World Footy News

The Ontario AFL, one of the biggest leagues in the world, outside of Australia, is gearing up for the 2005 finals. Toronto Downtown Dingos will be favourites to go all the way having finished top with just one loss. The league has also announced its major awards and all-star team.

The OAFL commenced in 1989 and now features 10 clubs. Most sides are based in and around Toronto, but several are further out in Ontario. The league provided the bulk of Canada's International Cup squad (though British Columbia and Alberta are now steadily growing too). There are also numerous expat Aussies, so the OAFL is very strong.

The Toronto Downtown Dingos' only loss for the year, after the 13 minor rounds, was to Lakeshore back in round 6 in June. On Saturday 10th September the 4th placed Mississauga Demons take on the 5th placed Lakeshore Rebels in an Elimination match, while the Etobicoke Kangaroos (2nd) face the Toronto Eagles (3rd) in the Qualifying Final. The final 5 system sees the top 3 sides get a double chance. The finals are being played at Humber North in Toronto.

Although the Dingos deserve favouritism, their local rivals the Toronto Eagles pushed them in round 1 and could be dangerous. At the other end of the scale, the London Magpies had a season to forget, winless and sitting at the foot of the premiership table.

The awards for 2005 have gone to:

2005 OAFL Best & Fairest – Reuben Dwyer – Lakeshore Rebels

2005 OAFL Leading Goal Kicker – Mick Fraser – Etobicoke Kangaroos

2005 OAFL Rookie of the Year – Paul Lawson – London Magpies

The OAFL All-Star team has also been named, featuring the best Ontario players.