form. Of late though, they've been nigh on untouchable and enter the final knowing they can match it with the Thunder. They trailed 27-24 with 13 minutes remaining in the 2008b grand final before the Thunder went on 15-2 win to put the game out of reach and recent results show if the chips fall their away, they're more than capable of getting the W. Much will centre on the frontcourt battle between Jack/Janssen and Reu/B.Smith but if J.Smith joins in, the game takes on a whole different look. We're thinking the Thunder by 5-10 points, mainly because they haven't lost for a while despite close margins and winning form is good form. Get there early with other grades playing at 6.30pm, 7.45pm and finally the A Grade clash at 9.00pm. Good luck to both teams and may the best team win.

Wow, now that was an anticlimax if we've ever seen one, perhaps the biggest since Geelong lambasted Port Adelaide to the tune of 119 points in the 2007 AFL Grand Final. After arguably the most exciting season in years - with multitudes of games decided by less than a basket - last night's SABASA grand final proved to be a total fizzer, the Thunder comfortably accounting for Marion to the tune of a 83-54 victory. Marion's cause wasn't helped by a triple tech foul and ejection to forward Phil Janssen 15 minutes into the game, with the score 21-16. From there the Thunder were understandably never headed, with the game degenerating into farcical proportions when Marion's star guard Travis Schmidt popped a thumb, leaving the 5-strong Marion side with just 3 players on court. Co-coaches Josh Gondolf and James Smith, who made the trip from Canberra for the game, topped the leaderboard with 20+ points a piece, whilst a strong performance from all players meant the Thunder never really got out of first gear. And for us, the less said about the grand final the better because we have to admit, it ranked amongst the most boring finals we've seen in the history of history, and that's saying something when you consider how long leaguelineup has been around.

Attention now turns to next week's presentation night but more on that later. For the benefit of those who don't recognise him, that's Anticlimax pictured above. The first cousin once removed of Asterix the Gaul, he once enlisted the help of Asterix to bring a barrel of magic potion to his tribe. Like Barnaby French who once made 15 on the beep test, Anticlimax is an expert rower, having been raised by the tribe of the Oxbrigienses. Back soon, folks.

PS. Apologies for the lack of posts this week. We've had a few system issues and it probably fits in with the whole anticlimax theme anyway.

The NBL have unveiled their logo, sticking with the name "NBL" so as to link with the past and move forward with the future. We asked leaguelineup.com's logo designers for their thoughts and they weren't backwards in coming forwards.

"Like the modern style. Orange is a bit blah. The whole exploding pumpkin thing's kinda cool but it could've had more green and gold to represent Australia, or maybe an Aussie flag, kangaroo, shrimp on the barbie or anything to say Aussie Aussie Aussie. 7/10.

Meanwhile, the NBL's off-season horse-trading continues, with a bevy of moves made to date. The following is a quick summary:

ADELAIDE 36ERS
Returning: Adam Ballinger, Jacob Holmes, Brad Hill
Free agents signed: Darren Ng (Singapore Slingers), Matt Burston (South), and our bothan spies tell us they're also looking at Adrien Sturt
Undetermined: Rod Grizzard*, David Cooper, Brad Davidson, Ryan Kersten, Paora Winitana, Aaron Bruce
Departing: Brett Maher (retired), Luke Schenscher (Europe), Mal Hemmerling (supposed lack of interest)

CAIRNS TAIPANS
Returning: No-one (could be a long season for these guys)
Free agents signed: None, though it's reported John Rillie and Dusty Rychart are heading north
Undetermined: Ian Crosswhite, Gary Boodnikoff, Darnell Mee, Dwayne Vale, Aaron Grabau, Scott Cook, Matt Smith
Departing: Martin Catallini (Perth) and knowing our luck, he's probably returning to Perth so he qualifies for Jultopia

GOLD COAST BLAZE
Returning: Greg Vanderjagt, Pero Cameron, Tyson Demos (they're hoping to trade him for the full-length version soon), James Harvey
Free agents signed: Mika Vukona (South), Adam Gibson (South), Chris Goulding (Perth), Anthony Petrie (Wollongong)
Undetermined: Scott McGregor, Casey Frank, Justin Bowen*, Luke Whitehead*
Departing: Ben Melmeth (retired), Daniel Joyce

MELBOURNE TIGERS
Returning: Chris Anstey, Daryl Corletto, David Barlow, Luke Kendall, Daniel Johnson, Matt O'Hea, Sam Mackinnon, Tommy Greer, Nathan Crosswell
Free agents signed: Mark Worthington (South), Ryan Bathie# (Nicholls State University)
Undetermined: Whether they'll change their mind and not play after all
Departing: Ebi Ere*, Dave Thomas*, Stephen Hoare, Adrien Sturt

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
Returning: Oscar Forman, Paul Henare, Tony Ronaldson, Kirk Penney, CJ Bruton, Dillon Boucher, Tom Abercrombie, Corey Webster#
Free agents signed: Jeremiah Trueman (who wins NBL name of the year in our books), Alex Pledger#
Undetermined: Adam Tanner (might return to the Driver video game series)
Departing: Phill Jones, Rick Rickert*, Tim Behrendorff (Wollongong)

PERTH WILDCATS
Returning: Paul Rogers, Shawn Redhage, Brad Robbins, Stephen Weigh, Craig Bergin
Free agents signed: Martin Cattalini (Cairns), Jesse Wagstaff (Metro State University)
Undetermined: Darnell Hinson*, Isiah Victor*, Ben Knight, Adam Caporn, Alex Loughton
Departing: Jeff Dowdell (Townsville), Peter Crawford (Townsville), Chris Goulding (Gold Coast)

TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES
Returning: Brad Williamson, Russell Hinder, Michael Cedar, Kelvin Robertson, Cameron Tovey
Free agents signed: Peter Crawford (Perth), Jeff Dowdell (Perth) and are reportedly about to sign Stephen Hoare
Undetermined: Corey Williams*, Brad Sheridan, Rosell Ellis*, Steven Broom (runner-up NBL name of the year)
Departing: John Rillie, Daniel Egan, and assumedly a bucketload of fans and supporters

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
Returning: Mat Campbell, Cameron Tragardh, Glen Saville
Free agents signed: Tim Behrendorff (New Zealand), Gordie McLeod (supposed to coach but looking at this team, may have to play too)
Undetermined: Rhys Martin, Dusty Rychart (reportedly heading to Cairns), Larry Davidson, Kavossy Franklin*, Lindsay Tait, Daniel Jackson
Departing: Anthony Petrie (Gold Coast)

* Denotes Import
# Denotes development player

Well, it's NBA draft time tomorrow and it all has a strange, eerie feel about it with Australia's Patrick Mills looking to join Nathan Jawai and Andrew Bogut in the big dance. There's been a bevy of pre-draft trades so with no further adieu, here's the moves over the last few days.

- San Antonio traded Bruce Bowen and Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto to Milwaukee for Richard Jefferson.
- Milwaukee traded Fabricio Oberto to Detroit for Amir Johnson.
- Minnesota traded Randy Foye and Mike Miller to Washington for Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila and Oleksiy Pecherov and pick #5.
- Portland traded the 24th and 56th overall picks and a second-round pick in 2010 to Dallas for the 22nd overall pick.
- Phoenix traded Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland for Aleksandar Pavlovic, Ben Wallace, a future conditional second-round pick and cash.
- New Jersey traded Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie.
- Golden State traded Jamal Crawford to Atlanta for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton.
- New York traded Quentin Richardson and cash to Memphis for Darko Milicic.
- Sacramento traded the draft rights to Jeff Pendergraph to Portland for Sergio Rodriguez, the draft rights to Jon Brockman and cash.
- Los Angeles Lakers traded the draft rights to Patrick Beverley to Miami for a 2011 second-round pick and cash.
- Washington traded the draft rights to Jermaine Taylor to Houston for cash.
- New York traded a 2011 second-round pick and cash to the Los Angeles Lakers for the draft rights to Toney Douglas.
- Minnesota traded the draft rights to Ty Lawson to Denver for a 2010 conditional first-round pick.
- Dallas traded the draft rights to BJ Mullens to Oklahoma City for the draft rights to Rodrigue Beaubois and a future second-round pick.
- Denver traded the draft rights to Sergio Llull to Houston for cash.
- Miami traded the draft rights to Marcus Thornton to New Orleans for two future second-round picks.
- Detroit traded the draft rights to Chase Budinger to Houston for a future second-round pick and cash.
- Dallas traded a future second-round pick to Portland for the draft rights to Nick Calathes.
- Charlotte traded cash to Oklahoma City for the draft rights to Robert Vaden.

Well, that was a strange day. In the space of 24 hours, we saw the death of Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Patrick Mills' hopes of being drafted in the first round. Fawcett's story, though not receiving the same hype, is probably the most moving and newsworthy, eventually losing her fight with cancer. Jackson meanwhile, reportedly died of a heart attack with news reports that he was on a cocktail of drugs at the time for a variety of medical conditions (we're thinking that'll do it to ya) - and he leaves us with memories of an incredible music career. And finally, as the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted four point guards in the first round (I know, hard to believe), they overlooked this guy:



Yes, Australia's Patrick Mills didn't make it to the first round, falling all the way to pick 55 and the Portland Trailblazers (though if you believe the NBL website, he was drafted by the Blaze!). He's expected to make their roster but Patty, if you're reading this and we know you do, there's always a spot in the Thunder backcourt alongside Irish teen sensation Cal McKinnon. For now, we remember today as the day we lost the world's number two MJ, and a third Australian made it to basketball's big dance and in case anyone was wondering, no other Australian players were drafted (eg South Australian Joe Ingles, West Australian Luke Nevill and Queensland's Aron Baynes).

With the Thunder sporting a 1-6 record going into today's clash against A Grade premiership favourite Beaumont Uniting, it's going to take something special from the Thunder and we've found just the tonic. We just need the umpires to modify the rules and allow players to wear tights and kick the ball, which will allow Dennis McEvoy of the Mitcham Hawks to make his Thunder debut. Take two minutes to watch the above video of McEvoy's Daniel Motlopesque freakish kicking skills and join us in thinking - what if? What if they do allow tights and kicking? Could make today's game interesting but alas, without it, we're predicting a long afternoon for the 2001-2004 SACBA champions. Stranger things have happened but our bothan spies tell us the players have switched off in regards to the SACBA season and are just using the games as a warmup to Jultopia. If so, it'll make for an interesting conclusion to the SACBA season post-Jultopia but for now, we wish the Thunder and cubbyhouse faithful a good afternoon at the Mars Stadium and may the best team win. We don't like to tip against the Thunder, especially when LOBOSEF has Beaumont as a Geelong Cats v Port Adelaide Power-priced favourite, but we're taking their $1.01 and tip Beaumont to win by12 points today. Here's hoping we're wrong.

If the cubbyhouse faithful showed up to Mars Stadium expecting a blowout, they would've left disappointed. You see, yesterday's Somerton v Beaumont had all the makings of a one-sided massacre, with Somerton's 1-6 record mirrored by the 6-1 record of the all-conquering green and white. But someone forgot to tell the Thunder players, who dug deep to lead 29-24 early into the second half. But alas, it wasn't to be, and as Beaumont held on for a 46-42 victory to send the Thunder to an all-time low 1-7 record, the cubbyhouse faithful collected their thoughts and realised something good could come of this season yet. With Cal McKinnon leading a team that looked to be finding its identity more as each minute went by, the faces of disappointment slowly became smiles, promising more as the season goes into the mid-year carnival break. For the Thunder, McKinnon and Tom Halman led the way, while 5-time premiership Coach James Smith returned full-time and resumed the reins from a grateful Interim Coach Josh Gondolf. Next week's game against Clovercrest now shapes up as an important clash, with the Thunder's hold on the B Grade double-chance finals looking shaky. Back tomorrow with a preview of the SABASA presentation night.

Back in 1999, Nick Kyriazis and Michael Reu began their Thunder careers at the Distinctive Homes Dome so it's only fitting that 10 years later, we reflect on the fact they've played the last 10 years alongside Josh Gondolf, and brothers Brad and James Smith. These five players have been the mainstay of the Thunder over the past decade and tonight's presentations - following on from last Monday's post-grand final party at Vili's - are a fitting tribute to the veteran players as they look forward to Jultopia in two weeks' time, and the 2009b Second Season. The above picture was taken six years ago at the 2003b trophy presentations, with Hall of Fame forward Greg Smith also pictured (far left).

Speaking of Jultopia, we've updated the Jultopia News page for this year, so click on Jultopia News under the Headlines menu (top right).

Back onto presentations and this season's count looks harder to pick than a surgically repaired nose. Centre James Smith swept the Association Best & Fairest pool last year and is chasing his 11th Association and 20th Thunder B&F, but should find himself a few votes short after missing 2 months' action. Last season's Association runner-up B&F Terry Sleep will go close in his quest for his 4th Association and 3rd Thunder B&F, but missed a handful of games at the end of the season. Centre Michael Reu had a crackerjack breakout season but will lose votes to Sleep and Smith, forward Brad Smith, and Irish guard sensation Cal McKinnon. So what do we make of it all? For the big Association B&F award, we say it'll come out of the Thunder's Terry Sleep and James Smith, Arndale's Craig Merrett and Cain Ness, and Marion's Andrew Jack and Travis Schmidt. All have polled heavily in recent seasons but for a winner, we like the look of Schmidt and Sleep, with Ness as a surprise sleeper. For the stats-lovers, the Thunder Best & Fairest winners over the last 10 years are as follows (one asterix is Assoc B&F, two asterix is Assoc runner-up B&F):

1999a - James Smith & Paul Whitford, r/up Stephen Rudd
1999b - Bradley Smith, r/up Damian Gallacher
2000a - Bradley Smith & James Smith*, r/up Simon Hallsworth
2000b - Bradley Smith**, r/up James Smith
2001a - Paul Whitford*, r/up Simon Hallsworth**
2001b - James Smith**, r/up Kym Swanson
2002a - Kym Swanson**, r/up Andrew Zajer
2002b - James Smith**, r/up Raymond Wickstein
2003a - James Smith*, r/up Kym Swanson
2003b - Bradley Smith**, r/up Simon Hallsworth
2004a - Paul Mitchell**, r/up Simon Hallsworth
2004b - James Smith**, r/up Simon Hallsworth
2005a - Terry Sleep*, r/up Robert Moresi
2005b - Terry Sleep**, r/up Bradley Smith
2006a - Bradley Smith, r/up Nicholas Kyriazis & Paul Mitchell
2006b - Bradley Smith, r/up Terry Sleep
2007a - Ben Todd, r/up Andrew Byford
2007b - James Smith, r/up Bradley Smith
2008a - James Smith*, r/up Terry Sleep
2008b - James Smith*, r/up Terry Sleep**

Oh, we're looking forward to this cat lining up in Jultopia red sometime soon. Which cat? Marion's Travis Schmidt (#21 pictured above), who ironically last night became the 21st player to win the Association's A Grade Men Best & Fairest award since 1992, an important date in history because we don't have records before then! Of those 21 players, 13 have worn the red, blue and gold which is a pretty decent strike rate so we're saying it here and now, that you'll see him in the striking SA strip before long. If not, he joins a list of names that have claimed the Association's highest honour, but sadly didn't serve their country and Queen by taking their game to the next level ..... Jultopia.

But we digress and last night's presentation night was it's usual uber-self, with presentations to all grades. We particularly liked the David Inglis Encouragement Award going to Ingle Farm's Josh White, who is a thoroughly deserving winner. Well done Josh! As for the A Grade Men B&F count, it went just as we predicted. Marion's Travis Schmidt took the gold, closely followed by surprise sleeper Arndale's Cain Ness, and Somerton's own Terry Sleep (who claimed his third Thunder B&F to go with his three previous Association B&F awards). We hope to have the full season statistics online soon but until then, it's a big Kent "Toast" French clap to all award winners, and see you soon at Jultopia.

A GRADE MEN BEST & FAIREST WINNERS SINCE 1992
(Jultopia representatives in red)
Matthew AtkinsRobert Castanelli
Michael Curtis
Ben FaullPhillip Haines
Simon HallsworthPaul Hocking
David Jordine
Daniel McDaid
Craig MerrettAndrew Munzberg
Kingsley Novell
Craig PointonTravis Schmidt
Terry Sleep
Bradley Smith
James Smith
Kym SwansonMichael Thomas
Josip Vucetic
Paul Whitford