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AFFL Blog

  • in Managers
  • 2 min read

Luc Richard to Leave AFFL: Greg Watson to Rejoin and Take Over Team

The AFFL is facing an unexpected transition as Luc Richard, a long-standing and respected member, has announced his decision to step down from the league. Luc, who joined us in 2010 and secured championship titles in 2017 and 2022, has cited personal issues as the reason for his departure.

Luc’s decision, coming just 13 hours before the auction, has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through our community. His contributions to the league, both on and off the field, have been significant. As a two-time champion and Deputy Commissioner, Luc has been instrumental in shaping the AFFL’s identity, making his departure a major loss for us all.

Welcoming Back Greg Watson

In the midst of this transition, we are pleased to announce that Greg Watson will be returning to the AFFL to take over Luc’s team. Greg is not only a familiar face but a cornerstone of the league’s history. He was part of the AFFL from its inaugural season, winning the very first championship. Greg remained an active and competitive manager until he left after the 2019 season.

Greg’s return is a significant and welcome development. His deep understanding of the league and his past success make him an ideal candidate to step in and continue the legacy that Luc has built. We are confident that Greg will seamlessly reintegrate and bring his competitive edge back to the AFFL.

Looking Forward

With Luc’s participation in the auction, followed by Greg taking over the team, we anticipate a smooth transition. The return of a founding member and former champion like Greg Watson is not just reassuring but also exciting for everyone involved.

As we move forward, we remain committed to upholding the competitive integrity and camaraderie that define the AFFL. While Luc’s departure marks the end of an era, Greg’s return signals a new chapter filled with promise and renewed energy.

We will keep everyone updated on any further developments. For now, let’s focus on the auction and the exciting season ahead. Luc’s legacy in the AFFL will remain strong, and we wish him nothing but the best as he steps away from the league. At the same time, we eagerly welcome Greg back into the fold and look forward to seeing him in action once again.

  • in Managers
  • 2 min read

Welcome to the AFFL, Bélanger Brothers and Geoff Bourgeault!

The AFFL is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our two newest members, Christian and André Bélanger, as well as a welcome back to a familiar face, Geoff Bourgeault! As we continue to grow and strengthen our league, it’s always exciting to bring in new talent, fresh energy, and the return of experienced players.

Meet Christian Bélanger

Christian Bélanger

Christian hails from Rockland, a place we might have a few too many connections to, given his friendships with our long-time member Roger and our more recent addition, Jean, who joined the league in 2021. But don’t worry, we won’t hold that against him! Christian is a passionate Chiefs fan, and he steps in to fill the spot previously held by Trevor, who claimed the AFFL Championship in 2023. Those are big shoes to fill, but we’re confident that Christian will bring his own unique style and strategy to the league. We’re eager to see how Christian will contribute to the competitive spirit that defines the AFFL.

Meet André Bélanger

André Bélanger

André, who calls Kingston home, is a proud fan of the Titans. Interestingly, he’s taking over from Vedran, another Titans fan, keeping the tradition alive in our league. With his strategic mind and dedication to his favorite franchise, André is sure to bring a competitive edge to the AFFL. We look forward to seeing how he’ll make his mark and carry on the Titans legacy within our community.

Welcome Back, Geoff Bourgeault

Geoff Bourgeault

We are also delighted to announce the return of Geoff Bourgeault to the AFFL! Geoff left the league on excellent terms in 2021, and his presence has been missed ever since. Now, he’s back to replace Neil, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Geoff isn’t just a familiar face; he’s a proven competitor, having been crowned the AFFL Champion in 2016 and finishing as the runner-up in 2017. A dedicated Seahawks fan residing in Toronto, Geoff’s experience and passion for the game will undoubtedly enrich our league, and we’re excited to see him back in action.

  • in Auction
  • 1 min read

Auction 2024

Get ready for the highly anticipated AFFL Auction, hosted at Jean's house on 2024-08-18 at 10:00 AM! This event promises to be a fantastic blend of excitement and leisure. Jean's place boasts a fully functioning smoker and a refreshing pool, setting the perfect atmosphere for our gathering.

Location

Date and Time

Sunday, 2024-08-18 at 10:00 AM

Event Details

The weather is calling for rain all day, so we will be auctioning inside. Jean asks that you bring a folding chair if we’re inside, and a lawn chair if the weather clears up and we can be outside.

Geoff and Sully will not be able to attend the auction in person but will be connecting virtually to participate.

Jean will be smoking a pork shoulder, so we’re in for a delicious treat! Jean adds that "If you want vegetables, please eat them before you arrive at my house so as not to upset the other guests." Best not to disobey our host. We can all pitch in by bringing drinks, plates, cutlery, chips, or anything else to complement the meal.

Also, don't forget to bring your charger for your device to keep you powered throughout the auction.

After the auction, there will be a poker game as per tradition.

Looking forward to seeing you all there and making this auction an unforgettable experience!

Important Update to the AFFL Tracker

We are committed to continuously improving our league's systems to enhance your experience and maintain the highest standard of play. In line with this, we have recently implemented some important updates to the AFFL Tracker that you need to be aware of.

Key Updates

Refined Contract and Financial Formulas

We have fine-tuned the formulas that calculate contracts and financial aspects within the AFFL Tracker. These enhancements are aimed at ensuring that all financial dealings and contract statuses are accurate and transparent.

Contract Page Notification

Please pay close attention to the contracts page. Any player who appears greyed out with a strike-through their name must be dropped from your team. This visual cue has been added to make it immediately clear which players' contracts are no longer valid.

Example

Expired Contracts In this case, the contracts for Lamar Jackson, Evan Engram, Nick Chubb, and Patrick Mahomes have expired and they must be released as free agents.

These updates are now live, and we encourage you to log in to the AFFL Tracker at your earliest convenience to familiarize yourself with the new features.

I'm thinking about introducing a new column that indicates the remaining years. My aim is to shift from relative terms to specific dates to minimize confusion, although I encounter the same issue regardless of the approach. 🤷🏻

As always, we are here to support you, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification on the recent changes.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued commitment to making our league the best it can be.

  • in Recap
  • 2 min read

2023 Season Summary Now Available

As we continue to celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie within our league, we are excited to announce that the summary for the 2023 Season is now officially published and available for all members to review.

This year's summary compiles all the essential highlights, achievements, and moments that have defined the past season. It's a reflection of the hard work, strategic play, and community engagement that each one of you has contributed to making the AFFL not just a league, but a vibrant community of enthusiasts committed to excellence.

We understand that our platform of choice, Sleeper, does not automatically generate a season summary. However, we've taken it upon ourselves to ensure that none of the pivotal moments and key statistics that made the 2023 season unique are missed. Through diligent compilation, we have included all pertinent information to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the season's outcomes, player performances, and memorable matchups.

For those eager to dive into the details and relive the season's highlights, you can find the 2023 Season Review here.

Additionally, we invite you to explore the History tab on our website, where we archive the journey of the AFFL. This section serves as a testament to our growth, the challenges we've overcome, and the achievements we've collectively attained. It's a rich resource for anyone looking to understand the league's evolution and its defining moments.

The AFFL is more than just a league; it's a testament to what we can achieve when we come together in the spirit of friendly competition and shared passion for the game. As we look back on the 2023 season, let's also look forward to the opportunities and challenges that the next season will bring. Together, we will continue to refine, improve, and elevate the AFFL to new heights.

Thank you for your continued participation and dedication to making the AFFL an elite league. Here's to many more seasons of success, growth, and unforgettable memories.

  • in Managers
  • 2 min read

Welcome Sully to the AFFL

Sully

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our league, Brandon Sullivan, affectionately known as Sully! Sully joins us from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, bringing with him a deep passion for football and a wealth of experience in the world of fantasy sports.

Sully's journey to our league has been years in the making, as he has spent the last five years immersing himself in the intricacies of our particular format. His dedication and enthusiasm for the game are evident, and we are excited to welcome someone with such a strong foundation in fantasy sports to our community.

Sully's arrival comes as a result of the recent departure of David Kossatz, who made the decision to step down from his role as manager on January 2nd, 2024. While we are saddened by David's departure, we are grateful for his contributions to the league and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

As we usher in this new chapter with Sully, we invite all members of the league to extend a warm welcome to him. Let's embrace Sully's passion for football and continue to make the AFFL a place where fantasy sports thrive.

Welcome to the league, Sully! We're thrilled to have you on board.

Preventing Collusion in the League

In the epic saga of the Ares Fantasy Football League (AFFL), where strategies clash and heroes rise, maintaining the sanctity of competition is paramount. Collusion, the clandestine alliance between teams to manipulate outcomes or gain unfair advantages, poses a threat to the balance and honor of our league. In this blog post, we delve into the specific safeguards implemented within the AFFL to combat collusion and uphold fair play.

Prohibition of Player "Boomerang" Trades

Within the AFFL, a steadfast rule prohibits the trading of a player back to their original manager within one year. This measure, enshrined in our constitution, aims to thwart any attempts at collusion by preventing teams from engaging in reciprocal trades solely to manipulate player values or exploit loopholes. By imposing a cooldown period on player transactions between the same parties, the AFFL ensures that trades are conducted with integrity and fairness at their core.

Commissioner Review of Trades

Trade evaluations in the AFFL are entrusted to the league commissioner and the deputy commissioner, who also serve as team managers within the league. While not impartial, they endeavor to provide fair and unbiased assessments of trades, guided by their commitment to the league's principles and rules. In cases of uncertainty or potential conflict of interest, the commissioner may seek consultation with the deputy commissioner to ensure a thorough and impartial review process.

Inclusion of All Elements in Trades

To further bolster transparency and prevent collusion, the AFFL mandates that all elements, including players, Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB), and auction budget, must be included in trade transactions. Additionally, trades for future considerations are strictly prohibited, ensuring that all trades are conducted with immediate and tangible implications for participating teams.

Enforcement of Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability serve as pillars of the AFFL's governance structure, enabling swift and thorough responses to suspected instances of collusion. Clear and comprehensive league rules, coupled with effective communication channels, empower members to understand their rights and obligations within the league. Any suspected collusion is promptly reported to the Commissioner, triggering a thorough investigation guided by the principles of fairness and impartiality.

Emphasis on Fair Play and Sportsmanship

Above all, the AFFL champions the values of fair play and sportsmanship as the cornerstone of our league ethos. Through educational initiatives, codes of conduct, and ongoing dialogue, we instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship among members, fostering a culture where collusion is vehemently condemned and fair play is celebrated. Our collective commitment to honor and integrity ensures that the AFFL remains a bastion of competitive yet honorable fantasy football.

Safeguarding the AFFL's Legacy

In conclusion, the Ares Fantasy Football League remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving the integrity of the game. Through specific safeguards such as the prohibition of player "boomerang" trades, meticulous commissioner review of trades, and the inclusion of all elements in trades, the AFFL upholds the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship. Together, let us continue to write the epic tale of the AFFL, where heroes compete with honor, and the spirit of competition burns brightly in the pantheon of fantasy football.

  • in Managers
  • 1 min read

Managerial Changes in the AFFL

We are writing to inform you of some significant changes within our league. It is with regret that we announce the departure of four esteemed members, which unfortunately occurred amidst discord within our league. Vedran Radojevic (2K), David Kossatz (Fields of Dreams), Trevor Oliviera (Gibb Me a Break), and Neil Norton (Urine Trouble) have decided to step down from their roles as managers under strained circumstances.

While this departure has brought about a sense of upheaval, we want to acknowledge the contributions these individuals have made to the AFFL. Each of them has brought unique skills and strategies, enriching our league experience. Despite the recent discord, we recognize and appreciate their past dedication and sportsmanship.

As we bid farewell to Neil, Ved, Dave, and Trevor, we extend our best wishes for their future endeavors. We hope that they find success in their future pursuits, both within fantasy football and beyond.

Moving forward, we are committed to restoring harmony within the league and ensuring that the AFFL remains a vibrant and engaging community for all members. We will be working diligently to support our existing managers and to foster a positive environment for all.

If you have any questions or concerns about these changes or the league's direction, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly. Your feedback is crucial as we navigate through this period of transition.

Thank you for your attention, and let's work together to maintain the integrity and spirit of the AFFL.