The GIANTS have signed four Free Agents to finalise their playing squad for the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s competition in 2017.
Sydney duo Codie Briggs and Isabella Rudolph, Hannah Wallett from Canberra and Victorian Alex Saundry round out the squad of 28.
Briggs represented the GIANTS earlier this year in the women’s exhibition match against the Sydney Swans at the SCG and has the ability to play both forward and back. The 26-year old is quick and agile and has been playing for the Newtown Breakaways.
Rudolph, 21, sat out the 2016 season due to a serious knee injury suffered in April but will be a valuable addition to the GIANTS forward line. The smart and highly skilled forward joins the club after playing previously for Manly-Warringah and Sydney University.
24-year old Alex Saundry will bring a wealth of experience from her time at Melbourne University when she relocates to Sydney. The 175cm defender has vast knowledge of the game and is expected to be a leader of the GIANTS backline.
Hannah Wallett of the Belconnen Magpies is a strong forward with good hands and is a reliable shot on goal. The 25-year old is the sixth ACT player to be named in the GIANTS squad.
GIANTS coach Tim Schmidt said he’s excited to have the squad finalised.
“With the addition of these four players, we feel that we’ve gathered a really good mix of youth and experience in the squad,” said Schmidt.
“To have the squad made up of 13 players from Sydney shows how the game is developing in New South Wales and coupled with six players from the ACT, and some of the best talent from Western Australia and Victoria, we are confident we’re well placed ahead of the season.
“It’s exciting to have the squad locked away and now we turn our attention to what’s going to be a really intense block of pre-season training.
“I know all of the players are looking forward to coming together at the middle of next month to take the next step together.”
Almost 900 fans have signed up to be Foundation Members of the women’s team ahead of next year’s competition with a unique opportunity to be there from the start and be part of history.