GWS Giants Consider Return of Essendon Midfielder Dylan Shiel Amid Player Departures
Greater Western Sydney is facing a player exodus, with midfielder James Peatling rejecting a contract to join Adelaide, joining teammates Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman in departing the club. As the Giants look to reinforce their squad, they are considering a reunion with former player Dylan Shiel, who is open to moving from Essendon.
Greater Western Sydney is exploring the potential return of former player Dylan Shiel as the club navigates a recent wave of player departures. This comes in the wake of mid-season changes, including the exit of midfielder James Peatling, who rejected a contract offer to pursue a move to Adelaide.
Recent Departures from Greater Western Sydney
The Giants have experienced significant player movement recently, with James Peatling being the latest departure. He turned down a long-term deal with the club to join the Adelaide Crows, where he will reunite with teammate Isaac Cumming, who is also transitioning as a free agent. This exodus includes fellow free agent Harry Perryman, who is expected to sign with Collingwood, and veteran defender Nick Haynes, rumored to be heading to Carlton. The loss of Peatling, Cumming, and Perryman—who all played key roles in the Giants' finals run this year—presents a considerable challenge for the team.
The Potential Return of Dylan Shiel
As these changes unfold, Mitch Cleary, the chief AFL reporter for 7NEWS, has reported that Greater Western Sydney is considering a reunion with Dylan Shiel. Shiel, who was part of the inaugural Giants team, played 135 games before transferring to Essendon in a significant trade. This previous season saw him struggle for form at Essendon, although he made a comeback later in the year. His current contract has one year remaining, but there is much speculation regarding his future as he is reportedly open to a new opportunity.
Peatling’s Decision and Career Progression
Peatling’s choice to leave the Giants follows a breakout year where he made a notable impact in the midfield, appearing in 19 matches since being drafted as a mid-season rookie in 2021. His performance included a significant role in the club's close semi-final loss to Brisbane, where his defensive efforts against Dayne Zorko and scoring two goals highlighted his capabilities. Having accumulated 45 games with the Giants, Peatling has become a highly sought-after player, attracting interest from several clubs before finalizing his request to join the Crows.
Retirement of Adam Kennedy
In addition to the departures, inaugural Giants player Adam Kennedy has announced his retirement after playing 153 games for the club. He did not participate in the 2024 season after suffering a second rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament last year, marking the end of his significant career with Greater Western Sydney.
