AFL 2023: Giants used pick traded by Collingwood to recruit gun midfielder Finn Callaghan

It didn’t seem a big deal when Collingwood parted ways with a future first-round pick in 2020. But the player GWS selected with that choice will have a big say in a prelim final.

GWS Giants player Finn Callaghan. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It’s the horror trade that could come back to bite Collingwood on Friday night.

On draft night in 2020, the Pies sent their future first-round selection to the Giants in exchange for picks 24, 30 and a future-fourth rounder.

Collingwood was forced to plan ahead because Nick Daicos, the son of club legend Peter, was waiting for them 12 months down the line as a potential father-son selection.

The Pies wanted to strengthen their draft position and ensure that their first-rounder didn’t get tied up in having to match a bid for Daicos.

It also didn’t feel like a massive risk for Collingwood as they had made the semi-final that season and were expecting that pick to be at No.10 or later.

But a year on, they finished second-last on the ladder after a shocking campaign that saw Nathan Buckley sacked.

To rub salt into the wound, that future first-rounder became the No.2 pick for the Giants, who used it on one of the best talents in the draft, Finn Callaghan.

While the Pies were still able to land Daicos because no bid came on him until pick 3, they potentially cost themselves another of the top selections in the draft.

The 2021 draft was a big one for Collingwood, but it could have been even greater. Picture: Mark Stewart

They could have used pick 2 to take Callaghan or another talented player such as now-Adelaide star, Josh Rachele.

“We are always looking to make the best of our situation and when our desired players weren’t available with our picks, we opted to maximise the value of them to add another first-round draft pick,” Adrian Caruso, the Giants’ recruiting manager, said at the time.

Callaghan rises to the occasion

After injury disrupted his debut season in 2022, Callaghan has quickly turned into an important ball-winner in the Giants’ midfield.

In 20 games this season, Callaghan averages 20 disposals a game and has added plenty of energy to the Giants’ high-tempo onballers.

“Last year was quite tough with injuries and stuff, not being able to get on the park much,” Callaghan said.

“But being able to get some continuity within my football this year (has been important). Being able to play each day with the boys, they gain trust in me and vice versa.

“(Adam Kingsley) has been really good for me and has given me clarity about what my role looks like on the weekend now.

“I think Kingers and the coaching staff have also implemented a lot of belief in me.”

Finn Callaghan has become an important part of the Giants’ midfield in their run to the preliminary final. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

That was on full display at the start of the Giants’ finals campaign against St Kilda.

Following a month on the sidelines with an Achilles injury that took longer than expected to settle, Callaghan was thrown straight into the elimination final.

While there were some concerns about whether his lack of game time would impact his performance, the 20-year-old impressed on footy’s biggest stage.

He finished with 18 disposals, a goal, six score involvements and two clearances. Callaghan followed it up with another solid showing in the win over Port Adelaide.

“The unknown of not having played for a little while and the nerves came with that,” he said.

“(The injury) was frustrating because I wanted to be a part of the team, especially when we were going so well. I knew finals was a chance, so I wanted to try and get back.

“I’m a shocking watcher, so it would have been terrible.”

Finn Callaghan earned a Rising Star nomination in round seven and is set for a massive career. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The midfield battle will be key for the Giants if they are to get over Collingwood this Friday night.

But they have already shown they can execute their up-tempo game plan when the pressure is on, and will be confident of doing it once more against the Pies.

“On the weekend, we executed our system really well,” Callaghan said.

“We won the contest, that’s where it all starts. It’s also where we were able to get on top of the Saints, around the clearances.

“The run and carry through the corridor, we’re able to give our forwards a chance one-on-one and they’ve been doing that well all year.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: Giants used pick traded by Collingwood to recruit gun midfielder Finn Callaghan