Giants Midfielder Tom Green Advocates for AFL Match in Wollongong
GWS Giants midfielder Tom Green has publicly endorsed the idea of hosting an AFL game in Wollongong, marking a significant push to bring top-tier Australian rules football to the South Coast region. The call came during a pre-season training session at North Dalton Park, where Green and his teammates engaged with local fans.
Building Fan Connections in the Illawarra
The Giants squad visited Wollongong for an open training and signing session, drawing a crowd of supporters clad in the club's distinctive orange and charcoal colours. Green emphasised the importance of connecting with fans in areas that might not have regular access to the team.
"It's really important to be here, and it's great to see so many Giants fans," Green said. "We haven't spent much time in Wollongong previously, so it's wonderful to finally meet supporters who might not easily get to see us play."
He added, "I've spent a lot of time in Wollongong and I do love it. The support we received today was fantastic, and I'd love to see a game played down here."
Historical Context and Regional Potential
It has been eight years since the Illawarra region hosted a VFL match, which is the competition directly below the AFL. Green pointed out that the area has produced numerous talented footballers and believes that introducing AFL matches could help grow the sport locally.
"The Illawarra is an area where some great footballers have come from," he noted. "If we can continue to grow the game here and see more Giants fans, it would benefit everyone involved."
Wollongong's proximity to Canberra and western Sydney was highlighted as a logistical advantage, potentially making it a viable location for future fixtures. The Giants currently have a decade-long partnership with the ACT Government, ensuring they remain Canberra's AFL team until 2032, with at least three regular season matches played at Manuka Oval each year.
Developing Midfield Chemistry with Clayton Oliver
Green also discussed the arrival of fellow midfielder Clayton Oliver, who joined the Giants in what has been touted as one of the club's biggest recent trades. He expressed excitement about working alongside Oliver and developing their on-field chemistry.
"Clayton has already helped me in my career before he came here, which I'm forever grateful for," Green shared. "Being able to work closely with him is something I'm really looking forward to, as we continue to build that connection throughout the year."
He described Oliver as a "superstar player" whose resume speaks for itself, and mentioned that their playing styles should complement each other well in the midfield.
"Our roles will complement each other because neither of us has to carry as heavy a load," Green explained. "This allows other aspects of our game to flourish. We've been able to bounce off each other and understand when to take charge on the field."
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Following the signing session, future Aussie rules stars were invited to participate in SuperKick and AusKick camps, fostering grassroots development in the region. Green's advocacy for an AFL match in Wollongong reflects a broader effort to expand the sport's reach and engage with communities beyond traditional hubs.
As the Giants prepare for their round one home match against Hawthorn, fans can look forward to seeing how Green and Oliver's partnership evolves on the field. Green concluded by emphasising that while it might take time for their chemistry to fully develop, it is something supporters will witness throughout the season.
