UPDATE: GWS confirms that 19-year-old defender Jesse Hart will make his VFL debut this Saturday afternoon against Gold Coast. This significant moment for Hart highlights his dedication and performance, as the Giants aim to climb the VFL standings before the finals.
Lavington’s coach, Adam Schneider, expressed his pride, stating, “It’s a great reward for Jess, who has dedicated himself to keep getting better as a player and a teammate.” Hart’s competitive spirit has shone through, with Schneider noting, “He’s been outstanding for us; his competitiveness and desire to beat his opponent are only getting better week by week.” Fans are eager to see how the young talent performs on the field.
As the Giants approach the final round of the VFL season, they currently sit in ninth place with 40 points. The urgency is palpable, as only the top six teams secure automatic entry into the finals, while those ranked seventh to tenth will vie for a spot in the Wildcard Round scheduled for August 23-24.
In a strategic move, Lavington has also named top ten AFL Draft contender Harry Dean for his second senior game, stepping in to replace Hart. Dean made his debut earlier this season against Albury. Additionally, livewire forward Darcy Smith has been recalled to the squad, following an impressive performance in reserve grade where he kicked five goals in a dominant 79-point victory over Wangaratta.
In other news impacting the VFL landscape, Noah Bradshaw will be absent for Wodonga in their home game against Albury. Bradshaw, who played for his home club last week in a loss to Myrtleford, had previously participated in three consecutive matches for GWS before their recent bye.
Meanwhile, North Albury will see Cody Gardiner and Zach Lambert in action for their home match against Corowa-Rutherglen, while the Murray Bushrangers enjoy a bye week. Fans should also keep an eye on Wodonga Raiders as they host Wangaratta, and the Wangaratta Rovers face Myrtleford in a highly anticipated matchup.
As the VFL season intensifies, all eyes will be on GWS and their quest for a better standing heading into the finals. The excitement surrounding Hart’s debut adds to the urgency of the current VFL landscape, making this weekend’s matches crucial for teams vying for postseason glory.
