The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have unveiled their player leadership group for the club’s historic first season in the AFL competition in 2012. Chairman Tony Shepherd announced the GIANTS had appointed three co-captains – Luke Power, Callan Ward and Phil Davis – to lead the club during 2012.
They will be supported in the player leadership group by Tom Scully, Rhys Palmer, Chad Cornes, Dean Brogan and Setanta O’hAilpin.
Shepherd said the GIANTS were in a unique position of building a young team for the future and its player leadership group reflected the club’s mix of youth and experience. “We think these players will provide first class leadership and support for the club both on and off the field as we build a team that can compete for ultimate success in the years to come,” he said. “In particular I want to congratulate Luke, Callan and Phil on becoming the inaugural captains of the GWS GIANTS.”
Luke Power, 32, played 282 games for the Brisbane Lions in a career spanning 14 seasons and was a member of its 2001, 2002 and 2003 premiership teams. An All-Australian player, he was also co-captain of the Lions in 2007-08. Callan Ward, 21, has played 60 games and kicked 33 goals since he made his AFL debut for the Western Bulldogs in 2008. A hard running midfielder, he was NAB Rising Star nominee in 2009 and joined the GIANTS at the end of 2011 as one of its uncontracted player signings.
Phil Davis, 21, was recruited from Adelaide and has played 18 AFL games since he was drafted with number 10 pick overall in 2008. The tall defender was also one of the GIANTS uncontracted player signings and originally hails from Canberra. Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said it was an honour for any player to captain their club and the GIANTS were in a fortunate position of having a group of players who would provide outstanding leadership. “Luke’s vast experience and maturity are tremendous assets and he is a great role model for our club.
In their short AFL careers, Callan and Phil have also displayed leadership qualities and I’ve got no doubt they will be fine leaders and players for the GIANTS for many years to come,” Sheedy said. The announcement was made at the Chairman’s Council lunch in Sydney attended by former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, who congratulated the players on their elevation to the leadership roles at the AFL’s 18th and newest club.
The GIANTS will play the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood in the opening round of the NAB Cup at Blacktown International Sportspark this Saturday, February 18.
The GIANTS will make their AFL debut in the first Sydney Derby against the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 24. Tickets will go on sale from next Monday February 20 at www.ticketek.com.au
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