Falcons unveil expanded squad

GEELONG Falcons have unveiled one of their biggest squads in the short history of the NAB League Girls competition.

Fifty-two players have made the final cut ahead of the 2022 season, which starts with the Falcons hosting Dandenong Stingrays on January 23 at Deakin University.

“We’ve been really impressed with the talent,” coach Paul Corrigan.

“I’d even go as far to say, in the short time we’ve had with them pre-Christmas, and the game we saw them play, I would say the talent’s bit broader than what we had last year.”

The squad includes seven 19-year-olds, including Lizzy Dowling, who was surprisingly overlooked in last year’s AFLW Draft.

The St Mary’s product is currently among Geelong’s AFLW train-on squad.

Meg Courtney, Mia Featherston, Keeley Hardingham, Emily Perrett, Lucy Were and Analea McKee have also been given an extra year to impress AFLW recruiters.

“If they have another year and their confidence really grows, anything could happen,” Corrigan said.

“If you look at where the AFLW’s heading with four expansion teams coming in, there’s every possibility that these girls could hopefully end up on a list.”

Cats Father-Daughter prospects Charlotte Simpson (Sean) and Mackenzie McGrath (Tim) have also returned.

“Mack will be better for the run last year,” Corrigan said. “She broke her nose towards the back end of last year and missed the finals.

“It was really disappointing for her, but I know she’s really keen for this year.

“Simmo was one of our top players last year as a bottom-ager, and this year with the Vic Country stuff she’ll go into, I think she’ll have a really strong season for us this year as well.”

Grace Purcell, sister of Melbourne AFLW midfielder and former Falcon and Cat Olivia, has also been selected.

Dakota Harrington is the first player from BFL club Newcomb to make the Falcons Girls list.

Twitter: @tom_king79

2022 GEELONG FALCONS GIRLS SQUAD