Saturday saw the Wildcats take on the Swans in what were near perfect conditions for our first home game of the season. It was great to be playing back at Barn Elms No. 1 oval, the ground being sorely missed during 2011 season. Similar to last week, a number of debutants pulled on the Wildcats jumper for the first time and they didn’t disappoint.

The start of the game saw the Wildcats jump out of the blocks, led by Spuzz feeding the onballers who were able to deliver the ball effectively down to the leading forwards, with Rory Noble (in his second game of footy) getting the first goal. By quarter time the Wildcats had managed to put a few goals on the board, led by Broady, whilst also restricting the Swans at the other end.

The second quarter saw the Swans kicking to the Putney end with the aid of a slight breeze. This however did not stop the dash and drive from the Wildcats defence, led by Lewie, creating a number of opportunities for the Wildcat midfielders to drive the ball deep into the forward line. In fact for the entire day the ball rarely got through the defence established by Lewie, Priggers, Wardy and Sauce. The midfield contingent of Taylor, Pucca, Wedgie, along with first gamers Draffa and Slicka, were also enjoying the open spaces offered up by the Barn Elms ground, with the Wildcats putting a few more goals on the board during this quarter.

Following the Ladies Day longest kick competition at half time (special mention to winner Amy Jenkins), more of the same ensued on the field during the third quarter. The Wildcats did however let the Swans back in with some late goals towards the end of the term.

By three quarter time the Cats were holding a healthy lead and set plans to finish the game full of run. Whilst we fell short of our goal scoring target for the last quarter, we did see some highlights during the quarter including big Spuzz getting off the ground for a quality hanger right in front of the crowd. We also had the “Bully & Draffa fan club”, well lubricated from the ladies day specials on offer, going nuts from the sidelines when the lads both snagged majors.

Overall it was a great team effort that must continue as we go into next weekend’s grand final replay against Wandsworth who remain undefeated so far in 2012. Make sure you get down to training this week as we prepare together for this massive game.


West London Wildcats 23.8. (146) DF London Swans 6.3. (39)

Goals: Broadbent 8, Cannon 3, Bull, Costley, Lonergan, Noble, Spurrell 2, Draffin, Taylor 1,

Best: Lewis Brackstone, Adam Broadbent, Brad Wedgewood, Dan Cannon, Declan Murphy