The Giants have been ultra-consistent across the past three seasons, finishing seventh, fourth and fifth.
But a 19-point Elimination Final loss to the Hawks in 2025 would have left a sour taste for Coach Adam Kingsley and his men.
The Giants have a nice mix of experience and youth, and they have also made some additions during the draft and trade period that will improve their roster.
GWS firmly remain in the premiership window, boasting some elite talent across all three lines. But for all their sustained success, the club is yet to convert consistency into the ultimate prize. This is what their best 23 in 2026 might look like...
Defenders
GWS' back six remains a major strength heading into 2026 and is built around a reliable key defensive group and several dashing half-backs.
Sam Taylor continues to anchor the Giants' backline and is firmly established as one of the league's premier key defenders. He is capable of blanketing the opposition's most dangerous forwards and dominating aerially. Jack Buckley has also developed into a consistent and reliable lockdown defender alongside Taylor.
Harry Himmelberg appears to have found his long-term home in defence after spells as a forward, while Connor Idun has grown into another dependable defensive option with his ability to lock down, intercept and rebound.
The Giants' half-back options are just as influential. Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash have formed a damaging rebounding partnership. Their speed, clean ball use and handball chains kickstart the Giants' offence from the back half. Draftee Oskar Taylor is another player in the mould of Whitfield and Ash, possessing speed and nice skills. Although he will likely begin the year at state league level.
Leek Aleer remains an important key defensive depth following a failed trade move to St Kilda, with his athleticism and intercept marking proving an asset in his 25 AFL games to date. It will be intriguing to see where Aleer fits, given the considerable depth in the back-half.
After featuring in the final 17 games of 2025, Joe Fonti has added pace and intercept ability to the backline and looms as an important piece moving forward.
