A Toronto Awaba FC squad built on local dreams and a proud history will line up to fight for a place in the NPL Men’s NNSW competition on Saturday.
Noah Fittler will lead the Stags onto Jack McLaughlan Oval against NPL Men’s NNSW side Adamstown Rosebud, one of many homegrown talents in yellow and blue who have been integral in the club’s recent success.
The talented 23-year-old central midfielder, who is the grandson and nephew of club legends Ray and Darren Stewart, has been part of the first grade team since 2019.
Fittler was given the nod by coach Jarrad Hiles earlier this year to captain the Stags after Zane Winslade suffered a season-ending injury.
The Stags battled their way through two legs of the Promotion/Relegation Play-Off semi-finals against Kahibah FC to come out on top 2-1 on aggregate and advance to the do-or-die final.
Fittler said that Saturday’s match was not just about winning but also making their club proud.
“Nine of the 11 of our starting team are from the local Toronto area. A lot of the boys are. The club has always been built off a local, community-based side,” Fittler said.
“It’s a massive family club.
“All the boys are a bunch of great mates. We thrive off that; being mates and playing for each other.”
The Stag’s captain said that he was confident his side can upset Adamstown and earn themselves a place in NPL Men’s NNSW in 2025.
“We’ve been trying not to talk too much about being promoted or getting ahead of ourselves in that aspect but there’s been a lot of good vibes and high energy at the moment,” Fittler said.
“We’re going into the play-off after having our first grade and reserve grade sides finish in the top four.
“Everyone has been buzzing at the end of the season.
“We want to fight for promotion now and I think we have a really good chance.”
At the helm of the Stags for the last few years has been coach Jarrad Hiles, a former premiership and championship-winning player with Toronto Awaba himself.
He guided the club to the first grade premiership in 2023 and is now looking to help lead them to NPL promotion on Saturday.
Fittler believes that Hiles could be key to Toronto’s success in the play-off final.
“Jarred’s a great coach and a great bloke. He gets the most out of all the boys,” Fittler said.
“He’s very well respected by everyone between both grades.
“His record speaks for itself. A premiership last year and a grand final this year. He’s done really well.”
Find out all match day information for this weekend’s play-off finals HERE.