Well footy heads, what an interesting round of footy in Ontario to start off the Finals! Some upsets and some controversy too, with reports and red cards apparently the flavour of the day! Phantom will stay away from commenting on any of that!
Here is my review, thanks to those who put plenty of information on Sporting Pulse - makes my job a lot easier having, not been able to make it down to any games on the weekend.
High Park Demons 7.10.52 def Toronto Eagles 1.5.11
Well this certainly was an upset with the 6th placed Demons over running the 3rd placed Eagles. This one was close after the first but a little bit of contreversy spiced it up, which was unfortunate as it was set to be a decent contest.
Koens was red carded early in the first quarter for the Eagles, allegedly being held off the ball. But his big mouth most likely cost him again and he's known for having too much to say to the umpires too often. In the end, he let his team down and the Eagles were always going to be on the back foot without him.
Sauce was also red carded and that really took the wind out of the Eagles sails. I was surprised to hear of Sauce being carded as he's generally pretty cool and collected. To add insult to injury the Eagles copped a third card later in the game but I think it was already over by then. Hamburgular the Lone Ranger kicking 1 goal for the Eagles.
For the Demons, well what can you say a great effort? Or lucky that things turnout int thier favor after the first quarter? They had a game plan, came and played to it. When the conditions turned to water, the odds swung in their favour. 17 scoring shots to 6 says and lot and no doubt the Eagles defence were hurting with less numbers on the field after the game. The Demons finishing with 7 individual goal kickers in Loughnane, Doggett, Tinglin, Brugha, Mitchell, Kelly and Casey.
Phantom Predictions 0-1 to Start the Finals.
Broadview Hawks 15.10.100 def Toronto Dingos 1.4.10
I am not sure whether to think the Dingos were tanking in this game or if they really are just battling injuries. Their line up was depleted no doubt. But to lose by 15 goals in the wet? That is 25 plus goals in the dry. Yes they were missing Big Wade Edwards and a host of others.
In fact, they only had 18 on their team sheet which is a bit surprising considering their Division 2 side had the week off? Yeah you get a second chance but a thumpings a thumping and this was a bad one to say the least. Craig Stewart the only one up front able to put the ball thru the big sticks! It will be interesting to see what team they bring out in the next round
The Hawks on the other hand were up and about with a range of goal kickers!They played some impressive football in the wet and will no doubt have some momentum heading into the next round.
They pounded the Dingos throughout the game and really didn't give them a sniff all day. They came out of the blocks hard, typical of them this year and really showed why they are the team to beat.
Cragg kicked 5 goals while Dullard kicked 3 goals as Hurley took BOG honours. Hawks well and truly the favourites to take home the Premiership Cup in 2013.
Phantom Predictions 1-2.
Toronto Rebels 5.10.40 def Ottawa Swans 1.9.15
The Swans were always going to be up against it considering they hadn't travelled to Toronto in over a month and were featuring in their first ever finals campaign.
If they had kicked a little straighter than result may have been different but it wasn't to be. Kozlowski the only goal kicker for the Swans on the day. A good effort from the road team and Finals rookies, they didn't have enough on the day to take the Rebels.
The Rebels clearly were there to play 4 quarters after a lacklustre second half of the season. Also not kicking overly straight for the day, they lead the scoring shots 15-10 in wet conditions. Fabbri judged BOG for the Rebels, they had 5 individual goal scores in Bodnar, Duffy, Winks, Burns and McDermott.
Phantom Prediction 2-3 to finish Division 1
WOMEN
Hamilton Wildcats 2.3.15 def High Park Demons 1.5.11
The Wildcats snatched victory from the Demons in the final seconds in this hard fought encounter on Saturday to secure a weeks rest and a Grand Final berth for the second year in a row.
A late goal from Danielle Comolli secured the win after they had trailed the Demons all day. Lets just hope for the Cats sake they haven't played their Grand Final two weeks early!
The Demons are said to have been flat and considering the amount of footy they've played in recent weeks, there are no surprises. Was Loughnane expected to do it all? They still fought hard all day and if not for some inaccurate kicking and an unlucky free kick late in the game, would probably be going into another Grand Final.
Czyzo the only goal kicker on the day for the Dees.
Phantom Predictions 0-1 in Women's Division
Ottawa Swans 4.8.32 def Etobicoke Kangaroos 1.5.11
While the men's team couldn't take home a win, the Swanettes were able to pile on the goals with a dominate display over the Roos on Saturday. Lead by Emma Dickinson with a Best On Ground performance and 1 goal, they had double the scoring shots of the Roos. Goals also came from Armstrong, Paradis and Bodashefsky, they probably could have won by a lot more with some more accurate kicking.
The Roos clearly not impressed with the result, failed to enter anything into Sporting Pulse following the game, leaving me little to report.
Congratulations on making the finals though, Ladies.
Phantom Predictions 0-2 in the Women's Division
There we have it.. Look out for my Round 2 Finals preview coming out in the next few days!
The Ghost Who Handballs!
Last Modified on 13/09/2013 10:29