Fast start not enough for Falcons

THE Geelong Falcons have opened their 2026 Talent League campaign with a 51-point loss to Dandenong at Mars Stadium.

After staying within reach in the first half, the Falcons were overrun after the break as the Stingrays produced 16 scoring shots to 10 in the second half to secure a 16.14 (110) to 8.11 (59) win.

In a blitzing start, Geelong kicked three goals within the first seven minutes and looked capable of matching the metropolitan powerhouse.

But the momentum faded, with the Falcons managing just one more goal for the rest of the first half as Dandenong settled into the contest.

Several draft hopefuls impressed in the round 1 clash despite the loss.

Jett Elek kicked one goal from his 18 disposals and added eight marks and 18 hitouts in the ruck, while captain and AFL Academy member Noah Williams had 23 touches, five marks and five tackles.

Richmond father-son prospect Archie Daffy and AFL Academy forward Jack Pickett each kicked two goals.

The match also marked the debut of seven Falcons, with Hugh Knuckey, Jacob Keenan, Will Nicholls, Jack Thomson, Kyan Walters, Riley McLure and Nate Mensch all featuring at Talent League level for the first time.

Walters impressed with 14 disposals and six tackles, while Nicholls managed one goal and three behinds from 11 touches.

The Falcons will return to Mars Stadium on Saturday 28 March to take on fellow regional side GWV Rebels at 2.10pm.