Revealed: The Giants hit list

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Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy and his team will raid the competition as they build the Giants list for their AFL debut.

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The Giants have 12 months before they take to the field and must find a number of experienced players to surround their classy kids.

Gold Coast Suns proved last year that nobody is off limits as they poached the game's best player, Gary Ablett, from Geelong.

AFL journalist John Clark has taken a look at the 16 established clubs - leaving the Suns off the list - to get a picture of who might call Blacktown home in 2012.

Have a read and have your say at the bottom of the story in our comments section.

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Adelaide Crows
The target: Broken Hill boy Taylor Walker has links to New South Wales and undoubted talent. He has kicked 58 goals in 32 promising games for Adelaide. The forward needs to get his goalkicking sorted but is one Sheedy is keen on.

Off limits: Patrick Dangerfield is about to turn 21 and embark on what could be one of the great Adelaide careers. Tough, talented and a must-keep for the Crows.

The word: The Crows took a hit when Gold Coast plucked Nathan Bock last year and Walker seems likely to follow to the newest franchise. If Adelaide convince him to stay then talented but staled forward Jason Porplyzia could come under consideration.

Brisbane Lions
The target: Mitch Clark was again restless at the Lions in the summer. His desire was to get back to his native Western Australia but a big-money deal and ticket out of Brisbane could convince him to join the Giants.

Off limits: There aren't many players Michael Voss wouldn't consider off-loading outside of skipper Jonathan Brown and midfielder Daniel Rich. It's a reflection of the Brisbane plight.

The word: Queensland neighbours Gold Coast did a number on the Lions last year. Jared Brennan and Michael Rischitelli were big losses and with tough times on the horizon they are vulnerable. If Clark commits they should get through unscathed though.

Carlton
The target: Marc Murphy was one on their wish-list but is close to re-signing with the Blues. Bryce Gibbs extended his contract for another two years midway through 2010. It leaves GWS with few choices if they are planning on pillaging Princes Park. Andrew Walker is a name thrown around at the end of most campaigns.

Off limits: Matthew Kreuzer might have a slow start to 2011 after a serious knee injury but the mobile big man is going to be a force for years in the navy blue. GWS would give plenty for him but Kreuzer is a keeeper.

The word: It's a big year for Walker, who turns 25 in May. If his body holds up and he finds some consistency the No.2 draft pick has serious value on the trade table. Hard to see any big names departing Carlton but a fringe player with experience - Bret Thornton comes to mind - could appeal to the Giants.

Dale Thomas Thomas ... one of three Pies on the radar.Source: News Limited

Collingwood
The target: Sheedy has declared war on the Magpies. He wants one of Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan. Aiming high, is Kevin.

Off limits: Pendlebury is a star and, at 23, will be for years to come. No disrespect to ball magnet Swan but it would be harder to replace Pendlebury than it would be the tattooed one.

The word: Thomas has declared he's keen to stay in black and white and he will. Swan was shown incredible support by the Magpies in his early years and belongs at the Lexus Centre. Pendlebury might be the hardest to hang on to but Eddie McGuire will make sure it happens. The best result for the Giants will be veteran Leon Davis or a foot soldier like Alan Toovey.

Essendon
The target: Quality key position players are difficult to develop so watch Sheedy desperately try to convince Cale Hooker or Tayte Pears to become Giants. If he can't land either of  the impressive youngsters, maybe Dustin Fletcher will be recruited in a mentor role for a season. No kidding, it's Sheeds we are talking about.

Off limits: Michael Hurley is the pick of the youngsters at Windy Hill. Last year was a tough one for the No.5 draft pick but he will only get better. When 2011 winds up he will be on the verge of superstardom.

The word: James Hird made a tongue-in-cheek claim that Sheeds had promised not to raid his former club, but it's hard to believe any club is off-limits for the new boys. Hurley must stay, Scott Gumbleton has been a big investment. Hooker and Pears are out of contract at  season's end and will be tempted by the big bucks. The Giants will likely get Jay Neagle for free at season's end.

Fremantle
The target: The stocks of a number of Dockers rose in 2010 and now they're wanted men. NAB Rising Star winner Rhys Palmer has work to do after an injury-interrupted season but he has ball-winning ability. Versatile big man Michael Johnson looks a Kevin Sheedy type, too. Ryan Crowley is a leader who is out of contract at the end of 2011.

Off limits: Stephen Hill is a jet and the Dockers will be working feverishly to tie him to a long-term deal.

The word: Crowley, like Campbell Brown at Gold Coast, would be a wise investment for a new club. He's tough, professional and a solid citizen. They could offer him a leadership role and plenty more money. The Dockers have plenty of WA boys on their list who will be almost impossible to shift.

Geelong
The target: Ablett one year, Jimmy Bartel the next. That's the prospect facing Geelong fans with Brownlow Medal winner Bartel on Sheedy's radar.

Off limits: Joel Selwood will be the next captain of the Cats. He's not going to be going anywhere and new coach Chris Scott will make sure of it.

The word: Bartel won't leave. Yes, they said the same about Ablett, but Jimmy grew up in Bell Park and will finish his career at Skilled Stadium. He's knocked back cash before to stay and will do the same again. The seasoned Cats will be hard to budge and a few from the fringe moved on last trade period.

Hawthorn
The target: The Giants have an interest in Luke Hodge. Join the queue, fellas. He's now captain of the Hawks and all indications are that he'll be in brown and gold for a while to come. Perhaps a more realistic aim would be premiership midfielders Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis.

Off limits: Hodge won't go, nor can Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli or Jarryd Roughead. Hawthorn's best four are probably as good as any club's.

The word: Sewell was dumped by Hawthorn at one stage last year but bounced back and played solid footy to close out the season. He will be 28 to start the 2012 season while Lewis will be 25. Unlikely, yes, but it's certainly possible that a lucrative long-term contract could get one over the line.

Tom Scully Scully ... the Ablett case of 2011.Source: News Limited

Melbourne Demons
The target: In case you haven't heard, they're into No.1 draft pick Tom Scully. The money being suggested - up to $800,000 per year over six years - is obscene for a lad with 21 games to his name. But the Giants want one of the best teenagers in the land and are confident of their chances. Cale Morton has plenty of admirers, is 21 and out of contract at the end of 2011.

Off limits: Jack Grimes, according to those in the know, is a future captain of the club he supported as a youngster. He heads a list of developing players that the Demons won't want to let out of their grasp.

The word: Scully and his teammates will be forced to deal with the 'will he or won't he?' until a contract is penned with the Demons or Giants. Like Ablett and the Suns before him, the longer it goes the more likely it becomes that he's on his way out. Morton will get a call if Scully knocks them back.

North Melbourne
The target: Levi Greenwood's name has popped up. If there's no substance, his is a peculiar name to pluck and link with the GWS.

Off limits: Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac and Ben Cunnington are the untouchables of the Kangaroos' eye-catching youngsters. Lachlan Hansen has 50 matches to his name and should be on the verge of his best football.

The word: Greenwood sounds as if he's closer than most to make the move but North's improving list has plenty of targets for the Giants. If they can fend off the GWS advances, that's a big vote of confidence from the players in Brad Scott's vision.

Port Adelaide
The target: Daniel Motlop has been mentioned, and Sheedy loves a challenge, while the Westhoff boys - Justin and Matthew - could be realistic options. Both are out of contract at the conclusion of 2011. 

Off limits: Very few on the Power list would be certain of keeping their place long term. Travis Boak was a priority signing midway through 2010 and after fending off the Suns, they won't have to worry about the Giants.

The word: There is no Bartel or Scully here but a Power player will join GWS. The Mark Williams connection, large contract and expectant tough times ahead at Alberton could result in a Westhoff, Motlop or Alipate Carlile packing their bags.

Richmond
The target: It was Dustin Martin, while Trent Cotchin would have been thrown up, but both are happy at Punt Road. Mitch Morton or one of the talls - particularly Jayden Post or Alex Rance - would be more realistic.

Off limits: The desperation with which the Tigers extended Martin's deal showed how much they love him. Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Jack Riewoldt are in the same category.

The word: The developing Tigers will keep their best players but a developing key position player will jump at the chance to play every week. Who that is will depend on how 2011 pans out.

St Kilda
The target: You wonder where Sam Gilbert's head is at after a tough summer. A difficult period brought on by himself, mind you. The 24-year-old is young enough to have his best footy ahead of him. Saints veteran Lenny Hayes is a Sydney boy and could give the fresh-faced Giants some leadership. He wants to coach at the end of his career and it could be the perfect stepping stone.

Off limits: Brendon Goddard has moved into the best half a dozen players in the competition. Under no circumstances should he, or will he, depart.

The word: A lot depends on how fractured the relationship is between Gilbert and skipper Nick Riewoldt. Does the running defender feel ostracised for his role in the nude photo scandal? We will know more by year's end but the Giants should have been in discussions with his manager as the storm raged.

Adam Goodes Goodes ... would be a massive coup for GWS.Source: News Limited

Sydney Swans
The target: Twelve months ago Adam Goodes was in the crosshairs of the city's second club. The Sydney skipper will be 32 when GWS enter the competition but would be one familiar face to the local fans. Jesse White has talent but is yet to get it all together, there would be interest.

Off limits: Daniel Hannebery is one of the finest young talents in the competition. He is also a quality individual who prepares better than just about every teenager who plays the game.

The word: This will be the first fierce battle between the Swans and their local rivals. Sydney will do everything in their power to prevent a player switching sides and will succeed.

West Coast
The target: Beau Waters - the tough as nails defender and Eagles vice-captain - is set to have his loyalty tested. The Giants want the hard man to look after their babies and have the cash to convince him.

Off limits: Nic Naitainui is a walking billboard for the Eagles. Everywhere he goes in the west, he is recognised. That's the sort of player the Giants would kill - or at least raid the NRL - for. Sheedy loves him and the war chest will be emptied.

The Word: If Waters doesn't go - gut feeling says he will - there are few handy types left for the Giants to raid. Naitanui is a local lad who'll find it hard to pack up and leave Perth.

Western Bulldogs
The target: Don't laugh, but GWS chief executive Dale Holmes has put 34-year-old forward Barry Hall on the list. Shaun Higgins is 12 years Hall's junior but would be a damaging forward. The up-and-down Josh Hill has also been linked.

Off limits: Jarrad Grant isn't the best player on the Bulldogs' list right now, but 21-year-old key forwards don't grow on trees.

The word: Forget about Barry playing for a fourth club, he's been thrown a lifeline by Rodney Eade and if the full forward goes on in 2012 it will be in red, white and blue. If they're keen on Hill they will get him.