Coates Talent League Girls live stream: Geelong Falcons to face GWV Rebels in season opener (Coates Talent League)

The Falcons have kickstarted their Coates Talent League girls campaign off in fitting fashion, outlasting a plucky GWV Rebels in tough conditions. Watch the REPLAY now.

Geelong has prevailed in warm and blustery conditions to kickstart its AFL Coates Talent League season on the right foot.

In what was a seesawing battle, where the difference between the sides never went beyond 10 points, the Falcons fought bravely against the wind in the final term to defy a plucky GWV Rebels side.

WATCH THE FULL MATCH REPLAY IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

A booming goal to Sara Howley in the dying stages proved decisive as the Falcons prevailed 6.11 47 to 6.2 38 at Deakin University.

A brilliant snap on goal from Rebels’ leader Molly Walton had reduced the gap to one point to set up a thrilling final five minutes, before Howley’s decisive shot minutes later.

Howley led the way on the scoring end for the Falcons with three goals, matched by her opposite number Lily Jordan who notched three for the Rebels.

The Falcons could have pulled clear much earlier in the contest, save for a dogged defensive performance from Rebels’ Millie Lang who proved her toughness and determination off the ball all afternoon.

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The Geelong Falcons aren’t scared of making bold declarations ahead of the new Coates Talent League Girls season.

Ahead of the season opener against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels on Saturday, Falcons talent lead Bree Beckley has declared the side as one of the club’s most exciting groups yet.

Catch them LIVE on KommunityTV from 11.30am at Deakin University Waurn Ponds.

For many of the players in the Falcons side, they’re about to enter the second season of the elite junior competition.

And they’re expected to blossom.

Chloe Adams will be a key player for the Falcons.

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“This is one of our fittest and fastest groups ever right now,” Beckley said.

“The girls are all very excited to play a full season from March and continue to play through. We’ve got a good mix of players with experience.

“Last year we had a lot of girls who were still two years away from being top age, so that group is still going to have another year with us and we’re excited to see what they can put together.”

Headlining the Falcons line-up will be a trio of Vic Country representatives, including midfielder Chloe Adams who has been named club captain.

Sara Howley, is expected to spend more time in the middle of the ground this season after dominating off halfback in 2022.

Kiara Woods is an exciting ruck prospect.

“We’ve got a few girls who I think will be players to watch at the moment,” Beckley said.

Exciting ruck prospect Kiara Woods.

“We want to have more girls in the state programs. You think of other players including Chantal Mason and I think we’ve got a lot of players who have taken big steps in their development over the pre-season.”

In the off-season, the Falcons appointed former AFLW star Mel Hickey as girls coach.

The boys and girls teams at each Coates Talent League club have their own coach.

“She’s been a really exciting addition for us and I’m loving working with her,” Beckley said.

“With all of her experience and knowledge, the players are going to learn a lot.”