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VFL GWS Giants VFL 2026

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We need to reward some of these (AFL-listed) guys who are doing well in the VFL.
Agree,
Think we will see McMullen and Rowsten come into consideration.

Angwin likley to miss.

Thought that Leake for Hannaford resulting in Ash being in the middle hurt our run and carry from the back.

Id like to see Ash stay in the back line and a mid come in for Leake.

Hogan for Riccardi is also a possibilty.
 

Plenty of GIANTS put their hand up for AFL selection with strong performances in the club’s impressive 56-point VFL win on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

Played as a curtain raiser to the Expansion Cup, the GIANTS overcame a slow start with a particularly dominant second half to surge to a commanding 21.8 (134) to 11.12 (78) win.

Up by 15 points at the half despite giving up a fast start to the Suns, the GIANTS went to another gear after the main break where they piled on 10 goals to three en route to a comfortable 10-goal win on the road.

There were stars across the board for the GIANTS in the big win, with Harry Rowston (33 disposals, six tackles, one goal), Jack Ough (31 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances), and Toby McMullin (28 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances, one goal) finding plenty of footy to push their cases for AFL selection.

Meanwhile up forward it was Max Gruzewski (18 disposals, eight marks, 4.2) who continued his strong VFL form with four more majors alongside dynamic draftee Riley Hamilton (12 disposals, six marks, 3.1) who has now kicked multiple goals in all five VFL games this year after adding another three on Sunday.

Jake Riccardi (26 disposals, 10 marks, five clearances, one goal) was solid in the ruck where he found plenty of the footy around the ground, as did Harry Oliver (23 disposals) and Conor Stone (20 disposals, six marks) in their roles, while promising draftee Oskar Taylor (26 disposals, six intercepts) continued his development with arguably his best game for the club.

Harvey Hooper (18 disposals, three goals) and Louie Montgomery (20 disposals, three goals) were others to shine as they continue to be huge contributors at VFL level, while Sam McMeeken (14, two goals) made the most of some rare opportunities ahead of the ball with two majors.

Nick Kelly (19 disposals, seven intercepts) led the side in intercept possessions as he continues to impress down back, while skipper Ryan Hebron celebrated his birthday with two goals to go along with the win.
The GIANTS now sit second on the VFL table at 4-1 on the season with a healthy percentage of 138.7. They will now face the Bombers on Sunday morning at Tom Wills Oval.

VFL ROUND 6

GIANTS  5.3 11.4 15.6 21.8 (134)
Suns 5.3 8.7 9.10 11.12 (78)

GOALKICKERS  

GIANTS: Max Gruzewski 4, Louie Mongomery 3, Harvey Hooper 3, Riley Hamilton 3, Sam McMeeken 2, Ryan Hebron 2, Harry Rowston, Jake Riccardi, Toby McMullin, Declan Fitzgerald

Suns: Miles Enders 2, Asher Eastham 2, Jed Walter, David Swallow, Lucas Snowball, Jake Rogers, Jai Murray, Zak Evans, Cooper Bell
 

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VFL Coaches' Votes

Gold Coast Suns 11.12 (78) def by GWS Giants 21.8 (134)

9
Harry Rowston (GWS)
7 Toby McMullin (GWS)
7 Jai Murray (GCS)
5 Max Gruzewski (GWS)
1 Jack Ough (GWS)
1 Jake Riccardi (GWS)
Rowsten and McMullen performing strongly is good for us long term.
 
McMullen was excellent and looked a class above at this level. Time for an extended run in the ones. Potential Cog's replacement if can get going.
I m a huge McMullen fan.
 

GWS GIANTS vs ESSENDON​

Sunday 10 May, 11:05am, Tom Wills Oval

GWS GIANTS
B:
K. Pfrengle (56), N. Kelly (49), W. Foster (65)
HB: F. Davis (45), L. Montgomery (50), H. Oliver (19)
C: C. Edwards (58), J. Ough (28), C. Stone (18)
HF: R. Hamilton (43), H. Hooper (51), J. Delana (38)
F: R. Hebron (47), C. Brown (46), R. Dillon (60)
R: R. Simmons (70), J. East (68), H. Rowston (24)
INT: S. McMeeken (62), L. Grubb (52), T. Hitchens (63), D. Fitzgerald (64), E. Roberts (61)
23rd Player: R. Simmons (70)
EMG: M. Belbasis (66), T. Hunt (69), T. Moraschi (67)

IN: J. East, W. Foster, T. Hitchens, E. Roberts, R. Simmons
OUT: M. Gruzewski, T. McMullin, J. Riccardi (AFL), O. Taylor (managed), M. Belbasis (omitted)
NEW: William Foster, 21, 192cm, UNSW-ES Bulldogs; Reeve Simmons, 18, GWS Giants Academy/East Coast Eagles

ESSENDON
B:
M. Kondogiannis (29), B. McKay (32), K. Gerreyn (19)
HB: C. Nyko (65), X. O'Neill (55), C. Bourke (39)
C: J. Binns (74), E. Tsatas (5), M. Guelfi (35)
HF: T. Edwards (45), J. Gresham (11), H. El Achkar (33)
F: J. Eckersley (58), L. McMahon (48), H. Jones (23)
R: V. Visentini (17), J. Hately (50), W. Setterfield (12)
INT: T. Sellers (75), N. Staropoli (82), K. Ferronato (80), T. Kitchell (67), L. Monteath (71)
23rd Player: N. Staropoli (82)
EMG: J. Egan (53), R. Brodie (60), D. Akuei (64), S. Clough (56), C. Naish (81), W. Bella (77), S. McKay (51), K. Gallagher (69)

IN: T. Edwards, J. Gresham, J. Hately, H. Jones, M. Kondogiannis, B. McKay, L. Monteath, N. Staropoli, V. Visentini
OUT: N. Bryan, Z. Johnson, A. Perkins, M. Redman (AFL), B. Dowling (calf), R. Unwin (hamstring), W. Bella, K. Gallagher, S. McKay (omitted)
NEW: Nicholas Staropoli, 18, 190cm, Calder Cannons/Strathmore
 
Ultimately a loss for our VFL team, to a fairly lowly situated Essendon. I guess we had several outs to the AFL team, and got no ins because they were all injury replacements. On top of that, we're still missing James Bell, and for some reason Harry Rowston didn't play in this game. Anyone know why?

Essendon 17.12.114 def
GWS Giants 8.15.63

Jack Ough was our best, with 35 disposals, 8 clearances and 7 tackles.

I remain strong in my view that we need to reward the guys doing well in the VFL team, and would love to see Jack get a run in AFL.
 

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The GIANTS sit in fifth spot on the Smithy’s VFL ladder at the conclusion of round seven after a tough 51-point loss to the Bombers at Tom Wills Oval on Sunday.

Fielding just seven AFL-listed GIANTS due to a host of injuries and the late omission of Harry Rowston (illness), the GIANTS fought hard for much of Sunday’s contest and even led at the main break before a Bomber blitz in the third term helped see the visitors run out 17.12 (114) to 8.15 (63) winners.

After leading by two points at half-time despite wasting many of their chances in front of goal, it was the third term that proved costly for the GIANTS as the Bombers bombarded them with seven unanswered goals in the quarter to turn the GIANTS’ slim lead into a 40-point deficit at the final change. With the wind in their sails the visitors added another four majors to the GIANTS’ two in the final term as Essendon ran out strong winners on the road.

It was a tough way to end what up until half-time had been a brave performance for the GIANTS who started strongly but failed to convert their opening half dominance onto the scoreboard.
Despite the loss there were some strong performances from the GIANTS on Sunday, with youngster Jack Ough leading the way in a brilliant performance as he registered a new VFL career-high with 36 disposals to go along with eight clearances, eight tackles and a brilliant pirouette out of traffic in the second term.

Brown (20 disposals, two goals, six marks, five hit-outs, four clearances) also did his chances of an AFL recall no harm, with his speed and power on display playing both up forward and in the ruck.

Hamilton (10 disposals, three goals) was another key contributor as he showed off his class as well as some special Mother’s Day goal celebrations.

VFL duo Harvey Hooper (28 disposals, one goal) and Jaxon East (26 disposals, six tackles, six clearances) were also strong contributors, as were AFL-listed duo Conor Stone (20 disposals, eight marks) and Hary Oliver (18 disposals, four tackles, one goal).

Joey Delana (18 disposals, six tackles) made the most of some time in the middle and provided a spark around the ball, while Louie Montgomery (19 disposals, five tackles) continued his stellar form off half back.
VFL ROUND 7

GIANTS 1.8 6.9 6.10 8.15 (63)

Bombers 3.3 6.7 13.9 17.12 (114)

GOALKICKERS  

GIANTS: Riley Hamilton 3, Callum Brown 2, Harvey Hooper, Lachlan Grubb, Harry Oliver

Bombers: Jade Gresham 4, Hussien El Achkar 3, Harry Jones 2, Thomas Edwards 2, Jared Eckersley 2, Elijah Tsatas, Liam McMahon, Jackson Hately, Kristian Ferronato
 

Key midfielder James Bell will return this week, as one of four changes to the club’s VFL side set to take on Sandringham in Melbourne on Sunday.

The former Swan has missed the last three games due to a back injury sustained in the round four clash with the Swans.

Bell is joined by AFL listed GIANTS Oskar Taylor and Ollie Hannaford, as well as Lachlan McArthur who will make his GIANTS debut.

McArthur has previously played for Footscray in 2024.

The quartet come into the side for Finn Davis (managed), Harry Oliver (AFL), Joey Delana (AFL) and Matthew Belbasis (omitted).

The GIANTS currently sit in sixth position with four wins and two losses, while Sandringham sit 19th on the ladder with two wins and five losses.

Sunday’s match gets underway at 1:05pm at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

VFL Team Round 8

Sandringham v GIANTS
Sunday, May 17 at 1:05pm
Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval | BoonWurrung

FB: Kye Pfrengle, Nick Kelly, Riley Dillon
HB: Declan Fitzgerald, Louie Montgomery, Oskar Taylor
C: Sam McMeeken, Jack Ough, Conor Stone
HF: Riley Hamilton, Harvey Hooper, Ollie Hannaford
FF: Ryan Hebron, Callum Brown, William Foster
RR: Reeve Simmons, Jaxon East, James Bell

Interchange: Lachlan McArthur, Lachlan Grubb, Tom Hitchens, Cam Edwards, Ethan Roberts

In: Oskar Taylor, Ollie Hannaford, James Bell, Lachlan McArthur
Out: Davis (managed), Oliver (AFL), Belbasis (omitted), Delana (AFL Emergency)
 

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A clutch goal from Riley Hamilton deep into time and some final-quarter brilliance from Harvey Hooper and Ollie Hannaford saw the GIANTS register a thrilling three-point win over the Zebras at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval in Sandringham on Sunday.

On a day where the Zebras were celebrating the 20-year reunion of their 2006 VFL flag, the GIANTS spoiled the home side’s party with a gutsy final-quarter comeback which saw Robbie Chancellor’s side snatch back the lead with just minutes to spare before holding on for a nail-biting 13.9 (87) to 12.12 (84) win on the road.

After leading marginally at both of the first two breaks, the GIANTS found themselves trailing by 13 early in the final term after the Zebras kicked back-to-back goals in quick succession to set Trevor Barker Beach Oval alight. In need of some heroics, up entered Hooper (27 disposals, one goal) and Hannaford (24 disposals, six tackles, five clearances, 3.2), with the help of some teammates, as the orange tsunami began to surge to set up a grandstand finish. While it didn’t always result in a goal, Hooper and Hannaford were involved in everything across the final 20 minutes, with the unlikely duo continually putting the GIANTS in a position to take down the Zebras on their own deck.

The duo’s clutch final term started with some brilliance from Hooper who first found Hannaford inside 50, but this time the exciting youngster was unable to capitalise as he pushed his set shot to the right. Seconds later it was Hooper yet again who this time took things into his own hands after snapping a clever goal in traffic to cut the lead to four. Riley Dillon then got in on the action as he got on the end of a handball chain to stream through the 50-metre arc and kick truly as the GIANTS snatched back the lead at the 15-minute mark of the final term.

The orange tsunami was officially surging when play resumed as Hannaford took a brilliant diving mark from a quick kick inside 50 and then banged home his third goal of the day to give the GIANTS three goals in three minutes and an eight-point lead. The GIANTS’ surge was temporarily put to a halt however, as the Zebras pegged one back before adding another at the 26-minute mark to give Sandy a four-point lead with only minutes remaining.

With the stage set, the GIANTS surged forward through a clinical hit-out from Callum Brown to a streaming Hooper who got it forward where Hannaford won a ground ball and gave it to Ryan Hebron whose snap towards goal was marked tight on the goal line by Hamilton. Up against the boundary on a tight angle and with the game ultimately on his boot, Hamilton showed off the ice in his veins to run around and snap truly at the 28-minute mark to give the GIANTS the lead and silence the home crowd with a customary goal celebration.

With the clock ticking over 30 minutes, the Zebras gave it one last hoorah and surged it forward but ran out of time as the siren sounded to give the GIANTS a thrilling three-point win on the road. Fielding just six AFL-listed GIANTS in the side, Sunday’s gutsy win saw the GIANTS move to 5-2 on the season to sit fourth on the VFL ladder.

As well as Hooper and Hannaford, the GIANTS had plenty of winners across the ground against the Zebras, with Jack Ough (39 disposals, 19 contested possessions, nine tackles) starring once again as he set a new VFL career-high just a week after tying his previous best of 36 disposals last week.

Brown (18 disposals, eight marks, 15 hit outs, three goals) was another huge contributor across the ground playing both up forward and as the backup ruckman.

As well as his match-winning goal, and of course a customary goal celebration, Hamilton (10 disposals, four marks, two goals) also continued his impressive goal streak on Sunday, with the dynamic forward now registering multiple goals in all seven VFL games this season.

Oskar Taylor (27 disposals, seven intercepts) and Conor Stone (26 disposals, five marks) were also strong in the win, while Jaxon East (32 disposals, six tackles, eight clearances) played his best game for the club in a huge performance from the former Ovens and Murray star.

Louie Montgomery (21 disposals, seven marks) also continued his fantastic VFL season, while star midfielder James Bell (19 disposals, eight tackles) was a much-welcomed addition to the side after returning from a back issue to resume his stellar 2026 campaign. Lachlan Grubb (two goals) also provided a spark up forward with crucial back-to-back goals in the third term.

The GIANTS will now look to consolidate their top four spot when they welcome the Lions to ENGIE Stadium on Sunday in a clash to be played following the AFL encounter between the clubs.

VFL ROUND 8

Zebras   2.3. 4.7 8.11 12.12 (84)
GIANTS  3.1 6.2. 9.4 13.9 (87)

GOALKICKERS  
Zebras: Lachlan Voss 3, Noah Yze 2, Andreas Stefanakis 2, Jack Ferraro 2, Blake Watson, Bode Stevens, Darcy Chirgwin
GIANTS: Callum Brown 3, Ollie Hannaford 3, Riley Hamilton 2, Lachlan Grubb 2, Ryan Hebron, Harvey Hooper, Riley Dillon
 

The GIANTS have made a host of changes to their VFL side this week, with five AFL-listed GIANTS added to the team to take on the Lions at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday.

Harry Rowston, Harry Oliver, Joey Delana, James Leake, and Finn Davis will also suit up in the VFL this week as the club looks to continue its strong form in the VFL.

Rowston returns to action after overcoming an infection in his knee, Davis will resume his maiden season after being managed last week, while Delana will look to push for senior selection via the VFL after fulfilling his duties as the AFL travelling emergency last week.

Meanwhile Oliver and Leake return to the VFL after being omitted from the AFL side.

The GIANTS currently sit in fourth position on the VFL table with five wins and two losses, while the Lions sit in last spot at 1-5 on the season.

Sunday’s match gets underway at 4pm at ENGIE Stadium following the AFL clash between the clubs. 


VFL - Round 9

GIANTS v Lions
Sunday, May 24 at 4:00pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country

FB: Kye Pfrengle, Nick Kelly, James Leake 
HB: Finn Davis, Harry Oliver, Oskar Taylor 
C: Sam McMeeken, Jack Ough, Declan Fitzgerald
HF: Joey Delana, Harvey Hooper, Ollie Hannaford 
FF: Ryan Hebron, Riley Hamilton, William Foster 
RR: Reeve Simmons, Harry Rowston, James Bell

Interchange: Lachlan McArthur, Lachlan Grubb, Louie Montgomery, Riley Dillon, Jaxon East


In: Harry Rowston, Harry Oliver, Joey Delana, James Leake, Finn Davis
Out: Callum Brown, Conor Stone (AFL), Cameron Edwards, Ethan Roberts, Tom Hitchens (omitted)
 
Two comments:

1) If there's an AFL and VFL match at Engie, the VFL game should come first as a curtain raiser.

2) if the VFL game is after the main game, they should do more than one announcement right at the end, when half the crowd has already left, encouraging people to stick around for the VFL game.
 

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