Ottawa Swans host the National Team

July 18, 2007 by Mark Block | View Comments (2)

On Sunday, July 15th, 2007, the newly formed Ottawa Swans hosted their second exhibition match against Canada's national team. For the Swans, the match was an opportunity to unite the club and prepare for their inaugural season when they join the OAFL in 2008. The Northwind also looked forward to the game as they prepare for their rematch against the Revolution in three weeks.

For the Northwind, their morning started with a 4 hour bus ride from Toronto organized by the newly appointed "Team Operations Manager", Rosscoe Heillman. When they arrived they were prepared for a tough match. They heard reports of the Swans' 75 point victory in their first match only two weeks earlier. The Northwind needed a good outing if they were to travel to Vancouver with confidence and enthusiasm.

The first quarter was very sloppy footy for both teams. The Northwind looked nervous and fumbled many marks and kicks. Ottawa matched up well, especially in the full forward position where Joel Dawes was very strong taking big marks. The national team showed more determination in the early stages, however, and, after kicking 6 behinds in a row, began to settle down and put some goals on the board.

The Northwind regrouped at the quarter. From that point on they looked more relaxed and began executing plays with more and more confidence. The second half showed great performances, especially from Kevin Minaker who was unstoppable, capping his performance with a flying "Specky" while roaming through the back flank position. All the Northwind veterans were looking good. It was most pleasing to see Stefan Leyhane take a monster hit, only to get up, charge downfield, take a great mark in the goal square and kick a great goal. Alex Hendrix, Jacob Sone, Charles Thompson and Nick Dirago all showed that same, exciting determination.

On the defensive end, Tasos Dimacakos and Matt Lowden refused to let up even when the score became insurmountable for the Swans to recover. They never let up, diving to block goal kicking attempts, showing a great level of intensity in their zone.

In the end the Northwind won a decisive victory 24.24.168 to 0.1.1. That being said, the Swans showed a lot of talent and potential. The entire Northwind constabulary would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the Ottawa Swans for providing this development fixture. We are confident their entrance into the OAFL next season will be a successful one and wish them well. Their hospitality was greatly appreciated.

At the conclusion of the game, the Northwind were congratulated for their efforts by Australia's "High Commissioner", Bill Fisher. He graciously offered his best wishes to the team and provided MVPs of the game complimentary gifts. The highlight of this road trip, however, was the bus ride home where all players enjoyed a great celebration, drawing from their victory a heightened sense of confidence and camraderie. Just what the doctor ordered.