I still remember the first time I walked into Mitchelton Football Club's training facility back in 2018. The walls were adorned with photographs of legendary players and championship teams, but one image particularly caught my eye - Carey Harvey celebrating during the 2003 Invitationals. That single moment, frozen in time, represented everything this club stood for: excellence, determination, and that special kind of magic that transforms good teams into legendary ones. What Harvey achieved during those invitationals wasn't just about winning matches; it was about setting a standard that would inspire generations of players to come.

Fast forward to today, and I'm witnessing something remarkable happening with our current squad. Watching Calvin Oftana's recent performances feels like witnessing history repeating itself, yet with its own unique flavor. In our last three outings, Oftana has been carrying the cudgels for the Tropang 5G in ways that remind me of Harvey's legendary tenure, yet distinctly his own. That 33-point production against Converge, even in a losing cause, demonstrated the kind of heart and skill that can't be taught - it's either in a player's DNA or it isn't. I've been covering football for fifteen years now, and what we're seeing with Oftana isn't just another player having a good streak; it's the emergence of someone who understands the weight of the legacy he's inheriting while simultaneously carving his own path.

The numbers don't lie, and they tell a fascinating story about where this club is heading. Oftana's average of 28.7 points per game over the last five matches places him among the top 5% of performers in the league this season. But what impresses me more than the statistics is how he's embracing the TNT franchise's philosophy while adding his own modern twist. I've had the privilege of speaking with several former players from Harvey's era, and they all notice the same thing - there's that same relentless drive, that same refusal to give up even when the odds seem impossible. Against Converge, when we were down by 15 points with just seven minutes remaining, Oftana nearly single-handedly brought us back, scoring 18 of his 33 points in the final quarter. That kind of performance does more than just add to the stat sheet; it builds character for the entire team.

What many fans might not realize is how deliberately the club has been building toward this moment. The management's decision to invest in young talent while maintaining connections to our storied past represents what I believe is the perfect balance for sustainable success. I've observed other clubs swing too far in one direction - either clinging desperately to past glories or throwing out tradition completely. Mitchelton has found that sweet spot where respect for legacy meets innovation. The way Oftana studies game footage of Harvey's plays, then adapts those strategies to modern defensive schemes shows a level of football intelligence that's rare in players his age.

From my perspective, having covered both Harvey's final seasons and Oftana's emergence, the parallels are too significant to ignore. Harvey's 2003 Invitational performance included a remarkable 42-point game against the league champions, a record that stood for nearly a decade. While Oftana hasn't hit those numbers yet, his consistency across multiple games - maintaining above 25 points in eight of his last ten appearances - demonstrates a different kind of excellence. Personally, I think this sustained high-level performance might be even more valuable to team success than occasional explosive games, though I know some of my colleagues in the press box disagree with me on this point.

The infrastructure supporting these players has evolved dramatically since Harvey's days. Our training facilities now include sports science labs that track everything from player fatigue levels to nutritional needs, creating about 23% better recovery rates compared to five years ago. The coaching staff has implemented data-driven strategies that would have seemed like science fiction back in 2003. Yet somehow, through all this technological advancement, the heart of Mitchelton Football Club remains unchanged. I see it in how veteran players mentor newcomers, in how the community continues to support us through both winning and losing seasons, and in how each generation of players understands they're part of something bigger than themselves.

Looking toward the future, I'm more optimistic about this club than I've been in years. The foundation we've built allows stars like Oftana to shine while ensuring the team's success doesn't rely entirely on any single player. Our development program currently has three players in the junior leagues showing tremendous promise, with one 17-year-old prospect already turning heads with his 31-point average in the development league. The seamless transition from Harvey's era to Oftana's leadership demonstrates that Mitchelton isn't just chasing temporary success - we're building an enduring legacy.

As I write this, preparing to cover tonight's match against the conference leaders, I can't help but feel that special electricity in the air that only comes when something significant is about to happen. The lessons from 2003 have been learned, the foundations have been strengthened, and a new chapter is being written. Oftana may be following in Harvey's footsteps, but he's walking his own path - and honestly, I think we're all privileged to witness where that path leads. The legacy continues, but the story is far from over; in many ways, I believe the most exciting chapters are yet to be written.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.