Greater Western Sydney midfielder Stephen Coniglio will remain a GIANT until the end of 2019 after signing a two-year contract extension.
Taken with the second pick of the 2011 national draft, the hard running midfielder has played 84 games for the GIANTS since debuting in round one, 2012.
The 22-year-old joins teammates Callan Ward, Nick Haynes, Tom Scully, Shane Mumford and Lachie Whitfield in re-committing to the GIANTS in 2016.
A popular member of the GIANTS playing group, Coniglio was named in the leadership group at the beginning of the 2016 season.
He has continued to lead by example this season, breaking the GIANTS’ record for the most disposals in a season, while also being named in the 40-man Virgin Australia All-Australian squad and as one of the GIANTS AFL Players' Association’s MVP nominees.
Coniglio is a fan favourite as much for his off-field work as his on-field performance – he was awarded the GIANTS Community Award in 2014 and continues in his role as an Australia Post AFL Multicultural Ambassador.
Coniglio was among the GIANTS’ best in the club’s Qualifying Final win over the Sydney Swans last week, collecting 26 possessions, laying nine tackles and kicking a goal.
“Having been at the GIANTS since the start and seeing where we are headed, I had no hesitation in re-signing,” Coniglio said.
“I enjoy living in Sydney and playing football with a committed and hard working group of footballers who are also some of my closest friends.
“Together we’ve worked hard and battled through some tough times over the past five years and I want to be part of the success that is hopefully ahead of us.”
GIANTS General Manager of Football Wayne Campbell welcomed Coniglio’s re-signing.
“Stephen came to the GIANTS as a 17-year-old with a lot of raw talent, but through a great deal of hard work he has developed into one of the club’s leading midfielders,” Campbell said.
“At 22 he already has a great deal of AFL experience and has become a great leader for this club both on and off the field.
“He’s a highly valued member of the playing group and it’s exciting to know he’ll be part of the club’s future.”
