Geelong Falcons strong start to season has coach excited for flag chances

Falcons coach Paul Corrigan says the program’s push to play bottom-aged talent in 2022 is already paying off in 2023 after an impressive start to the Coates Talent League season.

Geelong Falcons Training.

GEELONG Falcons coach Paul Corrigan says the program’s push to play bottom-aged talent in 2022 is already paying off in 2023 after an impressive start to the Coates Talent League season.

The Falcons have won their opening two games against Dandenong and Oakleigh, and will have a short turnaround before facing Greater Western Victoria in Ballarat on Thursday.

Corrigan said the chemistry between the playing group was clearly highlighted in the victories.

Geelong Falcons Training.

“We put a lot of emphasis on our bottom agers last year and knew there was a fair bit of growth and development within those 17 year olds last year, I think that’s really worked wonders for us with them coming into their 18th year this year,” he said.

“We feel like there’s a really good spread of talent across our 18 year olds and we’re blessed that we’ve got some good 17 year olds coming through that are probably unlucky to not be in our best side.

“When you look at our backs, there were about seven that played together last year that are still in the side this year, that connection they formed last year can already be seen this year.

“The chemistry has been good from the team perspective, they’re really buying into that team mentality.”

Geelong Falcons Training.

Tom Anastasopolous has been the pick of the Falcons so far this season, slotting five goals from 18 disposals in the 39-point win over Oakleigh, as well as three majors and 14 touches in the five-goal victory against Dandenong in round 1.

The half forward is also averaging 6.5 tackles per game, and Corrigan said his workrate had been a highlight.

Tom Anastasopoulos of the Geelong Falcons in action during the 2023 Coates Talent League Boys Testing Day at Maribyrnong College on March 11 in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Josh Chadwick

“He’s been elite as that high half forward for us, having a presence for us up the ground,” he said.

“His pressure has been elite in our front half in keeping the ball inside our forward 50 and he’s been able to capitalise.

Michael Rudd, Geelong Falcons Training.

“His workrate is extreme through the first two games.”

Corrigan said the talent was very even across the squad, but there had been some standout performances so far this season.

“Pat Hughes has played as an inside midfielder for us, he’s been really strong so far in winning contested ball and getting it to the outside,” he said.

“Michael Rudd has started really well as that third tall forward, he presents really well for us, works hard up the ground and he gets back to be a presence and hits the scoreboard.

“Angus Hastie has impressed down back, he’s got that flexibility to defend and then come off his man as an interceptor and give us a lot of drive.”

Originally published as Geelong Falcons strong start to season has coach excited for flag chances