‘Giant Move’: Two AFL Cairns superstars join GWS VFL side
Two giants of the 2024 AFL Cairns season have signed to the GWS Giants VFL side for the 2025 season.
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Two superstars from the 2024 AFL Cairns season, Jaiden Butson and Liam McCarthy, are making the leap to the GWS Giants’ VFL affiliate side for the 2025 season.
The move represents a major opportunity for the duo, as they bring their talents to one of the premier football pathways in the nation.
CTB Bulldogs midfielder Butson and Cutters premiership utility McCarthy enjoyed exceptional seasons in AFL Cairns in 2024, with their impressive performances setting the stage for this significant career step.
The GWS Giants are eager to see the pair flourish in their VFL program, which has expanded with the introduction of the Albury VFL hub.
Giants Head of Talent Adrian Caruso called it an incredible opportunity for the duo.
“It’s really exciting to have these players signed up to our VFL program this year following the introduction of our Albury VFL hub,” Giants Head of Talent Adrian Caruso said.
“We started this initiative to create opportunities for players with potential to play at VFL level and it is great to help give these guys an opportunity to push to play at a higher level without having to leave the region.”
Liam McCarthy, 26, had a standout season with the Cutters, playing a key role in their premiership victory after a 21-year drought.
A versatile player with the ability to impact the game across all three lines, McCarthy placed second in the Crathern Medal, the medal awarded to the competition’s best player.
Known for his booming left boot, he was previously a member of the Geelong Falcons and Geelong Cats VFL side.
He joined Corowa Rutherglen Football club in the off-season while he is currently playing for the Nightcliff Tigers in the 2024-25 NTFL season.
On the other hand, Trinity Beach gun Jaiden Butson was simply remarkable for the Bulldogs in 2024, battling against some of the league’s best midfielders.
The 21-year-old’s ability to win the hard ball and clearance work were standout features.
Butson, who previously trained with Collingwood’s VFL side, also had a pre-season stint at Corowa-Rutherglen in the Ovens and Murray competition, but now looks forward to continuing his development with the Giants.
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Originally published as ‘Giant Move’: Two AFL Cairns superstars join GWS VFL side
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