Giants Academy star Ethan Matthews awaits AFL draft call
Top-ten AFL prospect Ethan Matthews from the Giants Academy awaits draft selection despite new rules limiting club access.
Ethan Matthews has spent six years at the Giants Academy, and the club desperately wants to draft him from western Sydney, a region they have spent a decade trying to build. The 186-centimetre midfielder was on track to be an even higher draft pick until a foot injury ended his season in June.
In three Talent League games before the injury, Matthews recorded 33, 37 and 36 disposals with multiple goals, impressing recruiters across the league. Ethan Matthews is now a certified top-ten talent.
The Giants previously lobbied the AFL for special access to recruit him outside the draft, but that did not succeed. With their No. 9 pick and multiple selections in the 20s, the club remains well positioned to land him.
Matthews said the Giants have made clear they will do as much as they can to secure him, though uncertainty around new bidding rules means nothing is guaranteed.
- 6
- Years at academy
- 33, 37, 36
- Disposals in three games
- 186 centimetres
- Height
- No. 9
- Giants' primary pick
Why it mattersThe Giants have identified Matthews as central to their midfield future and their strategy to grow football in western Sydney, but competing in the draft means other clubs can pursue him.
AustraliaAFL clubs and fans will watch closely to see whether the Giants secure this home-grown prospect in October's draft, a test of their drafting power and the new rules' impact.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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