UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Much has been said about this seasons OAFL introduction of an official "Reserves" competition league - with a real season fixture and a real trophy and title on offer. The new "Reserves" league can be seen as an indicator of the continuing natural development of the league and game in Toronto. Teams are recruiting and keeping new players more effectively than ever before and the growing base of players continuing on from their first, second seasons coupled with the seasoned veterans, the league and its clubs have never been in a stronger position in terms of the popularity of the game.

Last year 5 recreational games were played between composite sides hosted by the Central Blues and the Broadview Hawks. They were composite sides because often you would find players from other clubs outside of the Blues and Hawks joining in for extra run. Sometimes you would even find Blues playing in the Hawks jumpers and vice versa (yes it was they were dirty acts - but it just served to show how little these games mattered). The composite Hawks won the first few before the Blues got some revenge later in the year. In the end the scores never mattered as there was never a trophy and title on the line - and the sides composition never allowed for that pride felt when wearing YOUR club jumper. And more importantly it was just a chance for a somewhat regulated game of footy - where new players could get a taste of what the game was about and oldies got a chance to relive bygone glory days.

With the introduction of an official title and trophy on the line, coupled with increasing competition for a spot on the "Seniors" squad - players will need to take these games more seriously. I know for a fact that the Blues coaching team this year will be using performances by the players in the reserves games as ne way of selecting some players. So those players on the fringe of selection, and even those players who think they have a permanent spot in their clubs senior side should sit up and take notice. Many of the OAFL clubs have never been in such a luxurious position (in terms of the number talented players to select from) as they find themselves with as they head into the upcoming season. Unfortunately there will always be players who miss out in being selected to suit up with the "Seniors". It will burn - when you think you've done all you can at training and still missed out on a coveted spot. Use that pain and hunger to drive your performances in the reserves games. Because you can be damn sure that the coaches will be watching.

Last year there was one "recreational" game which will stick in my mind more than the rest. This "rec" game was not organised by the OAFL. It was an initiative between the OAFL's newest member the Quebec Saints and the Central Blues with the two sides facing off in Ottawa after the Blues defeated the Swans in Rnd 5 of the 2008 season. The history of Saints and the Blues are of course inextricably intertwined - with former Blues player Luke Anderson leading the way in the creation of this Quebec club and new Blues Coach Jaye Macumber along with player Jeff Lavoie being some of the Saints big names at the time of their creation. It was strange - even heart-wrenching to see the "Blues" players LA, Jmac and Jeff pulling off the Blues jumpers and replacing them with the Saints then-uniforms. It didn't seem right - these guys had only minutes earlier lined up and successfully went into battle for the glory of the Navy Blue jumper, but that was the scene.

Traitors

Regardless once you cross that white line - friend or foe - the game is on and you take no prisoners. It was a tightly fought contest, with neither side willing to back down. In the end the fresher Saints overcame a last quarter stand by the Blues to win their first ever game (Full-Match report available HERE). The Blues had become the Saints first scalp albeit in a "friendly rec game". I don't remember the final score - but I can remember the sound of the Saints players singing victoriously. And I know I didn't like it. Sure the Blues squad had many players who were lining up for the second game in a row (after downing the Swans) - but that is bittersweet consolation. I for one do not enjoy accepting defeat - and especially one as historical as this match was.

That is why I am specifically pencilling in the Blues v Saints game in Rnd 6 fixture in my calendar! I suggest if you're not lucky enough to be playing in this game - that you find yourself a prime seat to watch the spectacle set to unfold in this game. The Saints will be hungry to show their first up win against the Blues was no fluke, while the Blues have unfinished business to exact some sweet sweet revenge. The continuing rivalry between these two sides looks set to continue with two games (Rnd 10) up for grabs in 2009. Set aside the dates and make sure you're available, as there is nothing sweeter than beating a friend - and I know that as much as the Blues will enjoy giving this Quebec side a good old fashion flogging, I also know that there'll be a few Fosters shared with each other post game.

Blues 2009 Season Schedule Released

Click HERE to see the schedule.