Western Bulldogs' Callan Ward in action during the AFL Round 08 match between Western Bulldogs and the Richmond Tigers at the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. Slattery Images
This week the Greater Western Sydney Giants signed the first of many uncontracted players to their list. Rhys Palmer and Callan Ward ended months of speculation by appearing in their new charcoal and orange shirts, fronting the media to explain their move.
To my mind, they did extremely well for a 21- and 22-year olds respectively.
Phil Davis will no doubt give an equally eloquent and educated press conference, again dealing with something incredibly daunting for a 21-year-old.
Should Tom Scully (again unsigned at time of writing, which gives you an idea as to how fast these announcements are coming) also end a years worth of speculation, he will no doubt do it with a straight back firm jaw and determined eyes, rightly confident in his decision.
This will leave us with four signings – all under 23.
Last year, the Gold Coast Suns were creating headlines with their signings, with Garry Ablett (26 years old), Nathan Bock (27), Campbell Brown (27), Michael Rischitelli (24), Jarrod Harbrow (22), Josh Fraser (26), Nathan Krakouer (22) and Jarred Brennan (26) signing on to the fledgling club.
The average age for these recruits was 25, with their stars and imminent leaders (Ablett and Bock) in their prime playing age.
Thus far, the four Giants (including Scully, whose move now seems to be inevitable) will average out at 21.
It is impossible to predict accurately who else will be picked up by the Giants, with conjecture rife but not much else.
But what these signings do show for certain is the Giants intentions. Many, myself included, have argued for the Giants to target older, harder, experienced players in this window to balance out and help the young talent they have and will add to in this and next years draft.
Instead, it seems the junior Giants are investing heavily in their future.
Davis, Scully and Ward have all been touted as future captains of the club, and Palmer could (injuries permitting) play upwards to 200 games for the Giants. If the Suns of five years time look intimidating, then the future GWS team looks out and out scary.
But how will 2012 shape for them with such a young list? From watching the Suns this year, we can only conclude one outcome – wooden spoon, and some sore and tired young bodies. This will only benefit the Giants long term goal, as more draft picks will upon unto them, and more uncontracted players will come in 2012.
But the focus for most commentators will be on next season, a crucial time in the clubs history. How will such a young list win over the hostile locals by finishing bottom of the table? Will they be able to embrace their local community like the Gold Coast have this year? We all know the AFL are in the greater west for the long haul and will make this club work, but can they do it on their own merits in the short term?
I cant help but think the Giants missed out on signing Alipate Carlisle from Port Adelaide who would of shored up the full back position, and still argue Brendan Fevola should be first on their list of potential picks in the pre-season draft or rookie drafts.
I still hold out hope for other possible signing rumors to come true, like Brett Deledio and Brendan Goddard, not because I have any vested interest in these players or their current clubs but purely for the sake of the junior Giants, who may be in for a year of pain.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
It could be a weekend for contenders to emerge, teams to hopefully break droughts, o and overall footy to have a party.
We’ve already seen what Jack Ginnivan is capable of at Collingwood with his ability to grasp big moments - how will he go against his former teammates?
