GEELONG Falcons are just a few days out from playing their opening match of the 2024 Coates Talent League Girls season, and we caught up with Falcons Talent Lead Jesse Drever at the recent Preseason Testing Day. In this preview we take a look at a few of the top prospects, others to watch and the upcoming season.

TOP PROSPECTS

Sara Howley (Midfielder)
29/01/2006 | 173cm

Howley is an explosive midfielder who had a phenomenal 2024 Coates Talent League season, taking out the league best and fairest and Rookie Me Central Medal. She is incredible athletically, but her contest-to-contest work stands out as she has a high endurance base and outstanding metres gained. Will lead the midfield once again in 2024.

Jesse Drever says: “She’s quite reserved but she just goes about her work and leads by example amongst the squad as well. She’s back-to-back Falcons Best and Fairest winner as well. She’s had an unbelievable few years abut she’s ready to attack 2024 and continue to prove why she’s one of the talents to watch.”

Mekah Morrissy (Wing)
16/01/2006 | 159cm

One of the most prominent wingers in the competition, Morrissy finished second overall in the yo-yo test at the Coates Talent League Girls. That effort emphasised her elite endurance, with Morrissy equally a great contest-to-contest player between the arcs. Capable of going inside, the smaller hard-running talent will be looking to bridge the gap on her consistency as her best is strong.

Jesse Drever says: “Mekah’s the same, she’s very talented inside, but she’s a good runner as well so she’ll get on the outside.”

Seisia White (Forward)
07/10/2006 | 163cm

White is a talented forward with upside who converted five goals in 12 games last year, while applying 6.6 tackles per game from 14.3 disposals. She is one who has had stints through midfield but settles naturally forward of centre, and while not a massive accumulator, has high score involvements and is good at keeping the ball locked inside the Falcons’ forward 50.

Jesse Drever said: “Seisia’s obviously a fantastic talent up forward, but she’s also strong around the ball so we’ll have her up the ground at times.”

Kiara Woods (Ruck)
27/11/2006 | 182cm

Woods only played the four games last year after an injury interrupted season, building on her nine from the previous year where she rotated between forward and ruck. In 2023, she locked down that first ruck role when in the team and will be looking for a promising season to continue her impressive attributes and presence around the ground.

Rebecca Clottey (Forward)
05/05/2006 | 166cm

Like Woods, Clottey was limited to just three games in her debut season as a bottom-ager, showcasing outstanding speed and defensive pressure on the outside and getting the ball forward on a number of occasions. She is a raw player with high upside and Drever said he was excited to see what she can do in 2024.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Jesse Drever says: “Chloe Bryant had a really good year last year and again is looking to stake her claims through a Vic Country birth early on this season. Then some of our bottom-agers who have had a few years in the program so Stella Huxtable, Georgia Tyrrell as well, both of those. For bottom-age players who have already played quite a few Coates League games, it’s exciting to see what they can do and develop as players.”

2024 GOALS

Jesse Drever says: “It’s a development program so for us it’s primarily around making sure that we can continue that we can get the best out of our players both professionally in terms of what they do from a football perspective, but also personally as well.

“We’ll continue to do everything we can to support the players, but as a group as well, obviously made finals last year, had a strong year and we’re got quite a few of those players returning this year as well, so we’re really excited for the year ahead and hopefully we can put our best foot forward to collectively achieve what we set out as a group.”

ROUND 1

Round 1: vs. GWV Rebels | Thursday, March 28 @ GMHBA Stadium

Jesse Drever says: “Firstly it’s just really exciting to have that opportunity for the girls to play on GMHBA Stadium. First time they’ve done it in the program’s history and it’s a double-header with the boys program as well.

“We’re really appreciative for the Kardinia Park Trust to have us, but also having the support of the AFL and the Rebels program to be able to host this game. It’s fantastic to have it as a showpiece event. I know the girls are really excited to play there, and it’s exciting for the Geelong community to be able to watch them play on the showpiece ground in the region.”