THEY ARE ALMOST HERE…

That’s right, they are almost here… the Premium Quality Series 2 release from Select!

NRL fans have a short nine day wait, while AFL fans will have to keep patient for 21 more days.

The NRL Footy Cards are scheduled for release on Tuesday, 3 July and the AFL Footy Cards are due for release on Monday, 16 July.

Details were only released yesterday by Select and we’re proud to bring it to you first!

The NRL Series will again be called “Invincible” and the AFL will again be called “Supreme”.

Each base set is made up of 195 cards in total, that is one logo and 11 player cards per team, plus three checklist cards as well.

The Recommended Retail Price is just $4.99 a packet, and for AFL fans — this is the first time EVER that the Premium Quality Series 2 packs have been under $5 bucks.

With 36 packets in each Box, that makes the RRP on a box $179.64.

We will be offering Box sales for the first time this year and we will be able to do it for less than the RRP above. I will let you know as soon as we have got them available on our site.

This month’s Card Spotlight section goes into great detail to explain the various Insert Sets that are included in the Series 2 release… but the good news is…

SIGNATURES ARE BACK!

There are Top Prospect Signatures, Draft Pick Signatures, and at least 4 Signature Redemptions in both the AFL and NRL releases.

Of course the BEST part about all these Signature Redemptions is they ARE REAL Signatures… HAND SIGNED by the players themselves so you can be sure they are FAR more valuable than the machine printed signatures from the Champions Series released earlier this year.

In the last issue I was pretty critical of Select and I explained why I thought they had done the wrong thing — especially with the printed signatures.

However, having seen the advanced detail on the Series 2 releases… I think if anyone asked me if I thought Select were back on the right track?

I’m certain my answer would be a resounding YES.

You can make up your own mind… but I think we’re going to be very happy with the next release from Select.

If you want to see the Promotional Flyer for the 2007 NRL Invincible Series I’ve included it here (1 meg in size):

NRL Invincible 2007
http://FootyStars.com.au/Free_Stuff/NRL07InvincibleFlyer.pdf

Unfortunately the AFL flyer has not yet been released. We will be back in touch as more information comes to hand and to let you know when the AFL flyer is available to view.

Until then, enjoy the rest of the newsletter. It’s an exciting time of year when a new release is about to hit the market.

Regards,

Ian

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Alternatively you can invite them to subscribe by sending them this link:
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If you read the last issue of this newsletter, you probably remember me going on a “little rant” about the Series 1 release in both the NRL and AFL this year. Both were called the Champions Series and in short — I was disappointed with what we were given.

I shared my reasons for being so disappointed with the Champions Series cards, particularly the PRINTED SIGNATURES in the AFL series… and on a number of occasions I asked for your feedback to see if you agreed or disagreed.

Here are a collection of the responses that we received. As you will see not everyone agreed with me entirely, especially Steph.

——

This from Marilyn in Queensland in reply to the Champions Base Set cards and the Printed Signatures in the AFL release. By the way — Marilyn is a Broncos fan!

“I don’t think the plain set is as good, but long as they are Broncos that’s all right.

I don’t like the sketch cards, they look very plain. The Gem and Champion Award cards are very nice.

About the printed signed cards, I like to get the player themselves, to sign my cards.”

——

This was from Daniel, a subscriber from NZ describing his feelings on the Series 1 Champions Series.

“I too am extremely disappointed. Not so much because there are no signature cards but because there are NO rare cards.

Part of the excitement of card collecting is the suspense of not knowing whether there is a rare card in the pack you are opening.

In the Champions series you know EXACTLY what is in the packs - there are not even 1:72 limited cards. That is crap… and very disappointing.

I really hope this years premium set makes up for it.”

I think your wish will be granted Daniel… as I described in the previous section Select have returned to the Winners track with the 2007 NRL Invincible Series.

——

Dave sent these comments in from Queensland:

“I agree with your assessment of the new cards. I bought a box and an album and I was very disappointed with the look, feel and quality of the cards. The only cards that I did like are the GEM cards.

My daughter tool a Holographic Foil set of the panthers over to the airport the other day to get them autographed and even the players commented on the cards. She felt they (the players) didn’t like them.”

——

Paul from NSW had this to say…

“Just letting you know that your last newsletter was right on the mark, I agree that the 2007 NRL Champions isn’t worth collecting. The only cards that sound like they are worth collecting are the case cards.”

——

And this short reply from Steph which got right to the point:

“I don’t care.”

That was my favourite Steph… thanks for making me laugh and more importantly for reminding me that first and foremost, card collecting should be FUN. I think I was beginning to take myself too seriously.

Thank you to everyone who replied. Unfortunately we couldn’t include every reply we received but as you know we did reply to each person who took the time to write in.

If you want to share your opinion with our subscribers use the comment link below. You don’t necessarily need to agree with my views — just have your say.

How good is it?

The Footy is BACK!

NRL fans have been enjoying the footy for 3 weeks, and the AFL got under way this weekend.  FINALLY our LONG off season is over

Of course with the new season comes new footy cards!

Normally this would excite me as much as the start of the footy season… but unfortunately not this year.

Last month I wrote about my disappointment with the advance detail of the Series 1 release for both the AFL and NRL Champions Series footy cards.

As we received more information, and a bunch of promotional cards and flyers — my disappointment GREW.

You see, last month when I wrote to you, I was upset that the NRL had no signature cards in the series while the AFL did. I didn’t think it was fair to collectors when one code got a “better” set of cards than the other.

However… the tables turned when the promo cards and flyers arrived. I’ll tell you what I mean in the “Card Spotlight” section below.

I also received a few emails from our subscribers who thought I was “a bit harsh” in my assessment of the new series.

You see, these subscribers wanted to remind me that not all collectors are in the hobby for the money, and that not everyone can afford the premium series released later in the year.

I’m the first person to welcome feedback from our readers and in this case I think the feedback was spot on — even if I disagreed with SOME of it.

I’m a believer that we should be encouraging new card collectors at EVERY opportunity.

I believe that this first series, which is typically a more affordable series ($2.95 per packet RRP) is the perfect opportunity to introduce young collectors to the hobby.

I believe that we should be showing these new collectors just how good the hobby is, by showing them, and giving them the full experience INCLUDING signature cards.

When this opportunity is removed I think we all miss out. Old collectors and new collectors alike, we ALL miss out.

I agree with the comments I received.  It’s not about the money. It’s about the experience, which should be a fun one. How else can we encourage more people to take up this great hobby?

Once you’ve read the next section you may agree with me — or you may not — but I think the actual product that Select released is even WORSE than what would have happened had they not included signature cards. But more on that shortly. 

Let me know what you think once you’ve read the next section.  Leave a comment in the comment section that follows the article.

On a positive note… With the start of the footy season upon us we have been overwhelmed with new subscribers to this newsletter which is fantastic to see. If you are reading this newsletter for the first time, I would like to extend my personal welcome to you.

We trust you will enjoy the monthly issues of the Footy Stars newsletter as we try to keep you up to date and give you our honest opinions on the card collecting hobby.

I would also like to encourage our longer term readers to forward a copy of this newsletter to any of your friends who are football card collectors.

They might enjoy reading it as much as you do! (of course the may just hate it but that’s up to them).

Your friends can subscribe the same way you did, by completing the sign up form on the left hand side of our web site at: http://www.FootyStars.com.au

Ok, if you’re still reading this you are probably dying to find out what I’ve been referring to in relation to the Champions Series… It’s in the next section.

Until next month. Enjoy the footy and enjoy your hobby.

Regards,

Ian

——-

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If you know another Football Card collector who would enjoy reading this newsletter please forward it to them.

Alternatively you can invite them to subscribe by sending them this link:
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They can sign up in less than 60 seconds, it’s FREE and they are guaranteed to receive this newsletter every single month.

NOT LONG TO GO NOW…

It’s only a matter of weeks!

The footy season is almost here and and with trial matches and pre-season competitions getting under way this weekend I can feel the excitement building.

The newspapers are gearing up, talking about the players, the coaches, the match ups… of course the big questions too…

Who will win the 2007 Premiership?

While the footy on the field is starting to hot up, collectors off the field are also starting to warm up.

This week I received news from Select Australia that their first release of Footy Cards will be released at the end of March or early April.

That’s great news isn’t it???

Well, the answer depends on which sport you follow!

It seems that the AFL release — named the “AFL Champions Signature Series” will have these types of cards:

• 194 Base Card Set
• Holofoil Parallel Cards
• Gold Foil Signatures
• Champions Sketch Cards
• Draft Rookies
• Champions GEM Cards

The NRL release — named the “NRL Champions Series” will have these types of cards:

• 194 Base Card Set (including the Gold Coast Titans)
• Holofoil Parallel Cards
• Champions Sketch Cards
• Champions GEM Cards
• Dally M Cards

Notice anything missing?

Signatures! No Signatures in the NRL release!

Why??? Why have the NRL fans been left with a sub-standard collection?

That’s an answer I don’t have… but when I find out I will be sure to let you know.

Both the AFL and NRL releases will have 8 cards per packet and 36 packets per box. The prices and the insert ratios have not been disclosed yet but we should be able to bring these to you in the next issue of the newsletter.

On a slightly different note, away from footy card collecting there is some good news for NRL collectors.

In early March, for the first time ever, 8 collectible Action Models of top NRL stars will be released!

And we’ve got them for you!

Take a look on our site by clicking here…

The players featured in these lifelike, hand sculptured action models include:

• Brett Hodgson - Tigers
• Craig Gower - Panthers
• Danny Buderus - Knights
• Johnathan Thurston - Cowboys
• Karmichael Hunt - Broncos
• Mark Gasnier - Dragons
• Nathan Hindmarsh - Eels, and
• Sonny Bill Williams - Bulldogs

They stand 17.5cm tall and feature a purpose built signature panel right on the base plate that the action model stands on! Perfect for any NRL collector.

Just like footy cards… if you can get your action model signed by the player himself you can sit back and watch the value of your collectable rise and rise and rise!

So… with that all said, I hope you enjoy the rest of this newsletter — the first for 2007.

Between now and the next issue in March there’s lots going on so sit back, relax and take it all in.

All the best,

Ian

——-

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If you know another Footy Card collector who would enjoy reading this newsletter please forward it to them.

Alternatively you can invite them to subscribe by sending them this link:
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They can sign up in less than 60 seconds, it’s FREE and they are guaranteed to receive this newsletter every single month.

Are you feeling a little depressed at the moment?

Me too.

The footy season is over for another year!

But the good news is there’s only 5 months to go until Season 2007 begins!

I know… I’m a tragic. But I love my footy and weekends just don’t feel the same without it.

Sure if you’re into the NRL there’s the Tri Nations, and if you’re in to the AFL there’s the International Rules Tour of Ireland… but let’s face it… it’s just not the same as watching your team play each week!

So what do we do while we’re waiting for March 2007?

We turn to our football cards.

It’s an exciting time of year in card collecting!

It’s time to redeem your Adam Goodes Brownlow Predictor, and it’s time to redeem your Broncos Premiership Predictor, or Full Set of NRL Premiership Predictors.

It’s also time to complete your sets, including inserts and signatures, and of course organise their protection so they will retain (and even grow) their value over their lifetime.

This month’s newsletter is relatively short in comparison to previous issues… I guess it’s the lack of football or something. However, having said that I’m sure there is something here that will interest you so I encourage you to continue reading.

First, something a little different.

You’re a footy fan which means you’ll be interested in this…

You enjoy watching live sport on Free To Air TV right?
And you want to continue to right?
I suggest you might want to take a look at this site: http://www.SaveMySport.com.au

You may have even seen the TV ads on each of the major Free To Air Networks. It’s worth getting behind the cause if you love your sport as much as I do.

Lastly, before I sign off and you get in to the rest of the newsletter I thought I would let you know that we still have a few signed Invincibles cards to randomly give away to readers of this newsletter who buy either Newcastle or Broncos Team sets from our web site over the next few months.

You don’t need to be a genius to realise that each of signed Broncos cards are probably worth more than the Team Set following their Premiership win…

First in — best dressed — until they all run out.

So what are you waiting for? Click here now…

Kind regards,

Ian

——-

Help a Friend Subscribe

If you know another Footy Card collector who would enjoy reading this newsletter please forward it to them.

Alternatively you can invite them to subscribe by sending them this link:
http://www.footystars.com.au/Free_St uff/Newsletter_Sign_Up.php

They can sign up in less than 60 seconds, it’s FREE and they are guaranteed to receive this newsletter every single month.

The heat is on! Just four teams left and Grand finals only a fortnight away.

Interstate teams dominating the AFL. A Victorian team, a Queensland team and two NSW teams left in the NRL. Who would have thought?

We’re blessed with two awesome football codes and there is some great footy still to be played this year.

There is lots going on in the world of Footy Card collecting at the moment too.

Predictor cards are dominating trade with collectors scrambling to get the cards they need to redeem the big value sets. More on this in the Card Spotlight section shortly.

In addition to the excitement of Predictor Cards, September brings with it excitement of other kinds.

I was reminded by one of our readers — Robert — of how much fun it can be to collect players signatures on the footy cards.

Robert collects signatures with his son Joshua and being mad Rooster fans in the NRL they focus on collecting the Roosters players signatures.

Robert shared this with me in an email (which he has kindly agreed to share with you) about collecting signatures with Josh…

“It’s great to have the memories to look back on, especially since the kids can come face to face with their heroes. For the kids it’s priceless, and for me it’s something special that Josh and I share.”

Robert and I got started talking about collecting signatures because he was looking for advice on the best type of Autograph pen — one that didn’t smudge on the card and wouldn’t fade over time.

In my opinion Sharpies are the best and I’ll share more with you in the Collectors Tips Section below.

But before we get to the pens, lets talk some more about the excitement of getting signed cards yourself.

Collectors have always loved to have cards of their favourite players. It’s an even bigger thrill when you get your favourite player’s autograph on a card!

You often find players signing cards at Fan Day events, sponsor events, at team training sessions and even after games. You might even be lucky enough to run in to a player in a shopping centre too.

Some collectors will even mail a player his or her own card to sign. In this case, you should send a stamped, self addressed envelope with the card. The card you send should not be an especially valuable one as there is no guarantee that the player will send it back.

Please keep in mind that some Footy Clubs deny ALL requests like this because they receive so many and too many people sell them on ebay rather than keeping them for their own collection like a true fan.

Autographed cards are often the ones most in demand because they are so valuable. Unfortunately player’s signatures can be forged and unless you are a hand writing expect, you can’t be certain that an autograph is real when you’re buying from someone else.

This is recognised as a large problem on ebay.

Sometimes cards will come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). A certificate of authenticity guarantees that the real player has signed the card. However, these certificates can also be forged and are often not worth the paper they’re printed on.

If you are an autograph seeker, the only sure method is to get the signatures yourself.

The next best option is to buy from recognised and respected companies that are licensed by the AFL and NRL because they must pass tougher security checks. Companies such as Select — manufacturers of the licensed AFL and NRL footy cards that we bring to you.

If you’re lucky enough to get a Footy Star to sign your football card the signature becomes much more meaningful for YOU because YOU got the autograph yourself. You know it’s real because you watched it get signed!

Make sure you have an autograph pen with you (Sharpies are the best in my opinion) whenever you go to a game, or training session and hang around the area where the teams come out.

Just last night I took my own advice. Inspired by Robert, I went to the Broncos Vs Knights Elimination Final at Aussie Stadium with my wife Emma and son Robbie. With us was my Brother, Mark and his fiancee, Danielle.

We took two team sets of each team, along with a number of inserts for Broncos and Knights players from the last 2 years. We also took a number of Sharpies pens with us.

We had a great night… we collected 16 signatures from players such as:

• Petro Civoniceva
• Karmichael Hunt
• Brian Carney
• Kurt Gidley
• Reegan Tanner
• Tonie Carroll, and
• Sam Thaiday

We also managed to get the Logo Cards signed by the two coaches… Wayne Bennett and Michael Hagan (his last game as Knights Coach).

Best of all though… was that natural high you get when the adrenalin pumps through your veins when you get the signature of the players.

As you could imagine there were hundreds of fans all trying get a signature from their favourite player.

I noticed one thing in common, it was the polite and patient fans who asked nicely for signatures who got them. The loud, rude and pushy fans who “demanded” signatures missed out.

To all the kids reading this newsletter… Always be polite to the players. There are hundreds of people who would love to have their autograph and if you’re patient and polite you may just get one yourself.

You may be wondering what I plan to do with the signed cards that we collected?

Some I’ll keep because I like the player.

Most however I will randomly give away to readers of this newsletter who buy either Newcastle or Broncos Team sets from our web site over the next few months.

I’m sure you will value them highly because you’re a real footy card collector.

Kind regards,

Ian

——-

Help a Friend Subscribe

If you know another Football Card collector who would enjoy reading this newsletter please forward it to them.

Alternatively you can invite them to subscribe by sending them this link:
http://www.footystars.com.au/Free_St uff/Newsletter_Sign_Up.php

They can sign up in less than 60 seconds, it’s FREE and they are guaranteed to receive this newsletter every single month.

Wow… what a month it has been since I wrote to you last.

The footy action has been fantastic in both the AFL and NRL. It appears the Top 8 have made their break and left the others to begin planning for next year.

Finals footy is just around the corner and I love this time of year… it’s full of excitement and expectation!

The other thing I’ve been excited about recently is the new AFL “Supreme” Series which was released by Select on July 21st.

The Supreme Series consists of:

• 192 common cards — 12 per team + 2 checklists
• 96 Die Cut Guernsey cards + a Die Cut checklist
• 22 Draft Pick Signature cards — only 275 cards each
• 5 Medal Winners cards
• 7 AFL/VFL Premiership cards
• 22 All Australian cards, plus
• 100 Signature cards for each of:

• Gary Ablett
• Graham “Polly” Farmer
• Anthony Rocca
• Scott West, and
• Ben Cousins

With just 100 signature cards personally signed by each player these have proved hugely popular. Some of these cards have reached sale prices over $800 already and they’re only a few weeks old!

The other exciting addition to the Supreme collection is the all new Brownlow Predictor cards, which are described in the “Card Spotlight” section of this issue.

If you’re looking for a great Father’s Day present for Dad you can find the 2006 Supreme Series in our store at:

http://www.footystars.com.au/store/afl-c-22.html

The 2006 NRL Invincible Series has also been selling well, with NRL fans quick to grab the new Jersey Die Cut inserts along with Team Sets of their favourite team.

http://www.footystars.com.au/store/nrl-c-28.html

Without any further ado, welcome to the second issue of the Footy Stars “Collectors Edition” newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading it in full.

Regards,

Ian

——-
Help a Friend Subscribe

If you know another Footy Card collector who would enjoy reading this newsletter please forward it to them.

Alternatively you can invite them to subscribe by sending them this link:
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They can sign up in less than 60 seconds, it’s FREE and they are guaranteed to receive this newsletter in their inbox every single month.

Like a lot of young kids my first experience of footy cards was at school.

I’m almost sure it was the fad between Yo-Yo’s and Marbles, but for me footy cards we’re just that little bit more exciting.

I loved watching the footy on TV and at every opportunity I would nag my parents to take me to the games (NRL games as I grew up in Canberra).

This was back in the days when you could still run out on to the field after the game (without getting a $5000 fine), and there was no bigger thrill than patting your favourite player on the back for a job well done.

Occasionally I was allowed to wait by the dressing room exit for the players to leave after the game.

Up close and personal with these gigantic stars of the game I would eek out a polite request for an autograph. Handing them a copy of their footy card and any felt pen I could find… I’d watch in anticipation as they signed the card and quickly handed it back to me.

What a thrill. No Yo-Yo or Marble in the world has ever made me feel so good. For the next week I’d be showing the card off at school along with a slightly exaggerated story of what my heroes said to me as they signed the card.

Of course back then, I kept my cards together with a large red rubber band. No top loaders, no 9 pocket pages, no deck protectors… just one large red rubber band and lots of cards with rounded corners.

Classic!

Today, I’m a grown man with a child of my own. I’m still a huge fan of footy cards and I still enjoy watching the games (on TV and live). Unfortunately, I no longer have the cards I collected as a kid; thanks to my over-zealous mum who “cleaned up my room and threw away some old junk” just after I left home to go to Uni.

Mum, if you’re reading this “I forgive you“.

“Finally” she says!

And to all the other parents out there who read this don’t worry… when you throw away (or put through the wash) your child’s footy cards… They will be upset for a while — but they too will forgive you in the end! Even if it takes another decade or two.

Thanks to my very understanding wife (Emma) I’ve gotten right back into footy card collecting over the last few years. With a large and valuable collection, I spotted the opportunity to turn my hobby; something I love, into a part-time business.

As a frustrated collector I was surprised how difficult it was to find and buy the cards I wanted on the web. Sure eBay auctions are exciting and there are loads of cards available, but there was nowhere to buy just the cards I wanted without all the fuss of eBay.

I was lucky enough for a short while to find Rae Harvey’s JustFootball site but before long she decided to close down. I was disappointed to see her go — as I’m sure you were if you had ever purchased cards from her — but her high levels of service encouraged me to pick up where she left off (you may have noticed that I now own the JustFootball.com.au domain name as well as the FootyStars.com.au domain name).

I started preparing the FootyStars site with you, the collector in mind.

I know you want simplicity, I know you want to see what you’re buying, I know you want great prices, and fast delivery, and great prices!

I know because this is what I want. I’m a collector just like you and these things are all important to me.

Things like the condition of the card — crisp, mint condition — should be automatic and at www.FootyStars.com.au they are. Well packaged cards that are fully protected and promptly posted are also high on our agenda.

Payment options of Cash, Cheque, Money Order, Bank Transfer, PayPal or secure Credit Card transactions too. When I’m buying cards I want to pay the way I want to pay, not the way someone else forces me to! Which is why you have all those choices with us — whatever your preference… the choice is yours!

But all that stuff focuses only on today. I wanted to focus on the future as well. To encourage kids, of all ages to get involved in the hobby. I want to see more kids in the playground talking about footy card collecting.

I want them to experience the thrill of opening a pack of cards and finding a signature card inside!

The buzz, the excitement, the ecstasy… how special that moment is for a child. Just put yourself in their shoes for a moment and think what it would be like.

That’s why on our site you’ll find short articles discussing the card collecting hobby. That’s why we take the time to explain why a card is valuable — rather than just give the insert ratio per pack, and that’s why we take the time to write this newsletter.

Footy card collecting is fun and the more kids we can encourage to take up the hobby the stronger our hobby will be.

If you’re a parent, I encourage you to take the time to educate your child about footy card collecting. It’s a great hobby that’s safe and relatively inexpensive, and it’s something they can continue for the rest of their life.

If your a kid, take a minute, visit our site at www.FootyStars.com.au and read some of the short articles about footy cards… because card collecting is fun and you can do it for the rest of your life.

I sincerely look forward to writing to you each month as I publish this newsletter. I hope you find the information interesting, educational and maybe even a little entertaining.

Yours in card collecting,

Ian Thatcher