Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

ISML 2013: Stella on showcase as League Finals roll on

ISML 2013: Stella on showcase as League Finals roll on

By JR Salazar
September 25, 2013

Match Day 6 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason concluded, and the Stella Division showed its class with three of its participants progressing to the quarterfinals.

Mikoto Misaka won every region except for Africa and Korea to defeat Nanami Aoyama, 5402-4357. Big victories in Canada, the USA, Japan, Korea, China, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand gave Ayase Aragaki a 5614-4643 decision over Rikka Takanashi. And defending ISML champion Kanade Tachibana wasn't going to give up her crown that easily, sweeping every region en route to an easy 6013-3693 rout of Inori Yuzuriha.

The one exception to all that was Kuroyukihime. Despite being eliminated by Fate Testarossa in 2channel, she was on her way in her match with Taiga Aisaka, rolling to a 5854-4423 victory. Hime won every region except Eastern Europe, Latin America, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.

Six other group exhibitions took place. Rita Ainsworth, on the Sakurasou ticket, rolled past Mao Amatsuka 4362-2974. Chihaya Ayase was third with 1594 votes. Yukino Yukinoshita hammered Iwai Mushanokouji 5533-2057, with Tsukumo earning just 1230 votes. Yukino's older sister Haruno was equally dominant in her 4979-2095 annihilation of Kozue Takanashi. Kaoru Hasebe was third with 1339 votes.

Wrapping up action in Match Day 6, Maou rolled past Sasami Tsukuyomi in her group, 4872-2231. Ruki was third with 1057 votes. Mizuho Kazami took down Haruko Haruhara in a matchup of old school legends, 3239-1718. Nono was third with 1390 votes. Finally, it was no contest for Kurumi Tokisaki, who leveled her competitors with 7214 votes. Hikage Miyakawa was second with 1152 votes and Yui Ichii had 1148 votes.

Match Day 7 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason is scheduled for September 26, 2013. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Odds, Day 6

09/26: Round 2, Groups D, E & F - Day 2

D2
Hanayo Koizumi @ Love Live!: <<小泉花陽＠ラブライブ!>> 20-1
Asia Argento @ High School DxD: <<アーシア・アルジェント＠ハイスクールD×D>> 60-1
Ryuuka Shimizudani @ Saki: <<清水谷竜華＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> 2-1
Komari Kamikita @ Little Busters!: <<神北小毬＠リトルバスターズ!>> 5-1
Prediction: Ryuuka Shimizudani by <=50
Over/Under: 800
Under

E2
Kana Ikeda @ Saki: <<池田華菜＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> 15-1
Sakurako Oomuro @ Yuru Yuri: <<大室櫻子＠ゆるゆり♪♪>> 10-1
Sanae Dekomori @ Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai!: <<凸守早苗＠中二病でも恋がしたい!>> EVEN
Prediction: Sanae Dekomori by >=50
Over/Under: 800
Under

F2
Sawa Okita @ Tari Tari: <<沖田紗羽＠TARI TARI>> EVEN
Mikan Yuuki @ To Love Ru: <<結城美柑＠To LOVEる -とらぶる- ダークネス>> 20-1
Tsubasa Hanekawa @ Ghostory: <<羽川翼＠猫物語（黒）>> 15-1
Prediction: Sawa Okita by >=50
Over/Under: 800
Under

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Results, Day 5

D2-1
1位　274票　宮永咲＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
2位　256票　柏崎星奈＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT
3位　51票　南ことり＠ラブライブ!
4位　45票　志熊理科＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT

E2-1
1位　289票　羽瀬川小鳩＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT
2位　253票　初春飾利＠とある科学の超電磁砲S
3位　44票　打ち止め（ラストオーダー）＠劇場版とある魔術の禁書目録 -エンデュミオンの奇蹟-

F2-1
1位　354票　わたし＠人類は衰退しました
2位　148票　姫小路秋子＠お兄ちゃんだけど愛さえあれば関係ないよねっ
3位　71票　桜野くりむ＠生徒会の一存 Lv.2

BoBA 2013 ISML Predictions: Postseason Match Day 6

ARENA 01: Aoyama Nanami [Misaka Mikoto] by >=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 02: [Takanashi Rikka] Aragaki Ayase by <=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 03: Kuroyukihime [Aisaka Taiga] by >=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 04: Yuzuriha Inori [Tachibana Kanade] by >=2000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 05: [Rita Ainsworth] Amatsuka Mao Ayase Chihaya by <=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 06: Tsukuyomi Sasami Ruki [Maō] by <=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 07: [Tokisaki Kurumi] Ichii Yui Miyakawa Hikage by <=900
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 08: [Yukinoshita Yukino] Tsukumo Mushanokōji Iwai by >=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

ARENA 09: [Haruhara Haruko] Nono Kazami Mizuho by <=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Under

ARENA 10: Hasebe Kaoru Takanashi Kozue [Yukinoshita Haruno] by >=1000
Over/Under: 10000.
Over

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Odds, Day 5

09/25: Round 2, Groups D, E & F - Day 1

D1
Kotori Minami @ Love Live!: <<南ことり＠ラブライブ!>> 20-1
Sena Kashiwazaki @ Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai: <<柏崎星奈＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT>> 6-1
Saki Miyanaga @ Saki: <<宮永咲＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> EVEN
Rika Shiguma @ Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai: <<志熊理科＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT>> 15-1
Prediction: Saki Miyanaga by <=50
Over/Under: 700
Over

E1
Last Order @ A Certain Magical Index: <<打ち止め（ラストオーダー）＠劇場版とある魔術の禁書目録 -エンデュミオンの奇蹟->> 40-1
Kobato Hasegawa @ Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai: <<羽瀬川小鳩＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT>> EVEN
Kazari Uiharu @ A Certain Magical Index: <<初春飾利＠とある科学の超電磁砲S>> 10-1
Prediction: Kobato Hasegawa by >=50
Over/Under: 700
Over

F1
Kurimu Sakurano @ Seitokai No Ichizon: <<桜野くりむ＠生徒会の一存 Lv.2>> 70-1
Main Character @ Mankind Has Declined: <<わたし＠人類は衰退しました>> EVEN
Akiko Himenokouji @ Onii-chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankeinai Yo Ne!: <<姫小路秋子＠お兄ちゃんだけど愛さえあれば関係ないよねっ>> 9-1
Prediction: Main Character by <=100
Over/Under: 700
Over

ISML 2013: Azusa upsets Asuna as League Finals begin

ISML 2013: Azusa upsets Asuna as League Finals begin

By JR Salazar
September 23, 2013

Match Day 5 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason kicked off the League Finals, and the final phased of the 2013 edition of the world's premier anime character competition. Azusa Nakano delivered the one major upset of the night, a 5370-5187 victory over Asuna Yuuki. The only regions where Yuuki polled well were Thailand, Vietnam, Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Every other region was won by Nakano.

The other three races were comfortable victories for the favorites. Mashiro Shiina won every region except for the USA, Western Europe, Korea and Japan to mow down Kirino Kousaka 6431-4445, Eucliwood Hellscythe swept every region to crush Kobato Hasegawa 6314-4229, as did Ruri Gokou in her 7700-3352 belting of Sena Kashiwazaki.

Six other group exhibitions took place. Maria Takiyama defeated Kanata Futaki 5073-3683, with Tsugumi Haraki third with 1258 votes. Misaki Shokuhou obliterated Kuune 5861-2357, with Izumiko Suzuhara third with 1833 votes. Anko Kitashirakawa prevailed over Umi Sonoda, 4889-3478, with Natsuki holding up the rear with 886 votes.

In the only male matchup of the day, Shouko Makishima defeated Mephisto Pheles, 3568-2922. Kusuriuri was third with 884 votes. Hayate's relevance may be on the decline after Suzuno Kamazuki defeated Athena Tennousu 5231-3437. Kahori Harukawa was third with 1109 votes. Finally, Chrome Dokuro rolled past Tsubaki Nakatsukawa 3609-2767. Nico Robin was third with 2556 votes.

Match Day 6 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason is scheduled for September 24, 2013. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Results, Day 4

A2-4暫定結果
1位　493票　園城寺怜＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
2位　177票　黄瀬やよい（キュアピース）＠スマイルプリキュア!
3位　90票　卜部美琴＠謎の彼女X

B2-4暫定結果
1位　340票　西住みほ＠ガールズ＆パンツァー
2位　304票　新子憧＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
3位　50票　五月七日くみん＠中二病でも恋がしたい!

C2-4暫定結果
1位　404票　小鳥遊六花＠中二病でも恋がしたい!
2位　272票　クー子＠這いよれ! ニャル子さんW
3位　61票　北白川たまこ＠たまこまーけっと

Group A2-4 Results:

1位　428票　園城寺怜＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
2位　170票　黄瀬やよい（キュアピース）＠スマイルプリキュア!
3位　94票　卜部美琴＠謎の彼女X

Group B2-4 Results:

1位　357票　西住みほ＠ガールズ＆パンツァー
2位　319票　新子憧＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
3位　53票　五月七日くみん＠中二病でも恋がしたい!

Group C2-4 Results:

1位　376票　小鳥遊六花＠中二病でも恋がしたい!
2位　232票　クー子＠這いよれ! ニャル子さんW
3位　60票　北白川たまこ＠たまこまーけっと

Gary Ablett, Jr.: 2013 AFL Brownlow Medal Winner

GARY Ablett has won his second Brownlow Medal in a thrilling finish.

Ablett overtook former teammate Joel Selwood with three votes for a best on ground performance against GWS in Round 23.

It is his second medal after winning as a Cat in 2009.

Ablett jumped to an early lead, reaching 20 votes by Round 12 before watching as Selwood and Magpie Dane Swan made their run in the second half of the season.

Selwood overtook Ablett and led by two votes going into the final round but failed to poll in the Cats' win against Geelong.

Swan, who was one vote behind Selwood, also failed to poll in Collingwood's loss to North Melbourne.

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Odds, Day 4

09/23: Round 2, Groups A, B & C - Day 4

A4
Mikoto Urabe @ Mysterious Girlfriend X: <<卜部美琴＠謎の彼女X>> 50-1
Yayoi Kise @ Smile Pretty Cure!: <<黄瀬やよい（キュアピース）＠スマイルプリキュア!>> 20-1
Toki Onjouji @ Saki: <<園城寺怜＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> EVEN
Prediction: Toki Onjouji <=60
Over/Under: 400
Over

B4
Kumin Tsuyuri @ Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai!: <<五月七日くみん＠中二病でも恋がしたい!>> 10-1
Miho Nishizumi @ Girls Und Panzer: <<西住みほ＠ガールズ＆パンツァー>> 8-1
Ako Atarashi @ Saki: <<新子憧＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> 2-1
Prediction: Ako Atarashi by <=50
Over/Under: 400
Over

C4
Tamako Kitashirakawa @ Tamako Market: <<北白川たまこ＠たまこまーけっと>> 50-1
Cthugha @ Haiyore! Nyarlko-san: <<クー子＠這いよれ! ニャル子さんW>> 20-1
Rikka Takanashi @ Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai!: <<小鳥遊六花＠中二病でも恋がしたい!>> EVEN
Prediction: Rikka Takanashi by >=50
Over/Under: 400
Over

BoBA 2013 ISML Predictions: Postseason Match Day 5

ARENA 01: [Shiina Mashiro] Kōsaka Kirino by >=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Over

ARENA 02: Hasegawa Kobato [Eucliwood Hellscythe] by >=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Over

ARENA 03: Kashiwazaki Sena [Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko)] by >=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Over

ARENA 04: [Yūki Asuna] Nakano Azusa by <=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Over

ARENA 05: Futaki Kanata Haraki Tsumugi [Takayama Maria] by <=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 06: Natsuki [Kitashirakawa Anko] Sonoda Umi by <=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 07: [Tennōsu Athena] Kamazuki Suzuno Harukawa Kahori by <=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 08: [Shokuhō Misaki] Suzuhara Izumiko Kūne by <=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 09: Mephisto Pheles [Makishima Shōgo] Kusuriuri by <=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Under

ARENA 10: Nico Robin Nakatsukasa Tsubaki [Chrome Dokuro] by <=2000
Over/Under: 12000
Under

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Results, Day 3

A2-3暫定結果
1位　232票　由比ヶ浜結衣＠やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。
2位　219票　遊佐恵美（エミリア・ユスティーナ）＠はたらく魔王さま!
3位　110票　絢瀬絵里＠ラブライブ!

B2-3暫定結果
1位　302票　松実玄＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
2位　239票　能美クドリャフカ＠リトルバスターズ!
3位　69票　琴浦春香＠琴浦さん

C2-3暫定結果
1位　362票　佐倉杏子＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語
2位　155票　福路美穂子＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
3位　107票　阿良々木月火＠猫物語（黒）

Group A2-3 Results:

1位　232票　Yui Yuigahama @ Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru.
2位　219票　Emi Yusa (Emilia Justina) @ Hataraku Maou-sama!
3位　110票　Eri Ayase @ Love Live!

Group B2-3 Results:

1位　302票　Kuro Matsumi @ Saki: Achiga-hen – Episode of Side-A
2位　239票　Kudryavka Noumi @ Little Busters!
3位　69票　Haruka Kotoura @ Kotoura-san

Group C2-3 Results:

1位　362票　Kyouko Sakura @ Puella Magi Madoka☆Magica
2位　155票　Mihoko Fukuji @ Saki: Achiga-hen – Episode of Side-A
3位　107票　Tsukihi Araragi @ Nekomonogatari: Kuro

Darebin Falcons: 2013 VWFL Premiers

Darebin Falcons completed a remarkable undefeated season after defeating Diamond Creek in the VWFL Grand Final on Saturday afternoon at Coburg City Oval, 14.7 (91) to 6.6 (42). The win marks redemption for the Falcons after successive Grand Final losses for the VWFL powerhouse club.

The sense of occasion wasn’t lost on either side to begin with. As was to be expected, Diamond Creek took it right up to Darebin in a tense and physical opening. Scores were hard to come by and the scoreboard was locked at a goal apiece at the first break. Darebin’s Rebecca Privitelli got the opening goal of the game after a strong mark was subsequently goaled.

Darebin then opened the first gap of the day in the second quarter, as they put five goals away to take a 17-point lead to the main break. Able to finally break the shackles and to move the ball more directly, Darebin were able to get the advantage. It wasn’t for lack of trying, the amount of pressure applied by the Creekers over the first half was admirable.

Darebin had about one hand on the 2013 Premiership by three-quarter-time as they led by 28-points. They had the majority of the play their way, but they weren’t allowed to score as heavily as they have shown as a desperate Diamond Creek fought to stay in the match. Mel Hickey’s efforts across defence and around the ground were immense, as were the efforts of Karen Paxman.

As much as they tried, Diamond Creek weren’t able to overcome the deficit at three-quarter-time. Darebin sealed a famous flag with a five-goal last quarter. Darcy Vescio led the Darebin goalkicking with three goals, Daisy Pearce and Aasta O’Connor dominated in midfield.

For the vanquished, they have little to be embarrassed about. The ever reliable Diana Haines, Shae Audley and Stacy Cross were best afield for Diamond Creek. Darebin's Melissa Hickey took home the Lisa Hardeman medal for best on ground.

Darebin 1.3, 6.3, 9.4, 14.7 (91)

Diamond Creek 1.4, 3.4, 4.6, 6.6 (42)

GOALS

Darebin: D. Vescio 3, S. Simpson, A. O'Connor, R. Privitelli, K. Brennan 2, J. Dal Pos,

D. Pearce, J. Lange 1

Diamond Creek: S. Cross 2, L. Brazzale, C. Bernardi, S. Chiocci, B. Grech 1

BEST

Darebin: M. Hickey, D. Pearce, K. Paxman, D. Vescio, A. O'Connor, S. Hammond

Diamond Creek: D. Haines, S. Audley, S. Cross, T. Hetherington, L. Williams, A. Barden

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Odds, Day 3

09/22: Round 2, Groups A, B & C - Day 3

A3
Emilia Justina @ Hataraku Maou-sama!: <<遊佐恵美（エミリア・ユスティーナ）＠はたらく魔王さま!>> 6-1
Eri Ayase @ Love Live!: <<絢瀬絵里＠ラブライブ!>> 10-1
Yui Yuigahama @ Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru: <<由比ヶ浜結衣＠やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。>> 3-1
Prediction: Yui Yuigahama by <=40
Over/Under: 900
Over

B3
Kuro Matsumi @ Saki: <<松実玄＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> EVEN
Kudryavka Noumi @ Little Busters!: <<能美クドリャフカ＠リトルバスターズ!>> 8-1
Haruka Kotoura @ Kotoura: <<琴浦春香＠琴浦さん>> 50-1
Prediction: Kuro Matsumi by >=60
Over/Under: 900
Over

C3
Mihoko Fukuji @ Saki: <<福路美穂子＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> 20-1
Tsukihi Araragi @ Ghostory: <<阿良々木月火＠猫物語（黒）>> 50-1
Kyouko Sakura @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica: <<佐倉杏子＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語>> EVEN
Prediction: Kyouko Sakura by >=100
Over/Under: 900
Over

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Results, Day 2

A2-2暫定結果
1位　269票　松実宥＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
2位　121票　フェイト・テスタロッサ＠魔法少女リリカルなのは The MOVIE 2nd A's
3位　97票　白鬼院凜々蝶＠妖狐×僕SS

B2-2暫定結果
1位　221票　花田煌＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
2位　160票　織田信奈＠織田信奈の野望
3位　56票　萩原雪歩＠ THE IDOLM@STER シリーズ 4位　49票　松本りせ＠ゆるゆり♪♪

C2-2暫定結果
1位　229票　小豆梓＠変態王子と笑わない猫。
2位　126票　矢澤にこ＠ラブライブ!
3位　113票　冷泉麻子＠ガールズ＆パンツァー

2013 AFL Grand Final: Hawthorn vs. Fremantle

"What curse?'' The man who subjected his club to five years of torment consigned the Kennett curse to history on Saturday morning.

Jeff Kennett, the former Hawthorn president and Victorian premier, cut a tortured figure at the MCG on Friday night as the Hawks overcame a 20-point deficit at three-quarter-time to beat the Cats by five.

For all the protestations that this plague on the house of Hawthorn was a figment of the media's imagination, Alastair Clarkson and Luke Hodge and their team could have done without it.

Kennett fatefully told the ABC's Offsiders show after Hawthorn's 2008 grand final triumph over the Cats: ''What they don't have, I think, is the quality of some of our players; they don't have the psychological drive we have. We've beaten Geelong when it matters.''

The Cats made a pact never to lose to Hawthorn again. Incidentally, the man who made the pact public, Paul Chapman, still has not lost to the Hawks as he missed the preliminary final.

With the hoodoo buried, thanks to a rampant performance from Sam Mitchell and late goals from Bradley Hill, Jack Gunston and Shaun Burgoyne, Kennett could finally declare the curse ''done and dusted''.

''It was probably a silly comment at the time that developed legs,'' Kennett said on ABC Radio on Saturday. ''I think I said at the time that we're always there in games when it mattered, and the ones we lost along the way were only foreplay. Last night was a serious game. The comments I made after our success in '08 have developed a life of their own.''

He was unrepentant. ''It's added colour to the game and added colour to the competition. It's now, in terms of its intent gone, and it will be absent from future clashes between these two wonderful clubs and that is highly appropriate.''

Hodge has never believed in a curse - ''We believe Geelong have been too good for us in the past'' - but expressed a simple wish for grand final week. ''I think everyone is hoping Jeff does keep quiet.''

Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold said he had always had belief in his players.

Newbold took over the presidency two years ago from Kennett, but after the win, when asked if he planned to speak to Kennett, Newbold smiled and replied: ''I never acknowledged the curse. That's you blokes [media], so you'd better call him, not me.''

Newbold admitted he felt flat at three-quarter-time, when Geelong had a game-high lead of 20 points, but the last quarter capped off an all-time great AFL final.

''How gutsy the boys were, that was right up there,'' he said. ''You win games sometimes when you play pretty football - we didn't play pretty football today. But it was outstanding just in terms of our endeavour and basically just not giving up.

''Eventually Geelong succumbed and we put our noses in front.

''Today's not the scalp - next week's the scalp,'' Newbold said. ''As a club, obviously, [there's] a lot of emotion winning a close game like that. But it's quickly refocusing on the job that has to be done next week. There's no use getting too excited this week.''

Hawthorn players have every right to be nervous after Fremantle produced one of the best halves of pressure football to beat Sydney by 25 points in Saturday night's preliminary final at Patersons Stadium.

The Dockers booted five unanswered goals in the second quarter to set up the 14.15 (99) to 11.8 (74) win, with the triumph booking their place in next Saturday's AFL grand final against Hawthorn.

The only concerns for Fremantle are the fitness of defenders Luke McPharlin (adductor) and Michael Johnson (calf).

Sydney has built its reputation on their ability to thrive in the tight, uncompromising clinches of finals football

But it looked a shadow of the unit that won last year's flag, with Fremantle's unrelenting pressure proving the difference in the first half.

The second term was particularly brutal as Sydney struggled to even gain possession of the ball.

When the Swans did get their rare chances, they turned the ball over more often than not.

If it wasn't actual pressure forcing turnovers, it was inferred pressure.

Such was Fremantle's dominance, it took Sydney 28 minutes to have its first disposal inside its forward-50m for the term.

Even that came to nothing, with Jesse White spraying his 48m set shot.

By contrast, the Dockers booted 5.1 for the quarter as they dominated every facet of the game.

The first term was a similar tale - except for Fremantle's finishing.

The Dockers booted a wayward 2.6 from set shots as Matthew Pavlich, Michael Walters, Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne all missed shots they would normally nail.

The 43,249 sellout crowd roared its approval as Fremantle headed into the half-time break with a commanding 39-point lead.

Sydney launched a mini fightback early in the third term, booting three of the first five goals as Fremantle displayed some nerves for the first time in the match.

That was best illustrated by forward Mayne, who was all alone in the goalsquare when he dropped a simple chest mark and fumbled the ball over the line.

But substitute Lachie Neale eased any fears of a choke when he sold the dummy to a Swans defender before drilling a running goal from 40m.

And when Nat Fyfe nailed a goal a minute later, it was game over as Fremantle went into three-quarter time with a 43-point lead.

"It's what we play for to get to this position," Fremantle skipper Pavlich said.

"It's something special. It's something to soak up right now. We'll enjoy the victory for five minutes.

"It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point."

The Swans added some respectability to the scoreboard with a six-goal final quarter, but that was all in junk time when the game was over.

Sydney's star-studded midfield was supposed to be their strength.

But it was Fremantle's on-ballers who shone, with David Mundy and Fyfe starring.

Michael Walters did the damage up forward with three goals, while Pavlich was influential early.

All-Australian Swans midfielder Kieren Jack was held to just 11 possessions by master tagger Ryan Crowley, who tallied 22 disposals himself and also kicked a goal.

Sydney had few winners on the park.

In the end, their heavy injury toll caught up with them.

With no Adam Goodes, Sam Reid, Kurt Tippett, Rhyce Shaw and Tom Mitchell to call upon, the Swans had no answers to Fremantle's onslaught.

Fremantle's 19-year history has been littered with disappointment and failure.

But Ross Lyon has inspired a cultural shift since taking over as coach two years ago.

In yesteryear, success was craved.

Now it's expected.

Hawthorn had to fight hard to get over Geelong by five points in Friday night's preliminary final.

But they're going to have to produce something even better if they are to win their first flag since 2008.

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Odds, Day 2

09/21: Round 2, Groups A, B & C - Day 2

A2
Fate Testarossa @ Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha: <<フェイト・テスタロッサ＠魔法少女リリカルなのは The MOVIE 2nd A's>> EVEN
Ririchiyo Shirakiin @ Inu X Boku SS: <<白鬼院凜々蝶＠妖狐×僕SS>> 70-1
Yuu Matsumi @ Saki: <<松実宥＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> 5-1
Prediction: Fate Testarossa by >=50
Over/Under: 1000
Under

B2
Nobuna Oda @ Nobuna Oda's Ambition: <<織田信奈＠織田信奈の野望>> EVEN
Kirame Hanada @ Saki: <<花田煌＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> 30-1
Rise Matsumoto @ Yuru Yuri: <<松本りせ＠ゆるゆり♪♪>> 50-1
Yukiho Hagiwara @ The Idolmaster: <<萩原雪歩＠THE IDOLM@STER シリーズ>> 10-1
Prediction: Nobuna Oda by <=70
Over/Under: 1000
Under

C2
Azusa Azuki @ Hentai Ouji To Warawanai Neko: <<小豆梓＠変態王子と笑わない猫。>> 1-9
Mako Reizei @ Girls Und Panzer: <<冷泉麻子＠ガールズ＆パンツァー>> 50-1
Niko Yazawa @ Love Live!: <<矢澤にこ＠ラブライブ!>> 10-1
Prediction: Azusa Azuki by >=60
Over/Under: 1000
Under

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Results, Day 1

A2-1
1位　526票　巴マミ＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語
2位　374票　三日月夜空＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT
3位　103票　武者小路祝＠断裁分離のクライムエッジ

B2-1
1位　438票　新垣あやせ＠俺の妹がこんなに可愛いわけがない。
2位　413票　鹿目まどか＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語
3位　201票　暁美ほむら＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語

C2-1
1位　461票　丹生谷森夏＠中二病でも恋がしたい!
2位　427票　イカ娘＠侵略!!イカ娘
3位　102票　野々原ゆずこ＠ゆゆ式

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: Second Round Odds, Day 1

09/20: Round 2, Groups A, B & C - Day 1

A1
Iwai Mushanokouji @ Dansai Bunri No Crime Edge: <<武者小路祝＠断裁分離のクライムエッジ>> 60-1
Mami Tomoe @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica: <<巴マミ＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語>> EVEN
Yozora Mikazuki @ Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai: <<三日月夜空＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT>> 10-1
Prediction: Mami Tomoe by >=100
Over/Under: 500
Over

B1
Ayase Aragaki @ Ore No Imouto Ga Konna Ni Kawaii Wake Ga Nai: <<新垣あやせ＠俺の妹がこんなに可愛いわけがない。>> 5-1
Homura Akemi @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica: <<暁美ほむら＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語>> 20-1
Madoka Kaname @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica: <<鹿目まどか＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語>> EVEN
Prediction: Madoka Kaname by <=50
Over/Under: 500
Over

C1
Yuzuko Nonohara @ Yuyushiki: <<野々原ゆずこ＠ゆゆ式>> 70-1
Shinka Nibutani @ Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai!: <<丹生谷森夏＠中二病でも恋がしたい!>> 4-1
Squid Girl @ Squid Girl: <<イカ娘＠侵略!!イカ娘>> 2-1
Prediction: Squid Girl by <=40
Over/Under: 500
Over

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: First Round Results, Day 24

本日一回戦最終日
H03暫定結果
1位　223票　白井黒子＠とある科学の超電磁砲S
2位　82票　南冬馬＠みなみけただいま
3位　60票　篠崎里香（リズベット）＠ソードアート・オンライン

H06暫定結果
1位　246票　美樹さやか＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語
2位　106票　南春香＠みなみけただいま
3位　52票　那須原アナスタシア＠お兄ちゃんだけど愛さえあれば関係ないよねっ

H09暫定結果
1位　156票　乃莉＠ひだまりスケッチ×ハニカム
2位　101票　北白川あんこ＠たまこまーけっと
3位　97票　西沢歩＠ハヤテのごとく! シリーズ

H12暫定結果
1位　135票　エイミー＠翠星のガルガンティア
2位　122票　櫟井唯＠ゆゆ式
3位　109票　一色もも＠ビビッドレッド・オペレーション

Group H-3Results:

1位　219票　Kuroko Shirai @ Toaru Majutsu no Index: Endymion no Kiseki
2位　83票　Touma Minami @ Minami-ke Tadaima
3位　61票　Lisbeth @ Sword Art Online

Group H-6 Results:

1位　235票　Sayaka Miki @ Puella Magi Madoka☆Magica
2位　104票　Haruka Minami @ Minami-ke Tadaima
3位　52票　Anastasia Nasuhara @ Onii-chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne!

Group H-9 Results:

1位　159票　Nori @ Hidamari Sketch x Honeycomb
2位　101票　Anko Kitashirakawa @ Tamako Market
3位　93票　Ayumu Nishizawa @ Hayate no Gotoku! series

Group H-12 Results:

1位　137票　Amy @ Suisei no Gargantia
2位　122票　Yui Ichii @ Yuyushiki
3位　101票　Momo Isshiki @ Vividred Operation

Your Love...

Josie's on a vacation far away

Come around and talk it over

So many things that I want to say

You know I like my girls a little bit older

I just wanna use your love tonight

I don't wanna lose your love tonight

I ain't got many friends left to talk to

Nowhere to run when I'm in trouble

You know I'd do anything for you

Stay the night but keep it undercover

I just wanna use your love tonight, whoa

I don't wanna lose your love tonight

Try to stop my hands from shakin'

'Cause somethin' in my mind's not makin' sense

It's been awhile since we were all alone

I can't hide the way I'm feelin'

As you're leaving, please, would you close the door?

And don't forget what I told you

Just 'cause you're right, that don't mean I'm wrong

Another shoulder to cry upon

I just wanna use your love tonight, yeah

I don't wanna lose your love tonight

Yeah, I just wanna use your love tonight

I don't wanna lose your love tonight

I just wanna use your love tonight

I don't wanna lose your love tonight

(Lose your love)

Tonight (Lose your love)

I don't wanna lose (Lose your love tonight)

I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna (Lose your love tonight)

No, no (Lose your love tonight)

(Lose your love tonight)

No, no (I don't wanna lose your love tonight)

(Lose your love tonight)...

Where Do You Think You're Going?

Where do you think you're going?

Don't you know it's dark outside?

Where do you think you're going?

Don't you care about my pride?

Where do you think you're going?

I think that you don't know

You got no way of knowing

There's really no place you can go

I understand your changes

Long before you reach the door

I know where you think you're going you

I know what you came here for

And now I'm sick of joking

You know I like you to be free

Where do you think you're going?

I think you better go with me girl

You say there is no reason

But you still find cause to doubt me

If you ain't with me girl

You're gonna be without me

Where do you think you're going?

Don't you know it's dark outside?

Where do you think you're going?

Don't you care about my pride?

And now I'm sick of joking

You know I like you to be free

So where do you think you're going?

I think you better go with me girl...

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: First Round Odds, Day 24

09/18: Round 1 - Group H, Day 3

H03
Touma Minami @ Minami-ke: <<南冬馬＠みなみけただいま>> 20-1
Kuroko Shirai @ A Certain Magical Index: <<白井黒子＠とある科学の超電磁砲S>> EVEN
Lisbeth @ Sword Art Online: <<篠崎里香（リズベット）＠ソードアート・オンライン>> 10-1
Prediction: Kuroko Shirai by >=60
Over/Under: 400
Over

H06
Sayaka Miki @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica: <<美樹さやか＠劇場版魔法少女まどか☆マギカ[前編]始まりの物語／[後編]永遠の物語>> 1-9
Anastasia Nasuhara @ Onii-chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankeinai Yo Ne!: <<那須原アナスタシア＠お兄ちゃんだけど愛さえあれば関係ないよねっ>> 50-1
Haruka Minami @ Minami-ke: <<南春香＠みなみけただいま>> 30-1
Prediction: Sayaka Miki by >=100
Over/Under: 400
Over

H09
Anko Kitashirakawa @ Tamako Market: <<北白川あんこ＠たまこまーけっと>> 30-1
Nori @ Hidamari Sketch: <<乃莉＠ひだまりスケッチ×ハニカム>> 2-1
Ayumu Nishizawa @ Hayate The Combat Butler: <<西沢歩＠ハヤテのごとく! シリーズ>> 15-1
Prediction: Nori by >=50
Over/Under: 400
Over

H12
Yui Ichii @ Yuyushiki: <<櫟井唯＠ゆゆ式>> 8-1
Momo Isshiki @ Vividred Operation: <<一色もも＠ビビッドレッド・オペレーション>> 30-1
Amy @ Suisei No Gargantia: <<エイミー＠翠星のガルガンティア>> EVEN
Prediction: Amy by <=60
Over/Under: 400
Over

Walk Of Life...

Here comes Johnny singing oldies, goldies

Be-Bop-A-Lula, Baby What I Say

Here comes Johnny singing I Gotta Woman

Down in the tunnels, trying to make it pay

He got the action, he got the motion

Oh Yeah the boy can play

Dedication devotion

Turning all the night time into the day

He do the song about the sweet lovin' woman

He do the song about the knife

He do the walk, he do the walk of life, yeah he do the walk of life

Here comes Johnny and he'll tell you the story

Hand me down my walkin' shoes

Here comes Johnny with the power and the glory

Backbeat the talkin' blues

He got the action, he got the motion

Oh Yeah the boy can play

Dedication devotion

Turning all the night time into the day

He do the song about the sweet lovin' woman

He do the song about the knife

He do the walk, he do the walk of life, yeah he do the walk of life

Here comes Johnny singing oldies, goldies

Be-Bop-A-Lula, Baby What I Say

Here comes Johnny singing I Gotta Woman

Down in the tunnels, trying to make it pay

He got the action, he got the motion

Oh Yeah the boy can play

Dedication devotion

Turning all the night time into the day

And after all the violence and double talk

There's just a song in all the trouble and the strife

You do the walk, you do the walk of life, yeah he do the walk of life...

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: First Round Results, Day 23

H02
1位　221票　西住まほ＠ガールズ＆パンツァー
2位　159票　高山マリア＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT
3位　69票　京乃まどか＠輪廻のラグランジェ season2

H05
1位　233票　宮永照＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A
2位　199票　雪ノ下雪乃＠やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。
3位　53票　丸山紗希＠ガールズ＆パンツァー

H08
1位　206票　むろみさん＠波打際のむろみさん
2位　147票　モモ・ベリア・デビルーク＠To LOVEる -とらぶる- ダークネス
3位　91票　ノンナ＠ガールズ＆パンツァー

H11
1位　196票　西園美魚＠リトルバスターズ!
2位　144票　マリア＠ハヤテのごとく! シリーズ
3位　98票　灰原哀＠名探偵コナン

ISML 2013: Mashiro, Kanade win Nova and Stella

ISML 2013: Mashiro, Kanade win Nova and Stella
Shiina takes Sapphire Circlet, Tachibana earns Diamond Circlet

By JR Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
September 16, 2013

Nothing should have surprised the voters who took part in Match Day 4 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason. Mashiro Shiina, long regarded as the class of the Nova Division, took home the Sapphire Circlet, while defending ISML Champion Kanade Tachibana earned the Diamond Circlet as the champion of the Stella Division.

Shiina handlily won every region with the exception of Russia to slam Rikka Takanashi, 4886-3379. It was a much closer race in the Stella Division, with Tachibana edging Gokou in a 4268-4252 thriller. Tachibana won Canada, Western Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Taiwan, all of Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Gokou's strongest efforts came in Russia, China, Korea and Japan.

"It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?" Shiina told her supporters earlier today at Suimei Academy of the Arts. "My goal now is to make it to the Tiara final and win it all. I want to clip Tenshi's wings. That is my burning desire, and I want to share it all with you. Tenshi...you are MINE!"

"I can sense that there might be a changing of the guard," Tachibana said at her rally at Tokyo Big Sight. "However, I will not go down without a fight. If Mashiro wants to face me, so be it. But I will defend my Tiara with my life. I will even die defending it, if I have to.

"Come after me, Mashiro Shiina. I dare you to."

While the action is heating up ahead of the league finals, there were some other exhibitions going on in the meantime, and some of the big winners may be on their way to building steam in the Nova Division next season. Kotori Itsuka won her group exhibition, pounding Ayuko Uehara 5613-1188. Leviathan was last with 958 votes. Chiwa Harusaki was also a big winner, defeated Miyuki Koshiki 3700-1955. Kona Furugoori was third with 1765 votes.

Tamako Kitashirawa, the pride of Usagiyama, rolled to a 4681-1779 drilling of Reinforce Zweit. Makoto Kenzaki was third with 768 votes. The face of Shingeki no Kyojin, Mikasa Ackerman, shot down Airi Ban, 5378-1683 in her exhibition. Nanako Saeki was third with 651 votes. The Black Rabbit also was a big winner, hopping to a 4803-1561 whipping of Haruka Minami. Charles Yoshino was third with 1326 votes.

In the sixth group exhibition, Yoshino cruised past Sasha Blouse, 5224-2223, with Muromi-san coming in third with 734 votes. Masuzu Natsukawa crushed Rei Kuroki in her group exhibition, 3865-1962, with Aoi Yukimura earning 1358 votes. Finally, Azusa Azuki leveled Manami Tamura 5512-1570, with Yukari Yukino holding up the rear with 1004 votes.

Match Day 5 of the 2013 International Saimoe League postseason is scheduled for September 22, 2013. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate. Keep it right here on the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue for continuing coverage of the world's premier anime character tournement, the International Saimoe League!

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: First Round Odds, Day 23

09/17: Round 1 - Group H, Day 2

H02
Madoka Kyouno @ Rinne No Lagrange: <<京乃まどか＠輪廻のラグランジェ season2>> 30-1
Maria Takayama @ Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai: <<高山マリア＠僕は友達が少ないNEXT>> 20-1
Maho Nishizumi @ Girls Und Panzer: <<西住まほ＠ガールズ＆パンツァー>> 2-1
Prediction: Maho Nishizumi by <=50
Over/Under: 300
Over

H05
Yukino Yukinoshita @ Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru: <<雪ノ下雪乃＠やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。>> EVEN
Saki Maruyama @ Girls Und Panzer: <<丸山紗希＠ガールズ＆パンツァー>> 40-1
Teru Miyanaga @ Saki: <<宮永照＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A>> 30-1
Prediction: Yukino Yukinoshita by >=60
Over/Under: 300
Over

H08
Nonna @ Girls Und Panzer: <<ノンナ＠ガールズ＆パンツァー>> 50-1
Momo Velia Deviluke @ To Love Ru: <<モモ・ベリア・デビルーク＠To LOVEる -とらぶる- ダークネス>> 1-5
Muromi @ Namiuchigiwa No Muromi-san: <<むろみさん＠波打際のむろみさん>> 50-1
Prediction: Momo Velia Deviluke by >=100
Over/Under: 300
Over

H11
Mio Nishizono @ Little Busters!: <<西園美魚＠リトルバスターズ!>> EVEN
Ai Haibara @ Detective Conan: <<灰原哀＠名探偵コナン>> 40-1
Maria @ Hayate The Combat Butler: <<マリア＠ハヤテのごとく! シリーズ>> 10-1
Prediction: Mio Nishizono by >=100
Over/Under: 300
Over

2channel Anime Saimoe 2013: First Round Results, Day 22

H01
1位　206票　坂井和奏＠TARI TARI
2位　76票　阿万音鈴羽＠劇場版 STEINS;GATE 負荷領域のデジャヴ
3位　50票　佐々野いちご＠咲-Saki- 阿知賀編 episode of side-A

H04
1位　177票　香椎愛莉＠ロウきゅーぶ!
2位　76票　防波亭手寅＠じょしらく
3位　66票　小山柚子＠ガールズ＆パンツァー

H07
1位　187票　千反田える＠氷菓
2位　101票　星井美希＠THE IDOLM@STER シリーズ
3位　41票　常守朱＠PSYCHO-PASS サイコパス

H10
1位　146票　御坂妹（ミサカ10032号）＠とある科学の超電磁砲S
2位　140票　邪神かがみ＠ささみさん@がんばらない
3位　52票　大室花子＠ゆるゆり♪♪