Greater Western Sydney GIANTS CEO, Dale Holmes has applauded the efforts of the AFL and the New South Wales State Government in bringing the 2011 NAB AFL draft to Western Sydney.
NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, and AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou today announced the Draft would be held on Thursday November 24.
Holmes said today’s announcement was an important decision for the club and its supporters, as the GIANTS prepare to enter the AFL in 2012.
“This is a big year for our club, our supporters and the people of Greater Western Sydney and it’s vital that they all have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting chapter in our history.
“As stated today, the draft has grown into one the biggest events on the AFL calendar and for the GIANTS no draft event will ever be bigger or more important to our future.
“This is another exciting piece of the puzzle for us. We have a state of the art stadium under way for our fans to enjoy next year, our training facility is in its last stages of completion and now we are preparing to bring together our elite young players with our established uncontracted players in November. The draft will be the perfect way to celebrate where we are at as a club.”
The GIANTS will have access to nine of the first fifteen picks in the draft, followed by the first pick in each subsequent round.
“Through this draft we will see some of the best young talent from around Australia joining the GIANTS and becoming a part of the Greater Western Sydney community. It’s only fitting that our fans get to witness this historic occasion first hand.
“We’re looking forward to having the opportunity to introduce our players directly to our fans right in our backyard.
“I would like to thank the work of NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and the NAB for supporting this event and giving the people of NSW the opportunity to experience this exciting occasion.”
About the NAB AFL Draft
The NAB AFL draft is an iconic Australian event. In November each year, all AFL clubs gather to select their new players for the following season at the draft event.
AFL teams are given an opportunity to select new players depending on where their side finished on the ladder during the season.
To be eligible to nominate for the draft, players must be at least 17 years old on or after April 30 the year that they nominate.
Under the list establishment rules for the GIANTS, the club will have pick two, three, five, seven, nine, 11, 13 and 15 in round one of the draft and the first selection in each round after that.
The club can choose to trade any of these selections if they wish.
