Round #4 of the 2014 AFLO season saw a bruising encounter at the Rideau Carleton Raceway with both the Women and Men Swans taking wins over the Central Blues.
Ladies first...
The first home game of the season saw the Lady Swans remain undefeated. Ottawa came out strong and got on the score board first, thanks in part to the Swans who call Montreal home. The three Legaults and Kelsey were a welcomed addition to the line up and confirmed that, whether they drive 2 hours to play in Ottawa or 6 to Toronto they will put it all on the line for the red and white.
A mid-game shift saw Costanza “Pirate” move to full forward to open up positions in the middle for newer players. This change proved very rewarding as it resulted in 5 goals for the IC bound Pirate. One of the concerns going into this game was former Swan turned Blue, Bodashefsky, a strong player with a great boot. At half time, Coach Rookie assigned new player Lauren “Stootsy” to Bodashefsky and for her effort, Stootsy was awarded Players Player for the match. Not bad for a player who 2 weeks ago had never even heard of Aussie Rules.
To the Blues credit they did not make the win easy for the Lady Swans, their fit side forced full use of the Ottawa bench (18 strong) and both of their goals came in the last quarter, when they kept Ottawa off the scoreboard completely. Coach Rookie offered the following observations, “The use of the boundary and making space was superb, and the marks and running out of the back line was fantastic. Everyone came to play and did their job.” SWANS 7.3.45, Blues 2.6.20
The Lady Swans have a bit of break before heading west to play the Hamilton Wildcats on July 5th.
The strong win by the Ladies was followed up by the Men doing the same. Round 4 saw them captured their first home win of 2014.
Casting aside previous up-and-down play, the Swans put together their most compelling four-quarters of football, with solid and consistent play backed up with intensity and fierce determination.
The Blues came to the Capital fighting, but the Swans not only matched their intensity but exceeded it with some fantastic work in the middle and up forward. The second quarter was where the Swans’ shone, as the midfield started to dominate and so did the forwards up front. The backline kept the Blues goal-less and provided countless examples of great work in the clinches. The third term was the last roll of the dice for the Blues, however the Swans remained determined and matched the Blues point for point. While the Swans finished strong, they could improve on making the most of every opportunity when inside the 50. SWANS 13.8.86, Blues 8.4.52
The Blues challenged all day and never gave up on any ball, but the Swans were able to respond well at every turn. Great debut performances from Alex Huard and Greg Bridges added to the already strong Canadian contingency, which will hopefully only get stronger as the season progresses.
Using this win as momentum, the Men are looking forward to the Canada Day Cup game against the Grand River Gargoyles in 2 weeks. It’s time to bring the Cup home to Ottawa! June 28th , 2pm Humber South.
Last Modified on 19/06/2014 10:47