Annise Bradfield will play her first AFLW game in more than 700 days after being named to make her long-awaited GIANTS debut this weekend.
A strong midfielder known for her competitiveness and her power, Bradfield will don the orange and charcoal for the first time on Sunday in the club’s exciting clash with the West Coast Eagles at Henson Park.
Joining the club ahead of the 2023 season after three years with the Gold Coast Suns, Bradfield was forced to watch her entire first season at the GIANTS from the sidelines after requiring season-ending surgery on a Lisfranc injury suffered during the pre-season.
Following a tough run with injuries and a diligent rehab program, the 21-year-old will now play her first AFLW game in 735 days, marking almost exactly two years to the weekend that she last took the field during one of five games played for the Suns.
The perseverant midfielder was informed of her upcoming GIANTS debut to the delight of her teammates in Thursday’s team meeting.
GIANTS coach Cam Bernasconi said Bradfield’s selection was reward for her hard work over the last 18 months.
“Annise has had to overcome so much adversity to make her GIANTS debut and it’s super exciting to be able to give her that opportunity on Sunday,” Bernasconi said.
“To be ruled out of all of last season was a tough blow but Annise has been fantastic with her rehab and remained positive and I’m thrilled that her hard work has led to her first game for the club this weekend.
“Annise’s perseverance and her commitment to get through everything that’s been thrown her way is really inspiring and the group is so excited to play alongside her on Sunday.
“Annise has really stood out at training over the past month with her intensity and her ability to win contested footy and I can’t wait to see her bring those weapons against the Eagles.”
Bradfield will become the seventh new face to take the field for the GIANTS this season.
The GIANTS and the Eagles will clash at Henson Park on Sunday at 3:05pm.
The GIANTS will name their final team at 5pm on Friday at gwsgiants.com.au.
GIANTS fans can purchase tickets to Sunday’s match via Ticketmaster
