The GWS Giants Academy entered the 2026 Coates Talent League Girls season with high expectations after an undefeated 2025 campaign. With an extended fixture and a talented squad featuring a mix of top-age draft prospects and exciting bottom-age talent, the Giants Academy showcased their depth and development throughout the season. This review recaps their 2026 Talent League Girls campaign, highlighting match results, standout draft-eligible players, and future stars to watch, based on scouting notes from Rookie Me Central.

2026 Season Recap

The Giants Academy faced a challenging fixture in 2026, competing against fellow Northern Academies and a mixed back of full-time teams. Their season was characterised by competitive performances, dominant victories, and a thrilling draw to close out their campaign.

Standout Draft-Eligible Players (2026 AFLW Draft)

With over-age talent Sophia Gaukrodger already off to the Giants’ AFLW team via the Preseason Draft, we look at some of the other top-age prospects who have strengthened their cases for the 2026 AFLW Draft.

Majella Day
Tall Forward | 177cm | 11/03/2008

Majella Day has been the focal point of the Giants’ attack and one of the most dominant forwards in the competition. Her standout performance came in Round 3 against the Suns Academy, where she kicked an incredible seven goals, showcasing her overhead marking, goal sense, and ability to perform in clutch moments. She followed this up with three goals against the Bushrangers and four goals in the Round 7 draw against Dandenong, including the game-tying major. Day’s versatility, aerial prowess, and scoreboard impact make her a genuine first-round talent and a lock for the Allies squad.

Darcie Prosser-Shaw
Midfielder | 171cm | 02/06/2008

Prosser-Shaw has been a driving force in the Giants’ midfield. Known for her clearance work, lightning hands in traffic, and two-way running, she consistently sought the contest and moved the ball with intent. Against the Bushrangers, she was outstanding with 21 disposals, seven clearances, and eight inside 50s. Unfortunately, her Talent League campaign was cut short by a serious knee injury in Round 6 against Tasmania, but her body of work prior to the injury confirmed her status as one of the most exciting versatile midfielders in the crop.

Morgan Stevens
Tall Utility | 177cm | 13/08/2008

A National Academy member, Stevens has been a reliable and composed presence in the defensive half. Her intercept marking and kicking skills – long, accurate, and well-weighted – have been crucial for the Giants’ rebound. She was at her intercepting best against Tasmania, collecting 24 disposals and five marks while consistently defusing opposition attacks. Her athletic profile and penetrating kick give her enormous upside. Has played off a wing and even in the ruck to accompany her first-choice running defender status.

Alana Fraser
Defender | 175cm | 27/09/2008

As reliable as they come in the defensive half, Fraser’s reading of the play and elite footskills help her standout in her role behind the ball. In each game she would find a way to impact, chopping off forward forays, or being a switch option to drive the ball downfield. Though Fraser is willing to take those high-risk, high-reward 45 kicks into the corridor when they are on, she has the licence to do so, and has that nice balance of offensive and defensive attributes that standout on-field.

Zoe Curry
Midfielder/Forward | 172cm | 09/10/2008

Curry’s contested output is elite for the draft crop. She dominated at the coalface, particularly in Round 2 against the Lions Academy, where she won six clearances from 10 disposals. Her ability to win the hard ball and release by hand with sharp instincts makes her a valuable inside midfielder, and she is considered a lock for the Allies squad. She only played the one game with the orange team before heading back to Oakleigh where she captains the Chargers, but is tied to the Giants so is one to watch.

Others to Keep in Mind

The Giants have some great depth in the team this year, with Addison Hickey consistently getting involved across the carnival, as did any number of the trio of Paterson/Pattersons. Georgia Patterson has some terrific upside and just has to find that consistency, while Ariella Paterson finished on a high towards the backend of the carnival. Zara Neil as a mid/forward and Isla Judd as a two-way running wing who spent time behind the ball, are other ones who caught the eye. Tall forward Brea Trevitt was quiet in the last game, but has potential as a marking target as well, while the ever-reliable Lauren O’Sullivan will play any role thrown to her.

Future Stars to Watch

The Giants Academy’s success was also built on the contributions of several exciting bottom-age players who will be key figures in 2027 and beyond.

Evie Henley
Utility | 171cm | 13/07/2009

Henley has shown remarkable versatility, playing across all lines but particularly excelling between half-back and the midfield. She possesses a booming kick and strong core, allowing her to dispose of the ball cleanly while being tackled. Against Tasmania, she gathered 20 disposals, five clearances, and five inside 50s, demonstrating her ability to play a full four quarters at a high level.

Billie Hamilton
Forward/Midfielder | 168cm | 14/11/2009

Hamilton made a significant impact as a forward, combining power and forward instinct. She kicked two goals against the Lions Academy in Round 2 and delivered a statement performance in Round 6 against Tasmania, booting four goals from 11 disposals and five marks. Her physicality and ability to score in various ways suggest plenty of upside as she matures.

Lyla Wescombe
Forward | 166cm | 04/02/2010

A double bottom-ager, Wescombe showed she belongs at this level with a standout performance against Tasmania in Round 6. She collected 17 disposals and took seven marks, displaying upper-body strength in marking contests that is rare for an Under 16s player. Her confident ball use in traffic and strong contested marking make her a highly exciting long-term prospect.

Conclusion

The GWS Giants Academy’s 2026 Talent League Girls campaign highlighted a well-balanced squad with top-end talent and impressive depth. With players like Majella Day and Morgan Stevens leading the draft-eligible crop, and the emergence of bottom-agers like Evie Henley and Billie Hamilton, the Giants’ pathway program has plenty to look forward to over the next few years. Day and Henley will of course head off to the Murray Bushrangers now to finish off their Talent League Girls seasons.