GWS Giants young guns James Peatling, Josh Fahey and Cameron Fleeton have all signed contract extensions to remain in western Sydney.
Peatling and Fahey have extended their stay at the Giants by another two years, while Fleeton has added one year to his contract.
Peatling has played 11 games for the club (kicking three goals from his first three games) since arriving as Pick 8 in last season's Mid-Season Rookie Draft. He was overlooked in a couple of drafts after playing part in the GWS Academy and VFL program, but the local western Sydney product is now tied to the Giants until the end of 2024.
Fahey, who was selected with Pick 42 in last year's draft after graduating from the Giants Academy, has impressed onlookers in the VFL earlier this season. But he has since sustained a season-ending shoulder injury.
Fleeton has been a consistent performer in the VFL, playing all 13 games this season after being selected with Pick 58 in the 2020 Draft. With the Giants forced into making two changes for their clash with Brisbane on Saturday, the Giants say Fleeton (who is yet to make his debut) will be among those considered for selection for Round 18.
In a club statement on Thursday, GWS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said that the emergence and progress of these young players was pleasing to see.
“James is a great story of perseverance after being involved in our Academy and VFL program before being drafted as a mature-age player. We’ve seen his impressive impact since switching forward and are looking forward to how his game develops over the coming years," he said.
“Cam is also showing some great signs at VFL level and has been one of our most consistent players at that level over the past 18 months. He’s keen to work hard and improve his game and is nearing his AFL debut, which is really exciting to see.
“Josh showed a lot of promise earlier in the season and has continued to show a lot of development across all areas of his game. It’s disappointing we weren’t able to see the full potential of what he can do this season, but he’ll be in a really good spot to attack next pre-season and we look forward to seeing him back out on the park soon.”
The Giants will look to shore up their future stars as rival clubs circle for established players Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto in the upcoming trade period.
