McLachlan made his comments during a visit to Western Sydney where he addressed a business lunch and met with local school children
He told the Western Sydney Business Chamber lunch at the GIANTS’ Learning Life Centre about the AFL’s vision for the game in Western Sydney.
“We really believe the GIANTS can become one of the biggest sporting clubs in Australia,” he said.
“We don’t say this with any arrogance or sense of boastfulness but based on a firm belief in the enormous opportunities by this vast and growing region.
“We have every confidence that you’ll see the GIANTS pushing for finals in the next couple of seasons. And that their ascendance will be very quick from here.”
McLachlan said Western Sydney had a rich and proud sporting heritage and acknowledged the success of other sporting clubs in the region.
“Some ask if we’re concerned about the success of the Western Sydney Wanderers. Quite the contrary - we are delighted by what they have achieved as it only further enhances Western Sydney’s status as one of the great sporting regions in Australia,” he said.
“I’ve also got no doubt that it won’t be long before the GIANTS’ rivalry with the Swans is akin to that between Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers. Club from the east and west fighting for bragging rights in front of packed stadiums across the city.”
McLachlan also visited Auburn Public School with GIANTS CEO David Matthews and Community Engagement Manager Ali Faraj.
“When the AFL made the decision to start a club in Western Sydney, we said it was more than just about setting up a football team,” he said. “We wanted to establish a footprint across the communities of Western Sydney and contribute to the economic and social fabric of this important region.
“Participation in the game in Western Sydney has increased by more than 50 per cent since the GIANTS entered the AFL and we’ve seen influx of new community clubs in the region.
“One in 14 people in Greater Western Sydney under the age of 24 have participated in a six week or more AFL program. When you consider more than two million people live in the region, that’s a significant number of new people being introduced to our game.
“Indeed, over 1300 games of community football were played in Western Sydney this year and we’re seeing more clubs taking on the GIANTS name like Auburn, MacArthur and Concord.”
