GIANTS finalise priority selections
The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have today finalised their selections for priority listed 17 year olds with South Australian recruits Josh Growden and Jarrod Harding completing the final two places.
Both recruited from Woodville West Torrens Football Club, the close friends have now arrived at Blacktown and will live together at Breakfast Point with the rest of the GIANTS playing list.
Growden is a smooth moving midfielder who can also play in a variety of roles in defence or up forward. He is excellent overhead and has been praised for his elite efficiency. His performances in 2010 saw him inducted into the 2010/11 AIS‐AFL Academy squad where he joins four other GIANTS recruits.
Growden says that he is thrilled to have his future secured with the GIANTS and is focusing on getting ready for the upcoming NAB Cup.
“This is just amazing, in some ways I can’t believe it’s happened already. I know it’s going to be a huge change and a pretty big adjustment but having a good mate like Jarrod coming here with me makes the whole transition a lot easier.
“The main thing now is about getting settled and focusing on my training. In just two months we’ll be taking on the Swans and the Gold Coast which is huge in itself. I still can’t believe the players that we’ll be coming up against. It’s such an exciting opportunity for all of us.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is the playing group here. They really are great bunch of guys and some very talented footballers.”
Harding, a medium sized forward with great pace, is know for his clean hands and accuracy around goal. Harding made a compelling case for selection this year playing for the Woodville West Torrens Eagles, averaging 18 disposals a game and top scoring for the competition with 65 goals for the season.
“I feel really privileged to be given this opportunity,” said Harding.
“There were a number of 17 year olds available for priority selection with the GIANTS, so for me to have been given this chance to develop under the likes of Kevin Sheedy and Mark Williams is just huge.
“I’m relieved I don’t have to worry about going into a draft with the chance of going to 18 different clubs, I can now just concentrate on my training.
“Sydney is a very busy city, but I expected that. The club has a great atmosphere so it’s an exciting place to be around.”
Alan McConnell, Greater Western Sydney GIANTS High Performance Manger, highlighted the impressive skill set of the 12 priority selections made by the Club, adding that Growden and Harding each bring some unique qualities to the wider playing group.
“We think that Growden’s maturity and leadership skills in addition to his football acumen will be a great addition to our list and Harding provides another dimension of speed and skill to the GIANTS.”
“We’re delighted with the calibre of the boys as players and as individuals . They’re pioneers for our footy club and will set the foundations for what lies ahead over the next five to ten years.”
