GWS Giants cut Jesse Hogan loose in surprise AFL list overhaul
The GWS Giants have confirmed that veteran key forward Jesse Hogan will not be offered a new contract for the 2027 season, ending his six-year stint at the Sydney club and opening the door for a fourth AFL team in his career.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, comes as the Giants pivot toward a younger list and signals a significant reshaping of their forward line ahead of the next campaign. Hogan, 31, kicked 239 goals across 100 games for GWS, with his standout 2024 season producing 77 goals, a Coleman Medal, and All Australian honours.
Why did the Giants decide to let Hogan go?
GWS general manager of football Jason McCartney framed the move as a mutual parting driven by long-term planning rather than any decline in Hogan's output.
Jesse has made a significant contribution to the GIANTS over the past six seasons, and we're incredibly grateful for everything he has brought to our football club, McCartney said. However, as we look ahead, we believe this is the right time for Jesse to pursue a new opportunity while we continue to shape our forward line for the years ahead.
Hogan's career has been marked by resilience. After winning the 2015 AFL Rising Star award at Melbourne, he moved to Fremantle before joining the Giants, where he revived his form while managing personal challenges. His 2024 campaign, in particular, cemented his standing as one of the competition's most dangerous forwards.
Which clubs are interested in Jesse Hogan?
Hogan has already been linked to Collingwood and the Gold Coast Suns. The Suns are actively searching for a key forward after Ben King informed the club of his intention to leave as a free agent, making them a plausible destination.
Collingwood, meanwhile, could offer Hogan a fresh start in a premiership-contending side, though no formal offers have been confirmed.
Giants face broader list changes beyond Hogan
Hogan's exit follows the confirmed departure of fellow forward Jake Stringer, who joined the Giants from Essendon two years ago but will now return to Melbourne for family reasons. Stringer, 32, recently reached the 250-game milestone and indicated he still has several seasons left in him.
My dad's been sick throughout this whole year and being away from my two girls back in Melbourne's been challenging, Stringer said. Definitely feel like I've got quite a few more years left.
The off-season overhaul may not stop there. Captain Toby Greene, who has played all 282 games of his career at the Giants, is out of contract and reportedly weighing his options, with Geelong emerging as a likely suitor. A move would reunite him with former teammate Jeremy Cameron.
In addition, ruckman Kieren Briggs is expected to join Richmond on a four-year deal, further underscoring the club's commitment to rebuilding around a younger core.
What does this mean for the Giants' 2027 season?
The Giants are clearly prioritising long-term sustainability over short-term results. By releasing experienced players like Hogan and Stringer, and potentially losing Greene, the club is betting on its emerging talent to step up in the coming years.
For Hogan, the next chapter offers a chance to extend a career that has already defied expectations. Whether he lands at Collingwood, Gold Coast, or elsewhere, his proven goal-kicking ability will make him a valuable addition to any forward line.
The coming weeks will determine his next move, but one thing is certain: the Giants' list is undergoing a transformation that will shape the club's identity for years to come.