The GIANTS are excited to announce they have signed young midfielder Caitlin Fletcher for the upcoming 2025 AFLW season as a replacement player for retired club legend Pepa Randall.

A 21-year-old inside midfielder, Fletcher joins the GIANTS’ AFLW program in place of Randall who recently announced her retirement after 62 games in orange and charcoal- the second-most of any AFLW GIANT behind only Alicia Eva.

While currently playing for North Melbourne’s VFLW side, Fletcher is no stranger to the GIANTS, having been a train-on for the club’s AFLW program for the last two years.

Fletcher – who can play on ball or as a defender – played for the GIANTS’ VFLW side last year and was even named in the extended squad for the club’s AFLW Pride Round clash with the Crows last year after impressing as a train-on.

As well as having played locally for the Paramatta Goannas, Fletcher also represented AFL NSW/ACT in a state clash against Tasmania last year where she was named best on ground.

Standing at 171cm, the young talent joins the GIANTS in the midst of a VFLW campaign with the Kangaroos in which she’s played two games and averaged 18.5 disposals and 3.5 tackles per game.

“Fletch’ has come through our train-on and VFLW program the past few seasons and has been on a rapid rate of improvement,” GIANTS AFLW List Manager Tyson Bourke said.

“She is powerful, competitive and strong fundamentally and it’s exciting to give her the opportunity to play AFLW after working hard to make the dream come true.”

Fletcher’s signing comes as the club’s AFLW program returned for the official start of pre-season this week.