GWS Giants Preview 2026

The Orange Team’s here to create waves for you in the rankings, but what do they offer in 2026 and who should you be picking?

DEFENCE WINS YOU CHAMPIONSHIPS

The GWS defenders are capable of winning you championships, or at least rounds, as they offer two of the most premium options in Whitfield and Ash. Outside of defenders, the GWS midfield brigade are all capable of producing large scores with options such as Tom Green, Finn Callaghan, Stephen Coniglio and Clayton Oliver.

The GDS Anchors

FORGET THE BASH BROTHERS, THEY’RE THE WHASH BROTHERS:

Dual GDS All-Star defenders named Lachie led the way for the Giants in 2025 as Whitfield (125.64) and Ash (119.96) finished second and sixth, respectively, in average GDS score for defenders last season.

A revamped attacking half back role was the catalyst for Lachie Ash’s 28 point increase in average, while, after some brief experimentation through the early parts of the season, Whitfield only suffered an eight point decrease to his average. It was very much a case of if one doesn’t get you the other would, but more often than not both would turn it on, demonstrating they could co-exist in their half back roles.

The dreaded tag often hangs over Whitfield, however he typically avoided it in 2025 as far more attention was put into midfield teammate Finn Callaghan, who struggled to deal with it early on.

There’s no signs of slowing down for either of the Lachie’s in 2026 with Whitfield demonstrating he’s got a high ceiling to go to, while Ash may have just set the bar too high. We can expect both of them to maintain their roles for the new season and be thereabouts of the top five averaging defenders.

What’s new in 2026?

THE ORANGE TSUNAMI GETS A LITTLE MORE… ER… ORANGE:

There’s a new orange wave in town and he goes by the name of Clayton. Former Demon Clayton Oliver made his way across in the trade period seeking a change of scenery after a number of personal and injury issues causing a severe downturn in form and GDS scoring.

The move makes for one of the massive ‘IFs’ in the AFL this season, albeit it is an incredibly big if. At only 28, Clayton still has the physical capabilities to return to his best, so long as he can get through his mental struggles. Previously we’ve seen Clayton average 133.4 and 130.52 in the 2023 and 2022 seasons, which are both numbers that would have had him second in average for midfielders last season and the year before (133.4 would have put him first in 2024).

A minor calf strain has sidelined Clayton for a couple of weeks, however his block of training prior to that and leading into the season should have him in a relatively high condition. While Clayton will have to share midfield minutes with Tom Green, Finn Callaghan and Stephen Coniglio (who’s been training heavily with the midfielders this pre-season) he’s shown previously he’s capable of still being a dominant force with midfielders such as Christian Petracca and Jack Viney around him.

New 2026 Signings

Finnegan Davis (No.51 draft pick), Riley Hamilton (Category B rookie), Jayden Laverde (SSP), Clayton Oliver (trade, Melbourne), Oskar Taylor (No.15 draft pick)

Departed Players

Wade Derksen (delisted), Josh Fahey (delisted), Lachie Keeffe (retired), Callan Ward (retired), Jacob Wehr (free agent, Port Adelaide)

2026 GDS Position Changes

Player	Club	2025 Position	2026 Position
Conor Stone	GWS Giants	Forward	Midfielder
Josaia Delana	GWS Giants	Midfielder	Forward
Toby McMullin	GWS Giants	Forward	Midfielder
Xavier O'Halloran	GWS Giants	Forward	Midfielder

Dynasty Strengths

THESE KIDS ARE MADE FOR FADING, SO THAT’S JUST WHAT I’LL DO:

There’s a distinct lack of GDS relevant U22 players at the Giants given there’s only likely to be a handful who are actually playing on a consistent basis. Of those who may make the Giants team their roles are either too limited or ones that just don’t equate to scoring well in GDS.

Aaron Cadman is the standout U22 and he will be a key contributor in goals for the Giants this season, however he’s still yet to reach a point of consistency that allows for the Jeremy Cameron type scoring. During a favourable fixture where plenty of goals are on offer? Potentially a pick there.

Harry Rowston’s next in line, however the recruitment of Clayton Oliver pushes him even further back in pecking order.

Darcy Jones might have evolved his role into a more GDS friendly one this season were it not for a long term knee injury.

Under 22 Eligable Players

Name	Position
Aaron Cadman	FWD
Cody Angove	FWD
Darcy Jones	FWD
Harrison Oliver	DEF
Harry Rowston	MID
Harvey Thomas	FWD
Jack Ough	MID
James Leake	DEF
Joe Fonti	DEF
Josaia Delana	FWD
Logan Smith	RUK
Max Gruzewski	FWD
Nathan Wardius	FWD
Nicholas Madden	RUK
Oliver Hannaford	FWD
Phoenix Gothard	FWD
Toby McMullin	MID

Fixtures and scoring Profile

Byes rounds: 4 and 13

First 5 Fixtures: Hawthorn, Bulldogs, St Kilda, Collingwood, Bye

As predicted, they come out well ahead for defender points. Also a pretty handy fixture to target for your ruck selections based on 2025 numbers!

PODs and Breakout Potential 

IT’S LIKE A NEW SIGNING:

Stephen Coniglio’s return from a torrid couple of seasons of injuries appears to be complete. Coniglio appears to be training fully with the midfield and is at peak fitness.

There’s potential for the former number two draft pick to rediscover his past form and provide for a decent midfield POD.

Just three seasons ago Coniglio was in the top five midfielders for season average with a 120.48. During the previous season he was no slouch either, averaging 114.95.

Risky Picks

TOO MANY CHEFS IN THE MIDFIELD:

There’s an argument that GWS has too many midfielders capable of stealing points from one another, after the acquisition of Oliver and return from injury of Coniglio. This could very well be true, and makes picking their midfielders a potential trap.

In only six of his 25 games (inc. finals) last season, Tom Green, had more kicks than handballs. In GDS we’d prefer the opposite given kicks are worth double the points.

Both Oliver and Coniglio are still yet to prove they’re capable of rediscovering their old scoring capabilities too. Does all this pose too much of a risk in selecting from the GWS midfield as a whole?

Ultimately, we’ll be locking in both Lachie’s to our defences for the majority of the season given the likelihood they continue to be amongst the best scorers round to round. Whilst the GWS midfield offers potential and familiarity it comes with significant risk from various factors, such as injury, tags and underperformance.