Bourke, Dahlhaus to boost Falcons

Geelong Falcons defender Sam Bourke. (Geelong Falcons Image/Brian Bartlett)

GEELONG Falcons will be boosted by the return of defender Sam Bourke and small forward Jay Dahlhaus for Saturday’s clash with Tasmania Devils at North Hobart Oval.

Bourke has been missing since breaking a finger in the loss to Sandringham Dragons in Round 10, while Dahlhaus is back for his first match since suffering a knee injury in the Round 2 clash with GWV Rebels in Ballarat.

Coach Luke Daffy says Dahlhaus has been missed.

“Our forward line pressure has been an area at times that we’ve struggled in,” he said.

“Locking the ball in something that Jay does really well, but he provides that scoreboard pressure as well.

“It’s been hard to replace a top-age playing that role; playing as a small forward is a really difficult role to play.

“We felt like he really nailed it towards the backend of last year as a 17-year-old.”

Grovedale product Sam Fonseca-Hateley will become the 55th player used by the Falcons when he makes his debut against the Devils as the 23rd player.

“He’s had a fairly wretched run with injuries throughout the season, and even pre-season,” Daffy said.

“He’s coming back from a hamstring injury. He’s finally fit, so we’ll play him.”

The clash with the Devils provides the Falcons with a rare interstate trip, and Daffy says the playing group is looking forward to spending some time together in Hobart.

“There is some real excitement about getting away as a group and playing interstate,” he said.

“For many of these players, they probably won’t get the opportunity to do that again.

“It’ll be a great learning experience for them, and pretty exciting to change-up what the week would normally look like as well.”

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NAB LEAGUE ROUND 16

TASMANIA DEVILS (14th) vs. GEELONG FALCONS (16th)

North Hobart Oval

Saturday, August 3, 11:30am