The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are pleased to welcome former Carlton player, Ryan Houlihan as a coach with the Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy in 2012.
Houlihan, who played 201 games over 12 seasons with the Blues, officially started his new role with the GIANTS this week, travelling to Coffs Harbour for the Under 18 Joss State Zone Carnival.
Houlihan said he was looking forward to the challenge to develop young talent from across the Greater Western Sydney region.
“I am really excited about the move to Greater Western Sydney and the opportunity to work with the Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy,” he said. “I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”
“It will allow talented young players from New South Wales access to experienced AFL players that have already come through the system and played at the highest level. Hopefully I’m able to provide some insights that can further improve their game knowledge and skills.
“The goal at the end of the day is for some of these young players to go on and be drafted by the GIANTS. It is also a great opportunity for me to develop my skills as a coach.”
Houlihan has also accepted an assistant coach role with the Sydney Hills Eagles Football Club and will work with the side in the first year the NEAFL competition.
The GIANTS will play their first NAB Cup matches against the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at Blacktown International Sportspark on February 18. Their first official AFL Premiership match will be played against the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 24.
