By Eaglesafc.com
07:37 PM Wed 27 May, 2009
THIS weekend the Toronto Eagles return to Humber North, for their second game for the season against and up and coming Central Blues side.
After a valiant effort last week against Etobicoke the Eagles are looking to notch their first win of the 2009 OAFL season.
This week's opponent boasts an improved outfit compared to previous seasons with the Blues acquiring some solid Australians and their Canadians getting better with experience. After winning their first match of the season against the Guelph Gargoyles they will be looking to continue on their winning ways.
Toronto’s 35-point loss to the Roos was disappointing, but coach Aaron Falcioni was happy with his team’s effort and noted that it was only Etobicokes Australian contingent that really did any damage in their round one clash.
Falcioni also stated the club had a strong focus on their new style of play and was prepared to work through any teething problems along the way.
"The style of play that we are trying to incorporate this year is new to many of the players, so I was expecting it to take a little while for the boys to get into the swing of it” Falcioni said.
RECENT RESULTS AGAINST THE CENTRAL BLUES
Round 2, 2008 – Toronto Eagles 12.14 (86) d Central Blues 3.12 (30) at Humber North
Round 15, 2007 – Toronto Eagles 18.15 (123) d Central Blues 1.7 (13) at Humber North
Round 3, 2007 – Toronto Eagles 8.6 (114) d Central Blues 3.3 (21) at Humber North
MEDICAL ROOM
Troy Marsh (ankle) – 1 week
Oliver Hayward (hand) – 2-3 weeks
Tom Hammond (fractured Humorous) – 12 weeks
STRENGTHS
Despite their first round lost, the Eagles goal kickers were fantastic last week only missing 6 times out of 17 scoring shots. With the inclusion of ruckman Danny Bernstein in the line up their scoring power will be boosted sufficiently.
New recruit Ajit Alister, center half forward Aaron Falcioni and full forward Matt Bachinski performed extremely well last week kicking a combined 10 goals. The midfield and backline, while under pressure, followed the game plan and finish very strong.
POTENTIAL WEAKNESSES
Troy Marsh, Oliver Hayward and Tom Hammond are big exclusions from an Eagles side looking for their first win of the season.
How the players will react to these losses will determine their success this weekend.
AT THE SELECTION TABLE
With injuries hitting the Eagles side early in the season, Falcioni will be looking for all his players to put in a massive effort this weekend. Bernstein returns to the seniors and will provide more offensive power to the Eagles forward line. Also, handy defenseman Marc Nord will have his first run for the season and is hoping to carry on his good pre-season form.
DANGERMAN
Danny Bernstein: Absent from last week’s grand final rematch Bernstein will be looking to help with rucking duties and a strong Eagles forward line. With his good size and solid marking ability he will be a difficult match up for the opposition.
IT'S NOT GENERALLY KNOWN...
The Eagles have a history of large wins against the Blues, with 60 points being their lowest winning margin. They will be looking for the trend to continue this weekend.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
