Emerging GIANT Nick Shipley has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will tie the Academy graduate to the club until the end of 2021.

The 18-year-old Campbelltown local became the first graduate of the club’s Western Sydney Academy to play AFL football when he made his debut against the Brisbane Lions in round six.

“The last few weeks have just been surreal,” Shipley said.

“To make my AFL debut at home in front of my friends and family and then re-sign with the club, it’s been a whirlwind.

“I’m so proud to be the first Academy graduate from Western Sydney to play for the GIANTS.

“I’ve been part of this club since I was 13 and I’m really excited to extend my contract here for another two years.”

GIANTS List Manager Jason McCartney said Shipley’s re-signing was another milestone for the club. 

“Nick Shipley exemplifies what the Academy system is all about,” McCartney said.

“This is a kid from Western Sydney who, without the GIANTS, would most likely be still playing soccer. 

“Through the introduction of the club, he is now a listed player who has played at the highest level and will now be a GIANT until at least 2021. 

“Hopefully Nick is just the first of a new generation of kids who can now grow up with AFL footy in their own backyard in Western Sydney.”

Shipley is the most recent GIANT to commit to the club, following in the footsteps of fellow first-year player Zac Langdon, co-captain Phil Davis, superstar forward Toby Greene and young guns Aiden Bonar and Isaac Cumming.