Jye Caldwell will become the 97^th player to pull on the orange and charcoal in an AFL game when he makes his debut in Friday night footy against Hawthorn.

Caldwell comes into the side for the Friday night blockbuster at UNSW Canberra Oval after fellow midfielder Jacob Hopper injured his hamstring during the GIANTS’ training session on Thursday evening. 

The 18-year-old, who arrived at the GIANTS with their first pick (11^th overall) in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft from the Bendigo Pioneers, is the GIANTS’ fourth debutant in 2019 following fellow 2018 draftees Connor Idun (round 20), Bobby Hill (round 17), Jackson Hately (round 5) and Category B Rookie Jake Stein (round 13).

Explosive and damaging around stoppages, Caldwell impressed during the GIANTS’ JLT Community series games earlier this year. 

The former underage champion boxer has been in fine form for the GIANTS’ NEAFL side, averaging 22.5 disposals and 6.25 tackles across his past four games. Caldwell will become just the second player to wear the number 5 jumper in an AFL game for the GIANTS. 

The GIANTS play Hawthorn at UNSW Canberra Oval on Friday, August 9 at 7:50pm. Limited tickets remain, click here to purchase your tickets or watch live and free on 7Mate (channel 73) in NSW and the ACT from 7:30pm.