Analysis 2025 GWS Giants - Predicted best 22, breakout player(s), general player/team discussion & questions

[GWS Goose]

Is Fonti a chance for that role too? He looked really good in the glimpses that we saw of him last year.

Probably needs to be better defensively for that role at this stage
Given where he is at that mAy have already improved.

 

[Giant Strides]

Here's FoxFooty's prediction of our opening round team:

B: H.Himmelberg, S.Taylor, C.Idun
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
C: F.Callaghan, T.Green, X.O’Halloran
HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Greene
F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, J.Stringer
FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly
I/C: C.Ward, J.Wehr, T.Bedford, L.Aleer, J.Leake
EMG: C.Stone, L.Keeffe, O.Hannaford

Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) and Toby Bedford (quad) have had interrupted summers, but both should be right for Opening Round. A two-week suspension for his off-field indiscretions will cost Harvey Thomas the chance to compete for a spot early in the season, while Jake Riccardi will spend the opening fortnight on the sidelines too as a result of his ban. Other suspended players include Josh Fahey, Toby McMullin and Joe Fonti. Meanwhile, the losses of Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming across the half-backline should open the door of opportunity to Jacob Wehr, Conor Stone — who fended off Essendon interest to re-sign with the Giants in the off-season — and James Leake, with Wehr and Leake getting the nod over Stone here. Leake has the versatility, size and skill to play almost anywhere on the ground. The further departures of James Peatling and Nick Haynes also mean added opportunity for Leek Aleer, with stalwart Lachie Keeffe also to remain in the selection frame. First-round draftees Ollie Hannaford and Harry Oliver both look to be strong acquisitions, and will also be around the mark.

 

[Giant Gutsache]

Fonti is a better defensively player than I think people are giving him credit for from what I’ve seen

I think he could be a winger who combines a focus on generating forward entries with getting back to help in defence.

 

[PaythePerryman]

Here's FoxFooty's prediction of our opening round team:

B: H.Himmelberg, S.Taylor, C.Idun
HB: L.Whitfield, J.Buckley, L.Ash
C: F.Callaghan, T.Green, X.O’Halloran
HF: B.Daniels, A.Cadman, T.Greene
F: D.Jones, J.Hogan, J.Stringer
FOLL: K.Briggs, S.Coniglio, J.Kelly
I/C: C.Ward, J.Wehr, T.Bedford, L.Aleer, J.Leake
EMG: C.Stone, L.Keeffe, O.Hannaford

Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) and Toby Bedford (quad) have had interrupted summers, but both should be right for Opening Round. A two-week suspension for his off-field indiscretions will cost Harvey Thomas the chance to compete for a spot early in the season, while Jake Riccardi will spend the opening fortnight on the sidelines too as a result of his ban. Other suspended players include Josh Fahey, Toby McMullin and Joe Fonti. Meanwhile, the losses of Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming across the half-backline should open the door of opportunity to Jacob Wehr, Conor Stone — who fended off Essendon interest to re-sign with the Giants in the off-season — and James Leake, with Wehr and Leake getting the nod over Stone here. Leake has the versatility, size and skill to play almost anywhere on the ground. The further departures of James Peatling and Nick Haynes also mean added opportunity for Leek Aleer, with stalwart Lachie Keeffe also to remain in the selection frame. First-round draftees Ollie Hannaford and Harry Oliver both look to be strong acquisitions, and will also be around the mark.

Too tall up back with Leek in there sadly. I reckon they are short a small forward too. Absolutely no mention of Gothard. Pick 12 last year. Handy.

 

[Giant Strides]

Too tall up back with Leek in there sadly. I reckon they are short a small forward too. Absolutely no mention of Gothard. Pick 12 last year. Handy.

Agree.

With the back 6 as per the on-field names, then the 7th back (on the IC bench) would be Aleer OR Wehr, not both. But I agree that they should go smaller, so would be Wehr according to their thinking. Obviously, they think he'll get the Perryman role over Stone. We'll see whether that's right soon enough.

That still sees the bench as Ward, Bedford, Wehr & Leake (if you agree with the rest of their thinking). Whoever replaces Aleer in our thinking is realistically the sub. Gothard is one possibility. Brown another. Could be a few others if they are looking for impact players.

Anther discussion point would be around whether O'Halloran is indeed in that side ... the alternative would be Rowston, with Ward to play the actual wing role. The other discussion point would be around Leake, but I do think he'll be in the run on 22.

Barring injuries, I think their side is close ... but Aleer likely not, and I wouldn't be surprised at 1 or 2 other differences.

 

[PaythePerryman]

Agree.

With the back 6 as per the on-field names, then the 7th back (on the IC bench) would be Aleer OR Wehr, not both. But I agree that they should go smaller, so would be Wehr according to their thinking. Obviously, they think he'll get the Perryman role over Stone. We'll see whether that's right soon enough.

That still sees the bench as Ward, Bedford, Wehr & Leake (if you agree with the rest of their thinking). Whoever replaces Aleer in our thinking is realistically the sub. Gothard is one possibility. Brown another. Could be a few others if they are looking for impact players.

Anther discussion point would be around whether O'Halloran is indeed in that side ... the alternative would be Rowston, with Ward to play the actual wing role. The other discussion point would be around Leake, but I do think he'll be in the run on 22.

Barring injuries, I think their side is close ... but Aleer likely not, and I wouldn't be surprised at 1 or 2 other differences.

Yeah I think XO is playing that wing role. And I'd almost think Angwin would be a chance to play on the wing too. Depends how many inside guys you want in your rotation

Inside: Bedford, Cogs, Green, Callaghan, Kelly ...with Kelly and Callaghan also playing wing from time to time.
+ You have Stringer Greene and Daniels to come up and provide some spark.
Outside: Ward, XO, Angwin?

I keep forgetting about Brown after the end of last year. But he's a very handy player. The only issue with Stringer taking the Riccardi spot is that now are we destined to send Cadman into 2nd ruck again? I'd really prefer that not to be the case.

Here's the team as I see it for Round 0 (this will change after praccy matches I'm sure).

Buckley Taylor Idun
Ash Himmelberg Whitfield

Cogs Green Callaghan
Kelly Briggs Bedford

Jones Greene Daniels
Cadman Hogan Stringer

Bench
Def: Stone(Wehr)
Mid/wing: Ward XO
Fwd: Brown
Sub: Gothard

If we use Brown instead of Gothard as a small forward I'd be okay with sending him into the ruck to cover so Cadman doesn't go in. He's athletic enough and fast once it hits the ground.

 

[Giant Strides]

PaythePerryman, that could well be the side. As I said in my previous post, I do think that all going well in the praccy matches, Leake will be in the 22, which would push someone out - but that's just my personal opinion and may not eventuate. There seems to be a bunch of guys being talked up in pre-season, so presumably very close to selection, hence why I would not be surprised if 1 or 2 selections go differently. I could see in the circumstances that anyone who has a niggle might be given time to recover to 100% too.

A good place for the team to be.

 

[GWS Goose]

I'd expect Rowsten and Gothard are rated far higher internally than by the media.
I think there will be a few differences between those teams

 

[PaythePerryman]

I'd expect Rowsten and Gothard are rated far higher internally than by the media.
I think there will be a few differences between those teams

Amazing what a couple of injuries can do. Both first rounders. Gonna be a fun year

 

[domologue]

I'm expecting a career best year from XOH this season. I was watching a few games from last year recently and his effort and physicality are great. Just let's himself down with disposal and decision making too often.

Peatling and Cumming leaving plus Ward getting a year older gives him a big opportunity to play either inside mid or wing, both of which are positions he can play.

He'll have everything to play for in this contract year too. Either to try and get an extension or push his price up from other teams.

I don't think he's good enough TBH.

He's had time to show if he's got class, and he doesn't. Grunt and Grit yes... but I'd be expecting the next generation to pass him this year, and expect him to move on. Rowston, Thomas, McMullen... even Pheonix and Leake and Angove all look like more skillful players.

 

[Giant Pete]

Angove is the one who might surprise with early minutes.

 

[Battlepants]

I don't think he's good enough TBH.

He's had time to show if he's got class, and he doesn't. Grunt and Grit yes... but I'd be expecting the next generation to pass him this year, and expect him to move on. Rowston, Thomas, McMullen... even Pheonix and Leake and Angove all look like more skillful players.

You could be right about that. To be honest it wouldn't take a big improvement to have a "career best year" as he's been stuck at the same level for a while now.

I just feel like if he could clean up his disposal a little it would make a huge difference and he could give us that grunt we're missing in the middle of the ground.

He should have the motivation, let's see if he has the ability.

 

[GWS Goose]

I don't think he's good enough TBH.

He's had time to show if he's got class, and he doesn't. Grunt and Grit yes... but I'd be expecting the next generation to pass him this year, and expect him to move on. Rowston, Thomas, McMullen... even Pheonix and Leake and Angove all look like more skillful players.

I think he is pretty good at what he does..he is hard at it. got clean hands, not a great option taker, pretty good finisher.
He is a pretty solid player and a very good next in line type.
Can't see him becoming a star

 

[Giant Strides]

Story on Tom Green's injury

MSN

GWS midfield star Tom Green will miss the start of the 2025 AFL season with a calf strain. Green picked up the calf complaint during an intra-club match simulation four weeks out from the season, the Giants confirmed on Tuesday.

GWS are hoping Green will only miss their matches against the Magpies and Melbourne before a round-two bye. At worst, the 24-year-old will spend six weeks on the sidelines.

Green joins forward Callum Brown (hamstring) and midfielder Ryan Angwin (ankle) on the injury list, the duo also facing four to six weeks in rehabilitation.

 

[Giant Pete]

Collingwood will back themselves in to play a super fast ball movement and running game.
I think we are one of the few teams who can match them in this space.
I reckon Kingers will pick Angove and Gothard to help facilitate the desired game plan.

 

[Orange crush]

Collingwood will back themselves in to play a super fast ball movement and running game.
I think we are one of the few teams who can match them in this space.
I reckon Kingers will pick Angove and Gothard to help facilitate the desired game plan.

Bedford on Daicos

 

[sydney_gws]

3 years of young talent all gunning for a start …. I haven’t been so excited since my 3rd wedding

What happened to first 2? An amicable split, or otherwise ( or none of BF boards business).

 

[Danny88]

Collingwood will back themselves in to play a super fast ball movement and running game.
I think we are one of the few teams who can match them in this space.
I reckon Kingers will pick Angove and Gothard to help facilitate the desired game plan.

Dad's army IMO.

 

[Orange crush]

What happened to first 2? An amicable split, or otherwise ( or none of BF boards business).

Life

 

[GWS Goose]

What happened to first 2? An amicable split, or otherwise ( or none of BF boards business).

Orange crush must be in love with love. Either that or he is not afraid of dividing his assets

I joke of course.

 

[Orange crush]

Orange crush must be in love with love. Either that or he is not afraid of dividing his assets

I joke of course.

I’m starting to think I’m not easy to live with

 

[Giant Strides]

I’m starting to think I’m not easy to live with

No.

 

[BarryAglett]

Image courtesy of Mateo of the 1 Percenters blog.
We are quite inexperienced but still highly regarded.

 

[Giant Strides]

Ranking every AFL club's small forward crop from 1 to 18

Are elite small forwards now more important than elite key forwards?

www.sen.com.au

Ranking: 2nd

Harvey Thomas, Darcy Jones, Toby Greene, Phoenix Gothard, Brent Daniels, Toby McMullin, Nathan Wardius, Toby Bedford

GWS are absolutely stacked in this area. Greene, Daniels and Bedford have all proven to be elite in their roles, while Darcy Jones really came on in 2024 and looms as a future star. Thomas and McMullin came on last season, while Gothard is also a first-round pick. GWS clearly want to play through their small forwards given how much of their list-build that they’ve put into this department, and right now it seems to be working.

 

[Giant Gutsache]

Not going to be rated so highly for capacity to defend against opposition small forwards. #1 challenge for coaches.