Inaugural GIANTS chairman Tony Shepherd AO has received AFL Life Membership after fifteen remarkable years of service to the AFL.
Actively involved with the club since its inception, Mr Shepherd served as the club’s inaugural chair from 2010 until stepping away from the role at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Instrumental in the establishment of the club in the non-traditional AFL market of Western Sydney, Mr. Shepherd was also a driving force in shaping the GIANTS proud culture and values. He also laid the foundation for the club’s major commercial and government partnerships.
The inaugural chairman also oversaw the club’s entry into the AFLW competition.
Across his incredibly successful tenure as GIANTS chairman, Mr. Shepherd played a crucial role in establishing the club as a respected member of the AFL, with regular finals’ appearances and a Grand Final appearance.
GIANTS Chief Executive Officer, David Matthews, said the recognition of AFL Life Membership was just deserved.
“It’s extremely rewarding to see Tony recognised with this thoroughly deserved honour,” Mr. Matthews said.
“Tony has demonstrated significant, sustained, and high-quality achievement and service within the game of Australian Rules Football which has greatly enhanced the reputation and future of the code.
"His length of service to the GIANTS and the AFL is commendable and his dedication and commitment to the GIANTS has been instrumental in the club's growth and success, both on and off the field. To have built the AFL’s youngest club – and substantially grown the code’s footprint – in a non-traditional, highly competitive growth market like Western Sydney, is a unique and enduring achievement.
“Throughout his tenure with the GIANTS he consistently provided exceptional leadership, guiding the club with integrity, passion and professionalism. His unwavering support for the development of the communities of NSW and the ACT and his emphasis on creating a positive and inclusive culture within the club have made him an outstanding role model for players, staff, and supporters alike”
GIANTS President Tim Reed echoed Mr. Matthews’ sentiment.
"Tony’s contribution to the GIANTS is immeasurable, and his leadership since day one has helped shape the foundation of everything we stand for today. He truly embodies what this club is all about, “Mr. Reed said.
"From the very beginning he showed an unparalleled commitment to the growth and success of this club.
"When you think about the history of our club, it’s impossible to ignore the profound impact that Tony has had. His leadership has been pivotal in the success and direction of the club, and seeing him receive AFL Life Membership is the ultimate tribute to his extraordinary service.
“In his first press conference as Chair of the GIANTS, Tony made the statement ‘you can expect big things from a team named the GIANTS.’ From day one he strove to make this a reality, always looking to the art of the possible and never daunted by the challenges that lay ahead. Tony’s ingenuity, drive and passion continue to set the standard for what our club aspires to be.”