Positive momentum continues to build at the GIANTS with young duo Toby McMullin and Wade Derksen committing to the club for a further two years.
McMullin, the number 34 pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, will remain a GIANT until at least the end of the 2026 season after adding a further two years to his current contract.
Meanwhile, Derksen has re-signed until the end of the 2025 season in a show of faith from the club after selecting him with pick five in last year’s AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
GIANTS General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said the duo’s new contracts were reward for effort after strong VFL seasons.
“It’s great to be able to reward Toby and Wade with two-year contract extensions,” McCartney said.
“While very different players, they’ve each put together strong seasons in the VFL as they’ve learnt and developed their craft.
“Toby has come in eager to learn and has played a variety of roles, starting off as a small pressure forward and then working his way into the midfield.
“Wade has also shown his versatility, not only kicking 31 goals for the season so far but also playing a valuable role in the ruck when required as well.”
McMullin’s re-signing comes on the back of an impressive run of form in the VFL this season as the medium-sized forward and midfielder continues to press his claims for a senior debut.
A star for the 2022 NAB League premiers the Sandringham Dragons, McMullin was thrilled to be a GIANT for at least three more seasons.
“It was a very easy decision to stay at the club, so I’m rapt and really excited with getting two more years,” said McMullin, who recently turned 19.
“It’s such a welcoming and inclusive place and I’ve had no issues slotting in and so far, I’ve absolutely loved it.
“Then on field it’s great to see the club is tracking in a really great direction so it’s all been great, and I’m stoked to be part of it.”
Meanwhile Derksen will continue his unconventional AFL journey for at least two more years after being plucked out of the WAFL by the GIANTS in the middle of last year on the back of an eye-catching 22-disposal, four goal, seven-mark performance for the Peel Thunder.
The athletic 197cm key forward, a latecomer to the game after starting off playing rugby, was rewarded with two more years following a number of promising performances for the GIANTS’ VFL side this season.
“I’m stoked and grateful for the opportunity that the GIANTS have given me,” the 22-year-old Northern Territory product said.
“I think I’ve been developing and growing and getting the most out of myself, so I’m rapt.
“You definitely learn a lot being in a professional environment; little, tiny things and habits, everything you learn about your body and wellbeing and then about your fitness, it’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s been awesome.”
Derksen said he sees a bright future for the GIANTS.
“I think the buy in from the whole group has been massive and everyone knows what they’re meant to do on game day, and everyone is on the same page,” he said.
“The performances have shown that under ‘Kingers’ [coach Adam Kingsley], the direction of the club is in a great spot.”
The duo’s re-signings come off the back of the club securing the signature of high-profile free agent Harry Himmelberg, former first-round pick Lachie Ash and enigmatic forward Xavier O’Halloran in recent weeks.
