2016 draftees Tim Taranto, Will Setterfield and Harry Perryman have all committed their futures to the GIANTS, extending their contracts until the end of 2020.
The trio joined the GIANTS via the 2016 NAB AFL Draft in November and have quickly become key members of the GIANTS’ playing list.
Taranto (pick 2) and Setterfield (pick 5), both 19, played TAC Cup alongside each other at the Sandringham Dragons before moving in together at Breakfast Point late last year.
They were joined at the GIANTS by Setterfield’s fellow Academy graduate Perryman (pick 14) who became the club’s second draftee from the tiny town of Collingullie in southern NSW.
Taranto has played 10 of the first 11 games of the 2017 Premiership season and was rewarded for his outstanding early form with a NAB Rising Star nomination in round eight.
Perryman made his debut in round nine against Richmond, pulling off a game-saving smother in the dying seconds to help the GIANTS secure a win. The 18-year-old has played the last three games in a row.
Setterfield impressed in his two JLT Community Series matches before putting in a best-on-ground display in round one of the NEAFL with 33 touches and three goals. He’s yet to make his AFL debut after injuring his ankle the following week.
Taranto said he’s looking forward to what the future holds at the GIANTS.
“The club has made it really easy for me to settle in since arriving and I’m really happy to re-commit until the end of 2020,” Taranto said.
“We’re building a really good culture at the club and it’s something I want to be part of for the years to come.”
Perryman said he’s loved his time at the GIANTS so far.
“I’ve been involved in the club since I was a kid in the Academy,” Perryman said.
“It’s been a huge step up to AFL level this season but I’m loving it and am very happy to continue my career with the GIANTS.”
Despite being sidelined in recent weeks, Setterfield had no hesitation putting pen to paper.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first few months at the GIANTS and couldn’t be happier to extend my contract,” Setterfield said.
“I got to know a number of the players and staff through my involvement in the GIANTS Academy in recent years which made my transition easier.
“The club and Sydney feels like home and I’m really happy to have re-committed to the GIANTS as I believe we’re heading in the right direction.”
GIANTS General Manager Football Wayne Campbell said he’s delighted to have the three teenagers extend their contracts.
“Tim, Harry and Will have quickly bought into the GIANTS and all three have been very impressive in their short time at the club,” he said.
“They are obviously very talented young players but more importantly are quality young men that we look forward to having as part of the GIANTS for many years to come.”
Taranto, Perryman and Setterfield add their names to the impressive list of GIANTS to commit to the club in recent months including Dylan Shiel, Jon Patton, Zac Williams, Adam Tomlinson, Matt Buntine, Jeremy Finlayson and Matthew Flynn.
