The GIANTS will unearth their second debutant in as many weeks after naming exciting draftee Cody Angove for his AFL debut in Sunday’s clash with the Cats.
A hard-running utility taken in the first round of last year’s draft with pick 24, Angove has impressed as a dashing winger, since joining the club and has now been rewarded with his maiden AFL selection as the GIANTS travel to Geelong to take on the Cats at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The 18-year-old enters the side following a brilliant 19-disposal, three-goal performance playing on the wing in the club’s 26-point VFL win over the Swans last week.
Hailing from Western Australia, Angove boasts a dynamic mix of speed and endurance as well as sharp skills and a great desire to compete.
Angove has been pushing hard for an AFL debut since the beginning of pre-season where he was quick to show his potential in the club’s official practice match with the Swans on the eve of the 2025 season.
The lightly-framed teenager burst onto the GIANTS’ radar last year following several strong performances in the back half of the season for Claremont’s Colts' side in the WAFL as well as for his home state of Western Australia in the Under 18 National Championships.
A skilful ball-user by hand and foot, Angove’s 2024 campaign with Claremont saw him average 18.3 disposals and slot 11 goals in 10 games at colts level. He was also a key contributor in Claremont’s grand final win over Swan Districts which saw him earn back-to-back premiership honours.
Angove becomes the second GIANT debutant from last year’s draft crop following the debut of speedy small forward Josaia Delana in last week’s Sydney Derby clash with the Swans.
Angove was informed of his upcoming AFL debut by GIANTS vice-captain and fellow West Australian Stephen Coniglio to the delight of teammates following a goalkicking drill at training on Friday afternoon.
“When ‘Cogs’ [Coniglio] said that if I kicked it, I was debuting, I just straight away couldn’t think about anything else, I was pretty much just in shock,” Angove laughed.
“And then I got emotional after that.
“It’s so amazing after being close for so many weeks.
“I’ve kept waiting and I wasn’t really expecting it so it’s a bit of a shock but it’s so good.”
The youngster said playing well consistently in the VFL has prepared him well for Sunday’s AFL debut.
“It gives me confidence [playing in the VFL],” he said.
“I’ve just kept trying to get better and better each week and keep improving and I just knew that with more time I’d get my opportunity, so I was taking it head on each week in the VFL and working on my craft.”
Adding further to Angove’s debut is the fact he’ll get to play alongside former junior teammate Joe Fonti on Sunday.
“I didn't really think two years ago that I’d ever get to play with him again after seeing him get to the AFL and so to play with him again is so cool.”
Angove will realise his AFL dream on Sunday in Geelong when the GIANTS look to keep their remarkable record at GMHBA intact, aiming for a fifth straight victory over the Cats at the venue.
The clash between the GIANTS and the Cats gets underway at 3:20pm on Sunday.
