Episode 8

GWS Giants: A desperately daunting assignment in the AFL's new battleground

Published on: 20th August, 2024

Building the Giants for the 2012 AFL season was a daunting assignment, with Aussie rules footy about as well known in Western Sydney as competitive tiddlywinks. Those tasked with building the club fought tooth and nail to capitalise on the concessions and advantages handed to them by AFL HQ.

In this eighth episode of AFL Team Builders, inaugural leaders Dale Holmes (CEO), Phil Davis (player) and Stephen Silvagni (list manager) talk through the difficulties of trying to build a footy club in a hostile environment, the recruitment of Israel Folau, the importance of the Breakfast Point set-up and more.

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About the Podcast

AFL Team Builders
A journey into the historic foundations on which every expansion club was built.
Ever wondered how footy teams came to life? AFL Team Builders is a journey into the historic foundations on which every non-Victorian club was built.

Featuring inaugural CEOs, presidents, coaches, board members and star players, AFL Team Builders goes behind the scenes with the people tasked with building all the teams that joined the then-VFL as it expanded beyond the confines of Victoria.