IFL 2014 Preseason Power Rankings
by Jack Smith
October 19, 2014
Hello there, all you dueling fans! Your old pal, Jack Smith, figured he'd join in the fun this year (in my own humble way), and write the Power Rankings that I last did waaaay back in TDL 525. I was just as excited as everyone else when IFL returned last year, and now the new season is suddenly upon us! Since Badside decided not to go for another championship, which of these eight teams will step forward and claim the prize? We shall see! On with the Rankings!
1) TOP FLIGHT (0-0) As controversial as the signing of Vanion was, it may have been the final piece to a championship puzzle. Look at these fighter's records from last year: Harris, 4-0, MVP runner up, Dean, 3-0, Bane, 4-1, Vanion, 5-1. Adding Vanion's Mercanarii teammate Jin wasn't too shabby either. This team could be as scary good as Badside was last year. Honestly, this has got to be the hands down favorite to win the championship in 2014.
2) TEAM FIST (0-0) Although this team lost two former Diamonds, Tarl and Sartan, they added two others in the form of Gren and Apple. Retaining two of their top fighters from last year, Darik and Kheldar, along with Matt and Koyliak returning of course, means this team has enough talent to make it to the championship again. The only question is, will it be enough? Top Flight and Asian Invasion should give them stiff competition, and there won't be much room for failure.
3) ASIAN INVASION (0-0) How can you lose the Diamond and still be considered the most improved team this year? Just ask Asian Invasion, who added three of the five Opal holders. Charlie, Jenny, and Melanie join the team to make AZN a contender for the championship. Hold on, Melanie's a Mandalorian, not Asian! That's like if Xanth was on Champions of Mythos! Oh, wait. Anyway, this team is now stacked enough that they should give everyone else in the league a run for their money.
4) HYDRA (0-0) We may not have gotten a Hydra 2014 competition, but we will see a Hydra team in IFL this year. The bad guys from Great of Strength, Anubis and Xanth, have joined to round out the roster. With Sylus and Kalamere, they should have a decent enough lineup to compete every week. Former Badside Brawler (that's from 2006-7, not 2013) Random returns, and Red ur'Thorne competes in her first season. I don't see them winning the championship, but if they stay steady, they should make the playoffs, and maybe play the role of spoiler.
5) TEAM DIRTY (0-0) The core of Claire's team returns (Zack and Khoom), but she has upgraded her roster with the current Diamond, Hope, and Sapphires Shadow and Rick Spade. Hope brought her mentee, Sandy along with her. Dirty came within a duel of making the playoffs last year, and I like the offseason moves she made to make a play for 2014. I definitely think they're playoff material, but it will depend on the depth of their roster on how far into the playoffs they can go. If Rick and Shadow can turn in solid performances, watch out.
6) ROYAL PAIN (0-0) With a name like Royal Pain, I guess that's why they've got a doctor on the team like Eva Luna. They'll probably need one before the season is over. Ha! I'm sorry, that sounded too much like Colin Talvitie. I'll think happy thoughts. Honestly, with the addition of Dizzy and Rena, they should be able to put up a fight. Jewell isn't half bad, ranked Jade and with IFL experience under her belt. PJ returns! She fought waaay back in 2007 with Shots of Decadence. Well, they get points in my book just for being easy on the eyes.
7) ROCK HARDS (0-0) Kruger, that glutton for punishment, returns with his team again this year. They lost Onyx, Jonas, and Tex, but gained a solid fighter in last year's runner up for Rookie of the Year, Blondie. Adding newcomer and Ruby Grace Frigg shouldn't hurt, while Juliane logged some fights for Team Dirty last season. They have some decent talent on this team now. It's just up to Kruger as Captain to make sure he uses them properly. Could this be the year the Rock Hards make the playoffs?
8) DISCOMBOBULATORS (0-0) The final new team is headed by the cat . . . . octopus . . . thing, Bob. Luckily for them, Cassius is on their team, which should give them a go-to guy for the Iron Fist match. Erin Dunbridge returns, and if she can get back into shape, she should give them another solid fighter. They do have some rookie talent, such as Maverick and Salvador, so it's not that bleak of a picture. It will all depend on whether their newer fighters can step up and make a contribution.
OVERALL: This should be another exciting season! Will Harris and Top Flight get their championship? Or will one of the other improved teams like Asian Invasion or Team Dirty claim it all? You'll have to watch yourself and find out! Come to the duels and root for your favorite team! I'll be here every week (hopefully) to give you my Power Rankings! So enjoy IFL 2014!
Later.
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