The Giants are tasked with approaching the National Draft with a different strategy to other AFL clubs due to their precarious nature as a small market team.
They have typically taken players from regional or country areas who are less likely to be tied to the 'go home factor', notably selecting two players from the Ballarat-based Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the 2024 National Draft in Jack Ough and Oliver Hannaford.
As it stands, GWS currently hold picks 10, 28 and 34 for the 2025 National Draft and also hold over 2100 points, which will be important if they wish to select academy players.
According to Craft of the Draft analyst Jonty Ralphsmith, the Giants will be in search of a key defender this year, with Jim Houston at the top of their list, having shown strong attributes against top key forwards of this year's draft class.
In regard to their midfield depth, Ralphsmith thinks Sam Cummings is one to "put on the map" for their first round selection as a powerful midfield-forward option.
"Sam Cummings is someone who clearly has got that independence. I had a chat to him earlier in the year about boarding in South Australia. He's always wanted to go to boarding school and is from Wentworth which is just over the river from Mildura so he's actually a New South Wales kid.
"The reason why he wanted to go to boarding school is because his older mate Jack Ough went to boarding school and it was so beneficial for him. With those two being so tight and Ough vying for debut at GWS at the moment, that might be a nice symmetrical reason for the Giants to take Cummings."
Tom Burton is another prospect the Giants could keep an eye on.
"Burton's run and gun style is really suited to the way GWS like to play," Ralphsmith said. "You need a certain character to go to a non-footy town... he's someone that would thrive on having that balance."
You can watch Craft of the Draft's GWS analysis via the player below, or head to Zero Hanger's YouTube channel for the full episode.
