GREATER Western Sydney coach Cam Bernasconi is unfazed by growing speculation surrounding star Cambridge McCormick's future, brushing aside rival interest as the Giants prepare to face Carlton.

McCormick sought a trade to the Blues after her breakout All-Australian campaign in 2025, but a deal failed to eventuate, with the defender still under contract and GWS refusing to let her go.

The rebounder's contract expires at the end of the 2026 AFLW season, with rival clubs, particularly Carlton, expected to make a fresh play.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Bernasconi acknowledged Carlton was not the only club eyeing McCormick, praising her importance both on and off the field.

"It's not only Carlton who'll be chasing Cambridge's services. She's a terrific player and a great club person," he said.

"The work she does in our community and as part of our leadership group; she plays a massive role for us on and off the field."

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While McCormick and her management are expected to hold discussions over the coming weeks, Bernasconi is confident the Giants remain the best environment for her.

"We're really confident that this environment is the best for 'Cambo' (McCormick) and for her football as a player and a person," he said.

"Over the next few weeks, I'm sure there'll be conversations had. She's out of contract, so she and her management will do that."

But with the Giants preparing to face McCormick's would-be suitor this weekend, Bernasconi's focus remains firmly on the present.

Cambridge McCormick warms up ahead of the round two AFLW match between GWS and Melbourne at Casey Fields, on August 23, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

"The one thing I'm confident in with 'Cambo' is that she's a Giant for the next two games, and we're really hopeful we can sign her on and keep her," he said.

"But she'll be really important for us this weekend, especially playing against Carlton."

The clash will also mark Daisy Walker's 50th AFLW game, with Bernasconi lauding the defender's resilience and describing her character as "10 out of 10".

Walker, who joined GWS as a delisted free agent from Carlton at the end of 2023, reaches the milestone against her former side.

Bernasconi said the 24-year-old's journey had been far from smooth, but believed it reflected her work ethic and mindset.

"Daisy's path to 50 hasn't been a perfect linear success," Bernasconi said. 

"I love players who go through a bit of resilience and fall off a list or fall out of teams, because that's when you show your true character. Daisy's true character is 10 out of 10. She's a hard worker, it's team-first, and she's such an important player for us."

Her ability to play on both tall and small forwards has also made Walker an important part of the Giants' defence.

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The milestone follows teammate Tilly Lucas-Rodd's 100th game last week, when the Giants claimed a thrilling one-point win over Hawthorn, with Bernasconi hoping his players can again rise to the occasion.

"The players certainly stood up for Tilly, and I'm positive they'll do the same for Daisy," he said.

Walker played down the significance of her milestone, saying her focus was firmly on securing another victory.

"To be honest, it doesn't matter what number game it is. A win's a win, and I'll take it," she said.

"It's just another game for me. As I said, (whether) it's first game, 50 games, 100 games; 100's different but it's just another game, to be honest. I just want to go out there and win. That's all I really care about."

Walker also praised the Giants' defensive cohesion and the backline's ability to launch attacks from defence.

"I love watching my teammates, like Cambo, Eilish (O'Dowd) and Tilly when they're back there, just running off halfback, generating that ball movement," she said.

"It's unbelievable to watch. I'm like, ‘Yes, I've done my job; I can watch my teammates bring their absolute weapons and bring our game plan to life.' It's awesome."

Daisy Walker competes with Aine McDonagh during the round 10 AFLW match between Greater Western Sydney and Hawthorn at Henson Park, on October 18, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

With the Giants out of finals contention but able to shape the top eight, Bernasconi said his players would draw motivation from different sources, but believed beating a finals contender would build confidence.

Walker, however, was more enthusiastic about the prospect of spoiling another side's finals hopes.

"Bloody oath, yeah. Knocking teams out of finals is awesome," she said with a smile.

"If we can't make it; neither can they. Yeah, I love it."