The GIANTS will look to send former captain Alicia Eva out with a win when they host the finals-bound Gold Coast Suns on Sunday. 

AFLW - Round 12 
 
GIANTS v Suns 
Sunday, November 1 at 12:35pm 
Henson Park, Marrickville | Gadigal 
 
Gates open at 11:35am 

What it Means for the GIANTS 
 
The GIANTS return to Henson Park on Sunday looking to finish their season on a high, with the chance to claim another home win against a finals-bound opponent. 
 
After their thrilling one-point victory over Hawthorn in their last home outing, the GIANTS took the fight to Carlton in wet conditions at Ikon Park – kicking the opening two goals of the game in a hotly contested clash. After a brilliant opening three quarters, the GIANTS were level at the final change before the Blues pulled away late to claim a 15-point win. Alyce Parker collected 29 possessions, eight clearances and 510 metres gained, continuing her stellar season and giving the GIANTS some ascendancy around the contest that they will be eager to build on against the Suns. 
 
Adding to the occasion of their final game of the season this weekend, Sunday also marks the final AFLW appearance for Alicia Eva and Izzy Huntington, with the both players set to farewell the game in front of the GIANTS faithful. 

With a club favourite to send off and one final opportunity to reward their home fans, there is no shortage of motivation for the orange and charcoal this weekend.  

The Opposition 
 
Gold Coast arrives in Sydney with an 8-3 record and plenty still at stake, with victory over the GIANTS keeping the Suns in the hunt for a top four finish and the double chance. 
 
A four-point win over Richmond last weekend secured their first finals appearance since 2023, continuing a turnaround from last season’s wooden spoon. Trailing by 11 points at half-time, the Suns kicked four third-quarter goals before holding off a late charge to prevail 8.6 (54) to 7.8 (50). Havana Harris kicked a career-high four goals, including three in the second half, underlining the threat the Suns can pose when they get the ball into their forward line. 
 
However, the visitors will be without young gun Ava Usher, who failed to have her one-match suspension for a high bump overturned on Tuesday night. With their finals berth secured but their finishing position still to be decided, the Suns will have every reason to bring their best to Henson Park in the aim of a top four spot.  

Recent History 
 
The GIANTS and Suns have met seven times previously, with the GIANTS holding a 4-2 advantage and one match ending in a draw. 
 
The GIANTS won the first four encounters, most recently by 12 points in the final round of season seven in 2022. Since then, the Suns have claimed two wins either side of a draw, leaving the hosts chasing their first victory in the match-up in four years. 
 
The sides finished locked at 36 apiece in 2024 before Gold Coast took the points with a 19-point win last season.  

Back on home turf, the GIANTS will be looking to turn that recent record around and finish their 2026 campaign with a win. 

Key Match-Up: Alyce Parker v Charlie Rowbottom 

Arguably the league’s best two contested midfielders will go head-to-head on Sunday, with Alyce Parker and Charlie Rowbottom set to lead their respective engine rooms in a mouthwatering battle. 

Both stars are enjoying outstanding seasons and are the heartbeat of their side's midfield.  

After missing last season with a fractured foot, Parker has picked up where she left off, averaging 24.8 disposals and 6.6 clearances per game, while sitting third in the league for contested possessions with an average of 15.4 per game.  

For the Suns, Rowbottom continues to set the benchmark around the contest. The three-time club champion sits second in the league for both average disposals (32.5) and contested possessions (17.1). 

The pair pride themselves on their ability to win the hard ball, generate clearance opportunities and get the ball going their way through sheer work rate and determination.  

With two of the league's most influential on-ballers set to lock horns, whichever midfielder can gain the upper hand at stoppage may well give their side the edge where it matters most. 

GIANTS Player to Watch: Alicia Eva 
 
An inaugural AFLW player and the GIANTS’ longest-serving AFLW captain, Alicia Eva will make her final AFLW appearance on Sunday against the Suns, bringing her playing career to a close in her 91st game. 
 
Beginning her AFLW journey with Collingwood in 2017 before joining the GIANTS ahead of the 2018 season, Eva made an immediate impact, earning All-Australian selection and the Gabrielle Trainor Medal in her first year in orange and charcoal, before going on to captain the club from 2020 to 2023. 
 
Her contribution has extended well beyond match day, combining her playing career with coaching and talent development. For now, the focus is on one final outing at Henson Park, where teammates, members and fans will have the chance to farewell a player whose time at the club has spanned almost its entire AFLW history. 

Team Selection:          

The GIANTS will name this week’s extended squad at 6:20pm on Thursday via their socials and at gwsgiants.com.au, and the final team at 5pm on Friday.  

Rehab Report:    

Get a full injury update ahead of Sunday’s match here.