The GWS Giants enter this year's count with a pair of first-round picks at their disposal off the back of a top-four finish in 2023.
Their trade plans a year ago have paid dividends as they set themselves up for another strong draft play 12 months on from taking Aaron Cadman as the first overall pick.
Their rise under new coach Adam Kingsley has the New South Wales side in a great position to rejuvenate their list with young top-rated talent while still competing for the premiership.
With a top 10 pick in their possession, and another opening round selection also part of their hand, here's how the Giants' draft plans could play out.
Draft Hand
Picks:ย 7, 16, 43, 59, 77, 79
The Giants are expected to use just the three selections at this month's draft, two of which are first-round selections.
Having acquired Richmond's opening pick through last year's exchange period, the Giants will enter the count at Pick 7 despite their preliminary final finish. Their second selection of Pick 16 could be pushed back into the 20s but still gives them good early access for their second bite of the apple.
Their third selection at 43 overall is likely to come in a few spots in the order after a number of second-round selections are dissolved for Academy bids. The Giants themselves will be considering Academy selections but could wait until the Rookie Draft or Category B access to acquire their lower-rated linked prospects.
List Needs
The Best Available:ย The Giants are in a position within the top 10 where they'll be waiting to see how the half-dozen or so selections before them pan out before being able to make their call. The six picks ahead of them, coupled with Academy selections, will likely leave one or two of the top-rated group left for the Giants to swoop on.
Key-Position Versatility: The Giants will look to add height to their list and could consider doing so by wanting a 'swingman' type option with one of their first two picks. A player that can work in attack and move into defence to hold up the game would be of value, much like the inverse of Harry Himmelberg's role under Adam Kingsley this year.
Ruck Depth:ย The Giants have found one in Kieren Briggs, but their supporting cast behind their first-string ruckman is lacking. They've re-signed Braydon Preuss following an injury-riddled few seasons, while Academy graduate Nick Madden showed glimpses at VFL level this year in his rookie season. Having lost Matt Flynn to West Coast via free agency, another name in the ruck pecking order might be of interest to the Giants.
Potential Targets:
James Leake:ย The Tasmanian is an exciting medium-sized swingman who's comfortable in a defensive role as he is in attack with his strong leaping ability and aerial smarts. Leake was named in the National Championships Team of the Year for his defensive role for the premiership-winning Allies, while he popped up in Tasmania's attack in the back end of the Talent League season to boot 15 goals in his last five games. The 187cm talent would be one at Pick 7 for the Giants, while Northern Knights spearhead Nate Caddy is another to consider at that selection if they're keen on adding to their forward line instead of defence.
Dan Curtin:ย Curtin would be a dream recruit for the Giants at their first pick, with the WA gun a small chance to slide to their opening selection - especially if West Coast look to make a move for the teenager and trade themselves back into the top 10 after Pick 1. Curtin is a formidable key defender who can float forward or even be thrown in the middle of the ground, with his strong build a big advantage in his game. Murray Bushrangers backman Connor O'Sullivan is a more likely name in the Pick 7 mix and can also be used in attack.
Taylor Goad:ย Goad is a 'unicorn' type talent among this year's draft class, with the 206cm South Australian among the leading crop of ruck prospects. Goad's advantage over his fellow ruckmen is his pace, with the South Adelaide prospect recording a top 10 finish in the 20m sprint test at last month's AFL Draft Combine to go with a strong result in the standing vertical leap test. Goad could very well be up for grabs when the Giants make their third selection.
