Northwind Tame Dingos

June 16, 2007 by Mark Block | View Comments (0)

This was the first or four inter-league development matches aimed at providing the national team with some real game experience before heading to Vancouver for the biggest international tournament of the year, the feature match being the Northwind vs. US Revolution. The Dingos were to be the first of four teams to host an event with follow-ups against the OAFL Aussie All-stars, the Broadview Hawks and the Ottawa Swans later in the season. After the Vancouver tournament, the final match of the 2007 schedule will be the touring Convicts who will be facing the Revolution one week before their match against the Northwind on the OAFL's Grand Final Day, Saturday, October 6th, 2007.

This first match was a tough day to get through for all players involved as most of them had games with their own club teams only hours earlier. The game started out an even 15 per side but as the game progressed, the Northwind were tested with the coach placing the national team at a two man disadvantage. "I want to challenge the squad at all times. The competition is only going to get tougher." said Coach Block.

This game was the début for a number of players who aim for a starting position at this year's Vancouver International. Playing ruck was Jacob Sone (Central Blues) and Emmanuel Matata (Etobicoke Kangaroos). Adam Bradley and Colin Bigley rounded out the Kangaroos contributions while Oliver Hayward, Steve Carew and Andrew Garth got their first chance to wear national colours representing the Toronto Eagles. Alex Hendrix of the High Park Demons has worked hard to gain his first position on the team and has really improved his performance.

The first quarter of this game was dominated by the Northwind. The passing of Murray Lovett (Kangaroos) was deadly accurate. Aaron Falcioni (Northwind Assistant Captain) demonstrated good leads, voice and accurate long kicking. As the game progressed, (Northwind Captain) Stefan Leyhane, Matt Bachinski (Eagles), and Dale Simnett (Demons) all had great performances. As the team went to two men down, they were still able to maintain possession and control more than 50% of the play. The Northwind outclassed the competition with a final score of 8. 7. (55) to 2. 6. (18).

Northwind Goalkickers:

• Aaron Falcioni (Toronto Eagles): 3 goals, 3 behinds
• Oliver Hayward (Toronto Eagles): 2 goals
• Colin Bigley (Etobicoke Kangaroos): 1 goal
• Dale Simnett (High Park Demons): 1 goal
• Frank Luisser (Toronto Eagles): 1 goal
• Manny Matata (Etobicoke Kangaroos): 2 behinds
• Andrew Garth (Toronto Eagles): 1 behind
• Matt Bernardo (Broadview Hawks): 1 behind

Many thanks go out to the numerous players from the Dingos and around the OAFL who combined to provide the Northwind with competition in this development match. Good luck to the national team as their competition gets tougher.