Dingos Down Rebels In Epic Come-From-Behind Victory

The Toronto Dingos have taken home the Tim Shaw-Josh McMillan Trophy with an all-time victory, overcoming a 36-point deficit late in the second quarter to beat the Rebels 11.06 (72) to 8.7 (55).

The event created to honour two beloved figures from the two competing clubs, Tim Shaw (Dingos) and Josh McMillan (Rebels), served up an epic battle that I am sure both men would have been proud to see, with both clubs fighting hard in front of alumni, family and friends to deliver some of the best footy the AFLO has to offer.

The Rebels started the game with guns blazing, dominating the centre square and barely allowing the Dingos a foray into attack. They capitalized on their forward entries, nailing three goals, whilst holding the Dingos goalless in the first quarter for the second week in a row.

This dominance continued into the start of the second quarter, where the Rebels were able to maintain the scoreboard pressure and extend their lead to as much as 36 points halfway through the quarter.

However, just when things begun to look like they were getting out of hand, the Dingos backline dug in their heels. Led by the veteran presence of Brad Wooten, and aided by new recruits Lachy Barazza & Harry Moore, the Dingos were able to gain control of the footy and get the ball moving at pace into the forward line. Canadian National player Matteo Lugarini ended the Dingo goal drought late in the second, followed by 2024 leading goal kicker Ben Sinclair to narrow the Rebel lead to 23-points at the main break.

Inspired by Vice Captain Chris Jepsen's half time address, the Dingos entered the second half with a point to prove. The Trans-Atlantic connection in the centre circle between Canadian Arran Chambers, Frenchman Ludo Barrat & Englishman James Talbot combined with Aussies Michael Ladd & Robert Rusan, saw the Dingos get on top of the midfield battle and begin a flurry of attacks into the forward 50.

The inspired Dingos powered home a total of 9 goals in the second half, with Lugarini, Sinclair & Barrat providing the Rebels defense a headache with multiple goals in the process. Alongside this Woots and his men down back remained stingy, allowing the Rebels only 2 goals to close out the game and the Dingos to walk away victors.

Post game a ceremony was held to honour late clubman Tim Shaw of the Dingos, and Josh McMillan of the Rebels. As the teams came together to talk about the impact these two great men had on their respective clubs and pay their respects, two players (one from each team) were awarded the the Tim Shaw-Josh McMillan Best on Ground Award which was presented by Tim's son, Zach, and Josh's wife & daughter, Lisa & Matilda.

Congratulations to Dingo Brad Wooten & Rebel Max Mourney who were voted best afield in a hard fought game.

Goals: M. Lugarini (3), B. Sinclair (2), L. Barrat (2), M. Beda, M. Howell, J. Ian & R. Rusan

Best: B. Wooten, A. Chambers, R. Rusan, M. Ladd & M. Lugarini