The GIANTS’ commitment to regional talent development remains as strong as ever in 2026, with the club’s Albury VFL Hub entering its second year with a renewed focus on youth and long-term growth.
After a successful inaugural season, the GIANTS will once again host weekly training sessions in Albury as part of their VFL Hub, continuing to provide a clear pathway for emerging players in the Ovens and Murray region to push towards VFL football.
GIANTS Head of Talent, Adrian Caruso, said the evolution of the Hub in 2026 reflects the club’s desire to not only identify talent but actively accelerate its development.
“This year it will be more focused on young and emerging talent and giving them a training and education experience that will hopefully help fast track their development,” Caruso said.
“Our goal is to continue to help develop these guys until they are ready for VFL.”
Caruso said a clear sign of the success and impact of the program was evident in the progression of last year’s cohort, with five players advancing to VFL programs in 2026.
“Alex Swinnerton (Norwood), Jesse Hart (Geelong), Jack Costello (Geelong), Jace McQuade (Essendon) and Mitch Grumley (North Melbourne) have all taken the next step in their football journeys - a reflection of the strength of the program and the exposure it provides.”
The weekly Albury Hub sessions will once again be led by highly regarded local coach Josh Duffy in 2026, whose strong ties to the region and passion for player development have been integral to the program’s early success.
Standout Ovens and Murray Football Netball League performer Jaxon East headlines this year’s intake after being offered a contract for the GIANTS’ 2026 VFL season.
East enjoyed a stellar 2025 campaign, claiming the Morris Medal as the league’s Best and Fairest player and earning selection in the O&M Team of the Year for the second consecutive season.
The remainder of the squad will train throughout the year with the aim of earning VFL opportunities should their form warrant selection.
For Caruso, those outcomes reinforce the Hub’s broader purpose.
“The focus of the Hub has always been to improve our VFL stocks while also developing some of the talented players in the region,” he said.
“It’s about creating genuine opportunity. Whether that’s with us or elsewhere, if we can help fast track players and give them the tools, education, and exposure to reach VFL level, then the program is doing its job.”
Sessions will again run once a week in Albury, combining on-field training with game education aligned to the GIANTS’ VFL program. The structure ensures players are not only improving their craft but also gaining a deeper understanding of the standards and system required at state-league level.
As the GIANTS continue to strengthen their ties with regional communities, the Albury Hub remains a key pillar in the club’s talent strategy - identifying, educating and preparing the next wave of players ready to take the leap when opportunity knocks.
The GIANTS’ 2026 VFL campaign will begin with a clash against the Saints at Tom Wills Oval at GIANTS HQ on Saturday, March 21.
