Local product Sophie Kavanagh rounds out a new-look GIANTS side as the team head down the Hume for round one of AFLW season 10.
The former North Melbourne Kangaroo and Parramatta Goannas midfielder will make her AFLW debut on Saturday after joining the GIANTS as a replacement player for Chloe Dalton ahead of the pre-season.
Bringing agility and athleticism, Kavanagh can line up both on the wing and at half-forward, making her a versatile addition to the GIANTS’ 2025 line-up as they look to increase their speed of transition and run-and-release play.
Kavanagh joins fellow Goanna Caitlin Fletcher in her first AFLW game, alongside Irish recruit Grace Kos, who was also announced to the group on Thursday to make her debut.
The three round out five first-gamers, after 2024 draftees Sara Howley and Grace Martin were named earlier in the week to take the field with experienced defender Eleanor Brown, who returns to top flight football after two years away from the game.
Brown’s experience and judicious approach to moving the football forward will be key in the GIANTS rebounding, as they look to limit the Bombers uncontested possessions and aerial entries into their attacking 50.
Brown will partner with Martin in the backline, whose debut comes off the back of an incredible work rate sustained through the pre-season and is touted for her ground ball work and aggression.
Howley adds significant footy IQ, with an adept ability to read and anticipate play, making her an important addition on the wing.
The GIANTS and Bombers will kick off their AFLW campaigns from 5:35pm on Saturday at Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka.
AFLW ROUND 1
GIANTS v Bombers
Saturday, August 16 at 5:35pm
Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka | Ngunnawal Country
