Another complete performance from the Toronto Dingos saw them run away with another away victory, exacting revenge on Grand River Gargoyles 19.15 (129) to 1.2 (8).
With a Tornado warning threatening the afternoon's game of footy, and a heavy downpour less than an hour before the first bounce, the game started off a little scrappy in the centre with clean possession hard to come by. However, that did not stop the Dingos midfield of Junior, Beks, JT & Hogarth from taking territory early and giving the forwards touches.
With the midfield battle well under control key forward Ben Sinclair began to get off the chain for the Gargoyles defense, grabbing 4 first quarter goals alongside one apiece from Zach Shaw and Robert McNaughton to see the Dingos head to the first break with an early 6 goal lead.
Continued dominance in the second quarter, led by a determined Dingos backline and cleaner midfield, saw the scoring opportunities continue to roll in. Rookie Zach Shaw dazzled the Gargoyles defense, taking the game on with his mouthguard hanging out of mouth Daniel Rioli style, and spotting up fellow forwards. Midfielder Brayden Beks began to hit the scoreboard, whilst Ben Sinclair kicked his 7th goal of the game before resting the second half.
The game continued on the same path for much of the second half, with the Dingos backline able handle and repel any threatening Gargoyle attacks, and the Dingos forward line continuing to keep the scoreboard ticking over. A couple of moments of ill-discipline saw the Gargoyles snare their first and only goal of the contest midway through the final quarter, as the Dingos continued their relentless pressure and game plan right until the final whistle.
This victory has sealed the Dingos the 2024 AFL Ontario Men's Division minor premiership, something that the club has not achieved for 19 years.
The Toronto Dingos will have their final bye of the year in the final round next week, with the 2024 finals series beginning on Saturday September 7th. As it stands positions 2-4 are still to be determined, with the final round of matches next weekend.
Goals: B. Sinclair (7), B. Beks (5), R. McNaughton (3), M. Hastas (2), G. Hansen, Z. Shaw
Best: Z. Shaw, O. Howell, M. Williams, B. Sinclair, B. Beks
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