Falcons opt for three-week training strategy for NAB relaunch
GEELONG Falcons hope to give their players a three-week training block to prepare for a shortened NAB League season.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that games would start on August 22 and run over six weeks across two conferences.
There had been uncertainty as to whether the best under-18 competition in the country would go ahead, but the announcement will give some of the best draft prospects a chance to put their names in front of AFL recruiters.
Geelong coach Luke Daffy said it was an opportunity for players to show their development.
Tanner Bruhn, Noah Gadsby, Noah Gribble, Cam Fleeton, Oliver Henry, Charlie Lazzaro, Toby Conway and Henry Walsh are among the Falcons’ bumper crop.
“We’ve probably got a good chunk of players who maybe played a handful of games last year but were probably quite hopeful around how their topage year would go,” Daffy said.
“I’m still really confident there’s been some really good development from some of those guys who we consider are potentially draftable players.
“I know a lot of them were unsure about what it was going to look like this year but the fact we’re going to get back to playing games — and regardless of how many games it is — I think it’s a fantastic thing for the players.”
Staff remain stood down and the AFL will provide direction when NAB League employees can resume their duties.
Daffy said he hoped to start training in early August.
“I think it’s important we’d be able to get a three-week block or so in before they start playing games, just to prepare their bodies,” he said.
“Obviously it’s not so much about the footy side of things now, it’s more about getting the boys prepared to play footy and just letting them play and enjoy what that opportunity is.
“Five games or six games is going to go pretty quickly.
“We just want them to be in a great head space and really appreciate the opportunity they’ve got and hopefully be able to play their best footy.”
The Falcons’ girls will resume their season on September 5 with another three games.