With AFLW season seven just weeks away, the hype is building. To help bring you up to speed on all things GIANTS, we’re breaking down each area of the ground and assessing how the squad is placed heading into the new season.

The coach:

Joining the AFLW program for the first time is former Collingwood player and experienced coach Georgia Walker, who will take over the backline.

Walker had a short playing career in the early years of the AFLW competition but transitioned to coaching after some issues with concussion.

The 23-year-old has worked alongside Bernasconi in the club’s Academy program, with the pair to continue their coaching journey together in the women’s program.

Ins:

In her third season in the orange and charcoal Katherine Smith has found home in the backline. After playing a range of roles in season six, including kicking two goals, Smith will play predominantly down back in season seven. Smith has worked really hard during the pre-season on her one-on-one contest and is ready to take her game to the next level.

After taking a season off, Jodie Hicks returns to the game but is taking on a new role in the GIANTS’ backline. The 25-year-old and former dual athlete enhances the new game plan with her speed, pristine kicking and footy smarts.

GIANTS Academy Product Tess Cattle is an exciting young addition to the backline. After a delayed start to her pre-season, Cattle has the fundamentals to continue to improve her game.

Outs:

Inaugural GIANT Louise Stephenson made the decision to return home to Victoria and join expansion side Hawthorn.

Libby Graham requested a trade to Richmond in the off-season, while former elite basketballer Erin Lorenzini chose to hang up the boots.

2021 Rising Star, Georgia Garnett, will spend season seve in the forward line for the GIANTS.

Unchanged:

A stalwart of the GIANTS’ backline, Tanya Hetherington, is a player you can always rely on. Playing as a key back since joining the GIANTS in 2018, the former leadership group member is trustworthy and renowned for winning her one-on-ones.

After four matches in her first season as a GIANT, Jasmine Grierson has had an impressive pre-season, taking her game to a new level. Naturally playing as a spoiling defender, the 36-gamer has been working on her marking craft in order to play as an intercepting defender.

Another reliable defender, Pepa Randall is one of the fiercest in the game. A notable leader of not only the backline but the team, Randall’s leadership has come a long way. Often tasked with the key-forwards, Randall always gets the job done.

Annalyse Lister has battled with some injuries throughout pre-season but is hitting her straps as the season approaches. She’s a really strong first phase defender and is a consistent ball getter with clean hands.

Still considered new to the game, Brid Stack’s growth, development and impact on the team has been huge. Often playing high as an offensive defender, her speed allows her to create a lot of opportunities.

A young utility with a lot of potential, Tarni Evans will form part of the GIANTS’ backline in season seven. Athletic, smart and with an unbelievable kick, it is going to be exciting to see what a fit Evans can achieve this season.

Nine months post-op from an ACL injury, Isadora McLeay is working really hard in her rehab. As a player she’s smart, athletic and has a strong mark and the team are looking forward to her progressing into team drills as she continues to work through her rehab this season. 

State of Play:

With the new game plan, it has probably been the biggest adjustment for the backs, going from a more defensive focus to a more offensive focus. They’ve had to adjust but they’re coming together well and building off the idea of being connected as a unit rather than being one-on-one or an individual. The match simulation and practice match in the lead-up to the season have shown a glimpse into the way they’re trying to play. 

More of the Same Please:

Adapting to a new style of play this season, Pepa Randall continues to be the barometer in the GIANTS backline. Both a leader by status and ability, Randall constantly silences the best in the business. Adapting her style within the new game plan this season, she’s going to be an exciting contributor again.

Ones to Watch:

After an injury disrupted start to her AFLW career, Tarni Evans is one to keep an eye on this season. With just nine games to her name, the former endurance athlete is in impressive form to continue her growth and impact on the game.

Returning refreshed and in a new role, Jodie Hicks has been flagged as another player to watch in the GIANTS’ backline. A standout in both the winter series and pre-season, Hicks looks like she hasn’t missed a beat.