The South East London GIANTS will become the first GIANTS side to play in an International Grand Final when they take on the Ealing Emus for the AFL London Division Three premiership this Saturday. 

The club has come a long way in a short space of time since it was set up by a couple of expats just three years ago.

They approached the AFL London League with the idea of establishing a club in the growing areas of South East London. With the support of the GWS GIANTS, they chose the GIANTS name and colours.

“We knew with the correct approach we could slowly forge a great relationship between the two clubs and potentially become a powerhouse and proudly wear the GWS guernsey with pride,” said International Development Coach Damian De Vincentis.

“The past few years have been ones of highs and lows. With fellow clubs having been around for 10-15 years we truly had our backs to the wall in regards to experience and talent that was needed. 

“We adopted the mentality that if all the processes are correct, eventually the results would take care of themselves. 

“We were aggressive with building a club that was warming to players of  all types of talent and or experience, and were prepared to spend the time to develop players that best suited our vision and direction. And doing so has paid the ultimate price this season.”

2014 was the first year the South East London GIANTS made the finals, winning their qualifying final against the Emus by 10 points.

They face the same side again in the Grand Final this Saturday and De Vincentis knows it will be a close contest. But with legendary coach Kevin Sheedy sending a message full of support and advice from the GIANTS, the South East London side are as prepared as they can be.

“We are very proud and humbled to have the opportunity to be affiliated and be wearing the GWS guernsey,” he said.

“The support the GWS GIANTS have shown this past week has been incredible and has truly inspired our group.

“We will be lining up against our First Semi final opponents in the Ealing Emus, a club with many many years of success and experience. Last time we met it went done to the wire, so we have no doubt that the 2014 Grand Final will be a close contest.”

The South East London GIANTS are just one of many international clubs to have adopted the GIANTS name and colours, including Indianapolis GIANTS in the US, Dongguan GIANTS in China, North Leinster GIANTS in Ireland, Zaprude GIANTS in Croatia and Skane GIANTS in Sweden.