
GRAND PRIX MELBOURNE 2012
Crewe Crowned Champion in Melbourne
March 31-April 1, 2012
GRAND PRIX MELBOURNE 2012

After years of consistently solid finishes at Australian premier events, Brisbane's Dave Crewe has finally made it to a Grand Prix Top 8. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, he didn't lose a game as he muscled his way through Thomas Rafferty, Simon Harnden, and Geoff Zhao to take the finals in a quintessentially Australian fashion, battling Savage Arachnids with his Undying, Selfless Cathar.
The rest of the Top 8 were an impressive array of Australia's Magical elite. Dan Unwin again proved he is more than just a constructed master, while Oliver Oks crushed Jeremy Neeman's dreams of three straight Australian Grand Prix wins. Rounding out the Top 8 was Hao Wu, who snuck in at 8th place by the narrowest of tiebreaker margins.
top 8 bracket
Quaterfinals
(2) Crewe, David A
(3) Rafferty, Thomas
(6) Harnden, Simon A
(5) Unwin, Daniel G
(1) Oks, Oliver J
(7) Neeman, Jeremy
(8) Wu, Hao
(4) Zhao, Geoff
Semi-finals
Crewe, David A(2-0)
Harnden, Simon A(2-0)
Oks, Oliver J(2-1)
Zhao, Geoff(2-1)
Finals
Crewe, David A(2-0)
Zhao, Geoff(2-1)
Champion
Crewe, David A(2-0)
EVENT COVERAGE
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by Pip FowerakerTop 5 Cards:
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by Pip FowerakerFinals:Dave Crewe vs. Geoff Zhao
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by Ray “blisterguy” WalkinshawSemifinals:Oliver Oks vs. Geoff Zhao
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by Pip FowerakerSemifinals:Simon Harnden vs. Dave Crewe
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by Ray “blisterguy” WalkinshawQuarterfinals:Dave Crewe vs. Thomas Rafferty
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by Ray “blisterguy” WalkinshawQuarterfinals:Jeremy Neeman vs. Oliver Oks
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by Pip FowerakerQuarterfinals:Dan Unwin vs. Simon Harnden
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by Pip FowerakerQuarterfinals:Hao Wu vs. Geoff Zhao
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by Event Coverage StaffTop 8:Decklists
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by Event Coverage StaffTop 8:Player Profiles
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by Event Coverage StaffDay 2 Blog
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by Event Coverage StaffDay 1 Blog
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by Event Coverage StaffInfo: Fact Sheet
INFORMATION
1. Crewe, David A | $3,500 |
2. Zhao, Geoff | $2,300 |
3. Oks, Oliver J | $1,500 |
4. Harnden, Simon A | $1,500 |
5. Rafferty, Thomas | $1,000 |
6. Unwin, Daniel G | $1,000 |
7. Neeman, Jeremy | $1,000 |
8. Wu, Hao | $1,000 |
pairings, results, standings
Top 8 Player profiles

Simon Harnden
Age: 23Hometown: Melbourne, Australia. Formerly Christchurch, New Zealand
Occupation: Same as Dan Unwin
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
R/W Aggro, 7-1
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
R/G 3-0
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
R/W 1-0-2
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Lost in the Woods, so Neeman can draft it.
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
This.
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
One, but I'll see who joins me.
What is your local Magic gaming store?
Whichever has events.

Hao Wu
Age: 28Hometown: Shanghai / Melbourne.
Occupation: -
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
Esper 8-0
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
R/b 2-1
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
B/U/r
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Huntmaster of the Fells
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
Nowhere
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
1
What is your local Magic gaming store?
Dungeon of Magic

Dave Crewe
Age: 27Hometown: Brisbane
Occupation: Secondary Teacher
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
B/W Sorin 6-2
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
B/R Control 3-0
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
B/R Aggro 3-0
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Antonino De Rosa's Pro Player Card
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
According to Ray 'Blisterguy' Walkinshaw, I Top 8'd a Nationals, but I totally didn’t.
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
Somewhere between 1 and 3
What is your local Magic gaming store?
GoodGames Brisbane.

Jeremy Neeman
Age: 22Hometown: Melbourne
Occupation: Med Student
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
W/R Flashback 7-1
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
W/B Human Death 2-1
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
U/G Fish 2-0-1
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Huntmaster of the Fells
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
I beat LSV in a Ravnica draft.
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
None, hopefully.
What is your local Magic gaming store?
Mind Games Canberra

Dan Unwin
Age: 27Hometown: Melbourne
Occupation: Baller
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
UB/r, sideboarding into RG/b
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
UB 3-0
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
RB 1-0-2
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Lingering Souls
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
Top 8 GP Brisbane 2011
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
3
What is your local Magic gaming store?
Games Laboratory, Melbourne

Thomas Rafferty
Age: 28Hometown: Box Hill
Occupation: Web Developer
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
B/r/w 7-1
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
Mono-White, 3-0
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
W/U, 2-1
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Lingering Souls
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
Extended PTQ Top 8
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
1, maybe 2.
What is your local Magic gaming store?
Good Games Melbourne.

Geoff Zhao
Age: 20Hometown: Changchun, China
Occupation: Student
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
B/U/G 6-2
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
B/W 3-0
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
U/W 3-0
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Lingering Souls
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
Top 8 Australian Nationals 2010
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
1
What is your local Magic gaming store?
Mind Games Canberra

Oliver Oks
Age: 32Hometown: Radelaide
Occupation: Student
What colours did you play Day 1, and what was your record?
R/W, splashing for Black off the board, 7-1
What colours did you draft in the 1st draft, and what was your record?
U/B 3-0
What colours did you draft in the 2nd draft, and what was your record?
G/B 2-1
What card do you most hope to open in the Top 8 draft?
Markov Warlord (On advice from 'The Pidge')
What's your best Magic finish, where, and when?
Top 4 GP Stockholm
How many World Magic Cup Qualifiers are you planning on attending?
1
What is your local Magic gaming store?
Infinity Games.
Top 8 - Decklists
Creature (16)
1 Avacynian Priest 2 Chapel Geist 1 Mausoleum Guard 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Spectral Rider 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Unruly Mob 1 Abattoir Ghoul 1 Bloodline Keeper 1 Falkenrath Noble 1 Markov Patrician 1 Morkrut Banshee 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Highborn GhoulSorcery (1)
1 Lingering SoulsEnchantment (1)
1 Burden of GuiltSideboard (18)
1 Gnaw to the Bone 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Purify the Grave 1 Urgent Exorcism 1 Brain Weevil 1 Corpse Lunge 1 Endless Ranks of the Dead 1 Maw of the Mire 1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Kessig Wolf 1 Pitchburn Devils 1 Moonmist 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Shriekgeist 1 Faithless Looting 1 Russet Wolves 1 Scorch the Fields 1 Clinging MistsWhite (16)
1 Avacynian Priest 2 Chapel Geist 1 Mausoleum Guard 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Spectral Rider 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Unruly Mob 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Burden of Guilt 1 Faith's Shield 1 Lingering Souls 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Purify the Grave 1 Urgent Exorcism 1 Sanctuary CatBlue (1)
1 ShriekgeistBlack (12)
1 Abattoir Ghoul 1 Bloodline Keeper 1 Falkenrath Noble 1 Markov Patrician 1 Morkrut Banshee 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Highborn Ghoul 1 Undying Evil 1 Brain Weevil 1 Corpse Lunge 1 Endless Ranks of the Dead 1 Maw of the MireRed (6)
1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Kessig Wolf 1 Pitchburn Devils 1 Faithless Looting 1 Russet Wolves 1 Scorch the Fields1 (10)
1 Selfless Cathar 1 Blazing Torch 1 Silver-Inlaid Dagger 1 Avacyn's Collar 1 Burden of Guilt 1 Faith's Shield 1 Undying Evil 1 Purify the Grave 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Faithless Looting2 (9)
1 Avacynian Priest 1 Spectral Rider 1 Unruly Mob 1 Highborn Ghoul 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Urgent Exorcism 1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Moonmist 1 Shriekgeist3 (10)
2 Chapel Geist 1 Markov Patrician 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Lingering Souls 1 Gnaw to the Bone 1 Corpse Lunge 1 Kessig Wolf 1 Clinging Mists4 (8)
1 Mausoleum Guard 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Abattoir Ghoul 1 Bloodline Keeper 1 Falkenrath Noble 1 Brain Weevil 1 Endless Ranks of the Dead 1 Russet WolvesCommon (47)
9 Plains 8 Swamp 1 Avacynian Priest 2 Chapel Geist 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Unruly Mob 1 Markov Patrician 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Highborn Ghoul 1 Blazing Torch 1 Burden of Guilt 1 Lingering Souls 1 Undying Evil 1 Gnaw to the Bone 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Urgent Exorcism 1 Brain Weevil 1 Corpse Lunge 1 Maw of the Mire 1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Kessig Wolf 1 Pitchburn Devils 1 Moonmist 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Shriekgeist 1 Faithless Looting 1 Russet Wolves 1 Scorch the Fields 1 Clinging MistsUncommon (9)
1 Mausoleum Guard 1 Spectral Rider 1 Abattoir Ghoul 1 Falkenrath Noble 1 Morkrut Banshee 1 Silver-Inlaid Dagger 1 Avacyn's Collar 1 Faith's Shield 1 Purify the GraveCreature (18)
1 Hollowhenge Scavenger 1 Champion of the Parish 1 Chapel Geist 1 Mentor of the Meek 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Village Bell-Ringer 2 Avacyn's Pilgrim 1 Kindercatch 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Elgaud Inquisitor 1 Midnight Guard 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Village SurvivorsArtifact (1)
1 Cobbled WingsSideboard (18)
1 Blood Feud 1 Stony Silence 2 Urgent Exorcism 1 Lost in the Mist 1 Makeshift Mauler 1 Bitterheart Witch 1 Night Revelers 1 Bramblecrush 1 Caravan Vigil 2 Grave Bramble 1 Haunted Fengraf 1 Vault of the Archangel 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Undying Evil 1 Clinging MistsWhite (16)
1 Champion of the Parish 1 Chapel Geist 1 Mentor of the Meek 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Village Bell-Ringer 1 Elgaud Inquisitor 1 Midnight Guard 1 Rally the Peasants 1 Faith's Shield 1 Stony Silence 2 Urgent Exorcism 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Sanctuary CatGreen (14)
1 Hollowhenge Scavenger 2 Avacyn's Pilgrim 1 Kindercatch 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Village Survivors 1 Bramblecrush 1 Caravan Vigil 2 Grave Bramble 1 Clinging MistsColorless (21)
9 Forest 1 Mountain 6 Plains 1 Clifftop Retreat 1 Kessig Wolf Run 1 Cobbled Wings 1 Haunted Fengraf 1 Vault of the Archangel1 (8)
1 Champion of the Parish 1 Selfless Cathar 2 Avacyn's Pilgrim 1 Faith's Shield 1 Caravan Vigil 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Undying Evil3 (10)
1 Chapel Geist 1 Mentor of the Meek 1 Village Bell-Ringer 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Midnight Guard 1 Rally the Peasants 1 Brimstone Volley 2 Grave Bramble 1 Clinging Mists4 (6)
1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Elgaud Inquisitor 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Makeshift Mauler 1 Bramblecrush5 (6)
1 Hollowhenge Scavenger 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Village Survivors 1 Lost in the Mist 1 Bitterheart Witch 1 Night RevelersCommon (44)
9 Forest 1 Mountain 6 Plains 1 Chapel Geist 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Village Bell-Ringer 2 Avacyn's Pilgrim 1 Kindercatch 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Elgaud Inquisitor 1 Midnight Guard 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Cobbled Wings 1 Brimstone Volley 2 Urgent Exorcism 1 Lost in the Mist 1 Makeshift Mauler 1 Night Revelers 1 Caravan Vigil 2 Grave Bramble 1 Haunted Fengraf 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Undying Evil 1 Clinging MistsUncommon (8)
1 Hollowhenge Scavenger 1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Village Survivors 1 Rally the Peasants 1 Faith's Shield 1 Blood Feud 1 Bitterheart Witch 1 BramblecrushRare (6)
1 Clifftop Retreat 1 Kessig Wolf Run 1 Champion of the Parish 1 Mentor of the Meek 1 Stony Silence 1 Vault of the ArchangelCreature (13)
2 Selhoff Occultist 1 Battleground Geist 2 Deranged Assistant 1 Lantern Spirit 1 Stitched Drake 1 Bloodline Keeper 2 Nephalia Seakite 1 Stormbound Geist 1 Tower Geist 1 Black CatSorcery (1)
1 DivinationSideboard (18)
1 Frightful Delusion 2 Ghoulcaller's Bell 1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Wooden Stake 1 Feeling of Dread 1 Skeletal Grimace 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Harvest Pyre 1 Riot Devils 1 Rolling Temblor 1 Naturalize 1 Artful Dodge 2 Erdwal Ripper 1 Talons of Falkenrath 1 Torch FiendWhite (1)
1 Feeling of DreadBlue (22)
2 Selhoff Occultist 1 Battleground Geist 2 Deranged Assistant 1 Lantern Spirit 1 Stitched Drake 2 Nephalia Seakite 1 Stormbound Geist 1 Tower Geist 2 Claustrophobia 1 Forbidden Alchemy 2 Frightful Delusion 1 Sensory Deprivation 2 Chant of the Skifsang 1 Divination 1 Griptide 1 Artful DodgeRed (9)
1 Crossway Vampire 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Harvest Pyre 1 Riot Devils 1 Rolling Temblor 2 Erdwal Ripper 1 Talons of Falkenrath 1 Torch FiendGreen (1)
1 NaturalizeColorless (21)
10 Island 6 Swamp 1 Nephalia Drownyard 2 Ghoulcaller's Bell 1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Wooden Stake2 (11)
2 Deranged Assistant 1 Black Cat 1 Victim of Night 1 Wooden Stake 1 Feeling of Dread 1 Skeletal Grimace 1 Harvest Pyre 1 Naturalize 1 Talons of Falkenrath 1 Torch Fiend3 (20)
2 Selhoff Occultist 1 Lantern Spirit 1 Stitched Drake 1 Stormbound Geist 2 Claustrophobia 1 Forbidden Alchemy 2 Frightful Delusion 2 Chant of the Skifsang 1 Divination 1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Riot Devils 1 Rolling Temblor 2 Erdwal Ripper5 (1)
1 Battleground GeistCommon (52)
10 Island 6 Swamp 2 Selhoff Occultist 2 Deranged Assistant 1 Stitched Drake 2 Nephalia Seakite 1 Stormbound Geist 1 Black Cat 2 Claustrophobia 1 Forbidden Alchemy 2 Frightful Delusion 1 Sensory Deprivation 1 Victim of Night 2 Chant of the Skifsang 1 Divination 1 Griptide 2 Ghoulcaller's Bell 1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Wooden Stake 1 Feeling of Dread 1 Skeletal Grimace 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Harvest Pyre 1 Riot Devils 1 Naturalize 1 Artful Dodge 2 Erdwal Ripper 1 Talons of Falkenrath 1 Torch FiendCreature (17)
1 Charmbreaker Devils 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Kessig Wolf 2 Pitchburn Devils 1 Skirsdag Cultist 1 Darkthicket Wolf 1 Festerhide Boar 1 Gatstaf Shepherd 1 Orchard Spirit 1 Ulvenwald Mystics 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Scorned Villager 2 Strangleroot Geist 1 Wolfbitten CaptiveSideboard (19)
1 Fling 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Rooftop Storm 1 Ancient Grudge 2 Bloodcrazed Neonate 1 Curse of the Pierced Heart 2 Furor of the Bitten 1 Riot Devils 1 Rolling Temblor 1 Moonmist 1 Naturalize 1 Grafdigger's Cage 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Spiteful Shadows 1 Hinterland Hermit 1 Markov BlademasterBlue (1)
1 Rooftop StormBlack (1)
1 Spiteful ShadowsRed (22)
1 Charmbreaker Devils 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Kessig Wolf 2 Pitchburn Devils 1 Skirsdag Cultist 2 Brimstone Volley 1 Into the Maw of Hell 1 Nightbird's Clutches 2 Fling 1 Ancient Grudge 2 Bloodcrazed Neonate 1 Curse of the Pierced Heart 2 Furor of the Bitten 1 Riot Devils 1 Rolling Temblor 1 Hinterland Hermit 1 Markov BlademasterGreen (14)
1 Darkthicket Wolf 1 Festerhide Boar 1 Gatstaf Shepherd 1 Orchard Spirit 1 Ulvenwald Mystics 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Scorned Villager 2 Strangleroot Geist 1 Wolfbitten Captive 1 Spidery Grasp 1 Moonmist 1 Naturalize2 (19)
1 Darkthicket Wolf 1 Gatstaf Shepherd 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Scorned Villager 2 Strangleroot Geist 1 Nightbird's Clutches 2 Fling 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Ancient Grudge 2 Bloodcrazed Neonate 1 Curse of the Pierced Heart 1 Moonmist 1 Naturalize 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Spiteful Shadows 1 Hinterland Hermit3 (9)
1 Crossway Vampire 1 Kessig Wolf 1 Orchard Spirit 2 Brimstone Volley 1 Spidery Grasp 1 Riot Devils 1 Rolling Temblor 1 Markov BlademasterCommon (47)
9 Forest 8 Mountain 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Kessig Wolf 2 Pitchburn Devils 1 Darkthicket Wolf 1 Festerhide Boar 1 Orchard Spirit 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Scorned Villager 2 Brimstone Volley 1 Nightbird's Clutches 1 Spidery Grasp 2 Fling 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Ancient Grudge 2 Bloodcrazed Neonate 1 Curse of the Pierced Heart 2 Furor of the Bitten 1 Riot Devils 1 Moonmist 1 Naturalize 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Sanctuary Cat 1 Spiteful Shadows 1 Hinterland HermitUncommon (7)
1 Skirsdag Cultist 1 Gatstaf Shepherd 1 Ulvenwald Mystics 2 Strangleroot Geist 1 Into the Maw of Hell 1 Rolling TemblorRare (5)
1 Charmbreaker Devils 1 Wolfbitten Captive 1 Rooftop Storm 1 Grafdigger's Cage 1 Markov BlademasterCreature (14)
1 Abbey Griffin 1 Angel of Flight Alabaster 2 Doomed Traveler 1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Markov Patrician 2 Vampire Interloper 1 Hollowhenge Spirit 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Silverclaw Griffin 1 Black Cat 1 Falkenrath TorturerSideboard (18)
1 Ghostly Possession 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Thraben Purebloods 1 Dissipate 2 Brain Weevil 1 Curse of Oblivion 1 Gruesome Deformity 1 Manor Skeleton 1 Maw of the Mire 1 Ancient Grudge 1 Harvest Pyre 1 Kindercatch 1 Altar of the Lost 1 Chalice of Life 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Shriekgeist 1 Gruesome DiscoveryWhite (16)
1 Abbey Griffin 1 Angel of Flight Alabaster 2 Doomed Traveler 1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Hollowhenge Spirit 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Silverclaw Griffin 1 Midnight Haunting 1 Spare from Evil 1 Lingering Souls 1 Ghostly Possession 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Thraben Purebloods 1 Ray of RevelationBlack (16)
1 Markov Patrician 2 Vampire Interloper 1 Black Cat 1 Falkenrath Torturer 1 Night Terrors 1 Tribute to Hunger 1 Unburial Rites 1 Tragic Slip 2 Brain Weevil 1 Curse of Oblivion 1 Gruesome Deformity 1 Manor Skeleton 1 Maw of the Mire 1 Gruesome DiscoveryGreen (1)
1 KindercatchColorless (21)
9 Plains 7 Swamp 1 Isolated Chapel 1 Warden of the Wall 1 Wolfhunter's Quiver 1 Altar of the Lost 1 Chalice of Life2 (10)
2 Vampire Interloper 1 Black Cat 1 Spare from Evil 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Manor Skeleton 1 Ancient Grudge 1 Harvest Pyre 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Shriekgeist3 (12)
1 Markov Patrician 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Falkenrath Torturer 1 Midnight Haunting 1 Night Terrors 1 Tribute to Hunger 1 Warden of the Wall 1 Lingering Souls 1 Ghostly Possession 1 Dissipate 1 Altar of the Lost 1 Chalice of Life4 (8)
1 Abbey Griffin 1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Hollowhenge Spirit 2 Brain Weevil 1 Curse of Oblivion 1 Gruesome Discovery5 (5)
1 Angel of Flight Alabaster 1 Silverclaw Griffin 1 Unburial Rites 1 Thraben Purebloods 1 Maw of the Mire6 (1)
1 KindercatchCommon (46)
9 Plains 7 Swamp 1 Abbey Griffin 2 Doomed Traveler 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Markov Patrician 2 Vampire Interloper 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Silverclaw Griffin 1 Black Cat 1 Falkenrath Torturer 1 Spare from Evil 1 Night Terrors 1 Lingering Souls 1 Tragic Slip 1 Ghostly Possession 1 Intangible Virtue 1 Thraben Purebloods 2 Brain Weevil 1 Curse of Oblivion 1 Gruesome Deformity 1 Manor Skeleton 1 Maw of the Mire 1 Ancient Grudge 1 Harvest Pyre 1 Kindercatch 1 Ray of Revelation 1 Shriekgeist 1 Gruesome DiscoveryUncommon (10)
1 Slayer of the Wicked 1 Hollowhenge Spirit 1 Midnight Haunting 1 Tribute to Hunger 1 Unburial Rites 1 Warden of the Wall 1 Wolfhunter's Quiver 1 Dissipate 1 Altar of the Lost 1 Chalice of LifeCreature (11)
1 Geistcatcher's Rig 1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Delver of Secrets 1 Fortress Crab 1 Laboratory Maniac 1 Stitched Drake 1 Falkenrath Noble 1 Somberwald Spider 1 Niblis of the Breath 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Scorned VillagerSorcery (5)
1 Grasp of Phantoms 1 Prey Upon 1 Spider Spawning 1 Increasing Confusion 1 Tracker's InstinctsArtifact (1)
1 Blazing TorchSideboard (18)
1 Curiosity 2 Frightful Delusion 1 Ancient Grudge 1 Burning Vengeance 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Traitorous Blood 1 Village Ironsmith 1 Caravan Vigil 1 Lumberknot 1 Chalice of Life 1 Curse of Exhaustion 1 Artful Dodge 1 Headless Skaab 1 Death's Caress 1 Blood Feud 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Hunger of the HowlpackWhite (1)
1 Curse of ExhaustionBlue (17)
1 Delver of Secrets 1 Fortress Crab 1 Laboratory Maniac 1 Stitched Drake 1 Niblis of the Breath 2 Claustrophobia 2 Dream Twist 1 Grasp of Phantoms 1 Increasing Confusion 1 Thought Scour 1 Curiosity 2 Frightful Delusion 1 Artful Dodge 1 Headless SkaabRed (6)
1 Ancient Grudge 1 Burning Vengeance 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Traitorous Blood 1 Village Ironsmith 1 Blood FeudGreen (10)
1 Somberwald Spider 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Scorned Villager 1 Prey Upon 1 Spider Spawning 1 Tracker's Instincts 1 Caravan Vigil 1 Lumberknot 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Hunger of the HowlpackColorless (21)
6 Forest 8 Island 2 Swamp 1 Shimmering Grotto 1 Geistcatcher's Rig 1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Blazing Torch 1 Chalice of Life1 (12)
1 Delver of Secrets 1 Blazing Torch 2 Dream Twist 1 Dead Weight 1 Prey Upon 1 Increasing Confusion 1 Thought Scour 1 Curiosity 1 Caravan Vigil 1 Artful Dodge 1 Hunger of the Howlpack3 (13)
1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Laboratory Maniac 1 Stitched Drake 1 Niblis of the Breath 2 Claustrophobia 2 Frightful Delusion 1 Burning Vengeance 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Traitorous Blood 1 Chalice of Life 1 Headless Skaab4 (6)
1 Fortress Crab 1 Falkenrath Noble 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Grasp of Phantoms 1 Lumberknot 1 Curse of ExhaustionCommon (45)
6 Forest 8 Island 2 Swamp 1 Shimmering Grotto 1 One-Eyed Scarecrow 1 Delver of Secrets 1 Fortress Crab 1 Laboratory Maniac 1 Stitched Drake 1 Somberwald Spider 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Scorned Villager 1 Blazing Torch 2 Claustrophobia 2 Dream Twist 1 Dead Weight 1 Prey Upon 1 Thought Scour 2 Frightful Delusion 1 Ancient Grudge 1 Crossway Vampire 1 Traitorous Blood 1 Village Ironsmith 1 Caravan Vigil 1 Artful Dodge 1 Headless Skaab 1 Death's Caress 1 Hollowhenge Beast 1 Hunger of the HowlpackUncommon (12)
1 Geistcatcher's Rig 1 Falkenrath Noble 1 Niblis of the Breath 1 Grasp of Phantoms 1 Spider Spawning 1 Tracker's Instincts 1 Curiosity 1 Burning Vengeance 1 Lumberknot 1 Chalice of Life 1 Curse of Exhaustion 1 Blood FeudRare (1)
1 Increasing ConfusionCreature (18)
1 Requiem Angel 1 Geist of Saint Traft 1 Geistcatcher's Rig 1 Abbey Griffin 1 Gallows Warden 1 Mausoleum Guard 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Morkrut Banshee 1 Screeching Bat 1 Vampire Interloper 1 Elgaud Inquisitor 2 Midnight Guard 1 Thraben Heretic 1 Falkenrath Torturer 1 Farbog Boneflinger 1 Highborn GhoulArtifact (1)
1 Mask of AvacynSideboard (19)
1 Trepanation Blade 1 Cellar Door 1 Paraselene 1 Curiosity 1 Bump in the Night 1 Ghoulraiser 2 Manor Skeleton 1 Skeletal Grimace 1 Stromkirk Patrol 1 Curse of the Pierced Heart 1 Into the Maw of Hell 1 Rolling Temblor 1 Traitorous Blood 1 Altar of the Lost 1 Archangel's Light 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Reap the Seagraf 1 Favor of the WoodsWhite (13)
1 Requiem Angel 1 Abbey Griffin 1 Gallows Warden 1 Mausoleum Guard 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Elgaud Inquisitor 2 Midnight Guard 1 Thraben Heretic 1 Feeling of Dread 1 Paraselene 1 Archangel's LightBlack (15)
1 Morkrut Banshee 1 Screeching Bat 1 Vampire Interloper 1 Falkenrath Torturer 1 Farbog Boneflinger 1 Highborn Ghoul 1 Unburial Rites 1 Bump in the Night 1 Ghoulraiser 2 Manor Skeleton 1 Skeletal Grimace 1 Stromkirk Patrol 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Reap the SeagrafGreen (1)
1 Favor of the WoodsMulti colored (1)
1 Geist of Saint TraftColorless (22)
3 Island 7 Plains 7 Swamp 1 Geistcatcher's Rig 1 Mask of Avacyn 1 Trepanation Blade 1 Cellar Door 1 Altar of the Lost2 (10)
1 Vampire Interloper 1 Thraben Heretic 1 Highborn Ghoul 1 Mask of Avacyn 1 Feeling of Dread 1 Cellar Door 2 Manor Skeleton 1 Skeletal Grimace 1 Curse of the Pierced Heart3 (14)
1 Geist of Saint Traft 1 Screeching Bat 2 Midnight Guard 1 Falkenrath Torturer 1 Trepanation Blade 1 Paraselene 1 Ghoulraiser 1 Rolling Temblor 1 Traitorous Blood 1 Altar of the Lost 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Reap the Seagraf 1 Favor of the Woods8 (1)
1 Archangel's LightCommon (40)
3 Island 7 Plains 7 Swamp 1 Abbey Griffin 1 Selfless Cathar 1 Thraben Sentry 1 Vampire Interloper 1 Elgaud Inquisitor 2 Midnight Guard 1 Falkenrath Torturer 1 Highborn Ghoul 1 Feeling of Dread 1 Silent Departure 1 Saving Grasp 1 Bump in the Night 1 Ghoulraiser 2 Manor Skeleton 1 Skeletal Grimace 1 Stromkirk Patrol 1 Curse of the Pierced Heart 1 Traitorous Blood 1 Chosen of Markov 1 Reap the Seagraf 1 Favor of the WoodsUncommon (16)
1 Geistcatcher's Rig 1 Gallows Warden 1 Mausoleum Guard 1 Morkrut Banshee 1 Screeching Bat 1 Thraben Heretic 1 Farbog Boneflinger 1 Mask of Avacyn 1 Unburial Rites 1 Trepanation Blade 1 Cellar Door 1 Paraselene 1 Curiosity 1 Into the Maw of Hell 1 Rolling Temblor 1 Altar of the LostRare (1)
1 Requiem AngelCreature (18)
1 Elder Cathar 1 Mikaeus, the Lunarch 1 Voiceless Spirit 1 Avacyn's Pilgrim 1 Elder of Laurels 2 Grizzled Outcasts 3 Orchard Spirit 1 Somberwald Spider 1 Ulvenwald Mystics 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Gravetiller Wurm 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Ulvenwald BearSorcery (1)
1 Increasing SavageryArtifact (1)
1 Jar of EyeballsSideboard (19)
1 Cobbled Wings 1 Mask of Avacyn 1 Gallows Warden 1 Ghostly Possession 1 Dream Twist 1 Lost in the Mist 1 Manor Skeleton 1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Night Revelers 1 Gnaw to the Bone 1 Kindercatch 1 Haunted Fengraf 1 Executioner's Hood 1 Artful Dodge 1 Spiteful Shadows 1 Heckling Fiends 1 Markov Warlord 1 Nearheath StalkerWhite (7)
1 Elder Cathar 1 Mikaeus, the Lunarch 1 Voiceless Spirit 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Rebuke 1 Gallows Warden 1 Ghostly PossessionRed (6)
1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Night Revelers 1 Heckling Fiends 1 Markov Warlord 1 Nearheath StalkerGreen (18)
1 Avacyn's Pilgrim 1 Elder of Laurels 2 Grizzled Outcasts 3 Orchard Spirit 1 Somberwald Spider 1 Ulvenwald Mystics 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Gravetiller Wurm 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Ulvenwald Bear 1 Spidery Grasp 1 Increasing Savagery 1 Gnaw to the Bone 1 KindercatchColorless (23)
12 Forest 5 Plains 1 Gavony Township 1 Jar of Eyeballs 1 Cobbled Wings 1 Mask of Avacyn 1 Haunted Fengraf 1 Executioner's Hood2 (7)
1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Cobbled Wings 1 Mask of Avacyn 1 Manor Skeleton 1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Executioner's Hood 1 Spiteful Shadows3 (16)
1 Elder Cathar 1 Voiceless Spirit 1 Elder of Laurels 3 Orchard Spirit 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Ulvenwald Bear 1 Rebuke 1 Spidery Grasp 1 Jar of Eyeballs 1 Ghostly Possession 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Gnaw to the Bone 1 Heckling Fiends5 (7)
2 Grizzled Outcasts 1 Somberwald Spider 1 Gallows Warden 1 Lost in the Mist 1 Night Revelers 1 Nearheath StalkerCommon (48)
12 Forest 5 Plains 1 Elder Cathar 1 Voiceless Spirit 1 Avacyn's Pilgrim 2 Grizzled Outcasts 3 Orchard Spirit 1 Somberwald Spider 1 Villagers of Estwald 1 Niblis of the Mist 1 Dawntreader Elk 1 Kessig Recluse 1 Ulvenwald Bear 1 Rebuke 1 Spidery Grasp 1 Cobbled Wings 1 Ghostly Possession 1 Dream Twist 1 Lost in the Mist 1 Manor Skeleton 1 Ashmouth Hound 1 Feral Ridgewolf 1 Night Revelers 1 Gnaw to the Bone 1 Kindercatch 1 Haunted Fengraf 1 Executioner's Hood 1 Artful Dodge 1 Spiteful Shadows 1 Nearheath StalkerUncommon (6)
1 Ulvenwald Mystics 1 Gravetiller Wurm 1 Mask of Avacyn 1 Gallows Warden 1 Heckling Fiends 1 Markov WarlordMythic (1)
1 Mikaeus, the LunarchQuarterfinals - Hao Wu vs. Geoff Zhao
Wu applied early pressure, while Zhao mustered what defences he could. Wu struggled to find enough lands, eventually dropping a Geist of Saint Traft and applying pressure. Zhao struggled to find anything but land, and when Wu pulled out of his mana troubles, Zhao caved under the relentless attack.
Hao Wu 1 – Geoff Zhao 0

Zhao refuses to play a game of Magic that lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Zhao blazed out of the gates with an Orchard Spirit and an Increasing Savagery on it. The game was over so quickly, I literally thought they were still shuffling up for it. Brutal? Brutal.
Geoff Zhao 1 - Hao Wu 1
Zhao mulliganed to 5, but then curved out perfectly in a game that turned out to be a straight race. This match could be related thusly:

Wu wishes his creatures could stand up for themselves a little better.
Zhao: Creature, Creature, Creature, Creature, Pump?
vs.
Wu: Creature, Creature, No Creature, Creature That Can't Block, Death.
Geoff Zhao 2 – Hao Wu 1
Quarterfinals - Dan Unwin vs. Simon Harnden
Unwin led play with a Delver of Secrets. Harnden had a Dawntreader Elk, while Unwin summoned a Laboratory Maniac. Harnden had a Cobbled Wings but no creatures to equip it to, while Unwin summoned a Stitched Drake.
Harnden wasn't having any of it, though, a Slayer of the Wicked sending the Drake to the graveyard in short order. Harnden followed up with a Champion of the Parish and a Village Survivors, while Unwin had a Fortress Crab – half Fortress, half Crab, all blocker.

Simon Harndens his heart and contemplates a Crab.
The problems with Fortress Crabs, though, is that they can only block one aggressor at once. Harnden had a few more of them, curving out through more mid-range attackers into a Kindercatch. Unwin went for a double Dream Twist on Harnden and an Increasing Confusion, although this was mostly to look through Harnden's deck before reaching for his sideboard.
Simon Harnden 1 – Dan Unwin 0
During deck construction, Unwin had confided in me that he'd never draft a U/G Mill deck before, and, while the deck seemed powerful, he wasn't 100% confident. He didn't look in a comfortable position, mulliganing to 6 and having Harnden load out a pile of attackers in the early game. Unwin tried to stem the bleeding with a Claustrophobia and a Spider Spawning for 2.

Is he boggling or goggling? Either way, Unwin's in trouble.
Harnden was having none of that, though, and powered up with a Kindercatch. The Kessig Wolf Run on the board and Unwin's life total being at 6 spelt out how this game was going to end.
Simon Harnden 2 – Dan Unwin 0
Quarterfinals - Jeremy Neeman vs. Oliver Oks
Oliver Oks has had some reasonable Grand Prix finishes around the World, including a top 4 finish at Grand Prix Stockholm in 2007. Jeremy Neeman has had one or two good finishes, too, including winning Grand Prix Brisbane last year, and Grand Prix Sydney the year before.
Having finished at the top of the Swiss, Oks elected to go first, but threw away his opening hand.

"How's yours?" he asked Neeman
"Sketchy," came the reply, before keeping.
Neeman slowed Oks' assault with Sensory Deprivation, before digging up his Bloodline Keeper with a Divination to try and stabilize at 10 life. Oks cast a Hollowhenge Beast, and when Neeman passed back his turn with Deranged Assistant, Bloodline Keeper, Island and 3 Swamps open, Oks was intrigued.
"How many cards?"
"Seven."
"So many!"
"I haven't done much."
"You've done plenty," Oks replied, pointing at the Bloodline Keeper.
Oks attacked with his 5/5, an Orchard Spirit, and a hasty Strangleroot Geist. Neeman sank into thought, finally making a Vampire Token, blocking the Spirit, and pointing a Griptide at the Beast. Oks responded by Flinging his 5/5 at the Keeper, and Neeman fell to 8.
Neeman cast a Nephalia Seakite, but Oks threw it and Neeman's only IslandInto the Maw of Hell. Neeman failed to draw another Blue source, and it wasn't long before Oks had taken game one.
Oks 1 – Neeman 0
Oks screamed out of the gates in game two with double Strangleroot Geist. Selhoff Occultist traded with one, and Neeman elbow-dropped Oks' Skirsdag Cultist with a Frightful Delusion.
"Who plays that card, seriously?" someone in the audience cried.
Neeman adopted a Black Cat, and happily traded it for the first half of the remaining Geist, knocking a superfluous Mountain out of Oks's hand.
Oks cast Kessig Wolf and Gatstaf Shepherd after combat, and then a Festerhide Boar a turn later. Griptide sent back the Boar, before Neeman summoned a Stormbound Geist. Oks attacked, and Neeman tapped the rest of his stuff for a Nephalia Seakite, eating the Shepherd, and powering up the Boar, Neeman dropping to 7.
To get on the board, Neeman began attacking with his flier, and played Chant of the Skifsang on the 5/5 Boar. The Seakite teamed up with a Deranged Assistant to take down the Wolf, and Neeman fell to 4 from the 3/2 Strangleroot Geist.
Neeman's Geist continued to attack, and his Assistant was joined by another. Oks failed to find any further juice, as Neeman finally drew into the rest of his fliers to even up the match.
Oks 1 – Neeman 1
Oks frowned at his opening hand, before finally throwing it back, while Neeman kept his. Oks slumped his shoulders at his next 6, but kept them anyway, launching into a quick turn two Strangleroot Geist, quickly knocking Neeman to 16.
Neeman was slow to get into the game, dropping to 10 before he finally cast a Selhoff Cultist. Oks paced himself, playing around Frightful Delusion to land a Pitchburn Devils. Neeman slowly kept them at arm's length with a Lantern Spirit, and eventually trading a One-Eyed Scarecrow and his Cultist for the 3/3, before finally finding both of his victory conditions; the Bloodline Keeper and his Nephalia Drownyard.
Oks simply dispatched them both with Into the Maw of Hell, and followed it up with a Charmbreaker Devils. When Neeman tried to make it a Victim of Night, Oks flung it at an opposing Nephalia Seakite.

Neeman was drawing dead as Oks summoned a Skirsdag Cultist. He tried to give it a dose of Claustrophobia, but the damage had already been done, as Neeman revealed the two Islands left in his hand.
Oliver Oks defeats Jeremy Neeman 2 – 1
Quarterfinals - Dave Crewe vs. Thomas Rafferty
Dave Crewe has come close to the top 8 in a few Australian events, but this is his first time getting all the way there. This is also for the first time for Thomas Rafferty.
Both players were looking to beat down with their White/Black decks, but Crewe beat down much harder in game one than Rafferty could handle, forcing him to Unburial Rites lesser monsters to survive.

Crewe was on the back foot in game two, but finally drew his Bloodline Keeper to slowly claw his way back into the game. Rafferty couldn't overcome the Keeper, and Crewe took the match 2 – 0.
Semifinals - Simon Harnden vs. Dave Crewe
Harnden began the game with an Avacyn's Pilgrim, accelerating into a Villagers of Estwald. Crewe's first play was a Lingering Souls, the #1 most popular non-rare card this weekend. Auspicious? His Pacman-style handmade tokens seemed to imply so.

Harnden didn't seem too fazed, and attacked Crewe with his Villagers before passing, letting them flip into a much more intimidating Howlpack of Estwald. Crewe had a Niblis of the Mist after his attack before passing, and Harnden flashed in a Village Bell Ringer before attacking with his team and summoning a Village Survivors.
Crewe summoned a Chapel Geist and flashed back his Lingering Souls to boost his aerial offense. Harnden's collection of ground-pounders were significantly larger, though, and he pushed all of them into the middle of the battlefield. "I'm going to lose to Brimstone Volley", sang Crewe as he assigned blockers. No Volley ensued, but Harnden did have a Kindercatch to ramp up the pressure.
Without trample, though, Kindercatch was too slow for Crewe's army of fliers.
Dave Crewe 1 – Simon Harnden 0
Crewe showed me a cunning sideboard card: Maw of the Mire. Knowing Harnden had a Kessig Wolf Run, he told me that the card would either 'Be very good, or very bad'. I agreed that one of those outcomes seemed likely.

Both players mulliganed. Harnden had the first action with a Villagers of Estwald, while Crewe summoned a Chosen of Markov. Harnden followed up with an Elgaud Inquisitor, while Crewe summoned the might Bloodline Keeper, a stalwart of the weekend and one of two copies in the Top 8 draft.
Crewe just kept going with an Avacynian Priest, threatening to shut down Harnden's Howlpack of Estwald while overwhelming him with flying Vampire tokens. "That card seems good", nodded Harnden. "Yeah, that's why I sided it in", laughed Crewe. "I figure, you have creatures, so if I make LOTS of creatures..."
And that's exactly what he did.
Dave Crewe 2 – Simon Harnden 0
Semifinals - Oliver Oks vs. Geoff Zhao
Oliver Oks threw back his opening six cards, and had no second turn play, while Geoff Zhao cast a Dawntreader Elk. Oks cast a Kessig Wolf, and let the Elk past for 2. The Wolf attacked back past Zhao's Orchard Spirit, and Oks sent back his fourth turn with four lands open. Zhao attacked with both, and Oks ambushed the Orchard Spirit with a Spidery Grasp. Zhao followed combat up with a 4/4 Ulvenwald Bear. Oks cast a Hollowhenge Beast, but Zhao cast Increasing Savagery on his Elk, and sent the 7/7 in.
"Hrmmm. 7/7 you say?" mulled Oks, before double blocking with his 5/5 Beast and his 3/1 Wolf. Oks untapped and cast a Wolfbitten Captive, five more lands left unspent.
Zhao attacked with his 4/4, knocking Oks to 12, and cast a Somberwald Spider and an Avacyn's Pilgrim. Oks gave it some thought, before summoning Charmbreaker Devils. Zhao flashed back his Savagery on the Spider, and the 12/14 steamrolled Oks' 1/1. Oks drew for the turn, and attacked with his Devils. Zhao declined to block, and Oks cast Spidery Grasp to make it 10/8, then Brimstone Volley to drop Zhao to 14, and make the Devils 14/8.
It's safe to say Zhao did not see that one coming.

Oks 1 – Zhao 0
This time Zhao had no turn two play, while Oks cast Villagers of Estwald. Zhao cast a Mikaeus, the Lunarch for 2, while Oks replied up with an Orchard Spirit. Zhao cast a Kessig Recluse after some thought, and passed it back. Oks had no fourth land, and happily flipped his Villager. Zhao cranked Mikaeus up to 3, before playing a fifth land, and cast Increasing Savagery on his Recluse.
"Again? Enormous guy?" Oks sighed.
Oks untapped and cast Pitchburn Devils, before attacking for 2 with his Orchard Spirit. Zhao cranked Mikaeus up to 4, and cast an Elder of Laurels and an Orchard Spirit, before again attacking with his 7/8 Recluse. The Devils wandered in front of the monster, and finished off the opposing orchard Spirit.
Oks returned fire with his Orchard Spirit, and played a Strangleroot Geist on defence. Zhao shared some of Mikaeus's wealth at the end of turn, and untapped with a 3/3 Mikaeus, 8/9 Recluse, and 3/4 Elder. Zhao sent in everyone. Strangleroot Geist blocked the Recluse, and the Elder pumped itself to knock Oks down to 4. Oks cast another Pitchburn Devils, and passed it back, but just couldn't stop Zhao's huge monsters.
Oks 1 – Zhao 1
Both players kept on the decider, while Oks attacked on turn two with a Strangleroot Geist, following it with a Darkthicket Wolf. Zhao's first play was a turn three Villagers of Estwald, which ate the Geist, but that only made it angrier, and enabled a 5/5 Festerhide Boar. Zhao had no fourth land or spells, which flipped his Villagers. Oks attacked with his team, losing the Boar to a Rebuke, and his Wolf to the flipped Villagers. Zhao fell to 11.
Zhao attacked with his villagers, and cast a Voiceless Spirit. Oks cast a Charmbreaker Devils.
Zhao attacked Oks to 14 with his flier, and cast an Avacyn's Pilgrim, still without a fourth land. Oks drew for his turn, but left his team back defensively.
Zhao again attacked for 2, Oks falling to 12, before casting an Orchard Spirit.
Oks cast his second Strangleroot Geist and again passed it back without attacking. Zhao untapped, and finally finding his fourth land, cast Increasing Savagery on his Orchard Spirit, attacking Oks to 5.
Oks drew, and attacked with everything with his team. Not falling for it a second time, Zhao pushed the rest of his team in front of the aggressors, living to smash back with his Orchard Spirit for the win.
Geoff Zhao defeats Oliver Oks 2 – 1
Finals - Dave Crewe vs. Geoff Zhao
Zhao led the action with everyone's favourite ungulate, Dawntreader Elk. Crewe stepped up the power game with a Lingering Souls, hauling out his trusty Pacman tokens. Zhao seemed unfazed and summoned a Voiceless Spirit. Crewe played and equipped a Blazing Torch to kill the Spirit before attacking with his fliers, then flashed back the Lingering Souls.
Zhao summoned a Villagers of Estwald and attacked with his Elk. Crewe's turn was a little more impressive, with 3 Spirits attacking and a Thraben Sentry on defence. Zhao had a Gavony Township before attacking, and Crewe's Spirit blocked, flipping the Sentry. Post combat, Zhao played a Mikaeus, the Lunarch with 4 counters on it.
Crewe, frowning at the army opposite him, summoned an Unruly Mob before attacking with his Thraben Militia and 3 Spirit tokens. Zhao declined to block and fell to 8. Crewe summoned a Markov Patrician and passed.
Zhao summoned a Niblis of the Mist and tapped down the Patrician. Then, needing to do something with his freshly summoned army, attacked with his Villagers of Estwald and the Dawntreader Elk. After Crewe declared no blockers, Mikaeus pumped all of Zhao's creatures, dealing Crewe 6 and bringing the life totals to 8 each.
Crewe held back with his Spirits and attacked with the Markov Patrician and the Thraben Militia. Zhao had a Spidery Grasp on his Mikaeus to make a potent blocker, while Crewe had an Undying Evil to recycle his Thraben Militia for another go. Post combat, Crewe summoned a Chapel Geist and Mikaeus pumped Zhao's guys once more before Zhao began his turn.

Zhao summoned an Elder Cathar and passed, both players with powerful armies and precarious life totals. Crewe attacked with all his fliers, Zhao blocking the Chapel Geist and taking 3 from the Spirits, falling to 2 life. Mikaeus pumped Zhao's men once more, but Crewe looked like he had enough blockers. Zhao did the math and checked it twice, then nodded and headed for the sideboard.
David Crewe 1 – Geoff Zhao 0
Crewe began with a Selfless Cathar and an Avacyn's Collar. Zhao had a Niblis of the Mist, but visibly slumped when Crewe cast his Lingering Souls on turn 3. The card had been a victory magnet for him all weekend, and Crewe was clearly hoping this game would be no exception. Zhao summoned a Kessig Recluse to keep the Spirits at bay. Crewe had an Avacynian Priest and a Blazing Torch to try and answer the troublesome spider.
Zhao only had an Ulvenwald Mystics. Crewe spent a turn equipping his dudes and flashing back the Lingering Souls, but wasn't about to run into anything like a Hasty Hobbit. Zhao had an Elder of Laurels, while Crewe summoned a Falkenrath Noble. With the Priest tapping down Zhao's Recluse, the flying Spirit tokens attacked unimpeded.
Declaring an attack, Zhao swung in with his 3 untapped creatures, choosing not to pump anything out of respect for Crewe's threatening Blazing Torch. Crewe decided to force the issue at the end of Zhao's turn, pinging the Niblis of the Mist. Zhao pondered long and hard before letting his creature die, taking a point of damage from the Falkenrath.
Crewe attacked with all of his creatures. Zhao aimed a Spidery Grasp on his flipped Ulvenwald Primordials.
"I hope this wins the game, because it's very, very cool", said Crewe.
"Undying Evil?", he asked, pointing it at his Selfless Cathar, exactly 4 mana open.
Very, very cool.

Dave Crewe 2 – Geoff Zhao 0
Top 5 Cards
I wanted to start this paragraph with 'The little rare that could', but Bloodline Keeper is anything but little. It's the Army Knife of the Swiss, cutting through opponents like butter. It makes dudes. It makes the dudes bigger. It slices and dices, and probably comes on an easy payment plan. Heck, at 2BB, it is an easy payment plan. What more could you ask for in a rare? The Top 8 drafters were lucky – there were two of them, one ably piloted by Dave Crewe in his winning deck.
Another card that's made of 70% win and 40% awesome, Lingering Souls defies expectations and basic mathematics at every turn. Loved and reviled (depending on who's casting it) in equal measure, Lingering Souls has been on everyone's radar since it was revealed early in the spoiler season. It's just that good. Fliers? And then more fliers? Players everywhere are signing up for this card's sweet, sweet goodness.
Burn you once, shame on me. Burn you twice? Smiles from me, frowns from you. The power and flexibility this card offers is normally only found in the International Cyborg Ballet. Fine as a Shock variant, the power of flashback compels players to splash, self-mill and stretch mana bases to get as much abuse out of this card as possible. The last time something doubled up this perfectly, the Banach-Tarski paradox was born.
The card that won the GP. The card most popular in our 'Most Underrated Card' question we were asking pros all weekend. A combat trick that works equally well on defence and offence. Normally the purview of White, the ability to let a creature die and bring it back stronger than before is a powerful one indeed, especially combined with comes-into-play effects or, like Dave Crewe in the final moments of the weekend's competition, sacrifice effects.
Is this card a beating? There's only one way to find out, and that's to cast it for yourself. But don't take our word on it: cast it twice. Every time I saw this in someone's graveyard, they were usually winning. The one time I saw it removed from the game, the opponent was near tears. 4 mana for a permanent 5-power boost is impressive, especially in this Limited format, replete with evasion of every flavour. A true powerhouse, Green style: unsubtle as a brick to the head, and just as effective.