On paper the Mid City Magic is well-placed to contend for a fourth consecutive Dunedin men’s club title.
The side looks every bit as strong as in recent years as it opens its season against last year’s runner-up, St Kilda Saints, at the Edgar Centre today.
It doubles as a return of community sport in Otago.
The Magic has lost last year’s league MVP Darcy Knox and big man Nathan Hanna to the club’s other A-grade side, the Lions.
However, in exchange it has picked up classy young duo Tai Porima-Flavell and Joe Ahie, as well returning guard Richie Rodger.
It is led by arguably the league’s best player in Josh Aitcheson and also boasts key big man Aaron Roydhouse.
The club’s second side, the Lions, will look to Knox and Hanna as key players, while Benoit Hayman is also listed, although his availability is unclear.
They have handy pieces around them and, after a debut playoff appearance last year, the Lions should be strong once more.
The Saints, who were pipped by a point in last year’s final, return with a typically classy roster.
They have threats all over and will provide tough competition.
Guard James Ross will be influential as always, while young centre Jack Andrew and swingman Liam Aston, who has been in the United Kingdom, join a team that has all its notable players returning.
The City Rise Bombers are similarly strong and have a top duo in Olly Smith and Matt Bardsley.
They were key in the side’s run to the final two years ago, although it has also picked up several other key players.
Josh O’Connell brings quality and experience, while Tom Davison and Tom Cowie are handy additions in the guard spots.
The Andy Bay Falcons and Varsity both have new looks to them.
The Falcons have lost both Matt Stevenson and Matt Brien, as well as Davison.
Hamish Robertson returns to be a key player, while guards Logan Dicker and Emerson Watson add strong scoring threats to the backcourt.
For Varsity, Micah Lepaio and Isaac Smiler return to provide a very good duo, although how well the rest of the team fits could determine how far they go.
The season tips off at 12.30pm as the Falcons play Varsity.
