GWS won AFLW wooden spoon last year but smart recruiting now has them as a team on the rise
LAST year GWS won the AFLW wooden spoon after winning only one game but some smart recruiting and team development has them viewed now as a team on the rise. NEIL CORDY looks at the players to watch.
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THE Giants AFLW team were wooden spooners last year with just one win and a draw but early signs are they could bounce back in a big way in 2018.
They beat last year’s grand finalists Brisbane by 50 points in a practice match last week and strong recruiting and the natural development of a talented list have marked them as a team to watch this year.
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Here are some of the players to keep an eye on.
CORA STAUNTON
Gaelic football legend Cora Staunton could be the recruit of the year in AFLW.
In her first competitive match of footy against last year’s runner up Brisbane she booted two quick goals and looked a standout.
The ‘legend’ title is no exaggeration. Staunton is listed among the greatest Irish athletes ever and has represented her country in football, Gaelic football and rugby union.
REBECCA BEESON
At 19 years of age Beeson is one of the best young players on the Giants team. The Sydney local has the footy brains to go with her talent and has a strong overhead mark to top it off.
TANYA HEATHERINGTON
A key defender Tanya Hetherington has been named in the Giants leadership group. At 32 she is another experienced leader who has had lots of success in VFLW where she was captain of the strong Diamond Creek side.
RENEE FORTH
The West Australian was signed as one of the Giants Marquee players last year but an ACL injury saw her miss the entire season. She is back in action, fit and ready to make up for lost time.
ALICIA EVA
Alicia Eva is another great signing, she was vice-captain of Collingwood last year and runner up in their best and fairest. Not only does she bring talent Eva is another on-field coach for Alan McConnell after working for a number of years for the Calder Cannons TAC Cup team working with AFL stars Jake Lever and Peter Wright.
EMMA SWANSON
Another marquee player from WA Swanson is all class and was one of their best players in the first year of AFLW. She knows how to find the ball and has great vision and skills when in possession.
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COURTNEY GUM
The 35 year old South Australian has a list of achievements as long as her arm including the SANFL best and fairest and the Mostyn Medal in Sydney in 2012.
An inside midfielder with skills on both sides of her body Gum will play a vital role in 2018.
JODIE HICKS
In the mould of her Sydney Sixers team mate Ellyse Perry Hicks is one of NSW brightest sporting talents. The 18 year old from Hay in southern NSW starred for the state at national level.st the group and we are looking forward to what’s to come in season 2018,” he said.
Originally published as GWS won AFLW wooden spoon last year but smart recruiting now has them as a team on the rise
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