The young players who could debut for the GIANTS in Round 1

Pulling on the orange and charcoal jumper for the first time is a special moment.

For those that have worn it in the past, those that continue to represent and those who aspire to wear it.

The jumper represents not only those within the walls of the club, but GIANTS all across NSW and the ACT.

As our women’s program begin their 2021 campaign this Sunday, this exciting prospect is on the cards for five local NSW and ACT players within the GIANTS squad.

Hear from coach Alan McConnell and get to know a bit about the new faces who may make their debut for the GIANTS this year.

Tarni Evans

Age: 18

Jumper Number: 18

Position: Wing

Drafted from: Queanbeyan Tigers

Draft year: 2020

“Tarni proved a long ago her desire to play AFLW when she relocated to the South Coast of NSW to chase her dreams and play in a pathway competition that would provide more opportunities. She is a tall athlete with an elite kick and she is going to be a very good player for us. At this stage she has the capacity to play a variety of positions at both ends of the ground and when her opportunity arises, I look forward to seeing what she’s got.”

Georgia Garnett

Age: 19

Jumper Number: 17

Position: Utility

Drafted from: East Coast Eagles

Draft year: 2019

“This is Georgia’s second year on the list – she had a difficult year last year having to manage OP at different stages over the course of the season, which was a bit of an impediment to her progress. She’s a good athlete; competitive, excellent mark, got a good kick and is gradually finding her feet at the intensity of the game at this level. I’m happy and comfortable to play her at either end of the ground.”

Libby Graham

Age: 23

Jumper Number: 37

Position: Defender

Drafted from: Manly Warringah

Draft year: 2020

“Libby is another later starter to the game, but has been around the team for a bit over 12 months now. And because she had that exposure as a train-on player, it certainly assisted in her development. She is athletic and very competitive, she’s strong overhead and has a good intercept mark and learning the fineries of the game.”

Emily Pease

Age: 18

Jumper Number: 33

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Drafted from: Belconnen Magpies

Draft year: 2020

“Despite being one of the younger ones, you would be surprised by how tall and strong she is. She is a good athlete and has improved her kick immensely courtesy of a solid work ethic. She’s still learning the game a little bit in terms of decision making, but more than held her own in pre-season drills and game scenarios. I look forward to seeing her develop into a really good player at this level.”

Erin Todd

Age: 34

Jumper number: 25

Position: Forward

Picked from: Inner West Magpies

Replacement Player: 2021

“Given her background, ‘Toddy’ portrays many traits of an elite athlete; very competitive and very driven. She understands a lot of fineries of the game, having grown up in a family where footy was pretty ingrained which has helped with her footy IP. Considering her late start to the sport, she has good skills and reads the flight of the ball very well.”

Fellow GIANTS recruits Katherine Smith (Melbourne Demons) and Bríd Stack (Ireland) are unavailable for selection.

The GIANTS will name their final team on Saturday at 5:30pm at gwsgiants.com.au.

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