AS the NAB League season finals approach, we take a look at the sides that are no longer in contention for the title, checking out their draft prospects, Best and Fairest (BnF) chances, 2020 Draft Crop and a final word on their season. The first side we look at is the Geelong Falcons.

Position: 12th
Wins: 3
Losses: 11
Draws: 1

Points For: 783 (Ranked #13)
Points Against: 1081 (Ranked #12)
Percentage: 79
Points: 14

Top draft prospects:

Cooper Stephens

The inside midfielder missed the majority of the season after sustaining a fractured leg in the first quarter of Geelong’s draw with Dandenong Stingrays at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Round 3. It meant he played just the three matches and in the two full games, he averaged 25 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.0 clearances, 2.5 inside 50s and laid 4.0 tackles. He showed in his bottom-ager year that he is capable of playing off half-back or a wing, as well as winning the possessions at the coalface and it no doubt would have been tough for him to watch his side end up winning the wooden spoon this season. His leadership is undeniable, not only named co-captain of the Falcons, but also vice-captain of Vic Country despite the knowledge he was never going to take part in on-field activities. Stephens is still considered a top 30 prospect and it will be interesting to see where he falls on draft night.

Jesse Clark

The rebounding defender has enjoyed a strong season and should finish strongly in the Falcons’ Best and Fairest even though others have played more games and will have enough votes to take it out. Often Clark has been requited to play on taller opponents, but it has no stopped him averaging 21.4 disposals, 4.4 marks, 3.3 tackles and 6.3 rebounds, as well as recording 2.7 clearances playing on a wing or getting it out of the danger zone from defensive stoppages. He represented Vic Country and averaged the 10.5 touches and 3.0 marks, and is a prospect in the second half of the draft. He is 188cm which is slightly below the key position height, but he offers good strength in the air, positioning and composure under pressure, racking up rebounds at will and could suit a side looking for a reliable defender.

BnF chances:

Outside of Clark, the three players likely to battle for the Best and Fairest are Keidan Rayner, Charlie Harris and Chas Karpala. All three have been able to notch up double-figure games and provide consistency through the midfield and filling in other roles when required. Karpala averaged 19.1 disposals per game this season, third overall, while Harris (18.8) and Rayner (17.3) were not too far behind.

2020 Draft Crop:

Geelong could well be the Eastern Ranges of 2020, with a host of bottom-age prospects who have the potential to lead the Falcons back up the ladder. Tanner Bruhn is a top-end talent prospect, and while he only entered the fray in the final round of the NAB League Boys season after a long-term injury, he looms as the Falcons top prospect if he can stay injury free. Other bottom-agers who have already looked like established players are ruck Henry Walsh, Charlie Lazzaro, Noah Gribble in midfield, while Cameron Fleeton straightens up the defence, and Gennaro Bove provides tackling pressure in the attacking half. Oliver Henry looks a genuine talent at both ends.

Final word:

It was a disappointing year for the Falcons, there is little doubt about that. But they would have been pleased with the development of their bottom-agers to set them up for next year. Stephens and Clark loom as their two draftable prospects given they were the only two receiving draft combine invitations, but Charlie Sprague is one who will surely have a real shot at VFL after consistent form in the back-end of the season and playing in the Young Guns game earlier in the year showing some interest from clubs.