The Giants suffered a cruel finish to 2024 after a season where they were deemed genuine premiership contenders.
Two extraordinary come-from-behind wins from Sydney and Brisbane sent GWS packing in straight sets, despite dominant performances by Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan.
The Giants then lost significant cogs to their machine, watching Isaac Cumming, Nick Haynes, James Peatling, and Harry Perryman depart.ย The latter two remain the most notable exits, with Peatling and Perryman playing 19 and 21 games respectively in 2024.
However, the Giants were able to snag a late deal for wantaway Bomber Jake Stringer, creating a scary forward line on paper. Regardless of the lazy, unmotivated narratives surrounding Stringer, he still joins the Giants as a 40-goal-per-season player, adding on to Hogan and Toby Greene who also achieved that feat in 2024.
Players such as Leek Aleer, James Leake and Phoenix Gothard could all be pushing for more consistent selection in 2025, but the Giants' line-up will likely be a familiar sight next season.
We've assessed the Giants' squad and determined a best-23 side, analysing their depth across all three lines on the field.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, except for those expected to miss most or all of the season through injury or suspension.
Midfielders
GWS' bull of a midfielder Tom Green will be a surefire pick in the midfield after averaging over 14.5 contested possessions and 30 disposals for a second straight season.
Finn Callaghan is primed for a breakout year as he enters his fourth season in the system after he quietly improved across all major statistical categories in 2024. Full-time minutes as an inside midfielder could see him finally explode and make his status known to the competition.
After his trade request failed to get done, Xavier O'Halloran will return as a Giant and potentially play along the wing due to his high endurance and consistent repeated efforts. He could be joined by Josh Kelly or Wehr on the opposite side of the centre square.
Veterans Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward can also make a case to get a start at the centre bounce, while draftees Oliver Hannaford and Jack Ough may have to bide their time in the VFL before cracking into the midfield.
In the ruck, there's not much doubt Kieren Briggs will command his spot, meaning Lachlan Keeffe will be the backup option yet again in 2025.
