It’s an exciting time to be a sports fan!
With the introduction of the inaugural National Women’s League (AFLW), Harvey Norman is proud to announce its naming rights partnership of the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) GIANTS Women’s AFL team.
This is a huge step forward for the game, and Harvey Norman is excited to be a part of this historic event. We’re passionate about supporting the next generation of athletes, and we’re dedicated to helping create new pathways for young women to get involved in the sports they love.
“For the women who are selected to play in the national league it is the culmination of years of training and hard work, but for thousands of young girls it is just the beginning,” Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page said, driving home the message that we need to continue to support our talented, home grown female athletes.
Harvey Norman has been the proud match-day partner of the GIANTS’ last two Multicultural Round matches, an annual event celebrating diversity and sport.
In addition, Harvey Norman has been a major sponsor of the Auburn GIANTS, Australia’s first predominantly multicultural women’s AFL club.
The GIANTS are one of eight AFL clubs to have secured a licence to field a team in the first ever year of the AFLW.
“This is another exciting step in the development of the GIANTS’ women’s team and we’re proud to have the support of Australia’s leading retailer Harvey Norman from the outset,” GIANTS CEO David Matthews said. “Harvey Norman’s involvement in all levels of Australian Football illustrates their passion and commitment to growing the game, particularly for female athletes. They have an unprecedented track record when it comes to supporting sport in this country, from the grassroots right through to the elite level.”
As one of the founding AFLW teams, the GIANTS are keen to prove their skills on the field and to test their strength against the highly-trained competition.
Last year, Western Australians Renee Forth and Emma Swanson were announced as the GIANTS’ marquee players.
Not only do Forth and Swanson bring a wealth of experience to the game, but their encouraging, passionate personalities are the kind that inspire teammates and fans alike. Their dedication and hard work have helped to pave the way for women and girls across the country wanting to play AFL, whether at a grassroots or professional level.
Unfortunately, in August Forth injured her knee and was ruled out of the 2017 season. Despite her injury, Forth has further cemented her commitment to the game by continuing to work closely with the team as a development coach during her rehabilitation.
The GIANTS’ first game of the season will be played on Saturday 4th February at Thebarton Oval, Adelaide against the Adelaide Crows. While the home ground may give the Crows an advantage, you can bet that the GIANTS will give as good as they get.
The following Saturday, the GIANTS play Carlton at Ikon Park, Melbourne, with the next home game set for Saturday 18th February against the Fremantle Dockers at Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney.
For more details of season fixtures, check out the listings here.
There’s no better time to get involved in one of Australia’s favourite sports. Watch history in the making and make sure you get down to the next GIANTS game to show your support!