As a rookie, I'm still working out who's who around the place so don't have the same understanding or appreciation of the history in this place. But I'm keen to learn. So I thought I'd go straight to the top (well close) of the tree - to our SFA Captains.
So to kick this series off, yesterday I sheepishly wandered into the BJO to chat with Roys FFC Veteran and Captain - fitzroybowiedog
M411: G’day mate
FBD: Evening and welcome Matty411, Welcome to the BJO, the home of the Chudshake, and more importantly the home of the mighty Roys!
M411: Thanks for having me. First question: How long have you been playing SFA and why do you play the game?
FBD: Season 25 is my 9th season, i debuted on warm spring day in Season 16, after stumbling across the Roys FFC in a little nook out of the way in the BigFooty world. I'd been a long time lurker, and after some hushed conversations with Mobbs and Broken, i couldn't refuse the rookie contract.
As to why i play the game? Who wouldn't play the greatest game alive? The characters within the Sweet FA are some on the most interesting i've ever come across, and for the most part, the people involved are some of the warmest, quirkiest weirdos i've ever had the pleasure of chatting to.
I enjoy coming to the place, once i stepped through the door and started floating in a most peculiar way, there was no turning back.
M411: Bloody heartwarming that is. What’s the best day you’ve had on the Qooty field?
FBD: Every day i run out for the Roys is a great day. My debut was one to remember, the wind in my hair and the cheers from the stands. Fred's 400th was also a great moment. I've probably had more days of heartbreak than days to celebrate though.
M411: Who's your favourite non-Roys poster?
FBD: That's a tough one, i am an admirer of so many wonderful posters here, we could be here all day. I would begin listing, but i'd be afraid that i'd leave someone out. If you want the list i can fax it to you.
M411: I'd appreciate that. You can send it to 1998. Now, If you could poach any poster to join your ranks for S26, who would it be and why?
FBD: See above. It the conclusion of every season, i send out a slew of invitations to the Roys to players i admire, most say no, but occasionally im able to lure someone across. As for Season 26, i'll look at our needs, probably ignore them, and send out more invitations.
There are players that i really want to play with, but they know i wont leave the Roys, and they wont leave their club, it'll all happen one day, but not anytime soon.
M411: How would you describe the culture of the Roys and how have you helped foster that as captain?
FBD: One of the biggest focuses is enjoyment, for yourself and for others. So whenever we have new arrivals i tell them, there is no pressure, post what you want, when you want. When you're here posting because of enjoyment, the posting is generally top notch. We also aim to be as inclusive as possible. We try and draw people into the banter and the threads. Rather than pick fights. The Roys aren't actively antagonistic, but we can push back if need be.
I've made mistakes as captain, but i always do my best to take responsibility. I need to set the example. And i try and do that week in week out.
M411: Wise words. Now, if you had to pronounce your bromance or romance for a fellow Roy, who would it be?
FBD: I have a few special relationships at the Roys - Azarole and myself revel in the tension between us. I'm oft in awe of @3KZ and his run and gun, but if i had to pick one, everyone is well aware that i am a massive Mobbs fanboy.
M411: What's the difference between fitzroybowiedog the poster and fitzroybowiedog the Qooty player?
FBD: Not much really, the player tackles, the poster hugs.
M411: What’s the most defining event in the history of the SFA from your point of view?
FBD: Wow that's a big one really, The creation of the game is a big one..... We've had big trades and player movements that have created massive teams, melts and storm outs galore, but probably expansion - the Return of the Rats and the inclusion of the Warriors and Royals. Some of the best in business have pulled on these teams colors and we are all the better for it.
M411: For rookies like me, what’s one piece of advice you would pass on that is different to the common, tokenistic words that’re often thrown around?
FBD: Two pieces of advice to live by.....
- I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.
- I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human. I felt very puny as a human. I thought, '**** that. I want to be a superhuman.
M411: Nice. I love it. Back to you, what is your personal SFA Career Highlight?
FBD: Captaining the Roys, we haven't had much success, but we will, one day. And the simple fact i get to pull on the Maroon and Gorilla not just as a player, but as a leader is really humbling. I just hope i can do the best i can for the club, and the league.
M411: Thanks for the chat mate and all the best to the Royboys for S25.
FBD: See you on the park Matty411.
So to kick this series off, yesterday I sheepishly wandered into the BJO to chat with Roys FFC Veteran and Captain - fitzroybowiedog
M411: G’day mate
FBD: Evening and welcome Matty411, Welcome to the BJO, the home of the Chudshake, and more importantly the home of the mighty Roys!
M411: Thanks for having me. First question: How long have you been playing SFA and why do you play the game?
FBD: Season 25 is my 9th season, i debuted on warm spring day in Season 16, after stumbling across the Roys FFC in a little nook out of the way in the BigFooty world. I'd been a long time lurker, and after some hushed conversations with Mobbs and Broken, i couldn't refuse the rookie contract.
As to why i play the game? Who wouldn't play the greatest game alive? The characters within the Sweet FA are some on the most interesting i've ever come across, and for the most part, the people involved are some of the warmest, quirkiest weirdos i've ever had the pleasure of chatting to.
I enjoy coming to the place, once i stepped through the door and started floating in a most peculiar way, there was no turning back.
M411: Bloody heartwarming that is. What’s the best day you’ve had on the Qooty field?
FBD: Every day i run out for the Roys is a great day. My debut was one to remember, the wind in my hair and the cheers from the stands. Fred's 400th was also a great moment. I've probably had more days of heartbreak than days to celebrate though.
M411: Who's your favourite non-Roys poster?
FBD: That's a tough one, i am an admirer of so many wonderful posters here, we could be here all day. I would begin listing, but i'd be afraid that i'd leave someone out. If you want the list i can fax it to you.
M411: I'd appreciate that. You can send it to 1998. Now, If you could poach any poster to join your ranks for S26, who would it be and why?
FBD: See above. It the conclusion of every season, i send out a slew of invitations to the Roys to players i admire, most say no, but occasionally im able to lure someone across. As for Season 26, i'll look at our needs, probably ignore them, and send out more invitations.
There are players that i really want to play with, but they know i wont leave the Roys, and they wont leave their club, it'll all happen one day, but not anytime soon.
M411: How would you describe the culture of the Roys and how have you helped foster that as captain?
FBD: One of the biggest focuses is enjoyment, for yourself and for others. So whenever we have new arrivals i tell them, there is no pressure, post what you want, when you want. When you're here posting because of enjoyment, the posting is generally top notch. We also aim to be as inclusive as possible. We try and draw people into the banter and the threads. Rather than pick fights. The Roys aren't actively antagonistic, but we can push back if need be.
I've made mistakes as captain, but i always do my best to take responsibility. I need to set the example. And i try and do that week in week out.
M411: Wise words. Now, if you had to pronounce your bromance or romance for a fellow Roy, who would it be?
FBD: I have a few special relationships at the Roys - Azarole and myself revel in the tension between us. I'm oft in awe of @3KZ and his run and gun, but if i had to pick one, everyone is well aware that i am a massive Mobbs fanboy.
M411: What's the difference between fitzroybowiedog the poster and fitzroybowiedog the Qooty player?
FBD: Not much really, the player tackles, the poster hugs.
M411: What’s the most defining event in the history of the SFA from your point of view?
FBD: Wow that's a big one really, The creation of the game is a big one..... We've had big trades and player movements that have created massive teams, melts and storm outs galore, but probably expansion - the Return of the Rats and the inclusion of the Warriors and Royals. Some of the best in business have pulled on these teams colors and we are all the better for it.
M411: For rookies like me, what’s one piece of advice you would pass on that is different to the common, tokenistic words that’re often thrown around?
FBD: Two pieces of advice to live by.....
- I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.
- I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human. I felt very puny as a human. I thought, '**** that. I want to be a superhuman.
M411: Nice. I love it. Back to you, what is your personal SFA Career Highlight?
FBD: Captaining the Roys, we haven't had much success, but we will, one day. And the simple fact i get to pull on the Maroon and Gorilla not just as a player, but as a leader is really humbling. I just hope i can do the best i can for the club, and the league.
M411: Thanks for the chat mate and all the best to the Royboys for S25.
FBD: See you on the park Matty411.
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