GIANT opportunity for NSW/ACT players

AFL NSW/ACT is pleased to announce that three AFL Canberra players and two AFL Sydney players have been selected in the GWS GIANTS squad to play in their first ever NAB Cup on Saturday, January 19.

Mitch Daniher (Canberra), Marcus Crook (Canberra), Ben Hughes (Canberra), Tim Barton (Greystanes) and Rohan Bates (Abbotsford) have been named in the 29-player GIANTS squad to play the Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns at Blacktown Olympic Park.

Click here for the 29-player team.

For the five NSW/ACT based players this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents to a live national audience.

Player Bios

Mitch Daniher No. 35 24 yrs H 174 W 71 (Queanbeyan)

Midfielder. The most decorated footballer in the AFL Canberra competition at the moment winning the last two league medals. Highly regarded for his courage and work rate. Good skills on both sides of the body. Good decision maker – often takes kick ins. Captained the ACT team last weekend and shows good leadership skills. Reads the ball well and works the sweeper role around the ground and at stoppages very well.

Marcus Crook No. 36 23 yrs H 185 W92 (Ainslie)

Skilful left footer. Plays an attacking half back role or onballer. Was named player of the Championships at the 2010 Australian Country Football Carnival. Reads the play well and accumulates plenty of touches. Good decision maker – often takes the kick ins or is used as the release player on the defensive side of contests.

Ben Hughes No. 37 22yrs H 193 W 92 (Ainslie)

Tall forward. Strong marking player both on the lead and in a contest. Capable of kicking a bag. Can play in other roles further up the ground. Highly regarded in the AFL Canberra competition. Won All Australian selection at the Country Championships in 2010. Good aerobic fitness and loves to compete. Mature body.

Tim Barton  No. 38 21yrs H 191 W 85 (Sydney University)             

An athletic half back. Really applied himself to the program and went really well. Has good aerobic fitness and good closing speed on the spoil.

Rohan Bates No. 39 22yrs H 187 W 83 (Balmain)

A handy half back flanker who reads it well and uses the ball very nicely. B & F for Balmain last year.