Review Ex Giants player watch

[MelbourneGWS]

SEN ranked the 10 best performing players from last year’s trades - Peatling and Perryman were in that list.

8 - James Peatling (Adelaide)​

The 2021 mid-season draftee finally solidified his spot in the Giants side at the end of 2024, playing 19 games including both finals.
The midfielder remained unsigned at the end of 2024 and the Western Bulldogs, Collingwood and Adelaide came calling, looking to add to their midfield depth.
The Crows won the race in the end, handing over a future second-round pick and he has been terrific in providing support for stars Jordan Dawson

12

Jordan Dawson

Age

28

Ht

190cm

Wt

91kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.0

4star

K

11.4

4star

HB

5.7

4star

M

4.8

5star

T

2.8

4star

CL

0.6

3star

D

15.7

4star

K

10.9

4star

HB

4.9

3star

M

2.9

3star

T

2.0

3star

CL

0.4

3star

D

11.8

3star

K

7.8

3star

HB

4.0

3star

M

5.0

5star

T

3.0

5star

CL

0.6

3star

and Izak Rankine

23

Izak Rankine

Age

25

Ht

179cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.0

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

4.0

3star

M

2.7

3star

T

2.7

4star

CL

1.7

4star

D

13.0

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

4.0

3star

M

2.7

3star

T

2.7

4star

CL

1.7

4star

D

13.0

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

4.0

3star

M

2.7

3star

T

2.7

5star

CL

1.7

4star

in the midfield.
The former Giant has gone to another level in 2025, averaging 20 disposals with nine of them being contested and was one of the Crows' best in their recent heartbreaking loss to Gold Coast.

9 - Harry Perryman

12

Harry Perryman

Age

26

Ht

187cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.5

4star

K

9.4

4star

HB

7.1

4star

M

4.5

4star

T

2.8

4star

MG

216.2

3star

D

18.5

4star

K

10.6

4star

HB

7.9

4star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.3

2star

MG

301.3

4star

D

9.8

3star

K

5.2

2star

HB

4.6

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

2.8

5star

MG

83.2

2star

(Collingwood)​

Collingwood’s Mr Fix-It, Harry Perryman

12

Harry Perryman

Age

26

Ht

187cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.5

4star

K

9.4

4star

HB

7.1

4star

M

4.5

4star

T

2.8

4star

MG

216.2

3star

D

18.5

4star

K

10.6

4star

HB

7.9

4star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.3

2star

MG

301.3

4star

D

9.8

3star

K

5.2

2star

HB

4.6

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

2.8

5star

MG

83.2

2star

has slotted seamlessly into Craig McRae

Craig Mcrae

Age

52

Ht

176cm

Wt

73kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.9

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.9

3star

M

2.4

3star

T

1.9

4star

G

1.2

4star

No current season stats available

D

16.2

4star

K

10.6

4star

HB

5.6

4star

M

1.8

2star

T

1.2

3star

G

1.4

5star

’s side after making the switch at the end of last year via free agency.
With the versatile wingman out of contract plenty of clubs came calling with big offers, however, the Magpies won out with the lure of playing for his childhood club too difficult to refuse.
Perryman was slated to play in the midfield over the summer but injuries to Reef McInnes, Darcy Moore

30

Darcy Moore

Age

29

Ht

203cm

Wt

100kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.1

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

4.8

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

169.1

3star

D

13.9

3star

K

7.3

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

4.9

5star

T

0.7

1star

MG

182.0

3star

D

6.8

2star

K

4.2

2star

HB

2.6

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

1.8

4star

MG

87.4

2star

and Brayden Maynard

4

Brayden Maynard

Age

29

Ht

189cm

Wt

93kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.4

4star

K

11.6

4star

HB

5.9

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

3.6

5star

MG

327.8

4star

D

20.7

5star

K

14.0

5star

HB

6.7

4star

M

3.9

4star

T

3.0

4star

MG

417.4

5star

D

13.8

4star

K

8.6

4star

HB

5.2

4star

M

2.8

3star

T

3.6

5star

MG

205.8

4star

at different stages throughout 2025 has seen the former Giant return to defence.
He has hardly made a mistake in his start to life in black and white with his best game against the Blues in Round 4 when finishing with 20 touches, eight tackles, eight inside 50s and a goal.

Ranking the 10 best recruits from last year's trade period

Which new faces have starred?

www.sen.com.au

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Jake Stein

42

Jake Stein

Age

31

Ht

195cm

Wt

96kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.8

2star

K

5.2

2star

HB

2.6

2star

M

3.2

3star

T

4.4

5star

MG

101.2

2star

No current season stats available

D

7.8

2star

K

5.2

2star

HB

2.6

3star

M

3.2

4star

T

4.4

5star

MG

101.2

2star

joins Southport

Former GWS and Gold Coast defender Jake Stein has returned to Queensland, signing with VFL side Southport midway through the 2025 season

Former two-club AFL defender signs with VFL outfit

Th 31-year-old has been recruited as a mid-year signing.

www.zerohanger.com

 

[MelbourneGWS]

He used to me one of my favourite Giants before he left us for Geelong. Baring an injury or a catastrophic loss of form, Jeremy Cameron

5

Jeremy Cameron

Age

32

Ht

196cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.5

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

2.6

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.0

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

8.2

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

G

2.0

5star

is the favourite to win the Coleman Medal this year - especially given Geelong’s remaining fixtures. However, it seems that Jeremy also loves watching our matches, and is keeping an eagle eye on our Jesse!

But there's a few beauties in the comp, as well as guys like Jesse Hogan

23

Jesse Hogan

Age

30

Ht

196cm

Wt

100kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

15.0

4star

K

9.3

4star

HB

5.7

4star

M

6.4

5star

T

1.4

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

10.3

3star

K

6.0

2star

HB

4.3

3star

M

5.3

5star

T

0.0

1star

G

0.0

1star

D

13.0

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

4.0

3star

M

6.4

5star

T

1.4

4star

G

1.8

5star

doing his thing.

"I speak to my close mate Toby (Greene) up there and the way he goes about it.

"I still watch GWS games a lot and the way he plays the game is different to how I play it, but I can sort of take little bits of his game and try to add it to mine at the ripe old age of 32."

Coleman-leading Cat looks to add extra weapons in flag pursuit

 

[Giant Strides]

Flag Pie to retire at end of season after 14 years

Will Hoskin-Elliott has called time on his career after 14 seasons in the AFL

www.afl.com.au

COLLINGWOOD premiership player Will Hoskin-Elliott

32

Will Hoskin-elliott

Age

32

Ht

186cm

Wt

82kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.0

4star

K

9.3

4star

HB

4.7

3star

M

5.5

5star

T

2.2

4star

G

1.1

4star

D

11.1

3star

K

7.6

3star

HB

3.6

2star

M

4.4

4star

T

1.0

2star

G

0.6

4star

D

12.4

4star

K

9.4

4star

HB

3.0

3star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.2

3star

G

0.8

4star

has announced he will retire at the end of the AFL season.

The 31-year-old, who started his career as an inaugural Greater Western Sydney player, was a key member of the Magpies' 2023 flag triumph. Hoskin-Elliott, who has played 242 games, on Wednesday told teammates and staff of his decision to hang up his boots.

Hoskin-Elliott was drafted with pick 4 in the 2011 national draft, one of GWS's 11 top 15 picks that season ahead of its debut campaign. "Thank you to GWS, who gave me my first crack at AFL football, and to everyone at the Pies who have welcomed me and my family – there's something special about seeing the kids run around the rooms after a game." He spent five seasons with the expansion club before switching to the Magpies.

 

[Land of the Giants]

Flag Pie to retire at end of season after 14 years

Will Hoskin-Elliott has called time on his career after 14 seasons in the AFL

www.afl.com.au

COLLINGWOOD premiership player Will Hoskin-Elliott has announced he will retire at the end of the AFL season.

The 31-year-old, who started his career as an inaugural Greater Western Sydney player, was a key member of the Magpies' 2023 flag triumph. Hoskin-Elliott, who has played 242 games, on Wednesday told teammates and staff of his decision to hang up his boots.

Hoskin-Elliott was drafted with pick 4 in the 2011 national draft, one of GWS's 11 top 15 picks that season ahead of its debut campaign. "Thank you to GWS, who gave me my first crack at AFL football, and to everyone at the Pies who have welcomed me and my family – there's something special about seeing the kids run around the rooms after a game." He spent five seasons with the expansion club before switching to the Magpies.

Nice of him to mention us.

 

[dlanod]

I loved him when he was with us but somehow he got to almost 250 games while remaining largely anonymous in the comp - for someone with his athletic gifts, that's almost amazing enough in itself.

 

[GWS Goose]

I loved him when he was with us but somehow he got to almost 250 games while remaining largely anonymous in the comp - for someone with his athletic gifts, that's almost amazing enough in itself.

I really liked him as well, I remember early days I thought he was going to be amazing. 250 games is a great career.

 

[Big Stinky Monk]

TOJ desisted by Port

Finlayson, 29, leaves as a two-club player, making 66 appearances for GWS before 62 games at Port Adelaide, primarily as a forward/ruck.

 

[GWS Goose]

TOJ desisted by Port

Finlayson, 29, leaves as a two-club player, making 66 appearances for GWS before 62 games at Port Adelaide, primarily as a forward/ruck.

I feel someone will pick him up.
Pretty versatile and pretty talented (yet somewhat flawed)

 

[Giant Strides]

The question around Finlayson will be whether he's prepared to move away from SA, given his wife's illness, and the fact that they moved there so that she could be supported by family.

The other ... "quirk" you might say ... is that he started as a KPD before we moved him forward. In the current dearth of key defenders, would a club potentially look at moving him back to see if they can get some value for him (if he's willing to move)?

 

[Orange crush]

The question around Finlayson will be whether he's prepared to move away from SA, given his wife's illness, and the fact that they moved there so that she could be supported by family.

The other ... "quirk" you might say ... is that he started as a KPD before we moved him forward. In the current dearth of key defenders, would a club potentially look at moving him back to see if they can get some value for him (if he's willing to move)?

You’d think he would be a big no …. Not willing to move and tainted with Adelaide homophobic stench

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Nick Haynes

26

Nick Haynes

Age

33

Ht

192cm

Wt

88kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.4

4star

K

11.4

4star

HB

4.9

4star

M

6.2

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

326.8

4star

D

17.4

4star

K

13.9

5star

HB

3.5

2star

M

8.0

5star

T

1.5

2star

MG

326.8

5star

D

7.8

2star

K

4.4

2star

HB

3.4

3star

M

2.4

3star

T

2.2

4star

re-signs with Carlton for another year. Happy for him that he is flourishing in Carlton.

Moving across from GWS as an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2024, Haynes featured in every game this year, earning a spot as a fan favourite amongst the Navy Blue faithful.

Known for his intercept marking ability, which is an elite part of his game, Haynes rates second in the league and first for Carlton for average marks per game (7.8) in 2025.

Haynes re-signs

Nick Haynes will remain in the Navy Blue in 2026, signing a one-year contract extension with the Carlton Football Club.

www.carltonfc.com.au

 

[Orangeutan]

Nick Haynes re-signs with Carlton for another year. Happy for him that he is flourishing in Carlton.

Moving across from GWS as an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2024, Haynes featured in every game this year, earning a spot as a fan favourite amongst the Navy Blue faithful.

Known for his intercept marking ability, which is an elite part of his game, Haynes rates second in the league and first for Carlton for average marks per game (7.8) in 2025.

Haynes re-signs

Nick Haynes will remain in the Navy Blue in 2026, signing a one-year contract extension with the Carlton Football Club.

www.carltonfc.com.au

Good for him. Although he wasn't a fan favourite for the first couple of games.

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Jeremy Cameron

5

Jeremy Cameron

Age

32

Ht

196cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.5

3star

K

9.0

3star

HB

3.4

3star

M

5.4

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

2.6

5star

D

10.0

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

2.9

2star

M

4.6

4star

T

2.0

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

8.2

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.2

3star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

G

2.0

5star

’s departure gave us 3 first round picks (albeit 2 were future picks), but Geelong seem very happy with the trade.

For Geelong fans, Cameron’s journey must feel like the perfect marriage of talent and timing. A marquee forward in his prime, playing in a system built to amplify his strengths, at a club that knows how to compete in September.

More than just a goalkicker, Cameron has become the kind of player that can shape a premiership tilt; among several other teammates. And on Saturday, he has the chance to shape a premiership that wouldn’t just justify the Cats’ trade in 2020 — but make it legendary.

Cats’ 11th-hour trade bonanza that could define an era... and star rival who nearly got in way

Cats’ 11th-hour trade bonanza that could define an era... and star rival who nearly got in way

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[MelbourneGWS]

The plans of the 22 AFL players who will be retiring this year. Keefe has been studying to enter the Finance industry, whilst Ward is still interested in being a fireman and is being courted by Victorian clubs for leadership roles. An ex, Hoskin-Elliot seems interested in coaching.

Lachie Keeffe (GWS Giants)
Keeffe’s post-playing career plans appear to involve a transition into the finance industry, after 17 years in the AFL system which started at Collingwood. As of 2023, the utility had been studying for a Masters of Applied Finance in preparation for a career in that field. Keeffe played 119 games since his debut in 2011.

Callan Ward (GWS Giants)
Ward will return to live in Melbourne now that his and the Giants’ season has come to an end. Hawthorn and North Melbourne are reportedly among the clubs interested in luring him over in football department roles. It comes after the Roos had previously tried to sign Ward towards the end of his playing days. Clubs are also thought to be interested in luring Ward for leadership roles. Upon making his call to retire, Ward also expressed that he still wants to pursue his post-footy dream of becoming a firefighter.

Two clubs circle legend; 300-gamer’s firefighter dream: What AFL’s retiring stars will do next

Two clubs circle legend; 300-gamer’s firefighter dream: What AFL’s retiring stars will do next

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Taranto wins his second Richmond best and fairest.

Taranto claims second Jack Dyer Medal

Tim Taranto has won the 2025 Jack Dyer Medal.

www.richmondfc.com.au

 

[Giant Strides]

Taranto wins his second Richmond best and fairest.

Taranto claims second Jack Dyer Medal

Tim Taranto has won the 2025 Jack Dyer Medal.

www.richmondfc.com.au

And Jacob Hopper third.

 

[Drummond]

Taranto wins his second Richmond best and fairest.

Taranto claims second Jack Dyer Medal

Tim Taranto has won the 2025 Jack Dyer Medal.

www.richmondfc.com.au

Can’t help but think what would’ve happened if McCluggage was selected instead…

 

[dlanod]

Can’t help but think what would’ve happened if McCluggage was selected instead…

Nothing good I'm sure.

 

[GWS Goose]

Can’t help but think what would’ve happened if McCluggage was selected instead…

I really wanted him

 

[Giant Strides]

I really wanted him

He would have been great for us.

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Happy for Preuss - he has been signed for VFL side Williamstown. With his unlucky run with injuries, Preuss couldn’t get a consistent place in our side.

Preuss spent four years with the Giants, adding a further 10 games to his AFLcareer, totalling 28 over 10 years.

Injuries and opportunities had prevented the 30-year-old from consistent top-flight football, but after spending 2025 with Yarragon Panthers in the Ellinbank & District Football League, he is ready to make his return towards a higher level.

"We've seen through his AFL experience that Braydon is a very capable ruckman and we're delighted to have him join us," Williamstown GM of Football Operations, Ash Collins, said.

Former three-club player lands at VFL side

“He has a hunger to return to high-level football and we believe Williamstown offers the ideal environment to relaunch his career.”

www.zerohanger.com

 

[Ichabod Noodle]

Happy for Preuss - he has been signed for VFL side Williamstown. With his unlucky run with injuries, Preuss couldn’t get a consistent place in our side.

Preuss spent four years with the Giants, adding a further 10 games to his AFLcareer, totalling 28 over 10 years.

Injuries and opportunities had prevented the 30-year-old from consistent top-flight football, but after spending 2025 with Yarragon Panthers in the Ellinbank & District Football League, he is ready to make his return towards a higher level.

"We've seen through his AFL experience that Braydon is a very capable ruckman and we're delighted to have him join us," Williamstown GM of Football Operations, Ash Collins, said.

Former three-club player lands at VFL side

“He has a hunger to return to high-level football and we believe Williamstown offers the ideal environment to relaunch his career.”

www.zerohanger.com

Ironically replacing the retiring Tom Downie (who I didn’t know was even at Williamstown

 

[Land of the Giants]

Here's "Coop" on life after AFL.

Ex-Giant on 'losing his identity', battling an eating disorder

Former GWS player Cooper Hamilton opens up about how he adjusted to life after being delisted by the Giants and how his relationship with food has changed in recent years

www.afl.com.au

 

[Giant Strides]

Inaugural Giant joins Victorian club

The 33-year-old is set to return to the field.

www.zerohanger.com

Former GWS midfielder Adam Kennedy has linked up with Victorian club Melton for 2026 as the inaugural Giant returns to the field for the first time since last year. Kennedy didn't feature at any level in 2025, instead taking up a role with Sydney as a development coach.

Looking to balance his time with his commitments with the Swans, Kennedy will aim to pull on the boots for Melton in the Ballarat Football Netball League next year. "We are absolutely thrilled in 2026 we will see the return of one of Melton's finest – Adam Kennedy," a club statement read. "After a stellar AFL career with the GWS Giants, playing over 150 games at the elite level, Adam is currently a development coach with the Sydney Swans and when fixtures align will be able to don the Bloods jumper with his childhood mates where it all began."

"A proud Melton junior, Adam's journey from our local footy fields to the big stage has been nothing short of inspirational. He adds experience, leadership, and passion to the club and Bloods community that helped shape him. Adam will continue to support our footy program, sharing his insights into leadership, game style, and high-performance culture – and yes, we will see him in the Bloods jumper again."