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.

3Brandon Starcevich

Brisbane to make defensive change for blockbuster bout amid selection pressure
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Brandon Starcevich of the Lions shares a laugh with Jack Payne of the Lions prior to the start of the round 3 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba, on March 28, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

A defensive option every club seems to have an eye on this off-season is Brandon Starcevich, as the premiership Lion weighs up his future in Queensland.

Starcevich's production has taken a slight dip this year, featuring in just eight games due to concussion battles, but he presents as a quality defensive option that has experience contributing to a winning brand of football.

Starcevich offers a lethal kick from defensive 50 that would create transition opportunities for the Giants, with a kicking efficiency above 75 per cent for his entire career.

However, he wouldn't be the easiest of gets as he enters the off-season as a restricted free agent, and the Lions are keenly interested in maintaining him, but with a few departures pending, the Giants could have the capacity to offer Starcevich a deal that would be difficult to match.

Charlie Dean

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 05: Charlie Dean of the Magpies in action during the Collingwood Magpies Intra-Club match at Victoria Park on February 05, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

Another cheap option to boost the Giants' defensive stocks would be the out-of-favour Magpie Charlie Dean.

Dean has struggled for opportunity since being added to Collingwood's AFL list in 2021, managing just four games this season. However, the 24-year-old presents as an exciting raw product that could develop strongly under the likes of Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley,  showing glimpses of potential but struggling to produce consistently at AFL level.

Dean has been electric at state level, averaging just shy of 20 disposals and eight marks per game in his last six VFL appearances. He also demonstrated potential to be a solid intercept mark in defensive 50 during the 2024 season for the Magpies, where he averaged 1.4 over eight games.

Ultimately, Dean fits the Giants' current timeline and won't come with a major price tag, which could make him be viewed as a steal for the club.

1 COMMENT

  1. 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?

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