Teagan Germech will finally realise her AFLW dream after being named to debut against the Swans in the GIANTS’ season-opener at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
A member of the inaugural GIANTS Female Academy program in 2021, Germech’s opportunity caps off a remarkable tale of determination following years of relocation across NSW and the ACT in order to chase her AFLW dreams.
After being overlooked in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft despite representing the Allies, Germech spent two years playing football across Sydney and Canberra hoping to make it onto an AFLW list.
That dream became a reality in June 2023 when the powerful 177cm midfielder was added to the GIANTS’ list as a replacement player following a season-ending stress fracture to Tait Mackrill.
After an impressive two-month stint since arriving at the club, the resilient 20-year-old was informed by coach Cam Bernasconi that on Sunday she would make her AFLW debut against the Swans.
“When we draft players in, we look at if they’re resilient and can they actually overcome challenges…and you’re a great story of don’t take no for an answer,” Bernasconi told an emotional Germech.
“The best growth you’ve had is that self-belief in yourself,” he said.
“I reckon you’ve had a lot of self-doubt but then this year I saw you play, and you just played with freedom, and you said [to me] ‘I’m just enjoying my footy’. Well, nothing changes, go out there on Sunday and enjoy your footy and you’ll kill it, congratulations.”
Bernasconi said Germech had quickly become a popular teammate at the GIANTS.
“The eruption in the auditorium when we announced it just shows what a great character she is,” he said.
“She’s only been here for a few months, but you build strong relationships by gaining trust from your teammates and I reckon she’s gained trust from working her arse off.
“She works really hard so it’s going to be awesome for her on Sunday.”
Bernasconi said the former defender turned inside-midfielder would add two qualities in spades against the Swans.
“Speed and power,” he said.
“She’s got speed and power and her ability to break lines will be an asset for us.
“She really complements the orange tsunami and how we run in waves as she’s a power athlete that breaks lines, so she’s a perfect fit for us come round one.”
Germech is the GIANTS’ second debutant announcement ahead of round one, with ruck Fleur Davies also set to wear GIANTS’ colours for the first time on Sunday after missing her debut season due to a shoulder injury.
The GIANTS and the Swans will clash on Sunday at 3:05pm at North Sydney Oval.
