List Mgmt. 2025 GWS Giants List Management - Academy, Free Agent, Trade & Draft

[Giant Strides]

The 2024 National, Pre-season & Rookie Drafts have been run and won, so it's time to look forward to the 2025 season of list management.

Here's the current list statistics:

• main list = 37
• rookie A list = 5 (Fahey, Keeffe, Wehr, Derksen, Madden)
• rookie B list = 2 (Wardius, Delana)
• Total = 44

Players OOC at the end of season 2024 - Free Agents are marked * (I'll update & cross out players as they re-sign with GWS):

• Callan Ward* (confirms he will retire this year)
• Toby Bedford Recommitted 24/3/25
• Finn Callaghan Recommitted 24/2/25
• Leek Aleer (now staying after St Kilda reneged on a deal with him)
• Xavier O'Halloran Officially recommitted 26/7/25
• Callum Brown Recommitted 23/7/25

Rookie lists:

• Jacob Wehr* (confirmed UFA move to port Adelaide)
• Lachlan Keeffe* (confirmed retirement)
• Josh Fahey* (delisted)
• Josaia Delana (Cat B) Recommitted 2/7/25
• Wade Derksen (delisted)
• Nathan Wardius (Cat B) Recommitted 8/8/25

2025 picks based on rolling ladder order:


New academy DVI points system can be found here: https://mcusercontent.com/7cd32ad25.../00853ebd-ebff-a840-7be0-feba31347590/DVI.pdf

 

[Giant Strides]

Academy stuff:

There's probably only 1 GWS academy kid in the sights at this stage, Bailey-Dean Latanis. However, there are 3 Murray Bushrangers on whom we could set sights ... Liam Hetherton (KPF), Ryder Corrigan (midfielder) and Harrison Wilson (medium defender).

AFL DRAFT | Why the 2025 Allies can repeat history

After having 17 players drafted out of the title-winning 2023 Allies squad, similar feats could be on the horizon for a talented future crop.

central.rookieme.com

POTENTIAL 2025 ALLIES LINEUP​

B: Harrison Wilson (MB) – Kalani White (GC) – Max Hudson (GC)
HB: Harrison Bridge (BL) – Lenny Koller (MB) – Lachlan Carmichael (SS)
C: Dylan Patterson (GC) – Daniel Annable (BL) – Jai Murray (GC)
HF: Noah Chamberlain (SS) – Taj Murray (NT) – Max King (SS)
F: Raphael Geesu (BL) – Liam Hetherton (MB) – Bailey-Dean Latanis (GWS)
FOL: Jasper Hay (TAS) – Beau Addinsall (GC) – Zeke Uwland (GC)

INT: Cooper Collins (GC), Ryder Corrigan (MB), Benjamin Lillico (BL), Kalen Russell (NT), Isaac Waller (BL), Lucas Wootton (TAS)

EMG: Koby Coulson (GC), Jack Harrison (BL), Riley Hansen (GWS), Kaiden McNamara (SS), James Milner (OC)

 

[GWS Goose]

The 2024 National, Pre-season & Rookie Drafts have been run and won, so it's time to look forward to the 2025 season of list management.

Here's the current list statistics:

• main list = 37
• rookie A list = 5 (Fahey, Keeffe, Wehr, Derksen, Madden)
• rookie B list = 2 (Wardius, Delana)
• Total = 44

Players OOC at the end of season 2024 - Free Agents are marked * (I'll update & cross out players as they re-sign with GWS):

• Callan Ward* (is this his last year?)
• Toby Bedford
• Finn Callaghan (No 1 signature target!)
• Leek Aleer (no doubt a target of interstate clubs)
• Xavier O'Halloran
• Callum Brown

Rookie lists:

• Jacob Wehr*
• Lachlan Keeffe* (surely this is his last year?)
• Josh Fahey*
• Josaia Delana
• Wade Derksen
• Nathan Wardius (Cat B)

2025 picks based on rolling ladder order (GWS deathriding the Crows) can be found here: https://www.google.com/url?q=https:...991548361015&usg=AOvVaw2X0xWHsr3cbOD5lgH-qlfh

New academy matching rules can be found here: https://mcusercontent.com/7cd32ad25.../00853ebd-ebff-a840-7be0-feba31347590/DVI.pdf

not a lot at risk this year.
If we could nail Finn before a ball was kicked I'd be stoked.

 

[Giant Strides]

List analysis: How your club has built its list

Check out how your club has put together its list heading into the 2025 season

www.afl.com.au

Greater Western Sydney has brought in 33 of its players through the draft, which is six more than the next highest in the League.

Top 10 clubs	Players who joined via AFL Draft
Greater Western Sydney	33
North Melbourne, Richmond	27
Brisbane, Fremantle, West Coast, Western Bulldogs	26
Essendon, Gold Coast, Port Adelaide	25

AFL Draft: 33 (most)
Trade: 3 (18th most)
Free agency: 1 (equal 11th most)
Rookie Draft/Cat B rookies: 5 (equal ninth most)
Pre-Season Draft/SSP: 0 (equal 13th most)
Mid-Season Draft: 1 (equal 14th most)

 

[Giant Strides]

Another "fluff" article, from SEN.

Aleer would arguably be more from the player's perspective - I'd argue it would be hard to improve on Taylor & Buckley in our team. Himmelberg is the man he could displace, and that could improve the team. On the other hand, if Stinger hits his straps, it could make our forward line a very dangerous weapon!

The player at all 18 AFL clubs that needs an enormous pre-season

Which player at your club needs a big pre-season?

www.sen.com.au

Leek Aleer and Jake Stringer

It feels like 2025 could be the season that the freakishly athletic Leek Aleer explodes. The 23-year-old played eight games in 2024 and showed some of his enormous potential, particularly in a match-winning defensive display against Geelong in Round 11. Aleer has been stuck behind Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley in the key defence pecking order, but he needs to find a way to force himself into the Giants’ backline. Otherwise his head could be turned. A massive pre-season is crucial for Aleer who possesses the natural attributes required to be a very good AFL defender. Now he needs the fitness and strength to go with it.

You could also thrown in trade period recruit Jake Stringer. He was constantly critiqued for the shape in which he turned up to pre-season during his time at Essendon. Perhaps he’ll be keen to make a strong impression on his new teammates.
If Stringer can kick 40-plus goals in 2025, then the Giants might become serious, serious contenders.

Andrew Slevison

 

[Orange crush]

Another "fluff" article, from SEN.

Aleer would arguably be more from the player's perspective - I'd argue it would be hard to improve on Taylor & Buckley in our team. Himmelberg is the man he could displace, and that could improve the team. On the other hand, if Stinger hits his straps, it could make our forward line a very dangerous weapon!

The player at all 18 AFL clubs that needs an enormous pre-season

Which player at your club needs a big pre-season?

www.sen.com.au

Leek Aleer and Jake Stringer

It feels like 2025 could be the season that the freakishly athletic Leek Aleer explodes. The 23-year-old played eight games in 2024 and showed some of his enormous potential, particularly in a match-winning defensive display against Geelong in Round 11. Aleer has been stuck behind Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley in the key defence pecking order, but he needs to find a way to force himself into the Giants’ backline. Otherwise his head could be turned. A massive pre-season is crucial for Aleer who possesses the natural attributes required to be a very good AFL defender. Now he needs the fitness and strength to go with it.

You could also thrown in trade period recruit Jake Stringer. He was constantly critiqued for the shape in which he turned up to pre-season during his time at Essendon. Perhaps he’ll be keen to make a strong impression on his new teammates.
If Stringer can kick 40-plus goals in 2025, then the Giants might become serious, serious contenders.

Andrew Slevison

Fluff is right

Thank Christ for the cricket as I don’t even have Shohei to keep me entertained over winter

 

[Giant Strides]

Zerohanger article about out of contract players in season 2025:

Where do your club's 2025 out-of-contract players stand?

Some clubs have plenty of work to do while others will enjoy reaping the rewards from previous years planning.

www.zerohanger.com

GWS​

(12 players)

The Giants' impressive work in years gone by has resulted in a competition-low 12 players who need to be re-signed. One name is Finn Callaghan, who is liked by many clubs around the league, including St Kilda. The mini exodus in the 2024 off-season has offered financial reprieve, which Callaghan is likely to cash in on.

Leek Aleer will be an interesting watch given his inability to consistently play senior football as well as a general shortage of star key defenders around the nation.

Xavier O'Halloran's failed attempt to get to the Western Bulldogs will likely rear its head again at the end of the year, unless the Giants show their keenness.

Callan Ward and Lachlan Keefe could be gearing up for retirement.

Out of contracts: Leek Aleer, Toby Bedford, Callum M Brown, Finn Callaghan, Josaia Delana, Josh Fahey, Lachlan Keeffe, Toby McMullin, Xavier O'Halloran, Callan Ward, Nathan Wardius, Jacob Wehr

 

[Orange crush]

Zerohanger article about out of contract players in season 2025:

Where do your club's 2025 out-of-contract players stand?

Some clubs have plenty of work to do while others will enjoy reaping the rewards from previous years planning.

www.zerohanger.com

GWS​

(12 players)

The Giants' impressive work in years gone by has resulted in a competition-low 12 players who need to be re-signed. One name is Finn Callaghan, who is liked by many clubs around the league, including St Kilda. The mini exodus in the 2024 off-season has offered financial reprieve, which Callaghan is likely to cash in on.

Leek Aleer will be an interesting watch given his inability to consistently play senior football as well as a general shortage of star key defenders around the nation.

Xavier O'Halloran's failed attempt to get to the Western Bulldogs will likely rear its head again at the end of the year, unless the Giants show their keenness.

Callan Ward and Lachlan Keefe could be gearing up for retirement.

Out of contracts: Leek Aleer, Toby Bedford, Callum M Brown, Finn Callaghan, Josaia Delana, Josh Fahey, Lachlan Keeffe, Toby McMullin, Xavier O'Halloran, Callan Ward, Nathan Wardius, Jacob Wehr

Goes without saying but only 3-4 to be concerned about in that group: Finn, Leek, Toby and Toby … can’t see much demand for anyone else but X and maybe brown

 

[PaythePerryman]

Goes without saying but only 3-4 to be concerned about in that group: Finn, Leek, Toby and Toby … can’t see much demand for anyone else but X and maybe brown

Part of me has already accepted that Leek will go. Taylor, Himmelberg signed on long term. Buckley unlikely to go anywhere.
Bedford you'd think will stay.

McMullin I really like but with so many guys at that position I can see a club luring him away

 

[GWS Goose]

Part of me has already accepted that Leek will go. Taylor, Himmelberg signed on long term. Buckley unlikely to go anywhere.
Bedford you'd think will stay.

McMullin I really like but with so many guys at that position I can see a club luring him away

They better re-sign my man!
I have a bet with a mate he'll be an all Australian.
My $50 vs his $5000.

 

[PaythePerryman]

They better re-sign my man!
I have a bet with a mate he'll be an all Australian.
My $50 vs his $5000.

Leek?

I hope it's not for next year only
Honestly unless they play him as a ruck I don't see how he is even in the team

 

[GWS Goose]

Leek?

I hope it's not for next year only
Honestly unless they play him as a ruck I don't see how he is even in the team

McMullen, lifetime.
I was saying I was very happy with our kids.
He was scoffing at who and I mentioned Muff as one I really liked. He said he was a bum.
I got 100 /1 on a lifetime all Australian.
I've told him and a few others including Kingers.
No pressure, but lift.
Funny, he said do I get a sling if I do it, I said if he is All Australian he won't be worried about money anymore, a few bucks from me won't make a difference.

 

[PaythePerryman]

McMullen, lifetime.
I was saying I was very happy with our kids.
He was scoffing at who and I mentioned Muff as one I really liked. He said he was a bum.
I got 100 /1 on a lifetime all Australian.
I've told him and a few others including Kingers.
No pressure, but lift.
Funny, he said do I get a sling if I do it, I said if he is All Australian he won't be worried about money anymore, a few bucks from me won't make a difference.

I think you're gonna lose $50

I love the optimism though. Just so hard to stand out in that position without being a prolific goalscorer. Daniels really should be in contention for AA at the moment. But you never know. Muff might go to that next level soon.
He's probably gotta keen Gothard or Thomas out of the team long term.

I agree with you thought I'm stoked with how we have drafted recently

 

[GWS Goose]

I think you're gonna lose $50

I love the optimism though. Just so hard to stand out in that position without being a prolific goalscorer. Daniels really should be in contention for AA at the moment. But you never know. Muff might go to that next level soon.
He's probably gotta keen Gothard or Thomas out of the team long term.

I agree with you thought I'm stoked with how we have drafted recently

I think he'll be a mid forward long term.
I'm very bullish on him.
He wins contests, he is very explosive, clean as a whistle and I takes good options. That's the game.
Currently his tank is moderate only. So was petracca at this point of his career.
He doesn't yet get big numbers and his impact is easy to miss but if you watch him close he'll win over quickly

 

[Orangeutan]

I think he'll be a mid forward long term.
I'm very bullish on him.
He wins contests, he is very explosive, clean as a whistle and I takes good options. That's the game.
Currently his tank is moderate only. So was petracca at this point of his career.
He doesn't yet get big numbers and his impact is easy to miss but if you watch him close he'll win over quickly

I like your assessment.
He hates to waste the ball, like Thomas, but unlike Thomas he's not quite as damaging - yet.
I back our coaches to challenge him to lift.

 

[GWS Goose]

I like your assessment.
He hates to waste the ball, like Thomas, but unlike Thomas he's not quite as damaging - yet.
I back our coaches to challenge him to lift.

I think he is damaging already. Quite regularly he pokes his nose through to allow the runners to be out, often plays on quickly with a centring kick that again gets us rolling. I never noticed at the ground, but on TV you see him be the firestarter a couple times a game.
That's why I rate him so highly.

 

[PaythePerryman]

I think he is damaging already. Quite regularly he pokes his nose through to allow the running to be out of plays on quickly with a centring kick that again gets us rolling. I never noticed at the ground, but on TV you seem if be the firestarter a couple times a game.
That's why I rate him so highly.

A career best year would be amazing. Couple of weeks off early to load up then BANG!
In the mean time I'm hoping we see Gothard healthy and ready to go round 0 for the pies.
Stringer + Gothard in an already
damaging forward like could lead to fireworks.
If Stringer gets off the leash early it could be huge for us

 

[GWS Goose]

A career best year would be amazing. Couple of weeks off early to load up then BANG!
In the mean time I'm hoping we see Gothard healthy and ready to go round 0 for the pies.
Stringer + Gothard in an already
damaging forward like could lead to fireworks.
If Stringer gets off the leash early it could be huge for us

Phoenix is my player partner, so I really hope he kills it.
I'm really keen on him as well. The club keep telling me they love him and think he is going to be awesome.

 

[Orangeutan]

Phoenix is my player partner, so I really hope he kills it.
I'm really keen on him as well. The club keep telling me they love him and think he is going to be awesome.

I'm also keen on him and hope he gets opportunities in the AFL.
Illness and injuries caused him a stop/start VFL season and really held him back.
When Gothard gets the ball he has class, but his two-way running was also impressive.

 

[PaythePerryman]

I'm also keen on him and hope he gets opportunities in the AFL.
Illness and injuries caused him a stop/start VFL season and really held him back.
When Gothard gets the ball he has class, but his two-way running was also impressive.

You'd think as a high pick we'd wanna see some pretty impressive flashes this year. I know he was a bolter but it was a big risk to take him at that pick.

 

[Giant Pete]

There is certainly some youth coming through to make for really healthy competition for spots. It’s going to be really hard to keep Fonti out of the squad. He is electric, competes hard defensively and is a good user… Ash should be looking over his shoulder.

 

[PaythePerryman]

There is certainly some youth coming through to make for really healthy competition for spots. It’s going to be really hard to keep Fonti out of the squad. He is electric, competes hard defensively and is a good user… Ash should be looking over his shoulder.

The knock on Fonti ATM is he can attack well but can't defend just yet.
His game style probably suits the position currently held by Ash and Whitfield. LOTS OF RUNNING.
It's that third small defender that in looking for to rise this year.
Stone, Leake, Wehr?

I think I'm most excited about Gothard and Rowston coming through. We didn't get to see heaps from Rowston but what I saw I liked. He's a tackle machine. Leake's size could be a real asset if he continues to develop as a mid rather than a half back.

 

[GWS Goose]

The knock on Fonti ATM is he can attack well but can't defend just yet.
His game style probably suits the position currently held by Ash and Whitfield. LOTS OF RUNNING.
It's that third small defender that in looking for to rise this year.
Stone, Leake, Wehr?

I think I'm most excited about Gothard and Rowston coming through. We didn't get to see heaps from Rowston but what I saw I liked. He's a tackle machine. Leake's size could be a real asset if he continues to develop as a mid rather than a half back.

Worth noting the young blokes think Rowsten will be the best small from that draft class

 

[PaythePerryman]

Worth noting the young blokes think Rowsten will be the best small from that draft class

Yeah he's definitely a mid though. I'd bring him in if Cogs/Ward ever needs a break

 

[GWS Goose]

Yeah he's definitely a mid though. I'd bring him in if Cogs/Ward ever needs a break

Played forward in the U/18's for the allies.
Do t think he is as 1 dimensional as some think.
He could easily get Peatlings minutes or play in a similar role to XOH has played.