The GIANTS have continued to build their list for season seven of the NAB AFL Women’s competition, following the addition of seven players at the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft on Wednesday evening.

With all 18 clubs gathered for the first time at Marvel Stadium for an AFLW Draft, the GIANTS entered the evening with eight picks, adding to the 23-player list already signed for the upcoming season.

In the new era of the game, the state-based draft had both the GIANTS and the Swans competing for the talent within the NSW pool.

The GIANTS entered the draft with pick 20 (NSW pick six) selecting former young Matilda, Zarlie Goldsworthy.

Hailing from Lavington, the NSW product was quick to jump on the radar of list managers following her All-Australian Performance at the U18 National Championships.

Goldsworthy’s experience and exposure has been through both the Murray Bushrangers and the GIANTS Academy. 

With pick 64 (NSW pick seven) the GIANTS were quick to secure one of the best up-and-coming rucks in Fleur Davies.

Joining the GIANTS from the Gold Coast, Davies is a tall utility who is strong in the air but can also compete on ground.

One of four girls, Davies is the second family member to sign with an AFLW side, with older sister Giselle already on the Suns’ list for season seven.

Continuing to recruit nation-wide, the GIANTS selected a pair of Tasmanians with Megan Gaffney and Madison Brazendale taken at picks 66 and 75.

Despite Victoria being the obvious geographical choice, the pair opted to nominate to NSW in anticipation of joining the GIANTS.

It was Gaffney’s speed that appealed to the GIANTS the most, with the recruitment team recognising that as a work on for the current list.

Brazendale also impressive via foot, with the former national 400m hurdler identified as an elite runner to join Chloe Dalton on a wing.

A familiar face has also returned to the GIANTS’ list for season seven, with former GIANT and elite level cricketer Jodie Hicks nominating for the draft after a year away from the game.

The 25-year-old played 20 games with the GIANTS, before spending the last season playing and coaching with Macquarie University in the AFL Sydney Competition.

Hicks returns to the GIANTS’ list in a new-look role, set to start pre-season as a defender.

With pick 82 the GIANTS added a second ruck, recruiting locally from the Eastlake Demons in Canberra, picking up Cambridge McCormick.

Originally from Queensland, McCormick spent the inaugural season of the AFLW competition as a training partner with the Brisbane Lions, before relocating to Canberra where she works as physiotherapist.

The GIANTS’ last pick of the night was taken at pick 86, with Academy product Tess Cattle selected.

Following a strong year in the Canberra league, as well as her involvement in the GIANTS Academy and Winter Series, Cattle will join the GIANTS permanently for the upcoming season.

After passing on pick 87 at Wednesday night's NAB AFLW Draft, the GIANTS signed GIANTS Academy Member Zara Hamilton as an undrafted free agent. 

AFLW Head Coach Cameron Bernasconi said he was excited by the list of draftees.

“Our recruit team headed up by Tyson Bourke have done a fantastic job in securing some of the best talent, not just within with NSW and ACT but nation-wide,” Bernasconi said.

“Given the expansion of the competition this year, that is a real testament to both the staff and culture of the club.

“We clearly didn’t achieve what we wanted to in season six and as a club we’ve had a good look at where we want to go and who we think we need to add to our list to get there. We believe the group of players selected tonight really complement the strengths of the players already signed to our list.

“We’re two weeks into pre-season and I think we’re at the beginning of being able to build something really great, so I look forward to getting all the girls to Western Sydney and into the mix right away.”

Season seven of the NAB AFLW competition is set to begin at the end of August.