Bayside Suburbanball League
Interview With Brad Green

AF: We are here today with Blue Flames veteran Brad Green. Brad was an original member of the inaugural Blue Flames team and played in the first ever game of Suburbanball. Brad can you tell us how special it is to know you were there at the beginning?

BG: Well for starters the organization has changed dramatically since that hot day in December. Just being able to say I was an original player is a very proud thing. When the players of the Suburbanball generation come up to me and ask "how long have you been playing for?" I tell them "well son/girly I was an original member" I get a great response in return such as "wow your from back in the Danball era".

AF: It has been well publicized that after Lightning Cup II you took a large break from Suburbanball, what was the reason for this break and why have you return now?

BG: The reason I left was because I was thinking the game was getting a bit stale and needed reconstruction of the organization. I remember at the time Hells Bells were declining and we had a hybrid of teams for that match with Jason Burge joining…since I left there was always something inside of me that made me want to rejoin. During September the urge to join rose as I realized how many new players had signed up. The night of nights confirmed my return to the great game, it made me realize how huge it has all become and all the people involved…I wanted to become a part of the action again and give my abilities and presence back into the game.

AF: The Blue Flames have qualified for the Grand Final, what preparations are you making for arguably the biggest match of your career?

BG: Hmmm….I don't know what kind of preparations you are talking about but I like to keep my agility high and also I work out at the gym once a week so add a bit of toughness into my body for the defence job.

AF: You have been used in a defensive and centre role for the Blue Flames. Your defence has been solid and your ability to score goals when it counts is amazing. Are you happy with the role you are playing within the team?

BG: Yeah I love the role of defence, if I can recall correctly in the last two games I played I only conceded two goals in total. I love to give the ball a bit of a clearing belt up from the defence to the forwards. Occasionally when there is a slow patch in the scoring and the ball seems to be stuck in the centre region I like to go up and clear the ball, put on pressure to the opposition defence and score a couple of goals.

AF: Your absence from the most part of the regular season is probably what cost you a sport in the Bayside Representative team, is it a realistic goal you will be working towards next season?

BG: Ah yeah no doubt about it would be an honor to be in the Bayside Representative team. Next year I will just keep doing what I do this year but ill be there for more matches and hopefully a 2003 Grand Final appearance as well.

AF: Who are the best players you have played with or against?

BG: Well, I don't know who to begin with, there are so many players with great ability and for all different reasons. The player I have to respect the most would be Ben Cook or Jason Berge. Ben Cook knows exactly the task at hand and his presence alone can dramatically change the outcome of a game. Jason Berge is a player that you love to have on your team; you can always rely on his to put in a lot of effort in the centre and proves to be a good goal scorer. He is built up well and is not afraid to get in deep water and throw his body on the line, a shame he is leaving next season…the team will have a gap needed to fill by the utility players and him and his new team will have a very powerful line up and a force to reckon with. Other great players are Evan Stainsby he is quick and has good ball handling skills, Michael Poulakakis has great strength and has taken a fair share of knocks to the head, Matt Partos, Patrick McNielly and you have shown great ability.

AF: You have not yet signed with the Blue Flames for season 2002/03, are you planning to anytime soon or are you just assessing your options?

BG: hehehe, yeah no doubt I am. I am loyal to this team and plan to stay with this team for the long run.

AF: The Bayside Suburbanball League has some wonderful stadiums and surfaces, which is your favorite to play on?

BG: The fire place without a doubt, great quiet area, no traffic, superb surface unbeatable.

AF: Suburbanball is a game in development is there any key areas you believe need to be looked at before next season?

BG: hmm….definatly something that needs updating, the rule when serving. The receiving team is allowed to let the ball go as many times as they want, in order to keep a fast game moving we should change it to a limit of 3 times letting it past.

AF: Well Brad thanks for your time and best of luck on the 1st of December when you quest to win your second championship with the Blue Flames.