Name: Marshall Poynter (Under 19s Captain )  

Age: 18 
 
Hometown: Kellyville 

Local Club: East Coast Eagles   

Position: Defender (CHB, FB)   

Year you joined the GIANTS Academy: 2016 
 
Favourite GIANTS Player: Nick Haynes   

What do you enjoy the most about being part of the GIANTS Academy? The ability to hangout with friends and meet new people while doing something I love. Also the commitment to pushing myself as far as I can go to get the best out of it.

What do you pride yourself on as a player? Being a leader to everyone in the academy, setting a good example and being extremely competitive so that I can win every 1v1 that occurs throughout any games that I play.

What GIANTS Academy Head Coach Cameron Bernasconi says: “Marshall has been one of the biggest improvers over the last 18 months. He is a very reliable defender and rarely loses a one on one. Not only has his footy improved so much, he has also grown with his leadership. Moosha was voted in by his peers to be the Academy Captain for this year which is one of the best recognitions you can get from your peers. He is a terrific person and he is having a really good year on the field as well.” 

What Western Sydney Head Coach Gavin Jones says: ‘We talk a bit at the Academy about the two main goals for all the players that pass through the program … become a better footballer, become a better person. Moosh ticks both these boxes. His football has improved significantly over the past few years as demonstrated by strong and consistent performances at Academy and NAB League level. He is genuinely difficult to play on and I expect his opponents rarely look forward to being matched up with him. Outside of football Moosh has always been a top quality human being but has evolved into a strong leader that gets the balance between words, action and enjoyment right. His growth as a footballer and person have been recognised by his peers in their decision to have him lead them this year. Great lad that we are lucky to have as part of the program and our Captain."