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Every Geelong Falcons boy’s season rated ahead of AFL Draft

The Geelong Falcons season has been and gone. How did every Falcons boys prospect fare? We have put more than 50 talents under the microscope and provide the latest draft intel.

See all the analysis on every Geelong Falcons boy. Hugo Mikunda shoots off a handball. Picture: Mark Wilson
See all the analysis on every Geelong Falcons boy. Hugo Mikunda shoots off a handball. Picture: Mark Wilson

The draft is fast approaching and prospects from across the Geelong region pressed their case throughout the year with the Falcons.

The Geelong Falcons boys crop is headlined by U18 All-Australian Lachie Jaques, fellow Vic Country representative Xavier Iviisc and North Melbourne father-son prospect River Stevens, while 19-year-old forward Will McLachlan has already joined Brisbane through the mid-season draft.

There is also two Geelong academy prospects for Cats fans to look forward to in next year’s draft from the Falcons.

Here’s how every Falcon fared in 2024.

#1 Will Mithen (Geelong Amateur)

Stats: 64 SuperCoach points, 10.5 disposals, 3.0 tackles, 1.5 goals (2 games)

A dangerous small forward, Mithen spent most of his time playing with Geelong College in the APS competition and at senior level for Geelong Amateur in the Bellarine league. But he showed his ability around goal with three majors and 14 touches in his first game for the Geelong Falcons in round 12.

#2 Angus Morrison (St Joseph’s)

Stats: 55 SuperCoach points, 10 disposals, 3.5 score involvements, 0.5 goals (5 games)

The Vic Country U16 representative wasn’t able to become a senior regular with the Falcons, managing six games. The big bodied 189 prospect’s best game came against Northern Knights when he had 12 touches, 10 score involvements and kicked 2.3. Was an integral part of grand finalist St Joseph’s in the GFNL U18 competition where he was named in the best in 10 of their 14 games and finished seventh in the league best and fairest.

#3 Alfie Wojcinski (Newtown & Chilwell)

Stats: 32 SuperCoach points, 7.3 disposals (3 games)

The son of triple premiership Cat David Wojcinski, Alfie helped Newtown & Chillwell clinch its third straight U18 flag with a strong performance. Is eligible as a Geelong father-son but his draft chances appear remote given he played just the three Falcons games this year. He shapes as a handy addition for the Towners senior side into the future.

Alfie Wojcinski lays a tackle in the Geelong U18 grand final. Picture: Alan Barber
Alfie Wojcinski lays a tackle in the Geelong U18 grand final. Picture: Alan Barber

#4 Angus Hanley (Torquay)

Stats: 47 SuperCoach points, 8.0 disposals, 3.0 marks (2 games)

After playing six games as a bottom-ager, Hanley managed another two this season in an injury interrupted campaign. Hanley was part of Torquay’s U18 line-up for most of the year, helping them to a preliminary final berth.

#5 Marley Cornell (Barwon Heads)

Stats: 25 SuperCoach points, 5.0 disposals (1 game)

Cornell got a great taste of senior footy this year, playing 11 games with Barwon Heads in the BFNL, where he showed some good signs. Managed the one game for the Falcons but should continue to get better at local level.

#6 River Stevens (Newtown & Chilwell)

Falcons Stats: 96 SuperCoach points, 15.4 disposals, 4.6 marks, 3.3 tackles, 1.1 goals (7 games)

Vic Country Stats: 75 SuperCoach points, 13.0 disposals, 6.0 score involvements, 1.5 goals (2 games)

The son of two-time North Melbourne best-and-fairest Anthony Stevens has been nominated as a father-son prospect by the Roos in a good sign he will join the AFL ranks. Stevens spent most of his time this year with Geelong College, where he won the best-on-ground medal in the Geelong derby, but the creative small forward had some eye-catching displays for the Falcons and Vic Country. His most high profile performance of the year came against South Australia at the national championships, where he kicked two goals and had 12 disposals – 11 of which hit the target. If a club doesn’t bid on Stevens in the national draft, North Melbourne can automatically add Stevens as a rookie.

River Stevens in action for Vic Country. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos
River Stevens in action for Vic Country. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

#7 Noah Tullio (Newtown & Chilwell)

Stats: 107 SuperCoach points, 19.3 disposals, 5.1 score involvements, 3.7 tackles, 1.1 score assists, 0.9 goals (16 games)

Was always going to be up against it to be drafted with his small 169cm stature, but Tullio has had a very strong season as a pressure forward who can work into the midfield. If anything his height gives him a greater competitive streak as he aims to prove the doubters wrong. He laid 11 tackles and had 16 contested possessions on the way to 163 SuperCoach points against Tasmania in round 16, and he was one of his side’s best in their finals loss to GWV Rebels. Tullio trained with Werribee VFL during the year and is expected to show his wares with a VFL club over the summer. Could it be Port Melbourne given new coach Brendan McCartney’s ties to Western Heights?

#9 Kobe George (Bell Park)

Stats: 55 SuperCoach points, 10.5 disposals, 3.0 rebound 50s, 2.8 marks (6 games)

George was curtailed by injuries this year, restricting him to six games with the Falcons. The pinpoint-kicking defender will be consideration to return as a 19-year-old next year and could be in the mix for a VFL pre-season.

#10 Ben Pennisi (Newtown & Chilwell)

Stats: 72 SuperCoach points, 16.3 disposals, 3.3 marks (4 games)

Stole the show at GMHBA Stadium by kicking the matchwinning goal in Newtown & Chillwell’s U18 grand final win. The Falcons’ settled midfield group restricted Pennisi to four Coates Talent League games, but he registered 15 touches or more in each of them.

Ben Pennisi (middle) with the U18 premiership cup. Picture: Alan Barber
Ben Pennisi (middle) with the U18 premiership cup. Picture: Alan Barber

#11 Josh Sanders (Lara)

Stats: 86 SuperCoach points, 13.9 disposals, 3.0 marks (9 games)

Sanders was another restricted by injuries this year but he had a hot start to the season, averaging 16.5 disposals, a whopping 9.5 tackles and 5.5 clearances in his first two games. The powerful defender was on Vic Country’s radar at U16 level and was named in the best twice at senior level with Lara. Is one who could attract interest from VFL clubs.

#12 Joel Cooper (Colac)

With Talent League clubs only able to play a few over-age prospects each game, Cooper was stuck behind several others in the queue. Cooper didn’t feature for the Falcons but played 10 games of senior football with Colac and also turned out for Apollo Bay twice.

#13 Xavier Ivisic (Bell Park)

Falcons stats: 132 SuperCoach points, 25.2 disposals, 6.2 score involvements, 10.0 contested possessions, 5.3 marks (6 games)

U18 champs stats: 104 SuperCoach points, 22.3 disposals, 5.5 score involvements, 4.5 marks, (4 games)

West Coast, Sydney and St Kilda are among the clubs to have done their homework on Ivisic, who shapes as a handy pick-up in the back-half of the draft. Ivisic couldn’t have done anything more to put his name forward to AFL recruiters after producing stellar displays at all levels this season. The clever ball-winner dominated at school level for Geelong Grammar, amassing 47 disposals in one monster performance and was among the Falcons’ best in every game he played. But most importantly his form stacked up against the best in the Australia at the national championships, with his 27 disposals against South Australia and 19 and a goal in their clash with Vic Metro particularly impressive. The 180cm midfielder was unlucky to miss out on a national combine invite but ran a strong 2km time at the state combine. Ivisic’s inside game improved as the year went on and his decision making is first rate.

Xavier Ivisic celebrates a goal for Vic Country. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos
Xavier Ivisic celebrates a goal for Vic Country. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

#14 Ben Coote (Ocean Grove)

Stats: 46 SuperCoach points, 9.3 disposals (11 games)

A promising bottom-age year for the 191cm prospect, who spent the year learning off Liam Kershaw and others in a wing role. The Ocean Grove product’s best game came against Gippsland, where he had 15 touches and 81 SuperCoach points. Coote was rewarded with selection in the U17 Vic Country trial game later in the year.

#15 Cooper Ward (Barwon Heads)

Stats: 95 SuperCoach points, 15.3 disposals, 6.4 score involvements, 4.1 inside 50s, 1.7 goals (16 games)

Ward was the Falcons’ leading goalkicker this year with 27 goals. His standout display was immense, kicking a bag of seven goals along with 17 disposals, 14 score involvements and 184 SuperCoach points against Oakleigh in round 15. Ward also turned heads for Barwon Heads at senior level, where he booted 16 goals in five games – including consecutive five-goal hauls. A few VFL clubs have been sniffing around and he certainly has the tools to end up on a VFL list.

#16 Will Montebello (Torquay)

Stats: 95 SuperCoach points, 7.0 disposals, 0.5 goals (2 games)

The 187cm forward was stuck behind a few goalkickers and spent the majority of his year with Torquay’s U18 side, where he booted 29 goals in 19 games as captain. Montebello also earned a senior debut for the Tigers early in the season, kicking three majors from two games.

#17 Sam Sinnott (Newtown & Chilwell)

Stats: 55 SuperCoach points, 12.7 disposals, 4.7 intercepts, 1.3 intercept marks (3 games)

Sinnott played the first game of the year and managed another two appearances for the Falcons, which was mostly due to his APS commitments with Geelong College. The smooth moving defender finished the season with an U18 premiership with Newtown & Chillwell.

#18 Noah Caracella (Newtown & Chilwell)

Stats: 64 SuperCoach points, 12.5 disposals, 3.4 marks, 2.9 intercepts (15 games)

Caracella is the son of Essendon, Brisbane and Collingwood star Blake and his year got better as it went on. The lightly framed 188cm prospect showcased his elite skills off halfback and the Falcons have been excited by his development. Caracella is eligible as an Essendon father-son and debuted for their VFL side late in the season, playing under his father who was the Bombers’ VFL coach. It is unclear whether the Bombers will take Caracella given they already have livewire Isaac Kako and speedster Jayden Nguyen as academy prospects, but if he is left on the board he will be under consideration to return to the Falcons as an over-age player.

Noah Caracella (right) hunts the footy. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos
Noah Caracella (right) hunts the footy. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

#19 Cooper Patton (Torquay)

Stats: 54 SuperCoach points, 10.5 disposals, 3.8 intercepts (12 games)

Patton played 12 games throughout the year for the Falcons where he defended and used the ball well. The 187cm defender made hlpis senior debut for Torquay in round two and should play more senior footy next year.

#20 Lachie Jaques (St Mary’s)

Falcons stats: 115 SuperCoach points, 22.6 disposals, 6.1 intercepts, 6.0 marks, 2.4 intercept marks (14 games)

U18 champs stats: 90 SuperCoach points, 16.3 disposals, 4.8 intercepts, 4.8 marks, 2.0 intercept marks (4 games)

Jaques is the most likely draft chance from the Falcons and he could be taken as high as the second round after a season that got better as it went on. The Falcons co-captain sat out the back-end of last year with injury but made up for lost time with a blistering start, before starring at the national championships. The rebounding defender’s standout display came against the Allies where he had 22 disposals, nine intercepts and three intercept marks, on his way to receiving All-Australian selection. Jaques’ character is highly rated off the field and his reading of the play along with his run and carry is impressive off it. The 184cm prospect has been interviewed by at least 10 clubs in the lead-up to the draft.

Lachie Jaques is the Falcons’ top draft chance. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Lachie Jaques is the Falcons’ top draft chance. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

#21 Jack Skinner (Colac Imperials)

Stats: 68 SuperCoach points, 9.7 disposals, 6.1 intercepts, 4.2 marks, 2.7 intercept marks (15 games)

Skinner is a competitive defender who rarely gets beaten in one-on-ones and can win the ball off the opposition. Could he become a lockdown specialist in the VFL? There is a level of confidence the 188cm stopper can get there.

#22 Zac McInnes (Bell Park)

Stats: 55 SuperCoach points, 7.3 disposals, 2.5 intercepts, 1.2 intercept marks (15 games)

McInnes entered the year as one of the Falcons’ top prospects, but he was unable to get going up forward as Brisbane mid-season draftee Will McLachla starred. But the 196cm big man was thrown into defence with great effect in the back-half of the year. McInnes could be considered as a 19-year-old given he is only just scratching the surface as a defender, otherwise VFL footy beckons.

#23 Brady Hall (Colac)

Stats: 64 SuperCoach points, 10.3 disposals, 4.6 marks, 3.9 intercepts, 1.8 intercept marks (12 games)

Hall was co-captain alongside his best mate Jaques in defence but injury – including concussions – have got in the way. The 190cm prospect has scope as a third defender with his reading of the play and he should have some options. There is clearly talent there given he was named in the U16 All Australian side in 2022.

#25 Jack Henderson (Barwon Heads)

Stats: 46 SuperCoach points, 9.3 disposals, 3.0 marks, 0.7 goals (3 games)

The 188cm forward spent most of the season with Geelong College – not to be confused with Norm Goss medallist Jack Henderson, who also played for the school and at the Falcons. Managed three games in the Coates Talent League and kicked three goals against Drysdale at senior level for Barwon Heads in round 10.

#26 Mackenzie Butcher (St Mary’s)

Stats: 48 SuperCoach points, 10.0 hit-outs, 6.5 disposals, 2.5 hit-outs to advantage (2 games)

Butcher wanted to senior footy a go at St Mary’s, where the 202cm tall played 15 reserves games and earned a senior berth late in the season. The 19-year-old managed two appearances with the Falcons, winning 20 hit-outs and 10 touches against GWV Rebels in one of those. Could he be a GFNL ruck in the future?

#27 Liam Kershaw (St Joseph’s )

Stats: 84 SuperCoach points, 16.9 disposals, 5.1 marks, 4.3 intercepts (11 games)

VFL stats: 30 SuperCoach points, 5 disposals, 3 tackles (1 game

Kershaw was in the mid-season draft mix with Essendon showing interest. A 194cm wingman, Kershaw grew 12cm in the space of a year and showed good signs for the Geelong Falcons and the Young Guns. He made his VFL debut with Geelong in round 17 but went down with an injury playing with St Joseph’s in August. The 19-year-old is expected to secure a spot on a VFL list.

Liam Kershaw suffered an injury late in the season for St Joseph’s. Picture: Mark Wilson
Liam Kershaw suffered an injury late in the season for St Joseph’s. Picture: Mark Wilson
Daniel Lowther has impressed for the Falcons and Lara. Picture: Mark Wilson
Daniel Lowther has impressed for the Falcons and Lara. Picture: Mark Wilson

#28 Daniel Lowther (Lara)

Falcons stats: 68 SuperCoach points, 9.2 disposals, 4.2 score involvements, 3.6 marks, 1.4 goals (13 games)

It was somewhat surprising to see Lowther receive a state combine invite, but clubs are fans of his athleticism. Standing 198cm, Lowther has speed, agility and a nice leap and kicked 18 goals across his 13 matches. One of his best games came in their finals loss to the Rebels, where he clunked three contested marks and kicked two goals, and he also slotted three majors for Lara at senior level in round one. Lowther hasn’t had a consistent run at it due to injuries and could return to the Falcons as a 19-year-old if he isn’t picked up.

#29 Joe Pike (Barwon Heads)

Falcons stats: 136 SuperCoach points, 28.3 hit-outs, 15.9 disposals, 10.8 contested possessions, 9.5 hit-outs to advantage, 6.3 clearances (12 games)

VFL stats: 86 SuperCoach points, 19.8 hit-outs, 7.2 hit-outs to advantage, 10.2 disposals (6 games)

After missing out on being drafted last year, the 203cm ruckman returned with the Falcons and dominated. He scored 100 SuperCoach points in all but one game – a score of 94 – for the Falcons and also caught the eye for Geelong’s VFL side. Pike was on the radar as a mid-season draft prospect and his form was just as strong in the back-half of the year. The former basketballer has shown great progress this year and still has more scope for growth as his confidence and fitness continues to grow.

Joe Pike took it up a notch as an over-age player. Picture: Mark Wilson
Joe Pike took it up a notch as an over-age player. Picture: Mark Wilson

#30 Lachlan McLean (Leopold)

Stats: 47 SuperCoach points, 8.7 disposals, 2.6 intercepts (7 games)

A reliable defender who does what is asked of him week in, week out, McLean played the first half of the season but was eventually squeezed out. He managed to make his senior debut for premiers Leopold and played 11 games for the Lions’ U18 side, where he was named in the best on five occasions.

#31 Will Smith (Leopold)

Stats: 35 SuperCoach points, 6.0 disposals, 2.5 marks (2 games)

Smith is versatile, runs well and has a good leap. The Falcons played him all over the ground in his two games – ruck, defence and up forward. It wouldn’t surprise if he evolves into a consistent VFL player in time.

#32 Max Waight (Queenscliff)

Stats: 21 SuperCoach points, 5.5 disposals (2 games)

Waight showed some encouraging signs, playing two games for the Falcons and some senior footy with Queenscliff. An outside or halfback type who could become an inside player at local level.

#33 Edan Ibbetson (Newtown & Chilwell)

Stats: 87 SuperCoach points, 17.3 disposals, 4.0 tackles, 3.8 clearances (16 games)

Ibbetson proved he is more than just a big-bodied midfielder. The Newtown & Chillwell premiership player was one of the Falcons’ most consistent players, named in the best in 10 of his 16 matches, and trialled with Vic Country in the lead-up to the national championships. He also made his senior debut for the Eagles against premiers Leopold in round 11. Ibbetson trained with Werribee during the season and shapes as a ready-made VFL player.

Edan Ibbetson breaks away for Vic Country against the Young Guns. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos
Edan Ibbetson breaks away for Vic Country against the Young Guns. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

#35 Marley McCombe (St Joseph’s)

McCombe was tied up from a Falcons perspective with Geelong Grammar which hurt his chances of breaking into the side. The defender has been a reliable stopper over the past two seasons with Geelong Grammar and transferred to St Joseph’s mid-year, playing nine reserves games with the Joeys.

#36 Spencer Jones (Geelong Amateur)

Jones was invited back as a 19-year-old after injuries held him back last year. The 197cm tall didn’t turn out for the Falcons – playing 12 games for the Ammos’ U18 side – but uses the ball well and has a good frame.

#37 Leigham Elzinga (Bannockburn)

Stats: 63 SuperCoach points, 9.5 disposals, 4.0 score involvements intercepts (8 games)

Elzinga was added to the program for his 18th year after starring with Bannockburn at GDFNL senior level. The 183cm forward showcased his damaging forward traits at times, kicking two goals on three occasions. Elzinga finished the year on the fringes of the Falcons side and produced an eye-catching game for Bannockburn, booting four goals against Bell Post Hill.

Leigham Elzinga looks for an option. Picture: Mark Wilson
Leigham Elzinga looks for an option. Picture: Mark Wilson

#38 Lachlan Gilligan (St Mary’s)

Gilligan was restricted to seven U18 games with St Mary’s due to injury and didn’t feature with the Falcons this season.

#40 Thomas Gorell (Geelong Amateur)

Stats: 56 SuperCoach points, 7.3 disposals, 3.1 marks, 0.6 score involvements (8 games)

Gorell’s best performances came in the Bellarine league, starting the season hot with 10 goals in his first three matches and finishing the year with a five-goal haul. The medium forward also had some nice moments for the Falcons, including 17 disposals, a goal and 111 SuperCoach points against the Rebels in round nine.

#41 Geordie Richardson (Geelong Amateur)

Stats: 31 SuperCoach points, 5.0 disposals, 3.0 score involvements score involvements (3 games)

A Vic Country U16 representative, Richardson split his time between the Falcons and Geelong Grammar. The 185cm forward played three games for the Falcons to finish the year and should get more opportunities in 2025.

#42 Harry Morphet (Leopold)

Stats: 39 SuperCoach points, 6.5 disposals, 5.5 contested possessions (2 games)

Morphet’s gametime was managed throughout an injury interrupted season. The classy prospect played two games for Vic Country at the U16 carnival last year and will get a better look at it in 2025.

43 Ryan Perkins (Bannockburn)

Stats: 55 SuperCoach points, 8.0 disposals, 4.7 intercepts (3 games)

Perkins will return to the Falcons as a 19-year-old after being cruelled by injury this season. The Bannockburn product was sidelined with an ankle injury and broke his arm in his first game back for the Tigers. A 186cm defender, Perkins hasn’t spent much time in the elite talent pathway and has scope for growth.

46 James Hose (Bannockburn)

Stats: 74 SuperCoach points, 14.3 disposals, 3.4 intercepts, 3.1 marks (16 games)

The 2023 GDFNL rookie of the year was one of the Falcons’ first picked each and every week. In fact, he is so highly regarded that the Falcons stuck a picture of him on the wall as a reminder to follow his example. Hose gets the best out of himself and he has had some impressive games this year, his best coming against the Northern Knights where he collected 22 disposals, 11 score involvements, six clearances and kicked a goal. Hose has ambitions to play VFL footy and he will leave no stone unturned to get there.

#47 Giuseppe Posterino (St Joseph’s)

Stats: 33 SuperCoach points, 6.0 disposals (3 games)

Posterino was stuck behind other Falcons forwards but honed his craft as a pressure forward. The Joeys product showed exciting signs at the U16 national championships last year and finished his 2024 campaign with an eye-catching display in the U18 GFNL grand final. Posterino won the best on ground medal in a losing side on GMHBA Stadium, the main highlight being a soaring hanger on the wing. He will look to take that form into his top-age year in 2025.

Giuseppe Posterino takes a grab in his best on ground display. Picture: Alan Barber
Giuseppe Posterino takes a grab in his best on ground display. Picture: Alan Barber

#48 Archer Hanegraaf (Geelong Amateur)

Stats: 75 SuperCoach points, 14.0 disposals, 4.3 tackles (7 games)

The son of Glen Hanegraaf, the Falcons’ games record holder, Archer produced some promising performances between his APS games with Geelong College. Hanegraaf has been used on a wing, off halfback and as an inside midfielder and uses the ball well. He kicked two goals and had 17 touches against the Northern Knights in round 11. His brother, Charlie, will join him in the Falcons program next year.

#50 Josh Lindsay (Newtown & Chilwell)

Stats: 82 SuperCoach points, 17.0 disposals, 5.3 intercept possessions, 1.9 intercept marks, (7 games)

Lindsay capped a strong bottom-age year with a medal win for Team Heppell on AFL grand final day, recognised as his side’s best player in the U17 futures match on the MCG. He showed off his penetrating and pinpoint left boot with some daring kicks through the middle that day, and the Falcons expect to run him through the middle in his draft year. Lindsay was also prolific off halfback for Geelong Grammar at APS level. The 182cm playmaker shapes is arguably the Falcons’ top draft prospect ahead of 2025.

Josh Lindsay starred on the MCG. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Josh Lindsay starred on the MCG. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

#52 Hamish McGowan (Torquay)

Stats: 66 SuperCoach points, 10.8 disposals, 3.6 intercept possessions (10 games)

McGowan came on quicker than expected this year, showing some good signs as a strong inside midfielder later in the year. He held his spot in the side throughout the back-half of the season until he broke his collarbone.

#53 Fred Lucas (Bell Park)

Stats: 46 SuperCoach points, 8.4 disposals, 3.0 intercepts (9 games)

Another bottom-ager who developed nicely over his bottom-age year, playing nine games as a defender. Lucas is a tidy ball user and performed strongly at U18 level, kicking 11 goals from 11 games for Bell Park.

#54 Ben Rongdit (Colac)

Stats: 85 SuperCoach points, 11 disposals, seven spoils, six intercept possessions, two intercept marks (1 game)

A Geelong Next Generation Academy prospect, Rongdit only played one game with the Falcons this year, with school footy and an ankle injury keeping him out. But in that display the Sudanese talent showcased his exciting leap and intercepting ability, putting on seven spoils and winning six intercept possessions. Rongdit impressed at school level throughout the season and played alongside his Falcons and Geelong Grammar teammate Josh Lindsay in the U17 futures game. The Cats will be hoping he flies under the radar, but the 183cm defender’s exciting attributes are difficult to ignore.

Ben Rongdit shows off his hops in the warm-up for Geelong Grammar. Picture: Alan Barber
Ben Rongdit shows off his hops in the warm-up for Geelong Grammar. Picture: Alan Barber

#58 Hugo Mikunda (Bell Park)

Stats: 83 SuperCoach points, 15.3 disposals, 3.9 score involvements, 3.2 inside 50s (12 games)

Mikunda stood out from pre-season testing day, where he recording a lightning quick 20m sprint time. The 17-year-old continued to impress from his very first game for the Falcons, playing in a variety of roles up forward and through the midfield. Mikunda will likely spend more time as an inside midfielder next year, where he can use his blistering speed from the contest to his advantage. One of his standout displays came later in the year where he racked up 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, five clearances and 138 SuperCoach points.

#59 Oliver Johnston (Newtown & Chillwell)

Stats: 40 SuperCoach points, 4.8 disposals, 1.5 goals (4 games)

Johnston made an eye-catching start to his Falcons career with six goals in his first two matches, including a four-goal haul against Gippsland Power. The 192cm forward also played fir Vic Country in the U17 trials and was part of Newtown & Chillwell’s U18 premiership side.

Oliver Johnston celebrates a goal. Picture: Mark Wilson
Oliver Johnston celebrates a goal. Picture: Mark Wilson

#60 Jesse Mellor (Geelong West)

Stats: 84 SuperCoach points, 12.3 disposals, 3.2 marks, 0.9 goals (11 games)

Mellor is tied the Cats’ Next Generation Academy and had an encouraging bottom-age year, headlined by a four-goal haul against the GWV Rebels in just his fourth game. The 186cm prospect split his time between the forward half and the midfield and should spend more time on the inside as he builds his tank. Mellor is the son of Geelong West coach Greg, and he got some senior exposure playing under his dad at the Giants.

Cooper Leach (Grovedale)

Stats: 48 SuperCoach points, 10.5 hit-outs, 6.0 disposals, 3.0 hit-outs to advantage (2 games)

Leach burst onto the scene after being recommended by Grovedale coach Jacob Spalding, joining the Falcons program a month out from the start of the season. The athletic ruckman was on Vic Country’s radar before he went down with an ACL injury while playing with Grovedale. Leach will return to the Falcons as an over-age player and there is plenty of development to come considering his lack of exposure in the elite talent pathway.

Angus Ford (Barwon Heads)

Stats: 48 SuperCoach points, 10.5 hit-outs, 6.0 disposals, 3.0 hit-outs to advantage (2 games)

Fird doesn’t turn 17 until late December and played four gams for the Falcons this year. His best display came in round 16 where he had 13 touches, five tackles and kicked a goal against Tasmania. Ford has also impressed for Barwon Heads at senior level this season, playing 13 games and booting 10 goals with five mentions in the best.

Mac Scoullar (Geelong West)

Stats: 49 SuperCoach points, 17 hit-outs, 7 hit-outs to advantage, 6 disposals (1 game)

The GWV Rebels export got an over-age opportunity with the Geelong Falcons, joining the program during the year and playing one game. Scoullar also played 12 senior games with Geelong West, kicking 11 goals.

Mac Scoullar celebrates a goal for Geelong West. Picture: Mark Wilson
Mac Scoullar celebrates a goal for Geelong West. Picture: Mark Wilson

Sam Meaney

Stats: 38 SuperCoach points, 6.5 disposals (2 game)

Another late addition to the program after some strong form with South Barwon’s U18 side, Meaney played two games in the last month of the season on a wing.

Darcy Harrington

Stats: 77 SuperCoach points, 12.5 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.8 tackles (4 game)

Harrington debuted for the Falcons as a 15-year-old and didn’t look out of place, booting two goals in his third game at the level. Not draft eligible until 2026, Harrington looks to have a very bright future ahead.

Originally published as Every Geelong Falcons boy’s season rated ahead of AFL Draft

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