THE GIANTS Academy have notched up their first win of the 2026 Summer Series, after defeating AFL Canberra U22 by 13 points at Henson Park on Saturday. Despite having two fewer scoring shots, the more junior outfit brought the heat with plenty of run and pressure in the 9.6 (60) to 6.11 (47) triumph.

A hot start saw the Giants post two goals in the opening three minutes, going on to take a 17-point lead into quarter time. AFL Canberra hit back to cut the margin to under a goal at the main break, but had all their hard work undone in term three and were effectively shut out thereafter to seal the defeat.

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

GIANTS ACADEMY 4.2 | 5.4 | 8.6 | 9.6 (60)
AFL CANBERRA U22 1.3 | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.11 (47)

GOALS:
Giants Academy: B. Kane 2, B. Bugden, T. McMillan, B. Ryan, J. Houston, C. French, T. Wichman, B. Smith
AFL Canberra U22: M. Armstrong 2, L. Hurse, C. Terry, J. Dunstall, H. Saunders

SCOUTING NOTES

GIANTS ACADEMY:

#2 Cooper French
Wing | 178cm | 28/03/2009

It was a ‘wow’ moment in term three that saw French well and truly hit his groove, though he proved to be an effective link player between the arcs all day. The bottom-ager attacked the loose ball hard and snatched it at speed, conducting a one-two with his teammate before finishing on the fly for a 55m goal. That kind of creative, bursting play was indicative of French’s overall game, as he was prepared to win the ball and drive his legs forward to make things happen.

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

Once again a mainstay in midfield, Matthews’ class elevated him above the rest on Saturday. He was supremely clean below his knees, showcasing one-touch handling on the move and superb vision to make use of the ball out of traffic. The National Academy prospect had little trouble winning first possession off the rucks or becoming a receiver, able to move the play forward and reliably hit targets by hand or foot. His poise and skill were noticeable throughout what was a best on ground performance.

#10 Brody Kane
Midfielder | 31/10/2007

Kane was another key member of the Giants’ midfield group and made an impact with two goals at one end of Henson Park. The over-ager was clean in stoppage situations and while at times he would accept the tackle, looked dangerous when able to shift his hips and side-step opponents to find space. Kane showed he could cut up the opposition when allowed to take ground, having several chances to kick inside 50 with time. His second goal was a tidy finish on the run indicative of his quality.

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

Shifting back to defence after an outing on the wing, Steele provided plenty of useful overlap run. He held his width well and timed each movement to become an option on the handball receive, driving the ball forward in his own playmaking style. Steele’s combination play was also evident throughout his kick-in duties, as he would often go short before getting ahead of the ball to ask for it back. He has the makings of a handy accumulator on the outside who can also scrap for his own possessions.

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

Harper worked into the game slowly, though certainly made an impact with his huge hit on Flynn Read in the opening term. He got going after quarter time to exhibit his usual composure out of defence, using the ball well by foot and with minimal fuss. Harper also contributed some solid defensive acts; whether intercepting, forcing stoppages, or splitting contests to help turn the ball over.

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

After a fruitful outing in front of goal last week, Houston ended up with a single major but was typically competitive. Much of his work consisted of providing a contest and bringing the ball to ground, which was useful when situated deep inside 50. The over-ager recovered quickly from aerial duels and had his chances to score in open play, but settled for one set shot conversion. He also chopped out in the ruck.

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

Few opponents would ever have the wood on Smith for pure height and reach, which once again played into his hands on Saturday. The bottom-ager had Ben Vardy beaten at centre bounces, although can continue to enhance his bodywork around the ground. Smith stood in packs and gave his midfielders first access to the ball, while not being afraid to go after it himself on the follow-up. In those instances, his handling at ground level was terrific for a player his size.

Others:

The Giants’ defence stood tall to put pressure on the opposition’s scoring chances. Luke Bechaz was prominent in the air and got the job done with few frills, while Aiden Henderson provided plenty of run and flair on the rebound. In midfield, Ryan Shipard was his usual self with plenty of dogged grunt work, while Brynley Ryan showcased his agility out on the wing. Tallis McMillan was a viable leading option inside forward 50, with Beau Smith providing terrific pressure at ground level.