The GIANTS Academy girls' program is experiencing a fantastic 2025 campaign, with several standout performers across both the under 18 and 16 programs.
At the heart of this success are players like Isla Wiencke, Amelie Prosser-Shaw, Billie Hamilton and Evie Henley—with each putting their name into the national conversation with consistently strong performances.
National Academy and All Stars Standouts: Isla & Amelie Make Their Mark
Two young guns from the GIANTS Academy under 18 girls side recently shone on the national stage, with GIANTS Academy co-captain Isla Wiencke representing the AFL National Academy and GIANTS Academy vice-captain Amelie Prosser-Shaw representing the All Stars.
The AFL National Academy features the country’s most talented young footballers in their draft year, with Wiencke a member of the star-studded program.
Meanwhile the All Stars team – which featured Prosser-Shaw – was selected from nominations submitted by AFLW clubs, with the national squad comprising talented players born in 2006 and 2007.
The young GIANTS Academy duo went head-to-head in the first game of the series between the National Academy and the All Stars played in Melbourne in April, with GIANTS Academy girls coach Georgia Walker rapt with their performances.
“It was fantastic to see them both on the national stage,” Walker said/
“Isla dominated across the midfield, showcasing her weapon as an inside contested bull, with polished hands.
“And Amelie showcased her speed and ability to break lines playing all over the ground.”
Wiencke also featured in the National Academy’s second game of the series against an under 23 All Stars side, with Walker again full of praise for Wiencke’s display.
“Up against girls four or five years older than her, she finished with 12 disposals, eight tackles and three clearances which was a fantastic performance.
“She played as an inside mid, again showcasing her strength around stoppage.”
Walker emphasised how valuable it was for both Wiencke and Prosser-Shaw to play against the very best from around the country.
“This was very exciting for both players to be able to showcase their talents in the upcoming draft year against the best of the best.
“These two have been core players of the Academy that consistently perform each week across the Coates Talent League games as well in the state academy game earlier in the year.
“Isla in particular has shown great commitment to the Academy and grown enormously as a player both on and off the field, continually proving a force to be reckoned with.”
Under 16 Nationals: Comebacks, Dominance, and All-Australians
The GIANTS Academy under 16 program has also seen several youngsters shine this season, with the under 16 National Championships held in April in Blacktown another stage for GIANTS Academy talent to strut their stuff.
The GIANTS’ girls opened their campaign with a dominant 50-point victory over the Northern Territory, displaying tenacious pressure and control of the contest.
“We were ruthless in our tackling and pressure, which allowed us to make it a GIANTS game from there,” Walker said.
Tayla Lawrence led the goal tally with four majors, while Billie Hamilton kicked three and Charlotte Gibson added two. Hamilton, Evie Henley and Gibson also featured heavily in the strong win.
GIANTS ACADEMY 2.1 | 5.6 | 9.8 | 12.11 (83)
NORTHERN TERRITORY 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 5.2 (32)
GOALS:
GIANTS Academy: T. Lawrence 4, B. Hamilton 3, C. Gibson 2, S. Dawe, C. Hyland, E. Lihou
BEST:
GIANTS Academy: B. Hamilton, E. Henley, C. Gibson, T. Lawrence, A. Rainbow
But it was the second game—against Tasmania—that will be remembered as one of the GIANTS Academy’s best performances this season. Trailing by 28 points late in the third term, the GIANTS surged with five unanswered goals to snatch a thrilling two-point win over Tasmania.
The final blow came from young star Billie Hamilton, who coolly slotted the match-winner after a play that started from a free kick deep in the defensive 50.
Hamilton finished with an astounding six goals, earning best-on-ground honours.
Both Hamilton and Evie Henley were later named All-Australian for their performances across the carnival—an honour that underpins their future potential.
“It was an incredible experience led from the front by upcoming coach Sam Robinson,” Walker said.
“The girls were able to connect from all regions of NSW and the ACT; Canberra, Wagga/Riverina, Western Sydney and Albury—to play a GIANTS game each time.”
GIANTS ACADEMY 1.1 | 1.4 | 3.4 | 7.6 (48)
TASMANIA 2.4 | 3.7 | 6.9 | 6.10 (46)
GOALS:
GIANTS Academy: B. Hamilton 6, Z. Quigley
BEST:
GIANTS Academy: B. Hamilton, E. Henley, C. Gibson, A. Rainbow, E. Lihou
What’s Next?
The GIANTS Academy continues to build momentum, with many eyes now turning to the upcoming Allies campaign, set to begin June 22. With the team announcement expected soon, Walker said anticipation is building for yet another opportunity to showcase the depth of talent emerging from the program and region.
“There is some exciting young talent coming through the program,” she said.
“The continual hard work and determination shown from the players will be a testament to themselves in the next few years.
