-Ryan Solis, PFL Columnist
We’re a week into Free Agency 2016! Although off to a fairly muted start, the last few days have put some interesting moves out there. With some confirmed, here’s our collective top five from the first week of movement! Note: There was some debate about the positioning of these five, but not who the five were.
5. Latavius Gill (Trap) | St. George Sharks | Previous club: Melborg Giants
Latavius brings a big frame that he is not afraid to use. Considered part of the heart of the middle of the Giants’ defence. Clogs up the holes in the Forward lines and constantly requires extra attention. Free agency will give him financial recompense for his hard work over the past few seasons. Not one for the stats guys, but really makes the eye test.
4. Mark Martinez (Anchor) | Caligara Bulldogs | Previous club: Victoria Panthers
Veteran Anchor, great pass catcher, good blocker. Has improved every team he’s ever played on instantly.Bulldogs have good receivers all round now, just need to make sure they’ve got a good person to throw it! We see him like Tony Gonzalez (in the NFL going to Atlanta)- big impact to the passing game.
3. Jeff Holliday (Midfielder) | Eregon Eagles | Prevous club: Adelphia Phoenix
Playmaker, ego, winners attitude- all been said before about the showy attacking midfielder. The Phoenix won two, and appeared in three Crystal Bowls with him in defence. We will see how much of an impact is lost now that he is gone.
Rumoured to have wanted to double his pay, which the Phoenix bulked at- the Eagles were willing to pony up the dough to get their man (ß40m over 5 years) For the Eagles, struggling for a pass rush/play maker in the pass-happy NC West, this is a good move.
2. Oliver Parkman (Wing Back)| New Jorg 96ers | Previous club: Oakland Ravens
Parkman was the other wing-back on the Ravens’ defensive backfield, his pay reflected that. He is one of the most improved defenders int he past two seasons. Playing opposite a premier shutdown wing-back has made him the target for opposition passing attacks, to which he has responded very well. In fact, there were times when he was the one to avoid throwing over/at. 96ers defence clearly upgraded here.
1. Drew Diaz (Wing Back) | Amorgan Blues | Previous club: Caligara Bulldogs
Drew Diaz is a shutdown wing-back, hear that?! For two seasons, he has heard the criticisms of not being a premier defender in the leagues toughest defence, a weak link perhaps. No way, never! Passes both the the stats (10 ints in past two years) and eye test easily. The Blues can now challenge for the division as they now possess a player who can go toe-to-toe against the NC East’s premier Wingers. Win-win for player and team!