Young guns fire, regular stars shine, and the package delivers early as the GIANTS ramped up their pre-season preparations with their first official match simulation on Monday.

Playing two 15-minute periods in the searing Sydney summer heat, Adam Kingsley’s men were split into two equally talented sides, with the likes of Toby Greene, Tom Green and Jake Stringer headlining the white team, while Jesse Hogan, Lachie Whitfield and Josh Kelly led the orange side.

Providing the first real look at a host of the GIANTS’ new draftees, as well as former Bomber Stringer, the intense hit-out also featured mouthwatering match-ups on every line, with the battle between Hogan and Jack Buckley a highlight, as well as that between All-Australian defender Sam Taylor and emerging star forward Aaron Cadman.

DARING DRAFTEE

Following the opening bounce it was new draftee Cody Angove who first caught the eye with some silky play from the wing as the 18-year-old West Australian burst past a would-be tackler and took a running bounce just seconds into the match sim in a strong first impression.

Taken with pick 24 in last year’s draft, Angove is a 182 cm utility who lined up on the wing and looked every bit comfortable at the elite level in Monday’s match sim.

THE PACKAGE DELIVERS

One of the most talked about recruits of the summer soon followed with immediate impact, with Stringer marking on the lead inside 50 ahead of a close-checking Connor Idun before calmly snapping truly with a nice goal inside the first two minutes of play.

While he was well held by Idun for most of the two periods, Stringer’s talent and strong work rate was evident as the dynamic forward continues to settle into his new colours ahead of the 2025 season.

YOUNG GUNS FIRE

Others to make strong impressions in the club’s first proper hit-out were a host of emerging youngsters, with Harvey Thomas, Harry Rowston, Joe Fonti, Toby McMullin and James Leake all either starring or having strong moments to show they’re primed to have an impact in the 2025 AFL season.

Thomas in particular was as classy as ever with ball in hand and continued to apply manic pressure on the opposition, Fonti was extremely poised off half-back as he looks to add to his five games from last season, while Rowston, McMullin and Leake were some of the best players on the ground as the young trio look to become regular pieces of the GIANTS’ midfield this season.

TOBY AND JESSE DO THEIR THING

While the kids were doing their best to put their names in contention for a spot come opening round, some of the club’s more experienced players were quick to show everyone that they’ve still got plenty left in the tank, with superstars Hogan and Greene both kicking multiple goals and handing a number of others off in strong displays from the forward pair.

Hogan in particular looked every bit the player that dominated the competition last year with a 77-goal Coleman Medal year, with the 29-year-old ominous in the air across the ground despite some brilliant defensive efforts from star defender Buckley.

DANCING DARCY

Darcy Jones was another who caught the eye with some now trademark moves as he danced his way around opponents on numerous occasions to show that he’s primed to take his game to another level after making 14 appearances last year following his starring debut in round seven.

RICCA ROARS

Another to make a strong impression throughout the match sim was Jake Riccardi, with the tall forward moving well and taking several strong marks to stake his claims for a spot up forward in the GIANTS’ best side after missing the last part of the season with a broken finger.

DAZZLING DELANA

In a tough and contested hit-out there was one final piece of brilliance at GIANTS HQ on Monday morning, with speedy draftee Josaia Delana selling candy to perfection with a brilliant sidestep 50m out before finishing with a classy running goal to the delight of excited family members in attendance.

With the first match sim of the summer out of the way, the GIANTS will continue to increase their preparations in the coming weeks ahead of their opening round blockbuster with the Magpies at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday, March 9.

Match Sim Goal Scorers: 

Orange: Hogan 2, Rowston, Jones, Delana

White: Greene 2, Stringer, Thomas