Young Greater Western Sydney star Aaron Cadman is trusting his instincts to help him blossom into the player he was touted to be.
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Running hot with seven goals across three games, 2022's No.1 draft pick has found his feet among Adam Kingsley's big guns after missing out on a finals appearance last season.
Cadman played 12 games for the Giants during 2023 but returned to the VFL as the season reached its climax.
The 20-year-old led the Giants' attack in their 65-point monstering of West Coast before last weekend's round-three bye, kicking three goals from just nine touches to best powerhouse forwards Jesse Hogan and Brent Daniels.
While Cadman has worked hard on the track and in the gym, he says his new-found confidence also comes from doing his homework.
"Last year, I was a little bit lost. Just worrying if I'm in someone else's way, or if I'm doing the right thing," Cadman said on Wednesday.
"Now I'm just playing on instinct.
"Making sure I've got that game plan down pat so then I can go out and play on instinct has been a massive one for me.
"Reviewing clips - not even of me, of the team - team meetings, making sure I'm writing everything down in my little diary.
"(The) game plan's second nature for me now."
The Giants make the trip to Adelaide boasting fresh legs after a week off ahead of their Gather Round clash against Gold Coast at Mount Baker on Sunday.
Kingsley's charges lead the league by percentage in what Cadman describes as a "massive confidence boost" for the former rank outsiders.
The youngster, who debuted for the Giants in Adelaide last year against the Hawks, is relishing the opportunity to increase his impact on games.
"Last year, we were winning games by a bit and I was just having no impact," he said.
"So when we can win a game and I can be a part of it, it's a pretty special feeling.
"It boosts my confidence through the roof."
Australian Associated Press
