AFL Draft: Every Geelong Falcon’s 2023 season to date rated
Plenty of Geelong Falcons prospects have impressed this year, but only a select few are on the radar of AFL clubs. We rate every Falcon and reveal those in the draft mix.
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Which Geelong Falcons prospects have impressed in 2023, and which talented young guns are in the AFL Draft mix?
With just under two months left of the home-and-away Coates Talent League season, we put every Falcon under the microscope.
#1 Cooper Ward-Devlin (St Joseph’s)
176cm, 19/5/2006
2023 stats: NA
Ward-Devlin trained with the Falcons all pre-season but broke his hand earlier in the year. Returned to training last month.
#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 has had a fairly consistent season in a midfield-forward role. A strong back-end to the season could put him into draft mix.
#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
The Falcons view Burke as one of their best ball-users and have been pleased with his season date as one of their most consistent performers. His speed has been utilised up forward and through the midfield at stages.
#4 River Stevens (Newtown and Chillwell)
Midfielder, 173cm, 26/6/2006, North Melbourne father-son
2023 stats (3 games): 9.7 disposals, 2.3 marks, 54 SuperCoach points
The son of North Melbourne great Anthony played some promising games for the Falcons at the beginning of the year and has been in action for Geelong College in the APS competition. Stephens, who trained with North Melbourne’s VFL side this week, has speed, good awareness and is a sound decision maker. One for Roos fans to keep tabs on.
#5 Tom Anastasopoulos (Newtown & Chillwell)
Forward, 176cm, 31/5/2005
2023 stats (6 games): 12.7 disposals, 2.0 goals, 3.5 marks, 98 SuperCoach points
The lively small forward the year like a house on fire with 12 goals in his first five games, including an eye-catching five-goal haul against Oakleigh in round two. Had been a bit quieter since, but will feature with Vic Country against the Allies on Sunday and remains firmly in the draft mix.
#6 Lachie Jaques (St Mary’s)
Defender, 184cm, 1/6/2006
2023 stats (3 games): 10.7 disposals, 2.3 intercept possessions, 49 SuperCoach points
The bottom-ager was used all over the ground in his development year. Jaques has nice speed and takes the game on with his run and carry, with the Falcons set to lock down a position for him 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 started with the Falcons for the beginning of the year before featuring for Geelong College in the APS competition. The strong inside midfielder is tipped to play a pivotal role in the back of the year for the Falcons.
#8 Angus Hanley (Torquay)
Forward-midfielder, 167cm, 4/6/2006
2023 stats (3 games): 10.0 disposals, 3.0 tackles, 59 SuperCoach points
Had to bide his time to get into the side but worked his way in after impressing at senior level for Torquay and at training for the Falcons. Hanley uses the ball well, provides pressure and is clean at ground level.
#9 Joel Cooper (Torquay)
177cm, 14/8/2005
2023 stats: N/A
Cooper has been riddled with injury throughout the season and is now on the way back from a foot complaint, which will sideline him for another 4-6 weeks.
#10 Patrick Hughes (Torquay)
Midfielder, 184cm, 20/3/2005
2023 stats (8 games): 20.6 disposals, 13.6 contested possessions, 6.6 clearances, 5.0 tackles, 107 SuperCoach points
Had led the Falcons’ midfield brigade with his elite contested ball-winning this year, but concerns around his outside game and running capacity saw him miss out on Vic Country selection. Hughes can press his draft claims in the back-half of the season with a strong finish, with the Falcons set to use him in a midfield-forward role to recruiters to showcase his versatility.
#11 Flynn Chirgwin (St Mary’s)
Midfielder, 191cm, 13/12/2005
2023 stats (6 games): 9.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 41 SuperCoach points
A tall wingman who can be used as a forward, Chirgwin has been a touch inconsistent which has seen him in and out of the side. The Falcons hope Chirgwin can have a strong finish to the season.
#12 Noah Tullio (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 167cm, 23/3/2006
2023 stats (1 game): 19 disposals, 15 uncontested possessions, six intercepts, 66 SuperCoach points
Caught the eye in his Coates Talent League debut on the wing with his speed and agility. Like Hanley, Tullio has had to bide his time this season but expect to see a lot more of him in the next 18 months.
#13 Xavier Ivisic (Bell Park)
Midfielder, 180cm, 1/6/2006
2023 stats (5 games): 17.6 disposals, 3.8 marks, 88 SuperCoach points
Geelong Grammar boy so he’s been back at Aps, start to the season was exceptional
Ivisic is rated highly internally at the Falcons with the bottom-ager impressing in a midfield role last week against Eastern Ranges. His start to the year was strong before joining Geelong Grammar for school football.
#14 Malachi White (St Joseph’s)
Midfielder, 183cm, 6/1/2005
2023 stats (5 games): 17.6 disposals, 3.8 marks, 88 SuperCoach points
Returned strongly after being sidelined with a broken hand to lead the way with 14 contested possessions and he can build on this form at the back-end of the year.
#15 Liam Kershaw (St Joseph’s)
Midfielder-defender, 189cm, 17/10/2005
2023 stats (6 games) 13 disposals, 4.0 intercepts, 66 SuperCoach points
Kershaw is a good size, works hard in transition and is a nice ball-user. Has been solid throughout the year and a breakout performance looks to be just around the corner.
#16 Rhys McWaters (Bell Park)
Defender, 188cm, 4/6/2005
2023 stats (8 games): 11.3 disposals, 4.8 intercepts, 4.0 tackles, 75 SuperCoach points
Was an unknown quantity entering the year but ultra-competitive McWaters has had an impressive season. Led the way defensively with 11 tackles last week and has done some key jobs on small and medium forwards.
#17 Alfie Woljcinski (Newtown & Chillwell)
177cm, 29/9/2006, Geelong father-son
2023 stats: N/A
The son of three-time premiership Cat David Wojcinski hasn’t featured as a bottom-ager, but 2023 has been viewed as a development year the father-son prospect. Wojcinski has impressed at training with his competitiveness and power.
#18 Tom Bartlett (Modewarre)
Defender, 189cm, 24/2/2005
2023 stats (8 games): 11.3 disposals, 4.8 intercepts, 4.0 tackles, 75 SuperCoach points
Bartlett was the latest Falcon to suffer a broken hand a few weeks ago, but he is back playing in the Coates Talent League. Has been used on the wing but his best form this year has come as a defender with his overhead marking, ball-use and decision making.
#19 Angus Hastie (Geelong West Giants)
Defender, 189cm, 19/9/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (6 games): 23.3 disposals, 9.2 intercept possessions, 128 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (2 games): 13.5 disposals, 4.0 intercepts, 60 SuperCoach points
Hastie has taken his game to another level this year, elevating himself into the second-third round range across the country. Had a standout first quarter against Western Australia for Vic Country last week and has shone with his neat disposal, intercepting and drive for the Falcons. Likely to be the first Falcon called on draft night.
#20 Fletcher Hughes (St Mary’s)
Defender, 193cm, 27/9/2005
2023 stats: N.A
Hughes has been in good form at local under-18 level for St Mary’s as a key position player but he hasn’t featured in the Coates Talent League this year. Has been close to getting the nod, with Hughes named in the Falcons’ squad the past few weeks.
#21 Jack Skinner (Colac Imperials)
Defender, 186cm, 7/6/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The Falcons say Skinner is the most competitive kid on their list – no mean feat for a bottom-ager. His work 1-on-1 and ability to defend against opponents is first rate. Expect to see him in Falcons colours sooner rather than later.
#23 Nicholas Dowling (St Mary’s)
Defender, 192cm, 23/3/2005
2023 stats: N/A
Had been in the mix for selection down back before a knee injury in the past few weeks. The Falcons are well stocked for key position backs which hasn’t worked in his favour after featuring in the Coates Talent League last year as a bottom-ager.
#24 Hamish Codd (Newtown & Chillwell)
191cm, 15/10/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Has come back into training after an injury at the start of the year, with the Falcons opting to take a cautious approach with him. Codd get a look in later in the year.
#25 Michael Rudd (St Mary’s)
Forward, 192cm, 15/5/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (6 games): 14.3 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.2 contested marks, 1.2 goals, 93 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (2 games): 14.5 disposals, 4.5 marks, 2 contested marks, 2.5 goals, 104.5 SuperCoach points
Rudd is rising up draft boards after two impressive performances in the national championships, with the 192cm forward arguably Vic Country’s most influential forward with five goals in two games. Rudd is a strong mark, is a nice user by foot and has a great engine, allowing him to work up and down the ground. Firmly in the draft mix.
#26 Mackenzie Butcher (St Mary’s)
Ruck-forward, 200cm, 1/8/2005
2023 stats (8 games): 16.9 hit-outs, 5.9 disposals, 49 SuperCoach points
Has worked in tandem with Joe Pike in the ruck, with his competitiveness being his main strength. Still maturing as a raw ruck prospect and will get more responsibility in the next fortnight with Pike in action for Vic Country.
#27 Archie Sinnott (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 185.7cm, 28/7/2004
2023 stats (8 games): 14.0 disposals, 9.6 kicks, 64 SuperCoach points
The Falcons opted to bring Sinnott on as an overage prospect after not seeing a lot of him last year due to school football commitments and he started the season well playing as an inside midfielder and off halfback. Is training with Werribee VFL side at the moment and may not feature as much for the Falcons in the back-half of the year.
#28 Daniel Lowther (Lara)
Forward/defender, 194cm, 7/8/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Lowther has been impressing at senior level for Lara, where he has been used as a key position player at both ends. Looks to have a bright future and will likely be moulded into a forward at the Falcons, where he could feature later in the year.
#29 Joe Pike (Barwon Heads)
Ruck, 203cm, 17/5/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (6 games): 11.0 disposals, 22.8 hit-outs, 6.0 hit-outs to advantage, 107 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (2 games): 3.5 disposals, 16.5 hit-outs, 5.5 hit-outs to advantage, 54 SuperCoach points
Pike has come on in leaps and bounds since last year, with his marking improving along with his impact as a forward. Has been solid for Vic Country while sharing the ruck duties and has put himself in the mix to be taken at the end of the end of the year.
#30 Edan Ibbetson (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 184cm, 2/1/2006
2023 stats: N/A
A taller midfield option who the Falcons will look to develop further ahead of his top-age year in 2024.
#31 Noah Caracella (Newtown & Chillwell)
Forward, 168cm, 17/6/2006, Essendon father-son
2023 stats (2 games): 6.5 disposals, 0.5 goals, 35 SuperCoach points
The son of Blake Caracella, who played for three clubs but only played 100-plus games for Essendon, meaning Noah only qualifies as a father-son for the Bombers. The bottom-age forward is a sound decision maker but has suffered a recent injury to his thumb.
#32 Reef Page (Torquay)
Forward, 190cm, 3/2/2005
2023 stats (5 games): 10.8 disposals, 1.4 goals, 80 SuperCoach points
Strong tall, power forward for us. Pretty consistent at start of the year and went in for Geelong Grammar
A strong forward who had a consistent start to the year before playing for Geelong Grammar. Page made a commanding return last week and was the Falcons’ best player on the ground, booting 3.3 and having a big say on the contest. Will generate some interest if he can produce more of those performances in the back-half of the year.
#33 Brady Hall (Colac)
Defender, 188cm, 9/3/2006
2023 stats: 9.3 disposals, 4.2 intercepts, 49 SuperCoach points
Had a mini-pre-season at the start of the year after coming into the season with injury. Hasn’t hit his straps as much as he would have liked but the Falcons know the talent he possesses as an intercepting defender
#34 Tom Peirce (South Barwon)
Defender, 195cm, 1/11/2005
2023 Coates Talent League stats (8 games): 7.1 disposals, 3.3 intercepts, 3.3 spoils, 50 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (1 game): 5 disposals, 3 intercepts, 39 SuperCoach points
Was shifted into a key defensive role at the beginning of the pre-season and has shown some promising signs for the Falcons, with his strong form earning him a Vic Country call-up. Wasn’t at his best in his national championships outing but he has been a consistent performer for the Falcons, impressing with his one-on-one work, intercept marking and ball-use.
#35 Hamish Pierson (Grovedale)
Defender, 195cm, 3/11/2004
2023 Coates Talent League stats (8 games): 8.4 disposals, 4.3 intercepts, 1.4 intercept marks, 63 SuperCoach points
2023 U18 national champs (1 game): 8 disposals, 6 intercepts, 52 SuperCoach points
The over-age key defender has had a strong season, with a breakout performance coming a fortnight ago where he clunked four intercept marks. Like Pierce he hasn’t featured since his first Vic Country outing, but he was fairly consistent for the Young Guns side earlier in the year. Pierson reads the play well, is solid defensively and is strong overhead.
#36 Joel Grisby (Newtown & Chillwell)
Forward, 194cm, 25/1/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The key position-back-up ruckman hasn’t featured yet, with the Falcons building the developing tall towards next year.
#37 Caleb Foster (St Joseph’s)
Midfielder, 180cm, 21/4/2005
2023 stats: N/A
Had a knee injury at the start of the year which progressed slowly but has been playing locally for St Joseph’s in recent weeks. The inside midfielder has been named in the Falcons squad the past fortnight.
#38 Cooper Hayes (Colac)
Defender, 186cm, 14/4/2004
2023 stats (5 games): 13.8 disposals, 4.4 marks, 55 SuperCoach points
Hayes played some solid footy at the beginning of the year, but the over-age prospect has returned to Colac seniors after performing well in the GFL. Hayes is an elite runner with good speed who can play off halfback or on the wing.
#39 Kobe George (Bell Park)
Midfielder, 184cm
2023 stats (3 games): 12.3 disposals, 3.7 tackles, 74 SuperCoach points
The bottom-ager has strong game awareness and has been used off halfback and as a midfielder this year. Has looked comfortable at Falcons level and the club is looking forward to seeing what he can produce in the next 18 months.
#40 Ethan Grills (Geelong Amateurs)
Midfielder, 187cm, 17/3/2004
2023 stats: N/A
A former steeplechaser, Grills hasn’t featured this year but has been fully invested in the program while playing with Geelong Amateurs. His skills remain a work in progress but has seen significant improvement this year, with his elite running ability his main strength.
#41 Josh Sanders (Lara)
Defender-midfielder, 11/1/2006
2023 stats (4 games): 13.0 disposals, 5.3 intercepts, 0.5 goals, 77 SuperCoach points
A powerful athlete who has played as a defender and through the midfield for the Falcons and also made his debut for Lara at senior level this year. Has given the Falcons drive off halfback with his speed and kicked a long bomb goal from 55m a fortnight ago.
#42 Lewis Hunter (St Joseph’s)
179cm, 3/2/2005
2023 stats: N/A
Hunter made the call to return to St Joseph’s after the first month of the Coates Talent League.
#43 Jack Henderson (Barwon Heads)
Midfielder, 187cm, 26/10/2006
2023 stats (2 games): 7 disposals, 1.5 goals, 62 SuperCoach points
A taller midfield option, Henderson has great power, is good around the contest and can go forward. The Barwon Heads product showed his potential with a two goal haul against Oakleigh earlier in the year.
#44 Ethan Borys (Grovedale)
Defender, 183cm, 14/9/2005
2023 stats (8 games): 16.6 disposals, 4.6 intercepts, 77 SuperCoach points
The Falcons are very pleased with Borys season, with his reading of the play, speed and drive out. Has hardly been beaten in one-on-ones defensively.
#45 Marley McCombe (St Mary’s)
Defender, 183cm, 14/3/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Another bottom-ager that the Falcons will look to expose in the back-half of the season. McCombe is a classy ball-user off halfback and has been in action for Geelong Grammar at school level this year.
#46 Will McLachlan (Colac)
Forward, 185cm, 13/5/2005
2023 stats (7 games): 9.1 disposals, 3.7 marks, 0.9 goals, 52 SuperCoach points
An explosive type with great speed who has been used as a forward for the Falcons. Has had some eye-catching moments in games but consistency within games will be key for him in run home.
#47 Lachlan McLean (Leopold)
Defender, 185cm, 1/5/2006
2023 stats: N/A
McLean has good size as a bottom-age defender and will be in the mix for Falcons action in the back-half of the year.
#48 Sol Bowtell (Queenscliff)
Midfielder-forward, 179cm, 31/8/2005
2023 stats (2 games): 7.5 disposals, 20 SuperCoach points
A strong inside midfielder who has played some good footy for Queenscliff at local level. But he copped a heavy knock recently and suffered a punctured lung, which will sideline him for a few more weeks.
#49 Tom Kiddle (Newtown & Chillwell)
Defender, 185cm, 10/4/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Kiddle has a nice left foot kick and can take intercept marks in defence with his reading of the play. Another the Falcons view as a future prospect.
#50 Cooper Patton (Torquay)
Midfielder, 177cm, 10/4/2006
2023 stats: N/A
A rangy bottom-ager who can be used off halfback and through the wing. May push for a Coates Talent League debut later in the year.
#51 Ben Pennisi (Newtown & Chillwell)
Midfielder, 172cm, 6/5/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Pennisi has impressed in match simulation with his skills and ball-winning as an outside midfielder. Has also been working for the Western Heights College program.
#52 Sam Sinnott (Newtown & Chillwell)
Defender, 181cm, 15/8/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The left-footed defender with a nice kick is the younger brother of over-ager Archie. Has been training with the Falcons but the bottom-ager hasn’t cracked in for a debut just yet.
#53 Finn Cornell (Barwon Heads)
Midfielder, 182cm, 27/4/2005)
2023 stats (3 games): 12.7 disposals, 3.0 clearances, 66 SuperCoach points
Set to have a strong involvement with the Falcons after finishing his APS commitments for Geelong College. Cornell is an inside midfielder who is a strong player inside.
#54 Marley Cornell (Barwon Heads)
Defender, 174cm, 14/9/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The younger brother of Finn, an injury setback will sideline Marley for the next month. The left-footer is quick, defends well and can offer drive in attack.
#55 Zac McInnes (Bell Park)
Forward, 196cm, 13/1/2006
2023 stats (7 games): 7.7 disposals, 3.0 marks, 1.9 goals, 75 SuperCoach points
McInnes shapes as one of the top Falcons prospects for 2024 after an impressive bottom-age year where he has averaged close to two goals per game. The 196cm key forward is strong aerially and can compete when the ball hits the ground, with McInnes also being as a back-up ruck at times.
#56 Will Smith (Leopold)
Forward, 191cm, 8/6/2006
2023 stats: N/A
The Leopold product has just returned from a knee injury. A good size and is a rangy type who can be used up forward or on a wing.
#58 James Ward (Torquay)
Midfielder-forward, 189cm, 15/6/2006
2023 stats: N/A
A midfielder-half forward who hasn’t featured yet, but 2023 is very much a development year for Ward.
#59 Will Montebello (Torquay)
Forward, 184cm, 11/7/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Has shown some promising signs at school level and for Torquay’s senior side. Has been held out by the long list of Falcons forwards but he has time on his side as a bottom-ager.
#60 Zekiah Davey (Lara)
Forward, 5/3/2005
2023 stats (2 games): 10 disposals, 3.5 marks, 0.5 goals, 62 SuperCoach points
Was made to work to break in but has shown his talent in his first two games at Falcons level. Davey has a raking left foot kick and has an aerial presence, but finishing off his work in front of goal will be a focus in the run home.
#61 Gus Morrison (St Joseph’s)
Forward, 189cm, 26/4/2006
2023 stats: N/A
Morrison is a versatile player who can be used up the ground or as a small forward. Featured in two games for Vic Country at last year’s U16 national championships.
#62 Matthew Jones (Bell Park)
Forward, 191cm, 20/4/2005
2023 stats (4 games): 5 disposals, 1 goal, 45 SuperCoach points
Has impressed at times with his overhead marking and attack on the ball in the air and at ground level.
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