GWS has ‘full confidence’ in Aaron Cadman ahead of debut

The Giants have decided the time is right to unleash the number one draft pick in their Gather Round clash on Sunday.

Aaron Cadman has had to wait more than a month for his AFL debut, but coach Adam Kingsley says the Giants have ‘full confidence’ in the no 1 pick. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

Number one pick Aaron Cadman has broken into the GWS side after a month-long wait and will make his AFL debut against Hawthorn on Sunday.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley confirmed on Friday that Cadman had earned his spot in the side after strong form in the Giants reserves, including a three-goal haul in his last game against Carlton.

Cadman will enter his Gather Round debut at Norwood with fresh legs after he was flown to Melbourne last week as cover for a sore Jesse Hogan.

The 19-year-old Victorian from Darley will be the seventh top 10 pick from last year’s draft to make his debut this season.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley has repeatedly said this season he was holding back Cadman for the right moment to make his senior debut. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Kingsley said the 195cm forward had made a fantastic impression in his first five months at the Giants.

“We know it’s been a waiting game for Aaron, who has been incredibly close to selection multiple times,” Kingsley said.

“We’ve been really impressed with what we’ve seen from Aaron over the pre-season and opening rounds of the VFL and have full confidence he’ll come in and play his role for the side on Sunday.

The 19-year-old will provide a tall target in the Giants’ forward line, but also has the mobility to push up the ground. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He’s come into our club with a great attitude, he’s worked hard and is so eager to learn and these are all traits that will set him up for a long career at AFL level.

“It’s a really exciting time for him and we can’t to have him run out as part of our side to take on the Hawks.”

Cadman, who played U18s football for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and impressed in representative matches with Victoria Country, has been likened to Jeremy Cameron due to his athleticism and ability to get high up the ground.

He is a strong overhead mark and an accurate left foot kick, with his inclusion in the GWS side likely to mean a key forward is making way.

Originally published as GWS has ‘full confidence’ in Aaron Cadman ahead of debut