Wildcats win Anzac Challenge

In a pre-season preview, both AFL London sides played three matches each at the Anzac Challenge in London, to reach the premiership decider.

However, the West London Wildcats were too good and ran away with the match early and left their opponents chasing.

The Shepherd’s Bush based team showed why they are pre-season favourites for yet another AFL London flag, claiming a convincing five goal victory, 6-1-37 to 1-1-7.

It was yet another silver finish for the Putney Magpies, who were condemned to runners up status once again, the same as they finished in the premiership last year.

Magpies president and coach Mark Pitura said they were simply outmatched and out run on the day.

"Wildcats are tough rivals but the competition was friendly. They have been the benchmark in the league for 10 years," said Pitura.

"We put up a solid effort but we struggled with fitness."

Pitura named Matthew Nolan and Grant Chessarias as best on ground for his side on the day.

Also read: Sporting excellence at the Anzac Challenge in London

The grand final lived up to its top billing, following conflict between the West London and Putney clubs after controversy late last season.

In a crucial premiership game leading up to the finals, a Wildcats player shook the goal post while the Magpies kicked to win the match, and resulted in a behind when the ball hit the post, giving West London the win.

However at a tribunal hearing which followed, the goal was awarded to Putney, which in turn gave them the win over the Wildcats. The ‘Pies went on to play in the AFL London season 2010 grand final but lost out to the Wandsworth Demons.

While the Wildcats may have made up for last season’s defeat, no matter the outcome, the Anzac Challenge AFL grand final was a showcase for the sport and had a huge crowd in attendance.

View: Anzac Challenge photo galleries

Event organiser Matt Glynn said performances by all sides on the day was an indication of the season to come.

"It was quality footy, a good even standard all across the league and great start to 2011," Glynn said.

The London Australian Rules Football season kicks off this Saturday.

Australian Times is the official media partner for AFL London. Catch all the action each week on AustralianTimes.co.uk/afl-london

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