The Falcons proved competitive during the first half of the TAC Cup round nine clash and held on to a two-point lead at half-time.

But the Mariners stepped up a gear after the main break, dominating the midfield during a brilliant second half to take the lead and eventually prevail 16.8 (104) to 10.14 (74).

Defender Tim Boyle was named among Geelong's best after his impressive return to the side in the backline while Simon Potter was another of the Falcons' better players after his standout performance at centre half forward.

Jake Carmody was in good touch and kicked two goals but his teammates struggled to feed the talented forward the ball.

Rover Nathan Foley was another dual goalkicker.

``We were going along alright early but the second half they just dominated the centre square and through the middle,'' coach Damien Christensen said last night.

``Especially during the third quarter they destroyed us in the middle and you just can't afford to let that happen.

``And our forwards had a lack of opportunity where theirs had plenty in the end.''

Christensen said he hoped to have the physical presence lacking in Saturday's match back in the side when the Falcons host the Sandringham Dragons at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

``We're just lacking a little bit of depth at the moment,'' he said.

``We can't afford to have injuries but we're without four or five of our bigger players.

``We'd like to think we can win this weekend and hopefully we'll have a few of them back.

``Basically we just need a win so we'll concentrate on this weekend and see what happens.''