EVEN Greater Western Sydney must have had some doubts Stephen Coniglio was going to re-sign as his contract stalemate wore on this season.
On this week's Road to the Draft podcast, Giants recruiting manager Adrian Caruso discusses the club's back-up plan if their star midfielder didn't recommit.
How much does a long wait like that shape a club's recruiting decisions? Did he believe Coniglio was on the way out? And how did the Giants celebrate his re-signing?
Caruso, who has helped shape the Giants' list ahead of their preliminary final clash with Collingwood on Saturday, shares his insights.
Find Road to the Draft on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
Join hosts Callum Twomey and Nat Edwards on the Road to the Draft podcast, featuring discussion on the next generation of stars plus interviews with key coaches, recruiters and prospects.
In this week's episode...
GWS recruiting manager Adrian Caruso gives a rundown on his club's plans for the off-season, why he's excited by this year's draft pool, how the Giants prepare for a bid on Academy gun Tom Green, how to deal with impatient draftees, and an update on the Giants' youngsters.
Episode guide
0:45 – Caruso's view on the Giants' build to the preliminary final.
3:20 – Coach Leon Cameron's involvement in the draft process.
4:30 – What is this year's draft's point of difference?
7:05 – The draft prospects who have boosted their hopes in recent finals performances.
12:00 – Caruso's take on the early leaders for the No.1 pick in 2020.
13:00 – Where are the Giants expecting a bid to come for Academy prospect Tom Green?
14:30 – A look at last year's draft haul for the Giants, including why the club took Jackson Hately ahead of Zak Butters.
17:10 – Inside last year's draft trading and the Giants' move to grab exciting youngster Ian Hill.
22:00 – Where the Giants ranked semi-final hero Brent Daniels in his draft year, and why he slipped down the order.
27:20 – An insight into the club's "plan B" if Stephen Coniglio left, and why there were doubts on his future.
30:00 – Who has been the hardest player to replace – Dylan Shiel, Tom Scully or Rory Lobb?
33:20 – Why the Giants are receiving plenty of calls in the lead-up to this year's trade period.
33:55 – An update on the club's interest in Adelaide big man Sam Jacobs, and what's happening with free agent Adam Tomlinson?
