News

Revenge is at the top of every Gargoyles players list as round 1 approaches on May 8^th.  The Ottawa Swans took the Canada Day Cup from the Gargoyles in 2009 and in doing so recorded their first ever win in the OAFL competition.  Guelph had a rather lackluster season in 2009 struggling with player availability and injury woes.  The team showed flashes of brilliance but had a difficult time putting all the ducks in a row when is needed to and subsequently missed the finals series finishing in 7^th spot of 10 teams.

2010 is a new year though and the Gargoyles have had a strong preparation leading into the start of the season.  What can we expect from the Guelph Gargoyles and the Ottawa Swans?

Guelph Gargoyles: 

The team has had a strong off-season adding a lot of new talent to the player line-up this year.  An injection of young fit Canadians sees the team poised to speed up the pace of the teams game.  Some talented Australians are also part of the mix this year adding some firepower to the forward line and midfield for 2010.  Fitness training has been a key component of the teams pre-season and it appears to be paying dividends from what was witnessed at the pre-season tournament.  Ottawa can expect to face a spirited, speedy and enduring Gargoyles side on Saturday.

Players to watch will be new Australian recruits Benjamin Roberts and Scotty Rowe giving the team some additional height, youth and skills.  Travis Doyle looks set for a big game after taking out the teams best & fairest award for 2009, he looks fit and in form right now.  Team captain Matt Bannon although still recovering from a twisted ankle had a big day at the pre-season tournament shutting down one of the leagues best forwards.  The coaching staff is likely to give Matt the job on Ottawa’s key forward.  Team Canada members Zack McDonald and Adam Millen are sure to have a big impact on the game running hard through the middle of the ground.  With the re-jigged forward line-up and positional play Carl O’Brien is looking to bag himself some nice goals.  Other players to watch will be the new recruits who apparently smashed it this weekend in the pre-season.  16 year old Mark Cianfagna having a blinder on the wing for the Gargoyles, Angus displaying great fitness, Ryan substituting for ruckman Travis Doyle, rugby convert Aiden McQuoid also running hard and some incredible speed from new recruit Mikey will be interesting to watch.  6’2” Canadian Barry Rooke will likely have an impact as well after missing the pre-season due to a travel mix-up.

Ottawa Swans:

Key players will be looking to assert themselves on the game.  Forward Darren Roffey according to reports is in good form and has been a handful in the past.  Ottawa ruck man and 2008 OAFL rookie of the year Ryan Gregory will provide a good contest for Travis Doyle in the middle.  Swans tiny midfielder Yaser Abou Elenein although small in stature has the heart of a lion and will be one the Gargoyles need to match up on.

The game is sure to be fast and furious in the first quarter as both teams attempt to assert themselves.  Guelph certainly has the legs this year to carry them the full 4 quarters.

Game time is 2:00pm at Margaret Green Park on Westwood Drive in Guelph.

Thursday May 6^th sees the Guelph Gargoyles jersey presentation evening immediately following the conclusion of practice at the Fat Duck Gastro Pub (Front Room).  Players, partners, family and friends are welcome to join the team for the evening.  The club coaching staff and executive will be presenting players new & old with their jersey numbers to be worn for the 2010 season.

The event will begin at approx 8:30-8:45pm, food and drinks available at the pub.

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A warm and heartfelt congratulations to Dan (Hodgie) and Evelyn on their newest addition to the family, Isabella Rose!

We'll make sure to photoshop out the rings under your eyes on game photos buddy ;)

Saturday May 1^st sees the Guelph Gargoyles making the trip to Toronto for the annual pre-season tournament.  The team will be playing in two shortened matches of 2 x 15 minute halves.  Game 1 sees the team up against last years runner-up the Etoicoke Kangaroos at 11:10am followed by another game against the Toronto Dingos at 1:50pm.  The carnival will be held at Humber North College.

Traditionally the team uses this format to get some valuable game time for the rookies and try some established players in different positions to where they might normally reside.  The coaching staff are sure to be busy all week selecting who plays where on the day and keen to try some of the new things that the team has been working on in pre-season practice.  With some exciting new talent added to the team this year it will be interesting to see how it comes together although there will be some players resting from the tournament to ensure they are ready to go for round 1 on May 8^th.

Fat Duck Gastro Pub has signed on to become the Gargoyles sponsor pub for 2010.  Some diligent work in the off-season by team secretary Gord Munro saw a couple of offers tabled as far as new potential sponsorship arrangements.  The team collectively decided that the best option was the Fat Duck Gastro Pub after sampling some of their wares and refreshing bevies.

The pub itself specializes in locally sourced fine foods utilizing ingredients such as organic pork & beef from Rowe Farms, local veggies from the Guelph farmers market, Millbank organic cheeses & Ace Bakery bread.  12 beers make the cut on tap including those from the teams brewing sponsor Wellington Brewery.

Saturday afternoons are sure to be buzzing at the Fat Duck with the Gargoyles in attendance, head on down and meet the team at around 5:00pm on home game days per the game schedule.

The pub is located at 210 Kortright W, Guelph.

Outdoor practice sessions move to twice weekly beginning this Tuesday April 13th.  Players should arrive for 6:15pm to be ready for 6:30 start time.  Practice location is Johnson Green on the University of Guelph campus.  The park is located on the corner of College & Gordon Streets, parking available on site (entry off College)  The 2010 season is only 4 weeks away with Round 1 on May 8th.  Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday & Thursday nights at the University for all of April.

The coaching staff has cancelled the outdoor practice session for April 8th.  The Introduction to Football day is still on for Saturday April 10th (11am - 1pm).

The final Shift Unreal Fitness session will take place Monday April 5th @ 7:45pm.  These sessions focus on developing players strength & conditioning.  All players are encouraged to attend.  Outdoor practice begins with the April 10th "Introduction to Football" day at the University of Guelph.  We will begin Tuesday & Thursday night practice on April 13th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm with both days taking place at the university field during April.