The GWS Giants have managed the trade period well in recent years, notably picking up live wire Jake Stringer for the 2025 season, who, when healthy, has been a dominant force inside forward 50.
As the season winds down, it has become apparent there are no glaring holes in the Giants' playing list, making their potential off-season one of intrigue, though the club could be eyeing up defenders to bolster the depth of their back six, with key members Leek Aleer and Wade Derksen rumoured to depart.
So, where can they make upgrades, and which out-of-contract players could the Giants realistically add as they enter their latest premiership window?
We take a look at five trade and free agency targets for GWS to consider this year.
1Marcus Windhager
In the whirlwind of the Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera contract saga, another soon-to-be-out-of-contract Saint has flown under the radar as an available option for rivals to target: Marcus Windhager.
Windhager has taken a significant leap in 2025, averaging career-highs across the board and becoming much more than an elite tagger in the middle, having registered at least 25 disposals on seven occasions this season.
His on-ball abilities have been crucial to assisting Wanganeen-Milera's ascension in the middle, ranking fourth on the Saints in contested possessions, and his rate of turning first possessions into clearances at 79.7 per cent ranks in the upper echelon of the league.
A move to NSW would be beneficial for both parties, providing the Giants with another layer of depth in their already brilliant midfield group while giving Windhager the opportunity to feature in more on-ball minutes, as he's attended just 44 per cent of centre bounces this season. Windhager also played junior football with Finn Callaghan, so a reunion between the pair could be an enticing lure for the 22-year-old.
Yes to Windhager and also should make a move on Hawks’ Sam Frost.
Not to worry about Hamling or Starcevich.
Depending on Hogan’s physical situation, why not throwing Charlie Curnow in the mix?