By Salvatore Capoferri
01:26 PM Tue 01 April, 2009
After two pre-season training sessions, the Toronto Eagles are gearing up for the 2009 Ontario Australian Football League season. A new coach, some fresh faces and a new direction have the Eagles excited for the upcoming season.
2009 has been a year of change for the league’s most historic club with the resignation of their coach and the departure of two of the Eagle’s star Australian players.
When speaking with the Eagle’s president Les Milborn recently, he stated that even with these changes, the club is continuing along with business as usual. "The departure of Mark Block as head coach was a shock to the club, but it was inevitable" Milborn said. "Mark has had a keen interest in focusing on the Canadian National team and trying to commit to both coaching positions just wasn't feasible, so one had to give."
With Block's departure team leader and Team Canada player, Aaron Falcioni has been appointed the head coaching position.“This is an exciting challenge for me this year” Falcioni stated “I have a passion for the club and the game and I feel the players have a decent respect for me to listen to what I have to say.”
This was definitely apparent in both of the clubs training sessions as players were eager to see what Falcioni had planned for the season. Not only were new players introduced into to the club but a new training structure was implemented. "This was an exciting change to the clubs training regiment, the players really seemed to respond well" Eagles ruckman Danny Bernstein commented.
The appointment of classy Eagles veteran Troy Marsh as club captain and two time grand final best on ground, Tasos Dimacakos as vice captain was also announced during the sessions. Both players were extremely honored to be given their roles for the 2009 season.
On and off the field the Eagles are looking strong with the reappointment of the executive from the 2008 season. "The club is looking strong coming into the season and many player want to redeem themselves from last season" Eagles winger and club treasurer Andrew Garth replied when asked about the club's off field standing and its new direction. “I’m really excited for this season and have full faith that Az can lead the team to where we want to be “
With some fresh new faces, a new coach and a new direction, 2009 is looking to be a fantastic year for the Toronto Eagles football club.
