THE GIANTS Academy has run out of gas in its opening Summer Series clash, going down to AFL Sydney Under 22 by 26 points at Henson Park on Saturday. After leading at the first break, the Giants were made to rue lapses in concentration, but showed good fight in the 6.5 (41) to 9.13 (67) result.

Three unanswered goals to start the third quarter had the AFL Sydney outfit in good shape to kick away, but they were duly cut back to a 12-point lead come three-quarter time. Unable to add to their goal tally, the Giants switched a few magnets during the dying stages in their first competitive hitout for 2026.

We took note of 10 of the Giants’ best prospects and performers.

GIANTS ACADEMY 2.0 | 3.2 | 6.2 | 6.5 (41)
AFL SYDNEY U22 1.3 | 4.6 | 7.8 | 9.13 (67)

GOALS:
Giants Academy: J. Houston 3, M. MacDonald, R. Masters, H. Bromson
AFL Sydney U22: H. Pickett 2, B. Latanis 2, O. Irwin 2, T. Ryan 2, K. Prenter

BEST:
Giants Academy: R. Shipard, J. Steele, L. Roberts, C. Harper, E. Matthews, J. Houston
AFL Sydney U22: K. Prenter, T. Ryan, R. Simmons, C. Donald, N. Andreacchio, O. Irwin

SCOUTING NOTES

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#5 Ethan Matthews
Midfielder | 186cm | 04/09/2008

As advertised coming into his top-age year, Matthews was a mainstay in midfield for the Giants. He looked a class above in terms of his composure and skill throughout the day, hardly wasting a touch by hand or foot. Matthews was never rushed and bided his time to pick out targets before often lacing them out. The 17-year-old’s ability to chain run made for some dangerous transitional play, while he also made good reads on the defensive end to intercept in open play.

#10 Brody Kane
Midfielder/Defender | 182cm | 31/10/2007

Returning for his over-age campaign, Kane also found his way into the midfield group. He wasn’t afraid to get in and under at the stoppages, proving a capable first possession winner but arguably looking more comfortable when able to find space. On the outside, Kane lent on his running ability to bring motion to transitional play, producing moments like when he handballed to himself in the third term. He tried to bring the same urgency and flair when shifted to defence in the latter stages, with his side facing defeat.

#13 Jaxon Steele
Wing | 180cm | 04/01/2008

Steele spent most of the game out on the wing and had no real trouble finding the footy. He knew where to position himself between the arcs and wasn’t afraid to apply himself when the ball was in dispute, supporting teammates well at ground level. In possession, he trusted his flat and hard kicking to advance the play and was eventually rotated into the centre bounces late in the game.

#14 Ryan Shipard
Midfielder | 182cm | 04/10/2008

Shipard was named his side’s best player by the Giants’ coaches, having established himself as the primary inside ball winner. He displayed good hunt and intent at stoppages, wrapping up opposition mids in strong tackles if he couldn’t get to the ball first. Shipard also provided solid clearance work and balanced out his more scrappy elements with a couple of nice hit-up kicks towards forward 50.

#15 Lucas Roberts
Defender | 186cm | 17/03/2008

One of the Giants’ many trusted distributors from the back, Roberts showcased some of the best foot skills of anyone afield. Whether flat and sharp or long and lofted, Roberts was regularly able to hit targets via rebound 50 balls. With plenty of eager Giants defenders there to mop up turnovers, he was also a presence up the ground and weighted his passes nicely under pressure.

#16 Cooper French
Forward | 178cm | 28/03/2009

A prospect on Tasmania’s shortlist of 2009-born players to monitor, French was prominent throughout the contest. He played the high forward role effectively, venturing up the ground to provide a constant connection piece in transition. French’s ability to run in waves and link up or carry the ball made him perfect for the role, and while he wavered a touch in his disposal, looked to be creative and dynamic.

#33 Charlie Harper
Defender | 190cm | 23/01/2008

The Giants’ Under 16 MVP in 2024, Harper has also undergone much of his footballing education in Victoria with Xavier College and the Oakleigh Chargers. He played his usual role across the backline on Saturday, helping recover the ball and get it moving in the right direction. Harper distributed with minimal fuss and directed traffic on the way out, always making sound decisions under pressure.

#38 Tallis McMillan
Tall Forward/Ruck | 192cm | 11/04/2007

One of three over-agers from the Giants who represented the Allies last year, McMillan made his presence felt up forward. He provided a target up to the wing and even chopped out in the ruck, where his massive vertical leap shone. McMillan found it difficult to always judge the flight of the ball in marking contests, but showcased great agility with ball in hand and was comfortable taking the game forward.

#39 Jim Houston
Key Forward | 196cm | 10/02/2007

Houston was the Giants’ main and most reliable target up forward. Whether up the ground or deep inside 50, his one-touch marking ability stood out and provided a direct scoring avenue. The competitive over-ager booted half of his side’s six goals, all via set shots, and could have had a couple more. His size and aerial presence were notable, even against more senior opposition.

#40 Baden Smith
Ruck | 205cm | 05/03/2009

Another Smith coming through the Giants’ pathway at over 200cm, the bottom-ager showed promise in the primary ruck role. His pure reach was an advantage at the centre bounces and stoppages around the ground, where Smith had little trouble getting first hand to the ball. He also provided a target down the line and got involved in open play, showing nice touch for a player his size.