The GIANTS will unearth a debutant on the grand stage of Friday night footy, with exciting teenager Ollie Hannaford named to make his AFL debut against Collingwood.
Drafted with pick 18 in the 2024 Draft, Hannaford is a tough and dynamic utility blessed with power and agility and capable of playing up forward and through the midfield.
Hannaford’s debut comes following a standout VFL performance in the club’s round one VFL win over the Saints last week, with the 19-year-old registering career-highs in both disposals and goals to finish with an eye-catching stat line of 31 disposals and 3.2 in a brilliant display across half forward.
Hannaford has been pressing for an AFL debut for the past 12 months but a number of untimely injuries had continued to further delay the exciting youngster’s AFL dreams.
Now fully fit after a clean run with injury over the summer, Hannaford will realise his AFL dreams under the bright lights of Friday night footy in a huge clash with the Pies at Marvel Stadium.
Hannaford was informed of his upcoming AFL debut at the club on Wednesday by teammate Brent Daniels.
“I’m really excited and very happy to be playing AFL. It’s a dream come true,” Hannaford said.
“I’ve played footy since I was three years old so its always been the goal for me. So to finally live it out is pretty exciting.”
The exciting teenager admitted the thought of a potential debut had been on his mind throughout the week following last week’s strong VFL performance.
“I tried to put it to the back of my mind a little bit but it’s always there lingering.
“I didn’t want to think about it too much as it would stress me out but it’s pretty nice to now know and to put my mind at ease.
“I’m pumped. It’s a dream come true.”
Hailing from Sandhurst in Bendigo, Hannaford was drafted by the GIANTS in the first round of the 2024 Draft after impressing for the GWV Rebels in the Coates Talent League as well as for the Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Country.
He’ll now get his opportunity to showcase his talents at AFL level in Friday’s big clash at Marvel Stadium.
Hannaford becomes the GIANTS’ second debutant this season following the Opening Round debut of lively small forward Phoenix Gothard.
Friday’s blockbuster clash with the Pies will get under from 7:40pm at Marvel Stadium.
