How a failed 'Celtic' experiment paved the way for the Giants
In short: Before the GWS Giants entered the AFL in 2012, the league considered a radical 'Sydney Celtics' brand. This Irish-dominated team was a response to the popularity of Irish players, but the idea never materialized, eventually giving way to a club built on specialized recruitment and significant government investment.
The path to the establishment of the Greater Western Sydney Giants was marked by significant strategic shifts and economic hurdles. In 1999, the AFL attempted to make North Melbourne Sydney's second team, but the venture failed to attract crowds exceeding 15,000 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Following the success of the Sydney Swans in 2005, the AFL rekindled interest in the Western Sydney market, leading to the 2006 NSW Scholarships scheme to develop local talent. This renewed interest followed the Swans' successful Grand Final appearance in 2005. The league eventually partnered with the NSW government to support a new sporting facility in Rooty Hill.
During the planning stages, a radical proposal emerged in 2007 to launch an Irish-dominated team branded as the 'Sydney Celtics.' This idea, suggested by Gaelic Players Association executive Donal O'Neill, was fueled by the popularity of Irish players like Tadhg Kennelly. However, the AFL later stated this was never a serious option. The actual establishment of the club faced delays due to the 2008 financial crisis, which forced a financial remodeling of the bid. The project eventually secured support from the NSW Premier in late 2006. This momentum helped the AFL officially register the club's business name with ASIC in early 2008.
To ensure the club's competitiveness, the AFL granted the Giants unique recruitment entitlements. This included a 'mini-draft' for players born between January and April 1994 and the ability to access uncontracted players from other clubs. Notwithstanding a brutal beginning—marked by back-to-back wooden spoons and seventeen straight losses during their second year—the team made their maiden Grand Final appearance in 2019, falling to Richmond by 89 points. The club's roster also featured notable veterans like James McDonald and Luke Power. These players joined the squad after coming out of retirement to assist the new franchise.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Greater Western Sydney Giants
- Also: Wikidata — Greater Western Sydney Giants · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Greater Western Sydney Giants Netball · CC0
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