GIANT opportunity for AFL Sydney
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There has never been a representative side quite like it in AFL Sydney’s history. Twenty-eight players, all fired up and raring to go as they prepare to take on the GWS GIANTS in their first ever practice match on Saturday, February 5 at Campbelltown’s Monarch Oval.
For the players, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents on another level, and with it, show the GIANTS just how strong the local AFL Sydney competition is.
The GIANTS have spent the off-season drafting, nurturing and training their team in preparation for their AFL entry and local footy fans will be able to catch the side in action before they make their AFL debut in the NAB Cup in two weeks time.
Significantly, a large proportion of the make-up of both sides playing on Saturday will be comprised of local NSW/ACT talent.
AFL NSW/ACT Football Operations Manager Garry Burkinshaw said the event is integral to showcasing the amount of talent in the AFL Sydney competition.
“The AFL Sydney competition has gone from strength to strength in recent years and this match is pivotal to showing everyone just how strong the state’s pre-eminent competition is,” Burkinshaw said.
“With the likes of Kevin Sheedy and Mark Williams looking on, you just never know but another AFL Sydney product may be running around in the AFL in the close future.
“This match presents an exciting opportunity for all players and coaching staff involved to measure themselves against a GIANTS squad rich in young talent.”
In a major coup for AFL Sydney is the fact that all eleven premier division clubs have at least one player selected in the representative side.
Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy said the club is eagerly anticipating its first match as the GIANTS.
“For over 12 months we’ve been counting down the days until we can show Australia what the GIANTS are really about,” Sheedy said.
“Thankfully, this Saturday is the first step for our team to begin what we hope will be a successful and enjoyable journey for the club, its members and the local western Sydney community.
“There will be no better introduction for our young team than a match against the best players from Sydney at the outstanding playing ground and facilities at Monarch Oval in Campbelltown. The Campbelltown City Council has done a tremendous job in creating a first-class community facility and we’re just so happy to be able to play there.
“This match marks a significant milestone for us as a Club and we want to share the experience with our fans out in the western Sydney community – so bring your friends and family along to watch.”
To celebrate the historic match will be loads of family activities including AFL clinics and an opportunity to meet and interact with the players.
All of the action commences at 4.30pm. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to watch the GIANTS in action for the very first time. Special thanks to Mark Berriman – Manager Healthy Lifestyles and his team at Campbelltown City Council for preparing an outstanding venue. Thanks also to the Campbelltown Blues Football Club who have been instrumental in pulling this game together.
AFL Sydney v GWS GIANTS
Saturday, February 5
Monarch Oval,
Fields Rd, Campbelltown
Game commences: 4.30pm
