Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: GWS Giants

The Giants have been ultra-consistent across the past three seasons, finishing seventh, fourth and fifth.

But a 19-point Elimination Final loss to the Hawks in 2025 would have left a sour taste for Coach Adam Kingsley and his men.

The Giants have a nice mix of experience and youth, and they have also made some additions during the draft and trade period that will improve their roster.

GWS firmly remain in the premiership window, boasting some elite talent across all three lines. But for all their sustained success, the club is yet to convert consistency into the ultimate prize. This is what their best 23 in 2026 might look like…

Defenders

GWS’ back six remains a major strength heading into 2026 and is built around a reliable key defensive group and several dashing half-backs.

Sam Taylor continues to anchor the Giants’ backline and is firmly established as one of the league’s premier key defenders. He is capable of blanketing the opposition’s most dangerous forwards and dominating aerially. Jack Buckley has also developed into a consistent and reliable lockdown defender alongside Taylor.

Harry Himmelberg appears to have found his long-term home in defence after spells as a forward, while Connor Idun has grown into another dependable defensive option with his ability to lock down, intercept and rebound.

The Giants’ half-back options are just as influential. Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash have formed a damaging rebounding partnership. Their speed, clean ball use and handball chains kickstart the Giants’ offence from the back half. Draftee Oskar Taylor is another player in the mould of Whitfield and Ash, possessing speed and nice skills. Although he will likely begin the year at state league level.

Leek Aleer remains an important key defensive depth following a failed trade move to St Kilda, with his athleticism and intercept marking proving an asset in his 25 AFL games to date. It will be intriguing to see where Aleer fits, given the considerable depth in the back-half.

After featuring in the final 17 games of 2025, Joe Fonti has added pace and intercept ability to the backline and looms as an important piece moving forward.

Midfielders

The Giants’ midfield shapes as one of the competition’s most imposing in 2026, particularly if trade coup Clayton Oliver can rediscover his All-Australian best. Alongside Tom Green, he looms as a strong presence at stoppage, with both players elite contested-ball winners and clearance specialists.

Finn Callaghan enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025. His speed and class on the outside will complement the inside power of Green and Oliver nicely.

Josh Kelly’s hip surgery is expected to sideline him until mid-season, but his potential return in the second half of the year could prove pivotal in a finals push. Fellow veteran Stephen Coniglio has been pushed to half-forward or a wing at times following the emergence of Green and Callaghan, but his pace and experience will remain important in 2026.

Xavier O’Halloran enjoyed a career-best season in 2025, playing 23 games and earning greater responsibility on the inside under Adam Kingsley.

Kieren Briggs has established himself as the Giants’ number one ruck and will be crucial in servicing the Giants star-studded midfield in 2026. Youngster Nick Madden shapes as the backup ruck option, having proven serviceable when called upon in 2025.

Midfield depth comes from youngsters Harry Rowston, Jack Ough, Ryan Angwin and Toby McMullin, all of whom have featured at AFL level bar Ough. While each will press for senior selection, they appear likely to begin the season outside the club’s best 23.

Forwards

The Giants boast one of the competition’s most well-rounded forward lines.

They possess one of the AFL’s most dynamic small-forward brigades. Toby Greene remains the main man in attack and is showing no sign of slowing down, while Darcy Jones, Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels provide speed, pressure and creativity around goal. Their ability to win the ball at ground level and turn half-chances into scoring opportunities is elite.

Further depth in the small-forward department is emerging, with Phoenix Gothard, Oliver Hannaford, Nathan Wardius, Josaia Delana and Cody Angove all pushing their claims after strong VFL form. Each has similar speed and attacking flair, and while opportunities may be limited in a settled forward line, they remain in the mix for AFL opportunities in 2026.

The Giants’ key forwards are equally imposing. Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan continues to anchor the attack, while Aaron Cadman looms as an exciting long-term prospect with his elite contested marking and athleticism. Jake Riccardi is a reliable third tall who is mobile and strong overhead, while Max Gruzewski has impressed at VFL level and shapes as a capable backup option should opportunities arise.

Veteran forward Jake Stringer brings explosiveness and aerial presence. He kicked 25 goals in 15 games in 2025, and adds a different dimension should he remain fit. Callum Brown offers a similar profile to Stringer, making him a difficult matchup with his speed and size.

Best 23

FB: Lachie Ash, Jack Buckley, Lachie Whitfield
HB: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Harrison Himmelberg
C: Darcy Jones, Clayton Oliver, Josh Kelly
HF: Toby Bedford, Aaron Cadman, Jake Stringer
FF: Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Callum Brown
FO: Kieren Briggs, Tom Green, Finn Callaghan
I/C: Stephen Coniglio, Jake Riccardi, Xavier O’Halloran, Brent Daniels, Joe Fonti

Stiff to miss: Leek Aleer, Ryan Angwin, Toby McMullin, Harry Rowston

Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: GWS Giants

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