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The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Who's the best expansion club? Giants, Suns test mettle
Interstate bragging rights, a top-eight spot and a post-bye curse - there's plenty on the line in the so-called Expansion Cup. As GWS look to head into their mid-season bye with back-to-back wins, a refreshed Gold Coast outfit is out to reignite their season with a smash-and-grab mission at Engie Stadium on Sunday in the interstate clash between the AFL's two youngest sides. The clash looms as the biggest to date between them: GWS are seventh (8-6), while Gold Coast have shaken their status as rank outsiders to be sixth (8-6). The Giants boast a 14-5 record against the Suns and Adam Kingsley's men will hope to pull off a Queensland complete sweep after pulling off an upset over Brisbane in enemy territory. Their top-eight spot could come into question if a defeat is coupled with wins by eighth-placed Fremantle (8-5) over Essendon and ninth-placed Western Bulldogs (7-6) over Richmond. Should the Giants fall short against the Suns, redemption would have to wait after their round-16 bye. Damien Hardwick's charges are boasting fresh legs after a timely bye. The Suns were left licking their wounds after back-to-back wins, losing to the Dockers by 11 points before a 24-point defeat to Geelong. But a weekend off doesn't necessarily pose as an advantage for the Suns, who have not won half of their post-bye matchs since their inaugural season in 2011. Still, Giants midfielder Xavier O'Halloran won't make the mistake of underestimating the Suns - given their record-breaking start to the season. "They're obviously going really well at the moment so they've got a great side," O'Halloran told AAP. "We will do our best during the week to prepare for it, and hopefully come out on Sunday and get the job done. "It would be nice to go into the bye with another win." A blockbuster engine room fight is set to take place at Engie Stadium. While the Giants hope the inclusion of star Toby Greene (glute) will perfectly complement midfielders Finn Callaghan and Tom Green, the Suns will boast quality in skipper Noah Anderson, midfield bull Matt Rowell and Touk Miller. Small forward Brent Daniels, who has often been deployed in the Giants midfield, has suffered an adductor issue and joins veterans Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward on the sidelines. All-Australian defender Sam Taylor is also out after fracturing his toe. The Suns have made three changes, with winger Lachie Weller returning from a hamstring injury to play his 150th game. Ethan Read and Connor Budarick return, while Sean Lemmens, David Swallow and Leo Lombard make way. Giants player O'Halloran is also pushing his case in the midfield after cementing himself in Kingsley's best 22. The 24-year-old has been called upon by Kingsley in 13 matches so far and is set to eclipse his career-best tally of 19 games played. "I've just tried to grab that with both hands and do as best I can," O'Halloran said. "The downside of it is seeing your mates go injured and have time away from footy. "But it opens up opportunities and I've been fortunate enough to have that through the midfield this year." Interstate bragging rights, a top-eight spot and a post-bye curse - there's plenty on the line in the so-called Expansion Cup. As GWS look to head into their mid-season bye with back-to-back wins, a refreshed Gold Coast outfit is out to reignite their season with a smash-and-grab mission at Engie Stadium on Sunday in the interstate clash between the AFL's two youngest sides. The clash looms as the biggest to date between them: GWS are seventh (8-6), while Gold Coast have shaken their status as rank outsiders to be sixth (8-6). The Giants boast a 14-5 record against the Suns and Adam Kingsley's men will hope to pull off a Queensland complete sweep after pulling off an upset over Brisbane in enemy territory. Their top-eight spot could come into question if a defeat is coupled with wins by eighth-placed Fremantle (8-5) over Essendon and ninth-placed Western Bulldogs (7-6) over Richmond. Should the Giants fall short against the Suns, redemption would have to wait after their round-16 bye. Damien Hardwick's charges are boasting fresh legs after a timely bye. The Suns were left licking their wounds after back-to-back wins, losing to the Dockers by 11 points before a 24-point defeat to Geelong. But a weekend off doesn't necessarily pose as an advantage for the Suns, who have not won half of their post-bye matchs since their inaugural season in 2011. Still, Giants midfielder Xavier O'Halloran won't make the mistake of underestimating the Suns - given their record-breaking start to the season. "They're obviously going really well at the moment so they've got a great side," O'Halloran told AAP. "We will do our best during the week to prepare for it, and hopefully come out on Sunday and get the job done. "It would be nice to go into the bye with another win." A blockbuster engine room fight is set to take place at Engie Stadium. While the Giants hope the inclusion of star Toby Greene (glute) will perfectly complement midfielders Finn Callaghan and Tom Green, the Suns will boast quality in skipper Noah Anderson, midfield bull Matt Rowell and Touk Miller. Small forward Brent Daniels, who has often been deployed in the Giants midfield, has suffered an adductor issue and joins veterans Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward on the sidelines. All-Australian defender Sam Taylor is also out after fracturing his toe. The Suns have made three changes, with winger Lachie Weller returning from a hamstring injury to play his 150th game. Ethan Read and Connor Budarick return, while Sean Lemmens, David Swallow and Leo Lombard make way. Giants player O'Halloran is also pushing his case in the midfield after cementing himself in Kingsley's best 22. The 24-year-old has been called upon by Kingsley in 13 matches so far and is set to eclipse his career-best tally of 19 games played. "I've just tried to grab that with both hands and do as best I can," O'Halloran said. "The downside of it is seeing your mates go injured and have time away from footy. "But it opens up opportunities and I've been fortunate enough to have that through the midfield this year." Interstate bragging rights, a top-eight spot and a post-bye curse - there's plenty on the line in the so-called Expansion Cup. As GWS look to head into their mid-season bye with back-to-back wins, a refreshed Gold Coast outfit is out to reignite their season with a smash-and-grab mission at Engie Stadium on Sunday in the interstate clash between the AFL's two youngest sides. The clash looms as the biggest to date between them: GWS are seventh (8-6), while Gold Coast have shaken their status as rank outsiders to be sixth (8-6). The Giants boast a 14-5 record against the Suns and Adam Kingsley's men will hope to pull off a Queensland complete sweep after pulling off an upset over Brisbane in enemy territory. Their top-eight spot could come into question if a defeat is coupled with wins by eighth-placed Fremantle (8-5) over Essendon and ninth-placed Western Bulldogs (7-6) over Richmond. Should the Giants fall short against the Suns, redemption would have to wait after their round-16 bye. Damien Hardwick's charges are boasting fresh legs after a timely bye. The Suns were left licking their wounds after back-to-back wins, losing to the Dockers by 11 points before a 24-point defeat to Geelong. But a weekend off doesn't necessarily pose as an advantage for the Suns, who have not won half of their post-bye matchs since their inaugural season in 2011. Still, Giants midfielder Xavier O'Halloran won't make the mistake of underestimating the Suns - given their record-breaking start to the season. "They're obviously going really well at the moment so they've got a great side," O'Halloran told AAP. "We will do our best during the week to prepare for it, and hopefully come out on Sunday and get the job done. "It would be nice to go into the bye with another win." A blockbuster engine room fight is set to take place at Engie Stadium. While the Giants hope the inclusion of star Toby Greene (glute) will perfectly complement midfielders Finn Callaghan and Tom Green, the Suns will boast quality in skipper Noah Anderson, midfield bull Matt Rowell and Touk Miller. Small forward Brent Daniels, who has often been deployed in the Giants midfield, has suffered an adductor issue and joins veterans Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward on the sidelines. All-Australian defender Sam Taylor is also out after fracturing his toe. The Suns have made three changes, with winger Lachie Weller returning from a hamstring injury to play his 150th game. Ethan Read and Connor Budarick return, while Sean Lemmens, David Swallow and Leo Lombard make way. Giants player O'Halloran is also pushing his case in the midfield after cementing himself in Kingsley's best 22. The 24-year-old has been called upon by Kingsley in 13 matches so far and is set to eclipse his career-best tally of 19 games played. "I've just tried to grab that with both hands and do as best I can," O'Halloran said. "The downside of it is seeing your mates go injured and have time away from footy. "But it opens up opportunities and I've been fortunate enough to have that through the midfield this year."
Perth Now
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Who's the best expansion club? Giants, Suns test mettle
Interstate bragging rights, a top-eight spot and a post-bye curse - there's plenty on the line in the so-called Expansion Cup. As GWS look to head into their mid-season bye with back-to-back wins, a refreshed Gold Coast outfit is out to reignite their season with a smash-and-grab mission at Engie Stadium on Sunday in the interstate clash between the AFL's two youngest sides. The clash looms as the biggest to date between them: GWS are seventh (8-6), while Gold Coast have shaken their status as rank outsiders to be sixth (8-6). The Giants boast a 14-5 record against the Suns and Adam Kingsley's men will hope to pull off a Queensland complete sweep after pulling off an upset over Brisbane in enemy territory. Their top-eight spot could come into question if a defeat is coupled with wins by eighth-placed Fremantle (8-5) over Essendon and ninth-placed Western Bulldogs (7-6) over Richmond. Should the Giants fall short against the Suns, redemption would have to wait after their round-16 bye. Damien Hardwick's charges are boasting fresh legs after a timely bye. The Suns were left licking their wounds after back-to-back wins, losing to the Dockers by 11 points before a 24-point defeat to Geelong. But a weekend off doesn't necessarily pose as an advantage for the Suns, who have not won half of their post-bye matchs since their inaugural season in 2011. Still, Giants midfielder Xavier O'Halloran won't make the mistake of underestimating the Suns - given their record-breaking start to the season. "They're obviously going really well at the moment so they've got a great side," O'Halloran told AAP. "We will do our best during the week to prepare for it, and hopefully come out on Sunday and get the job done. "It would be nice to go into the bye with another win." A blockbuster engine room fight is set to take place at Engie Stadium. While the Giants hope the inclusion of star Toby Greene (glute) will perfectly complement midfielders Finn Callaghan and Tom Green, the Suns will boast quality in skipper Noah Anderson, midfield bull Matt Rowell and Touk Miller. Small forward Brent Daniels, who has often been deployed in the Giants midfield, has suffered an adductor issue and joins veterans Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward on the sidelines. All-Australian defender Sam Taylor is also out after fracturing his toe. The Suns have made three changes, with winger Lachie Weller returning from a hamstring injury to play his 150th game. Ethan Read and Connor Budarick return, while Sean Lemmens, David Swallow and Leo Lombard make way. Giants player O'Halloran is also pushing his case in the midfield after cementing himself in Kingsley's best 22. The 24-year-old has been called upon by Kingsley in 13 matches so far and is set to eclipse his career-best tally of 19 games played. "I've just tried to grab that with both hands and do as best I can," O'Halloran said. "The downside of it is seeing your mates go injured and have time away from footy. "But it opens up opportunities and I've been fortunate enough to have that through the midfield this year."
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
No chip on Giants star midfielder's dislocated shoulder
GWS star Finn Callaghan has already lost a month to an injury, so he won't waste any more time lamenting on what could've been. There's no chip on Callaghan's shoulder after the highly-rated midfielder produced a roaring comeback in the Giants' smash-and-grab win over Brisbane at the Gabba. The 22-year-old missed three games after dislocating his right shoulder in the Giants' round-10 loss to Fremantle. Callaghan was hurt in an innocuous collision with Dockers forward Patrick Voss in a marking contest at the three-quarter-time siren. Voss walked off unscathed, while Callaghan - whose opposing left shoulder was already taped up - played the final quarter in clear discomfort. "That's going to happen more in my career, I'm sure," Callaghan said. "A little bit unlucky, you could say, but we were both just trying to go for the ball, and sometimes these things happen. "I made sure I did everything I could so I could recover as quick as possible. "I really wanted to be back out there playing. I hate missing games of footy." He showed no signs of rust on return against the reigning premiers, clocking 32 disposals and five clearances in their semi-final rematch. "We were certainly really fired up for the game against Brisbane," Callaghan said. "After a few inconsistent weeks, it built up to be a really big game, one that we wanted to put our best foot forward and play well. "It was good to be back out there playing, certainly better than watching on the couch." GWS will look to post back-to-back wins when they host Gold Coast on Sunday, in what shapes as the biggest edition of the so-called Expansion Cup between the league's youngest franchises. The Giants are seventh (8-6), while the Suns have dropped to sixth (8-4) after two straight losses. "I hope we're both playing finals. There's still a fair few games to go before we can say that's going to happen but they're certainly in great form," Callaghan said. "I feel like we're both on similar trajectories this season and it's going to be an exciting match-up." GWS could recall stars Toby Greene (glute) and Jake Stringer (hamstring) for this weekend's clash. But the club's injury woes continue, with All-Australian defender Sam Taylor out for a month after fracturing a toe and small forward Brent Daniels succumbing to another abdominal issue. Callaghan won't despair, saying he is relishing his role as an emerging leader. "I feel like certainly I've taken some extra responsibility," Callaghan said. "I'm here for the next four years, that probably gives the boys some confidence, but I want to make the next four years as good as it can be for myself. "I want to win, so I feel like it all stems from there." GWS star Finn Callaghan has already lost a month to an injury, so he won't waste any more time lamenting on what could've been. There's no chip on Callaghan's shoulder after the highly-rated midfielder produced a roaring comeback in the Giants' smash-and-grab win over Brisbane at the Gabba. The 22-year-old missed three games after dislocating his right shoulder in the Giants' round-10 loss to Fremantle. Callaghan was hurt in an innocuous collision with Dockers forward Patrick Voss in a marking contest at the three-quarter-time siren. Voss walked off unscathed, while Callaghan - whose opposing left shoulder was already taped up - played the final quarter in clear discomfort. "That's going to happen more in my career, I'm sure," Callaghan said. "A little bit unlucky, you could say, but we were both just trying to go for the ball, and sometimes these things happen. "I made sure I did everything I could so I could recover as quick as possible. "I really wanted to be back out there playing. I hate missing games of footy." He showed no signs of rust on return against the reigning premiers, clocking 32 disposals and five clearances in their semi-final rematch. "We were certainly really fired up for the game against Brisbane," Callaghan said. "After a few inconsistent weeks, it built up to be a really big game, one that we wanted to put our best foot forward and play well. "It was good to be back out there playing, certainly better than watching on the couch." GWS will look to post back-to-back wins when they host Gold Coast on Sunday, in what shapes as the biggest edition of the so-called Expansion Cup between the league's youngest franchises. The Giants are seventh (8-6), while the Suns have dropped to sixth (8-4) after two straight losses. "I hope we're both playing finals. There's still a fair few games to go before we can say that's going to happen but they're certainly in great form," Callaghan said. "I feel like we're both on similar trajectories this season and it's going to be an exciting match-up." GWS could recall stars Toby Greene (glute) and Jake Stringer (hamstring) for this weekend's clash. But the club's injury woes continue, with All-Australian defender Sam Taylor out for a month after fracturing a toe and small forward Brent Daniels succumbing to another abdominal issue. Callaghan won't despair, saying he is relishing his role as an emerging leader. "I feel like certainly I've taken some extra responsibility," Callaghan said. "I'm here for the next four years, that probably gives the boys some confidence, but I want to make the next four years as good as it can be for myself. "I want to win, so I feel like it all stems from there." GWS star Finn Callaghan has already lost a month to an injury, so he won't waste any more time lamenting on what could've been. There's no chip on Callaghan's shoulder after the highly-rated midfielder produced a roaring comeback in the Giants' smash-and-grab win over Brisbane at the Gabba. The 22-year-old missed three games after dislocating his right shoulder in the Giants' round-10 loss to Fremantle. Callaghan was hurt in an innocuous collision with Dockers forward Patrick Voss in a marking contest at the three-quarter-time siren. Voss walked off unscathed, while Callaghan - whose opposing left shoulder was already taped up - played the final quarter in clear discomfort. "That's going to happen more in my career, I'm sure," Callaghan said. "A little bit unlucky, you could say, but we were both just trying to go for the ball, and sometimes these things happen. "I made sure I did everything I could so I could recover as quick as possible. "I really wanted to be back out there playing. I hate missing games of footy." He showed no signs of rust on return against the reigning premiers, clocking 32 disposals and five clearances in their semi-final rematch. "We were certainly really fired up for the game against Brisbane," Callaghan said. "After a few inconsistent weeks, it built up to be a really big game, one that we wanted to put our best foot forward and play well. "It was good to be back out there playing, certainly better than watching on the couch." GWS will look to post back-to-back wins when they host Gold Coast on Sunday, in what shapes as the biggest edition of the so-called Expansion Cup between the league's youngest franchises. The Giants are seventh (8-6), while the Suns have dropped to sixth (8-4) after two straight losses. "I hope we're both playing finals. There's still a fair few games to go before we can say that's going to happen but they're certainly in great form," Callaghan said. "I feel like we're both on similar trajectories this season and it's going to be an exciting match-up." GWS could recall stars Toby Greene (glute) and Jake Stringer (hamstring) for this weekend's clash. But the club's injury woes continue, with All-Australian defender Sam Taylor out for a month after fracturing a toe and small forward Brent Daniels succumbing to another abdominal issue. Callaghan won't despair, saying he is relishing his role as an emerging leader. "I feel like certainly I've taken some extra responsibility," Callaghan said. "I'm here for the next four years, that probably gives the boys some confidence, but I want to make the next four years as good as it can be for myself. "I want to win, so I feel like it all stems from there."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
No chip on Giants star midfielder's dislocated shoulder
GWS star Finn Callaghan has already lost a month to an injury, so he won't waste any more time lamenting on what could've been. There's no chip on Callaghan's shoulder after the highly-rated midfielder produced a roaring comeback in the Giants' smash-and-grab win over Brisbane at the Gabba. The 22-year-old missed three games after dislocating his right shoulder in the Giants' round-10 loss to Fremantle. Callaghan was hurt in an innocuous collision with Dockers forward Patrick Voss in a marking contest at the three-quarter-time siren. Voss walked off unscathed, while Callaghan - whose opposing left shoulder was already taped up - played the final quarter in clear discomfort. "That's going to happen more in my career, I'm sure," Callaghan said. "A little bit unlucky, you could say, but we were both just trying to go for the ball, and sometimes these things happen. "I made sure I did everything I could so I could recover as quick as possible. "I really wanted to be back out there playing. I hate missing games of footy." He showed no signs of rust on return against the reigning premiers, clocking 32 disposals and five clearances in their semi-final rematch. "We were certainly really fired up for the game against Brisbane," Callaghan said. "After a few inconsistent weeks, it built up to be a really big game, one that we wanted to put our best foot forward and play well. "It was good to be back out there playing, certainly better than watching on the couch." GWS will look to post back-to-back wins when they host Gold Coast on Sunday, in what shapes as the biggest edition of the so-called Expansion Cup between the league's youngest franchises. The Giants are seventh (8-6), while the Suns have dropped to sixth (8-4) after two straight losses. "I hope we're both playing finals. There's still a fair few games to go before we can say that's going to happen but they're certainly in great form," Callaghan said. "I feel like we're both on similar trajectories this season and it's going to be an exciting match-up." GWS could recall stars Toby Greene (glute) and Jake Stringer (hamstring) for this weekend's clash. But the club's injury woes continue, with All-Australian defender Sam Taylor out for a month after fracturing a toe and small forward Brent Daniels succumbing to another abdominal issue. Callaghan won't despair, saying he is relishing his role as an emerging leader. "I feel like certainly I've taken some extra responsibility," Callaghan said. "I'm here for the next four years, that probably gives the boys some confidence, but I want to make the next four years as good as it can be for myself. "I want to win, so I feel like it all stems from there."
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Young Aaron Cadman becomes a giant ahead of milestone
GWS youngster Aaron Cadman knows his apprenticeship is over and feels he's ready to explode in the back half of the AFL season. The 2022 No.1 draft pick lived up to his billing after his career-best haul of five goals and 13 marks helped steer the Giants to a comeback win over Brisbane. His breakout performance - which included a speccy mark against Lions swingman Eric Hipwood - added to reigning Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan's haul of six goals and 12 marks. The 21-year-old's slow burn to good form echoes the words of inaugural Giants coach Kevin Sheedy, who believes players only come of age at AFL level when they reach 50 games. Set to chalk up the milestone against Gold Coast, Cadman agrees there is truth in Sheedy's declaration. "I know that I can be, hopefully, one of the top players in the league," Cadman said on Tuesday. "This is my third year, so I've still got a lot of growing to do as a player, physically and mentally. "I know they're saying your apprenticeship is over at 50 games once you're past 50, but I feel like I've still got a lot of room to grow. "Obviously, big thanks to the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity in 50 games. "Even picking me 50 times where I probably wouldn't have picked myself, and just having faith in me and knowing what I am capable of." Cadman has long been touted as the man to lead the GWS forward line for years to come, after the Giants traded up to secure the top selection in the 2022 draft. The left-footer managed just six goals from a dozen appearances in his 2023 debut season, before hitting new heights last year with 30 goals across 23 games. GWS's faith is clear, but Cadman admitted it took time for him to shake off the expectations that come with being a top draft selection. "I feel like in my first two years, that was something that weighed on me a little bit," Cadman said. "Now I know what I am capable of, and just continuing to show that at the end of the day, it doesn't matter where I was picked. " Cadman credits Hogan as the man who has helped make him ready for what looms at AFL level. A 17-year-old Hogan has faced similar expectations after being drafted to Melbourne with pick No.2 in the 2012 mini-draft. "Me and Jesse can relate to each other a little bit," Cadman said. "Even on and off the field, just sharing his mistakes and helping me learn from those things has been super helpful for me. "It's a great relationship we have down there. It's almost like half the time, we don't even have to say anything." GWS youngster Aaron Cadman knows his apprenticeship is over and feels he's ready to explode in the back half of the AFL season. The 2022 No.1 draft pick lived up to his billing after his career-best haul of five goals and 13 marks helped steer the Giants to a comeback win over Brisbane. His breakout performance - which included a speccy mark against Lions swingman Eric Hipwood - added to reigning Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan's haul of six goals and 12 marks. The 21-year-old's slow burn to good form echoes the words of inaugural Giants coach Kevin Sheedy, who believes players only come of age at AFL level when they reach 50 games. Set to chalk up the milestone against Gold Coast, Cadman agrees there is truth in Sheedy's declaration. "I know that I can be, hopefully, one of the top players in the league," Cadman said on Tuesday. "This is my third year, so I've still got a lot of growing to do as a player, physically and mentally. "I know they're saying your apprenticeship is over at 50 games once you're past 50, but I feel like I've still got a lot of room to grow. "Obviously, big thanks to the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity in 50 games. "Even picking me 50 times where I probably wouldn't have picked myself, and just having faith in me and knowing what I am capable of." Cadman has long been touted as the man to lead the GWS forward line for years to come, after the Giants traded up to secure the top selection in the 2022 draft. The left-footer managed just six goals from a dozen appearances in his 2023 debut season, before hitting new heights last year with 30 goals across 23 games. GWS's faith is clear, but Cadman admitted it took time for him to shake off the expectations that come with being a top draft selection. "I feel like in my first two years, that was something that weighed on me a little bit," Cadman said. "Now I know what I am capable of, and just continuing to show that at the end of the day, it doesn't matter where I was picked. " Cadman credits Hogan as the man who has helped make him ready for what looms at AFL level. A 17-year-old Hogan has faced similar expectations after being drafted to Melbourne with pick No.2 in the 2012 mini-draft. "Me and Jesse can relate to each other a little bit," Cadman said. "Even on and off the field, just sharing his mistakes and helping me learn from those things has been super helpful for me. "It's a great relationship we have down there. It's almost like half the time, we don't even have to say anything." GWS youngster Aaron Cadman knows his apprenticeship is over and feels he's ready to explode in the back half of the AFL season. The 2022 No.1 draft pick lived up to his billing after his career-best haul of five goals and 13 marks helped steer the Giants to a comeback win over Brisbane. His breakout performance - which included a speccy mark against Lions swingman Eric Hipwood - added to reigning Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan's haul of six goals and 12 marks. The 21-year-old's slow burn to good form echoes the words of inaugural Giants coach Kevin Sheedy, who believes players only come of age at AFL level when they reach 50 games. Set to chalk up the milestone against Gold Coast, Cadman agrees there is truth in Sheedy's declaration. "I know that I can be, hopefully, one of the top players in the league," Cadman said on Tuesday. "This is my third year, so I've still got a lot of growing to do as a player, physically and mentally. "I know they're saying your apprenticeship is over at 50 games once you're past 50, but I feel like I've still got a lot of room to grow. "Obviously, big thanks to the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity in 50 games. "Even picking me 50 times where I probably wouldn't have picked myself, and just having faith in me and knowing what I am capable of." Cadman has long been touted as the man to lead the GWS forward line for years to come, after the Giants traded up to secure the top selection in the 2022 draft. The left-footer managed just six goals from a dozen appearances in his 2023 debut season, before hitting new heights last year with 30 goals across 23 games. GWS's faith is clear, but Cadman admitted it took time for him to shake off the expectations that come with being a top draft selection. "I feel like in my first two years, that was something that weighed on me a little bit," Cadman said. "Now I know what I am capable of, and just continuing to show that at the end of the day, it doesn't matter where I was picked. " Cadman credits Hogan as the man who has helped make him ready for what looms at AFL level. A 17-year-old Hogan has faced similar expectations after being drafted to Melbourne with pick No.2 in the 2012 mini-draft. "Me and Jesse can relate to each other a little bit," Cadman said. "Even on and off the field, just sharing his mistakes and helping me learn from those things has been super helpful for me. "It's a great relationship we have down there. It's almost like half the time, we don't even have to say anything."
