Out of the way Melba.  Step aside Farnham.  The comeback is on! 

Given the the abrupt demise of @Witches Hat's most recent brainteaser, here's a replacement to keep you awake at night.

As you can see, this team consists of Melbourne players (in position) and is of a pretty high standard as far as fictional teams go.

What common factor unites them?

Does it really need saying that all responses must be forwarded to me by PM so as not to spoil the fun?

I'd rate this teaser as very tough and make no apologies for that.  

 =================================================================================================

 

B:        Matthew Collins     Sean Wight     Tony Campbell

H/B:    Frank Davis     Ryan Ferguson     Peter Walsh

C:        Frank "Bluey" Adams     Jordan Lewis     Scott Thompson

H/F:    David Williams     Ross Dillon     Cale Morton

F:        Brad Miller     Noel Clarke     Big Bob Johnson

R:       Jeff White     Brock McLean     Nathan Jones

I/C:    Stefan Martin     David Grant     Paul Payne     Peter Hamilton

COACH:     Norm Smith

 

There are a finite number of possible answers to this teaser.  To make things much, much easier () for everybody, we can eliminate incorrect suggestions that have been received and rejected.

Please be advised that the players in my team have no connection with county names in the USA, Australian politicians, wrestlers, names of islands, publishing companies, British or Irish heritage, types of guns or anything related to the military.

Those familiar with my posts will be aware that I am fond of both humour and cryptic clues.

If you hope to solve the teaser, it would be in your interests to heed wittiness.

6 hours ago, Demonstone said:

I'd rate this teaser as very tough and make no apologies for that.

I may have been a little economical with the truth, there.  Maybe an apology is warranted.

The teaser is so difficult I don't think it's possible for anybody to solve it unless they have the benefit of some clues.

Here comes another one to tide you over until tomorrow ...

The team once held a bonding session by having dinner together at a nice restaurant (no fights took place) and followed up by going to the movies as a group, but the film they chose wasn't anything like what they expected.

 

This one's a tomorrow job 

Wednesday morning clue:

A pair of useful full-forwards in Barry Hall and Matthew Lloyd would be eligible for selection in this team if they only had the good sense to have played for the mighty Demons.

They've all got something to do with 'Stones favourite record, book or film collection.

Not the case, Mr. Mellie.  Please PM your suggestions rather than posting here.  🙂

Other answers that may be eliminated from the list of possibilities is that the common factor relates to the USA, racehorses, politicians, Canada, comedic actors, authors or books of any kind.

I like to think I'm of a sporting nature.   So is the solution.

Edited March 8, 20232 yr by Demonstone

Gee, 'Chunk' gets in a lot of these teams!

 

(Just letting you know I'm here, though only able to hang around the edges of this one atm...)

2 minutes ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Gee, 'Chunk' gets in a lot of these teams!

 

(Just letting you know I'm here, though only able to hang around the edges of this one atm...)

At least include a clue in your brackets 😝

By Jiminy, this has certainly been a test of posters' ability to work through all the clues I've provided.

To elaborate upon the suggestions I've received that the answer relates to USA or Canada, I can reveal that several different nations are involved.

Still confused?  Here, have some appropriate think music.

 

My tiny brain hurts.

Being an MFC supporter I consider myself highly intelligent but our quizmaster is in another class

I'm pleased to announce that perennial mastermind @Mazer Rackham has worked out the answer to take home Gold, with @Witches Hat hot on his heels in second place and scoring the Silver.

Here is another musical clue, which should give it away for those still pondering.

This is the last hint I can provide.  If nobody else gets it, I'm taking my bat and ball and going home.

 

 

Weird thing being, the only clue that made any sense to me was D'yer Mak'er. As a long time Zeppelin fan, it spoke to me.

Being nearly but not quite as magnanimous as Demonstone, I offer the following clues:

Thomson's Gazelle

John Edward Morton

Third place has been filled by @mo64 who wins Bronze for his efforts.

Geez, Rhino the goat is stiff to miss out.

10 hours ago, Witches Hat said:

Geez, Rhino the goat is stiff to miss out.

And I think that Kenny Roberts should have been a lock for this team.

Answer to teaser and explanation of clues will be posted around lunchtime today if it's not too windy.

1 hour ago, Demonstone said:

Answer to teaser and explanation of clues will be posted around lunchtime today if it's not too windy.

The answer my friend?

... is bowling blowing in the windies. The answer is bowling blowing in the windies.

Edited March 8, 20232 yr by Mazer Rackham

Kudos to @reynolds46 for solving the mystery.  Alas, he just misses out on a podium finish this time.

As if the past few posts haven't made it obvious, all the players in my team share a surname with a West Indian Test cricketer.  Granted, some of those players such as Vibart Wight, Foffie Williams, Runake Morton, Thelston Payne and Jahmar Hamilton may not exactly be household names

That is why so many clues were scattered along the way.  In order of appearance, those hints were:

1.  "heed wittiness" - an anagram of "The West Indies".

2.  Pictorial clue of "Marley & Me" - a reference to reggae legend Bob Marley who was from Jamaica.

3.  Barry Hall and Matthew Lloyd - a nod to West Indies greats Wes Hall and Clive Lloyd.

4.  "sporting nature" - revealing that the answer was sports related.

5.  "By Jiminy" - a reference to Jiminy Cricket.  I also mentioned "test" in the same sentence.

6.  Musical clue #1 - Led Zep's attempt at reggae.  The song title was a play on "Jamaica".

7.  Musical clue #2 - 10CC referencing both cricket and the Caribbean.

8.  "Taking my bat and ball and going home" - what else could it be but a cricket reference?

Other posters provided further hints which make sense once you know the answer.

 

Ah Cricket, my only weakness.