The GIANTS finished up the 2022 AFLW season two wins outside of the top six.

In a season impacted by COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols across the board, the GIANTS struggled to maintain consistency of performances, finishing with a 4-6 record. Key highlights of the season included a win over the Bulldogs in Round 4 in front of an amazing GIANTS crowd at Henson Park, and a dominant performance to seal a Round 10 win over Geelong away from home.

Here are some things we loved to watch in 2022:

The Veterans

Cora Staunton

Kicking 18 goals in the season, Irish royalty Cora Staunton was the leading goal kicker for the GIANTS for her third year in a row. She finished equal second in the AFLW competition with Melbourne’s Tayla Harris, one goal behind Adelaide’s Ashleigh Woodland on 19. Staunton showed she still has plenty left in the tank with an exceptional performance in Round 10 against the Cats, kicking 4 goals, collecting 10 disposals and 5 tackles.

Tanya Hetherington

Hetherington stepped up in 2022 with arguably her best season to date. She featured in all 10 rounds as an integral component of the GIANTS backline. Not surprisingly, Hetherington was named Most Valuable GIANT in Round 8 against Carlton, with 16 disposals, 5 marks and 360 metres gained.

The Youngsters

Jess Doyle

Sydney local Jess Doyle showed immense potential, kicking five goals from just six games in her debut AFLW season. Doyle complemented the likes of Staunton, Privitelli and Barr in the forward line with her natural flair and clean left foot.

The Return

Tarni Evans

Evans was sidelined early in the 2022 preseason with a navicular (foot) stress fracture. After a gruelling rehabilitation process, she returned to the side in Round 9 against Richmond. Evans finished with 10 disposals, demonstrating impressive composure with her contested ball wins, and run and carry.

The Skipper

Alicia Eva

Eva led from the front once again in season 2022. Averaging 18 disposals and 6.4 tackles per game, Eva stepped up to fill the big loss of Rebecca Beeson (ankle injury) early in the season.

She remained composed under pressure and adapted her game style to win more contested ball when needed for the GIANTS