AFL Draft 2023: Every Geelong Falcons boys prospect’s season rated and ranked
How did every Geelong Falcons prospect fare in 2023? We put the entire list under the microscope and rank them in order. Plus, see where the top prospects could be taken.
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There aren’t as many top-end prospects as previous years, but there are a host of Geelong Falcons prospects in the mix for the 2023 and 2024 drafts.
And many more who had strong seasons who could go on to star at VFL and local level.
We rate and rank every Falcons player.
DRAFT CHANCES
Ranked in order of talent
1. Angus Hastie (Geelong West Giants)
Defender, 189cm, 19/9/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (13 games): 20.0 disposals, 7.9 intercept possessions, 4.6 marks, 1.9 intercept marks, 128 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (4 games): 12.5 disposals, 4.3 intercepts, 1.3 intercept marks, 60 SuperCoach points
Draft range: 30-50
Hastie is the top prospect out of Geelong this year, being the only Falcon invited to the national combine. The defender combines dashing run with sturdy defence, completing lockdown roles on dangerous forwards like top-10 talent Nate Caddy and showcasing his attacking flare with his speed and tidy footskills. His blistering run from the back pocket to the middle of the ground against Sandringham Dragons in their preliminary final epitomised his exciting offensive attributes. Likely to be the first Falcon taken on draft night in the second to third round range.
2. Michael Rudd (St Mary’s)
Forward, 192cm, 15/5/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (13 games): 14.2 disposals, 4.5 marks, 1.7 contested marks, 1.2 goals, 97 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (3 games): 14.0 disposals, 5.0 marks, 1.7 contested marks, 2.3 goals, 104.5 SuperCoach points
Draft range: Late-rookie
Rudd was one of the leading goalkickers at the national championships, kicking seven goals in three games as he proved to be Vic Country’s most dangerous forward. The mobile 192cm forward has his knockers but his mix of elite endurance, high workrate and strong overhead marking resembles Collingwood goalkicker Brody Mihocek. Kicked a goal in all but two games in the Coates Talent League and produced a stunning display against Western Jets, finishing with 23 disposals, 10 marks, two goals and 185 SuperCoach points. Flying under the radar from a draft perspective, he looms as a potential bargain for a club late in the piece.
3. Tom Anastasopoulos (Newtown & Chillwell)
Forward, 176cm, 31/5/2005
2023 stats (11 games): 10.9 disposals, 5.7 score involvements, 1.9 goals, 98 SuperCoach points
Draft range: Late-rookie
The lively small forward shot onto the draft radar with 12 goals in his first five matches and a six-goal haul in the opening round of the APS season for Geelong College. Was a touch inconsistent at times jumping from different programs but his two goals as a high half-forward in the final game of the national championships for Vic Country underlined his talent. His finishing skills – kicking a pinpoint 21.2 for the Falcons this year – along with his pressure and workrate up the ground are the kind of traits clubs are looking for in a small forward. Has been invited to the test at the state combine and is viewed as a late-rookie chance.
4. Patrick Hughes (Torquay)
Midfielder, 184cm, 20/3/2005
2023 stats (16 games): 20.0 disposals, 12.8 contested possessions, 6.5 clearances, 5.0 tackles, 108 SuperCoach points
Draft range: Late-rookie
Hughes overcame his Vic Country snub in emphatic fashion, putting himself back in the draft mix and being rewarded as the joint-winner of the Morrish Medal. Hughes had some big games in the finals, including 12 clearances against Bendigo Pioneers, and led the way with work in the clinches, winning 64 per cent of his possessions in a contest across the season. There are concerns from recruiters over his running capacity and kicking, but he has proved he has AFL traits with his elite clearance winning and power in congestion. Hughes also showcased his ability to be used up forward as the year went on.
5. Joe Pike (Barwon Heads)
Ruck, 203cm, 17/5/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (13 games): 11.5 disposals, 25.3 hit-outs, 6.8 hit-outs to advantage, 3.4 clearances, 103 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (2 games): 3.7 disposals, 14.3 hit-outs, 4.7 hit-outs to advantage, 46 SuperCoach points
Draft range: Late-rookie
The developing ruckman is another Falcon who strengthened his draft claims with a strong finish to the year. Pike kicked a miraculous goal from the boundary while under heavy pressure in their preliminary final loss, also showcasing his ability to impact around the ground with his overhead marking and follow up at stoppages throughout the year. He shared the ruck duties for Vic Country and showed some signs of promise, earning an invite to the state combine. Has come on in leaps and bounds this year and has more improvement left in him.
THE REST
In order of average SuperCoach ranking points
#14 Malachi White (St Joseph’s)
Midfielder, 183cm, 6/1/2005
2023 stats (12 games): 18.3 disposals, 10.8 contested possessions, 4.8 clearances, 4.7 tackles, 99 SuperCoach points
Was a strong at the coalface across the season, lifting particularly through the middle of the year. Won plenty of clearances and followed up with his tackle pressure in tight, finishing as the equal fourth-ranked Falcon for the season. Formed a great combination with Pat Hughes and Tobyn Murray at centre bounces.
#2 Tobyn Murray (Colac)
Midfielder-forward, 179cm, 5/5/2005
2023 stats (7 games): 20.4 disposals, 10.9 contested possessions, 4.3 clearances, 97 SuperCoach points
The Falcons vice-captain led from the front in the back-half of the season in particular, regularly finishing as his side’s leading disposal winning and being named in the best in his final three matches. Murray was sidelined with a corked thing in their preliminary final loss to Sandringham Dragons and he was sorely missed. One who has the capability to progress to the VFL next year.
#3 Thomas Burke (Torquay)
Midfielder-forward, 171cm, 1/3/2005
2023 stats: 15.3 disposals, 5.1 tackles, 1.4 score assists, 0.4 goals, 96 SuperCoach points
Burke was a consistent performer as a high half-forward who occasionally pushed through the midfield, with his footskills and clean hands impressing. Was particularly dangerous in the finals series where he stood up with five goals in two matches, including a three goal haul in their win over GWV Rebels at Kardinia Park.
#13 Xavier Ivisic (Bell Park)
Midfielder, 180cm, 1/6/2006
2023 stats (10 games): 16.2 disposals, 3.6 marks, 87 SuperCoach points
Ivisic had a superb bottom-age year and was perhaps unlucky not to be picked for the U17 Futures match on grand final day. He starred at APS level as a full-time midfielder for Geelong Grammar, finishing as the four-highest disposal winner and averaging 28 disposals, six clearances and 107.5 ranking points per game. At the Falcons, Ivisic was used up forward and through the midfield where he was a consistent performer. Will press his draft claims as a full-time midfielder next year.
#55 Zac McInnes (Bell Park)
Forward, 196cm, 13/1/2006
2023 stats (8 games): 8.0 disposals, 3.0 marks, 1.1 contested marks, 2.0 goals, 79 SuperCoach points
McInnes would likely have been playing in the U17 Futures match on grand final day if he wasn’t sidelined by an ankle injury. The key forward is strong in the air and a great kick at goal, finishing with 16.5 for the year – including three hauls of three goals. At 197cm, McInnes shapes as one of Geelong’s top draft chances next year.
#32 Reef Page (Torquay)
Forward, 190cm, 3/2/2005
2023 stats (11 games): 9.3 disposals, 2.8 marks, 1.3 goals, 76 SuperCoach points
Was a key pillar up forward for the Falcons and had some impactful games, twice kicking three goals on his way to 14 majors for the season. The medium-sized forward also had a strong year at APS level for Geelong Grammar, earning selection in the showcase APS v AGSV clash where he kicked two goals.
#44 Ethan Borys (Grovedale)
Defender, 183cm, 14/9/2005
2023 stats (15 games): 15.3 disposals, 4.4 intercepts, 75 SuperCoach points
Borys was a reliable contributor with his ball-use, defensive work 1-on-1 and offensive drive off halfback. Was regularly entrusted with taking the kick ins and his body of work suggests he could pursue VFL opportunities. Played one of his better games in the preliminar final, finishing with 20 disposals and five intercepts. Has signed with grand finalists South Barwon for the 2024 season.
#39 Kobe George (Bell Park)
Midfielder, 184cm
2023 stats (11 games): 12.4 disposals, 3.5 intercepts, 72 SuperCoach points
Was a surprise packet for the Falcons, with his impressive year seeing him picked in the U17 Futures trial. George’s composure with ball in hand at half back, his ball use and defensive work impressed, with his nine intercepts, 15 disposals and 86 SuperCoach points against Bendigo Pioneers late in the year a highlight. Will be another to keep tabs on in his top-age year in 2024.
#15 Liam Kershaw (St Joseph’s)
Midfielder-defender, 189cm, 17/10/2005
2023 stats (14 games) 13.6 disposals, 4.3 intercepts, 71 SuperCoach points
Has attracted some AFL interest with his promising traits, including his efficient footskills, overhead marking and decision making. Played mostly in a wing role – which often goes rewarded – and then was moved into defence to showcase his versatility. Could come into the mix in the late-rookie range despite failing to receive a state combine invite.
#41 Josh Sanders (Lara)
Defender-midfielder, 11/1/2006
2023 stats (6 games): 11.5 disposals, 4.2 intercepts, 1.0 intercept marks, 71 SuperCoach points
Sanders produced highlights all over the ground for the Falcons this year in his six games. The bottom-ager has an exciting blend of power and speed and has great competitiveness, also impressing in 12 games at senior level for Lara where he was named in the best on six occasions.
#16 Rhys McWaters (Bell Park)
Defender, 188cm, 4/6/2005
2023 stats (12 games): 9.9 disposals, 4.1 intercepts, 3.5 tackles, 67 SuperCoach points
A halfback who is strong defensively and can impact offensively, McWaters was a regular for th Falcons for most of the season. Also played seven games for Bell Park’s senior side, being named in the best on three occasions.
#4 River Stevens (Newtown and Chillwell)
Midfielder, 173cm, 26/6/2006, North Melbourne father-son
2023 stats (7 games): 9.6 disposals, 2.9 marks, 66 SuperCoach points
The son of North Melbourne great Anthony showed his potential as a small forward with three goals in their first final against Bendigo Pioneers. His promising bottom-age year earned him selection for Vic Country in the U17 Futures trial. Stevens has a burst of speed and agility and will be one for North Melbourne fans to keep an eye on in his draft year, with the father-son prospect expected to train with the Roos at some stage over the off-season. The 17-year-old capped his year with an U18 premiership with Newtown & Chillwell in the GFL.
#53 Finn Cornell (Barwon Heads)
Midfielder, 182cm, 27/4/2005)
2023 stats (3 games): 12.7 disposals, 3.0 clearances, 66 SuperCoach points
Was on the cusp after his Geelong College commitments but was held out of the Falcons side. Impressed as a clearance winner and off halfback at APS level and returned played in Barwon Heads’ three finals, being named in the best in their loss to Torquay.
#35 Hamish Pierson (Grovedale)
Defender, 195cm, 3/11/2004
2023 Coates Talent League stats (14 games): 7.7 disposals, 4.6 intercepts, 1.7 intercept marks, 63 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (1 game): 8 disposals, 6 intercepts, 52 SuperCoach points
Returning as a 19-year-old, the Falcons were impressed by his leadership qualities and rock-solid defence throughout the year. Pierson is a sturdy defender and can take intercept marks, and these traits saw him feature in one game for Vic Country at the national champs. Trained at Werribee VFL during the pre-season, will he return there to become the latest Geelong product to join their program?
#43 Jack Henderson (Barwon Heads)
Midfielder, 187cm, 26/10/2006
2023 stats (2 games): 7 disposals, 1.5 goals, 62 SuperCoach points
Henderson showed some good signs for Geelong College at APS level and impressed in his three outings for the Falcons, hitting the scoreboard in every game. Managed to break into their preliminary final side and finished with 13 disposals and a goal. Henderson is a taller midfield option who can win clearances and also have an impact up forward.
#46 Will McLachlan (Colac)
Forward, 185cm, 13/5/2005
2023 stats (13 games): 9.4 disposals, 3.7 marks, 1.5 goals, 62 SuperCoach points
McLachlan was an excitement machine up forward with his electric speed, power and contested marking ability. Finished the year with a bang, booting seven goals in the first two finals and catching the eye in the first half in their preliminary final against Sandringham, kicking two goals from strong grabs. But his inconsistency within games was an issue at times. McLachlan kicked eight goals in six matches for Colac’s senior side.
#60 Zekiah Davey (Lara)
Forward, 5/3/2005
2023 stats (5 games): 11.8 disposals, 5.2 marks, 1.0 goals, 62 SuperCoach points
Worked hard to get his opportunity and performed strongly, playing five games before an unfortunate injury against Western Jets ended his season. It was his best game of the year, finishing with 15 disposals, eight marks and three goals.
#30 Edan Ibbetson (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 184cm, 2/1/2006
2023 stats: 10.8 disposals, 2.6 marks, 61 SuperCoach points
Broke into the Falcons side late in the year and played through the finals series, showing some good signs as an inside midfield option. His ability to win the ball in the clinches and his composure with ball in hand impressed, with his 14 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency, four clearances and 103 SuperCoach points against Bendigo the highlight.
#37 Caleb Foster (St Joseph’s)
Midfielder, 180cm, 21/4/2005
2023 stats (2 games): 11 disposals, 5.5 tackles, 59 SuperCoach points
Foster has had an injury interrupted campaign, working his way back from a knee injury at the start of year and suffering another setback after breaking into the Falcons side. The St Joseph’s product is highly regarded internally for his work ethic internally.
#12 Noah Tullio (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 167cm, 23/3/2006
2023 stats (9 games): 13.4 disposals, 2.7 intercepts, 58 SuperCoach points
Shone on debut in round 12 against Eastern Ranges and never came out of the Falcons side. Playing on a wing, the bottom-ager showed off his strong running attributes, neat ball-use and clean hands at ground level. He then took out the best afield medal in Newtown & Chillwell’s grand final triumph. One to watch next year.
#27 Archie Sinnott (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 185.7cm, 28/7/2004
2023 stats (16 games): 12.8 disposals, 8.6 kicks, 57 SuperCoach points
The 19-year-old was expected to be phased out of the Falcons program in the back-half of the season but his hard work at training and consistency as a wingman saw him remain in the side. Sinnott’s team-first game can go unnoticed but he was highly regarded at the Falcons for his defensive mindset. Trained with Werribee during the year which could lead to further opportunities in the future.
#8 Angus Hanley (Torquay)
Forward-midfielder, 167cm, 4/6/2006
2023 stats (6 games): 11.2 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 57 SuperCoach points
A lively small forward who is a super competitor, Hanley broke in for six games for the Falcons this year after impressing at senior level for Torquay and at training. Should be a key player for the Falcons in his top-age year.
#38 Cooper Hayes (Colac)
Defender, 186cm, 14/4/2004
2023 stats (5 games): 13.8 disposals, 4.4 marks, 55 SuperCoach points
The 19-year-old was solid early in the year, managing five games before making the call to commit fully to senior football for Colac in the GFL. Hayes remained in the Tigers’ senior side throughout the finals series, playing 18 games for the year.
#18 Tom Bartlett (Modewarre)
Defender, 189cm, 24/2/2005
2023 stats (12 games): 8.5 disposals, 4.1 spoils, 4.0 intercepts, 54 SuperCoach points
Bartlett had an interrupted season due to injury, including a broken hand midway through the season. As a defender he can play small or tall and has been a reliable cog for the Falcons in the last two years.
#6 Lachie Jaques (St Mary’s)
Defender, 184cm, 1/6/2006
2023 stats (5 games): 12.0 disposals, 3.0 intercept possessions, 49 SuperCoach points
A dashing defender or wingman, Jaques played early for the Falcons before suffering an injury to his hand. Came close to breaking into the side late in the year but finished his year with St Mary’s at U18 level. Expected to be a senior regular for the Falcons in 2024.
#34 Tom Peirce (South Barwon)
Defender, 195cm, 1/11/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (16 games): 6.9 disposals, 3.6 intercepts, 3.0 spoils, 48 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (1 game): 5 disposals, 3 intercepts, 39 SuperCoach points
It was a consistent campaign for Peirce in his first season as a key defender after being shifted into the role during the pre-season. His strong form early down back earned him a Vic Country call-up but an underwhelming display saw him lose his spot. He finished off strongly late in the year as a defender but didn’t receive a state combine invite. Has been signed by his home club of South Barwon for 2024 but has the talent to look at VFL opportunities.
#26 Mackenzie Butcher (St Mary’s)
Ruck-forward, 200cm, 1/8/2005
2023 stats (15 games): 16.3 hit-outs, 5.8 disposals, 48 SuperCoach points
Worked in tandem well with Joe Pike in the ruck throughout the year, playing 15 games for the year. His standout performance came while rucking solo against Gippsland, tallying 45 hit-outs, 16 hit-outs to advantage, 11 disposals, six tackles and 137 SuperCoach points in a well-rounded display.
#33 Brady Hall (Colac)
Defender, 188cm, 9/3/2006
2023 stats (6 games): 8.5 disposals, 3.7 intercepts, 42 SuperCoach points
After undergoing a mini pre-season after coming into the year with injury, Hall was in and out of the Falcons side due to injury and form. Hall kicked two goals in his GFL senior debut for Colac late in the year and will be another Falcon to watch out for next year.
#7 Kane Reid (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 189cm, 18/3/2005
2023 stats (3 games): 6.3 disposals, 2.7 clearances, 42 SuperCoach points
Reid opted to finish the year with the Newtown U18 side, who went on to win the premiership. The midfielder played some early games for the Falcons before captaining Geelong College in the APS, taking out the coveted best-on-ground medal in the Geelong Derby against Geelong Grammar.
#11 Flynn Chirgwin (St Mary’s)
Midfielder, 191cm, 13/12/2005
2023 stats (6 games): 9.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 41 SuperCoach points
Played some games early for the Falcons and then sustained a hamstring injury later in the season. He returned from that blow and put pressure on the Falcons line-up, finishing the year with St Mary’s. Played 14 games as a wingman and a high half-forward across his two seasons at Falcons level.
#31 Noah Caracella (Newtown & Chillwell)
Forward, 17/6/2006, Essendon father-son
2023 stats (2 games): 6.5 disposals, 0.5 goals, 35 SuperCoach points
Caracella, the son of two-time premiership player Blake, played two matches for the Falcons this year before suffering a broken thumb and going in for surgery. Worked hard through his rehab to get back into training and kicked two goals in Newtown & Chillwell’s U18 premiership win. One for Bombers fans to keep an eye on given he is tied to the club as a father-son prospect. The rangy third tall is smart and good overhead and is tipped to play as a wingman or half-forward next year.
#62 Matthew Jones (Bell Park)
Forward, 191cm, 20/4/2005
2023 stats (6 games): 5.2 disposals, 0.8 goals, 37 SuperCoach points
Jones showed his athleticism and leap up forward, playing six games for the Falcons. Was a touch inconsistent at times and was unable to break back in later in the year, but he managed to play four games for Bell Park’s senior side in the back-half of the season.
#23 Nicholas Dowling (St Mary’s)
Defender, 192cm, 23/3/2005
2023 stats: 6.4 disposals, 3.2 intercepts, 35 SuperCoach points (5 games)
Dowling played five games early in the year and was unlucky not to get more opportunities with the lack of injuries to the Falcons’ back six. The competitive defender had an impressive year for St Mary’s in the U18 competition and was among their best players in their grand final loss.
#61 Gus Morrison (St Joseph’s)
Forward, 189cm, 26/4/2006
2023 stats: 7.3 disposals, 3.0 marks, 34 SuperCoach points (3 games)
Another whose persistence paid off, playing three games late in the year. Morrison can be used up the ground or as a small forward and played two games for Vic Country at the U16 championships in 2022.
#50 Cooper Patton (Torquay)
Midfielder, 177cm, 10/4/2006
2023 stats: 5 disposals, 33 SuperCoach points (2 games)
Patton worked his way into the side with strong performances locally for Torquay, debuting in round 17 and holding his spot in wildcard round. The wingman is good overhead and a strong athlete who can link up around the ground.
#28 Daniel Lowther (Lara)
Forward/defender, 194cm, 7/8/2006
2023 stats: 6.0 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.0 goals, 30 SuperCoach points (2 games)
Played two games in the back-end of the season as a key forward and kicked a goal in both games. Lowther launches at the ball in the air and is competitive. Set to play a key part in the Falcons program next year after impressing at both ends at senior level for Lara in the GFL, playing 11 games for the Cats this year.
#47 Lachlan McLean (Leopold)
Defender, 185cm, 1/5/2006
2023 stats: 7 disposals, 6 kicks, 29 SuperCoach points (1 game)
Earned a Falcons debut after starring for Leopold’s U18 side, where he was named in the best in 12 of his 16 games. McLean is an attacking halfback who defends well and has a good athletic profile.
#59 Will Montebello (Torquay)
Forward, 184cm, 11/7/2006
2023 stats: 5 disposals, 27 SuperCoach points (1 game)
Broke in for a debut in round 14 after good form for Torquay at senior level. A third tall forward who can play up the ground and is a great kick for goal.
#21 Jack Skinner (Colac Imperials)
Defender, 186cm, 7/6/2006
2023 stats: 2 disposals, 2 tackles, 26 SuperCoach points (1 game)
A raw prospect, Skinner earned a Falcons debut after some impressive form at senior level for Colac Imperials. Set to form a key part of their side next year in defence or through the midfield.
#36 Joel Grigsby (Newtown & Chillwell)
Forward, 194cm, 25/1/2006
2023 stats (1 game): 5 disposals, 6 spoils, 24 SuperCoach points
After an outstanding season for Geelong College as a ruckman – finishing as the top-ranked player for their side according to Premier Data – Grigsby earned a surprise call-up for their preliminary final against Sandringham Dragons to replace the injured Hamish Pierson. Having trained as a defender with the Falcons later in the year, Grigsby defended strongly as a tall in their loss to the Dragons and will be better for the run next year.
#56 Will Smith (Leopold)
Forward, 191cm, 8/6/2006
2023 stats: 4 disposals, 4 contested possessions, 21 SuperCoach points (1 game)
Smith worked his way back from a knee injury and made his debut in round 17. The rangy forward, who can do some freakish things, is expected to play an integral part next season.
#48 Sol Bowtell (Queenscliff)
Midfielder-forward, 179cm, 31/8/2005
2023 stats (2 games): 7.5 disposals, 20 SuperCoach points
Bowtell injured his ribs midway through the season in a brutal blow and finished his year with Queenscliff’s senior side after being unable to break into the Falcons’ midfield. Kicked seven goals in 12 matches for the Coutas.
DIDN’T PLAY
#9 Joel Cooper (Torquay)
177cm, 14/8/2005
2023 stats: N/A
Cooper had a wretched run with injuries which kept him out of the Falcons line-up all season. One who might return to the program as an 19-year-old after two years where he has struggled to get on the park.
#17 Alfie Wojcinski (Newtown & Chillwell)
177cm, 29/9/2006, Geelong father-son
2023 stats: N/A
It was a development year for Wojcinski, who is the son of three-time premiership player David, with the defender unable to break in for a game at Falcons. Won a premiership with Newtown & Chillwell’s U18 side alongside his dad who coached the side. Is tied to the Cats as a father-son prospect next year.
#51 Ben Pennisi (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 172cm, 6/5/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Was a bit unlucky not to feature this year due to the strength of the Falcons’ midfield group. Pennisi is composed and a good ball user, with the Falcons set to use him in the midfield and across halfback next season.
#52 Sam Sinnott (Newtown & Chillwell)
Defender, 181cm, 15/8/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The younger brother of fellow Falcon Archie, Sinnott didn’t get an opportunity this year. Will provide offensive drive and intercept ability next year.
#20 Fletcher Hughes (St Mary’s)
Defender, 193cm, 27/9/2005
2023 stats: N/A
Hughes was unable to get a crack at Coates Talent League level, held out by the Falcons’ set key position stocks. Had a strong year at U18 level in their St Mary’s and didn’t miss a beat at training.
#45 Marley McCombe (St Mary’s)
Defender, 183cm, 14/3/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Didn’t feature for the Falcons this year but had an impressive year as a lockdown defender for Geelong Grammar, keeping Anastasopoulos goalless in the Geelong school derby. Will get opportunities next year where the Falcons will look to play him as a back flanker.
#40 Ethan Grills (Geelong Amateurs)
Midfielder, 187cm, 17/3/2004
2023 stats: N/A
A former steeplechaser, Grills was learning the game in the Falcons program and showed great improvement despite being unable to break into their side. The 19-year-old played made his senior debut for Geelong Amateur late in the season and was part of their reserves premiership side, being named in the best in their thrilling grand final win.
#24 Hamish Codd (Newtown & Chillwell)
191cm, 15/10/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The Falcons took a cautious approach to Codd’s bottom-age season given he was coming back from injury. They liked what they saw from him at training and he will be looking to have a big pre-season after booting 20 goals in 18 games for premiership winners Newtown & Chillwell at U18 level.
#58 James Ward (Torquay)
Midfielder-forward, 189cm, 15/6/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The midfielder didn’t feature this year but should push for games next year if he has a strong pre-season.
#49 Tom Kiddle (Newtown & Chillwell)
Defender, 185cm, 10/4/2006
2023 stats: N/A
This season was viewed as a development year for Kiddle, who reads the ball well as a defender and has a pinpoint left boot.
#54 Marley Cornell (Barwon Heads)
Defender, 174cm, 14/9/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Cornell, who is stong defensively, was in the mix for a game at the back-end of the year after working tirelessly throughout the year. The brother of fellow Falcon Finn.
#42 Hunter Lewis (St Joseph’s)
179cm, 3/2/2005
2023 stats: N/A
Lewis returned to St Joseph’s at the start of the year to focus on playing senior football. He had a breakout campaign for Joeys, booting 25 goals across 11 games – including two bags of six.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2023: Every Geelong Falcons boys prospect’s season rated and ranked
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