Footy Heads! My apologies for the delay in writing, but with the new system I am looking for clubs reports and votes. Even at the time of writing I do not have 3 clubs reports, so unfortunately there will be no awards for their players.
Thank you to those who do not delay the process. It was another great weekend of AFL Ontario footy, with some stand outs and some disappointments. Here is the review of #AFLOrd2
Roos 6.12.48 def Dingos 4.11.35
A good Friday night pick by your loyal Phantom, the Dingos were adamant this game start on time and forced the Friday Night Specialist Kangaroos to play short early. Didn't mean much in the end as when the team arrived, the Kangas showed their potential to be damaging this season.
The Dingos moved to 0-2 and despite their coaches corner suggestion they have a better forward line this year and flying players in, couldn't take down the Roos. Big Wade presented but was ineffective and Evans unimpressive, possibly jet-lagged from his flight from NY. Duggan and Aitken serviceable and no sign of Ladd. Without a win in 2014, there are big question marks over the Dingos ability to finish in the Top 4.
On the other hand the Roos are up and about this year, and the new recruit Cuzner may be better than I expected. As predicted, JR wasn't able to kick another 8 goals but 3 from Jack was the difference on Friday. Connell was surprisingly good in the Ruck for an average Queenslander and Boyce was great, considering he basically played a half due to showing up late.
Phantom Starting the week with a correct pick.
Rebels 15.13.103 def Catters 5.4.34
The Wildcats were strong in this contest and never gave up as the young club led the Rebels at half time by 5 points.
With credit to the Rebels, unfortunately for the Catters didn't score again after half time. Demetrio was good and Visser was an important line up to the Wildcat line up.
The Rebels were missing Karavias this week and King again, but I was impressed with Prendergast who kicked 7 goals. A stand out performance from the Victorian early in the season, while Geyer and Verzyden were serviceable.
Phantom 2 from 2.
Gargoyles 10.7.67 def Demons 8.6.54
What a cracking game in Hamilton with some hard hits that made the Demons think twice about going for the ball. The Gargoyles are an impressive outfit who don't shirk from the contest and the "other Phantom" Dyer finally showed up.
The Demons fought hard until the final siren on the Hamilton escarpment with Casey again a big presence. He kicked 4 goals while Anjou was also impressive along with Floppy.
But it was the Gargoyles who wanted it more and used their big bodies to hurt the Dees. Dyer was in town with 4 goals and Logel kicked 2 showing the danger up front for the Gargs. Martin was all over the ground while Bory and Millar stood tall as always.
Phantom on fire 3 from 3
Hawks 15.10.100 def Blues 7.5.47
If anyone thought the Blues were a contender, you best be thinking again as the Hawks blew them away at Humber South on Saturday.
New recruit Killa kicked 5 along with Shutts as they made the premiership contenders look completely second rate. Lyttle was all over the ground following a huge preseason and Dullard was simply class. I don't think anyone can run with the guy.
The Blues were serviced well by Armstrong, the fiery red head never gives up and MacLennan was best on for the Blues. Goedheer kicked 3 but the Blues were dominated by the reigning premiers. Wills and Doc were there but unimpressive.
Phantom 4 from 4.
Swans 22.13.145 def Eagles 6.3.39
If this isn't a sure sign that the Eagles are in for a long year, I don't know what is. The Swans made them look old and slow on Saturday and I almost feel sorry for them.
The Hamburgler kicked 2 but received little help from his Eagles team mates who were missing Marsh, but he wouldn't have made a 100 point difference.
The Swans were up and about in their first of 3 road games. Roffey was back kicking 4 goals and Robinson kicked 4 too, be ready for these guys any defensive outfit. Stafford kicked 3 and Strom showed he doesn't play 2 average games in a row with 3 goals. Joel Crimmins was best on ground but then you Shaughnessy and Kozlowsi to the mix, all of a sudden the Swannies are looking scary to any opponent. Do not underestimate them.
Phantom finishing 4 from 5.
Womens
Wildcats 4.6.30 def Demons 3.3.21
I predicted an 8 point victory for the Cats and was only just off as the ladies from Hamilton showed no respect for the reigning premiers.
The Cats clearly had the numbers in their favour and ran the Dees into the ground. Fluit was back in town and kicked 3 goals as the Wildcats dominated the Demons.
While the Demons fought hard, they are cleary short this year and while Erin kicked 3 goals, it wasn't enough.
Phantom 1 from 1
Swans 6.3.39 def Kangaroos 4.5.29
A solid start to the womens season for your loyal Phantom, again only 1 point off on the margin prediction.
The Roos again worked hard but couldn't kick straight this week as they fell to the travelling Swans. Sylvie was back in the side and had a big impact as did Amaral and McNab.
Dickinson and Derynck were great as always for the Swans but the difference was the one they call "Leggo". Almost on the level of Loughnane, Aimee is a quality footballer and dominated Saturdays game. 4 goals and a best on ground performance, she stole the show and helped the Swans to road win number 1 for 2014.
Phantom 2 from 2 in the womens for #AFLOrd2.
Thanks for your patience, Footy Heads! To the clubs who didn't send me their reports, get going.
AFLO Ladies, I would love to hear from you too on phantom@aflontario.com or @PhantomAFLO on twitter. I am already excited for #AFLOrd3
2XU Player of the Round
A tough week to pick the winner, especially considering only 7 clubs submitted their info but Jacob Martin of the Grand River Gargoyles is the AFL Ontario 2XU Player of the Round. A best on ground performance at Mohawk Park on Saturday was much deserving of the award. Congratulations Jacob.
The Ghost Who Handballs!
Last Modified on 05/06/2014 12:43