A trio of GIANTS - Jacob Wehr, Cooper Hamilton and Callum Brown - have all re-signed with the club on one-year extensions.
Jacob Wehr put pen to paper off the back of an impressive first season at AFL level, following his debut in round 10 against the Eagles.
The classy left foot line-breaker was drafted at pick 59 in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft and after plying his trade at VFL level last season, he played 10 games straight since his debut, booting four goals along the way.
Also signing a one-year extension is fellow rookie defender Cooper Hamilton.
The Bendigo product joined the GIANTS with the 13th pick in the 2021 rookie draft and made an immediate impact at the club when he smashed the GIANTS’ 2km time trial record in his first week.
The 18-year-old has played three games at the elite level since making his debut in round seven against the Crows.
Irishman Callum Brown will also remain in the orange and charcoal for 2023.
Brown was picked up by the GIANTS in 2018 and signed on as a Category B rookie, a year after he was first noticed by club scouts.
Powerful and athletic, the versatile 21-year-old has the ability to play at either end of the ground, putting those skills on display when he kicked four goals in wet conditions to help the GIANTS secure a win over the Hawks in round 16.
GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said he was pleased to have locked in the signatures of all three players.
“We’re really pleased to extend the contracts of Cooper, Jacob and Callum,” he said.
“We have a great group of young talent coming through at the GIANTS, and these three guys have all shown what they can do when given the chance.
“Jacob is a great story of someone who has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and made the most of it. He was drafted as a 22-year-old and bided his time in the VFL over the last two years before getting his call up this year.
“We’ve been impressed with the impact he’s been able to have, and are looking forward to seeing more of what he can do moving forward.
“Callum has taken the next step in his AFL development, and we were pleased he was able to see the reward for his effort at the back end of this season.
“His speed and athleticism are unmatched, and we’re excited about his potential as he continues to hone his footy skills.
“Cooper has also been a great asset to the club this year.
“He’s been one of our most consistent players at VFL level this season and is keen to keep working hard and improving his game, which we are excited about.”
The GIANTS take on the Bulldogs this Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium from 1:45pm.
