Falcons take Talent League showcase to Torquay

THE Geelong Falcons took their Talent League program to the Surf Coast for the first edition of the club’s community showcase at Torquay’s McCartney Oval last weekend.

Both the boys and girls sides faced the Calder Cannons in front of a strong local crowd as part of four scheduled community fixtures across the 2026 season, designed to reconnect players with grassroots football communities across the region.

The girls opened the day but were overpowered by a strong Cannons outfit, going down by 67 points after being restricted to two goals.

Despite the result, captain Lua Payne impressed with 23 disposals and six tackles, while Marli Vardy and Ella McDonald each kicked a goal.

Archie Daffy, son of Richmond gun Nick, impressed with 21 touches and a goal. Photo: Michael Chambers.

The boys followed in a high-scoring contest that featured 27 goals on the newly laid McCartney Oval turf.

After a blistering opening quarter in which the Falcons kicked six goals to one, Calder gradually worked back into the game before pulling away late to secure a 22-point win.

Tom Teague dominated with 32 touches, 11 marks and a goal, while Richmond prospect Archie Daffy kicked a goal from his 21 disposals.

Charlie Hanegraaf also impressed with 15 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

Girls captain Lua Payne had 23 disposals and six tackles. Archie Daffy, son of Richmond gun Nick, impressed with 21 touches and a goal.

Falcons talent lead Jesse Drever said the community fixtures had become an important part of the club’s annual schedule.

“Our community games have become such an important part of our annual Talent League fixture,” he said. “For our players, it is the chance to play at the highest junior level in front of family and friends who have seen them through their entire junior journey, and is a celebration of the contributions of their community clubs.

“We are also bringing games to new facilities this year, which really gives us the chance to showcase the reaches of our region.”

The girls went down by 67 points to a strong Calder Cannons side. Photo: Michael Chambers.

The Falcons’ community series will continue later this season, with the girls to face the Oakleigh Chargers at Geelong West’s Scaada Stadium on 25 July.

Both programs will then host the Western Jets at Colac’s Central Reserve on 1 August before taking on the GWV Rebels in Leopold a week later.

Following the weekend’s results, the Falcons boys sit 10th on the Talent League ladder, while the girls are 14th.