Wow.. What an interesting round of Ontario footy! Sorry for the lateness this week, but it’s been a busy week in the superhero business.
I was able to get to a few of the games this week and I have to say straight off the bat, I was pretty surprised with the results from round 9. Unexpected indeed!
Toronto Rebels 5.3 (33) def by Central Blues 8.11 (59)
I was able to get down to Humber South for this one and what an interesting match it was. So it looks like the Rebels brought their Ottawa squad out to play against the Blues. What a sup par effort indeed.
I really thought after their game against the Eagles that the Rebels were on track, but then they come out and have a performance like this. Bodnar seemed to have left his kicking boot at home and King, while kicking 3, seemed to be more concerned with his hair than playing footy!
It just looked like they Reb’s seem to rely too heavily on only a select few. I really expected more out of this sided after their performance in the previous round.
For the Blues, it was a pretty well rounded affair in front of goals with 7 scorers, though accuracy could have been a little better. No doubt a little goal kicking practice will be on the training agenda.
‘Mighty Mouse’ Willsy was once again amongst the best and ‘The Doc’ had his best showings for the club, being lively around the ground. It was good to see Kean La among the best, playing some quality footy which was reminiscent of his seasons passed.
Good win for the Blues, another unexpected and disappointing loss to the Rebels.
Phantom not starting out too good 0 -1
Hamilton Wildcats 5.4 (34) def by Toronto Dingos 16.11 (107)
So this result didn’t really surprise anyone, with my 60+ prediction being pretty spot on and with the Wildcats being the easy beats for the season. Surprisingly though it was a tight affair for the first quarter with the Cats staying in touch by 11 points. Then the rest of the game happened with the Dingos kicking 12 goals to 3.
The Cat’s defense is just in shambles these days and I can’t see it improving this season. Every week it seems someone kicks a bag against them and this week was no different. It will be interesting to see how these guys over the last few games. Can they get of the bottom? Doubt it..
They did do well for the Hamilton community with a very successful food drive, one I’m sure will help a lot of people who are without. Other than that, there’s not too much to say about these guys at the moment except that there is a lot of work to be done down in ‘Steel Town’.. Though there is a positive.. They kicked 5 goals.. Or is it?
For the Dingos it was a big day out for ‘Big Wade’ bagging 7 goals and keeping him in touch for the 2013 goal kicking award. He was well supported around the ground by Pollett, Haycraft and Pickering who all had solid appearances.
The Dingos have started to get into some form with 3 straight wins (2 without ‘Veteran’ Stewy mind you) and are now sitting second on the ladder.
This was another repeat performance by the lowly Cats and another solid win for the Dingos.
Phantom’s back on track 1-1
Broadview Hawks 17.6 (108) def Toronto Eagles 7.4 (46)
This was the match I was looking forward to seeing this round and made the effort to be there in person. I’ve seen both these two teams play a few times this season and was looking forward to see how they would fair against each other and boy was it a big eye opener!
This one started out solid with both teams pretty even for the first 3 or 4 minutes. Then the Eagles got a few major injures to some key defenders and fell apart before our eyes.
The Hawks just took control of this one once the Eagles lost their defenders. The biggest recipient for the Hawks was the ‘Human Giraffe’ Nick Shuttleworth, who kicked 6 for the match. He was help out around goal by 9 other scorers including Mitchell (3) and Dullard (2). While they didn’t play amazing football, they stifled any chance the Eagles had in the midfield and took full use of their chances.
The Eagles are definitely not who I thought they were. This team likes to fade and fade big time. Ever since round 6, they have faded after half time and this week was no different. They look like a team of individual trying to play as a team, especially in the middle. ‘Mr 19’ was back in the side again and was subpar on the scoreboard.
Seems he can kick a bag with cheap kicks against the bottom side but nothing much against better competition. So from now on he’ll just be C.Runnalls. Oh and that bearded fella I’ve seen over the past 4 rounds (hadn’t noticed him till then) Llewellyn, really is a loud mouth for someone with an atrocious kick.
Anyway, this one was about as one sided as it could get with the Hawks just too strong all around and securing their place atop the AFL Ontario ladder.
Phantom now sitting 2-1
Ottawa Swans 9.14 (68) def Etobicoke Kangaroos 7.13 (55)
Now this one was definitely the surprise of the round, don’t think many would have seen the Roo’s drop this one. Though many have been battling hard up at the Nations Capital this season as the Swans are a stronger side at home in 2013.
The Roos had their moments but would be less than impressed about leaving without the points. While this is not the Roo’s squads of the past they, still have some talent in Harris and Haesler. Both worked tirelessly to try and get over the line with Haesler solid in front of goals, kicking 4 and Harris adding 2 of his own.
Unfortunately those two can do it all alone and will need a few more helpers around the ground if the Roos want to have any chance to contend come September.
The Swans came into this one with a full list and it was apparent from the get go, that they were hungry for their second win of the season. Kozlowski was lively up forward slotting 4 goals and Woods pitching in with 2, but the Swans were a little average up forward missing more than what they made. Powell, Desson and Jakobik were also top contributors.
While it’s not to dire, the loss does put the Roo’s outside the top 6 in 7th place. They still have a game in hand though, due to a postponed game but they’d want to be in the winner’s circle next round. For the Swans it gives’s their loyal fans and members some positive signs to their growth, especially at home.
Phantom’s all tied at 2-2
Guelph Gargoyles 3.8 (26) def by High Park Demons 7.14 (56)
The second game of the Hamilton double header was one that would probably define the rest of the season for either the Goyles or Dee’s.
To say that these two have been below average this season would be a bit of an understatement. With four wins each they are both a good 8 points away from the top end of the league table. And there not too far away from being out of the top 6 either!
This one started out pretty ugly with both sides having difficulty kicking goals. Even though the Dee’s had more chances, their awful accuracy up forward had them 3 points behind after the first. Continuing on with some ordinary football (with some terrible kicking up forward) the Dee’s found a way to kick 7 goals while the Gargoyles could only manage another 2 for the game.
The Gargoyles have really struggle the past few weeks, with scoring not being one of their strong points. It kind of strange to watch these guys play as they are all effort but no results. Unfortunately for them, time is running out and they don’t have too many more chances to improve their position on the ladder.
The Dee’s haven’t been any better this year and this game showed that there’s still work to be done. They did manage the win, but against better quality opponents they may not be so lucky. Who knows maybe they’ve taking a bit of advice from their women’s squad on how to improve.. Just don’t take their advice on how to field a team..
This was a pretty average showing for both sides and if this is what is to be expected over the next month they both won’t have any chance come September.
Phantom finishing on the losing end this round 2-3
WOMEN
Ottawa Swans 8.5 (53) def Etobicoke Kangaroos 3.7 (25)
With only the one women’s game this weekend it was set to be a great clash between two evenly match sides. But as with any team heading up to Ottawa, it’s always a hard trip to take the points.
From the first bounce the Swans came out looking the goods. A 6 goal to 1 first quarter pretty much had the game rapped up. From then on it was a little more evenly matched, but the damage was already done.
Paradis had a strong outing with 4 goals and Haycock chimed in with 3 of her own. Costanza, Dickinson and Bodashefsky were also solid contributors.
This was a tough one for the Roos. That first quarter is one they’d like to forget, as they were totally overrun by the Swans. M. Amaral, Quinn and Lynett battle hard for their team but it’s hard to get back into a game if you can’t score goals on a regular basis.
The Roos will have to regroup, while this keeps the Swans in with a chance to move up the ladder.
Phantom predictions for the women. 1-0 Not too bad at all!
And there you go, a very interesting round of footy. Be sure to tune in next week for my Round 10 preview. Until then..
The Ghost Who Handballs
Last Modified on 05/08/2013 11:39