#37 Joe Fonti (Pick 44, 2023 National Draft)

[Giant Strides]

Joe Fonti​

Height: 188cm
Weight: 73kg
D.O.B: 24-12-2004



What National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso says: “Joe grew as the year went on at Claremont and is someone that shows traits that suit the way we play. He is a really proactive and confident type of half-back but also has intercept marking capabilities that separate him from other similar types.”

STRENGTHS:

• Athleticism
• Impact per possession
• Intercept marking
• Speed

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Production
• Strength

Joe Fonti is an over-aged draft bolter who enjoyed a purple patch of form through the WAFL Colts with Claremont, earning a call-up to the West Australian Under 18 team. He held his own at the National Championships, averaging 12.3 disposals, 3.3 marks, 2.7 inside 50s and 2.3 rebounds 50s, showcasing some of his outstanding athletic traits.

Fonti went on to blitz the Draft Combine with a ridiculous 94cm running vertical jump, 2.884 seconds in the 20m sprint, and a blistering 7.977 seconds in the agility test. He finished top five in all three, which would have further endeared him to clubs. Fonti also has a high impact-per-possession, which helps him catch the eye on-field.

At this stage, the over-ager is quite lightly built at 73kg, but a good size at 188cm. With his athletic gifts and aerial ability, he could fill out a number of roles at AFL level and that kind of upside is what may land him a list spot in what is expected to be a draft crop lacking substantial depth.

 

[Giant Strides]

Early interview with Joe:

Joe Fonti: Looking forward to getting stuck in

Hear from GIANTS draftee Joe Fonti after his first training session as a GIANT.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

 

[Callipygian]

I really like the look of this guy. I'm going to watch his career with interest. Comes from our favourite footy factory too. Hope he's a winner.

Is he likely to play tomorrow?

 

[Giant Strides]

Congrats to Joe Fonti for his debut in round 17 2024, replacing the injured Lachie Ash in the named side.

Fonti Earns First Game

Joe Fonti has been named to make his AFL debut against the Blues at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

Joe Fonti will become the club’s fourth debutant of the season, with the dashing defender a late inclusion to Saturday’s side to take on the Blues at ENGIE Stadium.

The 2023 draftee has been named as a replacement for Lachie Ash who will miss the game with a corked calf. Taken with pick 44 in last year’s draft, Fonti has continued to impress in the club’s VFL side over recent weeks to earn selection for the first time in Adam Kingsley

Adam Kingsley

Age

49

Ht

183cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.9

4star

K

11.5

4star

HB

5.4

4star

M

4.1

4star

T

1.3

3star

No current season stats available

D

16.4

4star

K

10.4

4star

HB

6.0

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

1.0

3star

’s team.

While averaging just under 17 touches and five marks per game across the VFL season to date, the exciting young defender has taken his game to another level over recent weeks to put his name forward for selection. “It’s a little bit nerve-wracking but definitely exciting,” Fonti said following the news. “I didn’t think it would come this early, but I’ve been playing some alright footy in the VFL and that’s been noticed and I’ve been rewarded with this opportunity.”

Relatively new to the backline, the former midfielder has been making the most of his time at the club and the ability to learn from some of the best defenders in the game. “The time I have spent here so far has been the best time of my life,” he said. “You learn the system and then when that becomes second nature you can then sort of start focusing on your own game and build confidence off the back of that and that’s what I've tried to do. As far as players, I've taken a lot out of Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield

6

Lachie Whitfield

Age

30

Ht

185cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

22.7

5star

K

13.4

5star

HB

9.3

5star

M

6.3

5star

T

2.7

4star

MG

411.8

5star

D

21.4

5star

K

12.5

5star

HB

8.9

4star

M

5.6

5star

T

1.8

3star

MG

350.6

5star

D

17.6

5star

K

8.2

4star

HB

9.4

5star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

’s game, I try to model my game off those two. Even Harry Perryman

36

Harry Perryman

Age

25

Ht

187cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.5

4star

K

9.4

4star

HB

7.1

4star

M

4.5

4star

T

2.8

4star

MG

216.2

3star

D

18.5

4star

K

10.6

4star

HB

7.9

4star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.3

2star

MG

301.3

4star

D

9.8

3star

K

5.2

2star

HB

4.6

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

2.8

5star

MG

83.2

2star

and Connor Idun

39

Connor Idun

Age

24

Ht

193cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.0

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.0

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

MG

74.0

1star

No current season stats available

D

8.0

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.0

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

MG

74.0

1star

’s one-on-one work defensively. When I first came to the club that was a big work on for me so certainly try to take a leaf out of their book.”

Known for his dash and dare off half-back, elite speed and great hands, the 19-year-old said he is looking forward to testing his game at AFL level. “I just need to play to my strengths and play the way I've been playing all year,” he said ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Blues. Just be reliable defensively and do my job whoever I'm on.”

Fonti becomes the fourth debutant of the season and the second out of the 2023 draft class, all of whom share a house together. “Our house is always lively so not a lot will probably change, but I'm sure they’ll all be super happy for me,” he said.



A great debut game from Joe.

AFL R17 Post-Match: Joe Fonti

Hear from GIANTS debutant Joe Fonti after the GIANTS win over Carlton.

www.gwsgiants.com.au