GREATER Western Sydney (GWS) has released its Under 18 and 16 male squads for the 2023 season, with 52 players making the cut in the elder category. Three Giants Academy graduates were drafted to Western Sydney last year, and there promises to be a few more in the frame over the next year. We highlight some of the prospects to watch.

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TOP-AGERS

A trio of Giants Academy top-agers have cut their teeth training with the senior team over preseason. Though not named in the squad below, arguably the most talented of them is Harvey Thomas, who will play his football with Coates Talent League powerhouse, the Oakleigh Chargers.

Thomas is a diminutive midfielder with ample class whose foot skills are sublime. There is not much of him, but his smarts help him hold his own in the thick of the contest and he makes terrific decisions with ball in hand. He played in last year’s Under 17 Futures showcase on AFL Grand Final Day.

Giants fans should also be familiar with the name Charlie McCormack. The tall forward/ruck provides plenty of flair and though he remains raw, has promising potential as a mobile type with good aerial range. He featured for GWS during last year’s Under 16 National Development Championships.

The last of the three is Matthew Brown, who measures up at over 190cm but did not manage to turn out for the Giants’ Under 18 or 16 sides last year. Now back on the park, he is primed for a big season where he has the chance to quickly show what he can do.

A mention must also go to Malual Aleer, a newcomer to the program and the cousin of 2021 Giants draftee, Leek Aleer. He has grown to over 200cm ahead of his top-age campaign and will ply his trade as a ruck/defender. The spring-heeled prospect spent last year in the AFL Canberra grades and is definitely one to monitor.

OVER-AGERS

Six 2004-born players from last year’s Under 18 squad will return to the Giants Academy in 2023. Among the proven performers is midfielder Luke Lawrence, who also turned out for the Allies at last year’s National Championships.

Nicholas Newton should again prove a key piece with his rebounding work out of defence, where he can accumulate plenty of possessions. Tall talent Dayne Posthuma has grown to 199cm and looks to be coming on nicely, having also trained with the senior team.

Rounding out the list of over-agers are Taine Moraschi, Harrison Elbourne, and Jay Summers, all of whom played all four NAB League games last year. The Giants have also pulled off a few coups for their VFL side, bringing across Ronald Fejo Jnr, and Sandringham Dragons graduates Jakob Anderson and James Creighton.

BOTTOM-AGERS

Casting an eye to the future, and the Giants have access to a few handy 2006-born players, despite none of their Under 16s making last year’s All Australian squad. Ruck/forward Cooper Bell took out their MVP award, while Harvey Odgers was noticeable under his helmet in midfield.

Along with top-ager Harvey, at least three Giants Academy products are now tied to Coates Talent League regions. The Bendigo Pioneers will be home to Lachlan Hogan, while Joshua Murphy and Tom Forrest will both link up with the Murray Bushrangers. None are named in the squad below.

>> Ones to watch: Allies

2023 GIANTS ACADEMY SQUAD (U18 BOYS)

2023 GIANTS ACADEMY SQUAD (U16 BOYS)