Finn Callaghan

Last updated

Finn Callaghan
Personal information
Full name Finn Callaghan
Date of birth (2003-04-26) 26 April 2003 (age 22)
Original team(s) Sandringham Dragons
Draft No. 3, 2021 AFL draft
Debut Round 5, 2022, Greater Western Sydney  vs. Melbourne, at MCG
Height 192 cm (6 ft 4 in)
Weight 86 kg (190 lb)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current club Greater Western Sydney
Number 17
Playing career1
YearsClubGames (Goals)
2022– Greater Western Sydney 66 (11)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 20, 2025.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Finn Callaghan (born 26 April 2003) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Contents

Early career

Callaghan's father Brett was a 400m runner who competed for Australia at the 1994 Commonwealth Games. [1]

He spent his high school years at St Bedes College. He played junior football for Mordialloc-Braeside Junior Football Club. [2] After missing selection in the under-16 Vic Metro side, he had a major growth spurt and added 20 centimetres to his frame. The extra confidence stemming from his height combined with the already developing deadly ball usage created dominant performances early with the Sandringham Dragons, garnering his selection in the Australian Under-18s team. [3]

AFL career

Finn Callaghan was selected by the Greater Western Sydney with pick three in the 2021 AFL draft. [4] The Giants were impressed with his penetrating kicking and aerial ability.

He had a slow start to his career, settling in Sydney in December and dealing with a niggling foot injury in 2021, he spent the pre-season doing rehab. Finally fit, he made his debut against Melbourne in round 5 at the MCG. His foot troubles persisted and required an unusual solution, including having part of a bone removed from his foot [5] He signed a two-year contract extension in February 2023. [6]

In 2023 after finding himself playing on the wing, a series of good performances earned Callaghan the round 7 Rising Star nomination. [7] He had 26 disposals and 10 marks in his teams’ one-point victory over cross-town rivals Sydney. [8] Callaghan then played his first finals series with GWS in 2023 and had an 18 disposal performance against St. Kilda in the 101-77 elimination final win. [9]

Ahead of the 2025 season, it was reported that St Kilda had offered Callaghan $17 million AUD over the duration of a 10 year contract to move to the Saints at the end of the season. [10] However, Callaghan rejected the offer and signed a 4 year contract extension with the Giants, days after the report about the St Kilda offer. [11] [12]

Callaghan won the Brett Kirk Medal in Round 20, 2025. [13]

Statistics

Updated to the end of the 2024 season. [14]

Legend
  G  
Goals
  K  
Kicks
  D  
Disposals  
  T  
Tackles
  B  
Behinds  
  H  
Handballs  
  M  
Marks
SeasonTeamNo.GamesTotalsAverages (per game) Votes
GBKHDMTGBKHDMT
2022 Greater Western Sydney 175204134751850.0.28.26.815.03.61.00
2023 Greater Western Sydney 17213320822843697420.10.19.910.920.84.62.00
2024 Greater Western Sydney 17242722432655066860.10.39.313.622.92.83.66
Career5071047358810611811330.10.29.511.821.23.62.76

Notes

    References

    1. "Brett Callaghan Results | Commonwealth Games Australia". commonwealthgames.com.au. 19 June 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
    2. "Get to know Finn Callaghan: leader; footy IQ; lockdown diary". www.sandringhamdragons.com.au. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
    3. Leonard, Owen (22 November 2021). "The 'reality check' that fuelled the dramatic rise of future star Finn Callaghan". The Age. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
    4. "Finn Callaghan | AFL". gwsgiants.com.au. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
    5. "Bone bits and ballet: How young Giant got back in the dance". afl.com.au.
    6. "Callaghan Extends". gwsgiants.com.au.
    7. Harvey, Daniela (2 May 2023). "Giant reward: GWS wingman lands Rising Star nomination". AFC.com.au. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
    8. "Callaghan Wins Rising Star Nomination". gwsgiants.com.au. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
    9. Garb, Daniel (15 September 2023). "From surgery fears to finals, Giant's wild ride continues". AFL.com.au. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
    10. "EXCLUSIVE: GWS Giants star Finn Callaghan knocks back biggest offer in AFL history". Nine Network. 23 February 2025.
    11. "Young Giants mid turns down rival interest, signs new deal". AFL Media. 24 February 2025.
    12. "GWS Giants star Finn Callaghan signs four-year contract extension after rebuffing St Kilda mega deal". ABC News (Australia). 24 February 2025.
    13. "Callaghan untaggable as epic outing earns Brett Kirk Medal". afl.com.au . Retrieved 25 July 2025.
    14. "Finn Callaghan's player profile at AFL Tables". AFL Tables.