The GIANTS are delighted to have secured the signatures of two of their brightest young talents, with Sara Howley and Grace Martin both signing contract extensions.
Both taken in the first round of the 2024 AFLW Draft, the pair will remain in orange and charcoal through until at least the end of the 2027 NAB AFLW season after putting pen to paper on new one-year deals.
The extensions come after impressive debut campaigns in 2025, with both Howley and Martin quickly establishing themselves as important contributors in Cam Bernasconi’s side.
Taken with pick number four in the 2024 AFLW Draft, Howley wasted little time showcasing why she was one of the most highly rated players in her draft class.
A dynamic and highly skilled midfielder renowned for her speed, versatility and exceptional consistency, the young star was one of the standout ball winners in the 2024 draft pool.
Also a back-to-back Under-18 All Australian and member of the Coates Talent League Team of the Year prior to joining the GIANTS, Howley combines her elite running ability with a high football IQ and a natural knack for finding the footy.
The 20-year-old carried her under-18 form straight into her first AFLW season, playing all 12 games in 2025 to become a reliable performer in the GIANTS’ midfield.
Selected with the club’s second pick in the 2024 AFLW Draft, Martin also made an immediate impression in her first season at the GIANTS in 2025.
Taken with pick 22, the South Australian joined the club as a powerful and versatile utility capable of impacting games across all three lines.
Known for her fierce competitiveness, clean hands and sharp decision-making, the 19-year-old found her role across half-back in her maiden AFLW campaign where she quickly established herself as a dependable presence in defence.
Also playing in all 12 games, Martin’s efforts saw her claim the GIANTS’ Rising Star Award for her outstanding debut season last year.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of AFLW, Alison Zell, said the club was thrilled to have both Howley and Martin recommit.
“We’re really excited to have Sara and Grace extend their time at the club,” Zell said.
“Both players came in last season and immediately showed they belong at AFLW level with the way they competed and the consistency they brought each week.
“Sara has already proven herself to be a dynamic midfielder with terrific running power and football smarts, while Grace’s versatility and competitiveness make her such a valuable player for our group.
“They’ve both embraced everything about the GIANTS since arriving and have fit seamlessly into the culture we’re building here.
“To have them commit to the club again so early in their careers is a great sign for the direction we’re heading and we’re excited to see how they continue to develop in the seasons ahead.”
The GIANTS will officially begin their 2026 AFLW pre-season in May, with the season set to kick off in mid-August.
