WHEN the final siren sounded at Highgate Recreation Reserve, the Geelong Falcons thought they had done well to escape with a share of the points in their NAB League Boys season-opener against Gold Coast.
However, in the moments following the match’s conclusion, it was discovered that the scoreboard was wrong, and the Falcons had their noses in front, 9.13 (67) to 10.6 (66).
“With about 40 seconds to go, we had a forward 50 stoppage,” coach Paul Corrigan recounted.
“We got a great clearance from that stoppage, and Charlie Nelson kicked a point, so we thought it was a draw.
“At the end of the game, the goal umpires came together and then came towards the coaches’ box and the timekeepers, and they said the scoreboard was wrong, and we were up by a point.
“The change in emotion from when the game ended to about two minutes later is something I’ve never been involved in.”
Trailing by 11 points 15 minutes into the final quarter, goals to Cooper Hayes and George McCulloch got the Falcons back in the contest before Nelson’s critical behind unknowingly put them in front.
Ruckman Oli Northam was a standout for the Falcons.
The St Joseph’s product and Vic Country Hub member kicked 2.1 and tallied 18 disposals and seven marks to go along with 34 hitouts.
“I thought he was outstanding; he led the way,” Corrigan said.
“Max Butcher went down in the second quarter with a concussion, so he had to play a lone hand in the ruck for the rest of the game.”
Midfielder Ted Clohesy was also impressive, finishing with 27 disposals and a game-high 14 tackles.
Defenders Hamish Pierson and Oscar Murdoch battled hard, while Geelong AFL father-son prospect Osca Riccardi compiled 16 disposals and reeled in eight marks.
The Falcons are next in action against the Bendigo Pioneers at Deakin Uni at 1:00pm, Saturday in their only match in Greater Geelong for the season.
Twitter: @tom_king79
