- Aug 12, 2017
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Clarry
List Mgmt. 2024 GWS Giants List Management - Academy, Free Agent, Trade & Draft
- Thread starter Giant Strides
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GWS Goose
Brownlow Medallist
Perryman is important for us
- Feb 6, 2019
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Yes he is. I mean we don't need to worry because the players we need on that list will almost definitely re-sign and the others are either at the end of their careers or surplus to requirements.
- Jan 17, 2013
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I think we can retain. If we lose anyone it might be cumming. Should be well compensated. We need to invest the money we might have into our youth.
- Nov 23, 2015
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- #106
Fox analysis of our list & signing priorities for this year and next ...
www.foxsports.com.au
GWS GIANTS
State of play: The Giants are well set as they enter year two under Adam Kingsley after a barnstorming 2023 run. Like the Suns, the expansion side has got its list to a spot where it doesn’t need to salary dump and can afford to pay some of its players big money. They’ve traded well and hit the draft. Now it’s all about maximising the best of their stars while they’re still somewhere near their peak and the young guns are continuing to emerge.
Biggest free agency priorities: No.1 is probably Harry Perryman, who’s been a walk-up starter in the Giants’ best 23 under both Kingsley and Leon Cameron. Perryman has the versatility to play in any third of the ground, which would no doubt appeal to rivals. Isaac Cumming, who had a strong start to his 2023 season before a mid-year calf injury, wouldn’t be far behind Perryman. Perhaps the most curious call, though, could surround Nick Haynes. He has one more year left on a significant deal, but was on the fringe of the Giants’ starting line-up throughout the back-end of last season, starting as the sub four times before being left out of both the semi final and preliminary final. Haynes attracted interest from rival clubs late last year, so lots to play out this year.
Biggest contract priorities: Jesse Hogan, who isn’t a free agent but off-contract at season’s end, is playing some of his best football at the Giants and finally looks settled. He’ll be one to track in 2024. Next season, though, is more interesting for the Giants. Far and away the biggest to lock down is Sam Taylor, who is arguably the best defender in the competition and will be a free agent at the end of 2025. Finn Callaghan won’t be a free agent but could be attracting some big offers depending on how his 2024 pans out. The Giants will be hoping that the tough list calls they’ve made in recent years have put them in a good position to re-sign the likes of Taylor and Callaghan long-term.
Blues mystery looms after $5m rejection; Saints’ key kids calls: Every AFL club’s state of play
Blues mystery looms after $5m rejection; Saints’ key kids calls: Every AFL club’s state of play
www.foxsports.com.au
GWS GIANTS
State of play: The Giants are well set as they enter year two under Adam Kingsley after a barnstorming 2023 run. Like the Suns, the expansion side has got its list to a spot where it doesn’t need to salary dump and can afford to pay some of its players big money. They’ve traded well and hit the draft. Now it’s all about maximising the best of their stars while they’re still somewhere near their peak and the young guns are continuing to emerge.
Biggest free agency priorities: No.1 is probably Harry Perryman, who’s been a walk-up starter in the Giants’ best 23 under both Kingsley and Leon Cameron. Perryman has the versatility to play in any third of the ground, which would no doubt appeal to rivals. Isaac Cumming, who had a strong start to his 2023 season before a mid-year calf injury, wouldn’t be far behind Perryman. Perhaps the most curious call, though, could surround Nick Haynes. He has one more year left on a significant deal, but was on the fringe of the Giants’ starting line-up throughout the back-end of last season, starting as the sub four times before being left out of both the semi final and preliminary final. Haynes attracted interest from rival clubs late last year, so lots to play out this year.
Biggest contract priorities: Jesse Hogan, who isn’t a free agent but off-contract at season’s end, is playing some of his best football at the Giants and finally looks settled. He’ll be one to track in 2024. Next season, though, is more interesting for the Giants. Far and away the biggest to lock down is Sam Taylor, who is arguably the best defender in the competition and will be a free agent at the end of 2025. Finn Callaghan won’t be a free agent but could be attracting some big offers depending on how his 2024 pans out. The Giants will be hoping that the tough list calls they’ve made in recent years have put them in a good position to re-sign the likes of Taylor and Callaghan long-term.
- Jul 16, 2015
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Our list is in great shape .However looking at our contract situation if we are to improve our list from outside it needs to happen this year.
Next year Daniels,Taylor,Ashe,Callaghan,Brown and Bedford all come out of contract and all will justifiably ask for significant pay rises.Our backline is stacked as is our forward line so assuming Hogan re signs I dont think this is our priority.Our mids are where we may target somebody..With Ward a chance to retire after a stellar career how Rowston and even Conor Stone progress could determine our trade strategy for pure mids(With Jones,Gothard and Fonti coming in as well as Angwin and Wehr also competing i think we are gopd for outsde wing /mids)..If they don't we need to target an experienced mid to assist Cogs,Kelly,Whitfield and Toby etc to win a premiership while they are still in there prime..A heavily front ended contract for 2025 is how we could possibly do this.I want Cummings and Perryman to stay but the question will be at what cost and whether we allocate that money to target another mid.
Who to target?. Mcglugage while very unlikely to come to us(property offers geelong way will come or most
likey re signs at Lions))as a free agent makes sense as we could still get a decent mid in a high quality mids draft....Cheaper option.Berry...Then possibly out of contract players like Smith as well.If he wants to get out of the Melbourne fish bowl maybe a chance but older teams like Geelong and Pies are heavily linked here.Left field option and probably not popular here but assuming relations are OK with senior Giants Dylan Shiel makes sense.Also assuming his body is OK he may be gettable from Essendon with there contract calls coming up..Massively front end a 2 year contract offer.We could still keep our first round draft pick for another quality mid and it wouldn't affect our payroll much after 2025.
Brave New World
Team Captain
- Oct 31, 2009
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Ultimate player ratings: Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane rate every GWS player
By JON RALPH
SPORTS REPORTER
and GLENN MCFARLANE
SPORTS REPORTER
NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA SPORTS NEWSROOM
06 FEBRUARY 2024
Greater Western Sydney has spent its entire history battling what it perceive as a lack of respect.
As the Giants get their premiership charge under way, they will do so with extreme talent on every line and Toby Greene getting fitting reward as the All Australian captain.
But Giants fans might still wonder why it is that Tom Green isn’t mentioned in the same breath as elite young mids Connor Rozee, Sam Walsh, Zak Butters and Errol Gulden. This masthead’s player rankings have him on 89 points – less than that quartet.
Yet, who would be surprised if the 23-year-old ended the year as the Giants’ best player after a complete finals in 2023 with a trio of dominant performances against St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Collingwood.
He might not be as speedy as the aforementioned quartet but what a player.
A clearance freak in the mould of Greg Williams who does it all.
Consider his final against St Kilda – not only huge possession numbers but 705 metres gained, nine inside 50s and six intercept possessions.
So by year’s end, the Giants might hope they have footy’s most lethal forward (Greene), its most dominant intercept defender (Taylor) and a new All Australian in Tom Green.
Footy experts Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane rate every player in the AFL 2024
(Criteria: Prediction of their 2024 performance based on their 2023 season, expected improvement and role in their side.)
Toby Greene 93
Line Greene, Christian Petracca and Nick Daicos up against a wall and pick one to play for your life. Reckon Greene would be the man for so many after a 2023 campaign where he was All-Australian captain and nearly kicked the Giants into a grand final. How many epic years has he got left at 30? Hopefully four or five. We rated Daicos a 94 — one point higher — based on expected improvement. But what a joy it will be to assess who is the No. 1 player at year’s end.
Sam Taylor 90
Is Taylor footy’s best defender? James Sicily and Tom Stewart might disagree, but he averaged nine intercepts across three finals last year. While he missed All-Australian representation due to an ill-timed injury, he is only 24 and wants for nothing as one of footy’s dominant forces. Would have him above all other key defenders.
Tom Green 89
A beast. The beast. He averaged 32 possessions, six clearances and 422 metres gained while also kicking a more-than-handy nine goals last season. Also recorded three massive finals (35 and five clearances, 29 and eight clearances, 31 and six clearances). Plus, the kid has only just turned 23. Might even be unders at 89.
Lachie Whitfield 86
Finally injury free, Whitfield peeled off 24 exceptional games as a dynamic halfback last season, forming an elite duo with Lachie Ash. He has only just hit 30 and is at the peak of his powers as he justifies a long-term deal through to 2027.
Stephen Coniglio 85
Like teammate Whitfield, the 30-year-old had an injury-free run and got on with the business of returning to footy’s elite bracket last season. He knocked out 25 games, averaging 28 touches, 9.8 contested possessions, 5.4 clearances, 4.6 tackles and kicking 15 goals. That is a hell of a season. He should believe that is his standard for the next 2-4 years.
Josh Kelly 84
Kelly and Coniglio had almost identical stat lines last season as quadruple threats — goals, high possession rates, clearances, tackles. Kelly starred with a seven-clearance, two-goal final against St Kilda, which was the highlight of a very consistent September campaign. He finished the year with 34 touches against the Pies in a prelim and the Giants should be thrilled that he is locked away to 2029 if he can keep his body healthy.
Kieren Briggs 81
Factor in another big pre-season to allow Briggs the conditioning to challenge Max Gawn and Tim English as footy’s pre-eminent ruckman. He exploded onto the scene as a Shane Mumford incarnate last year, winning an astonishing 6.5 clearances to go with his physical presence (4.5 tackles) and a high possession rate (15.4 touches). Now he must dodge second-year blues (as a regular AFL player) as rivals put time into the 24-year-old.
Jesse Hogan 78
Made the Giants’ forward line click in 2023 with his hard leading and accurate set shots (49.28 for the year) as Jake Riccardi lifted and the small forwards joined the party. He also cranked out 23 games, exceptional given his previous durability issues. We are backing him to reprise that year and more.
Conor Idun 77
The Giants have found one. The defender took a huge step in 2023, averaging 17 touches at 83.6 per cent efficiency with such power and dash that he will surely find another gear in 2024. Didn’t miss a single game in this stunning Giants backline. Keep an eye on this guy.
Jack Buckley 75
The spoiling king (7.8 per game) got very used to playing on footy’s biggest names as he and Sam Taylor attempted to curtail the influence of the game’s power forwards. At just 26 the former category B is a huge recruiting success story for the Giants.
Lachie Ash 75
Fast closing in on the AFL’s elite after a spectacular year bursting off half back, which included 589 metres gained against St Kilda in the elimination final. Champion Data rated his ball use as only average, so he can lift his kicking and pressure game. But at 22, he has so much time to master his craft.
Finn Callaghan 74
This 20-year-old midfielder is so far from the finished article, with his rating taking in the expectation he takes another giant leap in 2024. In 21 games last year he effortlessly found space on his left foot, with a player dubbed “Baby Bont’ averaging 20 touches amid so many classy cameos and signs of the fully formed player he will one day become.
Brent Daniels 73
Goals are handy but not absolutely critical for Daniels and his partner in crime Bedford, after the small forward finished ninth in the best-and-fairest for a 26-goal season where he was rated elite for pressure and forward 50 ground ball gets. Had a big finals series, kicking only two goals but also recording seven score assists and 14 tackles.
Callan Ward 72
The 33-year-old star of the competition just kept rolling in 2023, getting increasing midfield time through sheer weight of performance after starting the season at half forward and twice being used as sub. He will hit 300 games early (he is on 295) as a remarkable testament to his durability despite his battering ram style of footy. No reason he slows up in 2024.
Harry Himmelberg 71
Won games off his own boot for the Giants in 2023 and re-signed despite intense interest from rivals. However, he missed the top-10 in the club’s best-and-fairest and only polled coaches votes in the final two home-and-away game — when he dragged in nine intercept possessions in each match. Can he get to that level more regularly? He has improvement in him.
Toby Bedford 65
Can rapidly improve this ranking if he can add goal power to his forward-50 resume, which would slot in perfectly along with his rabid forward pressure. In his first season since moving from Melbourne, Bedford averaged 5.1 tackles a game. But he also had over 30 shots at goal for a poor return of 12.16. We know he can get the ball in his hands. Now to become an elite finisher.
Jake Riccardi 65
Enjoyed his best AFL season in 2023, kicking 35.20 and logging 12 score assists among a total of 98 score involvements. He crashed packs, kicked five goals against Fremantle and generally played his role. Cadman will one day emerge to take control of this forward line. But for 2024 at least, Riccardi will believe he is in the form to keep him at bay.
Harry Perryman 64
The free agent might be the most low-profile player in this team, but in a backline of high flyers and high-profile stars he gets on with the business of locking away a pesky foe each week. Perryman played 22 games last season, averaging 76 ranking points and 4.2 tackles to go with elite pressure numbers. He’s still only 25, so back him in to keep getting the job done.
Aaron Cadman 64
Aaron Cadman 64 Got his first taste of the action last year and while he didn’t look out of place, the No. 1 draft pick from 2022 will know how much he must improve. He played 12 games last season for six goals and showed glimpses of his undoubted talent. We’re backing him in to play 15-plus matches in 2024 and take another big step.
Callum Brown 63
What to make of the forward utility? A 188cm Irish attacker, he mixed 19 goals in 19 games with strong forward pressure. In the old days they would have called him a likely type, but can he kick 35 goals a year or apply Bedford-esque tackling pressure? He is definitely a player to watch at only 23 years of age.
Isaac Cumming 62
Another unheralded GWS defender who played 20 games as a general defender, taking mid-sized opponents while averaging 17 no-fuss possessions last year. Expect him to continue taking care of business given his reputation within Giants HQ.
Nick Haynes 59
Has been one of footy’s best interceptors. But with Taylor, Buckley, Idun and Himmelberg taking up the defensive roles last year, Haynes was squeezed into the sub role. It’s not obvious how he gets past that quartet — apart from injury — so as a back-ended contract expires he has a real challenge to find a new role.
Phoenix Gothard 55
You don’t recruit a kid like this — ignoring offers for the Eagles’ future first rounder — if you don’t plan to play him as much as you can in 2024. The draft bolter only averaged 15 touches, one goal and 2.5 tackles in four under-18 games for the Allies last year. But the Giants believe their small forwards will be “unstoppable” with Gothard among them.
Xavier O’Halloran 47
Played 15 games for 11 goals as a forward last year — including all three finals. He started in the St Kilda final as a late inclusion off the sub bench when Coniglio’s eye injury flared. No-fuss, but Adam Kingsley kept picking him given his defined role in the attacking set up.
Braydon Preuss 46
Has the chance in 2024 to be more than an injury-prone and often-suspended big bodied throw-your-weight-around ruckman. With Matt Flynn gone, the Giants could try to help lessen the load on Briggs — who tired noticeably in 2023. So Preuss must be ready to take his chance.
Lachie Keeffe 45
Has always lived on footy’s fringes, playing 14 games as a quasi ruck, quasi forward who kicked only one goal and had just 97 total hit-outs in 16 games last season. He was handed another year’s contract when the Elliott Himmelberg trade fell through, but Cadman will try to take his role in 2024.
James Leake 44
Drifted through to pick 17 as a dangerous utility who kicked five goals late in the year. GWS believes the Tasmanian can play early after being picked as their second selection after Gothard.
Conor Stone 43
The No. 15 pick in the 2020 national draft, Stone played four senior games in a bounce-back year after an injury-ravaged 2022 due to persistent hamstring issues. Contracted until the end of 2024, he will hope to build durability and form in a breakout season.
Adam Kennedy 42
The inaugural Giant ruptured his ACL after five games last year. While he was delisted at season’s end, the Giants re-rookied him with the expectation he will be fit for round 1. As a new breed of forwards change the landscape of the Giants’ front six, Kennedy will be up against it to play 15 plus games. But he’s never quit trying yet for his beloved club.
Ryan Angwin 41
The No. 18 pick in the 2020 national draft suffered a broken leg in round 14 of the 2022 season as he made his debut then bounced back to play 15 games on the wing in 2023. He averaged only 9.7 possessions but is only a baby in football terms
James Peatling 41
The rookie averaged 10 possessions across 10 senior games last season, bringing his career tally to 26 matches. But after the Giants drafted forwards like Gothard, the challenge is on to become an AFL regular.
Harry Rowston 40
Grabbed by GWS when it matched a Sydney bid at pick 16 in the 2022 national draft, the Giants then showed their belief in Rowston by handing him seven senior games last season where he averaged only seven possessions. He will build on that total in 2024, despite modest senior returns.
Cooper Hamilton 39
The running machine — who once smashed the club’s 2km time trial record — added another four games to his career total last year and had some exciting moments in 13 VFL contests. However, he needs to find more of the footy to break into the powerful Giants midfield.
Jacob Wehr 35
Eked out four games in the seniors in 2023 on a wing (for 26 total disposals) in a season in which he broke his scapula early in the year.
Josh Fahey 34
A powerful runner whose 2022 was cut short by a shoulder reconstruction, Fahey logged some massive possession tallies playing on a wing in the VFL last year (43, 42, 37) and also featured in seven senior games, albeit it with limited game time. A strong year of development.
Leek Aleer 33
A tough second season for 2022 debutante, who suffered a quad injury on the eve of the season then a year-ending toe ligament concern. The Giants believe he could be a player of substance, despite his injury issues so far.
Toby McMullin 32
The utility is a No. 34 draft pick who played three late-season games last year but missed finals after strong VFL form as a midfielder-forward.
Wade Derkson 31
The Giants added 197cm WAFL key forward Derksen to their list in the 2022 mid-season draft and he kicked 34 goals and averaged 1.5 clearances in a strong VFL campaign last season but wasn’t able to crack a senior game.
Max Gruzewski 30
The Giants secured marking forward Gruzewski with one of the picks they secured when Tim Taranto departed for Richmond. He had a solid first season in the VFL, kicking 26 goals in 14 games. But he will take time to bust into the senior side.
Darcy Jones 29
A dangerous small forward who was nabbed with the last pick of the first round of the 2022 national draft. However, after shoulder and quad injuries late last pre-season he tore his ACL in his first VFL game in a crushing blow. Will hope to bounce back hard this year.
Nick Madden 28
A 204cm rookie ruckman with a strong build (112kg) who can also go forward. Played a solid year in the VFL in 2023, averaging 11 possessions, 17 hit-outs and 2.4 tackles. But he is a project player.
Joseph Fonti 26
The 189cm medium defender from Claremont was taken by the Giants at pick 44 in last year’s national draft. He plays a proactive game but also has intercept marking capabilities which the Giants believe set him apart.
Harvey Thomas 25
The Giants academy member was taken at pick 59 in last year’s national draft and showed skill as a left-footed rebounding defender for the Allie. He then went forward and kicked goals for Oakleigh Chargers late in the year to showcase his versatility.
Nathan Wardius 24
Mid-sized forward who was added as a Category B rookie at the end of 2023. The 19-year-old was originally part of the Giants’ Academy alongside Harry Rowston but left the program and returned to play country footy in the Hume League. Neat left-footer who played two VFL games with the Giants last year.
By JON RALPH
SPORTS REPORTER
and GLENN MCFARLANE
SPORTS REPORTER
NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA SPORTS NEWSROOM
06 FEBRUARY 2024
Greater Western Sydney has spent its entire history battling what it perceive as a lack of respect.
As the Giants get their premiership charge under way, they will do so with extreme talent on every line and Toby Greene getting fitting reward as the All Australian captain.
But Giants fans might still wonder why it is that Tom Green isn’t mentioned in the same breath as elite young mids Connor Rozee, Sam Walsh, Zak Butters and Errol Gulden. This masthead’s player rankings have him on 89 points – less than that quartet.
Yet, who would be surprised if the 23-year-old ended the year as the Giants’ best player after a complete finals in 2023 with a trio of dominant performances against St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Collingwood.
He might not be as speedy as the aforementioned quartet but what a player.
A clearance freak in the mould of Greg Williams who does it all.
Consider his final against St Kilda – not only huge possession numbers but 705 metres gained, nine inside 50s and six intercept possessions.
So by year’s end, the Giants might hope they have footy’s most lethal forward (Greene), its most dominant intercept defender (Taylor) and a new All Australian in Tom Green.
Footy experts Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane rate every player in the AFL 2024
(Criteria: Prediction of their 2024 performance based on their 2023 season, expected improvement and role in their side.)
Toby Greene 93
Line Greene, Christian Petracca and Nick Daicos up against a wall and pick one to play for your life. Reckon Greene would be the man for so many after a 2023 campaign where he was All-Australian captain and nearly kicked the Giants into a grand final. How many epic years has he got left at 30? Hopefully four or five. We rated Daicos a 94 — one point higher — based on expected improvement. But what a joy it will be to assess who is the No. 1 player at year’s end.
Sam Taylor 90
Is Taylor footy’s best defender? James Sicily and Tom Stewart might disagree, but he averaged nine intercepts across three finals last year. While he missed All-Australian representation due to an ill-timed injury, he is only 24 and wants for nothing as one of footy’s dominant forces. Would have him above all other key defenders.
Tom Green 89
A beast. The beast. He averaged 32 possessions, six clearances and 422 metres gained while also kicking a more-than-handy nine goals last season. Also recorded three massive finals (35 and five clearances, 29 and eight clearances, 31 and six clearances). Plus, the kid has only just turned 23. Might even be unders at 89.
Lachie Whitfield 86
Finally injury free, Whitfield peeled off 24 exceptional games as a dynamic halfback last season, forming an elite duo with Lachie Ash. He has only just hit 30 and is at the peak of his powers as he justifies a long-term deal through to 2027.
Stephen Coniglio 85
Like teammate Whitfield, the 30-year-old had an injury-free run and got on with the business of returning to footy’s elite bracket last season. He knocked out 25 games, averaging 28 touches, 9.8 contested possessions, 5.4 clearances, 4.6 tackles and kicking 15 goals. That is a hell of a season. He should believe that is his standard for the next 2-4 years.
Josh Kelly 84
Kelly and Coniglio had almost identical stat lines last season as quadruple threats — goals, high possession rates, clearances, tackles. Kelly starred with a seven-clearance, two-goal final against St Kilda, which was the highlight of a very consistent September campaign. He finished the year with 34 touches against the Pies in a prelim and the Giants should be thrilled that he is locked away to 2029 if he can keep his body healthy.
Kieren Briggs 81
Factor in another big pre-season to allow Briggs the conditioning to challenge Max Gawn and Tim English as footy’s pre-eminent ruckman. He exploded onto the scene as a Shane Mumford incarnate last year, winning an astonishing 6.5 clearances to go with his physical presence (4.5 tackles) and a high possession rate (15.4 touches). Now he must dodge second-year blues (as a regular AFL player) as rivals put time into the 24-year-old.
Jesse Hogan 78
Made the Giants’ forward line click in 2023 with his hard leading and accurate set shots (49.28 for the year) as Jake Riccardi lifted and the small forwards joined the party. He also cranked out 23 games, exceptional given his previous durability issues. We are backing him to reprise that year and more.
Conor Idun 77
The Giants have found one. The defender took a huge step in 2023, averaging 17 touches at 83.6 per cent efficiency with such power and dash that he will surely find another gear in 2024. Didn’t miss a single game in this stunning Giants backline. Keep an eye on this guy.
Jack Buckley 75
The spoiling king (7.8 per game) got very used to playing on footy’s biggest names as he and Sam Taylor attempted to curtail the influence of the game’s power forwards. At just 26 the former category B is a huge recruiting success story for the Giants.
Lachie Ash 75
Fast closing in on the AFL’s elite after a spectacular year bursting off half back, which included 589 metres gained against St Kilda in the elimination final. Champion Data rated his ball use as only average, so he can lift his kicking and pressure game. But at 22, he has so much time to master his craft.
Finn Callaghan 74
This 20-year-old midfielder is so far from the finished article, with his rating taking in the expectation he takes another giant leap in 2024. In 21 games last year he effortlessly found space on his left foot, with a player dubbed “Baby Bont’ averaging 20 touches amid so many classy cameos and signs of the fully formed player he will one day become.
Brent Daniels 73
Goals are handy but not absolutely critical for Daniels and his partner in crime Bedford, after the small forward finished ninth in the best-and-fairest for a 26-goal season where he was rated elite for pressure and forward 50 ground ball gets. Had a big finals series, kicking only two goals but also recording seven score assists and 14 tackles.
Callan Ward 72
The 33-year-old star of the competition just kept rolling in 2023, getting increasing midfield time through sheer weight of performance after starting the season at half forward and twice being used as sub. He will hit 300 games early (he is on 295) as a remarkable testament to his durability despite his battering ram style of footy. No reason he slows up in 2024.
Harry Himmelberg 71
Won games off his own boot for the Giants in 2023 and re-signed despite intense interest from rivals. However, he missed the top-10 in the club’s best-and-fairest and only polled coaches votes in the final two home-and-away game — when he dragged in nine intercept possessions in each match. Can he get to that level more regularly? He has improvement in him.
Toby Bedford 65
Can rapidly improve this ranking if he can add goal power to his forward-50 resume, which would slot in perfectly along with his rabid forward pressure. In his first season since moving from Melbourne, Bedford averaged 5.1 tackles a game. But he also had over 30 shots at goal for a poor return of 12.16. We know he can get the ball in his hands. Now to become an elite finisher.
Jake Riccardi 65
Enjoyed his best AFL season in 2023, kicking 35.20 and logging 12 score assists among a total of 98 score involvements. He crashed packs, kicked five goals against Fremantle and generally played his role. Cadman will one day emerge to take control of this forward line. But for 2024 at least, Riccardi will believe he is in the form to keep him at bay.
Harry Perryman 64
The free agent might be the most low-profile player in this team, but in a backline of high flyers and high-profile stars he gets on with the business of locking away a pesky foe each week. Perryman played 22 games last season, averaging 76 ranking points and 4.2 tackles to go with elite pressure numbers. He’s still only 25, so back him in to keep getting the job done.
Aaron Cadman 64
Aaron Cadman 64 Got his first taste of the action last year and while he didn’t look out of place, the No. 1 draft pick from 2022 will know how much he must improve. He played 12 games last season for six goals and showed glimpses of his undoubted talent. We’re backing him in to play 15-plus matches in 2024 and take another big step.
Callum Brown 63
What to make of the forward utility? A 188cm Irish attacker, he mixed 19 goals in 19 games with strong forward pressure. In the old days they would have called him a likely type, but can he kick 35 goals a year or apply Bedford-esque tackling pressure? He is definitely a player to watch at only 23 years of age.
Isaac Cumming 62
Another unheralded GWS defender who played 20 games as a general defender, taking mid-sized opponents while averaging 17 no-fuss possessions last year. Expect him to continue taking care of business given his reputation within Giants HQ.
Nick Haynes 59
Has been one of footy’s best interceptors. But with Taylor, Buckley, Idun and Himmelberg taking up the defensive roles last year, Haynes was squeezed into the sub role. It’s not obvious how he gets past that quartet — apart from injury — so as a back-ended contract expires he has a real challenge to find a new role.
Phoenix Gothard 55
You don’t recruit a kid like this — ignoring offers for the Eagles’ future first rounder — if you don’t plan to play him as much as you can in 2024. The draft bolter only averaged 15 touches, one goal and 2.5 tackles in four under-18 games for the Allies last year. But the Giants believe their small forwards will be “unstoppable” with Gothard among them.
Xavier O’Halloran 47
Played 15 games for 11 goals as a forward last year — including all three finals. He started in the St Kilda final as a late inclusion off the sub bench when Coniglio’s eye injury flared. No-fuss, but Adam Kingsley kept picking him given his defined role in the attacking set up.
Braydon Preuss 46
Has the chance in 2024 to be more than an injury-prone and often-suspended big bodied throw-your-weight-around ruckman. With Matt Flynn gone, the Giants could try to help lessen the load on Briggs — who tired noticeably in 2023. So Preuss must be ready to take his chance.
Lachie Keeffe 45
Has always lived on footy’s fringes, playing 14 games as a quasi ruck, quasi forward who kicked only one goal and had just 97 total hit-outs in 16 games last season. He was handed another year’s contract when the Elliott Himmelberg trade fell through, but Cadman will try to take his role in 2024.
James Leake 44
Drifted through to pick 17 as a dangerous utility who kicked five goals late in the year. GWS believes the Tasmanian can play early after being picked as their second selection after Gothard.
Conor Stone 43
The No. 15 pick in the 2020 national draft, Stone played four senior games in a bounce-back year after an injury-ravaged 2022 due to persistent hamstring issues. Contracted until the end of 2024, he will hope to build durability and form in a breakout season.
Adam Kennedy 42
The inaugural Giant ruptured his ACL after five games last year. While he was delisted at season’s end, the Giants re-rookied him with the expectation he will be fit for round 1. As a new breed of forwards change the landscape of the Giants’ front six, Kennedy will be up against it to play 15 plus games. But he’s never quit trying yet for his beloved club.
Ryan Angwin 41
The No. 18 pick in the 2020 national draft suffered a broken leg in round 14 of the 2022 season as he made his debut then bounced back to play 15 games on the wing in 2023. He averaged only 9.7 possessions but is only a baby in football terms
James Peatling 41
The rookie averaged 10 possessions across 10 senior games last season, bringing his career tally to 26 matches. But after the Giants drafted forwards like Gothard, the challenge is on to become an AFL regular.
Harry Rowston 40
Grabbed by GWS when it matched a Sydney bid at pick 16 in the 2022 national draft, the Giants then showed their belief in Rowston by handing him seven senior games last season where he averaged only seven possessions. He will build on that total in 2024, despite modest senior returns.
Cooper Hamilton 39
The running machine — who once smashed the club’s 2km time trial record — added another four games to his career total last year and had some exciting moments in 13 VFL contests. However, he needs to find more of the footy to break into the powerful Giants midfield.
Jacob Wehr 35
Eked out four games in the seniors in 2023 on a wing (for 26 total disposals) in a season in which he broke his scapula early in the year.
Josh Fahey 34
A powerful runner whose 2022 was cut short by a shoulder reconstruction, Fahey logged some massive possession tallies playing on a wing in the VFL last year (43, 42, 37) and also featured in seven senior games, albeit it with limited game time. A strong year of development.
Leek Aleer 33
A tough second season for 2022 debutante, who suffered a quad injury on the eve of the season then a year-ending toe ligament concern. The Giants believe he could be a player of substance, despite his injury issues so far.
Toby McMullin 32
The utility is a No. 34 draft pick who played three late-season games last year but missed finals after strong VFL form as a midfielder-forward.
Wade Derkson 31
The Giants added 197cm WAFL key forward Derksen to their list in the 2022 mid-season draft and he kicked 34 goals and averaged 1.5 clearances in a strong VFL campaign last season but wasn’t able to crack a senior game.
Max Gruzewski 30
The Giants secured marking forward Gruzewski with one of the picks they secured when Tim Taranto departed for Richmond. He had a solid first season in the VFL, kicking 26 goals in 14 games. But he will take time to bust into the senior side.
Darcy Jones 29
A dangerous small forward who was nabbed with the last pick of the first round of the 2022 national draft. However, after shoulder and quad injuries late last pre-season he tore his ACL in his first VFL game in a crushing blow. Will hope to bounce back hard this year.
Nick Madden 28
A 204cm rookie ruckman with a strong build (112kg) who can also go forward. Played a solid year in the VFL in 2023, averaging 11 possessions, 17 hit-outs and 2.4 tackles. But he is a project player.
Joseph Fonti 26
The 189cm medium defender from Claremont was taken by the Giants at pick 44 in last year’s national draft. He plays a proactive game but also has intercept marking capabilities which the Giants believe set him apart.
Harvey Thomas 25
The Giants academy member was taken at pick 59 in last year’s national draft and showed skill as a left-footed rebounding defender for the Allie. He then went forward and kicked goals for Oakleigh Chargers late in the year to showcase his versatility.
Nathan Wardius 24
Mid-sized forward who was added as a Category B rookie at the end of 2023. The 19-year-old was originally part of the Giants’ Academy alongside Harry Rowston but left the program and returned to play country footy in the Hume League. Neat left-footer who played two VFL games with the Giants last year.
MelbourneGWS
Club Legend
- Oct 1, 2022
- 2,112
- 3,064
- AFL Club
- GWS
3 of our players were amongst the 19 paid more than a million dollars last year - Toby, Coniglio and Josh Kelly. No AFL player in a list was paid less than $100k, with an average AFL player earning $441k
www.afl.com.au
Richer than ever: Surprise top earners as 19 players crack $1m
More players than ever have been paid seven figures, overall wages hit new high
www.afl.com.au
- Jan 17, 2013
- 7,600
- 8,297
- AFL Club
- GWS
Wardius has already put on a decent amount of size.
GWS Goose
Brownlow Medallist
he has a bit of freak show about him.
I know he has been playing in a much lower competition, he is a potential surprise packet i reckon.
- Aug 12, 2017
- 3,970
- 7,114
- AFL Club
- GWS
More a grower than a shower
MelbourneGWS
Club Legend
- Oct 1, 2022
- 2,112
- 3,064
- AFL Club
- GWS
No last minute surprises for us in the pre-season supplemental selection period
GWS GIANTS
Outside of the club’s Academy prospects, the Giants didn’t have any players join them on a train and trial basis. They did sign Academy player Nathan Wardius as a Category B rookie in November and re-drafted Adam Kennedy, who’s rehabbing from an ACL injury, in the rookie draft.
www.foxsports.com.au
GWS GIANTS
Outside of the club’s Academy prospects, the Giants didn’t have any players join them on a train and trial basis. They did sign Academy player Nathan Wardius as a Category B rookie in November and re-drafted Adam Kennedy, who’s rehabbing from an ACL injury, in the rookie draft.
Ex-BBL, Shield cricketer becomes fourth new Pie after bidding war: AFL pre-season signing wrap
Ex-BBL, Shield cricketer becomes fourth new Pie after bidding war: AFL pre-season signing wrap
www.foxsports.com.au
- Jan 17, 2013
- 7,600
- 8,297
- AFL Club
- GWS
Getting rid of Hopper in particular is one of the best trade moves in modern AFL.
PaythePerryman
Club Legend
- Oct 13, 2020
- 1,026
- 1,664
- AFL Club
- GWS
He didn't look amazing did he. Solid mid but maybe doesn't suit the new style that most clubs are adopting. I'd love Taranto back though.
Hendo_21
Club Legend
- Aug 14, 2021
- 1,938
- 2,786
- AFL Club
- GWS
Taranto back would be perfect solves any worry we have with our midfield depth this year.
Given we have Green it would be a pass for me. Great player but too slow for our new game style. In a full strength team he wouldn’t get a game.
We only really player 5 through the centre square and you wouldn’t replace any of them with him. Cogs, Kelly, green, Callaghan and Ward.
PaythePerryman
Club Legend
- Oct 13, 2020
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Let's be real though....we would be playing him over Ward at this stage.
He's very good, and works well in the tigers system which isn't dissimilar to ours....given we are emulating them.
I wonder who that next mid coming up with be. I've heard Leake has been training as a big bodied mid
- Jan 17, 2013
- 7,600
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Ward is a ten times better kick.
PaythePerryman
Club Legend
- Oct 13, 2020
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Taranto ha much better defensive running and is in his prime.
I don't have a problem with our mids but this is his last year and Taranto would have been fantastic for us last year.
I'm hoping Rowston can step up into that role at some stage this year
I’d take Ward this year over Taranto in the giants system this year. The only way in for Taranto would be for Green otherwise he’d throw the balance out. We got rid of hopper and Taranto cause the balance is in our mids was out. Kelly/cogs/ward had to play out of position to accomodate him cause he couldn’t play anywhere other than onball.
Ward is still playing well enough to play on after this year. He is like Pendlebury, in that he is so good in traffic. He looked gone under Leon cause he was played out of position
Hendo_21
Club Legend
- Aug 14, 2021
- 1,938
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Actually insane to take Ward over Taranto! Ward got subbed out of the prelim last year because he wasn't good enough!! It's probably going to look worse this year for him, Taranto is one of the best two way midfielders in the whole sport and although he doesn't have burst speed he's a great runner (not like Ward is fast). It's so easy to get hung up on Taranto's kicking when he does so many other things well, if we want to talk about system fits he won BNF in THE Dimma system last year. An elite clearance and inside mid while being one of the best pressure players in the comp he'd be perfect.
PaythePerryman
Club Legend
- Oct 13, 2020
- 1,026
- 1,664
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Ding ding ding...we have a winner.
I understand not wanting to pick a past player....but he's so obviously a better fit for where we are at.
Callaghan going to be a beast this year anyway...Pacey left footer, probably the best kick in our team at the end of last year
GWS Goose
Brownlow Medallist
Unpopular opinion. Ive always thought Taranto was overrated. Used to frustrate me no end. Even the year he won the Bnf.
I also think Ward is close to the most underrated player in the comp.
He is so clean, his running is massively underrated and he has always been clutch.
Even on equal money Id pick Ward.
I also think Ward is close to the most underrated player in the comp.
He is so clean, his running is massively underrated and he has always been clutch.
Even on equal money Id pick Ward.
