Giants part with five veterans to build around younger draft picks
GWS Giants released five veterans including captain Toby Greene, betting their future on youth draft picks.
The Giants are acting on five years of planning, parting ways with captain Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Jake Stringer, Lachie Whitfield and Kieren Briggs. The club had one of the AFL's oldest lists in 2026 and finished outside finals with a 10-13 record.
The Giants hold picks nine, 20 and 26 this year and had 10 top-25 selections in the last four years, more than any other club. Tasmania's arrival in the AFL next season will dilute future draft pools.
The Giants are accelerating their rebuild now. The club is prioritising long-term deals for young stars Tom Green and Lachie Ash, offering seven-year contracts.
- 1088
- Games of experience lost
- 10-13
- 2026 win-loss record
- 10 (more than any club)
- Top-25 picks in last 4 years
- No. 9, 20, 26
- Current draft picks
Why it mattersThe Giants are betting that controlling their own decisions now, rather than losing young players later to frustration, gives them a better chance of competing in three to five years.
AustraliaGWS is reshaping Australian Rules Football's competitive balance, sacrificing immediate performance for a long-term plan centred on youth and draft strategy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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