Analysis 2025 GWS Giants - Predicted best 22, breakout player(s), general player/team discussion & questions

[Giant Strides]

Sensing an opportunity after Harry Perryman's departure, Conor Stone has moved to the backline in a bid to earn a spot in the GIANTS' side. After an impressive season in the VFL, Stone is bent on elevating himself from fringe player to GIANTS standout.

The 22-year-old has only played 13 games since being drafted with pick No.15 in 2020, largely hampered by a wretched run of soft issue injuries. A fit-again Stone impressed in the VFL last season and was rewarded as the club's best-and-fairest for the second-tier competition. Still, Stone admits some dissatisfaction with the personal accolade. "It probably means I've played too many VFL games," Stone told AAP. "As humbling as it was, I'd rather be playing in the AFL."

The newly minted utility was meant to debut behind the ball in the final home-and-away round against the Western Bulldogs but was a late omission through illness and watched the GIANTS' straight-sets finals exit from the sidelines. Putting his hand up for their Opening Round match against the Magpies, Stone knows he'll have to fend off Joe Fonti and impressive draftee Harry Oliver if he wants to become a mainstay. Admitting his self-confidence was once lacking, Stone said he was determined to prove his class. "It's not like the spot is mine. I've got to go and earn it," he said. "I'm still trying to learn and develop my craft and figure out what the best version of me as a backman looks like."

 

[Bowski]

How is Rowston going? Loved him in his draft year and GWS training reports are as rare as hens teeth.

 

[PaythePerryman]

How is Rowston going? Loved him in his draft year and GWS training reports are as rare as hens teeth.

He battled some injuries last year after an impressive first year. I'd say once he's healthy we will start to see a lot more of him... potentially in place of Ward....or if Cogs is injured.
From what we've seen he's a super willing tackler and good mover.
Definitely one to get excited about.

 

[GWS Goose]

How is Rowston going? Loved him in his draft year and GWS training reports are as rare as hens teeth.

they love him internally.

 

[PaythePerryman]

they love him internally.

Yep I've heard players talk about him as the 'stand out'

 

[GWS Goose]

Yep I've heard players talk about him as the 'stand out'

definitely. The young guys nominated him as the best small (or non tall) from the 22/23 drafts

 

[domologue]

Yep I've heard players talk about him as the 'stand out'

I think there's a bit of Tim Taranto about him too.

Up and under. Gets rid of the ball cleanly with his hands (but maaaaybe we don't want him chucking it at his foot)...

 

[Giant Strides]

Zerohanger's assessment of the GWS midfield: 11th.

Every AFL team's midfield ranked: Part 2

The second instalment of our midfield rankings are here 👇

www.zerohanger.com

The Giants are one of the unlucky sides in our rankings, given the talent emerging in their midfield.

Tom Green rose as an underrated Brownlow fancy ahead of the 2024 season, while Finn Callaghan has been tipped to break out for a couple of seasons now.

GWS also have the veteran experience of Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward to rotate through the centre, while Josh Kelly has continued to be an ever-reliable outside runner.

Toby Bedford has been a solid inclusion since departing from Melbourne, and Xavier O'Halloran is a valuable commodity on the wing, with GWS unwilling to trade the 24-year-old before the end of his contract.

Kieren Briggs established himself as a premier ruckman in 2023, with his commanding physicality allowing the 25-year-old to rack up hitouts.

While the upside of Callaghan and Green is promising, the ageing counterparts are a curious watch in 2025. Should Coniglio and Ward show signs of Father Time catching up, the Giants' midfield depth is fairly thin of ready-made talent to rotate through with Harry Perryman and James Peatling's exits.

GWS may have to blood some younger troops this season if Coniglio and Ward struggle with form, with 22-year-old Ryan Angwin (four games in 2024) and draftees Oliver Hannaford and Cody Angove potential options.

Re-listed 26-year-old Jacob Wehr will also be making his case after playing 11 games in 2024.

Additionally, the Giants' midfield has its ineffective moments. Despite the contested bull of Green and the emergence of Callaghan, ranking GWS eighth for clearances, the Giants placed 11th for inside 50s per game and third for clangers.

Evidently, the Giants' ball use from the clearance is a concern and could negate their strength in the contested parts of the game.

 

[Giant Strides]

What do you think - fair assessment, or unfair?

I note they missed out on discussing a few that we'd consider as highly regarded to move into midfield consideration: Harry Rowston, James Leake & Toby McMullin.

 

[PaythePerryman]

What do you think - fair assessment, or unfair?

I note they missed out on discussing a few that we'd consider as highly regarded to move into midfield consideration: Harry Rowston, James Leake & Toby McMullin.

Yeah I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment based on our 2024 performances.
2024 was an odd one. Never felt like our game ever really clicked like it did in 2023. We'd put quarters together but it wasn't the finished product.
I think Rowston and Leake will be ahead of Angwin in the midfield already (different role mind you).
Also noticed he neglected to talk about the amount of forwards we can rotate through there now with Daniels, Toby and Stringer all able to spark us in the mid.

I'd say fair though. Dunno about you lot but I'm getting excited for this season.

 

[dlanod]

What do you think - fair assessment, or unfair?

I note they missed out on discussing a few that we'd consider as highly regarded to move into midfield consideration: Harry Rowston, James Leake & Toby McMullin.

I don't mind them being skipped. Every club could list three or more players that would be "midfield considerations" every year. 90% of them (across the comp, not just us) don't come on, don't end up in the midfield, or just disappear. Write-ups focusing on the reality, not supporter speculation, is perfectly reasonable.

 

[PaythePerryman]

I don't mind them being skipped. Every club could list three or more players that would be "midfield considerations" every year. 90% of them (across the comp, not just us) don't come on, don't end up in the midfield, or just disappear. Write-ups focusing on the reality, not supporter speculation, is perfectly reasonable.

Yeah just interesting they mentioned Hannaford and Angove rather than the other two. Maybe positional.

 

[RowellAnderson12]

Hey just wondering on two of your young guns, In general but also my last spot for AFL Keeper's League.

Harvey Thomas - Big fan of his work, love his ball use and not afraid to get around it. Is there a possibility he moves to half back or wing in the future? Or will he be a standard pressure forward? I know he came in with good endurance base and played all 3 lines in his last Coates League year. Just can't seem to find much else about him.

James Leake - Posted impressive VFL numbers 24 touches, 4 marks 7 tackles on paper, how did he go last year what was his role? Just reading above sounds like he's next in line with Rowston. If he's posting those VFL numbers im sure he close to Round 0 debut with the suspensions.

 

[PaythePerryman]

Hey just wondering on two of your young guns, In general but also my last spot for AFL Keeper's League.

Harvey Thomas - Big fan of his work, love his ball use and not afraid to get around it. Is there a possibility he moves to half back or wing in the future? Or will he be a standard pressure forward? I know he came in with good endurance base and played all 3 lines in his last Coates League year. Just can't seem to find much else about him.

James Leake - Posted impressive VFL numbers 24 touches, 4 marks 7 tackles on paper, how did he go last year what was his role? Just reading above sounds like he's next in line with Rowston. If he's posting those VFL numbers im sure he close to Round 0 debut with the suspensions.

I think Thomas is highly likely to be the same high half forward. Link up player. Can't see him on the wing....too small to defend a wing in my opinion. Won't play for the first 2 though....then bye. So maybe a pick up if he's named round 3....but I'd agree probably not worth the pick up at price.

I don't see Leake playing midfield unless we get destroyed with injuries.
He's a chance at that third small backline role...I reckon he's 2nd behind Stone currently. Fonti right there too though.

The suspensions we had were mostly forwards and mostly second stringers anyway.

 

[RowellAnderson12]

I think Thomas is highly likely to be the same high half forward. Link up player. Can't see him on the wing....too small to defend a wing in my opinion. Won't play for the first 2 though....then bye. So maybe a pick up if he's named round 3....but I'd agree probably not worth the pick up at price.

I don't see Leake playing midfield unless we get destroyed with injuries.
He's a chance at that third small backline role...I reckon he's 2nd behind Stone currently. Fonti right there too though.

The suspensions we had were mostly forwards and mostly second stringers anyway.

Thanks for the reply, Giants have some gems i'll keep tracking them

 

[PaythePerryman]

Thanks for the reply, Giants have some gems i'll keep tracking them

Gothard could be a fun pickup for those first two weeks. With McMullin and Thomas ruled out I think he could easily be that 7th guy in the forward line.
He had some great games in the VFL last year when fit. With another preseason and his body right he could be a weapon.

 

[RowellAnderson12]

Gothard could be a fun pickup for those first two weeks. With McMullin and Thomas ruled out I think he could easily be that 7th guy in the forward line.
He had some great games in the VFL last year when fit. With another preseason and his body right he could be a weapon.

I'm keen to see what your smalls can produce, i'm pretty jealous we don't have much at the Suns. Definately makes it hard on Kingsley to only pick 7 forwards

 

[PaythePerryman]

I'm keen to see what your smalls can produce, i'm pretty jealous we don't have much at the Suns. Definately makes it hard on Kingsley to only pick 7 forwards

I think Gothard could be that extra goal kicker that rounds out an already dangerous front.
McMullin and Thomas are great up the ground but don't jump on the score board as much. I obviously love Daniels and Jones.

We've been drafting SO MANY small forward types since Kingsley took over.

I'm very high in Cadman leveling up this year. Dangerous spot to be in when everyone is freaking out about Hogan and Cadman is as talented as he is.

 

[RowellAnderson12]

I think Gothard could be that extra goal kicker that rounds out an already dangerous front.
McMullin and Thomas are great up the ground but don't jump on the score board as much. I obviously love Daniels and Jones.

We've been drafting SO MANY small forward types since Kingsley took over.

I'm very high in Cadman leveling up this year. Dangerous spot to be in when everyone is freaking out about Hogan and Cadman is as talented as he is.

I'm pretty high on Cadman too, hopefully he can break out this year.