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Prediction 2024 GWS Giants - Predicted best 22, breakout player(s), general player/team discussion & questions

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My goodness, the Melbourne media actually saying something positive about GWS?


GWS GIANTS

13th oldest and 14th most experienced list entering 2024 - Lost Preliminary Final (13-10)


It made much more sense last year when the Giants were just floating in mediocrity, after yet another off-season where they saw big names depart the club. And yet, as we all fell in love with, Adam Kingsley turned things around for the men in orange and got them within a point of a staggering Grand Final appearance. You could argue they were closer to a flag in 2016, and they actually played in the decider in 2019, but 2024 is a heck of a time to be a GWS fan because they should still be this good for a while. The likes of Greene, Kelly, Whitfield and Coniglio still have a few years left at this level while the generation led by Taylor, Buckley, Daniels and Briggs are just reaching their primes now. The production line of high draft picks turning into stars chugs along unabated, and Hogan’s 2023 emergence buys time for Cadman to live up to his draft billing. By the end of last season the Giants just looked like a team without a real flaw - maybe some of the guys who improved dramatically last year will take a step backwards, but otherwise this looks like a group ready to contend and keep contending.

Premiership window: 2024-27
 
My goodness, the Melbourne media actually saying something positive about GWS?


GWS GIANTS

13th oldest and 14th most experienced list entering 2024 - Lost Preliminary Final (13-10)


It made much more sense last year when the Giants were just floating in mediocrity, after yet another off-season where they saw big names depart the club. And yet, as we all fell in love with, Adam Kingsley turned things around for the men in orange and got them within a point of a staggering Grand Final appearance. You could argue they were closer to a flag in 2016, and they actually played in the decider in 2019, but 2024 is a heck of a time to be a GWS fan because they should still be this good for a while. The likes of Greene, Kelly, Whitfield and Coniglio still have a few years left at this level while the generation led by Taylor, Buckley, Daniels and Briggs are just reaching their primes now. The production line of high draft picks turning into stars chugs along unabated, and Hogan’s 2023 emergence buys time for Cadman to live up to his draft billing. By the end of last season the Giants just looked like a team without a real flaw - maybe some of the guys who improved dramatically last year will take a step backwards, but otherwise this looks like a group ready to contend and keep contending.

Premiership window: 2024-27
Don't think there's much excuses for this team to not be right in the mix for top 4 next year, loaded with talent all over the field, another year as being a part of the system as opposed to having to learn a new system. This is probably the best I've ever felt about us going into a new season, elite talent, sustainable winning style and a great coach, it could really be the year. Think we'll trot out the best/most talented 22 in the comp next year with how much talent with have all over the field, only nits you could pick with this team imo are probably the fact we're maybe an inside mid short and it might be nice to have another goal kicking option up forward but that's about it and they're not big holes that realistically could be filled by internal development this year and if they don't we're still in a really good position.
 
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Don't think there's much excuses for this team to not be right in the mix for top 4 next year, loaded with talent all over the field, another year as being a part of the system as opposed to having to learn a new system. This is probably the best I've ever felt about us going into a new season, elite talent, sustainable winning style and a great coach, it could really be the year. Think we'll trot out the best/most talented 22 in the comp next year with how much talent with have all over the field, only nits you could pick with this team imo are probably the fact we're maybe an inside mid short and it might be nice to have another goal kicking option up forward but that's about it and they're not big holes that realistically could be filled by internal development this year and if they don't we're still in a really good position.
If we can start the year well despite our fixturing issues....I think we are a chance at some home finals.
 

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GWS GIANTS


B: Jack Buckley, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun

HB: Lachie Ash, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Whitfield

C: Isaac Cumming, Tom Green, Harry Perryman

HF: Toby Bedford, Jake Riccardi, Brent Daniels

F: Callum Brown, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene

FOLL: Kieren Briggs, Callan Ward, Josh Kelly

I/C: Finn Callaghan, Stephen Coniglio, Aaron Cadman, Phoenix Gothard, Nick Haynes (sub)


Key off-season ins: Phoenix Gothard, James Leake


Key off-season outs: Daniel Lloyd, Phil Davis, Matt Flynn




WE SAY: Behind-the-scenes footage of the Giants’ draft showed how much they value Pick 12 Phoenix Gothard given how well he would compliment their forward line. National recruiting manager Adrian Caruso even revealed they would’ve considered him at Pick 8, such is how high Gothard was on their draft board, a pick they ended up trading. Fellow draftee James Leake, who can play forward and back, would also be a sneaky chance for Round 1, but seems less likely. Elsewhere, Kieren Briggs’ has locked down the No. 1 ruck role and should again stay solo even if Braydon Preuss is healthy. They’d ideally give Leek Aleer more senior games, but it’s a tough defence to crack into. Speaking of more senior games, Aaron Cadman should be given ample opportunities to take another leap forward in a contract year for the former No. 1 draft pick —and GWS frankly needs a more consistent running partner for Jesse Hogan.


 
GWS GIANTS


B: Jack Buckley, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun

HB: Lachie Ash, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Whitfield

C: Isaac Cumming, Tom Green, Harry Perryman

HF: Toby Bedford, Jake Riccardi, Brent Daniels

F: Callum Brown, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene

FOLL: Kieren Briggs, Callan Ward, Josh Kelly

I/C: Finn Callaghan, Stephen Coniglio, Aaron Cadman, Phoenix Gothard, Nick Haynes (sub)


Key off-season ins: Phoenix Gothard, James Leake


Key off-season outs: Daniel Lloyd, Phil Davis, Matt Flynn




WE SAY: Behind-the-scenes footage of the Giants’ draft showed how much they value Pick 12 Phoenix Gothard given how well he would compliment their forward line. National recruiting manager Adrian Caruso even revealed they would’ve considered him at Pick 8, such is how high Gothard was on their draft board, a pick they ended up trading. Fellow draftee James Leake, who can play forward and back, would also be a sneaky chance for Round 1, but seems less likely. Elsewhere, Kieren Briggs’ has locked down the No. 1 ruck role and should again stay solo even if Braydon Preuss is healthy. They’d ideally give Leek Aleer more senior games, but it’s a tough defence to crack into. Speaking of more senior games, Aaron Cadman should be given ample opportunities to take another leap forward in a contract year for the former No. 1 draft pick —and GWS frankly needs a more consistent running partner for Jesse Hogan.


Pez and cheese on the wings?
 
GWS GIANTS


B: Jack Buckley, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun

HB: Lachie Ash, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Whitfield

C: Isaac Cumming, Tom Green, Harry Perryman

HF: Toby Bedford, Jake Riccardi, Brent Daniels

F: Callum Brown, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene

FOLL: Kieren Briggs, Callan Ward, Josh Kelly

I/C: Finn Callaghan, Stephen Coniglio, Aaron Cadman, Phoenix Gothard, Nick Haynes (sub)


Key off-season ins: Phoenix Gothard, James Leake


Key off-season outs: Daniel Lloyd, Phil Davis, Matt Flynn




WE SAY: Behind-the-scenes footage of the Giants’ draft showed how much they value Pick 12 Phoenix Gothard given how well he would compliment their forward line. National recruiting manager Adrian Caruso even revealed they would’ve considered him at Pick 8, such is how high Gothard was on their draft board, a pick they ended up trading. Fellow draftee James Leake, who can play forward and back, would also be a sneaky chance for Round 1, but seems less likely. Elsewhere, Kieren Briggs’ has locked down the No. 1 ruck role and should again stay solo even if Braydon Preuss is healthy. They’d ideally give Leek Aleer more senior games, but it’s a tough defence to crack into. Speaking of more senior games, Aaron Cadman should be given ample opportunities to take another leap forward in a contract year for the former No. 1 draft pick —and GWS frankly needs a more consistent running partner for Jesse Hogan.


Just looking at this team I think we have to go into this season with the mindset that we are a real premiership contender, guys like Toby might be the best player this club has for a long time and we need to capitalize on these prime years because he's ticked over 30 now and there's only going to be a few more bites at the apple with him in the team before he's gone. It's great that we still have a strong young talent base to build on that's going to keep us in good shape for a long time but the superstar tier 1 players like Toby are the guys that you need to win that only come around so often. Doesn't even include Cogs, Kelly and Whitfield as well who although have a few years left of high quality play the well is going to run dry eventually. This isn't like last year where it's happy fun time that we made it to the prelim and had a great run that caught everyone by surprise that has to be high standard from the jump. It's going to be a harder year with more injuries likely to come and a tougher schedule but we're in a good position to be able to mitigate those potential issues.
 
So Pies round 1 have Cameron and Cox as there 2 rucks.As unfashionable as he is Keefe is the most suitable 2nd ruck and to play his role in other ways.Riccardi etc just doesn’t cut it as a 2nd ruck option against 2 genuine rucks.Preuss can only be a ruck and Kingsley won’t play 2 rucks who can’t play at worst a negating forward role.
 
If Keefe plays, only room for 3 of Brown, Hogan, Cadman, Riccardi.
Unless injuries in the backline mean Brown plays back.
I wonder if given he was a winger before 2022, if Cadman could spend some time on a wing.
Perhaps only if we have injuries in a game and we need a forward to play some midfield time ( although Toby is the obvious choice in those curcumstances).
 
So Pies round 1 have Cameron and Cox as there 2 rucks.As unfashionable as he is Keefe is the most suitable 2nd ruck and to play his role in other ways.Riccardi etc just doesn’t cut it as a 2nd ruck option against 2 genuine rucks.Preuss can only be a ruck and Kingsley won’t play 2 rucks who can’t play at worst a negating forward role.
What about Harry H. He was pretty good as backup ruck last year, was doing it when Toby kicked the winner vs swans.
Perhaps an option is for ruck to be say 80 % Briggs, then 10% Harry, 10% somebody else.
That way Harry still has plenty of time back.
If Briggs is injured or not playing well for some reason , we have to make do.
Maybe someone else steps up?
 
If Keefe plays, only room for 3 of Brown, Hogan, Cadman, Riccardi.
Unless injuries in the backline mean Brown plays back.
I wonder if given he was a winger before 2022, if Cadman could spend some time on a wing.
Perhaps only if we have injuries in a game and we need a forward to play some midfield time ( although Toby is the obvious choice in those curcumstances).
Cadman is not a winger imo
 

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B Idun Taylor Buckley
HB Ash Himmleberg Haynes
C Whitfield Green Callaghan
HF Greene Riccardi Daniels
F Brown Hogan Bedford
FOLL- Briggs Coniglio Kelly
I/C- Cumming, Perryman, XOH, Cadman, Ward
 
B Idun Taylor Buckley
HB Ash Himmleberg Haynes
C Whitfield Green Callaghan
HF Greene Riccardi Daniels
F Brown Hogan Bedford
FOLL- Briggs Coniglio Kelly
I/C- Cumming, Perryman, XOH, Cadman, Ward
The backline is pretty tall. I think Haynes is outside our best 25 or so, will play only if others are injured.
 
Sen’s predictions including the breakout player. I however, like best their second last prediction where they think that we will repeat Collingwood’s trajectory and win the premiership in 2024!!

Finn Callaghan is 2024’s breakout youngster
2023 was the year of the breakout young midfielder. Nick Daicos, Errol Gulden, Zak Butters, Noah Anderson, Caleb Serong, Tom Green and more announced themselves as superstars set to lead the competition for a decade.

2024 will be the year Finn Callaghan achieves something similar.

The former top three draft pick had a strong season playing predominantly on the wing for the Giants, with his combination of size, speed, strength and touch making him a fascinating prospect.

Callaghan was moved more on-ball in the latter parts of the season, picking up 21 disposals and winning three clearances in a Preliminary Final.

If he gets a strong pre-season under his belt, he will prove the perfect complimentary piece in the midfield for Tom Green and Stephen Coniglio and the Giants should start to give him greater opportunities on-ball.

Pre-draft player comparison rankings have become a bit of a joke in recent years, but Callaghan has genuine Bontempelli-like upside given his traits.

He could be the player that tips GWS over the edge as a premiership fancy.


 
Buckley Taylor Idun
Ash HH Whitfield
Callaghan Green Cumming
Bedford Riccardi Daniels
Greene Hogan Brown
Briggs Cogs Kelly
Perryman Ward Cadman XOH

EMG: Haynes(Sub) Angwin Rowston Preuss

There's your team right there. My only thoughts are that...

1. Callaghan might make the full transition to inside mid. He's certainly looking big enough for it and as the article right above says, he was moved more on-ball in the latter part of last season. This would mean he'd be taking Ward's spot in the side. Ward had a fantastic year in 2023, but he was having trouble running out games towards the end there. He is getting on a bit and will be 34 at the start of next season. Could he be used as the sub instead? He'd make for a great impact player coming on at the end of a match. This also raises the question of who would be taking the now open spot on the wing? My money would be on Haynes or Angwin. After last season Kinglsey pretty much threw down the gauntlet to Haynes and challenged him to earn his spot back in the team. I don't think there's any way he's breaking into that back 6, but if he can have a good pre-season and build his tank there's a real possibility he could work his way onto the wing. Angwin's already an elite runner and could also develop strongly for next year.

2. Is Cadman ready for a regular spot in the forward line. He's added a bit of extra weight but not a huge amount. I wonder if we might still end up going with Keeffe or possibly even Preuss to have that second ruck option. Preuss has played that forward ruck role before (albeit that was a while ago when he was at Melbourne) and he could be a big target up forward as well as huge chop-in on ruck contests in the forward 50 and when Briggs is off. Only question is if he can cover the ground well enough.
 
Buckley Taylor Idun
Ash HH Whitfield
Callaghan Green Cumming
Bedford Riccardi Daniels
Greene Hogan Brown
Briggs Cogs Kelly
Perryman Ward Cadman XOH

EMG: Haynes(Sub) Angwin Rowston Preuss

There's your team right there. My only thoughts are that...

1. Callaghan might make the full transition to inside mid. He's certainly looking big enough for it and as the article right above says, he was moved more on-ball in the latter part of last season. This would mean he'd be taking Ward's spot in the side. Ward had a fantastic year in 2023, but he was having trouble running out games towards the end there. He is getting on a bit and will be 34 at the start of next season. Could he be used as the sub instead? He'd make for a great impact player coming on at the end of a match. This also raises the question of who would be taking the now open spot on the wing? My money would be on Haynes or Angwin. After last season Kinglsey pretty much threw down the gauntlet to Haynes and challenged him to earn his spot back in the team. I don't think there's any way he's breaking into that back 6, but if he can have a good pre-season and build his tank there's a real possibility he could work his way onto the wing. Angwin's already an elite runner and could also develop strongly for next year.

2. Is Cadman ready for a regular spot in the forward line. He's added a bit of extra weight but not a huge amount. I wonder if we might still end up going with Keeffe or possibly even Preuss to have that second ruck option. Preuss has played that forward ruck role before (albeit that was a while ago when he was at Melbourne) and he could be a big target up forward as well as huge chop-in on ruck contests in the forward 50 and when Briggs is off. Only question is if he can cover the ground well enough.
Ward had some really good moments but there was definitely times when he looked 34, he was subbed out of the pies game and rightfully so because he was no good but was also fantastic against Port the week before. There's still enough there imo that there's going to be good games and moments with him but think there are also going to be more downs this season as well and is probably someone they should be looking to manage if they still see him as part of the best 23. Cats managed Selwood a bit in last year giving him the odd game off and I think that's the right way to approach it if he's still good enough. Finn in the drivers seat to be the 4th main on baller but we're crossing our fingers a bit there because we haven't seen him fully do that yet but I think it's a worthwhile bet to make that'll work out.

3rd tall up forward is probably the biggest mystery for me, don't think you can go back to Keefe he just offers absolutely nothing as a forward, Derksen has runs on the board in the VFL as both a ruck and a forward but haven't seen it at the AFL, Cadman maybe a year 2 leap has him ready to go, can't go Preuss imo same issues with Keefe up forward. Briggs being able to run out full games and handle a full workload makes things easier because you don't have to worry about picking someone to help him out.
 
Personally I’d be managing Wards game time. Subbed out a few times and maybe a weeks rest a couple of times.
Rowston will be ready to step up. He is a clearance beast.
 

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Personally I’d be managing Wards game time. Subbed out a few times and maybe a weeks rest a couple of times.
Rowston will be ready to step up. He is a clearance beast.
Love Rowston, think if he gets an opportunity in the team it'll be hard for them to drop him back out.
Haynes as a wing sounds good but disposal has never been his 1 wood. Also the dynamic running is a big ask. I still think he and Leek are fantastic depth this year either way.
I don't think we will play 2 rucks. Keefe doesn't count as a ruck for me...he's a tall utility and thus can play that defensive spacing forward role. I still think Cadman plays round 1. He's has the most chance at being an impact player for us.
Cumming on the wing instead of Angwin for me....just think he's a better player at this stage.
 
If that’s correct then the vfl team would be:
Wehr Keeffe Fonti
Hamilton Aleer Haynes
Fahey Leake Hamilton
McMullin Gruz Kenners
Peatling Derksen Gothard
Preuss Jones Stone

Angwin Madden Thomas Wardius

Obviously four of these would come out as emergencies… where top ups would be used.
 
If that’s correct then the vfl team would be:
Wehr Keeffe Fonti
Hamilton Aleer Haynes
Fahey Leake Hamilton
McMullin Gruz Kenners
Peatling Derksen Gothard
Preuss Jones Stone

Angwin Madden Thomas Wardius

Obviously four of these would come out as emergencies… where top ups would be used.
There's some dangerous players in that mix. Depth is gonna be super important next year. We had a fantastic run this year but that depth is pretty good.
Pretty excited to see Leake and Gothard.
 
There's some dangerous players in that mix. Depth is gonna be super important next year. We had a fantastic run this year but that depth is pretty good.
Pretty excited to see Leake and Gothard.
Yep. I reckon it’s great that players will have to really earn their spots. Even guys like Gruz… they will have to work their arse off to make a good impression and try and get a game in the ones.
 
Yep. I reckon it’s great that players will have to really earn their spots. Even guys like Gruz… they will have to work their arse off to make a good impression and try and get a game in the ones.
I'd love to see Gruz pop off this year as well...we don't wanna lose those top end guys coz they can't get in the squad. He's got so much potential too.
Reckon they just keep developing him as a forward?
 

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Prediction 2024 GWS Giants - Predicted best 22, breakout player(s), general player/team discussion & questions


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