The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have congratulated the Sydney Swans on becoming the 2012 AFL Premiers.
"On behalf the GIANTS I want to congratulate everyone at the Sydney Swans on a magnificent 2012 season capped off by a memorable win in yesterday's Grand Final against a gallant Hawthorn," said GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd.
"It is a credit to the whole club led by chairman Richard Colless, chief executive Andrew Ireland and coach John Longmire and all the players who thoroughly deserve their success. The Swans have built a strong and successful culture that is admired throughout the AFL and they should be rightfully very proud of what they have achieved."
Shepherd said the Swans' success had captured the imagination of the people of New South Wales as shown by Channel Seven's broadcast of the AFL Grand Final which peaked at nearly 800,000 viewers in Sydney and dominated headlines.
"The GIANTS, led by our coach Kevin Sheedy, were unabashed in our support of the Swans during the finals series and their success is a fantastic boost for the game in Australia's biggest city and with the support of a second AFL team in Sydney will continue to help grow the code there.
"This year more than 60,000 people attended the two Sydney derbies between the Swans and the GIANTS and we can't wait to play the reigning premiers next year and build what we hope will become a great rivalry in the years to come."
