Toronto Eagles 8.10 (58) defeated Hamilton Wildcats 6.6 (42)
Date/Location: Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Mohawk Park

Finals Spot Secured

The Toronto Eagles closed out the home-and-away season with a determined 16-point win over the Hamilton Wildcats at Mohawk Park. In tough, physical conditions, the match stayed in the balance for most of the day before the Eagles found the edge late. With contributions across the ground, the squad showed composure under pressure and secured their spot in the finals series.

Coach Aaron Falcioni praised the group’s resilience, saying: “This was a really gritty win. Hamilton pushed us all day, but the boys stood tall in the key moments and stuck to our structures when it mattered most.”

Turning Points

The match began with a setback when midfielder Yuma Hemphill suffered a head knock in the first quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the game. With one of their most important on-ballers sidelined, the Eagles had to quickly reshuffle their midfield structure.

Hamilton took advantage early, using their run to stay in touch and keep the game within striking distance at halftime. But it was in the second half where the Eagles dug deep. Key ruckman Dillon Doherty lifted around the stoppages, giving his midfielders first use, while experienced leaders steadied the side with crucial passages of play.

Aaron Falcioni’s third goal gave Toronto some breathing room, and the team closed out the match with discipline. Captain Ryan McNabb highlighted the collective effort: “Our backline really stood up, and the midfield worked tirelessly all game. It was a genuine team effort, and that’s what got us across the line.”

A strong defensive stand in the final quarter ensured that the Wildcats could not close the gap, allowing the Eagles to hold on and finish the home-and-away season on a high.

Key Performances

  • Dillion Doherty (Ruck): Best performance for the club, dominating in the ruck and giving the midfield first use of the ball.

  • Jarrod Watson (Defense): Excellent all game, leading out of defense and controlling play from the back half.

  • Eagles Defense: Resilient throughout, repelling repeated Wildcats attacks and maintaining composure under pressure.

  • Aaron Falcioni (Forward): Best game of his season, kicking three goals and providing leadership around the ground.

Final Thoughts

The Round 12 victory was an important statement for the Eagles as they head into finals football. Despite losing a key midfielder and being pushed hard by the Wildcats, the team maintained belief, adjusted well under pressure, and finished strong. Coach Falcioni summed it up: “Wins like this show our growth as a team. We kept our heads in the contest, trusted our system, and got the result.”

The win secures the Eagles a place in the AFL Ontario finals, where they will travel to Ottawa to face the Ottawa Swans in the Elimination Final. It will be a massive challenge, but the Eagles head into the clash confident and battle-hardened after another gritty victory.

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