In what has become an unfortunate pattern for the Toronto Dingos, the Red and Black fell to the Toronto Rebels in Week 10 of the 2019 AFL Ontario Season and lost a number of key players to injuries along the way.
The opening half was the high-point of the game for the Red and Black, with the Dingo backline holding firm against the powerful Rebel-attack while the forwards and mids found the pace of play in the latter half and notced a response-goal of their own. Captain Mike Bocian and backline phenom Greg Gilbert were key to holding the Rebels at bay, while rookie Conrad Charlton continued to show a growing skill at the defensive end despite playing in just his fifth game. By the mid-point of the match, the Dingos found themselves down only a couple of goals and feeling the opportunity of upsetting the heavy favourites - but the injury gods had other plans for the Red and Black.
A 2-goal lead for the Rebels at halftime ended with a 16-goal margin by the final siren, and while there's plenty of credit due to the Rebels for their excellent play, a broken wrist, a broken hand, torn calf and sprained ankle took out four Dingos in a 10-minute span, erasing any hope of a strong showing by the Red and Black. Despite the setbacks, the Dingos played hard til the final siren, doggedly chasing the Rebels on heavy legs and short lungs.
Following the game, some old titans of both clubs worked out their creaky joints and had a kick themselves, playing a 12-on-12 Old Boys game as part of the Tim Shaw Memorial festivities. Many players on both squads were good friends with Shawy, and most of the Dingos playing had been right by Shawy's side during the flag-winning campaigns of the mid-00s. It was the first of what shall hopefully become an annual addition to the Tim Shaw Memorial, and a nice bit of revenge for the Red and Black.
FINAL SCORE
DINGOS - 4.1-25
REBELS - 20.11-131
DINGO GOALS - R. McNaughton 3, T. Bell
Last Modified on 16/02/2022 14:31