With the 2024 season just over a week away, GIANTS Media is breaking down each area of the ground and assessing how the squad is placed.
The coach: Jon Vlatko
Vlatko joined the GIANTS’ AFLW coaching staff as forwards coach in 2019 and is coming into his seventh season in the role. Previously an assistant coach at the NSW Women’s Academy, Vlatko is a four-time premiership player with the AFL Sydney side, the East Coast Eagles. A life member of the Eagles, Vlatko captained the club, played over 200 games, and also coached the side.
Ins:
Alicia Eva – The former skipper will inject speed and class into the GIANTS’ forward line this season. Previously a hard-running winger, Eva will bring a wealth of experience to a young and exciting forward line. Coach Jon Vlatko said he can’t want to see what she does ahead of the ball this year.
Zarlie Goldsworthy – The dynamic and highly talented footballer will be looking to pick up where she left off last year. Coming off the back of a Rising Star year, Vlatko said she has put in the work this pre-season to take the next step in her career and continue to be a consistent performer.
Jasmine Grierson – A versatile utility, Grierson is expected to spend some time up forward this year. She’s got the ability to play at either end of the ground and chip in to be one of our talls if required, said Vlatko.
Courtney Murphy – The former Brisbane Lions Academy player has impressed this pre-season since moving south to Sydney. Vlatko said she has the capabilities to be a solid forward and also pinch-hit in the ruck when required, which makes her a versatile and valuable asset to the side.
Aliesha Newman – Newcomer Aliesha Newman excites forwards coach Jon Vlatko by her ability to add speed and class to the forward line. We’re so super excited to have her as part of our forwards group this year after coming across from the Swans, Vlatko said.
Outs:
Caitlin Miller – A crafty utility, Miller played five games for the GIANTS as a forward in her debut season in 2023. In an off-season move, the 20-year-old will find a new home down back this season.
Isabel Huntington – The former number one draft pick will be looking to land some consistent form after debuting for the GIANTS in round three last year following her recovery from her third ACL injury. She’ll take on a new-look role this season as she returns to the backline.
Bec Beeson – The newly appointed skipper will make a permanent move back to the midfield this season after shifting between half-forward and the midfield last season.
Unchanged:
Jess Doyle – Doyle enters her fourth season in the orange and charcoal. The tough and skillful left footer has had a solid pre-season, hitting PB’s in strength and fitness. Vlatko said he is looking forward to seeing her take the next step in her game.
Georgia Garnett – Vlatko praised Garnett as one of the hardest working players this pre-season. Her form in the practice matches has shown that and we look forward to seeing her rise to her potential this year and be a dominant key forward, Vlatko said.
Brodee Mowbray – The crafty medium-forward is tracking well in her recovery from an ACL injury and is on-track for a return during the early part of the season. She is looking more powerful than ever, said Vlatko.
Haneen Zreika – Described as the ‘tackling machine’ Vlatko said Zrekia has not missed a beat this pre-season. She is really relishing in a new-look role up forward and is as fit as she has ever been.
State of play:
A young and exciting group, the GIANTS’ forwards are looking to play a high-pressure brand of football and improve their ability to hit the scoreboard in season 2024. The addition of experienced duo Alicia Eva and Aliesha Newman will add energy and composure to the GIANTS’ front half. The mix of players in the GIANTS’ forward line this season brings a range of exciting attributes which will complement each no matter what combination is on the park.
More of the Same:
Zarlie Goldsworthy – There was no looking past last year’s league Rising Star for Vlatko when asked this question. One of the brightest young stars of the competition, Goldsworthy is a powerful and crafty player who can dominate around the ball while also hitting the scoreboard. The 19-year-old was the GIANTS’ leading goalkicker last season with 13 goals, while also averaging 18.3 disposals, 6.6 tackles and 257.7 meters gained.
One to Watch:
Alicia Eva – Transitioning out of her official leadership role, Vlatko is excited by what Eva can produce in her new-look role up forward in season 2024. Surrounded by a young group up forward, she’ll use her footy smarts, pace and years of experience to complement the young and emerging stars around her.
