Wagga talent picked for GIANTS Academy

By James Matthey

The Riverina continues to develop AFL stars in-the-making, with seven players from the region recognised for their outstanding performances in the recent zone development series to gain selection in the Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy.

The Academy consists of Under-15s, Under-16s and Under-18s squads, which were finalised on Tuesday March 5.

Wagga Tigers had the strongest representation, with six players chosen, while the Wagga Swans had one player selected.

The Academy is a breeding ground for future GWS GIANTS talent, giving youngsters an opportunity to develop their skills and fulfil their AFL ambitions.

Current players on the GIANTS’ rookie list, Joseph Redfern and Zac Williams, both began their careers as part of the western Sydney club’s Academy.

The Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy will play the Murray Bushrangers on March 17, before taking on the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in a two match series.

Players from Wagga Wagga in the 2013 Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy:

Under-15s Academy Squad
Conner Byrne – Wagga Tigers
Elliot Himmelberg – Wagga Tigers
Tyler Maher – Wagga Swans

Under-16s Academy Squad
Charlie Bance – Wagga Tigers

Under-18s Academy Squad
Dougal Howard – Wagga Tigers
Jim Carroll – Wagga Tigers
Michael Mattingly – Wagga Tigers

Photo from gwsgiants.com.au