The GIANTS have bolstered their list and the future of their program, welcoming two of the brightest young stars at the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft on Monday evening.

Holding a top five pick for the second year in a row, the GIANTS were able to secure star midfielder Sara Howley with pick number four. 

A dynamic and highly skilled midfielder, renowned for her speed, versatility and exceptional consistency, Howley was one of the standout ball winners in the 2024 AFLW Draft class.

A back-to-back U18 All Australian and member of the Coates Talent League Team of the Year, the 18-year-old excels at winning the ball and driving her team forward.

Her high footy IQ, elite running ability, and natural knack for finding the footy make her one of the most well-rounded young midfield talents.

With the club’s second pick of the evening, the GIANTS selected a second midfielder in South Australian Grace Martin with pick 22.

A powerful and versatile utility, the 18-year-old is capable of excelling across all three lines, but this season found her niche as a tenacious midfielder.

Known for her fierce competitiveness, clean hands, and sharp decision-making, Martin is a player who is always striving to improve and take her game to the next level.

With her strong work ethic, versatility, and natural football IQ, she is a player capable of making an immediate impact at the AFLW level.

GIANTS AFLW List Manager Tyson Bourke said he was stoked with how the Draft played out.

“We went in with a plan to bring in Sara and Grace into the football club and it’s really great when the plan can be executed and we’re able to secure our preferred players,” he said.

“After the season that we had we went in with a plan to bring in better decision makers and players with better footy IQ and that’s what we feel like we’ve done – so we’re really happy.”

Bourke highlighted Howley’s character when speaking on the number four pick.

“First and foremost, she’s an unbelievable character. For us the football is one piece but the character piece is equally important," he said.

“We think she’ll fit in really well off the field and on the field, we probably think she is the best decision maker in this year’s draft.”

Bourke highlighted Martin’s versatility when speaking about her on Draft night.

“Grace has developed a lot over the last 12 months and really put her best foot forward playing for the Eagles,” he said. 

“She has great speed, great agility and is also a great decision maker. She is probably one of the better kicks in the draft and someone we think can play anywhere so she adds a lot.”