Split 1 for this year of the ANZPL is ready to go and starts next week! So it's time to learn about the changes for this year and introduce your new teams!
Whats New?
Single Round Robin
The League has moved to a single round robin this split, meaning the group stage now has much higher stakes again. No longer will teams get a second chance when they battle, they will have to make every game worthwhile if they want a chance to make LAN!
Playoffs
A major change this split is the introduction of a five team playoffs system, as opposed to the four we had previously. The team who ends the group stage in 1st place will instantly qualify for LAN, and everyone else will battle it out for a spot at LAN and a good placing! Three teams will qualify for LAN, with the semi-finals played up first before the grand finals. The higher the teams place, the more advantages they receive.
Fortress Sydney LAN
The LAN finals will be held at Fortress Sydney for Split 1 of 2023, located a short walk away from Central Station in Sydney at Central Park Mall! With upgrades to the stage, screen, and mezzanine level seating, you won't want to miss this! The LAN finals will be on May 27th, so save the date - ticket sales and information will be out soon on the Front Page, so stay tuned!
Map Change
The players have spoken, and decided that it's a good time to return to Ruinberg for 2023, as we bid adieu to Siegfried Line. Last seen back in Season 2, expect to see some fast paced action as teams take important pockets to get the advantage in the decisive brawls.
New and Returning faces
This split, we see a new face with the Wellington Wolverines being formed by Sir_Robin and Toddy339. They are both two long term players, now taking on the big leagues, bolstered by veteran players in Saxon and AVP, alongside some new names in Mud_Garde, Soltarian, and Flaming, all who have predominantly featured within ANZBL. We wish them the best of luck this Split!
We also see the return of the Melbourne Matildas, but with a rejuvinated roster. Lead by Bolagnaise and Whippet, they are joined by some noticable ANZPL names like Joeattora and RavioliAldente. The Matildas are also grabbing some BL talent, with newcomers in Magic Shells, BadBoiBubbles, and Spencer2018 all having their first taste of the Premier League this Split!
Other changes include a trade of Rowendy to Adelaide Action X, and Speed to the North Sydney Sentinels. To round out Action X's roster, they've picked up returning PL players in Ravvi and Lightningman. Sentinels finished off their roster with Saffe, who has a wealth of experience to bring to the table to help them secure another championship title.
The Perth Panthers picked up KritaKil to finish their roster, a strong addition and potentially the firepower and piece that the Panthers need to push for a LAN appearance.
The Skorpions saw no change to their roster, keeping in tradition of the longest standing and most stable roster in the ANZPL. Other teams will be hard pressed to match this solid team as they look to finally beat out the Sentinels and other challengers this year at LAN, and finally grab their first championship!
.png)
