O’Keefe is determined

Rayner recalls that big day

INAUGURAL Geelong Falcon Luke Rayner will take his son Keidan to Etihad Stadium tomorrow to watch his former club compete in the TAC Cup grand final.

It was nearly 25 years to the day Rayner himself lined up on the MCG — in a curtain raiser to West Coast and Geelong — where he was part of the Falcons’ first premiership.

It was in the TAC Cup’s first season, but they were the standout side, the Geelong brigade combined with the best from Ballarat.

Rayner shone on the big stage, bagging four goals, but was eclipsed by teammate Daniel Fletcher as best on ground.

The side includes the likes of Adam Richardson, Matthew Primus, Kieran Murrihy, Tim Sherman, Matthew Capuano, Scott Allen, Matthew Aston, Vince Cappadona and James McLure.

“We were fortunate to have a group of mates that were all similar minded,” Rayner recalled.

Rayner ended up being drafted to Carlton — the side he barracked for as a kid — and while he never managed an AFL game, the now Bell Park coach has no doubt his time at the Falcons helped him live a dream.

It’s the pathway he hopes Keidan — who co-captains the Falcons’ under-16 side — can follow too.

They will watch first hand as the club’s under-18s attempt to replicate the feat of ’92.

“To have a region that’s produced so many good footballers but without the premierships, it’s great to see them get the opportunity,” Rayner said.