Giants confirm Hogan departure amid injury-hit season
Greater Western Sydney has officially moved on from Jesse Hogan, just two years after his All Australian season, as the club embarks on a significant forward-line overhaul. The decision was farewelled on Tuesday night alongside ruckman Kieren Briggs, a day after the club confirmed Jake Stringer's exit.
Hogan's 2025 campaign was severely disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just nine games. He missed multiple weeks with a hip injury, then fractured his finger in his second game back, before undergoing season-ending surgery. Sources say the club had been prioritizing Max Gruzewski, which made the move plausible.
GWS football boss Jason McCartney thanked Hogan for his contributions, praising his impact over the past six seasons. "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."
The 31-year-old will turn 32 in February and has been linked to Collingwood, Gold Coast, and Carlton, all of whom are reportedly in need of a goalkicker. Hogan's departure comes amid ongoing player movement, with despite the club's earlier exit announcements.
Coach Adam Kingsley offered a blunt assessment of Hogan's future, stating that he is "more likely to leave than stay." The comment came as the coach addressed the media about the club's current state, which he described as a "disappointing season" that ended with a 10-13 record and a missed finals berth.
Meanwhile, Jake Stringer's departure from the Giants has been confirmed, with the forward leaving as an unrestricted free agent after two seasons at the club. The 32-year-old kicked 73 goals in 38 games since joining from Essendon. The club said it had agreed with Stringer that "the time was right for both parties," with the forward returning to Melbourne for family reasons.
Captain Toby Greene weighs future
Toby Greene, the GWS captain, is out of contract and considering his future, with Geelong believed to be a strong suitor. Kingsley expressed hope that Greene would make a decision "sooner rather than later," while acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation.
"He's clearly been our best player, he's been huge for us and continues to be. I would argue that this year, in a really challenging year, he's led as good or better than he ever has," Kingsley said. "He'll be sorely missed if he decides to leave, but he'll bring a lot of smiles to faces if he decides to stay and that's what we're hopeful of."
Greene's 282nd game for the club was in the final round defeat to Adelaide, and it could be his last if he opts to return to Victoria.
Giants' off-season reshuffle
The Giants are set for a large off-season transition. In addition to Hogan and Stringer, ruckman Kieren Brown is also expected to depart, with reports he will join Richmond. Meanwhile, Stephen Coniglio is deciding his future, and Greene may also leave, creating a potentially transformative swing in the club's playing group.
Forward young guns Aaron Cadman and Max Gruzewski have been mentioned as part of a newly forged forward structure, though specifics of the club's long term plans remain unclear.
GWS finished the season with a 10-13 record in 12th place, missing finals.