The GIANTS are thrilled to announce that talented duo Emily Pease and Mikayla Pauga have both signed two-year contract extensions with the club.
Joining a growing list to re-commit to the club on the eve of the 2024 NAB AFLW season, Pease and Pauga’s new deals will see them remain in orange and charcoal until at least the end of the 2026 AFLW season.
A Canberra local, Pease joined the GIANTS via pick 29 in the 2020 AFLW Draft where she was quick to make an impression, playing in all but one game in a brilliant debut season to claim the GIANTS’ Rising Star Award.
Establishing herself as one of the club’s most reliable players since, Pease’s poise, strength in the contest, and her dare to take the game on have seen her excel in several roles across the past three seasons.
The two-year extension comes following a strong 2023 campaign for Pease, with the 22-year-old one of the club’s most important players after returning from 340 days on the sidelines with an ACL injury suffered late in the 2022 season.
Meanwhile, newcomer Pauga’s new contract comes as she prepares to make her GIANTS debut in the upcoming season after joining the club in the summer via a trade with Brisbane after being part of the Lions’ 2023 AFLW premiership-winning side.
Originally drafted by the Lions with pick 46 in the 2021 AFLW Draft, Pauga made her mark as a small forward for the Lions but the talented 21-year-old has transitioned into more of a midfield role with the GIANTS ahead of season 2024.
An explosive player with a high footy IQ, Pauga has made a strong impression across her first pre-season with the club and will help lead an exciting new-look GIANTS midfield this season.
GIANTS head coach Cam Bernasconi expressed his enthusiasm at the duo’s contract extensions.
“We’re excited to have both Emily and Mikayla secured for a further two years as we prepare for a big 2024 campaign,” Bernasconi said.
“Emily’s return from injury last year was a testament to her hard work and commitment and she showed once again she is one of our most consistent and reliable performers.
“Mikayla’s signature is an exciting one for the club and it is a great testament to the culture we have built at the club to have her re-commit for two more years after only just joining us earlier this year.
“She’s a very talented footballer who has brought a strong skill set and a real energy to our exciting young midfield group and I’m looking forward to seeing what she’s going to add to us this season.
“Both Mikayla and Emily are integral to our plans for the future and we’re looking forward to seeing them continue to develop and contribute to our future success.”
Pease and Pauga will now turn their attention to next week’s AFLW season opener, with the GIANTS facing off with the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Saturday, August 31.
Don’t miss out on being part of a big big AFLW season by becoming a member today, with tickets also now on sale.
