Young utility Indi Linde and speedster Sophie Kavanagh have been informed that they will not be offered GIANTS contracts for the 2026 AFLW season.  

Linde was drafted out of the Eastern Ranges with pick 40 in the 2023 AFLW Draft and touted for her athleticism and running ability and featured seven times for the GIANTS across two seasons.  

Injury interrupted her first season in 2024 before she delivered an impressive debut match against Port Adelaide in round 10.  

Linde added to her tally with six more games in 2025 but found it hard to cement her position as an outside midfielder. 

Kavanagh joined the GIANTS this year as a replacement player for Haneen Zreika, after Zreika announced she was expecting a child and would be unavailable for season 10.  

The local talent was a former GIANTS train on and played an important role off the bench for the GIANTS in seven games this season.  

Featuring in both the back line and as an outside midfielder, Kavanagh’s versatility made her an important performer at AFLW scrimmage, however, fierce competition for spots made it difficult for Kavanagh to firm her place at AFLW level. 

GIANTS Executive General Manager of AFLW, Alison Zell, wished both Kavanagh and Linde all the best for the next chapter of their football journeys. 

“This time of year always brings about difficult decisions and unfortunately we have been unable to find space for Sophie and Indi on our 2026 AFLW list,” Zell said.  

“They have both been immense contributors and a loved part of our playing group this season. 

“We are proud of how well Sophie developed through the year and are grateful for Indi’s ability to step up when it was asked of her. 

“Both players will always be a part of the GIANTS’ family and we wish them both all the best in whatever comes next for them.”