The GIANTS will be out for revenge as they look to kickstart their 2026 campaign with a win over the Hawks.
Opening Round
GIANTS v Hawks
Saturday, March 7 at 4:10pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country
What It Means for the GIANTS
Led once again by their fearless leader Toby Greene, the GIANTS will continue their search for club history in 2026, aiming for their historic maiden premiership in their 15th season in the competition.
While the club has been hit with injuries in recent weeks, there’s still plenty of talent set to lead the way against the Hawks. Greene will be joined by fellow Origin stars Jesse Hogan, Lachie Ash, and Stephen Coniglio, while Finn Callaghan is expected to be fit to lead the midfield alongside boom recruit Clayton Oliver.
The GIANTS will be out to showcase their depth in the early parts of the season and will need strong contributions from a host of youngsters, with the likes of Harry Rowston, Joe Fonti, Ryan Angwin, Nick Madden, Joey Delana, and Phoenix Gothard all looking to assert themselves as consistent and reliable contributors in Adam Kingsley’s side in 2026.
With their wounds from last September still healing following their Elimination Final loss to the Hawks, there’ll be no better way for the GIANTS to start their 2026 campaign than with a win to start the season on Saturday.
The Opposition
Hawthorn cemented itself as one of the game’s best sides last season en route to a Preliminary Final loss to Geelong in September. They’ll be looking to show it was no fluke in 2026.
Not lacking talent or flair, the Hollywood Hawks will enter ENGIE Stadium with confidence on Saturday after beating the GIANTS by 19 points at the venue in last year’s Elimination Final.
The Hawks already have a win to their name this week, following their Tribunal success on Tuesday which saw new co-captain Jai Newcombe have his one-match ban for rough conduct downgraded, leaving him free to take on the GIANTS.
Not only was it a huge result to have one of their skippers freed to play, but Newcombe has caused headaches for the GIANTS in the past, with the midfield bull claiming best-on-ground honours in last year’s Elimination Final with 32 disposals and 12 clearances.
Recent History
As highlighted here, the GIANTS and the Hawks are fast building one of the league’s most thrilling rivalries, with the average winning margin just seven points across the last six games between the clubs.
Prior to last year’s final, the GIANTS had won all six clashes between the sides at ENGIE Stadium.
Key Match Up: Can the GIANTS work their magic against the Wizard?
Dubbed ‘The Wizard,’ there’s no doubting that Nick Watson is one of Hawthorn’s most dynamic and valuable players - and one who poses a huge threat to the GIANTS on Saturday.
Emerging as one of the competition’s most dangerous small forwards, Watson has become a barometer for the Hawks and will be crucial to their hopes of starting the season off in winning fashion this weekend.
Connor Idun, Lachie Ash or Joe Fonti loom as potential GIANTS tasked with trying to shut down Watson. Their ability to limit his impact will go a long way to a GIANTS victory in Saturday’s season opener.
GIANTS Player to Watch: Clayton Oliver
There’s no doubting that boom recruit Clayton Oliver will have the eyes of the footy world on him on Saturday as he looks to make an immediate impact in his GIANTS debut.
A constant talking point across the summer after swapping the red and blue for orange and charcoal, Oliver will be hoping to return to his damaging best which has seen him sit firmly among the league’s elite as a three-time All Australian and two-time winner of the AFLCA Player of the Year award.
Also a four-time Melbourne best and fairest winner, Oliver has been thoroughly impressive across his maiden summer as a GIANT and will be looking to continue his form from his two pre-season games which saw him show exactly how impactful he can be at the peak of his powers.
With star onballer Tom Green sidelined for the year following his unfortunate ACL injury, expect Oliver to take on an even bigger role as he aims to return to being one of the league’s best midfielders in 2026 – starting with a big outing against the Hawks on Saturday.
In The Mix:
The GIANTS’ depth will be showcased to start the season with an unfortunate number of injuries to some of their regular stars.
With a host of untapped talent waiting in the wings for their opportunity, the GIANTS could look to a number of youngsters to fill certain roles in Saturday’s clash with the Hawks.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their team to take on the Hawks on Thursday at 6:20pm at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s match here.
Tickets
Saturday is your first chance to see the GIANTS in action in 2026 and we don’t want you to miss out.
Click here to ensure you’re there as part of the Orange Army on Saturday.
Where To Watch:
The GIANTS’ clash with the Hawks will be shown exclusively live on Fox Footy and Kayo from 4pm, as well as on delay in NSW and the ACT on 7mate and 7plus from 8pm as part of Fox Footy’s Super Saturday arrangement.
