AFL Finals: GWS Giants forward Aaron Cadman on finding his place in September
It felt a long time coming for Aaron Cadman but his September arrival didn’t disappoint – and the Lions should be wary. The key forward took the Swans’ punch – now he’s ready to respond.
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Former number one draft pick Aaron Cadman has finally had a taste of finals action for the Giants, and he can’t wait for more.
The 20-year-old was one of GWS’ best against the Swans, finishing the match with three goals. It was an impressive return for his first September appearance, which included a flush set shot from outside 50.
Cadman has never been short of confidence, but despite the Giants falling in a six-point defeat, the performance gave him the belief that he is ready to dominate games on the biggest stage.
“I think there were times in the game when I thought to myself that it’s going to be my time and I’m going to have my moments,” Cadman said.
“I was pretty lucky when the moments came my way, I seemed to make the most of them.
“There’s a lot more pressure (in finals), you can feel it. The crowd’s a little bit louder and everyone goes a bit harder at the balls, so there’s a bit of a difference there.
“I’m super excited to go into this week and hopefully, we can turn it around. It was satisfying. And hopefully, I can keep backing up for the next couple of weeks.”
Cadman has now kicked 29 goals in his second season in the AFL, but it’s his 10 goals in the past five matches that particularly stand out.
The performance that announced his arrival in the competition was against this week’s semi-final opponent, Brisbane. He kicked three goals at the Gabba in round 22 as the Giants halted the Lions’ winning streak.
Throw in a career-high five marks and it was a sign that Cadman was finally growing into his potential as a key forward.
“I think every week it’s getting more and more comfortable,” Cadman said. “And then when I do take those moments, it makes me feel more comfortable that I know that I can do this, and it was good to showcase that a little bit (against Brisbane).
“They’re going to be a bit more wary about me, and hopefully, that takes a bit of pressure off the other forwards and also Darcy (Jones) as well.
“So yeah, hopefully, we can all get a lick this time and hopefully won’t come down to the wire like it did (in Brisbane).”
Cadman isn’t the only player who is likely to be in for some close checking against the Lions, with his forward partner and Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan arguably the most dangerous player in the competition.
Hogan had another three goals against the Swans, taking his tally to 38 in the past 10 matches. It’s a devastating stretch of form, but it’s also provided Cadman with the room to grow at his own pace.
Not only does Hogan attract the number one defender, but often teams are so worried about his contested marking ability that it will suck multiple players into a contest. Cadman knows that’s something he can exploit.
“I think Jesse has been massive for us and him getting the attention has only helped us in the forward line,” Cadman said. “It creates opportunities for me going forward to hopefully snag a few.
“He’s been massive, and even when it’s not his day, he’s making sure he’s always getting around us and making sure we’re taking our opportunity.”
The key for the Giants this Saturday will be holding the same standards they held for the first three quarters against Sydney. Their pressure was off the charts and they were able to keep the Swans’ biggest stars relatively quiet.
If Cadman’s attitude is anything to go by, they’re still brimming with confidence that they cannot only book a place in the preliminary final against Geelong, but go all the way.
“It’s just taking that punch that they’ve thrown and looking to throw one back,” Cadman said. “It was the second quarter where (Sydney) got off to a bit of a run … and we got straight back at them.
“The momentum swings both ways. We were just super unlucky, we thought we played a really good game but just let ourselves down for that quarter.
“You could see we took it to them for three quarters, and they’re the benchmark. So yeah, I think we can easily beat anyone on any given day.”
Originally published as AFL Finals: GWS Giants forward Aaron Cadman on finding his place in September
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