GEELONG Falcons decision to take a larger-than-usual squad into the 2022 NAB League Girls season has proved to be a wise one.
The Falcons, which last week revealed a 50-strong list, have been impacted by COVID-19 and school holidays ahead of Sunday’s season-opener against the Dandenong Stingrays at Deakin Uni.
“Even when you look at our last 3-4 training sessions, we’ve had 15-16 away with a mixture of COVID and the holidays,” coach Paul Corrigan said.
“That’s just the nature of the business … you can see it happening in all sports at the moment.
“We can deal with that. We feel like our list is in a lot better shape this year with the numbers we have.”
NAB LEAGUE GIRLS: SIMPSON TO SKIPPER FALCONS
Corrigan expects there to be a number of debutants on Sunday.
However, with a squad of 32 named for the match and players at the mercy of COVID-19, the exact number won’t be known until Sunday morning.
“There’ll be a few that come in, which is great for the club,” Corrigan said.
“We love to see new talent coming in and getting that opportunity, and there will be girls down the track that will also get an opportunity as well.
“Once we get our Futures (games) underway in the next couple of weeks, there’ll be girls there that will get an opportunity to showcase their wares and hopefully perform strongly and get them a game in NAB League towards the end of the year.”
Corrigan mentioned Georgia Tyrrell (St Joseph’s), Johanna Sunderland (Barwon Heads) and Kiara Woods (Geelong West Giants) as three newcomers to keep an eye on.
“Georgia’s played on the wing for us (in pre-season), and she’s played really well,” Corrigan said.
“I think she’s ’07 born, but she’s held her own that wing; very fit, athletic and runs the lines really well.
“Jo’s played across half-back for us, and she’s been really strong in training. Her use and her vision; her decision-making off half-back, and she reads the game really well.
“Kiara’s a tall, athletic girl who will help Keels (Hardingham) in the ruck.
“She’s only 15, but she’s super competitive.”
NAB LEAGUE GIRLS ROUND 1
Geelong Falcons vs. Dandenong Stingrays
Deakin Uni Elite Sports Precinct
Sunday, January 21, 11:00am
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