No matter what the code, pulling on the orange and charcoal for the first time is a special moment.
It’s a jumper that represents so much more than just those that wear it on the field each and every week.
It represents NSW and ACT. It represents players past and present – and the journeys and sacrifices made along the way. It represents the Orange Army who support the team through thick and thin.
Building on the exciting form that the GIANTS showed to close out season seven, eight new players are itching to make their debuts and don the GIANTS’ ‘G’ for the first time.
With the AFLW program set to begin their 2023 campaign on Sunday, September 3, the prospect of multiple debuts is on the cards.
Hear from coach Cameron Bernasconi and get to know a bit about the players who are in contention to make their debuts this season.
Annise Bradfield
Age: 20
Jumper Number: 1
Position: Midfield
Drafted from: Gold Coast Suns
Joined: 2023
Coach says: “Annise is a player that will help us with our contested ball. Her weapon is just cracking in and winning it at the source, so once she recovers from her foot injury, she will be a player that we’ll certainly look to inject throughout the season.”
Caitlin Miller
Age: 19
Jumper Number: 9
Position: Small forward
Drafted from: Southport Sharks
Joined: 2023
Coach says: “Caitlin is a very crafty forward. She has come in and adapted to the AFLW environment really quickly. She’s hard-working and super hungry to get better. We’ve been really impressed by what we’ve seen from her in our two practice matches – not only has she been able to hit the scoreboard but also her ability to play taller than what she is.”
Isabel Huntington
Age: 24
Jumper Number: 12
Position: Key forward
Traded from: Western Bulldogs
Joined: 2022
Coach says: “Really excited to have Izzy play in the orange and charcoal this year. Her footy knowledge is so valuable to this group, and we can’t wait to see what she will contribute to this club for the years to come.”
Teagan Germech
Age: 20
Jumper Number: 15
Position: Midfield/ruck
Recruited from: East Coast Eagles
Joined: 2023
Coach says: “Despite coming in later than our 2023 draftees, Teagan has come in with such hunger to learn and develop her game and she’s going to be really powerful athlete for us. Her ability to play not only around the ball but give us another option in the ruck is exciting.”
Isadora McLeay
Age: 19
Jumper Number: 16
Position: Defender
Recruited from: North Shore Bombers
Joined: 2021
Coach says: “Isadora had a rough start to her AFLW career missing two seasons through her ACL injury, but we can’t wait for her to hopefully get her opportunity this year. She is a fierce competitor and she’ll really valueadd.”
Fleur Davies
Age: 19
Jumper Number: 20
Position: Ruck
Drafted from: Southport AFC/Gold Coast Suns Academy
Joined: 2022
Coach says: “Fleur is going to be a massive asset to our side this year. She brings such a presence around the contest and hopefully she’ll come in and install a bit of fear into the opposition. She really cracks in, brings a lot of energy and just can’t wait to put the orange and charcoal on.”
Rene Caris
Age: 24
Jumper Number: 26
Position: Ruck/forward
Recruited from: Collingwood VFLW
Joined: 2023
Coach says: “Rene will really value add to our ruck department. She’s a player that has some really good experience playing at VFLW and also AFLW in the ruck, so she will come in and complement what we’ve already got.”
Zara Hamilton
Age: 18
Jumper Number: 35
Position: Defender
Drafted from: Murray Bushrangers/GIANTS Academy
Draft year: 2022
Coach says: “Zara was a fresh, young athlete that unfortunately didn’t get her opportunity last year. But her resilience is laudable, and she continues to work hard and is only getting better and hopefully that pays off for her this season.”
