Milestone Giant Connor Idun has reflected on his journey with GWS, having initially been overlooked by all 17 rivals as well as Geelong's Next Generation Academy.
Idun, a product of the Geelong Falcons and of Ghanaian and English descent, was drafted 61st overall in a stacked 2018 draft, being the last of six Giants players recruited to the New South Wales club.
That intake included current teammates Xavier O'Halloran and Kieren Briggs, while Collingwood Norm Smith Medal winner Bobby Hill and Essendon midfielder Jye Caldwell were also recruited by GWS from the same class.
Idun, who will play game 100 this weekend when the Giants host the Western Bulldogs in Canberra on Saturday, had hoped to be part of Geelong's NGA program as a junior, having grown up in Drysdale after travelling from London and Sydney as a child.
A spot in the Cats' Academy mightn't have meant he donned the blue and white hoops, with Geelong using their six selections on other prospects from the Talent League, SANFL and WAFL.
2018 LEADERSHIP GROUP ANNOUNCEMENT | Congratulations to Sam Walsh & Oscar Brownless (Co-Captains), Ned McHenry, Cooper Cartledge, Connor Idun & Ethan Floyd (Leadership Group), & Jesse Clark & Cooper Stephens! #selfless #accountable #resilient pic.twitter.com/hva6DG9kC7
— Geelong Falcons (@GeelongFalcons) February 5, 2018
The missed chance does raise what might've been for both the Cats and Idun, who has developed into one of the best versatile lockdown defenders in the competition.
"I was (a Cats fan), hate them now," Idun joked with the media on Friday.
"I was trying to get into the Next Generation Academy when I was 18 and didn't get let in, so it feels like everything happens for a reason.
"I couldn't be happier in Sydney. This club means so much to me and to spend my life here is so important.
"It worked out well, for sure."
Idun, who was already under contract with GWS until the end of next year, penned a long-term extension with the AFL's youngest club in February to be tied to the Giants until the end of 2032.
Having been passed on by every other side, the 24-year-old wanted to show the same loyalty in the Giants as they did with him seven years ago.
"Loyalty is a massive part of my life," Idun added.
"The way I look at it, 17 other teams didn't draft me, I was a bit of a later pick. The Giants were the only club that wanted me when I was a bit of a raw prospect.
"The time they put into me, all the work they put in, it's something I want to repay. The way to do that is spend my life here and win a few premierships."
Idun has started the 2025 season strongly, averaging 19.0 disposals, 7.0 marks and 3.5 rebound 50s from his six appearances.
GWS and the Western Bulldogs will battle at Manuka Oval on Saturday night as the Giants look to bounce back from last weekend's loss to Adelaide. A win could see the Giants go top of the ladder, while a loss could have them fall out of the top eight.
