Falcons fly in bad weather

THE Geelong Falcons defied howling crosswinds to showcase their growing team synergy in a 39-point win over Greater Western Victoria.

The Falcons kept the Rebels to just one behind in the 6.4 (40) to 0.1 (1) win in Sebastopol yesterday, prompting coach Jason Armistead to declare his unbeaten side already better than last year.

“We’ve got a lot more depth on the park, I suppose, but also in our whole squad as well,” Armistead said.

“We had three girls come in this week and three go out, and I don’t think it really matters too much who comes in and out. We bat a lot deeper with our talent this year. I think that’s going to be a benefit over the longer season, too.”

Olivia Purcell was a standout in the midfield, while Nina Morrison played a key role on the wing, as the Falcons fed Renee Tierney with plenty of opportunities.

Lucy McEvoy was the everreliable anchor at centre-half back (with a pinch-hitting role in the midfield) and teamed up well with Abbey Chapman to dry up the Rebels’ scoring chances.

“There were some really good passages of play considering the conditions,” Armistead said.

The Falcons’ cohesion was highlighted by a coast-to-coast goal of clean passing that culminated in a major to Tarryn Love.

“The most pleasing thing is the way the girls have adapted to things really quickly,” Armistead said.

“They just seem to really want to learn quickly and they want to put that into practice. We’ve got a really good group of girls who can help direct some of the other girls out there on the ground, so it’s been a really good start from everyone and now it’s just a matter of keeping it going.”

GWV Rebels 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1) Falcons 1.0 4.0 5.0 6.4 (40)

Falcons: Goals: S. DeGiacomi 2, R. Tierney 2, O. Purcell, T. Love. Best: O. Purcell, L. McEvoy, N. Morrison, T. Love, S. Atkins, A. Chapman