STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Contested marking
+ Strength
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Speed
- Undersized

One of three Giants Academy members to earn a state combine invite, Jim Houston put his name on the map in 2025. The 197cm competitive beast stood out early in the year as his side's primary ruck and was impossible to overlook for the Allies squad. There, Houston made three appearances at the National Championships, reverting to key position roles at either end of the field.

While arguably undersized in the ruck, Houston holds his own with strong bodywork and a willingness to battle for front position. He proved a high-production player in the Giants' Coates Talent League stint while showcasing his robust aerial ability. Whether as an interceptor or target down the line, Houston is adept at clunking contested marks with his clean hands overhead.

Those attributes have served him well as a lockdown defender, though Houston has arguably played his best footy as a ruck-forward. At his size, he'll likely need to boost his craft in roles outside of the ruck to make it at the top level. While quite mobile, speed is something he can add to his game to be able to compete with opponents outside of physical jostles, which he usually thrives in. GWS will likely consider Houston and his fellow Academy graduates as late-draft or rookie options this year.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie