GWS season 2025 preview: Lachlan McKirdy breaks down where the Giants sit

GWS have no issue with contending at the pointy end of the year, but haven’t been able to reach their ultimate goal. Which young guns can change that? Lachlan McKirdy previews their season.

Where do the Giants sit?

GWS were 44 points ahead of Brisbane in the first semi final.

The Lions roared back to win by five, then won the flag.

It was an agonising defeat that will no doubt be driving the Giants through pre-season.

Can the club regroup with some added star power and claim that elusive first premiership?

Lachlan McKirdy analyses where GWS are at, where they’re headed and everything in between.

Speed machine Darcy Jones. Picture: Getty Images

SURPRISE PACKET OF 2024

Darcy Jones finally got his chance in 2024 and did not disappoint. His blistering pace lit up the Giants’ forward line and his tenacity without the ball created plenty of pressure. He’s the perfect cog for the orange tsunami and with a season, and soon to be a first proper pre-season, under his belt, he should take his game to the next level.

INS AND OUTS

IN: Cody Angove (No.24 draft pick), Josaia Delana (Category B rookie), Oliver Hannaford (No.18 draft pick), Harry Oliver (No.19 draft pick), Jack Ough (No.36 draft pick), Logan Smith (No.71 draft pick, Academy), Jake Stringer (trade, Essendon)

Stringer brings out the barrel! #AFLDonsGiantspic.twitter.com/XvwSFnOtjp

— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2023

OUT: Isaac Cumming (free agent, Adelaide), Cooper Hamilton (delisted), Nick Haynes (free agent, Carlton), Adam Kennedy (retired), James Peatling (trade, Adelaide), Harry Perryman (free agent, Collingwood), Braydon Preuss (delisted)

WHO’S PLAYING FOR A CONTRACT?

Finn Callaghan is arguably the most important off-contract player for the Giants and will undoubtedly attract interest from across the AFL. He continues to improve year on year, and that won’t change in 2025. The Giants will want to wrap him up early, but if has a big start to the season that will only add zeros to his salary for 2026 and beyond.

LAST YEAR IN CONTRACT

Callan Ward, Callum Brown, Finn Callaghan, Jacob Wehr, Josh Fahey, Lachie Keeffe, Leek Aleer, Nathan Wardius, Toby Bedford, Wade Derksen, Xavier O’Halloran

It could be time for Jacob Wehr to step up. Picture: Getty Images

POSITION THAT NEEDS TO BE FILLED AND WHO CAN FILL IT?

The Giants still have a very clear best 23 despite losing three players from their strongest side in Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming and James Peatling. The two potential holes are likely on the wing and for another inside mid. Finn Callaghan might spend more time on the wing, while Jacob Wehr and Ryan Angwin are other options ready to prove their worth.

Ryan Angwin stepping up when required 💥 pic.twitter.com/xfbBL5qu9a

— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) June 9, 2024

Cody Angove has also been recruited with an eye to playing in that position, while James Leake has proven ability playing anywhere on the ground. Peatling earned his spot at the back end of the year playing as a hard-nosed, physical midfielder who was happy to do the grunt work alongside the likes of Tom Green. Bedford is a strong tagger, but it’s probably not his strongest suit. It’s a real chance for Xavier O’Halloran to step up and make that position his own, while Toby McMullin is another player who has looked well suited to AFL level.

BURNING QUESTION

The Giants don’t lack experience and big-game players, but they need someone to step up in the moments when the game is on the line. The leads they threw away in finals against the Swans and Lions were screaming out for someone to kick a steadier or take a big mark.

Could that be the recently arrived Jake Stringer in the forward line, Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan or superstar defender Sam Taylor down back? This team is filled with stars, and if they can all stay fit, back them to seek revenge for the way their past two seasons have ended.

Originally published as GWS season 2025 preview: Lachlan McKirdy breaks down where the Giants sit