AN inability to use a handy wind advantage in the first quarter has proved the Geelong Falcons’ undoing in its first loss of the NAB League Boys season.
With top spot on the line in a clash with fellow unbeaten team Gippsland Power, the Falcons played catch-up for most of the afternoon at Dandenong’s Shepley Oval.
They did get to within four points when Tom Gillett kicked his fourth goal early in the final quarter, but that would prove to be their last major of the afternoon.
The Power closed out the match with four goals to claim a 28-point victory, 12.9 (81) to 8.5 (53).
“Not converting in that first quarter put us on the back foot a little bit,” coach Paul Corrigan said.
“But after quarter time, we really started to match them, win some contested ball – which is our strength, (and) put some score on the scoreboard.
“But it was probably just that first quarter that cost us.”
Corrigan was impressed with Gillett’s second game of the season, following his three goals against the Oakleigh Chargers last week.
“He was a real focal point for us up forward, and he kicked some crucial goals at crucial times for us,” Corrigan said.
“He competed really well in the air for us as well.
“He’s finding his feet at NAB League level and hitting the scoreboard.”
Angus Hastie and Ted Clohesy gathered 24 possessions for the Falcons, while captain Jhye Clark was busy with 20 disposals.
The Falcons will have the Queen’s Birthday weekend off before starting the second half of their season against the Calder Cannons at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium on June 18.
Several Falcons will have Vic Country commitments this weekend, with two trial games against Vic Metro to be used to select the squad for the under-18 National Championships.
Twitter: @tom_king79
GIPPSLAND POWER 2.4, 4.6, 8.7, 12.9 (81)
GEELONG FALCONS 1.2, 3.2, 7.3, 8.5 (53)
Goals: Geelong Falcons: Tom Gillett 4, Euriah Hollard 2, Tadhg Evans, Jet Kneebone
Best: Geelong Falcons: Tom Gillett, Jhye Clark, Patrick Hughes, Ted Clohesy, Oscar Murdoch, Olivier Northam
