MESSAGE TO FANS FROM CEO DAVID MATTHEWS
The wait is finally is over. After years of planning, in 2012 the AFL's 18th and newest team the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS enters the AFL competition.
It promises to be an historic year in more ways than one. Indeed, 2012 will be a year of firsts for the GIANTS. We will play our first AFL match at ANZ Stadium, first match at Blacktown, first match in Canberra and first match at Skoda Stadium.
That we have reached this point is testament to the support of many: the AFL, the New South Wales Government, the Blacktown City Council, the ACT Government, our corporate partners and the people of Greater Western Sydney, the ACT and southern NSW who have supported us.
On the field, we are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The AFL competition is the toughest in the country and our predominantly young squad will be tested. ?But we have absolute faith in the work being done by our coaches and support staff to ensure we are as well prepared as possible.
Success won't be measured simply by the number of wins but by how we compete and improve as the season progresses. ?The first test comes on February 18 at Blacktown International Sportspark with NAB Cup matches against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.
Off the field, the club continues to develop. ?Skoda Stadium is taking shape and will be a world-class place to watch sport and be entertained. ?The ACT Government and Blacktown City Council are working closely with us to make their games and community programs first class. ?And, of course, history will made at ANZ Stadium on March 24 with our first ever AFL match against our local rivals, the Sydney Swans.
Soon we will unveil our club song and mascot. ?Our community footprint continues to grow across all regions and the developing partnership with the University of Western Sydney has tremendous potential. ?Our commercial support continues to strengthen, ?headlined by partnerships with Skoda and Lifebroker.
We are on track to surpass our 2011 foundation membership total of 12,000 members. ?If you haven't joined yet, I encourage you to get on board and be part of history. The packages represent excellent value and are tailored to your needs wherever you live across Australia.
We want to be a club that the people of Greater Western Sydney and the ACT and all Australian football supporters can be proud of for generations to come. We want to reflect your aspirations and the values you hold dear including integrity, inclusion and innovation. A club that values success but also has strong values.
As our motto says, we aim to think big, live big and play big.
Thank you again for your support. Best wishes for 2012 and I look forward to seeing you as we make history together.
David Matthews
Chief Executive Officer
GWS GIANTS
