GIANTS vice-captain and star midfielder Stephen Coniglio is a GIANT for life having put pen to paper on a new seven-year deal, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2026.
The 25-year-old has been a GIANT since the club’s inaugural 2012 season and during that time has risen to be one of the game’s most revered players.
Coniglio said his long-term commitment is reflective of the club’s bright future.
“This club has become home for me and in the end the culture and the opportunity are undeniable,” Coniglio said.
The whole family element around the club really resonates with me, it’s not just the guys in the locker room or the coaches, it’s the whole organisation.
“I’m just thrilled to be a GIANT for life and keen to continue on our path to becoming an even greater club. For me that’s the biggest driver and something I’ll aspire to do with my next seven plus years here.
“Clearly I had a lot to weigh up given I was looking to make a long-term commitment. In the end the opportunity here at the GIANTS to do something unique with some incredible people was just too great to turn down.”
Coniglio arrived at the GIANTS via pick two in the club’s inaugural 2011 NAB AFL Draft and has since played 133 games in his eight seasons in the AFL competition.
His performance went to a new level in 2019, averaging 26 possessions, four tackles and more than a goal a game before suffering a knee injury in round 17.
GIANTS CEO David Matthews said Coniglio’s re-signing is a seminal moment for the club.
“We’re thrilled to have secured Stephen’s signature on a long-term deal,” Mr Matthews said.
“Stephen is an integral part of our football club and has been since day one. He’s a star on the field but perhaps more importantly, he’s a man of great integrity and care off it.
“Stephen is a significant part of the future of our football club. Stephen’s leadership and commitment to the broader community in Western Sydney and the ACT is second to none.
He is the perfect role model for young boys and girls and a big reason why we’ve been able to grow the club’s footprint at an incredible rate in such a short space of time.
GIANTS Coach Leon Cameron echoed Matthews’ sentiments.
“It’s no surprise to anyone at our football club that Stephen is so highly valued across the AFL,” Cameron said.
“There is no doubt our players walk taller when he’s by their side and his focus on giving back to the game is extraordinary.
“By pledging his long-term future to the GIANTS he’s speaking volumes as to where this club is headed and we’re delighted he’ll be central to that for many years to come.”
Vice-captains Coniglio and Kelly headline a raft of key contract extensions the GIANTS have secured this year in addition to Jacob Hopper, Nick Haynes, Adam Kennedy, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels, Matt de Boer and more.
