The GIANTS came agonisingly close to an upset win over perennial contenders Brisbane, losing in the final seconds of their first match simulation of the AFLW pre-season.
Registering a 6.7 (43) to 7.6 (48) scoreline against the reigning grand finalists, the orange and charcoal looked a team renewed in their first hit-out against opposition ahead of the 2026 NAB AFLW season.
It was an impressive showing for the young GIANTS outfit, who looked more dangerous and determined in and around the ground contests.
Creating plenty of space and speed on the wings and winning most one-on-one contests between the arcs, the GIANTS matched the Lions in stoppages, an area of their game that has been a focus throughout the pre-season and in their recruitment strategy.
Both Yasmeen Janschek and Maisy Evans impressed in the air and under the guidance of new ruck and stoppage coach Shane Mumford, allowing the GIANTS to control more of the clearance game and gain advantage out of the contest.
Young draftee Kiera Yerbury has made a plea for an early debut, impressing on the wing with pace and a strong showing of match smarts on the wing, chaining well across all three lines.
Despite Alyce Parker being rested for the match, the midfield under the helm of captain Bec Beeson set the pace through the centre of the ground and made important use of the width of ENGIE Stadium, where the team will play their round one match of the 2026 season against the Eagles.
Cambridge McCormick also started the year in the same fashion that she finished last season, playing a critical role out of half-back and finding the breakthrough for the GIANTS with a goal from 50 midway through the first quarter.
Zarlie Goldsworthy spent more time in her traditional role ahead of the ball, adding the GIANTS’ second late in the first term before driving through two more in the third to top score for the game.
At the other end, young defender Caitlin Fletcher showed no signs of the hip injury that limited her to one match last season, performing an important role on Lions’ All- Australian forward Dakota Davidson.
Fletcher paired well with newcomers Tilly Lucas-Rodd and former Lion, Poppy Boltz, who slotted seamlessly into the GIANTS’ backline.
New roles for Irish duo
Ireland representative Eilish O’Dowd and Grace Kos (in her return from injury) were deployed away from rucking duty, both acting as followers and adding athleticism and running power out of stoppage.
Sydney local Jess Doyle also looks to have cemented a place in the forward line, a switch from defence that saw her become a goal sneak as a leading tall at the end of the 2025 AFLW season.
Goals galore for Goldsworthy
Zarlie Goldsworthy was back to her scintillating best, slotting three goals for the GIANTS, having returned to her traditional role as a forward, after spending most of last season in the midfield.
Used sparingly as a utility through the centre, Goldsworthy showed she looks likely to continue her Gabrielle Trainor winning form from last season into a new year.
Goals - Zarlie Goldsworthy - 3, Tarni Evans - 1, Cambridge McCormick - 1, Alicia Eva - 1
The GIANTS will travel to the Gold Coast to face the Suns in a second match simulation, before taking on the Western Bulldogs in a practice match open to the public at Henson Park, on Sunday, 26 July at 2:35pm.
