Track watch: Giants’ youngsters fight for vacancy in forward line, young draftees continue to impress

A bolter from the bush who kicked 149 goals in 49 matches has emerged as a shock contender for an early-season debut at GWS. Get the latest pre-season news from the Giants here.

The Giants’ hopes of going one better in 2024 look to be on track as they continue their preparation for their opening practice match against the Swans next Thursday.

Adam Kingsley has put his side through a big, physical pre-season to make them the fittest team in the competition. But the mountain hikes and early-morning beach wrestling sessions are over, and the rest of February will be focused on taking the Orange Tsunami to the next level.

With one spot in the forward line available following the retirement of Daniel Lloyd, several of the Giants’ youngsters are putting their hands up to be selected for the opening game against Collingwood.

Aaron Cadman’s progression has been clear for all to see in his second AFL pre-season. After making some steady steps during his first year on the Giants’ list, his focus this summer has been on both his fitness and his physicality.

Coaches have been working individually with Cadman on his second efforts and his work on the ground has been a standout. He has also been commanding his position in the goalsquare and has embraced the contest when marked on any of the Giants’ key defenders Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley or Connor Idun.

Darcy Jones could be the perfect foil for the likes of Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The alternative to Cadman is likely to be Darcy Jones if the reigning coach of the year wants to go all-in on his forward-pressure tactics.

Brent Daniels and Toby Bedford led the way in 2023 and Jones looks to be right at that level after returning from an ACL injury. His hands around the contest are clean and he looks to be as quick as any of his teammates and willing to tackle anyone who comes in his direction.

Another youngster who has taken their game to the next level is 19-year-old Harry Rowston. The Giants had to match a pick for Rowston in the first round of the 2022 Draft, but the Academy product is likely to have a big impact on their midfield going into the future.

Rowston could emerge as the Giants’ next big-bodied midfielder. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Playing in the middle, he has modelled his game on Callan Ward and his ability to be a contested-ball winner around the stoppages. He averaged more than 20 touches and three tackles a game in the VFL last season.

While Phoenix Gothard was taken as GWS’ first selection in the most recent draft, it’s another unheralded acquisition that could have the more immediate impact up forward.

Nathan Wardius has turned plenty of heads since arriving as a Category B rookie from Rand-Walbundrie-Walla in the Hume League. He came to the club with an incredible goalscoring record but has excelled on the back of his first AFL-level pre-season. He has put on some size and has already benefited from several years playing at senior level.

Joe Fonti has also impressed in a hybrid defensive role with the No. 44 pick looking to become the Giants’ go-to medium-size defender.

A first AFL pre-season has taken Nathan Wardius to the next level. Picture: Phil Hillyard

After being selected in the 2022 mid-season draft, key forward Wade Derksen looks to be brimming with confidence after a superb VFL season.

He finished the year with 35 goals and has taken that form into pre-season, marking strongly and moving well across the ground. While Cadman is the long-term prospect up forward, 22-year-old Derksen is breathing down his neck.

Callum Brown was one of the most improved players last season and became a key presence up forward in their run to the finals.

But the Irishman looks even more comfortable with the Sherrin in hand and will prove a handful to any defence. His athleticism is among the best in the club and the 23-year-old looks more composed when lining up for set shots.