Falcons enter new Territory

GEELONG Falcons will travel to Darwin for a game for the first time in their 30-year history this weekend.

The Falcons will meet the Northern Territory at TIO Stadium on Sunday morning in the first meeting between the two sides since 2007.

However, coach Paul Corrigan won’t be joining them after being placed in the AFL’s health and safety protocol.

He’s handed control to senior assistant Michael Bright, whose dad Terry was the inaugural coach of the Falcons when the competition started in 1992.

“It doesn’t affect anything, which is good because the other three line coaches are all in place,” Corrigan said.

“It’s disappointing for myself, but a good opportunity for those guys to take the reins.”

Corrigan said the chance to travel interstate for a match was something the players and staff had been looking forward to since the fixture was released.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get to know each other a little more, not only from a playing perspective but from a group perspective,” he said.

“And for those who might find themselves on an AFL list, it’s a good experience to travel and find out what that’s like and see what a routine’s like when you do travel.

“I’ll be really keen to hear how the boys went when they get back.”

For forward Tadgh Evans, the trip will double as a chance to see his family.

“His family travelled up there a couple of years ago to go on holidays, and when COVID hit, they ended up staying in Darwin,” Corrigan said.

“He’s been up there the last few years playing footy but wanted to come back this year because it’s his Year 12 year, and he wanted to finish down here.”

Twitter: @tom_king79

NAB LEAGUE BOYS ROUND 4

NORTHERN TERRITORY vs. GEELONG FALCONS

TIO Stadium

Sunday, April 24, 10:00