Rising star Xavier key for Falcons’ chances
X-factor on display as talent league season kicks off
Xavier Ivisic is one of Geelong’s fastest rising footy stars, and a player who will prove must-watch as the Falcons run out in the second round of the AFL Coates Talent League.
The midfielder, who is fresh off a summer with the Vic Country under-18s pre-season training hub, will be a key in for the Falcons in their Thursday night clash with the GWV Rebels.
The match will be part of a huge double-header live streamed on KommunityTV, which kicks off with the Coates Talent League girls clash between the two sides at 5pm.
Ivisic was one of three Falcons who took part in the training hub, where he had the chance to speak with several recruiters from AFL clubs.
“It feels kind of surreal,” he said. “You’re like, ‘you want me there, but it is my dream to come and play with you guys’. It’s weird, but it’s pretty unreal.”
After averaging 16 disposals in an encouraging bottom-age year, the midfielder started his top-age year well with 20 disposals, five inside-50s and four tackles in the Falcons’ narrow win over the Dandenong Stingrays last weekend.
Ivisic built on his strong endurance during the off-season and is looking to continue improving the contested side of his game and his versatility to appeal to club recruiters.
“I’d say running is definitely one of my strengths, but still trying to focus on getting a bit of size to me but keeping that running at the forefront of mind,” Ivisic said.
“Finding that balance on the inside-outside mid role, even pressing half-forward. Just show that I can play a number of roles.”
Ivisic will be one of the Falcons’ key players in their clash with GWV Rebels on Thursday night under lights at Kardinia Park, but he won’t get to face his Geelong Grammar teammates Sam Lalor and Flynn Penry, who are both currently sidelined with injury.
He enjoyed playing with mates at APS level this season and is also eyeing a senior debut for Bell Park in the Geelong Football Netball League, having crossed over from his junior club Geelong Amateur in 2023.
“I kind of have to attribute (my development) to there but Bell Park have been real good for me, they haven’t been too pushy. They accept that I’m playing at Falcons and have obviously got school footy as well,” Ivisic said.
“I was lucky to get an 18s game last year but hopefully I can squeeze back for a seniors game, that’d be the goal.”
The women’s clash between the Falcons and the GWV Rebels will be the season opener for the girls’ talent league season and will feature several future AFLW hopefuls, including Sara Howley and St Kilda father-daughter prospect Mackenzie Brown.