GWS GIANTS players have visited community AFL clubs across Greater Western Sydney as they prepare to commence their campaign of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
The GIANTS toured local clubs across the Greater Sydney region as part of the club’s Community Camp, visiting clubs including the Parramatta Lions, Wollondilly Knights, Ingleburn Magpies, Penrith Giants, Blue Mountains Kangaroos, Bankstown Bullsharks, Fairfield Falcons and more.
GIANTS Key Forward Jesse Hogan, who visited the South West Tigers in West Hoxton as the club held a Come & Try clinic, said: "The GIANTS started in Greater Western Sydney for a reason because we felt there was a huge opportunity to grow the game.
"Since we started 15 years ago, the growth has been exponential every year so we're on the right trajectory... we're slowly growing the game and who knows what it might look like in 10, 15, 50 years – it might be an AFL dominated area."
Hogan also previewed the club's blockbuster Opening Round fixture against Hawthorn at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday, March 7.
"We're really optimistic. They're the team that knocked us out last year, we felt like we could've won that game but we didn't," said Hogan.
"But it's a new year, they're obviously a really good outfit and we feel like we're in good shape so hopefully we get as many as we can down to ENGIE Stadium for a big game. Honestly, we can't wait to get out there and hopefully get a win.
"We love when we see a big crowd full of orange. There's still time to get tickets, so come down and see it because it's going to be an awesome game."
The players’ visits to community AFL clubs across the region followed a special Youth Footy Rush Gala Day held at GIANTS HQ on Sunday (Feb 22) as part of the club’s Community Camp.
Over 200 participants from across Greater Sydney descended on GIANTS HQ to represent their local club in the inaugural GIANTS Junior Pre-Season Cup – a new annual competition testing participants’ Footy Rush skills.
Footy Rush is a high-energy format of footy designed for fun, fitness and connection, without the heavy contact. It delivers more action with four short quarters, smaller teams and simple restarts, meaning more game time and less downtime.
The GIANTS playing group and coaching staff were on hand during the Gala Day, acting as coaching and support crews for the competing clubs.
Local coaches and umpires also had the chance to learn from the expertise within the GIANTS inner sanctum at the Youth Footy Rush Gala Day as players and coaches held special Coaching and Umpiring workshops as the GIANTS Junior Pre-Season Cup unfolded.
The GIANTS pre-season Community Camp is being held across Greater Sydney as the countdown to AFL’s return to the city in 2026 begins, which kicks off with a cross-town clash between the GIANTS and the Sydney Swans in a huge AAMI Community Series game at Henson Park this Thursday, February 26.
Following the game against the Swans, the GIANTS will then turn their attention to their 2025 elimination final re-match against Hawthorn during Opening Round at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday, March 7.
The community AFL season in New South Wales is set to begin on Saturday, March 28.
Tickets to the GIANTS Opening Round fixture against Hawthorn are on sale now, visit openinground.afl for more.