The final score saw the hosts prevail 19.13.127 to 8.9.57.

Prior to the match, AFL Canberra stated that the big ground would be an advantage for its team and that proved to be the case as the home side was able to use its speed and skills to quickly transition defence into attack and create plenty of scoring opportunities.

The game opened at a frenetic pace with the BDAFL having a number of scoring opportunities, which they were unable to convert. 

AFL Canberra settled the quickest and was able to kick the first three goals before BDAFL retaliated on the siren to make the margin 12 points at the opening change.

Kicking with the aid of a breeze in the second term, the home side took control and kicked three goals in the first six minutes to extend their lead to 30 points before back-to-back majors to Jack Lennon and Jaydenm Rymer got the BDAFL back into the match.

Despite giving away plenty of size, the BDAFL defence led by Lincoln Stewart, Chris Eddy and Macca Malley toiled manfully.

However, on the back of a powerful ruckman, AFL Canberra was able to dominate the midfield and four more goals before half-time saw AFL Canberra take a commanding 42-point lead into the long break.

BDAFL coach Rowan Bilkey made a number of changes, most notably Singleton’s Andrew Scott into the centre and Connor Haswell to half back. 

It certainly paid dividends, too, especially Scott, whose strength in the contest, ball-winning ability and composure with the football saw the BDAFL experience their best period of the game to begin the third quarter. 

With Tim Oosterhoff using his jumping strength to gain control in the ruck, the BDAFL was able to get the ball forward.

But, wasteful kicking saw them miss five shots on goal. 

As good sides do, AFL Canberra made the BDAFL pay by taking the ball down the other end to land back-to-back majors to deflate the BDAFL’s spirits. 

Lennon and his Cardiff teammate Marcus DeLeur kicked goals before the three quarter time break to make the difference 59 points at the final change.

Despite the result being decided, the BDAFL players showed plenty of character and continued to compete aggressively.

They were rewarded with goals to Jack Hardman and Josh Mifsud to begin the final quarter with Pat Murphy kicking the final goal of the game all of which were interspersed by four AFL Canberra goals.

Overall, AFL Canberra was too strong thoroughly deserving their 70-point win.

Bilkey was philosophical after the game.

“We got a bit of a shock in the first half, Canberra exposed us with their run, which we spoke about pre-game,” he said.

“They really used their run and their experience playing on such a big ground to their advantage. 

“In the second half, we really put a focus on the contested football, our tackles inside the forward 50 in particular, and in the first part of the third quarter, we ramped up our intensity and pulled off some great tackles, which we were rewarded for. 

“We continued on in the second half and I was pleased with the way we ran the game out.”

BDAFL football operations manager Garry Burkinshaw summed up the match, too.

“We were disappointed to lose as we want to win every game we play,” he said.

“Today AFL Canberra showed why they are the best league in the state and for the BDAFL we got the opportunity to give 22 players the opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents on an AFL ground.

“I’m sure they all learnt something which they will take back to our competition. 

“We will lick our wounds back come back bigger and stronger next year.”

Following the match Scott was presented with an award as the BDAFL’s best player, the second time he has won this trophy.

He also received it in the BDAFL 2016 victory over Farrer FNL.

Apart from Scott, Jayden Rymer, Jack Grimmond, Lincoln Stewart, Osstehoff and DeLeur had strong games.