ACT to celebrate centenary of football
Click here to view the 35-player squad
The ACT’s centenary of football celebrations will kick off in spectacular fashion with one of the biggest matches in the league’s history taking place on February 12 against the GWS Giants.
History will be made when the AFL’s 18th club takes to the field for their first official match in the nation’s capital against a representative AFL Canberra side.
AFL Canberra has already commenced preparing for the match with a squad of 35 chosen ahead of their first training session on January 27.
AFL Canberra General Manager Jack Masters said the match is a fitting way to celebrate 100 years of football in the ACT.
“Ten years ago none of us would have ever imagined the national competition expanding to 18 teams,” Masters said.
“Now, not only do we have the GWS Giants playing regular home and away matches at Manuka Oval from 2012 but the club will play their first match in the ACT against our best players.
“There is no better way to celebrate a century of football in Canberra than for our players to be given the opportunity to showcase their talents on another level – especially with the Giants looking for local players to add to their list.
“Congratulations to all of the players selected in the initial squad, we hope you all enjoy the experience.”
The AFL Canberra competition has gone from strength to strength in recent years and to commemorate the 100th year of football in the territory, the league will take part in the new North East Australian Football League. There are now more opportunities than ever before for locals to be listed by an AFL Club.
GWS Giants General Manager ACT/Southern NSW Garry Buchanan said the Club is excited to be part of the celebrations in Canberra.
“The Greater Western Sydney Giants are privileged to be part of the centenary of football in the ACT but this match will also mark a significant milestone for the direction our Club is heading,” Buchanan said.
“The Club is looking forward to its first ACT match, and most importantly, forming a long relationship with the city and our fans.”
The ACT representative side will be well placed to win the match with Mark Armstrong, Chris Rourke, Guy Cannon and Michael Horne coaching the team. The squad of 35 players will be reduced to 24 on February 6. All of the training sessions are open to the media.
The match will be held at Ainslie Oval at 4pm on February 12.
Training schedule
– Thursday 27th January – 6pm Dairy Farmers
– Tuesday 1st February – 6pm Dairy Farmers
– Friday 4th February – 6pm Ainslie – FINAL SQUAD OF 24 TO BE SELECTED AFTER THIS SESSION
– Tuesday 8th February – 6pm Dairy Farmers – Final squad only
– Friday 11th February – 6pm Ainslie (followed by team dinner) – Final squad only
Coaching Panel
Coach – Mark Armstrong
Asst Coaches – Chris Rourke, Guy Cannon, Michael Horne
Bench Coaches – Adrian Pavese and Ian Muir
Runner – Michael Niesen
