Western Sydney’s James Peatling was rewarded for his perseverance by being taken by the GIANTS in the 2021 NAB AFL mid-season draft at pick eight. Having been overlooked in two drafts, Peatling joined the club's VFL program with his performances seeing the Pennant Hills product added to the list for the rest of the 2021 season. The 20-year old became the club’s first ever mid-season draftee and went on to play four games in his debut season.