The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are pleased to announce the appointment of David Matthews as the club’s new chief executive officer.
GIANTS chairman Tony Shepherd said he was delighted Mr Matthews had accepted the challenge to lead the club into its inaugural season in the AFL in 2012.
“We couldn’t be happier to have somebody of David’s calibre join us for what will be an exciting journey ahead for the game in Greater Western Sydney,” Mr Shepherd said.
“David’s experience, knowledge of the game and his ability to bring the best out of people around him are just what we need. He has already had a very positive influence on the club since he was appointed interim CEO just three weeks ago and he brings outstanding credentials to the job.”
Mr Matthews said he was honoured to lead the GIANTS and looked forward to the opportunities to grow the club both on and off the field.
“There has already been a lot of hard work done by a large group of people to build this club and I now look forward to helping them as the GIANTS prepare to enter the AFL competition in 2012,” he said.
“Establishing a new AFL club to represent Greater Western Sydney is a big challenge and the players we will select at this Thursday’s 2011 NAB AFL Draft in Sydney along with those we have already signed will form what we believe will develop into a very competitive team in the AFL competition over the next three to five years.
“To have 11 of the first 14 selections at the NAB AFL Draft is a wonderful opportunity to secure some of the best young talent in the country as we look forward to our entry into the AFL competition in 2012. We will continue to work with our corporate and community partners to build a club the people of Greater Western Sydney and everyone associated with the game can be proud of for generations to come.”
Mr Matthews said the club was delighted that it had been able to attract more than 12,000 foundation members in 2011 and looked forward to growing its membership base for its first year in the AFL competition.
“GIANTS membership packages for 2012 go on sale this week and we look forward to opening up the club to our supporters and the people of Greater Western Sydney at the GIANTS Day out at Blacktown International Sportspark this Sunday to come along and meet our players and coaching staff,” he said.
David Matthews joined the AFL in 1998 after previously working with the Geelong Football League and the Victorian Country Football League. He was AFL Auskick and Participation Manager for five years before being appointed to the AFL Executive as General Manager of Game Development in 2004.
In 2010, he was appointed as AFL General Manager, National and International Development, based in Sydney and played a leading role in the early stages of the GIANTS’ development, including the signing of Kevin Sheedy as senior coach, the recruitment of Queensland and Australian rugby league representative Israel Folau and the appointment of Graeme Allan as General Manager of Football Operations.
Mr Matthews’ appointment is effective immediately and will be for an initial period of 12 months.