Greater Western Sydney GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd today congratulated GIANTS Board member Gabrielle Trainor on her appointment to the AFL Commission.

Mr Shepherd said Gabrielle had been instrumental in the development of the GIANTS and the game more broadly in New South Wales.

As an inaugural GIANTS’ board member as well as a member of the Team GWS advisory committee, Gabrielle leaves an indelible mark on the AFL’s youngest club. She has also served on the AFL NSW/ACT Commission prior to joining the GIANTS.

Gabrielle’s Australian Football links run deep with both her father and grandfather serving as President of the North Melbourne Football Club. As a former lawyer, journalist and public sector executive she brings a wealth of diverse business experience to the AFL Commission.

During her tenure at the GIANTS, Gabrielle chaired the club’s integrity committee, was a member of the GIANTS Foundation and provided guidance on significant commercial projects including the establishment of the $12 million Training and Administration base at Sydney Olympic Park as well as the recently launched Manuka Green proposal focused on upgrading Canberra’s Manuka Oval and surrounding precinct.

“As an inaugural GIANTS Board member, and indeed a key leader of our club before we entered the AFL competition, Gabrielle has had a profound impact on the GIANTS across the club's formative years," Mr Shepherd said.

“As someone who has been involved in Australian Football all her life, Gab has continued to use her wide ranging business experience to help grow the game at all levels in New South Wales and the ACT. 

“While we’re undoubtedly sad to lose Gabrielle from the GIANTS’ Board, this is a brilliant appointment and we wish her every success in her new role with the AFL Commission. Gabrielle’s astute understanding of the many issues facing our industry, along with her ability to lead with strength and compassion, will ensure she makes a significant contribution to the game on a national level.

“Having someone from the GIANTS’ Board join the AFL Commission is great recognition for the governance of our club and ensures the challenges and opportunities facing the game in New South Wales and the ACT are well represented.

“We will now begin the process to find identify Gabrielle’s replacement on the GIANTS’ board.”