After having tough losses in the last two weeks, Rebels faced a tough challenge with the Broadview Hawks in Round 9. Rebels have consistently been the underdog. However, they are surely improving their reputation as they continue to follow team rules: going hard at the ball, head over the ball and always contesting. With some young Aussies such as Anthony Butler and Hamish Crouch stepping up to the plate to help out Cameron Stark and Drago in the middle, the Rebels are forming some strong combinations.

The 1st quarter saw the talent of the Hawks shine through as Rebels fought gallantly to stay in touch. Butler managed to keep the Hawks' star player, number 7, relatively quiet, by pushing him up the field to get his possessions. Rookie Jake managed to contain number 12, by being a true pest and tagging superbly. There was a late influx of goals as no.12 for the Hawks ran from the centre 4 times in 5 minutes to kick 4 goals. This devastating blow would have signalled a white flag and a blow out in the scoreboard for most clubs. But the Rebels did the opposite, as they grit their teeth, sharpened their blades and saw it as yet another challenge. The half time siren blew and the Rebels regrouped!

The 3rd quarter saw the Rebels come out with immense fight. They matched the Hawks blow for blow with their sole purpose to win the 3rd. They managed to do this. The backline lead by Alex, Screech, Wade and Dylan stepped up as Buttler moved to the centre to match up with Hawks' number 12. Frenchy made it in from Montreal to mark the Hawks' number 7. The forwards started to get better access to the ball due to some clearances in the centre and the wing began to pick the ball up cleanly and feed the forward line more effectively. Monty was getting in the oppositions head and also playing some good footy. The Rebels won the 3rd.

After a solid 3rd quarter, the coaching staff was hoping that the intensity would not be lost in the 4th. Their hard training and effort on and off the field would not go to waste! The Hawks continued to be hungry for the ball and the Rebels matched their hunger. They fought hard in the middle of the field and the backline kept running and winning the ball. A big target up forward in Mike Coll and wiley veteran Tyson Feist added some spark in the forward line. The rebels fought to the last siren and won the last quarter but did not win the game. They were beaten by the better team on the day in the Hawks. I am sure the Hawks and the league know that the Rebels are a true force this year, with a lot of fight and determination!

Toronto Rebels 6-10-46
Broadview Hawks 13-9-87

Bests: R. Burns, W. Avery, D. Bell, J. Brand, C. Stark, A. Butler