The GIANTS have made an exciting start to the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, securing three promising young talents on the opening night.

Armed with three first-round picks, the GIANTS selected Oliver Hannaford, Harrison Oliver, and Cody Angove, signaling a clear commitment to building a dynamic and versatile squad.

Taken with the club’s first pick of the 2024 Draft was speedy utility Oliver Hannaford at pick 18.

A versatile footballer capable of playing all three lines, the Vic Country product starred as a dynamic forward for the Greater Western Victorian Rebels late this season to be named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year.

He averaged 17 disposals and four tackles per game for the Rebels, while kicking 21 goals across 17 matches.

With back-to-back picks, the GIANTS second pick of the evening was used to secure rebounding defender Harrison Oliver at pick 19.

A composed and hard-running defender, the silky left-footer has great decision-making skills and line-breaking speed.

He averaged 16.2 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency and 3.2 tackles across four matches at the National Championships and was named in the All-Australian side.

Rounding out their first-round selections, the GIANTS secured Cody Angove with pick 24.

The skillful West Australian boasts a strong athletic profile, with speed, endurance, and a sharp game sense.

Angove averaged 18.3 disposals and kicked 11 goals in 10 games at Colts level for Claremont, showcasing his ability to impact games through smart ball use and attacking flair.

GIANTS Head of Talent Adrian Caruso expressed his satisfaction with how the night unfolded.

“We came in with a clear plan to select these three players, and it played out perfectly. We couldn’t be happier,” Caruso said.

“Ollie and Harry were players that we identified that we feel best suit what we are trying to do and then we wanted to find a player that best complements those two and that’s Cody.”

Caruso praised the unique attributes of each pick:

“Ollie is just a GIANTS player. We talk about what our brand is and how we want to play and the orange tsunami and Ollie Hannaford is that. He is competitive and aggressive, he’s got great athleticism, he can mark the ball, kick goals, and is just an absolute competitive beast.

“Harry is a running half back. Good skills, nice left foot kick, speed and run, and we don’t see why he can’t push up and play on the wing or other roles going forward.

“Cody provides great outside run combined with a high level of skill. He is a very light frame so will take some time to be physically ready, but we believe his attributes suit how we want to play.”

The GIANTS now hold picks 36, 93 and 98 on night two of the 2024 Draft on Thursday night.