UPDATE: In a significant development for the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants, 19-year-old defender Jesse Hart is set to make his highly anticipated VFL debut this afternoon against Gold Coast. This announcement underscores GWS’s commitment to finishing as high as possible in the league standings, currently sitting at ninth with 40 points.
Coach Adam Schneider expressed immense pride in Hart’s dedication, stating, “It’s a great reward for Jess, who has dedicated himself to keep getting better as a player and a teammate.” Hart’s consistent performance and competitive spirit have made him a standout player for Lavington, and fans are eager to see how he will impact the game today.
The match kicks off at 2:00 PM AEST, and with the VFL finals looming, every game is critical. The top six teams secure automatic entry into the finals, while teams ranked seven through ten will battle it out in the Wildcard Round on August 23-24.
In a strategic move, Lavington has named Harry Dean, a top ten AFL Draft contender, to replace Hart in the senior game against Albury. Dean previously debuted against Albury in round five and is expected to showcase his skills today.
Additionally, forward Darcy Smith has been recalled after an impressive performance in reserve grade, where he netted five goals in a dominant 79-point victory over Wangaratta. His return adds further excitement to the Giants’ lineup as they aim to boost their standings.
Meanwhile, Wodonga faces a setback without midfielder Noah Bradshaw, who played for his home club last week but will miss today’s home game against Albury. Prior to the bye, Bradshaw had been a vital player for GWS, featuring in three consecutive matches.
In other matches, North Albury’s Cody Gardiner and Zach Lambert will compete against Corowa-Rutherglen, while the Wodonga Raiders host Wangaratta. The Wangaratta Rovers will take on Myrtleford in what promises to be the match of the round.
As the final round of the VFL approaches, all eyes will be on GWS and their quest for a strong finish. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Hart and his teammates will perform in this crucial matchup. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
