The GIANTS will unveil prized number four pick Sara Howley for her AFLW debut in Saturday’s blockbuster season opener against Essendon in Canberra.
Taken with the club’s first pick in last year’s draft, the composed young midfielder joined the GIANTS as one of the country’s best young talents following a standout junior career.
A back-to-back U18 All Australian and Coates Talent League Team of the Year member, Howley dominated for both the Geelong Falcons and Vic Country to announce herself as one of the country’s brightest young stars.
Possessing elite endurance, sharp foot skills, and an uncanny knack for finding the footy, Howley averaged 26 disposals per game across 15 games in the Coates Talent League last year and was also named Vic Country’s MVP after averaging 28 touches per game at an elite 77 per cent efficiency at the national championships.
The Victorian teenager first burst onto the scene in 2023 where she claimed the Coates Talent League Best and Fairest as an under-age player. She then continued her rise in 2024, with her dominant season for the Falcons seeing her finish runner-up in the Coates Talent League Best and Fairest to further cement her reputation as one of the best youngsters in the country.
A graduate of the AFLW Academy, Howley has long been viewed as a ready-made AFLW footballer, with her consistency and competitiveness making her a standout in the 2024 draft pool.
After impressing across her first pre-season with the GIANTS, the talented 19-year-old was informed of her upcoming debut by coach Cam Bernasconi to the delight of teammates at the club on Tuesday afternoon.
GIANTS AFLW head coach, Cam Bernasconi, said the club was thrilled to see Howley take the next step in her career.
“We’ve been incredibly impressed with the way Sara has approached her first pre-season. She’s worked hard, adapted quickly, and really earned this opportunity,” Bernasconi said.
“Her footy IQ and work rate are already at an elite level for someone her age, and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the big stage.”
Bernasconi added that Howley’s debut will excite fans and teammates alike.
“Sara’s not only an exciting young talent, she’s a great teammate and person to have around the club. She’s got a bright future ahead, and Saturday is just the beginning.”
Howley will realise her AFLW dream on Saturday when the GIANTS look to kickstart their 10th season in winning fashion as they host the Bombers at Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka.
The exciting season opener is the first-ever AFLW clash between the GIANTS and the Bombers.
