Falcons unveil Boys squads

GEELONG Falcons have settled on a squad of 52 for the NAB League Boys season, which starts next month.

With the age group reverting to under-18s, the list has taken on a new look, with only 16 players returning from 2021.

“We had 80 invited into training through pre-season that we had a look at,” coach Paul Corrigan said.

“It’s always tough to bring that squad down, but we’re pretty pleased with what we’ve got.

“We think we’ve got a fair variety amongst our turning 17 and turning 18 year-olds.

“We’re carrying over five 19-year-olds as well.”

Those 19-year-olds include reigning GFL leading goalkicker and rookie of the year Tom Gillett, who kicked seven goals from five appearances after being added to the Falcons’squad mid-season.

Among the new faces are Osca Riccardi, who is eligible to be a father-son selection with Geelong, with dad Peter playing 288 games with the Cats.

“He’s an outside player with plenty of pace, and he makes good decisions on the outside,” Corrigan said.

“What we like about him is that he’s very composed, but he also breaks the lines and takes the game on.

“We felt with those sort of traits, he can help our strength on the inside.

“His pre-season was really impressive, which warrants his selection in the squad.”

The under-16 squad has also been named, with Noah Caracella, son of former Essendon, Brisbane Lions and Collingwood star Blake, among the squad of 32.

The Falcons under-18 season starts on the first weekend of April, with draft fixtures showing a clash with the Gold Coast Academy at Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn on April 3 as the opening match.

GEELONG FALCONS SQUADS

UNDER 18

*19-year-olds

UNDER 16