The Banter Flag has survived its debut and is back with writers Mark Gojszyk, Sean Ellicott and Jordan Lim on hand to discuss – in very loose terms – the late drama that unfolded in the NPL this weekend. It’s banter you know?
Mark Gojszyk (MG): Guys, did we totally jinx the Victory Women with our banter last week?
Jordan Lim (JL): Think we may have. But I’ve have a theory. They’ve never lost to Newcastle, decide to poach their captain and vice-captain, and then lose? I smell conspiracy, it’s clear they’ve sent them over as infiltrators to work from within?
NOTE: … awkward silence as Sean isn’t replying, probably too busy being an intern at the FFV, as we established last week.
Sean Elicott (SE): “Oh sorry, didn’t notice you guys had opened a conversation, I was too busy being important” (is probably what he was thinking).
Hmm, we’ll have to keep Gema Simon and Hannah Brewer on high alert. Or maybe we just put a hex on the team, for real. It’s like we control the universe. That’s right folks, we have the answers to everything.
NOTE (again): It seems the authority that comes with the internship has left Sean power hungry.
MG: But we still don’t have the answer to when David Villa is coming to Melbourne?
SE: Does anyone actually have an idea?
MG: Apparently still training in the USA based on his Instagram. Probably more beneficial training alone there than with the City squad in La Trobe:
JL: Shots fired! Anyway guys, I wanted to talk about close finishes today.
MG: You mean the the exciting finish to the ol’ Sony Computer Entertainment Australia Pty Ptd Playstation 4 FIFA 15 National Premier Leagues Victoria, where Port Melbourne scored a 95th minute equaliser against Werribee to leapfrog them over Ballarat and into safety??
SE: Laugh all you want at the sponsor. At least they have one, unlike us. Ahem.
JL: Yes, exactly what I meant Mark. Such late drama. Self confessed Ballarat fan, here. Shattered.
MG: Anything associated with the term ‘Red Devils’ has had a bad time recently. Port Melbourne and Werribee avoid the drop by the skin of their teeth. I wonder how Ragusa would feel?
*Proceeds to shamelessly promote a novelty feature article he wrote about Werribee coach Nino Ragusa that he’s really fond of, which you can read HERE*
SE: I had the pleasure of interviewing Jimmy Robinson after the final whistle. Thought about asking if he needed anyone to pop up with a 93rd minute header. Probably a good idea that I didn’t.
JL: Did you ask him about the time he scored THAT goal against Adel… oh right never mind.
MG: Speaking of late winners, how important was Berisha’s 85th minute strike to secure Victory’s sixth goal against Tuggeranong?
SE: Absolute clutch. Nothing compares to my 96th minute winner for Mazenod United in season one, though. Still living off those glory days way back in 2012. It was a header too. I’m practically Jimmy Robinson! #Statefiveculthero
NOTE (again): More self congratulation from our most humble contributor
MG: Speaking of famous Victory players turned struggling local managers, wasn’t Grant Brebner once at Mazenod?
SE: Indeed. Had the pleasure of lining up alongside him
MG: What a guy. Give that man Scottish independence. Oh.
NOTE: After uncharacteristic silence, Jordan rejoins the conversation.
JL: More shots fired!
MG: Are you back from mourning about Ballarat’s relegation?
SE: Loves a trip to the highlands
MG: Speaking of high, did you see Bentleigh’s FFA Cup tweets?
FT: 2-1! WE’RE INTO THE LAST 8!! Can we play here every round?!?!?#SydneyIsGreen #SOvBG #FFACup
— Bentleigh Greens SC (@BentleighGreens) September 16, 2014
MG: Don’t you guys reckon #SydneyIsGreen sounds like a campaign to legalise marijuana?
SE: Sounds like Jordan could do with some of that to ease the pain of Ballarat’s relegation.
MG: Boom! By the way Jordan, has our design guy (PLUUUUUG) created a graphic for this segment yet?
JL: Don’t think so, why??
MG: Whipped something up quickly.
MG: Well, what do you guys think??
SE: Errrrr
JL: Ummm….
MG: Hello? Guys?? I’ll pack my bags. #poorbanter