AFTER going down to Sydney Swans Academy in the final match of the 2026 NSW/ACT Under 22 Summer Series, the GWS Giants Academy set its sights on the Talent League Girls competition. Going undefeated last season throughout the four games, the orange team will have an extended and stiffer fixture this time around as the players look to vie for Allies selection.

LAST SEASON

Played: 4
Wins: 4
Losses: 0

The Giants Academy crushed Murray Bushrangers in the opening game with the former utilising some key players from the Bushies to get the job done by 74 points. They went on to trounce Sandringham Dragons by 50 points, while also picking up wins against Tasmania Devils on the Apple Isle (32 points) and Western Jets in the pouring rain at Windy Hill (57 points).

FIXTURE

Round 1: vs. Sydney Swans Academy | March 28 @ Margaret Donoghoe Sportsground
Round 2: vs. Brisbane Lions Academy | April 11 @ Blackdown International Sportspark
Round 3: vs. Gold Coast Suns Academy | April 19 @ People First Stadium
Round 5: vs. Murray Bushrangers | May 3 @ Lavington Sports Ground
Round 6: vs. Tasmania Devils | May 9 @ Blacktown International Sportspark
Round 7: vs. Dandenong Stingrays | May 16 @ Shepley Oval

The Giants have one less match in the Talent League compared to the Swans, but the other teams vying for Allies selection as well as the Queensland Academies. Naturally the orange team go up against the Bushrangers once more, before the final game of the series – against Dandenong Stingrays – looms as potentially the toughest of the lot.

KEY PLAYERS

Potent tall forward Majella Day started the summer series like a house on fire with 12 goals across the first two games before being well held in the third. She has great aerial ability, quick disposal and reading of the play, which means she can beat her opponent in a number of ways. Watch for her to be the number one target in attack.

Alongside Day, Darcie Prosser-Shaw is a versatile talent who predominantly will play midfield, while also being capable of going off half-back or running along a wing. She has plenty of potential to go to another level in 2026, as does National Academy member, Morgan Stevens. The tall defender spent plenty of time off a wing at the summer series, and with her athletic profile and penetrating kick, she has enormous upside.

The Giants also have a number of impressive players who have potential such as forward Georgia Patterson who has nice smarts and skills in the front half, and tall Brea Trevitt inside 50 or when she goes on-ball as she has at AFL Sydney Premier Division level. The likes of Zara Neil through the middle and Alana Fraser off half-back were among some names who caught the eye at the summer series and could be key going forward.

From a bottom-age perspective, Murray Bushrangers’ Evie Henley is a standout with her ability to play on any line, but particularly between half-back and the midfield. She has a booming kick and is strong through the core, allowing her to cleanly dispose of the ball while being tackled.

PRE-SEASON DRAFT HOPES

One of the standouts from the summer series was talented midfielder/forward Sophia Gaukrodger. The UTS Bats ball-winner was sublime around the stoppages, set up numerous attacks and even hit the scoreboard herself throughout the carnival. She would be a name clubs would be eyeing off a readymade talent as she made a mess of some quality onballers over the past month.

SUMMARY

GWS Giants Academy have a balanced list across the board and should have a few drafted at year’s end. With nice talent across each third of the ground and having such a dominant tall forward, the Giants should be able to notch up a number of wins in the Talent League Girls competition, while the players gain great experience against quality opposition.