ROUND #1 Game Report: Hamilton Wildcats (0-0) v Toronto Eagles (0-0), at Colonel Samuel Smith Park (Humber South), Toronto, ON.
It's FINALLY here folks, the 2012 OAFL season!!! After 6 LOOOOONG months of indoor training sessions, recruiting drives and Executive meetings; it's time to prove that all the hard work will pay off, as our Club makes a push for the '12 League flag. After a very successful 2011 Season, where our Club finished the season proper with a win/loss record of (11-3) and securing a Finals birth; expectations within our Club and around the OAFL were high, and we were hoping to improve on an incredible '11 record.
Unfortunately for Hamilton, due to such a strong showing last season, the 2012 OAFL fixture would be a tough one, as the Wildcats would now face each of the Clubs who also made the '11 Finals series twice each. This meant that to reach a Grand Final in 2012, Hamilton would have to go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Roost (2011 Premiers), Eagles (10-time OAFL Premiers), Demons (2011 Grand Finalists), Dingo’s & Gargoyles on several occasions. Their first test in Round 1 of the '12 season came in the form of the Toronto Eagles. Not only are the Eagles the most successful Club in the OAFL over the last 10-15 season, but also one that Hamilton has not had a very good record against, aside from a home victory v the Toronto base Club last season. The Wildcats & the Eagles were blessed with being able to open the 2012 OAFL season, playing the first game on opening weekend, and used this opportunity to pay tribute to a number of teammates as well. During the off-season, the Toronto Eagles Club lost one of their past players & former North wind Coach Gary Finch to a long battle with cancer, as well as learning that the girlfriend (Kelly Meehan) of a past player (Patty Gibbs) was killed in a car accident in Australia earlier in the year. The Hamilton Wildcats also had a very tough off-season, as they current player Jeff Fish was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early January and passed in late March after a courageous battle. The Wildcats also showcased their brand new jumpers for the 2012 season and beyond, and which also paid tribute to Jeff Fish as the Club had placed a small cartoon fish at the rear of the jumper below each set of numbers. Both Clubs took a minute of silence, to pay a tribute for each of the players/club members that have passed, as well as wearing black armbands with all three sets of initials written on the tape. It was definitely a very touching display of sportsmanship and respect by both Clubs.
As the game got underway, it was evident that the Wildcats were ready to play and definitely wanted to get out to a fair lead over the high powered Eagles. Despite having many new faces dawning the "yellow & black" this season, and dressing 5 rookies, Hamilton's midfield looked like a well-oiled machine, as Dennis "Jet Li" Choi, Justin Settle and 2012 Captain Luke Lombardini flowed through the guts and cleared the center square with ease. Hamilton's forward line of Brendan "Maj" Major, Daniel Crouch, Andy Leon & rookie Thomas Baetz led well and were taking impressive overhead marks from the accurate center clearances. Thanks in part to some incredible grabs in front of the goals; Hamilton took an early lead, with "Maj" kicking the first goal for the 'Cats which also marked the 1st kicked in 2012!!! The talented Eagles replied shortly after, but Hamilton definitely seemed to have an answer in defense after Toronto's first goal, repelling the footy and spoiling several easy marking opportunities. The Wildcat midfield continued to win contest after contest across the ground, pushing the ball forward into the sure hands of Crouch and Major, and at 1/4 time, Hamilton took a 5.0.30 to 2.1.13 lead into the break.
The 2nd quarter started relatively the same, but the Eagles backline seemed to really lock things down, making life difficult for the Wildcat forwards who had a very hard time missing the goals in the opening 20mins. Stiff tackles and tight defensive coverage definitely seemed to be the biggest story in the 2nd frame, as well as the play of Wildcat rookie Dennis "Jet Li" Choi. For a guy who has only played 1 game of footy prior to today's game (exhibition match v Guelph Gargoyles, April 28th/12), he looks at home in the guts, tackling with purpose and marking everything within a 20m radius. Hamilton's back 6 played incredibly well all day, with Wildcat veteran Justin "OMJ" Johns looking like he found the fountain of youth in the off-season, and Ed "Das Boot" Debruijn working hard in the ruck as well as filling in to help shutdown the Eagle's forwards. Both Clubs traded scoring shots in the 2nd quarter, with Hamilton still holding onto a healthy lead heading into the half; 9.0.54 to 3.2.20.
Coach Lowry made a couple small adjustments to start the 3rd quarter, as the 'Cats were blooding 5 fresh faced rookies into the world of Australian Football, and he wanted to give those new players the chance to see the ground/game from a couple different positions. Newcomers Andy "Neon" Leon, Thomas "Master" Baetz, Eric Kovacs, Dennis "Jet Li" Choi & Deion Ratcliff looked like seasoned veterans no matter where they were asked to play around the oval, and we look forward to seeing how they improve throughout the season as each one of these guys could have a chance to win OAFL Rookie of the Year Award based on how good they looked in Round 1. Again, both Clubs teeter-tottered their scoring chances over the next 20mins, but Hamilton's lead remained relatively intact, and eventually ran out winners on the day 12.6.78 to 5.10.40 over the Toronto Eagles. Saturday's performance was one that our Club should hold dear, as we not only were able to knock off one of the most talented teams in the OAFL away from our home ground, but we also took home a victory to open the 2012 season while paying a tribute to one of our own while sporting the our new jumpers. Something tells me that "Fishy" had a part to play in our big win last weekend, and we're glad we could bring that one home for him, as we all know how much we would have loved to have been there alongside us.
HAMILTON WILDCATS 12.6.78 def. TORONTO EAGLES 5.10.40
HAMILTON GOALS: B. Major (7), D. Crouch (4), T. Baetz (1)
HAMILTON BEST: B. Major (BOG), D. Choi (Hard Hat Award), J. Johns, T. Brake, A. Leon
*for full GAME STATS, please click link: https://websites.mygameday.app/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=123772753&c=1-7394-110437-209606-14207859&pool=1
NEXT GAME: Saturday, May 12th/12, (1-0) Hamilton Wildcats v (1-0) Broadview Hawks at Colonel Samuel Smith Park (Humber South), ON; starting @ 1:15PM *NEW TIME!!! (PLAYERS: PLEASE be dressed & ready to warm-up NO LATER than 12:15PM). MAP: https://websites.mygameday.app/club_info.cgi?c=1-7394-110437-142013-14207859&sID=160735
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C'arn the WILDCATS!!!
Last Modified on 11/05/2012 02:07