Dingos 4.8 (32) to Wildcats 3.6 (24)
After trailing at the final break, the Toronto Dingo's managed another come-from-behind victory against the 2022 Premiers, Hamilton Wildcats, in a scrappy affair.
With a full list of 24 men, the Dingos went to Hamilton with a resourceful team of veterans and finals rookies looking to redeem themselves after failing in the same match in the 2022 season.
The rain poured throughout the entire game, which made clean hands and skills hard to come by. At the end of the first half the game had only seen one goal, kicked by Dingos forward Ben Sinclair, to give the Dingos the ascendancy into the main break.
The third quarter saw the ball ping around from end to end with little reward for the Dingos, who were unable to capitalize on some shots on goal. However, a strong two-goal quarter from the Wildcats in trying conditions meant they took a 2 point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Dingos came out firing in the final quarter, when player-coach Mick McFarlane converted a snap from the pocket, which was followed by a set shot from forward R. McNaughton that just cleared the line, giving the Dingos a 10-point buffer midway through the final term.
The Wildcats were able to capitalize on a 50-metre penalty with less than 5 minutes left to bring the game to within a kick. Despite owning the territory battle in the final few minutes of the game the Wildcats were unable to snatch the lead back from the Dingos, who were able to seal the game when midfielder M. Ladd snapped truly.
Goals: R. McNaughton (1), B. Sinclair (1), M. McFarlane, M. Ladd
Best Players: M. Ladd, C. Jespen, G. Hansen, M. Bocian, B. Wooten
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