When the GIANTS took on the Brisbane Lions Reserves at Coorparoo on Saturday May 14, five Academy players were asked to put on an orange and charcoal Guernsey and step up to the GIANT challenge.
The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS Academy provides a development pathway in conjunction with AFL NSW and the Rams program that gives players from the Riverina, the ACT, Greater Western Sydney and the NSW South Coast, an opportunity to be exposed to a higher level of football.
Joe Redfern (Wagga Wagga), Jordan Harper (ACT), Cameron Gordon (Leumeah), Stuart Turner (Hills District) and Harry Cunningham (Wagga Wagga) looked right at home when they lined up as GIANTS and took to the field.
Without fear, the boys competed against bigger, more experienced players with a performance that proved that this level of footy wasn’t out of their league.
Academy talent Joe Redfern said he was grateful for the opportunity to play in a more intense football environment outside of his country town and that he welcomes any other opportunities with the GIANTS with open arms.
“It was an awesome chance, especially coming from Wagga where it’s freezing cold and going to warm Brisbane to play with the GIANTS at this level. I got a lot out of it and I’ve learnt heaps of things.”
According to Redfern, being given advice on the sidelines from AFL Legend, Kevin Sheedy is a memory that he’ll never forget.
“He took us aside and told us ‘this is the time when great players stand up to be counted’. He asked us to lift as a team and show everyone what we are made of, to prove that we can play at this level.
“All of the Academy boys did quite well especially with this game being one of our first for the GIANTS, I think we all stood up and were counted. I will use my experience to further develop my footy skills back home, from the professionalism and preparation before the game, to the structures the GIANTS use and game sense”, he said.
GIANTS Academy Manager Lachlan Buszard said being selected to play for the GIANTS was another step forward for the Academy boys in their AFL careers, making their future in the sport more promising.
“The next step for the boys depends on their age. For the boys in the NSW/ACT RAMS squad it is the National under 18 Championships, while the younger boys should continue to develop their game every week, in preparation, recovery and mental performance.
“The game doesn’t guarantee anything for the boys, but is shows them the standard that they need to achieve. I’m proud of their performance, but it’s not about how proud I am it’s about the boys and what they achieved on Saturday”, Buszard said.
To keep up to date with all the Academy news and events, check out www.gwsgiants.com.au/academy from Wednesday June 1.
NEAFL ROUND 8?
GWS GIANTS V Queanbeyan
?Saturday May 21?
Blacktown Olympic Park ?
Gates open 9:30am, Game starts 2pm
??FREE entry for all GWS GIANTS Foundation Members upon presentation of your Foundation Member card.??
Non-members: Adults $5, Juniors (under 15) Free.
TICKETS SOLD AT THE GATE
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