BEHIND THE BLAZE
In the second instalment of our special three-part series, we talk to five keys figures associated with the Gold Coast Blaze during their NBL days from 2007-12. Today we look at the good and bad times.
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE GOOD TIMES?
FORMER player Scott Macgregor: The first ever game which was at the convention centre, I actually scored the first ever hoop for the team. It was, of course, a backboard touch. The city was totally behind us and reaching the playoffs in the first season was amazing. Seeing the kids’ enjoyment at the games was always special.
Former player Anthony Petrie: Best location in Australia to play is Broadbeach, had a great feel and buzz to it.
The talent we had on the roster was immense. A lot of the younger guys went on to have great careers.
First year with (coach) Joey Wright we made the finals, which was such a buzz. Unfortunately, we had two starters out for the playoffs. I believe if we kept that nucleus, we would have some serious results.
Former coach Dave Claxton: The game day. Aesthetically, it was one of the best stadiums in the country when it was all said and done.
We were very proud of the finished products, including the jumbo screen.
I had a lot to do with organising the imports for the team, which was very rewarding. I think when Joey came, he brought in some great competitiveness and practice methods for the team. He did a great job.
Former player James Harvey: Year one was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
We had a group of guys that came together. Pero Cameron, at the end of his career, was instrumental in bringing the group together.
To make the finals in the first year was exceptional.
I still remember driving through Surfers to get to Broadbeach to get to the stadium was pretty cool.
To be inaugural co-captain and take the Blaze to the playoffs and fill the stadium was a real high. Seeing the people of the Gold Coast embrace the team was very rewarding.
Former owner Owen Tomlinson: It was always the kids in the crowd. There was so much passion in the community, I thought game days were fabulous. I still get a smile when I see someone walking around with a Blaze jersey.
WHAT ABOUT THE LOWS? WHAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FALL OF THE PROGRAM?
Dave: The Tomlinson family need to be lauded for the amount of time, money and effort they contributed. The NBL was struggling at the time, it was difficult to keep teams in the league.
I disagree that the Gold Coast is a graveyard. You can look at Brisbane and see how many sporting franchises have gone under over the years as well. It is not easy in Australia to run a national sports competition.
James: The end obviously was tough. We had so much talent on that team but guys like Goulding and Cadee had not reached their heights yet.
We could have won a title with that group.
Scott: I only played two seasons for the Blaze, which finished my career at that level. Luckily, I then finished my career playing for the Gold Coast Rollers QBL team for seven great years and really enjoyed it.
Anthony: The Tomlinsons were left with such a big burden; I don’t agree with people finger pointing. I understand how expensive a team in the comp was back then.
Owen: The convention centre tried to do what they could for us. However even if we had 4500 in the crowd, we still had to pay them. Council had talked about the potential about the stadiums for the Commonwealth Games but it was a long way away. Unfortunately, it was a financial decision for our family.