Well footy heads, season 2013 in Ontario is now officially over.
Some great games were played on the weekend, it was a little bit of a shame about the weather as it took a lot of the spectacle out of the game.
But in good news, for the second time in two weeks, the Phantom picked 3 from 3 in the predictions!
Despite popular belief that I don't watch footy anymore, I did make it down to see a half or more of the women's game and the Division 1 game. But I decided to keep my distance, stay dry and watch from the car. Only annoying thing was that Rogers set up in the way at times, but much warmer and no need for the "gum boots" (which I do not own) although thanks JR for the advice earlier in the day.
Here are my reviews of the final 3 games of the AFL Ontario season - Grand Final Day!
Div 2 - Toronto Dingos 8.8.56 def Broadview Hawks 2.6.18
I will keep this one short and sweet but first and foremost, congratulations to the Dingos Division 2 side who went thru the season undefeated. No one really ever got close to them this year and that shows the strength and depth of the club.
The Hawks definitely had a go in this game but the weather was always going to slow the old boys down and the Dingos youth and pace just left them behind. The fact the Dingos had guys like Tom Evans playing in Division 2 to begin with says enough. Maybe if Dullard and Shuttleworth played the Hawks could have won? Who knows..
Phantom Prediction was Dingos by 35 points - Actual result Dingos by 38 points, so close!
Phantom 1-1 on Grand Final Day
Women's Division - High Park Demons 2.5.16 def Hamilton Wildcats 1.0.6
In a low scoring game, the Demons beat the Wildcats by 10 points in a hard fought encounter in what was some miserable conditions at Humber South. I have to say first and foremost, I really don't understand why this game was played on a full field, who's silly idea was that? It just made the game really slow and kind of hard to watch at times. stagnant, bunched up footy and low scores didn't help showcase the women's game like it should have been, that's for sure.
Anyway, the Demons got out to an early lead but were down at half time due to a goal from Kendra Heil which put the Cats in front by 4 points. Unfortunately, the Cats spent the rest of the game in their defensive half and could not put any scoreboard pressure on the Demons who were relentless in attack.
Erin Loughnane kicked a very cheap goal from an advantage situation which gave them the lead in the third quarter. Then in the final quarter, the Demons kicked 1.2 to seal the deal with a goal in the final seconds. The Wildcats tried hard all day but were unable to put any score on the board after half time.
Phantom Prediction was Demons by 11 points - Actual result Demons by 10 points, another close one!
Phantom 2-2 on Grand Final Day
Division 1 Broadview Hawks 9.5.59 def Toronto Dingos 4.6.30
The weather conditions in this game made way for a sloppy affair but both sides definitely came to play!
The Dingos came out hard and got a jump on the Hawks, hitting the front early with Stewy kicking two quick goals. One from a nice contested mark and other from what looked like a free kick, but I couldn't see why from the opposite end of the field. The Hawks then hit back with two goals but the Dingos lead at quarter time by a point. This would be the last time they lead the Hawks for the remainder of the game!
The Hawks came out firing in the third quarter kicking three goals to one, Shutts getting one early from a centre clearance. They lead at half time by
11 points and extended that to 21 points by 3 quarter time, the Dingos only managing 2 behinds in the third quarter.
In the final quarter the Hawks really put the foot down and Dullard had really lifted. He kicked a running goal late in the quarter that really sealed the deal. Despite the game being beyond reach, to the Dingos credit they continued to fight until the day was done.
Stewart finished with 3 but Big Wade could only manage one. Not much to show from the big man who kicked bags all season, only two goals in the finals. McKay and Parish were solid for the Dingos and Duggan contested hard all day.
For the Hawks, Dullard was judged Best On Ground and his 3 goals probably helped him to the award. My personal opinion (and probably that of many others) was Afjal Mohammad was the Hawks best as his pace broke lines and caused havoc for the Dingos. I guess some clean touch was all he lacked.
Shuttleworth was too much for Brady to handle down back kicking 3 goals at key times. Other players who did well for the Hawks on the day were Mitchell, Thompson, Cragg, Pareja and Royle, but overall it was just a great team effort. A few steps ahead of the Dingos, clearly the best team on the day.
Phantom Prediction was Hawks by 22 points - Actual result Hawks by 29 points Phantom 3-3 on Grand Final Day
So that's it for Season 2013 in Ontario, I hope all have enjoyed the predictions and reviews this season. Also quickly, for those who have been trying to get me on Twitter - I have a new phone and can not remember my password. I was hoping to post the predictions from my Twitter friends for the games. Trying to fix that situation, my apologies I will be back.
The Ghost Who Handballs
Last Modified on 27/09/2013 08:16