Falcons tell stories of mixed fortunes
GEELONG Falcons coach Danny O’Keefe says the club found out about some of its less-heralded players in yesterday’s 49-point loss to Sandringham Dragons.
Missing more than half the side to representative footy, O’Keefe put the acid on his players to prove they belonged in the best side later in the season.
“Truth be told, we found out a lot today about individuals,” O’Keefe said after the 2.5 (17) to 9.12 (66) loss at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
“Some individuals certainly stood up and, in a way, we probably put it on a few players individually. I mentioned we were getting towards the backend of the year, the pointy end, so there are players who are probably playing for their spot in the best side.
“There were some individual stories told today — some good, some not so good.”
Ethan Floyd took the challenge and proved his credentials, a day after being squeezed out of the Vic Country team at the national under-18 championships.
Harry Benson was also one who embraced the challenge, along with Connor Idun and Cooper Stephens.
“It was a really good test of character for Ethan. He got rolled out of Vic Country side and for him to bounce back and find plenty of the footy, play his role and stick to the structure, was really good.
“But he also used the ball well when he got it, he was really strong.”
O’Keefe said yesterday’s result was a reality of missing nine players to Vic Country, a handful of injuries and other absentees, including Oscar Brownless.
James Worpel, Tom McCartin, Cassidy Parish, Josh Jaska, Matthew Ling, Gryan Miers and Sam Walsh were among the missing Falcons.