The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS today unveiled the jumper numbers the players will wear for the club’s historic first season in the AFL in 2012.

GIANTS Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said the announcement of the player numbers was another significant milestone for the club, its players and supporters.

“For any young footballer, the first number you receive in your career will always be a special moment. It’s a wonderful tradition we have in the AFL,” Sheedy said.

“We set out to accommodate the players’ requests where we could and there is some great symbolism that came through this process. For example, Callan Ward requested number eight as that was the jumper worn by his grandfather and Curtly Hampton wanted to carry on a tradition of his father by wearing number two.

“Israel Folau made a strong impact last year playing in the number four jumper and I’m pleased to announce that he will make the step up into the AFL with the same number.”

Many of the club’s AFL recruits will wear new numbers with the GIANTS including Phil Davis (1), Rhys Palmer (7) and Tom Scully (9). Luke Power will wear number 6, the same number he wore with the Brisbane Lions.

Dean Brogan will wear number 10, Chad Cornes 11, Setanta O’hAilpin 37 and James McDonald number 38.

Number one draft pick Jonathon Patton will wear number 12 in his first ever AFL season, while Dylan Shiel has retained the number 5 jumper he wore through the 2011 NEAFL season with the GIANTS.

Sheedy said the jumper numbers would help GIANTS fans to identify with and follow their favourite players and feel part of the club.

“As a club trying to build a strong culture and tradition, these players are the future heroes of the GIANTS and they will start creating our history here and now.”

The GIANTS players will be presented with their jumpers before Round One of the NAB Cup against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs on Saturday February 18 at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Round One of the AFL season will kick off with a stand alone clash between the GIANTS and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday March 24.

To be part of history and support the GIANTS in their inaugural season, become a member at gwsgiants.com.au.