Greater Western Sydney’s demand for hardened AFL recruits has grown even more with Wednesday’s delisting of Setanta O’hAilpin and Bret Thornton.
GWS’s lack of experience was laid bare in their second season, in which the expansion club tallied one victory and vowed to be a major player at the trade table.
The exits of former Carlton players O’hAilpin and Thornton, who managed seven and one AFL games respectively in 2013, were not completely unexpected.
But in addition to the retirements of Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan, it entrenches the Giants’ status as the league’s youngest club – in every sense.
Defender Stephen Gilham, 29, and 25-year-old ruckman Jon Giles are the only players on GWS’s list over the age of 24.
Co-captain Callan Ward and Gilham are the only Giants to have played 100 AFL games, further underlining the need for the club to recruit actively next month.
GWS have been linked to Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin, but Essendon pair Stewart Crameri and Tom Bellchambers are also being mooted as big-bodied options.
In addition to O’hAilpin and Thornton, Gerald Ugle, Josh Growden and rookie-listed Joe Redfern were also cut by the Giants on Wednesday.
“I want to thank all these players for their contribution to the club and wish them all the very best for the future,” GWS general manager of football Graeme Allan said.
Allan confirmed Cornes and Brogan would stay on GWS’s books as full-time assistant coaches.
“Chad and Dean have helped guide our young players through their first two years in the AFL and we look forward to their ongoing contribution to the club,” he said.