The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have secured another emerging AFL talent, with promising 21-year-old defender, Phil Davis committing to a future with the GIANTS.
Davis, who grew up in the ACT until he was 14, was today unveiled as the third key signing for the club by National List and Recruitment Manager Stephen Silvagni at Davis’ former school, Marist College in Canberra.
Silvagni praised Davis’ skill and athleticism along with the leadership qualities he will bring to the developing young group.
“Phil is a player that both Graeme Allan and I were keen to look at from the outset, knowing that he has immense ability and talent. As a club we’re delighted that he has made the decision to be a part of our future.
“I watched him closely over the preseason, viewed some of his games from previous years and he is someone that plays the modern game really well. In his short career he has played on some of the greats of the game in Riewoldt, Franklin and Cloke, and he was able do an outstanding job on those key position players.
“We’re a young group so what we’ve selected in terms of our uncontracted players, has included a focus on the quality of the person not solely their football ability – Phil certainly fits that bill. He is an integral part of our side for the future and building our list.
“We know that Phil is a leader, we knew that he was a leader at the Crows even as a young person and is going to be an integral part of our side for the future and building our list.”
Davis, who signaled his intention to join the GIANTS last month, said that he was pleased to officially sign with the club and focus on the next steps in his future football career.
“This is an exciting day for me and I’m pleased to be making this announcement back home in Canberra, it’s a place that I spent the first 14 years of my life and I look forward to being close to here again.
“This has certainly not been an easy decision to make as everyone would hopefully understand. But being here today I am very proud to have made this commitment and I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“As I’ve said previously, I’m extremely thankful to the Adelaide Crows and their supporters for everything they have done for me over the last three years, but now is the time for me to look forward.
“The GIANTS have a big future ahead of them and that was a driving force behind my decision. With the draft picks and the quality of the players already signed, I can’t wait to move up to Sydney and start my career with the GIANTS.”
After leaving Canberra, Davis played his junior football at St Peter’s College in South Australia before representing North Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).
The Adelaide Crows selected Davis with pick number 10 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and he spent three years with the club.
Davis made his AFL debut against Carlton at AAMI Stadium in Round 4, 2010. He was nominated for the NAB Rising Star award in Round 16 after an impressive performance against Geelong’s Cameron Mooney.
Phil is currently sidelined after injuring his shoulder in Round 6 2011 and undergoing a shoulder reconstruction. His rehabilitation is on track to begin pre season training with the GIANTS in 2011.
