The GIANTS will unveil Academy graduate Harvey Thomas for his AFL debut in their sold-out Opening Round clash with Collingwood at ENGIE Stadium (formerly GIANTS Stadium) on Saturday night.

Selected with one of the final picks of last year’s National Draft, taken with pick 59, Thomas has shone throughout pre-season and across the club’s two pre-season matches against the Swans and the Suns in the past two weeks.

A GIANTS Academy product hailing from Wagga Wagga, the tough and crafty 18-year-old joined the GIANTS in November following a strong 2023 campaign with the Oakleigh Chargers, the GIANTS Academy and the Allies.

A smooth-moving left-footer capable of playing across all three lines, the 176cm dynamo has quickly found a home across half-forward at the GIANTS where his contest work and composure have stood out across the pre-season.

Thomas was informed of his debut by skipper Toby Greene to the delight of his teammates at training on Thursday afternoon.

00:47

Harvey Thomas to Debut

Harvey Thomas finds out that he's debuting against the Pies in Opening Round.

“That was awesome, seeing the boys getting around me was very cool,” Harvey said following the news.

“It’s pretty surreal but I’m very, very excited.

“Playing AFL was a childhood dream,” he said.

“I’ve always loved the game and grew up playing as a junior so it’ll definitely be a pinch myself moment when I get out there on Saturday night.”

“Mum and Dad were rapt for me and being able to ring them and tell them I’m going to debut was certainly a cool moment. There’ll plenty of family and friends coming down for the game and to have them there in a sold-out crowd will be awesome.”

02:08

Harvey Thomas Calls Home

Harvey Thomas calls his family to let them know he'll make his AFL debut against Collingwood this weekend.

The 2023 GIANTS Academy Player of the Year, Thomas was the GIANTS’ final pick in the 2023 National Draft.

Highlighting the youngster’s versatility, Thomas averaged 18 disposals at 78 per cent efficiency playing predominately down back for the Allies last year before kicking four goals from 21 disposals as a midfielder for the Oakleigh Chargers later in the season.

The GIANTS will host the Magpies in the AFL’s inaugural Opening Round at 7:30pm on Saturday night at the newly named ENGIE Stadium.