The Rebels made the hardest road trip in Ontario footy over the weekend, venturing to the nation’s capital! The second most popular convoy made the trek to Ottawa bright and early, making the mandatory team stop at Kingston Maccas for a team pow wow and stretch before eventually arriving at the ground three hours before kick-off.

Fortunately for the Rebels, there was a team of massage therapy graduates practicing their craft, so the boys enjoyed some free massages before the game. After limbering up and Gunna being told his lats are made of concrete (allegedly), it was time for the start of the match.

The Swans were looking for revenge against the Rebels after losses in the finals and regular season last year and brought in some key Quebec recruits for the game.

Common themes in recent years have been slow starts to the match before finding our feet later in the game. Today was not that day! Proving to be a true utility of the team and returning to his old position, Browny started in the ruck, tapping down to Kid and Alex to win immediate clearances for the Rebels. Fiji continued his great rookie year by roving the ball around the top of the 50 at top speed for a tough ground ball and to kick a monster goal for his first OAFL goal! The boys took advantage of the wind in the first quarter with several long-range efforts for goal, with the Rebels truly on top early in the game. The backline held strong, leaving the Swans without a score for the first quarter. It was a welcome return to have Mahy down back, running and zipping all game.

After dominating the first quarter, the second quarter turned into more of a tug-of-war. Some guarantees in life: death, taxes, and Browny with friendly fire against Rho (Halifax 2.0). This led to the Swans' only goal of the match with a freakish hard ball get and quick kick through the sticks.

After having a spell on the sidelines following a dangerous tackle to the ground, Sammy provided the highlight of the day by returning to the ground in the third quarter and taking Mark of the Year with a strong pack mark, back with the flight to take out a couple of Swans players.

Other key highlights included Jovan’s chase-down tackle for a set shot on goal and Satty’s multiple tackling and interception efforts in the last quarter. The boys ultimately won the game in the first quarter and held on strong for the remainder of the game. The Rebels' structure held up firmly, led by Batman & Robin in the midfield (Kid/Alex - which one is which?), Stokesy/Hunter patrolling the wings, Jordy/Jovan with their forward pressure, and the backline led by Sammy, Pete, Rho and debutant Macca (moving down back for the last quarter) which kept Ottawa to only three scoring shots.

A big thank you to all the Rebels that helped out on the day; Gator for coaching duties and preparing for his best weekend recap ever, Bonesy and Nels for running water, and to Neon/Cesar/Rhys for helping on the sidelines. Well done to Uds for umpiring the game and copping a tonne of abuse (mostly from the Rebels) and Jacko for organizing the Ottawa trip and after-party, only to fall asleep on the couch while the party continued around him.

Thank you, Swans, for being gracious hosts and taking us for a few beers after the game!

Best Aussie: Sammy
Best Canadian: Stokesy
Goal Scorers: Alex 2, Jordy 2, Dreamy 1, Jello 1, Fiji 1, Jovan 1, Disco 1