How GWS forward Aaron Cadman aims to make rival defenders ‘dread playing on me’

No. 1 pick Aaron Cadman has dramatically improved on his first year, but the former No.1 pick tells SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON how he’s looking to take his game to another level.

Giants Aaron Cadman in the ruck during the Gather Round match between the GWS Giants and Gold Coast Suns at Mount Barker, Adelaide on April 7, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard.

Giants forward Aaron Cadman has vowed to be more physical, says he wants to be a “scary” proposition for his opponents and for defenders “to dread playing on me”.

The 2022 No. 1 draft pick is tracking well, with GWS coach Adam Kingsley saying there aren’t many key forwards who have contributed like the 20-year-old has in his second season at AFL level.

Just under a year since his Giants debut in the 2023 Gather Round, Cadman played the 16th game of his fledgling career in the 2024 edition against Gold Coast in Mt Barker on Sunday.

“I think the massive thing for me is building some confidence in myself and backing that I can play at this level,” Cadman said of how he had grown since his first year.

“Last year I didn’t really do exactly what I wanted, but this year I have slowly been building and I feel like I have found my place.”

The Darley product has become a consistent part of the unbeaten Giants’ forward line, along with Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi, especially with his ability to go into the ruck to support Kieren Briggs.

Giants Aaron Cadman in the ruck during the Gather Round match between the GWS Giants and Gold Coast Suns at Mount Barker, Adelaide on April 7, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard.

Cadman has already kicked more goals for the Giants in 2024 (eight goals) than he did in the entire 2023 season (six goals from 12 games).

“I need to keep on attacking (the ball). I want to be scary to play on, I want defenders to dread playing on me,” Cadman said.

“I just need to be a bit more physical, a bit more demanding. It is a bit hard coming in second year, but I need to keep putting on the weight and keep clunking them (marks).”

Kingsley said Cadman was progressing nicely.

“He has developed a lot; he did a few nice things forward. (He) rucks for us and joins in around the contest,” Kingsley said.

“He is a (young) key forward and for him to be performing at that level is really encouraging for us and certainly for him. There aren’t a lot of key forwards who come in and contribute like that at that age.

“(He needs to) continue to work. He needs to work on all facets of his game (but) I love the way he launches at the ball, that is a weapon of his.

“I think that will be the trademark of his career.”

Originally published as How GWS forward Aaron Cadman aims to make rival defenders ‘dread playing on me’