The GIANTS have brought in five top talents over three days of the Draft, including three NSW products.
Kicking off on Monday night with the first round of the Draft, the GIANTS came into the night holding picks 7 and 16.
The GIANTS first did a deal with Adelaide, netting a future second-round pick as well as picks 10 and 14.
With their first selection at pick 12 (after Academy bids), the GIANTS selected Phoenix Gothard – an exciting small forward from Albury in southern NSW.
Regarded as one of the most athletic players in the class of 2023, Gothard is a clean one-touch player who’s quick and agile. A creative and confident force up forward, he also applies relentless pressure in defence.
Then holding pick 18 as more bids came in, the GIANTS sent the future second-round pick from Adelaide back to St Kilda, to jump to 17 and take utility James Leake, who was still on the board.
Some draft experts had the GIANTS linked to Leake with their first selection, but the GIANTS managed to secure the versatile Tasmanian with their second selection before the night was out.
Leake was a surprise packet across the year and showed he can play in a range of different positions, having impressed across all three lines in 2023.
He was a huge factor in Tasmania's push to the Coates Talent League preliminary final and was also named an All-Australian after the Allies' title win.
On Tuesday night as the second round kicked off with the GIANTS holding pick 44, the GIANTS selected West Australian defender Joe Fonti with their first selection.
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.
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.
Prior to the Rookie Draft on Wednesday, the GIANTS then pre-listed local product Nathan Wardius as a Category B rookie.
A prolific medium forward from the Hume league, kicking 149 goals in 49 matches, Wardius was a part of the GIANTS Academy alongside the likes of new teammate Harry Rowston until COVID complications saw him leave the program.
Despite his slight frame, Wardius has played senior football for three years and performed well, including the 2023 finals series where he kicked 15 goals from three finals.
As forecast earlier in the month, the GIANTS also re-listed veteran Adam Kennedy with their only selection in the Rookie Draft.
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
Rookie: Nathan Wardius
State: NSW
Drafted from: Rand-Walbundrie-Walla GIANTS
Position: Medium forward
Height: 181cm
Weight: 68kg
Date of Birth: 12/10/2004
