The Coolamon product has played most of his football up forward, but played down back in the Giants Academy's 7.7 (49) to 5.4 (34) loss to the Swans Academy last weekend.

It was the first hitout this year for Delahunty, who is training with Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong after the Hoppers opted not to play in the AFL Riverina Championship.

The Giants always had a defensive role in mind for the mid-sized 19-year-old this season, as did VFL side Northern Jets before the season was cancelled.

GWS Academy normally also plays the Lions and Suns and feature in the NAB League, but coronavirus has limited them to clashes against their cross town rivals.

While the pandemic has come at a less than ideal time for their AFL draft hopefuls, Sullivan said they're doing their best to provide an avenue for stranded young footballers like Delahunty.

"It's difficult and an unusual year but I try and keep the boys up, especially guys in Della's situation who went away (to Victoria) to play football and now don't have a home club to play with," Sullivan said.

"We've welcomed him with open arms and we're rapt to have him here, it's focusing on the little things they (AFL clubs and scouts) want to see from him.

"He's playing down back this year so we want to see him play to his strengths with his intercept marking and being strong at the contest, and just enjoying being able to play footy is what we try and say to the group.

"We swung him forward late in the game trying to win it and he kicked one, but he'll probably play down the back again this week.

"He's an in between size, and he's strong in the air. We're just trying to bring out his strengths, to see the ball and take it in the air down back likes he does up forward.

"We want him to win the footy in the air and the contest and he's got a lovely penetrating kick, so he can really set up attacks with that."

The Rock-Yerong Creek youngster Jack Driscoll also made his return from an ankle injury on the weekend, with Sullivan also highlighting Narrandera's Harry Grintell and Leeton-Whitton's Coopa Steele as standouts.

While it's not an ideal situation, Sullivan said playing the same high quality opposition gives him a chance to assess how his players put feedback into practice.

"Swans are a very good side too, they've got two potential round one picks in their side so it's at least to be good to be playing them and testing ourselves," he said.

"All kids are at a high level, but being able to adapt and perform consistently is what the AFL clubs want to see."

GWS will take on the Swans Academy again this weekend.

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