The Giants have earmarked Aaron Cadman as the AFL’s next young star, anointing the teenage key forward as the No.1 pick in this year’s draft.
On Monday night, Cadman became the first Greater Western Victoria Rebels player to be selected at the top of the AFL draft after an outstanding season where he led the NAB League goalkicking.
He joins the exclusive company of players such as Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge, Brendon Goddard and Sam Walsh in becoming the dux of his draft.
The Giants’ previous No.1 selections were Jon Patton (2011), Lachie Whitfield (2012) and Tom Boyd (2013).
The 18-year-old from Darley, about an hour outside of Melbourne, was instantly linked with Greater Western Sydney once the Giants secured the top pick from North Melbourne in a four-club mega deal in the trade period.
They had the option of bidding on Brisbane Lions father-son prodigy Will Ashcroft, whose father Marcus played in the club’s 2001-03 flag three-peat, but did as expected in picking Cadman instead.
Cadman transformed from a tall wingman into the undisputed best forward in the 2022 draft crop thanks to a growth spurt, earning him flattering comparisons with Jeremy Cameron and Charlie Curnow.
He also earned All-Australian honours at the national under-18 championships, where he captained Victoria Country after impressing team officials with his leadership in training camps.
Cadman’s willingness to relocate to Sydney, especially in comparison to the other major contenders at the top of the draft, convinced GWS he was their man, on top of their need for a forward target.
Aaron Cadman at Marvel Stadium with his family. Credit:Daniel Pockett, AFL Photos
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