GWS reach GIANT milestone

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have reached a massive club milestone ahead of their last home game of the 2011 season with 10,000 Foundation Members. 

This Saturday’s clash with Eastlake will serve as a celebration of this milestone with all Foundation Members invited to come along and join the party. 

GIANTS reporter Beck Mills caught up with one the most loyal members of the Orange Army, Paula Strother ahead of Saturday’s celebration to find out why the family got involved with the GIANTS and what it’s been like travelling all over the country to watch the team play. 

So Paula, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live in Sydney and am originally from Adelaide, which is a big AFL state. I grew up watching football and over 50 years of watching it, I’ve been to a lot of games. I’ve even had babies in prams at the footy. 

Why did you first become involved with the GIANTS?

When I moved to Sydney, it was hard to see Adelaide play. It was wonderful news when we heard that we would have our own team, it’s the best thing that ever happened and I wish that it had happened a few years ago. 

When did you join up?

I’m not sure to be honest. The three of us, myself, my husband and my son joined as soon as memberships were available online. We’re always online, looking at the website every day and searching for news in the media as well. 

How many games have you been to this season?

Basically wherever you go, we go. We haven’t missed many games this season. We started following the team through the NAB Cup and NAB Challenge games. We travelled to the Foxtel Cup game in Melbourne and were on the Gold Coast last week. 

How did you find last week’s game on the Gold Coast?

Even though we lost last week, it was still great. Metricon is a great stadium and we just hope that our new stadium at Homebush is half as good as that one.

As a Foundation Member, you have priority access to new seats at Skoda Stadium, are you excited about that?

Yes, I’m very excited about it. 

How have you found your personal contact with the club this year?

We were interstate members at Adelaide so we didn’t really have that personal connection. This club is a real family based club and it has a family environment. I’ve never come across anyone who doesn’t have a smile on their face and you’re always really approachable. 

Do you have any favorite players?

I’m still trying to connect faces and first and last names together all the time. The first person that we met at the game in Albury was Sam Schulz and his family. I like Andrew Phillips as well; I know he’s been out injured for a while so I’m glad to see that he’s back in the team. 

Are you excited to see where some of these talented young players will be in a few years time?

Yes, I’m not in to the science of football but I can tell the difference between when they started in the NAB Cup to now. I can see the improvement and think that they will continue to improve for the next two or three years until they reach their peak. 

If you could tell people one thing about the GIANTS, what would it be?

I’d tell them that this is a friendly, family club and get on board because the best thing that you could do would be to get your family involved with this club. 

GWS GIANTS V EASTLAKE
SATURDAY AUGUST 27
BLACKTOWN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPARK

Gates open 12pm. Game starts 2pm.
Junior Fan Clinic 12.15pm
Blacktown City Council SportsFest 12pm – 3pm

FREE admission
FREE GIANTS FAN ZONE
FREE sausage sizzle for Foundation members – just present your member card

For more information about Saturday’s event visit www.gwsgiants.com.au/10000-members-party.html