After wheeling and dealing to bring in enigmatic forward Phoenix Gothard and versatile Tasmanian James Leake on night one of the Draft, the GIANTS avoided a bid on an Academy product to be able to bring in two more talents on night two.
Holding pick 44 on night two, the GIANTS selected West Australian defender Joe Fonti with their first selection on the night.
A medium defender who flourished after being moved from the midfield, Fonti’s form for Claremont in the WAFL saw him added to Western Australia’s state team, where his intercept marking and dash from defence were highlights across his three games.
A great athlete for his size, Fonti’s 20m sprint time of 2.88 seconds ranked him first among all players at the three State Draft Combines, while his 7.97 second agility test time placed him second overall.
GIANTS National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso said: “Joe grew as the year went on at Claremont and is someone that shows traits that suit the way we play.
“He is a really proactive and confident type of half-back but also has intercept marking capabilities that separate him from other similar types.”
A familiar face to the most ardent GIANTS fans, the club then brought in local Academy graduate and this year’s Academy Player of the Year, Harvey Thomas, with their second selection at pick 59.
The Wagga Wagga product may be small in stature but his silky skills, endurance, and his versatility make him an exciting prospect.
A smooth-moving left footer capable of playing all over the ground, Thomas’ ball-winning ability and his creative ball use are standouts in his game.
Showing his versatility, Thomas averaged 18 disposals at 78 per cent efficiency playing predominantly down back for the Allies before booting four goals from 21 disposals for the Oakleigh Chargers later in the year.
“Another success story from the GIANTS Academy, Harvey is an elite runner and showed he could play multiple roles this year, but we see him settling more ahead of the ball,” Caruso said.
The GIANTS have two remaining list spots ahead of the Rookie Draft on Wednesday, already committing to re-selecting veteran Adam Kennedy.
The Rookie Draft will be live on afl.com.au from 3pm on Wednesday.
2023 AFL Draft
Pick 12: Phoenix Gothard
State: NSW
Drafted from: Murray Bushrangers | Albury FC
Position: Small Forward
Height: 179cm
Weight: 72kg
Date of Birth: 7/9/2005
Pick 17: James Leake
State: Tasmania
Drafted from: Tasmanian Devils | Launceston FC
Position: Utility
Height: 188cm
Weight: 77kg
Date of Birth: 2/10/2005
Pick 44: Joe Fonti
State: Western Australia
Drafted from: Western Australia | Claremont FC
Position: Medium defender
Height: 189cm
Weight: 73kg
Date of Birth: 24/12/2004
Pick 59: Harvey Thomas
State: NSW
Drafted from: Oakleigh Chargers | GIANTS Academy
Position: Utility
Height: 177cm
Weight: 69kg
Date of Birth: 08/08/2005
