‘He competed really strongly’: Aaron Cadman pushing for debut against Blues
GWS coach Adam Kingsley says a quiet VFL performance will not keep the Giants’ rising star out of the senior selection frame.
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No.1 one pick Aaron Cadman is firming for an AFL debut as the Giants ponder how to get the best out of their forward half following a disappointing loss to West Coast.
The 19-year-old was held to just six disposals and one goal in a heavy VFL loss to Essendon on Sunday but registered three tackles and took four marks despite a significant lack of forward supply.
Cadman’s strong goalkicking form in the practice matches has him on the cusp of a spot in the Giants’ forward line after Jake Riccardi was kept goalless for a second consecutive game against the Eagles and only managed two marks.
Riccardi’s selection ahead of Cadman in round 1 was partly due to his ability to play as the second ruck, but Harry Himmelberg competed well when thrown into the ruck at times in Perth and could occupy that hybrid role should Cadman play.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley said he was impressed with the top draft pick’s competitiveness despite the one-sided VFL clash.
“He had a pretty quiet game back at VFL, but they were under the pump a bit – the ball didn’t get forward a lot, but when it did he competed really strongly,” Kingsley said.
“He’s always a chance, obviously I feel like I say this a bit – he’s here for a career when he comes in, it doesn’t mean necessarily he’s in for the first month of the season, but I’m more than happy to bring him in when the time is right.”
Kingsley defended the subdued performances of Riccardi and Himmelberg, saying the pair had moved to dangerous positions, but ball use further up the ground was an issue.
“It’s more of the fact the way we’re using the ball I don’t think maximises their capabilities,” he said.
“If we can use the ball a little better going inside 50, they can get reward for their efforts, but we’re not finishing our work well enough at this stage.”
The Giants expect to regain both Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield for the home game against Carlton this weekend, with the pair having almost completed the concussion protocols and set to train with the main group on Thursday.
Jacob Wehr has been ruled out though and could miss more than two months after Kingsley confirmed the wingman broke his scapula in the brutal collision that led to his substitution against the Eagles.
“Wehry obviously both weeks has been on the end of a couple of big hits,” Kingsley said.
“Unfortunately, he’s broken his scapula, so he’ll miss I would think at least a couple of months on the sideline, so that’s really disappointing for a young guy who was finding his way.”
Finn Callaghan’s shoulder concern from the game was just a “stinger” and the classy left-footer would be fit to take on the Blues, Kingsley said.
Originally published as ‘He competed really strongly’: Aaron Cadman pushing for debut against Blues
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