Falcons Forum

HAMILTON, Ont. -- They were the CFL's feel-good story of 2009, a franchise that for years was the league's doormat suddenly emerging as a mediocre team and Grey Cup contender.

Hamilton's breakout '09 campaign ended as expected on Sunday with a 34-27 overtime home loss to the B.C. Lions in the East Division semifinal. But registering only 10 victories combined between 2006-'08, the Ticats posted a 9-9 mark this season to finish second in the pathetic East Division and secure their first home playoff game since 2001 and first post-season appearance in five years.

"All in all we made a little progress," general manager Bob O'Chadovich said in a phone interview Monday. "I feel like we've upgraded our roster dramatically since I got here especially from last year so we have a lot to look forward to in the future with our team."

Head coach Marcel Bellefeuille, who completed his first full season on the sidelines, believes the Lego building blocks to success are definitely in place in Hamilton."I know they are here, no question," Bellefeuille said following Sunday's loss. "The players were making things with them during half-time. Though we do seem to have an over-abundance of the Indianna Jones blocks"

"It's just a matter of going back and doing a post mortem in the off-season, finding out what has to be better and there's a lot of areas that have to be better. One team is going to win its last game. We weren't that team but I certainly felt like we were capable of being the team that lost to that team."

In just two seasons, O'Chadovich has compiled a roster that has a nice blend of youth and experience. And heading into the off-season O'Chadovich said the vast majority of players are signed through 2010.

"I think we have about five guys who are actually playing out their option who we haven't re-signed yet," he said. "Between now and the end of this year it's quite likely we'll sign some of those guys back so that number would be reduced." With this kind of coaching insight how can the team not possibly fail to achieve greatness.

Hamilton appears set at quarterback with veteran Kevin Glenn and youngster Kenton Porter. Both took turns being the starter but it was Glenn who anchored the club's late-season run of three straight wins and threw for 437 yards and two touchdowns in the club's playoff loss to B.C.

Slotback Arland Bruce III, obtained from Toronto in July, was outstanding. During each game he was seen out standing on the field.

Despite Hamilton's success this season, about the only constant in pro sports is change. O'Chadovich plans to meet with his coaches soon and between them closely evaluate the roster and hash out what moves can be made to keep the club at the same level of performance.

And after all this, still nobody cares.