The WestConnex Centre was abuzz with excitement as the GIANTS played host to the French national team on Thursday afternoon ahead of the 2017 AFL International Cup.

The team, who arrived in Sydney on Sunday, were taken on a guided tour of the GIANTS’ elite training facilities by vice-captain Stephen Coniglio and forward Jonny Patton before being taken through some drills by GIANTS Head of Development and Wealfare Brett Hand.

French coach Andrew Unsworth, who grew up in Perth, said it was a once in a lifetime experience for the side; who play their first game against Fiji on Sunday in Melbourne.

“It’s amazing what the GIANTS have here, for us it’s difficult for us to find a piece of grass to kick on,” he said.

“To have a couple of players and coaches take us through some kicking drills, the guys won’t be forgetting this for a long while.”

Despite AFL sometimes being referred to as “Australia’s Game”, the squad of 26 players come from all parts of France and many of them were introduced to the game by friends with few players having visited Australia until this week.

“They come from Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon, Perpignan, Strasbourg, Montpellier, Paris and Sergei,” Unsworth said.

“Some of the guys have been to Australia but that’s only a handful, I’d say a lot of them were introduced by friends, then coming down and trying it, loving it and having a go.

“A couple of people have seen it on YouTube and decided to give it a go.”

The triennial AFL International Cup started in 2002 with 11 teams, this year’s edition sees 18 men’s teams and 7 women’s teams across two divisions play over two weeks. 

GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews said the club was proud to welcome the French national team to the WestConnex Centre. 

“One thing we do well here is welcome community clubs from not only here in Australia but from around the world,” he said. 

“I think it’s a great event the International Cup, to grow from 11 teams in 2002 to 27 this year is a great celebration of the game. 

“It’s a thrill for the French players and for Stephen Coniglio and Jonny Patton to immerse themselves in their joy.”