{"id":205646,"date":"2025-11-11T17:43:28","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T07:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=205646"},"modified":"2025-11-11T17:43:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T07:43:30","slug":"2025-afl-draft-preview-gws-giants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2025\/11\/11\/2025-afl-draft-preview-gws-giants\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 AFL Draft Preview: GWS GIANTS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HAVING achieved finals finishes in all three seasons under Adam Kingsley <\/em><\/strong>to date, Greater Western Sydney (GWS) is well poised to bolster its ‘Orange Tsunami’ style at the upcoming draft. The Giants lay claim to a first round selection and may only strike once, doing so around midway through night one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> 100+ PROFILES:<\/strong> View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025 RECORD:<\/strong>\u00a05th H&A | 16-7 | 115.3% | Eliminated: Elimination Final
2025 PICKS:<\/strong>\u00a012, 35
FUTURE PICKS:<\/strong>\u00a0’26 R1, ’26 R2, ’26 R4 | ’27 R1, ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
ACADEMY PROSPECTS:<\/strong> Riley Hamilton, Jim Houston, Tallis McMillan \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIRST PICK:<\/strong>
Pick\u00a012<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Giants have already jumped ahead two spots with their first pick after engineering a deal with the Western Bulldogs during trade period. It leaves them well poised to pounce on an athletic, prolific runner who can fill a list hole across half-back or the wing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three names fit that mould. Oskar Taylor<\/a> is one who has consistently come up in reference to the Giants, with his dare, speed, and foot skills making him a genuine weapon off half-back. GWS isn’t afraid to take a bolter either, although Taylor has now long been established in the first round bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another heavily-linked prospect is Jacob Farrow<\/a>. The leading West Australian will also likely cut his teeth off half-back but has potential to become a long-term midfielder. That factor, along with his smooth movement and raking left-foot have drawn comparisons to Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third prevalent link is South Australian Harley Barker<\/a>, who some clubs will be hoping slides into the 20-30 range. While he will miss much of his first year due to an ACL tear, he showed plenty as the All-Australian wingman with his speed and outside running ability, in the mould of Geelong’s Ollie Dempsey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of those three, a player which fits the list need would be Josh Lindsay<\/a>. While not overly quick, he can break the lines and shift angles with his elite foot skills, both across half-back and the wing. The Geelong Falcons standout will be right in the Giants’ hitting zone if they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If not an outside runner, perhaps long-term key forward fold is in the offing for GWS. Archie Ludowyke<\/a> has been touted as a potential option here, moulding his game on fellow left-footed forward Aaron Cadman<\/strong>. His athleticism and upside suit the Giants’ style, and he should be afforded time to develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cameron Nairn shoots on goal | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

REMAINING CROP:<\/strong>
Pick 35<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poised to only make one or two selections, this choice comes down to whether any players are left on the Giants’ draft board come their second pick. Perhaps a prospect like Cameron Nairn<\/a> would suit if available. His running game and aerial ability as a forward\/wingman are highly promising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Giants are also nicely placed to beat Melbourne to electric small forward Latrelle Pickett<\/a> – if he isn’t snapped up on night one. Perhaps even a bid will be the move, with cross-town rivals Sydney having suitable types like Harry Kyle<\/a> and Lachlan Carmichael<\/a> in their Academy ranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on what happens with pick 12, another long-term recruit like Sam Allen<\/a> could suit. He’s another completing rehabilitation for an ACL tear, but has all the suitable running traits for a GWS wingman. Otherwise, Oakleigh teammate Hunter Holmes<\/a> fits the bill with his athletic upside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of the National Draft, the Giants have access to a trio of promising Academy graduates. Over-ager Riley Hamilton<\/a> could be given a chance as a dynamic tall forward, having earned a state draft combine invite alongside key position utility Jim Houston<\/a>, and speedy marking forward Tallis McMillan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Giants have committed to landing Jayden Laverde <\/strong>as a delisted free agent, while Jake Stringer <\/strong>and Conor Stone<\/strong> will be afforded rookie lifelines. GWS will also have an eye on next year’s crop, with Academy star Ethan Matthews<\/a> already looking like a top-end prospect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KEY QUESTIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Will GWS pull out another surprise in the first round?
– After pick 12, what other area of need will the Giants target?
– Are any of the Giants’ academy prospects in consideration?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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