GWS Giants Academy product Ethan Matthews is making waves in AFL Draft circles following a standout series in the Talent League.
A member of the AFL Academy, Matthews has been named in the best in each of the three games he played for the Giants Academy this year, and looks comfortable
Speaking to Zero Hanger earlier this month, Giants Head of Talent Adrian Caruso indicated that he still has another level to reach.
“(In) Under-16s he was a skinny, raw kid and last year similar and we've tried our best to develop and grow him and give him exposure in our VFL program and AFL program and he's obviously part of the AFL Academy," Caruso told Zero Hanger.
"He had a bit of a disjointed start to the year, I don't think he's someone we're going to see the best of this year, I think he'll be more of a longer-term project. I think he seems like he's suited to the modern game, he's just going to take some time."
Entering the year with his draft range somewhat unknown, Matthews is entering top 30 calculations, having proven his ball-winning star-power as a balanced midfielder so far this year.
He has added size to his frame which allows him to be stronger in the contest and is clean and classy when he gets the footy.
It follows solid form as a half-back last year, where he featured for the Allies as a bottom-ager and got VFL exposure alongside his GWS Academy series.
He split his time between the backline and wing for the AFL Academy.
“From a club perspective, we're just happy to have another Western Sydney player who is going to put himself in the draft frame later in the year," Caruso added.
