Alex Carey has become the latest former GIANT to reach the top of his chosen field, being named to play cricket for Australia in today’s One Day International against England at the GABBA.

Carey spent two years at the GIANTS in 2010 and 2011 before the club entered the AFL the following year and the South Australian left to pursue a cricket career.

The 26-year-old has been named as a replacement for wicket keeper Tim Paine (illness), hot on the heels of a blazing century for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League on Wednesday night. 

The wicket keeper/batsmen still keeps a close eye on his former football club and remains good friends with midfielder Dylan Shiel, with Carey making the trip to the GABBA in 2017 to watch the All-Australian play his 100th AFL match. 

GIANTS Head of Development and Welfare Brett Hand coached Carey and said the whole club was delighted to see Alex get this opportunity to represent his country. 

“Alex is a really impressive young man who certainly had an impact in his short time here at the GIANTS.

“He was a young leader in his time here and continues to have really good relationships with both on and off-field staff here at the club. 

“We’re thrilled he gets to live out a children dream by playing for Australia and guys like his good mate Dylan Shiel will be watching him very closely tonight.” 

Carey isn’t the only former GIANT to reach great heights since stepping away from AFL with Israel Folau taking the Rugby world by storm after playing 13 games in orange and charcoal in 2012.

Josh Growden is another former GIANT who has had a successful sporting career in another code with the 24-year old forging a successful career as a college football punter for the famous Louisiana State University.

Craig Moller, who played for Team GWS in 2010, is now a professional basketballer with Melbourne United in the NBL having also played for the Sydney Kings after being delisted by Fremantle in 2015 having played one game.

Away from the sporting field, Jordan and Zac Stenmark (who were part of Team GWS prior to the AFL) have become two of the most recognisable models around the world.

When in Sydney, the twins can often still be found at Spotless Stadium watching their former team.