Sunday’s pair of back-to-back wins in the club’s historic AFL-AFLW double-header wasn’t just the final home game of the year for the GIANTS’ AFL side, it was a chance for the club to say thank you to its Sydney-based members for another tremendous year of support.
Following the club’s Member Thanks Round in Canberra the week prior, the GIANTS utilised its double-header as its Member Thanks Round for its passionate fans from across New South Wales.
One of the many acts of appreciation shown on the day at ENGIE Stadium was a special One Club Event, thanking those who are proud members of both the club’s AFL and AFLW programs.
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Alongside a prime view of both matches from inside the Charley Room at ENGIE Stadium, special guests at the event were treated to two separate Q&As featuring GIANTS AFLW Head Coach Cam Bernasconi and AFL Head Coach Adam Kingsley.
Elsie and Greg Barnett were two proud GIANTS members in attendance.
Foundation members who have supported the club since its inception, the Sutherland-based pair embody the loyalty and passion of the GIANTS membership base.
While Greg grew up following Rugby Union, Elsie describes herself as a “reformed Hawks fan” but says there was never any hesitation when it came to throwing her support behind the GIANTS from day one.
More than a decade later, the Barnetts remain as passionate as ever, with Elsie crediting the club’s welcoming culture and strong connection with its members as the reason why.
“It’s the most welcoming thing on the planet,” she said.
“The way the GIANTS welcome fans, the way they treat us, the access we get to players, to information. I have so many signatures, it’s incredible.
“The sheer openness they have for us, I’ve never experienced anything like it, and it really makes you feel a part of it.
“I go to all the W games, netball games and it really is one club. That makes me so proud to wear orange. We dedicate our lives to the colour orange now.”
Sunday's One Club Event was another example of the unique experiences available to members, with the opportunity to hear directly from both senior coaches proving a highlight.
"It's fantastic, we love getting those insights," Elsie said.
"Little tidbits, finding out where the players are at, and it just makes it feel so much more authentic than just reading it on a page.
"The social media team do a great job, and I love that access too, but it's so different being able to stand here and ask the questions you want to ask."
Penrith local Liz Parnell represents another pathway into the GIANTS family.
Despite never having watched a full AFL match before discovering the club, Parnell's introduction to the game came through one of her five children taking part in AFL Auskick.
"One of my kids did AFL Auskick and we got free tickets through that, so we thought we'd come along as a family," Parnell said.
"My kid was like, 'Yeah, I like this', so we got them a membership and thought, well, a grown-up will have to take them.
"That kid's not into the AFL anymore, and I'm still coming."
More than a decade on, Parnell remains a passionate GIANTS supporter and says her loyalty to the club has never wavered.
"I had never watched a full AFL game before 11 years ago," she said.
"I really enjoy it and there's still loyalty. They're still our team when the season's not gone the way we'd like this year.
"I still watch that whole Grand Final all those years ago when we scored 19 points. They're our team, they're my team, even if they're not doing very well. We don't give up on them."
Having previously attended member events, including the club's recent celebration for 10-year members, Parnell said opportunities like Sunday's event are among the many benefits she enjoys as a GIANTS member.
"I got an awful lot of autographs that day," she said.
Among her favourite GIANTS players are AFLW captain Bec Beeson and exciting young AFL talent Phoenix Gothard, while attending matches remains a family affair.
“My daughter came with me today. Sometimes I do come by myself, sometimes I bring the kids – it depends”.
From foundation members like Elsie and Greg Barnett to supporters like Liz Parnell who discovered the game through AFL Auskick, the GIANTS' membership is built on people from all walks of life united by their passion for the orange and charcoal.
It's never too late to become a part of the Orange Army, especially with our AFLW side just one week into their 2026 season after their impressive 12-point win over the West Coast Eagles.
Click here to check out our huge range of memberships and join the Orange Army now!
