Former GWS captain Phil Davis expects young midfielder Finn Callaghan to blossom into a generational talent in the next few years.
Taken with the Giants' first pick in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, Callaghan has battled injury in his first two years in the system but enjoyed a terrific end to the 2023 season and finals series.
The 20-year-old recovered from an Achillies injury that threatened to end his 2023 campaign, but the way he finished the year has left Giants fans excited about what’s to come next year and beyond.
It wasn’t until this year’s finals that Callaghan’s name was often spoken about amongst the football circles with his contested work having an impact on the GWS’ finals run.
“I was really proud of him and he also missed about five weeks with one of those strange calf injuries that lingered for a bit longer,” Davis told AFL Trade Radio's The Late Trade.
“He didn’t come in underdone but (he was) not in absolute cherry ripe condition, but his performance was awesome.
“The thing that I was probably most pleased with was I thought he tackled really well, he’s got a very rare combination of height, speed and endurance.”
"I don't remember a more talented player that we've brought through the door."
— AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 7, 2023
Phil Davis with plenty of praise for impressive Giant Finn Callaghan. #AFLTrade pic.twitter.com/Dhd1jfhhf4
Taken with pick three in his draft, Callaghan joined a list full of talent.
But Davis says Callaghan was the most talented player he’s seen walk through the door since he joined the Giants all the way back in 2011.
“He had a foot injury in his top age year, and slid to pick three because of that, I’ve been on record and this is coming in day one, I don’t remember a more talented player that we’ve brought through the door than Finn Callaghan,” Davis added.
“I’m talking about when they rocked up Day 1 and I’ve watched them for six months, I can’t think off the top of my head a more talented player that’s walked through the door.
“That includes the Josh Kelly’s of the world, Stephen Coniglio, we’ve had a nice procession of high-end talent.
“I think Aaron Cadman is going to be a special player but it’s hard to judge in the same way because of the positions.'
“Finn’s the one to me, give him a full pre-season and in a couple of years I think the world is his oyster.”
The 192cm midfielder played 21 games in 2023. He signed a two-year contract extension in February of this year.