Blues Players Feature in Montreal Exhibition Game: Quebec Saints V Laval Bombers

Aussie Rules Football found its feet in Montreal last Saturday as the inaugural match of the Eastern Canada Australian Football League ( ECAFL ) kicked off in style.

The Montreal based Quebec Saints took on the newly formed Laval Bombers in blustery conditions in what looked on paper to be a close match up.

From the first bounce the Bomber midfield led by Cam Stark and Sam Health got on top and looked to capitalize on the 3 to 4 goal breeze they had at their backs. Despite the constant barrage into the Bomber forward line brilliant play by Saints backmen Fred Frost and Jaye Macumber restricted the opportunities for the opposing forwards and the Saints managed to go into quarter time a mere 5 points down.

In the second term the Saints used the wind well, Saint Debutant Luc Bertrand kicking his first of the afternoon with classy midfielder Jeff Lavoie adding two of his own and Quebec looked in complete control, Bomber Daniel Barker kicked a miraculous goal hard up against the boundary line just before the half time break and when the siren blew the Saints had fought back to hold an 8 point lead.

The Premiership quarter, kicking to the scoring end the Bombers hit the second half running – completely outplaying the Saints all over the ground, The momentum had truly swung they way of the Red and Black, Daniel Barker adding 3 more goals to his tally. A goal late in the quarter to the Saints captain kept them in the game but the damage had already been done, Laval kicking 5.6 to the Saints 2.0, the Bombers would be heading into the last quarter with a 16 point lead.

The Saints with their backs to the wall threw some position changes around for the last quarter and after an early missed shot by the Bombers, regained composure and started to build some momentum of their own, Quebec won the ball at ground level and used their half back line to set up attack but inaccuracy in front of goal was costing them dearly, Jeff Lavoie added two more goals for the quarter giving him 5 for the afternoon and with 5 minutes left in the game the Bombers led by the smallest of margins 1 point – The next score was crucial and it would be the Bombers who moved the ball quickly up forward to Anthony Williams who had been held well all quarter by Vincent Pottier, Williams taking a difficult contested mark 35 metres out, putting through the goal and closing the door on the Saints who had added 3.7 in the last quarter to go down by a final margin of 8 points.

All in all it was a fantastic day cheered on by a modest crowd braving the 10 degree weather, The final result not as important as the fact Aussie Rules had arrived in Quebec.

Quebec Saints 2.3 6.5 8.5 11.12 (78)

Laval Bombers 3.2 5.3 10.9 12.14 (86)

For a photo montage from the game please visit this link.

Blues Win First Ever Finals Game Crushing the Gargoyles

On a historic day for the Central Blues, the squad lined up for their first ever finals game in their short 3 year history. Matched up against the 5th side on the ladder, the Guelph Gargoyles, it was going to be a tough day the office for the men in blue. As the weathermen had warned of an impending storm to hit Toronto that afternoon, the real storm was brewing at the Margaret Greene Park.

With 5 players returning from International duties, and the list nearly at full-strength, the Blues arrived with a very different outfit compared to the one which was defeated by the Gargoyles back in Round 3 of the season 65-19. The pre-game atmosphere was electric - and there must have been a few shivers sent down the spines of the Gargoyles when they showed up at the ground to find not only their side outnumbered with nearly 30 Blues players (including emergency players and non-selected players) already warming up on the ground, but a huge contingent of Blues supporters on the sideline to boot!

After an inspirational pre-game speech from the un-official OAFL coach of the year Jason Cain - where he pleaded for a strong start to shut the homeside down early. The side responded accordingly to their coach's wishes. Blues Captain Jacob Sone was back in the middle and immediately showed why he represents Canada. With his fearless attack on the ball - and deft taps to his midfielders - he quickly reminded the Blues that he was still the Captain - even though he'd missed the last few of games. Cain and Dobson was once again in the thick of things thoroughly enjoying the endless supply of the sherrin from their captain. And it was not long before Luke LA Anderson got his first touch and with it his usual slick running goal! The Gargoyles - seemingly shellshocked from the Blues start was left reeling. In a bid to curb the Blues momentum resorted to the same tactic which they employed back in Round 3 where they targeted their opponents rather than the ball. This undisciplined play was heavily punished by the umpires who also warned pre-game that they would not be tolerating any backchat - threatening to give 50m penalties as soon as any player argued with them. The Gargoyles incredibly gave up eight 50m penalties in the first quarter. Mark "Knackers" Dobson was yellow-carded off the field in the first 5 minutes, taking exception to the Gargoyles attack on his massive head. This did not slow the Blues down at all. Mathew Clow who was lively all quarter in his favourite half forward position capitalised with 2 goals both from ungainly free kicks from the Gargoyles. Ewan Williams finished the quarter off with a goal from yet another free kick. The Blues defence was superb. Kien La playing on the wing was undoubtably the Blues best in the opening quarter. He finished with seven disposals and grabbed 4 marks - all from Gargoyle players kicking out from their defence (La would go onto to win the Blues Best on ground Award for his 18 disposal game becoming the first BOG in a Finals game) - . Sone who when was not rucking in the middle also played a sweeping role along the Blues half back line also finished with 3 marks (again all from Gargoyle forward kicks). This defensive pressure placed by the midfield certainly assisted the Blues backline defense. The Gargoyles full forward did not get a sniff of the ball. The Blues closing out the 1st quarter 4-6-24 to the Gargoyles zero!

In the quarter time huddle, Coach Cain was insatiable - advising his players in the quarter time huddle that the opening stanza was very very ordinary footy by Blues standards and that he expected much more. Dobson was injected back into the fray after sitting out the 1st quarter, and the midfielder an instant impact, kicking a long goal. The Gargoyles had no answer for the burly West Australian all day. Jared Postance who had a quiet first quarter by his standards was suddenly a force to be reckoned with on the wing. His brutal attack on the loose ball and any Gargoyle who got in his way was exceptional. After giving a huge bump wiping out his opponent he dished a quick handball to a running MaCumber who scored his first of two goals for the 2nd quarter. In a rare highlight for the homeside the Gargoyles managed to break their duck and scored their first goal. The siren blowing with the Blues 46 to the Gargoyles 7 at the half time break.

Warning his players that the Gargoyles would not be lying down anytime soon despite the dominant display by the Blues so far. Cain reminded his charges that this 3rd quarter, the premiership quarter was when they could really crush any Gargoyle uprising. Sone continued his dominance in the middle, and Postance reinvigorated after his efforts in the second quarter continued his hardwork in the clinches. Luke Anderson went on to score his second goal for the day - after milking yet another free kick from his opponent. Later Postance was also rewarded for his efforts with a free kick - which was then converted to a 50m penalty which had him kicking from point blank range in front of the big sticks for his first 6-pointer for the day. The Gargoyles were simply not the same after the blistering start from the Blues in the 1st quarter - as they continued with giving out cheap shots, before arguing with the umpires and even the Blues supporters on the sidelines. That did not matter much as the Blues defense continued to shut down any Gargoyle forward movements. Jeff Lavoie (who won Top Contributor for the day (after winning Best on Ground in Rd 12)) and Elliott Chun continues to show the league that they are fast becoming the two most dangerous new faces in the league. Their opponents easily had their flags lowered by the two rookies - rarely getting a clean touch all day. Thankfully for the Gargoyles, the siren sounded for the 3rd and final break with the Blues up 62-8.

The fourth quarter saw a different Guelph side come out to play. The midfielders actually looked to win the ball - and when they did used it efficiently moving it forward and for the first time for the day - their full-forward got a touch - taking a mark out in front before scoring the Gargoyles second goal for the day. The Gargoyles managed to score another goal - after Dobson gave away a cheap free kick while on the interchange bench - walking across the path of a Guelph player who had a free kick on the boundary. This was enough to speak the Blues back up - who probably went off their A-game celebrating their victory a touch too early. Chris Staples who played an incredible game the week before against the Demons to solidy his position going into the finals - played a pinch hitter role against Guelph coming off the bench all day to make his presence felt. The ball-hound was relentless in his pursuit of the loose ball and was rewarded with a clever goal deep in the forward pocket. Rob Chapman - who worked hard all day also found himself scoring a stunt goal in the goalsquare. The siren couldn't come quick enough as the Blues celebrated their first finals game with a 75-22 victory.

In what many outside of the club would consider a massive upset, the Blues showed the Goyles that they were not just in the top 5 to make up the numbers winning at their first ever tilt in the finals. But with such an emphatic performance the Blues won't have the luxury of coming in as the underdog. Next up in what will be a most intriguing game - the Blues face up against the dangerous Broadview Hawks. The Blues will most likely come in with a largely unchanged line up. And should this side perform the way they can - should give the Hawks a serious run for their money. A large crowd is anticipated as the Hawks will be hosting a family day, while the Etobicoke Roos play the Toronto Eagles to see who is the first to make it into the 2008 OAFL Grand Final.

Blues: 11-9-75
Gargoyles: 3-4-22
Best: La, Lavoie, Anderson, Sone, Hastrich, Macumber, Cain, Dobson
Goals: Clow, Macumber, Anderson 2, E. Williams, Dobson, Postance, Staples, Chapman 1

Blues March into Finals

After what seemed like an eternity footy was finally back as the Blues squared up against the Dees in the final round of the 2008 regular home and away season. Both sides went in with plenty to play for. For the Demons, who didn't qualify for the finals, it was important to finish their season on a high note. While for the Blues it was a chance to fine-tune the side heading into its first ever finals series.

The pre-game jitters was quickly replaced with that sensational rush of adrenalin as the ball is thrown up for the first time. It was a sluggish start for the Blues, as the Demons started out of the box the more switched on side. Both sides were rusty from not having played under the pressure that can only be brought on in match conditions after the three week break. The Demons opened the account first with the first goal of the match. But it didn't take long for the Blues to wake up from their slumber at Humber. Luke Anderson fresh from a flight back from Australia scored a magical goal after working hard to win the ball in the Blues forward pocket, followed by a couple more from Rob Chapman, Steve Bridle and Jaye Macumber. The Blues were away! However the Demons were not going to throw in the towel so easily – and replied with a goal of their own – the siren sounding with the Blues up 30-21. Mark "Knackers" Dobson was dominant in the first quarter – with 10 disposals and 4 marks, while Chris Staples thrown into the middle was also spectacular helping himself to 7 disposals.

After being scolded by the coach for pretty weak effort in the opening quarter the Blues came out looking to put a dent in the slowly growing confidence of the Demons. The Blues "Jay-tandem" of Jay Ellis and Jaye Macumber combined to scored the only two goals of the second quarter, Ellis with his trademark left-footer was a pretty sight. While Macumber continues to show that he is in a class of his own when on his game. On the other end, the Demons were held to a measly two behinds by an inexperienced defence without Bruce Parker, Kien La and Dan Zimmerman away on Northwind duties. Ewan "Obi" Williams mopped up everything that came his way on the half-back flank on his way to 6 handballs and 2 kicks showing that he is well and truly back from his recovery after breaking his leg/ankle in the first game of the season. Meanwhile Joe Sullada was relishing controlling the ruck spot while Captain Sone is also away thanks to Northwind duties.

But the main driving force of the Blues 2nd quarter dominance was probably Carl Hastrich – as he controlled much of the play through the midfield, cutting off any Demons forward forays and pushing the Blues forward with his 7 disposals.

As per the usual Blues gameplan – the Blues looked to utilising their fitness advantage and run their opponents off their feet in the 3rd quarter. Macumber was continuing his field day in the midfield, and scored his thrd goal for the day. The Demons replied with a quick rebound goal in an attempt to stem the Blues onslaught. Enter Player/Coach Jason Cain. Looking to breaking his goal-drought for the season the coach took a nice mark in the forward pocket. Kicking from about a 45 degree angle he slotted his kick through for his first goal for the season. The next Blues forward thrust also saw Cain in the mix - however his snap for goal on the other wing was a terrible spray to the right for a behind. But the coach made up for it with yet another mark in the same spot as his first goal, with the resultant kick a replica for another 6-pointer. Cain should have had a third had the kick not have been selfishly cut off by the ever-goal hungry Luke Anderson who scored an easy goal as a result. The Blues onslaught was mercifully stalled by the siren as both sides went into their final 3 quarter huddle of the regular season. The Blues up with a 5 goal advantage.

The Blues came out in the 4th with the mission to finish off the Demons. Hastrich continued his dominance on the wing, intercepting pass after pass with his ability to read the play. Macumber dominated the midfield and scoring another goal to finish the day off with 4 goals, scoring a goal in every quarter. Rohan Brown in his first game back from an elbow injury was strong up forward scoring 2 sensational goals on the run. To cap the day off Deputy Vice Captain Adam "Hollywood" Martin scored a goal, celebrating as only Hollywood can, as the Demons were left to pick up the pieces and get ready for a winter of regrets. Staples finished the game strongly on his way to winning the Blues Best on Ground award - while Jeff Lavoie who provided great run from the half back flank won the Blues Tops Contributor. The Blues running out the game with a 10 goal victory.

Although the result was a positive for the Blues. It was a scrappy affair.

Central Blues: 14-11-95
High Park Demons: 5-5-35
Best: Staples, Lavoie, Dobson, Cain, Macumber, Hastrich, Anderson
Goals: Macumber 4, Anderson, Cain, Brown 2, Chapman, Bridle, Martin, Ellis 1

Blues Halt the Rebellion

After enjoying a long weekend break where the Blues were given the chance rest and recover from some niggling injuries, it was back to business as they faced up against rivals the Lakeshore Rebels. Looking to extend their longest winning streak (4 games), this game also represented a serious opportunity for the Central Blues to cement their stranglehold on a finals spot. And if sitting pretty in outright 5th position was not enough for some, the club also was sniffing around at a chance of claiming 4th spot from the Guelph Gargoyles, with only percentage separating the two sides. So the Blues had plenty to play for. Beat the Rebels with a healthy margin, and force the Gargoyles to have to win just as well against the Demons on Sunday to hold onto 4th. It was a tantalising prospect for the team. But it wasn't only the Blues who had plenty to play for. Although the Rebels are pretty much out of finals contention for this season, they had several players reaching serious milestone games and it was obvious from the looks on the Rebel players faces that they were going to try and give their comrades a fitting game to celebrate those milestones.

As the rain started to come down the ball was bounced and footy was back in Toronto! The Blues were quick to assert themselves and opened their account with a quick goal by big man Dan Lock. But the Rebels were not to be pushed around as they responded with a goal of their own, followed by another quick goal, showing how serious they were about paying respects to their milestone players. But the Blues were not to be discouraged, as they fought hard to wrestle back control of the all important momentum bagging another couple of goals to Luke Anderson and Steve Bridle. Bridle's goal was impressive given the burly forward only just ran on, and was given a perfect handball while running towards goal with nothing left to do but stab it through the tall posts. The Blues going into the first break with a 1 goal lead.

The second quarter saw the Blues maintain control of much of the possession. Anderson playing one of his best games all season in the toughest of conditions scored another skilful goal – he was to be awarded the Blues Top Contributor award for his sublime skills in the wet and slippery conditions. While Richard Jenner sneaked up forward to chip in a handy goal. The Blues water tight defence was solid as ever in the wet and muddy conditions. The cohesiveness of the Blues defence has been instrumental in their winning streak this season, with the players not only following their directives to beat their direct opponents but also back their teammates out when the need arises. The constant effort to help out their teammates was evident in much of the game as Blues swarmed the contested ball at every opportunity, often outnumbering their rivals. The Blues stretching their lead out to three goals. This margin could have been much more had the forwards been a bit more efficient in their conversions with a couple of misses.

The third quarter was disappointing for the Blues as the Rebels tightened up their defence and took control of the game. They kicked 2 goals to bring themselves back into contention, reducing the margin to two goals. Adam Martin meanwhile had other ideas snapping a brilliant goal in front of a parochial Blues crowd. It was Martin's first goal for the season and one which certainly helped stall the Rebel momentum heading into the final break. Martin played one of his best games of the season, claiming plenty of the ball in the tough conditions and against an always tough opponent. The Deputy Vice Captain was to win the Blues Best on Ground. Strangely the two Blues players who wore gloves both won the awards, something to be said about gloves in the wet? This theory would be blown out of the water by the on-fire Kien La in the last quarter.

After being blasted by their coach for a dismal effort in the third the Blues came out looking to make amends and close out the game. As the rain intensified, so too did the Blues game as they started to once again control the possessions. Jay Ellis who had been working hard all day piped up for a goal half-way through the quarter with his trademark left footer. Dan Zimmerman, solid all day, also stepped up for the final stanza with some brilliant work in the midfield throwing his body around and putting a few Rebel opponents on their proverbials. But the highlight of the day was to come from the Blues famous Kien la. La who has been consistently one of the Blues best in their four-game winning streak had been enjoying another of his stellar performances tagging the Rebels best player and not only limiting his opponent's effectiveness, but also getting plenty of the ball. One of these possessions saw La run off his man into the Blues forward, scooping a loose ball off the ground on the forward pocket boundary with one hand as if it was a dry-weather game, and whilst running at full speed slotted from the tightest of angles probably this season's best goal for the Blues if not the league. From then on it was the Blues containing the ball in their forward 50 zone for much of the remainder of the game whilst the Rebels battled hard to prevent anymore scoring opportunities for the Blues.

With the win, the Blues have won 5 games straight. Not bad for a side which came into this season (its third) with only 2 wins next to it's name. The Blues have not lost a game since June 20th against the then undefeated Etobicoke Kangaroos. As for the Gargoyles, they had to contend with a narrow win over the Demons by only 7 points. This coupled with the Blues 31 point win means the Central Blues for the first time in its history has not only cemented a spot in the finals, but finds themselves in 4th position.

Central Blues: 8-10-58
Lakeshore Rebels: 4-3-27
Best: Martin, Anderson, La, Cain, Zimmerman, Dobson
Goals: Anderson 2, Lock, Bridle, Jensen, Martin, Ellis, La

D2: Judgement Day

The Blues played the Dingos in a derby game between the two Toronto "downtown" teams in Round 8. And if the hostile rivalry between these sides for downtown turf was not enough, the outcome of this game would also determine who would gain outright 5th place on the OAFL ladder. Needless to say, there was plenty on the line in this blockbuster game. The tale of the tape had the two sides coming off from very different results from Round 7. The Dingos were still smarting after a 114pt belting from league leaders and defending premiers, the Toronto Eagles. While the Blues celebrated their 3rd win for the season (and 5th win in its 3 year history), beating the Lakeshore Rebels by 30 points in a physical shoot out. These results saw the two downtown teams end up with 3-4 records with the Dingos higher thanks to a better percentage.

This Saturday would be a judgement day of sorts as these two teams are seemingly the two sides destined to battle it out for the final top 5 position in the standings and with it a shot at some finals footy.Coach Cain left his squad in no doubt as to what they were playing for. With a couple of solid sessions on the training track leading up the game, the coach was constantly reminding his charges how massive this game was for the history making 2008 side. The fledgling club was a chance to break into the top 5 for the first time in its brief history and to do it against the Dingos made it an even sweeter prospect!

The game kicked off at high noon for the duel between these two sides. The Blues were missing many regular senior players (including; Bridgman, Hastrich, Brown, and Lang) but still managed to field an incredibly strong side, such is the depth that the Blues are enjoying this season. Jacob Sone was back in charge for the Blues after missing last weekend's game. You could sense his hunger from the minute he showed up to the ground to make up for the fact that he missed out on a Blues victory. As always Sone lead from the front, his ruck work and touch was superb, with the Blues midfielders feasting on free balls at every ball up. Jaye Macumber and Mark "Knackers" Dobson were fed ball after ball as Sone simply took charge of his opponent. The Blues got out to a great start kicking the opening goal – with Dan Lock taking a strong mark and kicking it straight through the middle. The Dingos did not take this lying down coming straight back with a quick goal of their own. This was game was shaping to be a tight arm wrestle with both sides desperate to win. Lock ended up on the end of another kick from his midfield to score his second for the quarter. It would be a long day for Lock's opponent(s) – as the big man, affectionately known affectionately around the club as D2 had the look of the famous Arnie robot such was his resolve to kick a big bag of goals for his team in this game. Thankfully for the Dingos inaccuracy in front of the sticks by the Blues would keep the scoreline tight at the end of the 1st quarter. The Blues up by a goal.

The second quarter was once again a tight affair as both the sides fought gamely, the Blues would control much of the play for little gain on the scoreboard. Luke Anderson who was on the receiving end of some rough treatment up forward scored an easy goal after crumbing deep in the goal square. While Lock bagged his third for the day. There should have been more scoring shots but for some over-use of the ball by the Blues when taking the ball into their forward 50. On several occasions there were 3-4 handballs around the forward 50 mark when players should have been kicking the ball into the Blues fired up forwards of Lock, Chapman and Bridle. The Blues defense on the other hand were probably as efficient as they have been all season with Dingos kept scoreless. Kien La who has found a rich vein of form in recent weeks was given the task of manning up on Dingos leader Craig Stewart, and although Stewart managed to kick 3 goals that was pretty much the only impact he had on the day as La nullified his impact for the rest of it in a Best on Ground performance. Morgan Edwards in his first game back since the pre-season match was also a standout on the day, with the running half back awarded the Blues Top Contributor on the day. Bruce Parker did a stellar job on his opponent keeping the Dingos full forward scoreless for the day. While Chun who played out from defense onto the wing was also his usual effective self. The Blues went into half time with a 3-goal margin and shaping for their usual second half burst.

With the team reminded that they were not to overuse the ball when moving forward – and to play on and kick long into the forward zone the Blues came out firing in the third. Matty Clow coming back in kicked his first for the day, with a great kick on the run from the forward pocket. Ellis scored the next and Lock kicked his fourth for the day. The Dingos continued to battle gamely – scoring two goals to stay within reach of the Blues side. For a brief moment the scoreline was only 9 points (due to a scoreboard error) giving the Dingos moral a big boost at the end of the third quarter. This error was quickly rectified by the goal umpires correcting the scoreboard. This would not have been as noticeable had the Blues forwards been more effective in converting the many chances they had in front of their goal. The Blues had 9 behinds at the end of the 3rd quarter. This inaccuracy in front of goal ensured that this game was right down to the wire going into the final quarter.

The start of the 4th quarter and the Blues were sensing that they were on the verge of writing some history. The Dingos must have experienced some sort of deflation as they were brought back to reality to realise they had a 3 goal deficit to close out and not 9 points. The Blues on the other were only getting started. Lock was on the end of another great link-up play in the midfield to score his fifth goal. The Dingos bounced back to score their fourth in reply. But that would be the end of their resistance as the Blues superior fitness won through in the hot and humid conditions. Lock scored the next goal. Lock finished up with 8 marks, and 9 shots at goal, converting for 6 of them in a dominant display by the big man. Considering this has been his first full season after playing a handful of games last year, Lock is shaping to be a serious offensive force for the Blues future. On his day - the big left footer is simply unstoppable. If he isn't grabbing strong marks, he is knocking balls down for his forward crumbers and always presenting a contest should the ball get anywhere near him. Next was Clow who scored his second for the day with a set shot from a tight angle. But the highlight in the final quarter must have been Steve Seeger's first career goal for the blues in the final minutes of the game, with the Blues finishing the day beating the Dingos by 31 points.

In the end the fitter Blues side was too much for the older Dingos. It was certainly a coming of age for the Blues who after enduring two tough years after entering the league have now not only won 4 games in one season (after only posting 2 wins in two years), but have won against strong sides in the Rebels and Dingos in tight games. Next up are the Hamilton Wildcats who can still make a charge for a top 5 berth, as the Blues realise that every game from here on in are must wins to ensure that their break into the top 5 is not only for a fleeting moment.

Blues 11.11.77
Dingos 4.7.46
Best: La, Edwards, Macumber, Lock, Parker, Sone, Dobson, Martin
Goals: Lock (6), Clow (2), Anderson, Ellis (1)

Blues Outgun Rebels

Round 7 saw the Blues face up against the Lakeshore Rebels. These two sides have had some tight contests in the past, with the Rebels defeating the Blues most recently in the pre-season stoush under trying conditions of heavy rain and on a waterlogged slow oval. This time around the weather was more suitable for the fitter and quicker Blues side. A hot and sunny afternoon with little breeze was exactly what the Blues wanted while an undermanned Rebels side was always going to struggle without a full interchange. And just in case anymore encouragement was required for the Blues, a big defeat in Round 6 at the hands of the league leaders Etobicoke Roos, made sure the Blues were desperate to win this game and restore some of the respect that they have been building this year. On the other side - the Rebels once spot below the Blues on the ladder were also desperate to keep in touch with the top 6. Like the weather, this contest was going to be hot!

From the opening bounce it was clear that this was going to be a serious case of the Blues for the Rebels. The Blues coach had demanded a win and anything less was simply unacceptable. Dan "Church" Sokal playing as starting ruckman in Captain Jacob Sone's absence finally got the lead role that he has been craving all season. The young ruckman who possesses great hands and an extreme competitive fire relished the increased responsibility and showed it by jumping in hard for every contest. Mark "Knackers" Dobson, who has been a standout recruit for the Blues once again lead from the front winning the ball regularly providing plenty of ball to his teammates. Despite controlling much of the play the Blues ended up only kicking 2 goals (Rob Chapman and Steve Bridle) while the Rebels matched them as the two teams, like boxers in a ring tested each other out in the opening round. Daniel Zimmerman was involved in a head clash with a Rebels opponent midway through the 1st quarter, with both players requiring stitches. (A special thanks to the Rebels supporters who drove Zimmerman to the hospital along with their own player.)

The second quarter was similar to the first with the Blues once again controlling much of the play. Only this time the Blues started to apply some scoreboard pressure - Jay Ellis kicked his first career goal, with a nice running goal from the boundary. And Dan lock showed his affection for this Humber North ground kicking 3 goals, including a goal of the year nomination with a spectacular roundhouse kick of a loose bouncing ball. Joe Sullada in his first game back for the Blues started the second quarter as ruckman and instantly found his feet - crunching the Rebel ruckman on several occasions and giving his midfield runners great supply. Kien La was shifted onto the half back flank and had an instant impact as an attacking defender - running the ball out at will and pushing the ball forward with some blistering runs. The Blues went into the halftime break with a 3-goal advantage.

Three quarter time and the Blues looked to bury the Rebels. The Rebels however were not going to lie down easily and the early stages of the 3rd quarter was once again a tight affair with the Rebels being very efficient with their ball usage. Ellis kicked his second goal for the day disappointingly this was the only major score for the Blues. This was not due to a lack of opportunities as the Blues squandered their other opportunities scoring 4 behinds. Jaye Macumber was a standout playing in the midfield controlling much of the traffic, supporting him was Adam "Hollywood" Martin playing as Captain in Sone's absence who had a solid day out on the wing. Sadly the 3rd quarter was marred by a bit collision involving several players. Ian Lang chasing hard for a loose ball was knocked out. The big was was stretchered off the ground while Elliot Chun, also involved in the clash came off too. As a result of the collision Lang suffered a serious concussion and appears set for a stint on the sidelines for the next couple of games. This break in play shifted the momentum of the match and the Rebels came out to make the most of it kicking a goal before the three quarter time siren and giving themselves a chance in the final quarter only four goals down.

The start of the final quarter and it was the Rebels with all the initiative. The Blues players came on seemingly switched off - perhaps thinking they had the game in the bag. With Lang's absence from the back line the Blues defense did not have the balance they enjoyed as they did in the first three quarters. And the Rebels made the most of it kicking 3 quick goals to stun the Blues, all of a sudden getting within 5 points of the lead. The Blues were all of a sudden under seige as the Rebels had all the run - while the Blues looked to reshuffle their defense. The body count for injuries continued for the Blues with Luke Bridgman taken off the ground after taken a big hit - Bridgman ended up in hospital with a punctured lung and is out for the season. Jason Cain was shifted into defence, and Macumber put back into the midfield after a short rest. Richard Jenner showed his experience performing well under the pressure and Kien La switched on the afterburners to once again start running the ball out of defense as he did for much of the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Just as quick as the Rebels took control at the start of the final quarter, the Blues wrestled back control of the match, firing back with 4 goals (Dobson, Macumber, La and Chapman) in a highly entertaining shoot out to finally finish off a spirited Rebels side. The win sees the Blues on equal footing with the Dingos with three wins a piece, with the Dingos higher on the ladder with percentage. This sets up a tantalising match between the two sides next week - in deciding who will end up in the top five after 8 rounds of the OAFL season.

The Club wants to put in a special mention to Langer and Bridgman and wishes them both a speedy recovery. You're commitment to the cause by the way you guys put your bodies on the line were massive contributions on the day and an inspiration for the great win by the Blues.

Blues 11 11 76
Rebels 5 11 46

Best: Kien La, Jaye Macumber, Mark Dobson, Jason Cain, Luke Anderson
Goals: Lock (3), Chapman, Ellis (2), Bridle, Macumber, La, Dobson (1)

Jaye Macumber was voted Blues Best on Ground, while Kien La was rewarded with the Blues Top Contributor award. On another positive note the Blues recreational team enjoyed their second win in a row to finish up the recreational games for 2008.

Roos Bruise Blues

Round 6 saw the Blues visit the undefeated league leaders the Etobicoke Roos at their homeground - Humber South. The Roos have been smashing their opponents all season and sadly on this occasion it was to be no different with the Blues outclassed and outgunned by the sleek Roos machine in front of a small but vocal home crowd. Although this should not be seen as an excuse for the poor result in this game, the Blues were undermanned with key senior players missing, and a couple of the players which played were playing with injuries. Also missing was the Blues coach, Jason Cain – who was unable to make the game due to work commitments. His hardness and experience around the ball was definitely missing. The shortened week, and returning from their Ottawa road trip seemed to have taken its toll on the Blues side which seemed flat throughout the game save for a decent 2
nd quarter which they should have won more convincingly.

The Roos bolted on the first bounce – opening the flood gates constantly attacking their forward 5o with quick movements through their midfield. Throughout the game the Roos played with an open forward 50 space with their half forwards pushing hard into the midfield allowing the ball to be bombed into forward space for the Roos two pronged full forwards to lead into space and grab easy marks. This ploy was too much for an undermanned, undersized and inexperienced defence. Traffic problems saw a couple of the Blues senior players late to game – only arriving late into the 1st quarter. Mercilessly the Roos went into the first break with a 6 goal to nothing lead. To compound issues with the missing and late players, Darren Bridgewater came off the field early in the 1st with an injured hamstring. Bridgewater who has been a revelation at back pocket with his hardness and attack on ball sorely missed.

The 2nd quarter saw the Blues regroup with a shuffle of positions and got their chance to kick towards what seemed to be the scoring end. Mark "Knackers" Dobson was put onto the ball and made an instant impact, winning the ball with ease and using it well. The Blues forwards finally got some supply into their area and Knackers got their Blues first goal. The Blues defence also rallied with Ian Lang finding his feet in defence stopping his man, and Dan Zimmerman once again starring at centre half back. Suddenly the Roos forwards were without the supply that they enjoyed in the 1st quarter and what did come in was easily picked off by the Blues defence and sent back out. Disappointingly for the Blues they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities kicking 3 behinds for the quarter which should have been goals and giving them a chance in the second half. Despite the scoreboard not showing it, the Blues outplayed the Roos in this quarter, enjoying most of the possessions and time in their forward area, while the Roos were contained to 2 goals.

Start of the 3rd quarter and the Roos were the side which made the adjustments. Knackers was targeted by the Roos with some tight tagging, not being allowed the freedom and space which he enjoyed in the previous quarter. This saw a shift in momentum and again the west end of the field proved itself to the be the end which was conducive to scoring with the Roos kicking a quick succession of goals. The Blues battled valiantly albeit under immense pressure. Elliot Chun (who won the Blues Top contributor award for the second time this season) was moved onto the wing to help shut down the Roos movement through the middle. The defence was missing too many of the senior players – with Richard Jenner the prime missing piece as the Blues struggled to contain the bigger, faster and more skilled forwards of the Roos. Parker, Zimmerman, Kitchen, Mackey and Lang were valiant in defence but they needed more help as the Roos supply into their forwards was superb.

The final quarter was a little more competitive from the Blues point of view – but once again inaccuracy in front of goal let the side down. It was not to be the Blues day on this occasion. Jacob Sone battled gamely playing as ruck rover, while Knackers was rested off the ground with a strained hamstring, while Church took over the ruck duties and did well against the more skilled and experienced Roos ruckman. Unfortunately Nick Discenza in his first Blues Seniors game was taken out of the game with a fractured wrist after copping a bump late in the 4th quarter. Carl Hastrich playing his first game for 2008 was solid throughout the game on the wing, getting plenty of the ball and giving the forwards some action. But in the end the Roos were just too good, while the Blues inexperience showed through.

The long break seems to be exactly what this side needs allowing players with niggling injuries to recover and returning players a chance to work themselves back into match fitness. The team will have plenty to work on in this time having been shown the gap from where they are on the ladder in relation to the leagues benchmark team. The Blues must address this disparity in order to give themselves any sort of a chance come finals time.

On a positive note the Blues Reserves squad scored a much deserved win. Disappointingly new recruit Buzz injured his wrist during the match...... (CHAPS did you want to add a write up on with regards to the Reserves? – final score, blues best, goals etc?)

Roos 17.11.113
Blues 1.6.12

Best: Dobson, Sone, Zimmerman, Chun, Hastrich
Goals: Dobson 1.