This year started off looking bleak for the Giants, with hardly anyone predicting they would make finals, let alone a prelim. Yet, after some patchy early form, that's exactly what they did, becoming the dark horse for the flag that no one wanted to come up against.
Following a bottom six finish in 2022, the Giants weren't expected to be much better this year and their early season form did nothing to convince anyone otherwise. The turnaround had to be seen to be believed.
From roughly the midway point of the year, the Giants lost just three of the next 14 games, wreaking havoc on the competition as they climbed into the top eight and quickly became the team most likely to cause an upset in September.
A heartbreaking one-point loss to eventual premiers Collingwood indicates that this team could achieve great things in the coming years and season 2024 will be a tough first step towards a premiership tilt.
With what has been graded as the toughest fixture in the AFL for 2024, not to mention having to overcome any mental scars from the brutal loss to the Pies, the Giants will have the chance to show everyone if they are the real deal.
The critical re-signings of Harry Himmelberg and Finn Callaghan are a huge boost to a club that has bled too much talent over the years, while the additions of Phoenix Gothard and James Leake on draft night ensure they continue to have young talent coming through.
Here's how we think they'll be named in 2024...
3. Forwards
The Giants will be hopeful that 2022 No.1 pick Aaron Cadman comes into the lineup for the retired Daniel Lloyd, while Jake Riccardi's stellar back half of 2023 sees him lock a spot in as the third tall or hybrid forward.
Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene are two of the first names on the sheet, with Hogan enjoying an impressive renaissance at the Giants, becoming a reliable target who can crash packs, kick goals and mark on the lead.
Greene meanwhile is arguably the best player in the competition, capable of the sublime and proving every bit the most inspired choice as a captain in recent memory.
Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels are so impressive as the pressure forwards the Giants love to have inside forward 50. Bedford in particular looks to be an absolute bargain pickup for GWS, cementing a spot and creating havoc for opponents.
The Giants will hope that youngster Phoenix Gothard finds his way into this lineup sooner rather than later and with the brilliant Harry Himmelberg and athletic Callum Brown available to play at both ends of the ground, this forward line is well-balanced and dangerous.
