The GIANTS have named all available players for the AFLW practice match against the Blues at Blacktown International Sportspark (BISP) on Saturday.
GIANTS fans will get their first official look at seven of eight new players added to the team ahead of the 2025 season, with Vivien Saad the only newcomer unavailable as she continues to rehabilitate towards a return from an Achillies injury sustained last year.
Eleanor Brown, who landed at the GIANTS alongside former Crow Taylah Levy as part of a four-way trade during the 2024 period, joins vice-captain Katherine Smith in the backline, after important minutes against the Swans in a hit-out last week.
Fresh face Caitlin Fletcher, who was selected as a replacement following Chloe Dalton’s retirement, will feature out of half-back alongside Cambridge McCormick and Emily Pease.
Irish recruit Grace Kos was touted as one of the GIANTS’ best last Friday and will again feature in the ruck, showcasing her trademark speed and athleticism.
Fellow ruck Eilish O’Dowd will return to GIANTS HQ next week, following the All-Ireland GAA Final on Sunday, which she will feature in when her Dubliners take on Meath for the Senior Women’s Championship.
Both 2024 draftees Sara Howley and Grace Martin will feature off the bench, alongside Levy. Second-year GIANT Claire Ransom and Sophie Kavanagh have been named to an extended bench but will not feature in the game.
Isabel Huntington and Jess Doyle are listed emergencies, with a minor knee complaint ailing Huntington and Doyle suffering a minor stress fracture in the pre-season. Both players are on track to be available for round one of the 2025 AFLW Season against the Bombers.
The GIANTS will face the Blues from 12:05pm AEST on Saturday at BISP. Fans can stream the match live online at gwsgiants.com.au.
Practice Match Squad
GIANTS v Blues
Saturday, August 1 at 12:05pm AEST
BISP | Dharug Country
FB: Smith, Brown
HB: Pease, McCormick, Fletcher
C: Linde, Beeson, Brazendale
HF: Mowbray, Evans, Eva
FF: Garnett, Goldsworthy
FOL: Kos, Parker, Srhoj
INT: Martin, Levy, Davies, Newman, Howley, Pauga, Kavanagh, Ransom
