One of the most influential figures in the GIANTS’ history will continue his career into the 2023 season with former co-captain Phil Davis signing a new one-year deal with the club.
Davis has played 192 games across 14 seasons at the elite level including co-captaining the club from 2012-2019.
He joined the GIANTS as one of the club’s first uncontracted players in late 2011 at the age of 21 after originally being drafted to the Adelaide Crows at pick 10 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
Davis said he is excited to continue his career into his 15th season.
“The decision to play on has been one I’ve been weighing up over recent weeks,” he said.
“While this year didn’t go to plan with two significant injuries, I gained a lot of confidence that I was able to play at a high level and that I could contribute to our team success.
“After speaking with the club and new coach Adam Kingsley, we saw real value for me to play a role again for our backline, both on and off the field, and that made the decision to continue on an easy one.
“Watching our young backline with the calibre of Sam Taylor, Isaac Cumming, Harry Himmelberg and Leek Aleer across this season was a real highlight and I’m looking forward to helping us continue to improve next season.
“Across my football career I’ve always wanted to make sure I leave the club better than when I started, and I believe I can get back to playing some great football for the GIANTS in 2023.”
GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said he was pleased Davis chose to play on.
“Phil’s been a fantastic servant of our club and we left the decision to play on in his hands,” he said.
“We’re pleased he not only has the belief in his physical capabilities to return to the field, as we do, but also the desire and commitment it takes to play at the highest level. We know that he was back to playing some outstanding football at the beginning of this year, prior to his injuries.
“Phil’s a wonderful leader to have around our group and we’re looking forward to his ongoing contribution both on and off the field in 2023."
Davis will be delisted as part of the initial list lodgement before being added to the rookie list via the rookie draft in late November.
“As always, there are a number of complexities when it comes to making list management decisions and we appreciate Phil’s selflessness. He’ll join the rookie list for the 2023 season to allow us maximum flexibility heading into the trade and draft periods,” McCartney said.
The 32-year-old had surgery on a ruptured hamstring tendon in August following an injury in round 17 against Port Adelaide and has recently returned to running again.
The AFL Restricted Free Agency and Unrestricted Free Agency Period commences on September 30 with the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period running from October 3-12.
The NAB AFL Draft will be held on November 28 and 29.
