It’s a double dose of debutants for the GIANTS this weekend, with emerging young midfielder Jack Ough also named to make his AFL debut in Canberra against the Dockers on Saturday. 

A 194cm inside midfielder with clean hands and composure in traffic, Ough has well and truly earned his AFL call up after starring for the club’s VFL side over the last 18 months. 

A country boy from Mildura taken with pick 36 in the 2024 Draft, Ough made a strong first impression at the club last season where he put in several standout performances in the VFL before requiring season-ending shoulder surgery in July.   

Returning fitter and stronger in 2026, Ough has taken his game to another level in the VFL this season, averaging 31.5 disposals, six clearances and five tackles per game in a brilliant campaign across 12 VFL appearances. 

Standing at 194cm, the big-bodied midfielder is made in a similar mould to teammates Tom Green and Clayton Oliver, with his ability to win the ball in congestion and bring teammates into the game a real feature. 

Ough’s journey to an AFL debut began when he was selected by the GIANTS with pick 36 in the 2024 National Draft after standout performances for both Vic Country and the GWV Rebels.  

Stuck behind the likes of Green, Oliver, and Finn Callaghan over the last 18 months, the talented teenager’s stellar run of VFL form has now been rewarded with an AFL debut in Saturday’s crucial clash with the Dockers in Canberra. 

Ough becomes the GIANTS’ fifth debutant this season and the second this weekend after news earlier on Thursday that fellow 19-year-old Riley Hamilton will also make his AFL debut on Saturday against the Dockers. 

GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said the upcoming debut was just reward for Ough’s hard work.   

“It’s really exciting to reward Jack with a debut this weekend,” McCartney said.  

"For a young player, his professionalism and work ethic have really stood out. He's continued to improve every week, embraced feedback and put himself in a position where we felt he deserved his chance. 

“For a 19-year-old to consistently perform at such a high level in the VFL is evident of his talent and we’re excited to give him his first taste of AFL this weekend.” 

Secure your seat here for the GIANTS’ huge clash with the Dockers in Canberra on Saturday.