C'n'C here.
Just piggy-backing off of OffPutPlayer's detailed analysis, I thought I would provide my own predictions for the 2024 GPS Standings.
1. Grammar. Headed by "el capitan" Daniel Lloyd-Hurwitz, assisted by the likes of Will Ellis, David Guo, and Jason Lin (note that all four of them made at least the State Squad), they will be extremely tough competition. Specifically, Will Ellis is just coming off the back of a very successful NSDC campaign, with a 7-0 preliminary record and runner-ups for the competition, he is in really strong form. I see them topping the competition with a very strong 6-7 wins (could possibly lose one, as all schools are very strong this year). Along with this star-studded lineup, they boast the historical success within the GPS and have a great structure around them.
2. Riverview. My sleeper pick for this year, I think Riverview will go a long way in their pursuit of GPS glory, bouncing back from last year's lacklustre performance. With State Squad representative and returner Tom Doyle, along with young prospect Angus Martinez receiving a state callback, they could very well surprise many people. Considering their success in ISDA, topping their pool at 6-1 they have been in good form and shown tremendous depth from their other speakers. With their program run by Liam Donohoe (CEO of Speaker's Corner), and being coached by former Aus Schools and Grammar debater Toby Mok, they are in a very strong position this year. I think their success is imminent in the near future, and I wouldn't be surprised if they made a serious push this year for a GPS victory, winning 5-6 debates.
3. Joeys. Headlined by the Captain of the Australian NSDC team, it seems ludicrous to put them in third. However, I think that what Joeys makes up with by having Will McCarthy, the loss of Benji and their very poor run in ISDA sees major concerns for last years winners. I can't see them winning it all, and I think that they will, unfortunately, fall short due to their lack of depth. Despite being coached by World's Grand Finalist Matthew Toomey, which is rather helpful, their form can't allow me to justify them any higher than this. I do think, however, that Will McCarthy's high-level ability gives him to elevate his teammates further, giving Joeys a depth of skill they have not normally had historically. This extra addition of the likes of John Toohey (State Callback) and Ted O'Connell, allows me to think they can beat out Shore and everyone else below.
4. Shore. As much as it helps to have Michael Kwak (Aus Team), it is hard to ignore the lack of depth in the rest of the team. Unfortunately for Michael, depth is most certainly needed in GPS, where you won't be able to beat a strong team without multiple strong and consistent speakers. I also think their loss in the octo-finals is rather demoralising, and may set the tone for their GPS campaign unfortunately. If Shore are able to find their feet and win a lot of debates in GPS, I would not be surprised, but I can't put them any higher as of right now.
5. SBHS. Even with Visruth Anand, I think they may struggle in GPS a little bit this year. Not necessarily as a result of lack of skill, but rather an overflow of depth in the teams above them. I think their Eastside run has been mediocre at best, and I think they will be middle of the pack come GPS time. I think they get the edge over teams like Kings, Newington and Scots because of their experience at a GPS level, and a high caliber of historical speakers.
6. Kings. Coming off a decently successful ISDA campaign, it seems inconceivable to have them this low. Unfortunately, GPS is extremely tightly contested this year, and I think their lack of a star speaker and historical school ability leads me to place them in 6th. Their youth and inexperience in these big debates could leave them uncertain at times, and their previous GPS campaign makes it hard to put them any higher.
7. Newington. I think Newington's poor performances of the past will continue this season, despite their ISDA run. "Despite being coached by Ben Diskin, Newington unfortunately lack the foundational backing to really contend in GPS, however, they did pull off some great wins last year and could certainly do it again." - Agreed. Only thing to add is I think that their coaching and recent form just allows them to beat out Scots. I think Newington's underperformance in GPS will come as a result of the quality of the competition, for any other year I'm sure they'd be able to scrape a few more wins.
8. Scots. The loss of State Speaker Jehiel Panter has left them virtually stranded. They lack the foundation to contend, and now have lost a massive part of their program. They have done rather poorly in ISDA, winning only 1 debate, and I think they will continue to struggle in GPS. I think their best case would be around 1 win, unfortunately.
