After another great season the Etobicoke Kangaroos found themsleves in the OAFL Grand Final against fellow OAFL powerhouse the Toronto Eagles. This would be the 3rd year in a row that these 2 clubs have played in the OAFL's big day, with the Toronto Eagles winning in 2007 and Etobicoke in 2008. This would decide the rubber match.
The threat of rain was how the day started as the teams made their way to Humber College North, but how would the day end. Two curtain raiser games, City vs Country (City winning by 5 goals) and the Division 2 Grand Final between the Broadview Hawks and Quebec Saints (won by Quebec) greeted the clubs, so there would be a good size crowd on hand to witness a classic.
Rumors were sweeping the venue with news that champion Etobicoke player Justin "Chippa" Harris had missed his flight home from Asia and would not make the game in time were proved correct when he didn't lined up for the Roos at the start of the game. A big blow for the 14-0 Kangaroos, who felt they had the depth to complete a perfect season. Further news that gun Canadians Jeff Wingrove(wedding) and Kyle Bridson (injured back) were also not in the side made the task even more difficult, this would really test the club.
The Roos are known not to come out hot so coach Studham implored his men to change that fact. The ball bounced from end to end in the first 5 minutes as both clubs looked to settle first and it was the Toronto Eagles who hit the scoreboard first. it wasn't long before the Kangaroos hit back with a goal to Travis McKenzie quickly to level the scores. Players from both teams were throwing themsleves around on the slippery surface with the Eagles holding their footing better and capitalizing on this fact with another goal just before the end of the 20 minutes. Roos down by 6 points.
A so so start to a grand final but well and truley in it, this quarter would be difficult but not to much to worry about as the boys looked to assert themsleves with their running game and high skill work. The slippery surface was keeping the roos from playing the style they have dominated with all year and the Eagles were getting number at the ball and winning the 1 on 1 contests with their hard at it attitude. A couple of goals by Emile Studham and Travis McKenzie were a good sign but the Eagles started to pull away adding 5 goals for the term to take a 26 point lead into the 3rd term.
Signs of 2008 were starting to show with the Roos having to chase down a big lead in the biggest game of the year. With the "Premiership quarter" looming could they once again hold the Eagles so they could mount the charge in the 4th period. The Eagles came out hard knowing that to win the OAFL Premiership they couldn't slow down and must keep pressuring the men in royal blue and white at every contest and move the ball quickly and with precision into their forward line. The Roos forward line just couldn't seem to fire with Eagles countering every attack and forcing pressure kicking in the forward 50 causing multiple misses in front of goal, to that snuff out any change from Etobicoke. The Eagles big men up forward had their kicking boots on with 4 goals to take a 50 point lead.
With an 8 goal deficeit, coach Studham asked his men for one last effort for the year and to, at worst show the pride in the jersey. Although the 20 minute effort was thei once again misses in front of goal proved costly as the were not able to real the Toronto eagles as they wne ton to throughly deserved in to claim their 12th OAFL premiership. The Toronto Eagles home by 57 points.
The Etobicoke Kangaroos would like to thank the following for the efforts and support in 2009.
Emile Studham - for his work in coaching the team this year a 15-1 record and 29-2 record over 2 years.
Bill Conway - Team Manager their every week and loves his footy and it shows.
Sponsors - The club would like to thank: Cool Beer Brewery, Squire & Firkin, Pizza Pizza, BigGrab Sports, Adidas, Kelloggs, Darrell Lea Chocholates, European Meats, Wold Blass Wines for their ongoing support again in 2009 and hope to work with you again in 2010.
Etobicoke Tor. Eagles
1st: 1.3.9 2.3.15
2nd: 3.4.22 7.6.48
3rd: 3.6.24 11.8.74
Final: 3.10.28 12.13.85
Best Players: Sam Bates, Adam Paterson, Adam Jacobs, Manny Matata,
Travis McKenzie, David Tumber.
Goalkickers: Travis McKenzie 2, Emile Studham 1.
Weekly Award Winners
Wolf Blass B.O.G Gift Pack: Adam Paterson
Squire & Firkin Best Australian $20 Gift Voucher: Sam Bates
BigGrab Sports Best Canadian 2 Movie Tickets: Manny Matata
Pizza Pizza 1 %er Free Large Pizza: Adam Jacobs
The club will hold it's annual Best & Fairest awards night on Saturday October 17th at the Cool Beer Brewery function room.
Tickets are $30 pre sold or $40 on the door.
3 Course meal that includes beer and wine and pop.
Last Modified on 27/01/2010 10:18