With their first pick in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, the GIANTS have selected elite wingman Finn Callaghan.

The key details:

Drafted from: Sandringham Dragons, NAB League/St. Bede's College
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 191cm
Weight: 86kg
Date of Birth: 24/04/03

Bio:

A left-footed medium midfielder who burst onto the scene with dominant performances early with the Sandringham Dragons, winning selection in the Australian Under-18s team for its Challenge match against Geelong (VFL) and showcasing his natural talent and athleticism. Can play inside and excel at stoppages or on the outside on the wing using his penetrating kicking to give good service to his forwards. Has unique aerial ability and as well as goal sense, making him a difficult match-up at his size when he goes forward. Due to injury, he played just six matches in the NAB League averaging 24.3 disposals (eight contested), three clearances and 3.2 tackles, winning him the Dragons' Best and Fairest award as well as selection in the NAB League Team of the Year in 2021. He finished the year with an impressive time of 6:10 for 2km (Strava tested) at the NAB AFL Draft Combine. Comes from a sporting family, with his father representing Australia in the Commonwealth Games in the 400 metres and his mother competing in the National Youth Championships in the long jump.

What National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso says:

It’s rare to find a player with a set of attributes like Finn, he’s pretty special. The combination of speed and agility with good running power gives some flexibility to the roles that he can play for us and the point of difference he adds to our current midfield mix. Importantly, his strong work ethic and the mindset will allow him to adapt to a few different roles until he is physically ready to step into our midfield. There’s no secret many clubs behind us were trying to trade up to our selection with Finn in mind but the recruiting team was strong all along in not having any interest in passing him up.

Player comparison: Western Bulldogs’ Marcus Bontempelli