ELEVEN SLEEPS TO STATE!

This week we start our Team Analysis series, brought to you by the James Hosford and the state teams. Read carefully, because you'll need all the relevant info for an exciting surprise coming in just a few days.

We start off with the NSW Blue Tongues A!Mighty New South Wales! A state unquestionably at the heart of the Australian quidditch. And yet, without a state championship title. Can that change this time?There is a continuity to the Blue Tongues’ squad between 2017 and 2018 which should serve it well. Athletic chaser superstars like Newton, Frison, Hague, Chittenden and Connell return, as do beaters like Derrick, Astalosh and Rennie who have helped with the state’s traditional bludging strength. Legends of the game like Andrew Culf and Dameon Osborn were not in Brisbane last year but were in Italy as Dropbears in 2018 alongside many of their team-mates and, crucially, key opponents. They all come together in 2018.Though, if it is so much of the same old team, why will the result be different this time? That is the big question many in the State are asking, raising questions of selection decisions and how these undoubtedly talented individuals can truly gel as a team. They are questions that plagued the unsuccessful 2016 and 2017 campaigns equally.There is great new talent however. The game moves so fast: it is amazing to realise that this will be the NSW debut of established domestic club stars like Harrison Jones, Alex Cunningham, Max Brenner, Jono O’Brien and Geoffrey Talbott.Names like that have not replaced the best of last year, they have further supplemented what now looks like the deepest talent pool in the competition. Will that depth be the key to victory?#SeeYouAtState#NSWBlueTongues#UpTheBlues#stateshield2018#JoinTheFire#TeamAnalysisSeries#SurprisesSurprises#WeAreCookingSomethingUp

All opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual writer and contributors and are not endorsed by Quidditch Australia.

State and QUAFL Tournament Committee Announcement

Quidditch Australia is pleased to announce the tournament directors for the 2018 season.

 

The Tournament Director for the 2018 State Shield will be Eleonora Leopardi, from Newcastle.

The Tournament Director for the 2018 Australian National Quidditch Championships (aka QUAFL) will be Alistair Yap, from the Sunshine Coast.

 

Congratulations to these two individuals. We know they will bring excellent experience, knowledge, and dedication to their roles and ensure both events are amazing experiences for all who attend.

Quidditch Australia is grateful for the wealth of knowledge and dedication to the sport within our community that encourages people to volunteer their time for the betterment of everyone.

State Shield Organising CommitteeAssistant TD - Regina AtkinsonLogistics Director - James HosfordMerchandise Coordinator - Cameron Jones

QUAFL Organising CommitteeAssistant TD - Jamie TurbetLogistics Director - Eleonora LeopardiMedia Coordinator - Regina Atkinson Merchandise Coordinator - Cameron Jones Volunteer Coordinator - Elle Crumpton

Newcastle to host State Shield 2018

By Cameron Caccamo, QA Media DirectorQuidditch Australia has today announced that the 2018 State Shield will be played in Newcastle over the weekend of October 13th and 14th. The games will take place at Wanderer’s Oval inside Magic Park, the home ground of Broadmeadow Magic Football Club. Newcastle Quidditch Club has successfully hosted the annual Midwinter Cup tournament for several years, most recently just this past weekend. With plenty of tournament management experience and a fantastic location, 2018's State Shield will be an event to remember. The State Shield is Quidditch Australia’s premiere tournament. Each year, the best players around the country gather to play for their state and for glory. Last year, the Victorian Leadbeaters emerged victorious in Brisbane, seeing off the NSW Bluetongues and the Queensland Thunderbirds. More details about the event, including which teams will feature this year, are to be announced shortly. The President of the Newcastle Quidditch Club, Eleonora Leopardi, is excited to see such high-level Quidditch come to Newcastle, saying that this tournament “will showcase the best of Quidditch to the students at the University and the local community.” 

“We are confident that with the assistance of Quidditch Australia, as well as the effective collaboration with Magic FC and the University of Newcastle, we will be able to provide a great tournament experience for teams and spectators”- Eleonora Leopardi, Newcastle Quidditch Club President

Leopardi also highlighted that the entire weekend will be a spectacle, as the Club will “focus on ensuring that everyone travelling to Newcastle for State Shield has a pleasant stay, before, during, and after the competition.” Quidditch Australia’s Events Director, Merryn Christian, was very happy to have secured an excellent location for this year’s State Shield Tournament; saying “Newcastle offers a chance to engage the local community with our sport and show off the highest level of competition we have to offer.” “After a successful inaugural year in Queensland, we are excited for what 2018 will bring as we continue to expand our sport across the country.”  Quidditch Australia will be making a call out for volunteers to assist in the running of the event over the next week. Keep an eye on the Quidditch Australia Facebook page and this website for more information on the event.