The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have capped off an historic night at the 2011 NAB AFL Draft by selecting 14 players to join the club for its inaugural year in the AFL competition in 2012.
The GIANTS selected Jonathon Patton, an 18 year-old forward from the Eastern Ranges in Victoria, with its number one pick, followed by Stephen Coniglio, a midfielder from Swan Districts in Western Australia at number two, and Dom Tyson, a midfielder from the Oakleigh Chargers in Victoria at number three.
GIANTS National Recruitment and List Manager Stephen Silvagni said he was delighted with the players the club had selected and they would help form the nucleus of an exciting young team in the years to come.
“With 11 of the first 14 selections we have been to secure some of the finest young talent in Australia. We have recruited an excellent mix of young midfielders, forwards and defenders and together with our existing players it makes for a very exciting future for the GIANTS,” he said.
GIANTS chief executive David Matthews said the NAB AFL Draft, held in Western Sydney for the first time, was an historic moment for the GIANTS and he welcomed all the draftees to the club and wished them every success for their careers.
“Tonight these young men have realized their ambition to be drafted by an AFL club. The GIANTS will now do everything we can to support, develop and help them take the next step and achieve their dream to play AFL football,” he said.
“With our excellent accommodation facilities at Breakfast Point and the strong culture we’ve already developed throughout the playing and coaching group, we’re confident that they will settle in to the club and enjoy long and successful careers at the GIANTS.
“I also want to acknowledge all the junior clubs and coaches who have helped develop these young players and the AFL for the talent pathway it has helped create.
“A big thank you also to the parents and families of these young men who have given so much of their time to help them get to where they are today.”
The following players were drafted by the GIANTS (in order of overall selection):
1. Jonathon Patton, Eastern Ranges, Victoria
2. Stephen Coniglio, Swan Districts, WA
3. Dom Tyson, Oakleigh Chargers, Vic
4. Will Hoskin-Elliott, Western Jets, Victoria
5. Matthew Buntine, Dandenong Stingrays, Vic
7. Nick Haynes, Dandenong Stingrays, Vic
9. Adam Tomlinson, Oakleigh Chargers, Vic
10. Liam Sumner, Sandringham Dragons, Vic
11.Toby Greene, Oakleigh Chargers, Vic
13. Taylor Adams, Geelong Falcons, Vic
14. Devon Smith, Geelong Falcons, Vic
56. Tom Downie, North Ballarat, Vic
79. Setanta o’hAilpin, Carlton Football Club
87. James McDonald, Melbourne Football Club
GIANTS Assistant Coach James McDonald also officially became a GIANTS player tonight after the club selected him with selection number 87.
The GIANTS said they were also pleased to have secured former Carlton player Setanta o’hAilpin with selection 79. The 28 year-old Irishman was delisted by Carlton after playing 80 games and kicking 67 goals.
“To have somebody of Setanta’s size and experience will be invaluable for our young team and I’m sure he will have a point to prove now that he has another chance to continue his AFL career,” Silvagni said.
The GIANTS will play their first AFL premiership match against the Sydney Swans at the ANZ Stadium on March 24. They will also play home matches at SKODA Stadium
GIANTS 2012 membership packages went on sale this week and the people of Greater Western Sydney are invited to attend the GIANT Day Out at Blacktown International Sportspark from 11am this Sunday November 27 to meet players and coaches.
For more information on the NAB AFL Draft, click here.
