Aaron Cadman. The name soon to become a household staple of AFL fans, let alone GWS supporters, after a dominant five-goal display asserted his name as one to watch on the big stage.

The 21-year-old was taken with Pick 1 in the 2022 National Draft, but as is the case with key position talents, the Giants were prepared to endure a couple of years of development before Cadman took the leap.

But following the Giants' win on Saturday, it's safe to say the forward prodigy has had his coming of age performance.

A career-first five-goal haul with 13 marks to boot, Cadman toyed with Brisbane's defence in tandem with reigning Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan to steer the Giants to an upset victory.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Aaron Cadman of the Giants kicks a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 14 match between the Brisbane Lions and the GWS Giants at The Gabba on June 14, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Aaron Cadman of the Giants kicks a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 14 match between the Brisbane Lions and the GWS Giants at The Gabba on June 14, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

GWS coach Adam Kingsley lauded Cadman for his display as he was able to "cash in" on Brisbane's defensive woes.

"Hipwood shifted back, primarily on 'Cads'," Kingsley noted following Jack Payne's serious injury suffered early in the contest.

"I thought 'Cads' was really strong and hard to play on. Particularly for a guy who hasn't played a lot of footy down there, I thought 'Cads' really cashed in on being hard to play on and continually moving.

"That's the key for him. He's so athletic, when he launches at the ball,he's really hard to defend. And that's exactly what he did today.

"He's been developing really nicely. We've been pleased with his development. Even into last year, he was showing signs of being a great competitor, whether it's in the air or on the ground, he gets after it.

"There was a patch of play in this game that probably no one will mention, but he had four or five efforts, trying to pressure the Lions. Forcing them to handball backwards and they'll play a little bit of Ring a Ring o' Roses with him.

"But he just kept at it, and he kept after and he forced a blast kick down the line. So it's those little things where I think he leads the league in terms of key forwards, his ability to follow up the ground level, his pressure, his intent to chase and tackle, I think, is elite. And it's nice to see him get the rewards on the scoreboard today."

The Giants are set to host fellow Queensland-based club Gold Coast in Round 15 in what will be another challenge against a top-eight side.

 Sunday, June 22 
GWS WON BY 7 POINTS
ENGIE Stadium
GWS   
106
FT
99
   GC

However, with Cadman and Hogan in flying form, the Giants will be hoping that a second win is to follow their Brisbane victory and further entrench themselves in the top eight.