The GIANTS will go into Saturday’s Sydney Derby with an added injection of youth after naming teenage key forward Max Gruzewski to make his AFL debut.
A tall forward from Victoria, the 19-year-old will take on the top-of-the-table Swans after an impressive 18 months starring for the club’s VFL side since being taken with pick 22 in the 2022 AFL Draft.
A great contested mark who consistently hits the scoreboard at VFL level, Gruzewski sits fourth on the VFL goalkicking tally with 22 majors from 10 games this season.
A star for the Oakleigh Chargers at under-18s level, Gruzewski finished as the GIANTS’ second-leading VFL goalkicker in his debut season last year with 26 goals from 14 games but was unable to break into the GIANTS’ strong AFL forward line.
The 192cm forward has continued his stellar form this season and after several strong performances has now been rewarded with his AFL debut in Saturday’s highly-anticipated Battle of the Bridge with the Swans at ENGIE Stadium.
The club’s third debutant this season after Harvey Thomas and Darcy Jones, Gruzewski was informed of the news in front of ecstatic teammates after training on Thursday by GIANTS assistant coach Jeremy Laidler.
“I don’t really know how to say what I’m feeling right now,” Gruzewski said after hearing the news.
“It’s a pretty crazy feeling and I don’t think it will sink in for a while until I probably run out there on the weekend.”
Adding to the key forward’s excitement is the fact he will make his debut in one of the club’s biggest games of the year against the GIANTS’ cross-town rivals, the Swans.
“All the boys talk it up and it’s a big occasion and I just can’t wait to get out there. It’s going to be a good game I think, so it’s exciting.”
Gruzewski was quick to call his parents to share the big news, a moment he said was special for the family.
“Mum teared up so that was good. They’ve been along the journey the whole way, so they’ve ridden the highs and lows and been along the whole way so its super exciting for them as well.”
One of the few left in his draft class yet to debut, Gruzewski said many of his peers had already shared words of wisdom ahead of his long-awaited AFL debut on Saturday.
“All the boys have said soak it in,” he said.
“It’s a different game and it's going to be pretty surreal but [they’ve told me to] take it as it comes and bring your stuff.”
Highlighting the young key forward’s promise, Gruzewski had his contract extended last year to remain in orange and charcoal until at least the end of the 2026 season despite having yet to play an AFL game.
Gruzewski will get his chance to shine at 4:35pm on Saturday in what is sure to be a fiery clash between the GIANTS and the Swans at ENGIE Stadium.
