Thursday, June 30, 2022

A Road Once Travelled

 "The history of man is the history of missed opportunities, and history can repeat. So information is a defence. Through this we can build, we must build, a defence against repetition."


For a time, TPD was living in a world of unbearable repetition. The never ending negative loop started with determined research. It would then turn to dominate regular season performances. Ending with 1st round playoff heartbreak. For the first 3 seasons of the MFFL, TPD washed, rinsed, and repeated the same course of action time and again. It was a shadow, not in secret, an enemy at his gates. It broke him, and left him stranded at the very core of himself. But through the pain and agony, he was hardened. He rose up with a full heart, and buried it in its own blood, a 3peat championship run being the resulting cataclysmic destiny. It was destroyed utterly and entirely...so he had felt and thought. 

In 2019, TPD dominated to the tune of a (12-2) record, and a possible 4peat seemed likely, though it did not come to pass. In 2020, He missed the playoffs for only the second time in his entire career, but it was bad luck that defined him, as he scored the 3rd most points in the league, only 57 points below the top point scorer. That two year history was beginning to display an old theme. Only a whisper, a darkness was growth and spreading the shadows, a terrible evil waiting for his most opportune time to reveal itself. In 2021, the dark shadow, was finally ready to reveal itself, and to reveal its full power strengthened in darkness. It surprised TPD, in a moment he won't soon forget. It attacked TPD's greatest team ever assembled, in the championship round, and won the battle...

TPD knew last season was destined for greatest following the draft. He had acquired Taylor in the 2nd round, Kupp in the 4th, and Allen in the 5th. Each player would go on to lead their position in points, becoming the 3 highest point scorers in the entire league. You read that correctly, TPD had the three highest scoring players in fantasy, all on the same team. Not to mention he traded for Adams, who finished in the top 6 of scoring. Last season's version of TPD was the greatest one of all time, and there is no debate in that, which is stunning considering the quality of teams TPD has had previously. But because of poor circumstance, the shadow in secret, which haunted TPD ealy in his career, returning over the last three seasons, TPD was once again unable to present the greatest team the greatest gift. 

So here he is again, at the core of himself, and the question beckons as to what he will do. The shadow in the dark is no longer hidden. It has taken from TPD, and hurt him. It challenges him to respond. What will he do? ...He will endure of course, for it is his nature. He will strengthen his resolve and sharpen his skill. His dominance over the last three seasons proved he has not diminished since the 3peat, though changes and growth remain possible. His lineup decisions in the championship last season were dreadful, and while there is no doubt his stars let him down, TPD could have won if he had made better decisions at flex or defense. The heartbreaking defeat will not go down without meaning or purpose. The time to avenge is now. 


TPD's journey towards reclaiming the top is already off to a stellar start. He was able to somehow secure the 4th draft slot for the 2022 MFFL draft. A foolish decision from all those who allowed TPD to move into such a deadly position. TPD has now seen the full might of the shadow in secret, all is revealed, and while magnificent and terrible as the dawn, TPD will defeat his enemy. He has done it before, and will do it again, for it is his destiny. Is this it? Is this all you can muster Saruman? 

For what is dead may never die. It is memory, precious and pure. The nostalgic weight of this embattled dreamer will shine on. You shine on TPD. Once etched in stone, then dipped in gold, now light amongst the stars. His spirit will find its way to the halls of his fathers. If you got beef then bring the rukus, TPD ain't no-one to mess with. You down with TPD? Ya you know me.

Welcome to TPD 2022.