As a player, a regular $10K judge, and a previous Tournament Organizer, I get around a lot. I know almost every player, and they almost certainly know me. For the first time, I am going to seed the players. Just like in professional sports, I am going to rank the eight players who I think have the best chance of winning the whole thing—with a little explanation to boot. Here are my top eight seeds for $10K Melbourne:

1. Alex “Uly” Brown has had the most success in Vs. history around these parts, and no one will deny that. The first ever winner of a Sealed Pack $10K, and just off an almost flawless 8-1 finish on Day 2 of PC Indy, he is also the top-rated Sealed Pack player in Oceania. Alex will make opponents shake when sitting across from him.

2. Scott “How did I Top 8 at PC Amsterdam?” Hunstad. With a Top 4 finish at PC Amsterdam and a Top 8 finish at $10K Auckland, Scott has a great resume going into this event.

3. Shaun “I play ever so slowly” Hayward. He is clearly the most dominant figure in New Zealand Vs., and is trying to extend his reputation across the Tasman. Shaun has had a taste of victory at $10K Brisbane, and is currently the highest ranked Constructed player in Oceania. He’s also one of the top eight Oceania players in Sealed Pack.

4. Luke “Like” Bartter is the fourth Sydney player on this list (take a guess at the odd one out). Luke has had success in Australia, placing second at $10K Sydney 2004, as well as finishing in the Top 25 at PC Amsterdam.

5. David “I own Wednesday drafts” Redfern is the highest ranked Sealed Pack player in the state of Queensland. He drafts at least once a week, and made money at $10K Auckland. Another interesting fact is that David is the only player in this seeding withoutt a Top 8 finish in a $10K Championship.

6. Scott “CoolZero” Smith. Widely known in Australia for his booming voice and ever-present body, Scott will be looking to take out the first Sealed Pack $10K in Australia—the format is his forte. He also sports a Top 8, at $10K Auckland

7. Chris “Dr.Light is broken” Kwan. Winner of the previous Australian $10K, Chris has had massive showings in each $10K he has entered, earning a Top 8 spot in all of them. The only thing stopping him from ranking higher is a good showing at a Sealed Pack event.

8. Anthony “Migga” Macalihas made Top 8 at one $10K and made money at two others. If that wasn’t enough, he has won 2 PCQs. Both of them were Sealed events.

Seedings are seedings, but there are always dark horses in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to pounce. What better time for them to step out of the shadows than at the first Australian Sealed Pack $10K Championship? I have two picks for dark horse finishers at this tournament.

1. Kerryn “K-Man” Rubin. His best result was an agonizing ninth at the last $10K Melbourne. He has made money at a few other $10Ks, but hasn’t had any glory as of yet. One of the few good players from Victoria in attendance, he will be here to represent!

2. Tyng-Yann Yen, winner of the most recent PCQ in Sydney, which was Avengers Sealed. Is it any surprise that he’s from Sydney? Look out for this rising powerhouse.