The GIANTS are thrilled to announce that vice-captain Katherine Smith has signed a new three-year deal with the club.
The long-term contract extension will see the popular leader remain in orange and charcoal until at least the end of the 2027 NAB AFLW season.
Recently voted vice-captain for the first time ahead of the upcoming 2024 NAB AFLW season, Smith has established herself as one of the GIANTS’ most reliable and versatile players since joining the club ahead of the 2021 season.
Originally taken in the inaugural AFLW draft by the Demons in 2016, Smith spent three years with Melbourne before moving to the GIANTS where she’s spent the last four years cementing herself as an integral piece of the side and one of the club’s best young leaders.
The 25-year-old’s journey to date is one of perseverance, with Smith overcoming a torn ACL in 2020 to make an immediate impact in her debut season with the GIANTS playing in a number of roles.
A heart and soul player at the club, the tough and courageous defender celebrated her 50th AFLW game in round five last season in a clash against the Kangaroos.
One of the GIANTS’ best footy brains, Smith also utilises her talents in the coaching space, working as an assistant coach with the Allies in AFL NSW/ACT’s female development program.
GIANTS AFLW coach Cam Bernasconi said Smith’s re-signing is huge for the program.
“It’s super exciting to have Katherine commit for a further three years to be part of what we see as a really bright future for our young and emerging group,” Bernasconi said.
“It was clear in our recent leadership vote that she’s one of our most respected players and she is someone who helps bring out the best in her teammates every day.
“She’s a fierce competitor and a fantastic leader who helps set and drive the standards at our footy club and we’rethrilled to have her locked away for three more years as we prepare for a big 2024 season.”
Smith joins a growing list of GIANTS to recently re-commit to the club, with new skipper Bec Beeson also signing on until the end of the 2027 season, while exciting youngsters Madison Brazendale, Meghan Gaffney, Kaitlyn Srhoj and Indigo Linde have also signed extensions to remain in orange and charcoal.
With just two weeks to go until round one of the AFLW season, the GIANTS will get their final pre-season tune-up this Saturday when they take on the Kangaroos in a practice match in Blacktown at 11am.
The practice match will also be live streamed at gwsgiants.com.au.
The GIANTS will then kick-start their 2024 campaign with an exciting round one clash with the Western Bulldogs in Canberra on Saturday, August 31.
Don’t miss out on being part of a big big AFLW season by becoming a member today, with tickets for each round also now on sale.
