Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club - Official Site

In searing heat at Rideau Carleton Raceway, the Ottawa Swans produced their best football of the season to draw perilously close to the highly fancied Broadview Hawks, before falling
behind in the final quarter to register their ninth loss of the season.

The opening stanza saw the Hawks build a strong lead through clean ball use while the Swans were stagnant, particularly in the back half of the ground. The Swans’ lack of discipline when tackling in defence handed the Hawks numerous easy scoring opportunities via careless free kicks. At quarter time, Swans Coach Chris MacLean made some tactical changes and implored his charges to follow the team’s game plan and stop the Hawks’ running game.

The coach’s message was heeded as the Swans kicked four goals in the second quarter. Ryan Gregory, Chris Peck, Yaser Abou Elenein and David Martin won numerous clearances in the centre, delivering the ball quickly to forwards Luke Walsh, Corey Bowen, Marc Magierowicz and Mike Koslowski. After half time, the Swans continued to win contests around the ground and move the ball quickly into their attacking zone. In the backline, Chris Lockhart, Darren Roffey and Jay Goldhawk nullified their opponents while setting up attacking plays for the Swans to get the team within two goals of the visitors.

With one quarter to play, the Swans trailed by just 14 points and appeared to have the running in the game. However, the Hawks’ skills came to the fore in the final term as they kicked three quick goals to put the match out of reach for the home team.

Coach MacLean was very happy with his team’s effort. “What’s most pleasing is that we have improved enough to put ourselves in a genuine position to win games. We weren’t doing that earlier in the season. For more than half of today’s game, we were competitive right across the ground and dominant in some areas. If we add consistency to the mix, the wins will come.”

The Swans have a bye next week, giving them time to rest before the final stretch of the season through late July and August. The Swans’ next match is on 24 July in Toronto.

Final Score: Broadview Hawks 13.15 (total 93) defeated Ottawa Swans 7.3 (total 45)
Goal Kickers: Luke Walsh 3, Corey Bowen 2, Marc Magierowicz 1, Mike Koslowski 1
Best Players: Walsh, Chris Lockhart, Ryan Gregory, Yaser Abou Elenein, Jay Goldhawk
Crowd: 117