After being delisted by Essendon in September, the GWS Giants have confirmed they have added experienced defender Jayden Laverde to their list for 2026 via the Supplemental Selection Period.
Laverde adds important defensive depth and experience to the Giants after playing 145 games for Essendon.
Giants head of football Jason McCartney said adding Laverde's experience and competitive edge was the perfect way to finalise their list ahead of the 2026 season.
“Jayden is a proven defender with real physicality and resilience, and we believe he will slot in seamlessly into the way we want to play,” McCartney said.
“He's taken on some of the toughest match-ups in the competition throughout his career, and he consistently competes to the final siren. That's exactly the type of attitude and standard we want in our program.”
Laverde's signing follows last week's draft where the Giants added Oskar Taylor (Pick 15), Finnegan Davis (Pick 51) and Riley Hamilton (category B rookie). Clayton Oliver also arrived at GWS in October in exchange for a future third round selection.
Wade Derksen (delisted), Josh Fahey (delisted), Lachie Keeffe (retired), Callan Ward (retired) and Jacob Wehr (Port Adelaide) have departed the club.
GWS will open their 2026 season against Hawthorn in Opening Round on Saturday, March 7.
