AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou says he’s thrilled with the progress of the GIANTS in just their second year in the competition.

Demetriou has visited the GIANTS new Training and Administration centre at Sydney Olympic Park and joined Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy and GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy to turn the first sod on the Multicultural and Community Centre.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the progress of the GIANTS,” Demetriou said.

“We’ve always known it was going to be hard to win football games, but this club is not just about winning games, it’s about building a community and a support base and connecting with the community of Greater Western Sydney and Canberra, and on all the measurements that we measure, we are really thrilled.

“We’re thrilled with the way they’re going about it, they building their own story, their own culture, and today marks another step in that journey.”

The $11.6 million project will deliver a new elite training field, building refurbishments and a Multicultural Community Education Centre at the Giants’ home ground.

The Multicultural Community Education Centre with classrooms, meeting rooms and a 75 person theatrette as they GIANTS further extend their footprint in Western Sydney.

“The Giants are leaders in engaging with their local community here in Western Sydney and the Gillard Government is pleased to support their great work as the Giants reach out to the many different cultures living in the West,” Senator Lundy said.

“These facilities will strengthen the bonds between the Giants, their fans and the broader community – between elite sport and grassroots participation.”

The GIANTS are expected to start training on the new training oval at Sydney Olympic Park later next month.