Three teams, one club, a family.

That was the message driven home at the GIANTS’ 2017 season launch at the Genea Netball Centre in Sydney Olympic Park on Monday night. 

The event was the first time the GIANTS’ AFL, AFL Women’s and netball teams were all together under the one roof. 

It was an historic night for the GIANTS, who, just six years ago, were a fledgling football side made up of teenagers from around the country.

GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd highlighted the growth the club has experienced in such a short few years. 

“It's been an incredible journey for every single player and staff member to arrive at this point,” he said. 

“In the space of 12 months, we have grown from one team, to three – building a club that Western Sydney and the ACT can be truly proud of.

“It’s hard to believe that only six short years ago, we were a fledgling club that many of the experts said would never survive.

“We were a nomadic club with an inexperienced playing list, finding our way in the harsh environment of the AFL. 

“Now we have a staunchly loyal and ever growing fan base, state of the art facilities, an elite culture and three teams.”

Mr Shepherd said he’s particularly excited by the development of the GIANTS’ AFL Women’s side, who begin their season on Saturday.

“The GIANTS women’s football team brings together the best talent from right across the country with a strong contingent from our homes in Sydney and Canberra – 67 per cent of this team are from New South Wales and the ACT,” he said.

“We are enormously proud to be the flag bearers for the women’s game in New South Wales and the ACT. 

“We are committed to offering clear and attainable pathways to the elite level girls and women.” 

That pathway isn’t limited to the football field. 

The GIANTS’ strategic alliance with Netball New South Wales and the creation of GIANTS Netball, who are set to play in the new Super Netball competition, also offers Western Sydney’s netballers the chance to shine on the big stage. 

“It’s remarkable to think that only two clubs in Australia have taken on what we have – an AFL men’s team, an inaugural AFL Women’s team and an alliance with Netball New South Wales to form the GIANTS Netball team,” he said. 

“One of those clubs has been here for five years and is breaking new ground every day in the fastest growing and most diverse region in Australia.

“The other club (Collingwood) is this year celebrating its 125th anniversary and is led by my good mate Eddie McGuire.”