REIGNING GFL leading goalkicker Tom Gillett will make his first NAB League appearance of the season in Saturday’s mouth-watering match-up with Oakleigh Chargers.
Slowed by a back injury, Gillett has played the last three weeks with Grovedale, kicking five goals, including four in the win over Bell Park on May 14.
The match-up with the Chargers will be the Falcons’ first match since narrowly beating the Dandenong Stingrays on May 1.
“That reset period that we’ve had allowed him to play the three GFL games, which is really good prep,” coach Paul Corrigan said.
“There was a little bit of interest in him for the Young Guns (series), but he was injured at that stage.
“We’re pretty keen to get him in and give him an opportunity over the next couple of weeks.”
St Joseph’s Liam Kershaw and Geelong West’s Angus Hastie will make their NAB League debuts.
“It’s good to see those two get a chance,” Corrigan said.
“Hastie played the last three in the Geelong West seniors. His form’s been really good, so he’s been rewarded.
“Kersh’s form at Joeys has been really solid on a wing.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how those boys go tomorrow.”
Osca Riccardi couldn’t be considered after suffering a knock to his calf while representing St Joseph’s College during the week.
Vic Country Academy member Will Parkhouse (ankle) will also be sidelined.
The clash with the unbeaten Chargers is the first of two challenging matches for the Falcons, who take on the top-of-the-ladder Gippsland Power before the Queen’s Birthday break.
“It will give us an idea where we sit in the competition and how your talent lies,” Corrigan said.
“We’re really pleased with what we’ve got going.
“I think there are eight or nine bottom-agers playing tomorrow, which says a lot for our talent in our bottom-age group.
“It’s pretty exciting for the Falcons region at the moment.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
NAB LEAGUE BOYS ROUND 8
GEELONG FALCONS (3rd) vs. OAKLEIGH CHARGERS (2nd)
MARS Stadium – Ballarat
Saturday, May 28, 2:00pm
[supsystic-tables id=’8′]
