GWS Giants track watch: Aaron Cadman, Darcy Jones, Max Gruzewski impress in Giants match simulation

After going beyond expectations in Adam Kingsley’s first season in charge, the Giants are looking to continue the momentum with a number of young forwards leading the race for round one spots.

Aaron Cadman during the GWS Giants training session on December 6, 2023 Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only – **NO ON SALES** – ©Phil Hillyard )

The Giants have hit the track for one of their first match simulations this pre-season with a couple of youngsters pushing hard to be in Adam Kingsley’s best 23 for their opening game against Collingwood.

GWS played through two full quarters at the end of their intense session on Friday with almost a full complement of players involved in the practice. A few players including Kieren Briggs, Leek Aleer and Stephen Coniglio are still on modified schedules ahead of the new campaign.

Defence is set to be one of the Giants’ strongest pillars again as Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley impressed down back.

Taylor looks to have put on a bit more size and his increased athleticism was on display. At the same time, Buckley’s confidence continues to grow after his breakthrough AFL season in 2023.

Taylor is set to build on his platform as one of the best key defenders in the AFL. Picture: Phil Hillyard

However, they were put to the test by last year’s No. 1 Draft pick Aaron Cadman who came into his own during the match play.

After struggling in his contest with Buckley during the warm-up session, Cadman took three strong contested marks and finished with three goals for the contest, a promising sign for his second year on the list.

Cadman is likely to come into consideration for a spot in the side for the Collingwood clash as Kingsley looks for the best way to fill the hole in their forward line created by Daniel Lloyd’s retirement.

Another youngster who has been catching the eye in pre-season is Darcy Jones. The 19-year-old is yet to make his AFL debut after a devastating ACL injury last March, but he will be close to the side by the time March 9 comes around.

Taken in the first round of the 2022 Draft, Jones looks primed to live up to expectations as he displayed great agility and efficient ball use. Winning a position in the Giants’ midfield won’t come easily, but after completing almost an entire pre-season, Jones has given himself the best chance.

Darcy Jones has impressed since making a successful return from his ACL injury. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Max Gruzewski is also set to build on his impressive VFL form last season as he looks to enter the AFL frame. Another big-bodied forward option, he is hot on the heels of Cadman as the pair look to make big strides in their second season on the list.

Several of the Giants’ most experienced stars such as skipper Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield are also training strongly as they look to go one better than their preliminary final loss last season. Whitfield’s hands in particular stood out in the session.

Jake Riccardi also looks like a forward full of confidence after signing a new long-term deal last year, with some strong contested marks throughout the match.

One of the Giants’ breakout players from 2023, Toby Bedford, was also at his energetic best and looks even stronger than he did last year. His pressure was relentless and his engine is likely to catapult him into the top echelon of small forwards in the competition.

He also had a shadow for much of the session with Phoenix Gothard following in Bedford’s footsteps as he looks to cement himself in the AFL. The Giants’ first draft pick has a very similar build to the likes of Bedford and Brent Daniels and will replicate their play style as a tackling machine who sets the Orange Tsunami tempo from the forward line.