Sydney local Jessica Doyle will make her AFLW debut this Sunday in the GIANTS round three match against North Melbourne.  

She was surprised by the good news given by Head Coach Alan McConnell in a team meeting earlier this week.  

Doyle replaces GIANTS forward Tait Mackrill, after an unsuccessful bid to have Mackrill’s one-match suspension overturned at the AFL Tribunal.  

Standing at 170cm, the skilful left-footer will add another element of speed and flair to the GIANTS’ forward line.  

The 18-year-old grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, playing juniors with the Pittwater Tigers before joining the Manly Warringah Wolves in the AFL Sydney competition.  

Doyle refined her talent further through the NAB AFLW Academy program.  

She was drafted by the GIANTS at pick number 49 ahead of the 2022 season.  

After an impressive pre-season, Doyle had set her sights on pulling on the GIANTS jumper early in the piece.  

Not getting picked for the opening round match, Doyle was admittedly quite disappointed.  

“I was a bit upset and disappointed, because obviously, my aim was to get picked in round one,” said Doyle. 

“But then it just made me work hard again. And then it worked, it worked well.” 

The youngster was ecstatic with the announcement of her round three inclusion.  
 
“I wasn't expecting it. But I'm just really happy it's happening; I’m just going to go out there and have fun.”  

Experienced forward Rebecca Privitelli has taken Doyle under her wing.  
 
“From the day she walked into the club I had no doubt she was going to work hard to make sure she was ready to play this season,” Privitelli said.  

“She’s a pretty special person and her flair is so infectious on and off the field.  

“I cannot wait to see the amazing career she will have at this level.”  

The GIANTS take on North Melbourne at Arden St at 1.10pm on Sunday.