GIANT opportunity for AFL Sydney

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are thrilled to announce they will play a pre-season practice match against a combined AFL Sydney side at Monarch Oval, Macquarie Fields on Saturday, 5 February, 2011.

The match, which will be free for all the community to enjoy, will also provide a once in a life-time opportunity for AFL Sydney players to vie for selection in the extended GIANTS playing group.

Following the practice match, the GIANTS will invite two players to join their squad in preparation for the NAB Cup at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday, 19 February and the subsequent NAB Challenge matches to be held across NSW.

GIANTS Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said the match provides an important opportunity for all local players.

“This is a rare chance for these players to really test themselves against the best young talent coming through. I’m looking forward to seeing what the AFL Sydney players can produce. There’s plenty of talent out there running around in community football, it’s just a matter of giving them an opportunity.

“Local football is the life blood of this game. As a club it’s important that we have a strong relationship with our local AFL clubs.

“All AFL Sydney players who are selected to play in this match will certainly be looking to make an impact and give themselves every opportunity to be selected by the GIANTS.”

GIANTS CEO, Dale Holmes, said that the Club was excited to have the opportunity to showcase a game like this at a community venue such as Monarch Oval in South West Sydney.

“Greater Western Sydney is a huge region. As a club we are committed to mobilising ourselves throughout this entire community. By creating pre-season matches like this we are able to provide greater access to our players and our Club for everyone. Ultimately we would like to play a game against another AFL club, in South West Sydney, as part of the 2012 pre-season competition.”

AFL Sydney Football Manager, Garry Burkinshaw praised the concept outlining the opportunity it presents for AFL Sydney players to experience first-hand what it is like to be part of an elite AFL club.

“These opportunities are very rare and the GIANTS should be commended on their initiative,” said Burkinshaw.