Academy product Yasmeen Janschek will make a stadium-sized debut in round one when the GIANTS’ NAB AFLW 2026 season kicks off.  

A force in the air, Janschek was touted ahead of the 2025 AFLW Draft for great hands above her head and natural athleticism forged as a state representative netballer.  

After making the switch to the GIANTS Academy in 2025, appearing four times at Talent League level, while also making three appearances for Sandringham at VFLW level, Janschek was selected as the GIANTS’ third pick in the 2025 draft, and 55th overall selection.  

The 184cm ruck has enjoyed a stellar pre-season, starring for the GIANTS across their four match simulations, and lining up against some of the game’s most dominant rucks including All-Australian Ally Morphett and Bulldogs star Alice Edmonds.  

Helping to reinforce the GIANTS work around stoppages and improve both the clearance rate and contested possession work around the ground, Janschek has been crucial in development across two key focal points of the pre-season.  

Learning under recently appointed midfield and stoppage coach Shane Mumford, Janschek has continued to hone her craft this year, having only recently made the switch from state-level netball. 

Her debut is a significant marker in an astronomic rise, having only played her first game of football for Sydney local side UTS Bats in 2024.  

AFLW Head Coach Cam Bernasconi said Janschek’s selection is a just reward for her significant work rate leading into the season.  

“From the second Yas set foot at HQ, she set the standard with her work rate and SELF-expectations,” Bernasconi said. 

“She is a fierce competitor and brings a significant amount of aerial athleticism to our ruck contests, which has helped us to focus more on our possession and work around stoppage. 

“Having been in the Academy last season she has seamlessly integrated into this team and looks every part the GIANTS player.  

“We can't wait to see what she does with this opportunity.”