After 3 consecutive wins for the Wildcats (def. Blues, Eagles & Swans), Hamilton will now hit the road to face the Guelph Gargoyles, in what looks to be their toughest task to date. Guelph plays an extremely fast paced brand of football, while using their bodies well to win the footy. Hamilton will need to be at the top of their game to keep pace with the fitness of the Gargs, and ensure that their backline works hard to keep the Guelph forwards in check. The team that stops running for the footy first in the match will definitely be the one to lose the game, so overall team depth and use of their reserves will also be one of the keys to victory.
Round #6: HAMILTON WILDCATS (4-1) v GUELPH GARGOYLES (4-2)
Venue: Margaret Greene Park, Guelph, ON.
Map/Directions: https://websites.mygameday.app/club_info.cgi?c=1-7394-110437-142013-0&sID=160735
2010 OAFL Record: Hamilton Wildcats (4-9), Guelph Gargoyles (9-5) - Guelph won season season (1-0) in '10.
Key Players: Hamilton - as the 'Cats continue to use their 'reserve rotation', many of Hamilton's more veteran players will sit out this week versus the Swans, but this will definitely open the door for new players, Drew Dupras (Hard Hat Award in Round #6 v Swans), Justin Hyde, Gary "MCG" Hesmer, Dan Gibbs, Tom Bialynicky, bigman Steve Dostal and follower Jeremy Taylor all play big roles across the oval for the 'Catters. We also look forward to the return of hardnut Kris "Killer" McKillop, as he's missed the last 3 weeks due to injuries suffered at the hands of a 100+ year old tree in Guelph, after part of the trunk broke away from the tree during the thunderstorms and pinned him underneath. He's lucky to be alive after such a scary incident, but just shows how tough this guy is to only have missed 1 game. Guelph - This could be a very long list, as Guelph has many quality Canadian and Australian players that on any given day could win them the game. Canuck veterans like Rich Parker, Jeff Borysiewicz, Carl O'Brien and Greg Logel will all need to be kept under wraps by the Wildcat taggers, as their speed, agility and ability for taking strong overhead marks have given many opposing backlines nightmares. On the Aussie front, Guelph has only gotten stronger with the return of gun Scott Rowe in the middle and 2011 addition of Aaron Mathews in front of the goals. Scotts ability to win the ball from the center and deliver into the forward line to the likes of Logel & Mathews will be something the 'Cats will have to work hard to prevent.
HAMILTON Strengths: Overall team depth and a very strong backline have kept the Wildcats in each game this season, as well as the hardness of rotating rovers Brett Aiken, Luke Lombardini, Tim Wilson and Kris McKillop. Ruckmen Paul Lawson and Ed DeBruin have done well against all opponents so far this season, winning the ball in the taps more often than not. Over the last couple of weeks, we've seen several "unknowns" really step-up their game or shine in positions not thought would be a strong suit for them, only improving depth around the oval. Hamilton's backline has always been strong, punching well from behind, taking great overhead marks and rebounding the footy well off the back 50. GARGOYLES Strengths: Fitness, fitness, fitness. Did I mention fitness. Overall, a very quick team with great height & size, who run extremely well when given the chance and work hard for the footy when on the ground. Hamilton stacks up quiet well versus the Gargs on the ground, but matching-up speed-wise will definitely be a challenge.
This game may come down to the team that has the tighter backline, as both Clubs have good scoring options, a very talented midfield crew and quickness off the wings. As mentioned earlier, both teams like to hit and definitely don't shy away from contact, so if you get a chance to come out to watch the game, sit close to the field and enjoy all the action!!!
Round #7 Prediction: Hamilton Wildcats def. Guelph by 1 goal
C'arn the WILDCATS!!!
Last Modified on 23/06/2011 08:01
