The GIANTS have today received a draft and list assistance package for the AFLW program after approval from the AFL Commission, alongside the Gold Coast SUNS and Collingwood. 

The GIANTS’ package includes:  

- Provision of selection #3 in the 2025 AFLW National Draft 

- Provision of selection #19 in the 2026 AFLW National Draft 

With a focus on equalisation and growth across the league, the special assistance submission was put forward by the club alongside ongoing updates to the program structure. 

A review of the program has highlighted the club’s improving on-field trajectory under head coach Cam Bernasconi, as shown through the club’s standing in league-wide statistics in line with where the game is trending. 

As an inaugural club and the only foundation club in NSW and the ACT, the GIANTS are proud of the role they have played in the development of the AFLW and the investment they have made into women’s football at both professional and grassroots levels. 

The GIANTS program was initially built on NSW and ACT talent as part of the state-based draft system, in a non-traditional football market where talent pipelines were minimal at the advent of the AFLW competition.  

As the competition has grown and expansion teams were introduced to the competition with changing list rules, the GIANTS have never applied for, or received, any concessions or special assistance. 

“We are grateful for the support and co-operation of the AFL as we have worked together on where our program has been, and where it needs to build to,” GIANTS CEO David Matthews said. 

“The National Draft has been the biggest equaliser for the AFLW competition, but it has only been in existence for one year and the inherent challenges of operating a foundation club in a non-traditional football market has presentedunique issues. 

“Our submission outlined and acknowledged these challenges and outlaid ways to accelerate our club’s development, given the importance of an even and close competition to the broader growth of the AFLW. 

“We have made significant changes to our program to accelerate this progress and invest significantly in our program to ensure we have the appropriate resourcing to be successful. 

“It continues to be our intent to be a club like no other, that both wins premierships and enriches the lives of our community.”