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The Gargoyles lost their round 10 match up to the Central Blues in Toronto.  Round 11 sees the team facing the 4th placed Etobicoke Kangaroos at Humber Sth for an early morning game.

Round 10 of the OAFL Competition sees the Guelph Gargoyles facing off against the Central Blues of Toronto for the second time this season. The Blues currently hold down 2^nd place on the ladder with their only loss to date to the undefeated Toronto Eagles who have a firm grip on 1^st place right now. Guelph resides in 3^rd place with a 7-2 record vs. the Blues 8-1 record.

The Guelph Gargoyles brain fart in round 4 which saw them beaten convincingly by the Central Blues is sure to rev up the team as they head into this weekends competition. What can we expect form the game?

Guelph Gargoyles:

Will be fielding a near full strength squad for this weekend’s game. Center Half Back Matt Bannon is still out with the knee injury sustained in round 3. He will be looking to get back onto the field in the next few weeks as the injury heals and his conditioning comes back online. The Gargoyles will have to do a better job of matching up on the Central Blues who were all over the Gargoyles in the first quarter of the last game and got out to a lead that the Gargoyles were unable to overcome. There are some patterns of play that the Blues utilize well; the Gargoyles coaching staff have been keeping a close eye on these to combat them. Match-ups will be critical to the Gargoyles success so we expect that Benjamin Roberts will likely be given the job on the Blues key forward. The team will also be making some lineup adjustments this week to deal with the Blues stacked Australian contingent.

Scott Rowe when he finally arrived at the last game vs. the Blues late due to work commitments did some damage through the midfield, as did Jeff Borysiewicz. With both Travis Doyle and Matt Newark playing this week the team has additional options for the ruck position and full forward rotation that has been working well for the Gargoyles. The team has been working as hard if not harder than any other OAFL outfit on fitness this year and it has been showing as the Gargoyles have just run teams into the ground in the last half of many games. That fitness will be called upon this weekend as the Blues have a similar work ethic.

The predominantly Canadian midfield will be working hard all game as will the half forward through half back lines where so much of the game takes place. Goal kicking accuracy will be absolutely critical in this game and the team can’t afford to squander any opportunities created. The basic principles of getting to the ball first, accountability and fearless attack off the ground will also be what the coaching staff asks of the team on game day.

Central Blues:

Having recruited a virtual bucket of Australian talent for 2010 the Blues have been accused of relying upon it too heavily. Sure there may be an element of truth to the fact that the majority of goals the team has scored to date have been by their Australian contingent. This however is nothing new in the OAFL competition and teams have been and will be again, accused of following this mantra. The Blues will be back at full strength this week after missing some of their key players for the last few rounds so will be looking to get another win on the board and cement their second position.

The Blues Canadian talent has been coming along the last few years and although lacking the experience of some of the Gargoyles players still needs to be accounted for. Other OAFL teams have been gradually figuring out the Blues game plan although the Eagles seemed to have it nailed down earlier than the rest of us. The Blues have a fit and fast team that is sure to push the Gargoyles all the way on Saturday. There are rumors surrounding the Blues in that they have more import players on the way but seriously how many can you really use on game day anyway with only 6 Australians on the field at any one time.

In summary the Gargoyles will be focusing on their game plan and intend to come away with the 4 points on Saturday afternoon.

AFL Canada and USAFL have announced the details of the upcoming USA V's Canada games and the supporting matches leading up to it over the coming long weekend.  Northwind (Team Canada) members Zack MacDonald and Adam Millen will be representing the Guelph Gargoyles.  Under 23's Mark Cianfagna and Aiden McQuoid will also be playing for Canada in the game against the USA. 

The Ontario Australian Football League passed the halfway point of the season in July and with that comes the focus that teams have on positions as they line up for a run into the finals beginning in September. The League having adopted the modified McIntyre system for the final 6 in 2010 sees the coveted top 4 spots on the ladder as prized possessions. Check out how the system works here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McIntyre_System

Guelph leading into this round against the Hamilton Wildcats stood at 6-2 for the season with losses to the Central Blues and Broadview Hawks to date. Guelph also has an extra game along with the Ottawa Swans than the rest of the league so will have a week off this coming weekend to rest some tired legs.

Round 8 saw the Gargoyles welcome the return of key players back into the lineup but still missing some of the defense lineup due to injury (Matt Bannon) and illness (Ben Steinbacher). At the selection table Thursday night the coaching group put together a strong looking side to combat the always-difficult Hamilton Wildcats. Hamilton having a breakout year in 2009 has been a bit up and down for the season in 2010. They certainly have some talented players particularly through the midfield and some forward targets that create havoc on any given day. It appears that they are suffering some issues with player availability like the Gargoyles had to deal with in 2009 but for this game had a very strong squad to combat Guelph.

With the first quarter underway it was Hamilton who were able to do the most damage on the scoreboard taking a small lead into the first quarter via some handy work out of their midfield. The Hamilton ruckman Paul Lawson just had too much height at 6’7” or so for the Gargoyles to win many of the taps.   Greg Logel kicked a very nice goal in the first quarter to keep the Gargoyles in the mix as both teams worked very hard all around the ground. Neither team able to dominate possession or the score line in the first quarter as defense from both ends of the ground repelled attacks and kept the ball for the most part between the 50m goal lines.

The Hamilton Wildcats capitalized in the second quarter taking the lead by 2 or 3 goals as they moved deep into the Gargoyles defense area. Some small errors in manning up on the Wildcats forward line allowing them to kick a couple of goals. The ball also seeming to go the Wildcats way with a few bounces but teams create their own luck in this game and the Gargoyles continued to work hard to get back into the game. Matt Newark rotating with Travis Doyle through the ruck position was taking some nice marks in the forward line during the first half under heavy pressure from the Wildcats defense.

At the half time break some small adjustments to the midfield positioning were made. Coach Lingus happy with the teams work ethic and commitment at the ball particularly off the ground were matching it with the Wildcats but trailed by a few goals on the scoreboard.

With the 3^rd quarter underway Guelph came out hard and attacked the Wildcats defense zone. Mark Cianfagna bagging himself a great goal after taking a ball away from a pack and getting it to his boot. Matt Newark and Aiden McQuoid also getting in on the action as did Travis Doyle to get the team in front and frustrate the Wildcats. Hamilton having some lapses in judgment and failing to man up across the middle and half forward line allowing the Gargoyles to quickly bang on 4 goals.

With the Gargoyles leading at the final break the team was asked to keep maintaining the pressure and take the points. Hamilton absolutely desperate for a win came out hard in the 4^th and was able to get back into the game kicking a couple of goals. James Twiss providing a highlight across the middle of the ground as he called on his lacrosse experience and laid down a massive hit on the unsuspecting Wildcat Luke Lombardini who was having a great game in the middle. It unfortunately resulted in a penalty but most agree was clean and difficult for the umpire to make a call on other than seeing poor old Luke collecting his thoughts on the ground afterwards. Dave Maurer also getting in the mix using his body in the forward line to clean up any loose balls. Matt Newark effectively sealing the game after getting a handball pass and goaling to edge further in front. To the Wildcats credit they never gave up and continued to fight tooth and nail all through the game right up to the final siren as they almost broke through for a win. The game played in a tough but clean fashion that made for a great spectacle. The Gargoyles singing their victory song for the 5^th straight time to the delight of the biggest crowd on hand for a match at Margaret Greene Park all year. Wonderful to see the supporters out taking in the game.

Final Score:            Guelph Gargoyles 10.8.68 defeated Hamilton Wildcats 8.11.59

Goals:                      Matt Newark (4), Greg Logel (2), Mark Cianfagna, Travis Doyle, Zack MacDonald and Aiden McQuoid

Best Players:            Scott Rowe, Matt Newark, Greg Logel, Jason Fox, Jeff Borysiewicz and Benjamin Roberts.

Check out the link below to Chelsey Kae Photography for some great shots from the game.  Thanks Chelsey.

New photos are up!!

Photos @ Chelsey Kae Photography

The Gargoyles have extended their win streak to 5 in a row with a hard fought battle over the Hamilton Wildcats.  The cats fielding their best team this year and making a real game of it in Guelph.  Gargoyles fight back in the 3rd quarter, the decider as they ran out 10.8.68 to 8.11.59 and come away winners.  Full game report to follow.

Round 8 of the OAFL competition sees the Gargoyles actually playing their 9^th game of the season as they have an extra game ticked off with last weeks Canada Day Cup match in Ottawa whilst the rest of the league had a week off. The game this week is against traditional rivals the Hamilton Wildcats at 2:00pm in Guelph at Margaret Greene Park. What is the game shaping up like?

Guelph Gargoyles:

Currently sitting at 6-2 and on a 4 game win streak the Gargoyles are looking solid. The coaching staff doing an excellent job of ensuring that the team sticks to it’s game plan and doesn’t panic at any point during a game when things might get derailed for a period of time. Last weeks win over the Ottawa Swans where the team up until the end of the 3^rd quarter had only conceded 3 points was promising. The team basically ran out of legs for the 4^th quarter but only because the first 3 were played at the intensity and pace that we have been targeting all year. The fact we forgot about our minimal bench and the heat combined with some self inflicted dehydration issues let the Swans back in it for the 4^th.

The selection committee this week looks to have a very strong team on the books with some quality players starting on the interchange bench that will surely be utilized. Returning this week are Daniel Murray, Matt Newark, Scott Rowe, Adam Millen, Loi Van Leeuwen, Cameron Grant & Aaron Fanning all absent from last weeks lineup. Rotating rucks Matt Newark and Travis Doyle will likely share the key forward/ruck duties and be looking to continue their winning ways. The in form Scott Rowe swapping with Zack MacDonald to provide some potent talent in the middle and on the wing. Rookies who shone last week also make the starting lineup with Ryan McLaughlin, Daniel Hussy and Mark Cianfagna. Aiden Mcquoid and Mikey McKee will be utilized off the interchange.

Guelph will be looking to improve on some of the key areas we see that an impact can be made. Getting the ball into the forwards this year has been working well but the conversion rate could do with some improvement. The team will be focused on kicking more goals than behinds this game to make use of the hard work done out of half back and the midfield. With the team fitness level as good as it has ever been pushing through the 4 quarters will also be a focus. The defense lineup this year has been excellent aside from a hiccup in round 4 against the Blues the boys down the back doing very well. More of the same will be required in this game as the Wildcats have some big bodies they utilize well in their forward line. Getting to the ball first, attacking the ball off the ground especially when surrounded by a pack of players will also be key. Like always it is the focus on the little things in the game like smothers, tackles and getting back after a turnover that makes the game begin to go your way, these are the things that the coaches will be looking for Saturday to ensure that the Gargoyles are singing the victory song again at about 4pm.

Hamilton Wildcats:

Play a tough style of football where they are hard at the football somewhat similar to Guelph. The Wildcats have some good targets in the forward line with pinpoint accuracy and strong hands that will be testing the Gargoyles defense all day. The midfield in Hamilton is also a strong work engine that doesn’t give up especially when they sniff victory is in the air. The Wildcats sitting at 3-4 for 2010 will be desperate for a win to stay in touch of the final 6 that go through to the finals. The team will be hungry to repeat their feat in the last few rounds of 2009 where they slaughtered the Gargoyles after giving a game up to them earlier in 2009.

The Wildcats were defeated in their last game against the Broadview Hawks but started the match with a weakened lineup. This week the Gargoyles expect them to bring their best to Guelph and the Gargoyles will once again have to play their best football to come away with a win.

The Guelph Gargoyles traveled to Ottawa for the Canada Day long weekend to contest the Canada Day Cup played annually against the Ottawa Swans. Ottawa took the cup off the Gargoyles in 2009 after Guelph held it for the 2008 season. The Gargoyles were keen to see it’s return to the Royal City for 2010 and traveled up the 401 confidant but not complacent about a win on Saturday.

Four Gargoyles who traveled to Ottawa had played in the Canada Day football carnival in Toronto held on Thursday July 1^st so didn’t get much of a break having to back up again on the Saturday. As with the majority of teams that travel to Ottawa the team had to deal with a weakened lineup due to player availability for the trip. With several key position players out for the game it was a good chance for the coaching staff to provide an opportunity for some of the 2010 rookies to step up.

The majority of the team scheduled to play Saturday arrived in Ottawa on the Friday and headed out for dinner as a team. A few beers were utilized to wash down the Italian food and as is usual once the conversation gets really going a few more were consumed. This in hindsight might not have been the teams smartest move for 2010 considering the hot weather experienced on Saturday and the reduced interchange bench. We are after all human and the Gargoyles enjoy having a good time as much as any team in the league so it was likely to be expected.

A hot windy day greeted the Gargoyles at Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa for the 2:00pm start time. With the game underway and both teams trying to contend with the tricky breeze the Gargoyles again started slower than the coaching staff would like. Guelph moving the ball forward but was unable to inflict any damage on the scoreboard. The Swans also trying their luck getting the ball into the Gargoyles defense zone only to find the back line repelling any intrusions. Midway through the first quarter some great play out of halfback saw the ball thrust deep into the Gargoyles forward line where Alex Filipowicz secured the ball and kicked his first goal for the season which he promptly celebrated with a perfectly executed back flip. This inspired the boys from Guelph who proceeded to gain multiple entries into the forward line aided by some great work out of the engine room where Greg Logel, Jeff Borysiewicz, Zack MacDonald and Travis Doyle were working tirelessly. Gargoyles lead 3.8.26 to 0.1.1

With the second period underway the team was beginning to play Gargoyles style footy with hard running, quick ball movement and the 1%’s the coaching staff have been instilling into the players psyches since the start of the season. The Swans aided by the breeze in the second were unable to penetrate the Gargoyles back line other than to register another behind. Rookies Daniel Hussey & Ryan McLaughlin really stepping up to the plate and having big game impacts as they contested balls and racked up possessions. Jeff Borysiewicz was impossible to tackle and kicked a great goal on the run towards the end of the second that saw the Gargoyles leading 5.9.39 to 0.2.2

At the half time break the message from the coaching group was to capitalize on the opportunities provided to the forward line in front of goal. Guelph struggling to inflict the damage the team is capable off by leading the league in the behinds tally for 2010 with 92 to date. Even converting 25% of these would see the team sitting at almost 200% in for/against percentages rather than the 133% they hold onto now.   Guelph controlled the quarter but was still plagued by goal kicking inaccuracy only managing to kick 2 goals and 5 behinds to end the quarter 7.14.56 to 0.3.3. Signs the team were beginning to fade were prevalent in the last 10 minutes of the quarter as the toll from the heat, un-rested players from the games during the week, minimal bench and Friday night beers all combined to take their toll on the team. Playing with a full bench all year has seen the team elevate the game pace for 2010 but the lack of a full bench for this match and minimal adjustments to our usual game pace really started to take their toll.

The Swans coaching staff must have had some magic syrup for the lads at the final break. The Swans came out firing in the 4^th quarter leaving the Gargles watching on as they piled on 5 unanswered goals to get them back in the game. Guelph well and truly running out of steam as they battled the breeze and a flight footed Swans outfit for the last 20 minutes of the match. In the end the Gargoyles damage in the first 3 quarters was too much for the Swans. To their credit though they showed us what they are capable off when focused and played some exciting football. Obviously they did not want to see the Canada Day Cup make it’s way back to Guelph without putting up a solid fight first and that they did.

Gargoyles winners at then final siren 7.14.56 to 5.3.33

Goals:               Jeff Borysiewicz (2), Dave Maurer, Chris Cunning, Zack MacDonald, Travis Doyle and Alex Filipowicz.

Best Players:   Jeff Borysiewicz, Greg Logel, Travis Doyle, Zack Macdonal, Ryan McLaughlin and Daniel Hussey.