Couldn't have asked for better weather over the season opening weekend that saw some close matches in Div.1, some blowouts in Div.2 and quality women's footy. Most of the matches went according to script, with no shocking results. As it stands after round one, Hamilton Wildcats sit on top after their win against the Toronto Eagles; Toronto Rebels are in second spot, followed by Etobicoke Roos, Broadview Hawks and Guelph Gargoyles.
See how your team fared over the weekend. (All clubs have their own match reports, so please feel free to visit their homepages for their take on how their Div.1, Div.2 and Women's matches fared)
Here's a link to Rob Colburn's shutter-rific pictures from round one. Thanks mate!
Round one: Saturday May.5
1. Hamilton Wildcats 12.6(78) def Toronto Eagles 5.10(40)
The first cab off the rank, the Wildcats took on the experienced Eagles at Humber South. From the get-go, the Steeltown boys stamped their authority on the match with cleaner ball skills during their 38-pt win on Saturday morning. The 'Cats led by 17pts at quarter time, then extended that to 32 pts by the main break with impeccable kicking -- 9.0 (54). The Eagles outscored the 'Cats two goals to one in the third, but failed to score a major in the final term, while the black and yellow nailed two of their own to run out comfortable winners. The damage, it seemed, was done in the first half. For Hamilton, B. Major bagged seven goals and the big fella Crouch chipped in with four of his own, while for the Eagles, A.Falcioni kicked two.
2. Toronto Rebels 7.10(52) def Ottawa Swans 4.9(33)
The Toronto Rebels kicked off their 2012 season with a gritty 19-pt victory over the travelling Ottawa Swans. They did it tough though and had to come from behind at three-quarter time to claim the four points. Ottawa Swans were stubborn and determined and came to Toronto for a win -- that message was clear. The lead changed hands multiple times during the match. The Swans were up by 8-pts at quarter time, then the Rebels hit back and they held a one-goal advantage at the main break. By three-quarter time, the Swans kicked three goals to two and led by 3-pts, but, grew tired as the Rebels conjured up three important goals to nil to hang on for their first win. M.Fabbri(3) and C.Stark (2) helped kick the Rebs home. For the Swans, Ronan Shaughnessy, Darren Roffey and Mike Kozlowski were name in the their best.
3. Guelph Gargoyles 8.9(57) def Toronto Dingo 8.7(55)
While it wasn't marked down as the match of the round, these two teams provided a classic encounter. There were lead changes, a bit of a scuffle and nail biting moments. As these types of games go, there has to be a winner and this week it was Guelph by 2-pts. The Dingos led by 5-pts at quarter time and two goals at the main break. When they kicked the first of the third and stretched their lead to 18-pts, it looked like the match was about bust wide open, but Guelph piled on four goals, two from free kicks (one from a dubious 50-m penalty) and changed the landscape of the game completely. The Dingos, behind by a goal, dominated the final term but couldn't score. With five minutes to go, scores were tied 8.7(55) a-piece and Guelph added two points which was enough for their first win. N.Millar from Guelph was named their best, while D.Wells was best for the Dingos.
Sunday May.6
4. Broadview Hawks 8.10(58) def Central Blues 7.5(47)
It was yet another game where a team came from behind to win. The Broadview Hawks were down by a pinch of a margin at three-quarter time, but ran over the top of the Central Blues to win by 11-pts. It was an arm wrestle all day, with both sides applying forward and backline pressure. As predicted the game come down to the forwards, and N.Shuttleworth bagged four goals (and apparently grabbed eight contested marks, according to sources) -- which, ultimately was the difference in the end between the two teams. The Blues coach D.Wills kicked two, but was the lone hand. Just like the Rebels and Guelph, Broadview Hawks just found a way to win their first for 2012.
5. Etobicoke Roos 11.10(76) def High Park Demons 8.5(53)
It was the game everyone was anticipating this round and both teams didn't disappoint. Running with the trend of the round, the reigning premiers had to overcome a sluggish start, come from behind and kick five goals to one in the last to win their first game for the year by 23 points (just as I predicted!). Former AFL North Melbourne player David Trotter made his presence felt with four goals and Jack Morwood too, kicking two crucial last quarter goals to help seal the win. Take nothing away from the Demons, though. Their young fellas came out of the blocks early and held a 10-pt lead at half time. They restricted the Roos to just two goals by the main break and it looked like they were heading for a brave win. But, nine goals to four after halftime by the champs suggested experienced and cool heads prevailed on the day. Bobby Sears bagged three for the Roos, while the Dees had eight single goal kickers.
Last Modified on 28/05/2013 09:15