Within the GIANTS community, a powerful movement is taking shape. Led by a team of dedicated and passionate business leaders.
In 2023, an initiative led by GIANTS Board Director, Chris Larsen, to bring more women into the Club, led to the development of a new Coterie, the GIANT WINGS. Coteries initially emerged to help players, particularly those who weren't professional athletes, by providing employment, financial aid, and social connections. In more recent times, coteries have expanded their roles to include mentorship, networking, and professional opportunities via the provision of work experience, internships, and employment for players.
Co-founded by Simone Mears and Jill Bunting, the GIANT WINGS Coterie was officially launched in 2024.
“Our members come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds but what unites us is our shared purpose, in supporting women and girls’ activation and participation in sport within the GIANTS Club community and more broadly the GIANTS sporting community”, says Mears.
With decades of professional experience in Financial Services, Mears and Bunting set out to leverage their networks bringing together like-minded individuals to build the Coterie. Using their expertise to help female athletes, particularly on planning life post their professional careers, was where these women saw the biggest opportunity to contribute. In addition, Bunting has firsthand experience in making a career pivot from ICU Nurse to C-Suite operations, whilst Mears is a professional advisor on careers and executive search in the financial services industry.
“From the moment I attended a Club fundraiser and heard about the amazing work the GIANTS are doing at a grass roots level in Greater Western Sydney, I knew I wanted to be involved. As a proud Sydney resident, hailing from America I was inspired by the passion, commitment and sense of service I saw demonstrated by the Club, and in every individual, I spoke to.” Bunting added.
GIANT WINGS offers its members a unique opportunity to combine a passion for sport, and social impact.
“We’ve got members involved in coaching programs, fundraising for the GIANTS Foundation and delivering a number of other programs within the Club community and because we all have different skills, interests and experience, we all contribute in our different ways” Mears adds.
In July, Mears led a development program for the GIANTS AFLW players, supported by GIANT WINGS members, and volunteers from her business - financial services recruitment specialist Profusion Group. The team led training on interview coaching, resume writing and LinkedIn.
“This is just the beginning. The Club is committed to supporting player development and career pathways post football, and we have the capacity to make a significant and ongoing contribution to this objective,” Mears said.
Assembling a strong team of business leaders has been critical to the activity of the Coterie in the first year, according to Bunting.
"What makes GIANTS WINGS special is the collective energy. We’re not just supporters—we’re strategists, mentors, and changemakers. We’ve hosted forums on mentoring, our leaders support grassroots programs, and we are busy connecting leaders between business and sport, looking to expand our reach further into Greater Western Sydney. Every initiative is a testament to what happens when passionate people unite."
As the GIANTS WINGS Coterie continues to grow, the founders invite others to join the movement.
"Whether you're in business, sport, or simply passionate about creating a better future for women, there’s a place for you here," says Bunting. "Together, we can amplify our impact and keep pushing boundaries."
With a professional career advisor in Mears and the expertise of what it takes to make a significant career pivot in Bunting, the Coterie, players and broader community appear to be in good hands. To learn more or become part of the GIANTS WINGS Coterie, visit GIANTS Coteries and discover how you can contribute to a legacy of leadership, inclusion, and community empowerment.
