Excitement is already building at the GIANTS ahead of the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership season as the club unveiled its exciting new draft crop along with their new jumper numbers.
Draftees Phoenix Gothard, James Leake, Joe Fonti, Harvey Thomas and Nathan Wardius all received their new jumpers on Monday as the GIANTS kickstarted their big summer on the track with day one of pre-season at the VAILO Community Centre.
Exciting small forward Phoenix Gothard will begin his career in jumper number 29, with the livewire from Albury looking to break into Adam Kingsley’s side amongst a host of dangerous small forwards.
The GIANTS’ first selection at pick 12, Gothard will takes the number from the departing Cameron Fleeton, with Zac Williams and inaugural GIANT Dom Tyson also prior occupants.
Tasmanian James Leake will take on the number 30, worn by inaugural GIANT Taylor Adams, as well as Lachie Plowman, and most recently left vacant by departing ruckman Matt Flynn.
Dashing West Australian defender Joe Fonti will pull on jumper number 37 for his debut season, most notably worn by inaugural GIANT Setanta O’hAilpin as well as Rory Lobb and Bobby Hill.
GIANTS Academy product Harvey Thomas, who was named the 2023 Academy Player of the Year, will look to make number 28 his own, with Liam Sumner (2012-15) and Zach Sproule (2017-2022) its previous occupants.
Meanwhile, Category B rookie Nathan Wardius will take on the number 42 jumper previously worn by Mark Whiley, Jake Stein and most recently vacated by Jason Gillbee.
After kicking off pre-season with the club’s 1–4-year players, the remainder of the GIANTS’ senior group will return to the track next Monday for a strong two-week block until the Christmas break, before returning in early-January ready for a big 2024.
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