Scroll down in this thread for the AFL 2005 "Home Post"
Also, this league is open to any Avian. Don't be shy if youre a fantasy football newbie, we are always willing to help out a fellow Avian.
----------------------------------
Its that time of year again, the smell of freshly cut grass and even fresher contracts fill the air. The OTAs are over and the training camps open in a week, its time for some football!
Last year the Avian Football League (AFL) had a great turnout, with 16 teams all going for the big prize and I think everyone had a good time, I know I did
I just want to express some opinions and get some discussion going, or at least get the rivalries rekindled. Last year I felt I dictated (as the Commish) what was going to happen without getting feedback or opinions from yall. I just want to make sure we start the season off right and make everyone happy. So here goes the
ramble (you know you love it)
I think we are all agreed that it is too early to actually start the league. The last 2 years (I don't know about the 2002 season, I didn't care about FF, imagine that) we've created the league on Yahoo! Sports in early-to-mid August with the draft in late August or very early September. I think this works best, as people are less likely to join and then forget about their team the rest of the 4 month long season, although there are always 1 or 2 teams (people) that drop off the face of the earth during the course of the season.
One thing I liked last season was the league size. 16 teams is great imo. It gives just enough of a gamble to who you choose to play without it being too easy. I feel like I actually have to think about who I'm going to play in my 3rd WR slot and stuff like that. I think we should shoot for 16 teams this season, but we cant really control that, the people who play are the people who play, also the more the merrier.
Now about the Commish. It is my understanding that part of the tradition is that every year there is a new Commish. I would like to see this tradition to continue so I will not elect myself to the spot. However, I feel I did a great job last year and would be honored if yall wanted me to do it again, but I would much rather pass the "fun" of being Commish to someone else since I know I will have fun this season weither I have the position or not. Yalls call really.
Rule changes. I know last year the hot topic at the end of the season (and rightly so) was the 3 week long playoffs and a Week 17 Superbowl. This year we must push the Superbowl back a week to #16. This will allow for 8 teams to make the playoffs and the last 2 teams to play the week before all the stars sit the bench. This is a given. What other changes would yall like to see?
I have checked out Yahoo! this year and they have made some great additions to the free leagues. One major addition that will help out the AFL is a Trading Block screen, where you can put players you own up for trade (negotiations really) and see what other teams have to offer. You can also put your needs, as far as the need for more carries or receptions, alot of depth. I am really excited about this addition, it will help get the trade channels flowing, I think we only had 1 or 2 trades last year. There are also things like a little notepad where you can make personal notes and in depth projected stats for every player. The graphics have been overhauled and look much more modern and smooth, not a big deal but more pleasant to look at.
Just as a refresher
here is the link for the 2004 season thread. There are alot of memories I had just reading through and if you are feeling less than enthusiastic about the upcoming season just take a read and relive the rivalries. I know I am marking the sunday Talon and I play with a big red marker, the Section Six Showdown!
Ok I'm done with my ramble, lets get a discussion going or at least make a reply if you are going to play this year. If you are feeling really really advantageous post what a good draft time would be, but that's really above and beyond
Oh yeah, the
Criticals will be back to defend their title
