The Toronto Eagles has overcome a gallant Toronto Rebels outfit to post a 12-point win on Saturday afternoon at Humber South.

In doing so, the Eagles begin 2018 in the winners column and will once again be viewed as one of the teams to beat this season.

The Eagles were challenged throughout the match and their 7.8 (50) to 5.8 (38) victory displayed that they are still a quality unit and will be looking to contend for finals.

Eagles coach Aaron Falcioni was happy to bank the four points to start the season.

“It was a grind game. We anticipated that. The rumors that they (Rebels) would be a weaker team this season was ridiculous considering what they are as a footy club, where they’re at and the talent they have coming through,” Falcioni said.

“We missed a few shots, couldn’t break the game open but in the end we got the win.”

After a high-octane start, the game took on a contested edge, with both teams finishing level after the first quarter with 2.3 a piece. The game descended into a slog at times, which was especially the case amid a run of consecutive behinds during a patch in the first and second quarters.

The Eagles seemed to cope best in the heat during the third, winning more contested ball and notching the third quarter’s only goal. Both these teams made scoring look easy in 2017, but goals were hard to come by for the first three quarters.

“That was a tough one” stated Eagles defender Matthew Lowden.

“As always with the first game of the season a lot of the boys are still working out some kinks from the off season and also their match fitness can always be improved during the first few rounds.”

“We also have a new bunch of blokes at the club this year and it will take us some time to adjust to their playing styles, though I felt like as the game progress things were beginning to click.”

Despite a few injuries late in the game, the Eagles were able to fight their way through the fourth quarter and finish the game strong, pulling away from the Rebels and securing the win.

NEXT UP
The Eagles head down to the ‘The Royal City’ next weekend to face the Gargoyles, who are coming off a massive round 1 win.

TORONTO EAGLES 2.3 3.5 4.6 7.8 (50)
TORONTO REBELS 2.3 2.4 2.7 5.8 (38)

GOALS
Himat 4, Gavin, Starr, Falcioni

BEST
Casey, Gavin, Himat