Woods to miss Falcons' season

Geelong Falcons youngster Jess Woods will miss the rest of the NAB League competition and the AFL Barwon season after scans confirmed she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.

Coach Paul Corrigan says it’s disappointing news for the Newtown & Chilwell product.

“It’s really disappointing, especially when you think what they (the players) went through last year and how much (football) they’ve missed,” he said.

“To finally get back and get through pre-season and rupture her ACL in the first game is really disappointing for her and also ourselves.

“She’ll come back bigger and stronger.

“I’ve had some good chats with her, and we’ll keep her engaged in the program and help with all her rehab as well.”

Corrigan says the incident that caused the damage to the 16-year-old happened in the Falcons’ defensive goalsquare in the opening round win over the GWV Rebels at Deakin Uni.

“She went to kick the ball through (for a rushed behind), and it (knee) twisted, and she fell awkwardly the wrong way,” he said.

“She said she heard a little ‘pop’ in it and it was the ACL.”

After last week’s match-up with the Murray Bushrangers was postponed due to the snap COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria, the Falcons will resume their season with a trip to Bendigo to play the Pioneers on Saturday.

“The girls are really looking forward to that after the last five days,” Corrigan said.

“We gave them individual programs over the five days. We know the world we’re in at the moment and things like this can happen.

“So, we’re prepared for those little shutdowns.

“We spoke to the girls over Microsoft Teams, and we did a review through that.”