The GIANTS have signed former Commonwealth Games decathlete Jake Stein as a category B rookie.

At 22 years of age, Stein is an exciting prospect hailing from Penrith in Western Sydney. 

A World Youth Athletic Championships Gold Medalist in 2011, Stein represented Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before giving away the sport earlier this year.

Stein is eligible for a category B rookie contract having not been registered in an Australian Football competition in the last three years.

Having grown up playing soccer and athletics, Stein has also been courted by Rugby League teams in recent years.

Stein said after trialling with the GIANTS over the last six months, he’s excited to join the list.  

“It’s fantastic to be part of this club and I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” Stein said. 

“Athletics is a bit of a lonely sport at times compared to footy where you have 40 guys on the list so I can’t wait to be back in that team culture. 

“Having only started following AFL closely in recent years, I’ve got a real appreciation of how hard the players work and the different skill set that’s required.

“They’re incredible athletes and now that I’ve been lucky enough to get this opportunity, I can’t wait to give it my best crack.

“AFL is really starting to build in Western Sydney and Western Sydney is really embracing the GIANTS and I hope I can play in role in that continuing.” 

GIANTS General Manager of Football Wayne Campbell welcomed Stein to the club. 

“Jake’s a very gifted athlete and an impressive person and we’re delighted he’s joined the GIANTS,” Campbell said.

“He’s got a strong sporting background and he’s impressed in a number of trials he’s done with our staff over the course of this year.

“Jake will work closely with our development coaches to get up to speed as quickly as possible and we look forward to seeing him commence training with our younger players next week.”

The GIANTS will welcome the next batch of players to join their list at the NAB AFL Draft held at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Friday, November 25.