Exciting draftee Josaia Delana will make his AFL debut this weekend after being named for the club’s blockbuster Sydney Derby clash with the Swans at the SCG on Sunday.
Hailing from Western Sydney, Delana is an electric small forward of Fijian descent who has forced his way into Adam Kingsley’s side following a consistent run of strong form in the club’s undefeated VFL side.
Delana joined the club as a category B Rookie in last year’s draft following strong performances for the Allies as well as performing well across eight games in the club’s VFL side.
A graduate of the GIANTS Academy, the 18-year-old plays with an infectious flair and energy and will no doubt quickly become a fan-favourite of the Orange Army.
Possessing clean hands, a great desire to tackle, and an explosive sidestep, Delana is a team-first small forward who has continued to impress throughout his first few months at the club.
The fourth player that the GIANTS have drafted from Western Sydney, Delana’s upcoming AFL debut caps off a brilliant story after the youngster didn’t pick up a Sherrin until the age of 13.
Growing up in a Fijian family in the traditional Rugby League heartland of Western Sydney, Delana only first became aware of Australian rules football after seeing NRL star Israel Folau’s move to the GIANTS back in 2011.
Known to most at the club as ‘Joey’, the fun-loving teenager was informed of his upcoming debut by fellow small forward Darcy Jones to the delight of teammates at the club on Friday afternoon.
The round eight debutant said he is still pinching himself.
“It doesn’t feel real to be honest,” Delana said.
“I’m still pinching myself, but I'm just letting it sink in.”
The proud Western Sydney teenager became emotional after hearing the news.
“It’s just a sense of achievement, just something I’m very proud of and a big milestone in my career,” he admitted.
“Getting drafted was something really big and then getting to actually make my debut, it’s just unreal.
“I didn’t think it would happen that quickly.”
A GIANTS Academy graduate, Delana reflected on his journey with the club to date.
“Yeah, I'm pretty proud,” Delana confessed.
“To think that I was playing GIANTS Academy this time last year, playing in the Coates League, and now I'll be playing in the ones team on the big screen at the SCG.
“To look back at it and think man I've come this far will be pretty unreal.”
Delana will make his AFL debut in the huge Sydney Derby clash, when the GIANTS and the Swans face off in what is sure to be spicy Sunday afternoon fixture.
The Western Sydney teenager will realise his AFL dreams when the sides meet at 1:10pm at the SCG on Sunday.