Emerging GIANTS forward Max Gruzewski has been rewarded for his brilliant form at VFL level with selection in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL Team of the Year.

Named at centre-half forward in the Team of the Year at the VFL and VFLW Awards on Monday night, Gruzewski earns his place in the side after a dominant campaign up forward in which the talented 21-year-old kicked 43 goals from 15 games.

His best season to date since being selected by the GIANTS with pick 22 in the 2022 AFL Draft, Gruzewski continues to show he’s got the tools and the talent capable of a long and exciting career at AFL level as he spends his time between the club’s VFL and AFL sides in his bid to establish himself as a regular in Adam Kingsley’s team.

Currently competing with the likes of star full forward Jesse Hogan and emerging young gun Aaron Cadman for a spot as a key forward in the GIANTS’ forward line, Gruzewski continued to bang the door down for AFL selection throughout 2025 with several dominant performances for the club’s VFL side.

Possessing great hands and a reliable kick for goal, the 192cm key forward finished the VFL season averaging 12.9 disposals, 8.1 score involvements, and 2.9 goals per game to thoroughly deserve his spot in this year’s VFL Team of the Year.

A beacon in attack for the GIANTS’ VFL side, Gruzewski kicked three or more goals in nine of his 15 VFL games this season.

Gruzewski’s starring VFL form helped him add seven more AFL games to his career tally in 2025.

GIANTS VFL head coach Wayne Cripps said Monday’s honour was a great reward for Gruzewski.

“Max was a real standout for us this season and his consistency and ability to impact the scoreboard was first-class, so this recognition is a great reward for the hard work he’s put in. 

“To kick 43 goals across the season and regularly be a dominant presence up forward shows just how much Max has developed his game and he thoroughly deserves his spot in the Team of the Year.

“We’ve been really pleased with Max’s growth this year. He’s shown he has the talent and work ethic to push for more AFL opportunities and I’m sure with another pre-season under his belt he’ll give himself every chance of that next year.”