AFL 2023: Adam Kingsley says Giants open to trading for No.1 draft pick

GWS did some clever trade deals last year to land the No.1 pick and Aaron Cadman. Could they do it again?

The Giants have confirmed they are open to exploring a trade to obtain the No.1 draft pick for the second consecutive year.

Following the trade that saw Tim Taranto head to Richmond this off-season, the Giants hold two first-round picks heading into the 2023 draft.

Those picks currently sit at 9 and 12 and could be an enticing option for a team looking to capitalise on multiple early picks.

Giants coach Adam Kingsley said all cards were on the table when it came to thinking about how best to improve his squad.

“It’s always an interesting discussion whether you pick one at the pointy end or you take two mid-first round,” Kingsley said on SEN Sportsday.

“You try to add value to your list, upgrade a position or add a star, maybe two if you can.

“I haven’t got an answer now. But we’ll certainly discuss both options, see where pick 1 sits and whether or not they’re prepared to deal with us.”

Harley Reid is tipped to go at pick 1 in the draft. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images

West Coast is the likely owner of the selection with only one win so far this season.

Good judges believe that Harley Reid is the standout prospect in this year’s draft and would go straight into the line-up of any team. However, the depth of the problems at the Eagles have led many to suggest splitting pick 1 and bringing in as many first-round players as possible would be the better long-term strategy.

Kingsley’s comments suggest the Giants are more than happy to be the team to help facilitate that once again.

The Giants traded up to the No.1 pick in the 2022 draft to recruit Aaron Cadman. However, they had to give up a lot in return to the Kangaroos including picks 3, 12 and a future second-round pick.

Thanks to an influx of other trades, they still went into that draft with picks 15, 18 and 19 showing they were able to balance out their options.

The Giants went big to recruit Aaron Cadman in as last year’s No.1 pick. Picture: Michael Klein

It will prove a tougher task for the Giants following their return to form. They have forced their way back into the top eight thanks to a six-game winning streak as they look to make the finals in Kingsley’s first year in charge.

While it has been an impressive streak, the rookie coach won’t allow his team to become complacent.

“We’ve got a lot of inexperience in our team at this point,” he said.

“To be able to introduce them to AFL football and really try and develop them as people and players, so far so good.

“But we do have a lot of work to do. We’re not content that we might make finals, we’re certainly aiming to make finals and then hopefully build on that year after year.”