This coming weekend, the Hamilton Wildcats will play host to last seasons Grand Finalists, the Toronto Dingos. After splitting the season series at 1 game a piece, the Wildcats are looking to continue their winning ways after beating the Hawks in Round 8 by 4 points, while the Dingos look to get back into the win column after a 138 point drubbing at the hands of the ladder leaders last week.
Round #9: HAMILTON WILDCATS (5-2) v TORONTO DINGOS (4-4)
Venue: Mohawk Sports Park, Hamilton, ON. (@ 11am start)
Map/Directions: https://websites.mygameday.app/club_info.cgi?c=1-7394-110437-142013-0&sID=160735
2010 OAFL Record: Hamilton Wildcats (4-9), Toronto Dingos (7-6) - Season series TIED (1-1) in '10.
Key Players: Hamilton - as the 'Cats continue to use their 'reserve rotation', several of Hamilton's more veteran players will sit out this week versus the Hawks, 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. Toronto - Just as Hamilton's oppoent last week in the Hawks, the Dingos also have a many number of targets around the oval that can cause any team in the OAFL headaches and if not tagged, run up the score easily. Aussie gun and Dingo vet Craig Stewart is definitely one of the dangermen for Toronto, and someone that always seems to have a field-day against the Wildcats. Mick McFarlane (may be out with injury), "Obi", Edsart Heuberger & James Duggan will also be guys that the 'Catters will need to keep under wraps if they are to have a shot at taking home the 4 points at home v the Dingos. Seeing as Hamilton has not yet faced or seen the Dingos play in 2011, they could be may unknowns that will rise to the top this weekend, so the Wildcats will need to bring their "A" game versus last season's Grand Finalists.
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. New import ruckman Cam Teague & back-up Eben Schaeffer have filled-in for the vacationing/injured tandem of P. Lawson & E. DeBruin, helping the 'Cats to win many of the center clearances over the last 3 Rounds. 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. DINGOS Strengths: Height, speed and hardness for the footy. That pretty much sums up the Dingos, but their experience around the oval is something that many teams in the OAFL overlook, and teams with experience always seem to be slow starters but strong finishers. Last season the Dingos looked to be out of the Finals race, only to surprise everyone (excpet for themselves), and fall by a slim margin to the Blues in the Grand Final. This year they started of with a loss to the Blues (Central's only win of the year to date), but have been on a roll of late. The battle of the "coloured sashes" always live up to expectations, and this definitely has the potential to be the "Match of the Round".
Round #9 Prediction: Hamilton Wildcats def. Toronto Dingos - 2 goals
C'arn the WILDCATS!!!
Last Modified on 16/07/2011 08:51