The GIANTS have secured the futures of two promising newcomers with ruckman Nick Madden and dynamic medium forward Nathan Wardius both signing contract extensions.
Both recruited as Category B rookies within the last 18 months, Madden’s new deal will keep him with the GIANTS until at least the end of 2026, while Wardius will remain with the club until the end of 2025.
Madden, a product of the GIANTS Academy drafted in the 2022 Rookie Draft, stands at an imposing 204cm. Over the past year and a half, he has been honing his skills under the guidance of ruck coach Shane Mumford alongside teammates Kieren Briggs and Braydon Preuss. Known for his competitiveness and impressive ruck craft at just 19 years old, Madden’s two-year contract extension reflects his potential as a long-term asset for the club.
Wardius, brought onto the GIANTS’ list as a Category B rookie last year, has earned a one-year extension following a strong showing during the pre-season. The dynamic medium forward showcased his abilities in the Hume League in New South Wales, tallying an impressive 149 goals in 49 games during his teenage years. Originally from Osborne in the Riverina region of NSW, Wardius spent two years working on his family farm before joining the GIANTS. Despite leaving the GIANTS Academy due to COVID-related issues, Wardius impressed enough in local football to earn a spot on the GIANTS’ VFL side last year, ultimately securing his place on the club’s list.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, expressed his excitement about retaining these talented young players: “We are thrilled to extend the contracts of Nick and Nathan. They represent part of our exciting young talent pool and we believe they have the potential to make significant contributions at the senior level in the future. Nick has shown great progress since joining the club, and we believe he possesses the physical attributes and skills necessary to succeed at this level. Similarly, Nathan has impressed since joining our list, showcasing his athleticism and game sense. We see him as a real game-changer who can thrive in our professional environment. Securing the commitment of both players is a positive sign for the club as we look forward to a successful period ahead.”
