A revamped Henson Park hosts the GIANTS first match in Sydney this season, as they look to rebound from a narrow loss to the Magpies.
AFLW ROUND 3
GIANTS v Crows
Saturday, August 30 at 1:05pm
Henson Park, Sydney | Gadigal & Wangal
What It Means For The GIANTS
A heartbreaking loss to the Magpies in round two has left the GIANTS still seeking their first win of the 2025 season and looking to show the rest of the competition more of the team that dominated the first three quarters against the Pies.
The GIANTS rebounded strongly in round two, leading Collingwood at every break off the back of a superb three-goal first quarter from Tarni Evans, before being overrun in the final term.
The GIANTS go into the match against Kuwarna with a boost to their confidence after a strong turn against the Magpies, with a focus through the week on decision making and their inside 50 deliveries.
They will also be eager to match it one of the competition’s strongest performers and three-time premiers.
Taylah Levy comes up against her former side this week, after making her debut at Victoria Park, notching ten touches and taking 203m in her first run out in orange and charcoal.
The GIANTS will also look to defend their patch at Henson Park, in the first of two weeks celebrating Indigenous Round, playing on Gadigal land and marking the first match of the season at the historic venue.
The Opposition
Having fallen to a shock loss to the Saints in their opening match of 2025, Kuwarna responded strongly in round two to defeat Geelong 65-37.
After finishing fourth last season, Kuwarna were knocked out in the preliminary final against the Lions, marking the end of their sixth straight finals appearance.
Touted for their highly skilled and attack focused play, Kuwarna have set been standard bearers in the competition since its inception, aided by the ability to recruit South Australian raised talent, with just nine of their 31 players coming from outside the state.
Kuwarna also boast four players out of the Irish Gaelic Association, including sister Niamh and Grace Kelly, speaking to the connection of the group and their focus on off-ball movement and ability to anticipate play.
Co-captain Sarah Allen has been ruled out of the match with a quad injury, but Kuwarna will be looking to showcase their depth against the GIANTS.
Key Match Up: Marking Marinoff
Boasting one of the toughest midfields in the league, Kuwarna’s engine room includes reigning AFLW Best and Fairest Ebony Marinoff.
Having won almost every accolade in the game, Marinoff is noted for her toughness in contests, work rate and ball-getting abilities, with an exceptional eye for the game having been developed since Auskick level through South Australia’s junior pathways.
Partnering with hard-bodied Anne Hatchard and the skilful India Rasheed, the Marinoff-led midfield presents as a critical battle for the GIANTS to take head on.
Led by captain Bec Beeson and last week bolstered by Zarlie Goldsworthy spending more time on the ball, the GIANTS’ midfield was much improved in round two, despite the loss of leading ball getter Alyce Parker.
The GIANTS will look to hold their own and focus on their clearances around the ground to curb Adelaide’s preference to run the ball out of contests and through hands into their attacking 50.
GIANTS Player To Watch: Kaitlyn Srhoj
Delivering a best-on performance against the Magpies in round two, Kaitlyn Srhoj stepped up as a key performer across the field, including bagging her first AFLW goal in the third quarter.
The GIANTS snagged Srhoj with pick three in the 2023 NAB AFLW Draft and the silky midfielder immediately slotted into the GIANTS midfield, adding her arsenal of skills to the squad’s centre field.
Srhoj proved her nettle in the round two performance, showcasing her ability to move the ball out of contest and deliver in high-pressure moments, as with her snap goal early in the third term.
The GIANTS will be looking to see Srhoj build on the performance against a stronger opposition, providing an important chance to showcase her development, now ten games into her AFLW career.
In The Mix
Daisy Walker returned to football via AFLW scrimmage last weekend, following a two-year long absence from the game after sustaining an ACL injury late in 2023. The versatile defender shapes as a potential replacement for Caitlin Fletcher, who was disappointingly ruled out for the remainder of the AFLW season with a hip injury.
Former Sun Viv Saad also edges closer to a club debut, having returned to full squad training last week.
Team Selection
The GIANTS will name their team to take on Kuwarna at 6:20pm on Thursday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s match here.
Where To Watch
Saturday’s clash will be shown live and free in NSW and the ACT on Channel 7 and 7plus from 1:00pm, as well as nationally on Fox Sports 3, Kayo and BINGE from 1:00pm.
