The Etobicoke Kangaroos stayed undefeated for the 2009 season as Round 6 of the Ontario Australian Football League kicked off with another Friday night game at Humber South.
With a mostly rookie squad of Canadians and only 4 Australians in the lineup coming up against a Toronto Rebels looking to win it s 2nd game of the season with seasoned veterans Nik Papionanou, Peter Bormann and Michael Fabbri is a tough task. The boys would need to come out hot and damage the scoreboard early. Right from the first bounce coach Emile Studham stamped his mark on the game with strong leading and high marking that has helped propel the Kangaroos to the top of the ladder. Goals to Studham x 2, "Chippa" Harris x 2, Christian Harbour and Mike Langner created the lead that would continue to grow as the game went on. It seems that each time Mike Langner plays in the forward line he kicks a goal and it is not done without some creative flare. This weeks effort comes from bursting through a pack of players where angels fear to tread, a dodge here, a weave there and then threading the ball thru the eye of the needle from the tightest of angles. This guy is a 1 man excitement machine for the his loyal legion of fans that flock to games to watch his Canadian brillance. 'Roos by 27 Points at the break.
With only a small bench for this game the changes in personal at breaks was not happening so the team had a settled feel about this week as they went about dismantling the Rebels. Goals to Studham x 2 and Christian Harbour kept the scoreboard ticking over as the Rebels dug in to stem the tide that they experienced in the first 20 minutes. Etobicoke by 58 points at the half.
With such a large lead one could be excused for letting the game go a bit a slowing down a bit. With a short week on the training track due to the represtative games the boys decided that a strong 2nd half would just the tonic to continue to gain some fitness. Goals to Studham x 2, Lovett x 2 accounted for the 8 points also kicked in the 3rd term that could of been really messy had it not been for the relentless pressure Tor. Rebels backline execerted on the Roo's constantly while they pushed the ball forward into the 50 meter arch. Kanga's by 81 points with 20 minutes left.
The Kangaroos were looking to hit the cetury mark on total points during a game for the 2nd time in 2009 and with being short by 7 points and 20 minutes left, it looked a sure thing. The question would be how far over would they finish up. It wouldn't take long with a point then a quick goal by Studham and the 100 was reached. More goals were to come to Studham, Harbour x 2, Jeff Vance and Morgan Kress in a very exciting last quarter.
The word had gone out to coach Studham mid way thru the term that the clubs stalwart backline player Morgan Kress Kress had never kicked a goal in his 7 year, 50+ game career and needed to be moved forward. The move was made and Morgan ended up in a forward pocket. With the passion and danger of rapid dog with his favourite bone, he prowled the 50 meter arch looking for any opportunity to get on the scoreboard. Time was getting on when Studham marked about 45 mteres out and walked back to kick his 9th of the day. Kress smelling his chance merrly wandered away from his unsuspecting Rebel opposition to sit 25 meters from goal. Studham on the alert steered a pinpoint pass onto the chest of Kress who marked and went back to take his kick. With teammates, staff and supporters holding their breath Morgan went back and slotted his first goal of his long career. As the ball sailed thru at post height he was mobbed by his teamamtes and supporters that poured onto the field in a scene simliar to when 10,000 spectators mobbed Hawthorn's Lance Franklin while kicking his 100th goal in the AFL last year. It took secruity guards a few minutes to clear the mob so the game could recommence and in the end it was Etobicoke by 93 points.
On a sad note it was Christian Harbour's last game for the club until the finals as he and his family head back to Australia after 5 years in Canada. On behalf of the club we want to say thanks to Dave, Rebecca Christian, Brenton and the girls for their love and support of the club during their time in Toronto and we wish them all the best in the future and hope to see them again in September.
Next week we look forward to renewing our rivarly with the High Park Demons in Division 1 and with the Central Blues in Division 2. The actions kicks off at 5.45pm.
Quarter By Quarter Scores
Etobicoke Tor. Rebels
1st: 6.3.39 2.0.12
2nd: 9.7.70 2.0.12
3rd: 13.15.93 3.2.12
Final: 19.16.130 5.7.37
Best Players: Chet Long, Justin Harris, Christian Harbour, Jeff Wingrove, Emile Studham.
Goalkickers: Emile Studham 8, Christian Harbour 4, Justin Harris 2, Murray Lovett 2, Mike Langner 1,
Jeff Vance 1, Morgan Kress 1.
Weekly Award Winners
Wolf Blass B.O.G Gift Pack: Jeff Wingrove
Squire & Firkin Best Australian $20 Gift Voucher: Justin Harris
BigGrab Sports Best Canadian 2 Movie Tickets: Chet Long
Pizza Pizza 1 %er Free Large Pizza: Christian Harbour
Etobicoke Kangaroos Next Game Round 6:
July 10th @ Humber South
Div 2 Vs Central Blues 5.45pm
Div 1 Vs HIgh Park Demons 6.45pm
Last Modified on 27/01/2010 10:15
