GIANTS defender Connor Idun has put pen to paper and signed on for four more years, keeping him in the orange and charcoal until at least the end of 2026.
Taken at pick 61 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, the 21-year-old has played 32 games since debuting in 2018, cementing himself as an integral part of the GIANTS’ backline and future success.
“It’s a real family club,” Idun said about his decision to extend long-term.
“I know it’s easy to throw that phrase around, but I truly feel that the staff, players, and coaches are like family here and that was one of the main things that got me over the line.
“Everyone here backs me in to just be me, both on and off the field, so it was a no brainer for me as soon the offer came around."
Idun played a handful of games for the GIANTS over his first two years before a breakout season in 2021 saw him lock down a spot in the team’s best 22.
“I think 2020 was a really tough year for everyone, but especially those of us that weren’t getting a game, and I guess I was just a bit sick of being a fringe player,” Idun said.
“I had a couple of games late in that year that gave me a bit of a taste that I belonged at AFL level, and I knew that if I put the work in I’d be able to sustain that.
“It was a tough off-season that year. I had to put the chocolate away and start training a lot harder, and some of the senior players at the club really helped me do that.
“The club’s done nothing but fill me with confidence since I’ve been here so that made it pretty easy for me to take that next step up.”
A developing key defender who thrives in one-on-one contests, Idun is a versatile player and, thanks to his speed, is able to play on talls and smalls.
GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said he is pleased the club has secured the talented defender on a long-term deal.
“We’re delighted to have Connor with us for another four years,” McCartney said.
“He’s an exciting young player for us, and one that we rate really highly in what he can do both now and into the future not only off the field, but as an emerging leader as well.
“He’s had another strong start to this season off the back of a big 2021.
“He’s a great personality to have around the club and we’re really looking forward to his continued growth.”
Idun and the GIANTS next take the field this Saturday when they face the Crows at Adelaide Oval at 2:10pm in round seven. The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 in NSW and the ACT as well as Fox Sports 3 and Kayo nationally.
