AFL Round 17: GWS draftee Joe Fonti to make his debut against Carlton

The Giants have been forced into another late change against Carlton – but it’s opened the door for the incredibly athletic bolter from last year’s draft to make his debut.

Joe Fonti will debut in round 17. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Giants are set to throw one of their most promising young talents straight into the deep end with dashing defender Joe Fonti named to debut against Carlton on Saturday night.

Unfortunately for GWS, Lachie Ash has been ruled out of the match with a cork in his calf with the club not wanting to risk him after only just coming back from another calf injury. It continues their recent bad injury run with Josh Kelly and Sam Taylor both set to spend the next month on the sidelines.

However, it gives Fonti a chance to make his mark, with the athletic teenager impressing during his first season in Western Sydney.

Selected with pick 44 of last year’s draft, Fonti is a medium defender out of Western Australia. He became renowned for his fleet of foot and finished in the top five at the draft combine for vertical jump, agility and 20m sprint.

He has gone on to play 11 matches in the VFL, coming into his own in the past two months as he looks more comfortable playing senior football. He had an impressive 10 marks in the win over Port Melbourne, before picking up a goal and 23 touches against the Swans.

Fonti leads the way during pre-season drills. Picture: Phil Hillyard

With the Giants looking to improve their transition work, Fonti is set to be given a licence to run against the Blues. He’s looking forward to putting his strength on display in a game vital for GWS’ finals aspirations.

“That run off halfback is always going to be there,” Fonti said. “I can always use my legs and my speed.

“But working on being defensively reliable has come through playing those games.

“I need to just play to my strengths, play the way I was playing by supporting the run off halfback to get involved offensively. But I also need to do my job on whoever I’m playing on.”

While he admits it’s set to be a nerve-racking experience, Fonti’s work this year has him well placed to slot in seamlessly to the Giants’ defensive system. He has been working close with both Lachies, Ash and Whitfield, to hone his craft and feels he can play a similar role at the base of the orange tsunami game plan.

Nobody could catch Joe Fonti 🏃💨

🎥: Watch the Smithy’s VFL live and free on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTMpic.twitter.com/zBnpILEIGu

— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) June 22, 2024

The 19-year-old is hoping he’ll be able to showcase his speed and ball-use against the Blues on Saturday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Thankfully, his parents had already planned to be in Sydney this weekend to watch him in the VFL. And while mum wasn’t overly enthusiastic on the now-customary debutant phone call – “It was probably a little bit underwhelming,” Fonti joked – he’s looking forward to making his AFL dream come true.

“The time I’ve spent here so far has been the time of my life,” he said. “You learn the system, and when that becomes second nature, you start focusing on your own game and build confidence off the back of that.

“I didn’t think it would come this early. I’ve been playing all right footy in the VFL and I’m happy that’s been noticed and rewarded.”

Originally published as AFL Round 17: GWS draftee Joe Fonti to make his debut against Carlton