HEADLINED by a couple of stars, Geelong Falcons showed how good they could be with a full squad available. The Falcons reached the finals series and very nearly caused the upset of the year against the unbeaten Dandenong Stingrays before falling agonisingly short of the win. The Falcons pushed the ladder leaders all the way, continuing on a hot-and-cold year that was ultimately impacted by school football availabilities and the national championships.

SEASON 2026

SNAPSHOT

Played: 14
Won: 5
Lost: 9

BEST PERFORMANCE

Round 21: def. Tasmania Devils by 37 points

Geelong Falcons needed a win to solidify a finals spot, and the Bellarine-based team did just that, taking control against Tasmania Devils down at Windsor Park to get up, 9.6 (60) to 3.5 (23). Bottom-ager Claudia Collins slammed home 4.3 from 15 disposals and five marks to be the dominant player forward of centre, while stars Ava Bilyk (22 disposals, three marks and six tackles) and Greea McKeegan (17 disposals, six marks, seven tackles and a goal) both impressed in the win.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

NATIONAL DRAFT COMBINE

Ava Bilyk (St Marys)
Midfielder | 169cm | 07/07/2008

Stats [10 games]: 28.2 disposals, 2.9 marks, 6.8 tackles, 6.8 clearances, 5.1 inside 50s, 4.6 rebound 50s, 5 goals

What a year it has been for the star prospect who has taken all before her and earned MVP and All-Australian honours yet again. The top-age midfielder is capable of rolling out in any position, but she made the contest her own, regularly racking up jaw-dropping numbers and almost dragging her side over the line on a number of occasions. She does it all offensively and defensively, having only further exposed her head-scratching omission from the National Academy. A readymade prospect at the top level.

Greea McKeegan (Torquay)
Wing/Forward | 176cm | 15/12/2008

Stats [9 games]: 20.8 disposals, 5.0 marks, 7.6 tackles, 1.3 clearances, 4.7 inside 50s, 0.9 rebound 50s, 10 goals

McKeegan brings a bag of tricks and enormous upside heading into the AFLW Draft, with a brilliant athletic base and a two-way impact. While most of her physical running is done ind the front half of the ground, McKeegan’s pressure in the air and at ground level is sensational. She has great speed, a huge leap and a lovely right foot that can penetrate defensive zones. Building the consistency she needs to thrive at the top level, the Vic Country representative had a really strong season.

STATE DRAFT COMBINE

Meyah Fursland (St Josephs)
Defender | 172cm | 27/05/2008

Stats [8 games]: 11.9 disposals, 1.5 marks, 4.8 tackles, 3.5 rebound 50s

The Vic Country hub member did her draft chances no harm with a rock solid top-age season down back for the Falcons. Often taking on some big tasks every week, Fursland is just a competitor be it in the air or on the lead, where she is defence-first and looks to take care of business. She is composed with ball in hand and while still boasting areas to work on, came along nicely in 2026.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Geelong’s bottom-age contingent is a promising one, with a couple of players already having donned the ‘Big V’. Versatile Claudia Collins seemingly looks a natural inside 50 with a great set of hands and fantastic goal sense, finishing the year with a bang. Jemma Andrews honed her midfield craft with the Falcons, though the 180cm prospect can just as easily slot into a key defensive role as she did for Vic Country.

Tough-as-nails Ksenia Dear had her moments throughout the year, while Vic Country Under 16s MVP from last year Ella Condon is a marking machine. Throw in defender-turned-midfielder Holly Confoy and hard-running winger Marlie Collett, and the Falcons have a great core from which to build heading into 2027.

The Falcons also gave opportunities to double bottom-agers, with Sienna Bilinski bringing a powerful kick be it in defence or off a wing, while Emilia Evans has a real crack, and Remy Sliwa finished the year in style coming out of the back half across four games.