FOR THE first time in several years, Greater Western Sydney is not the oldest list in the competition after a significant turnover in both players and staff recently. New coach Cam Bernasconi has targeted youth for his refreshed playing list, including exciting local talent in Zarlie Goldsworthy and Zara Hamilton.
B: T.Hetherington P.Randall
HB: T.Evans A.Lister J.Grierson
C: A.Eva A.Dallaway C.Dalton
HF: N.Barr J.Doyle K.Smith
F: G.Garnett C.Staunton
Foll: F.Davies A.Parker R.Beeson
I/C: H.Zreika C.McCormick B.Stack M.Gaffney Z.Goldsworthy
Emerg: E.Pease T.Mackrill
After an action-packed trade and draft period, and ahead of AFLW season seven, womens.afl reporters Gemma Bastiani and Sarah Black have taken on the task of putting together each club's best 21 on paper. This isn't each side's likely R1 side, but rather a look at what each team's ideal line-up could be.
Changes from last season
Arguably the biggest changes for the Giants will come in an already thin attacking line, after Rebecca Privitelli moved across town to Sydney. Defender Georgia Garnett looks set for a move forward to support the prolific Cora Staunton, while Nicola Barr and Jess Doyle are likely to continue important roles inside 50.
Local draftee Zarlie Goldsworthy is a strong midfielder who will hit the ground running, and Megan Gaffney adds some versatility, able to play both inside the contest and as an outside runner to support Chloe Dalton on the wing.
The club's newfound dearth of rucks, with Erin McKinnon now a Saint, Ally Morphett a Swan and Jess Allan inactive, means recruits Fleur Davies and Cambridge McCormick look likely to share the role given a lack of chop-out options on the list.
In the mix
Both Tait Mackrill and the returning Jodie Hicks have the potential to break into the forward/midfield rotation but need to show a level of consistency in hitting the scoreboard to earn the spot over some quicker players already in those roles. Georgina Fowler is another who can challenge for a place in the forward line.
Casidhe Simmons' elite running capacity and Tasmanian Madison Brazendale's class on the wing are both clear options should the Giants find themselves lacking run and carry.
Midfield depth in Emily Pease, Tess Cattle and Brodee Mowbray would need to offer a point of difference to the likes of Alyce Parker and Ally Dallaway to break in, while Zara Hamilton looks a likely inclusion at some point throughout the season.
