Falcons to head to Torquay for community showcase

The Geelong Falcons will bring top-tier junior footy to the Surf Coast this weekend, with their boys and girls sides taking on the Calder Cannons at Torquay’s McCartney Oval.

The matches form part of the club’s community showcase series, with four games to be played at local grounds across the region, with Torquay hosting the opening round on Saturday.

Further fixtures include a standalone girls clash against Oakleigh at Geelong West’s Scaada Stadium in July, before both programs head to Colac and Leopold in August to face the Western Jets and GWV Rebels.

Saturday’s clash will mark the first time the female Falcons have played at McCartney Oval, adding to a fixture that has consistently drawn strong local crowds.

Falcons talent lead Jesse Drever said the community games had become a key part of the Talent League season, giving players the chance to reconnect with their grassroots clubs.

“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.

“We always have such great support when we bring games back ‘home’, and are looking forward to another big weekend at McCartney Oval.”

 

 

Boys coach Paul Corrigan said playing locally was a reward for players and an opportunity to connect with supporters.

“Any time we get to play in our region is a great reward for our players and club,” Corrigan said. “We get to showcase what we are about to families and friends of the players representing the Geelong Falcons.”

Girls coach Tash Heffernan said the local fixture also played an important role in inspiring the next generation.

“The opportunity to play locally brings not only excitement to the players, with the opportunity to play supported by family and friends, but also brings a buzz to the community,” Heffernan said.

“It allows us to showcase the talent in the region whilst bringing light to the pathway for our up-and-coming junior footballers, who we hope will be watching on.”

 

 

Torquay Football Club will be well represented, with seven local players named across both squads — Jack Pickett, Van Rahilly and Charlie Montebello in the boys program, and Olivia Bradshaw, Greea McKeegan, Marlie Collett and Ella Condon in the girls.

On the field, both sides will be chasing important wins. The boys sit sixth with a 3–2 record and remain within reach of the top four, while the girls, currently 12th at 1–2, will be aiming to build momentum after a slow start to the season.

The girls will open the day at 11am, with the boys to follow at 1.10pm.