However, it’s off the field where the Giants will be looking to make a significant improvement
According to the AFL NSW/ACT, Auskick registrations are four times higher than this time last year, while junior registrations have doubled for kids aged 9-12. A large reason for these numbers is the increased participation in Western Sydney.
While the $100 Play Your Way vouchers have helped parents afford, there is no doubt the ground work done by the Giants in the community, as well as their on-field success in 2024, has helped.
The Giants Foundation, the community and philanthropic arm of the GWS Giants, has done extensive work in the western Sydney community especially, to connect fans to their club.
The Giants have reached over 28,000 people through their diversity and inclusion initiatives, while 10,000 school students have been engaged through their school programs. The Club has also invested nearly 5000 hours through their players and coaches to deliver these programs.
There is undoubtedly a growing number of people in western Sydney who are falling in love with Aussie Rules football. The Giants have a tough sell, competing against NRL powerhouses in the Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs as well as popular A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, things are looking good so far in 2025. Last weekend, the Giants attracted 19,248 fans for their opening round clash against Collingwood. There was a national TV audience of around 1.366M people. While this is a small sample size, and the Magpies have a huge supporter base, there is no doubt the Giants are making their mark in Western Sydney.
They had 36,629 members in 2024, with 7,000 of those members based in Canberra. They averaged 12,028 to their eight games at the Sydney Showground.
While these numbers appear modest compared to what Victorian clubs have, context is important. The Giants are in an area of Australia where the population doesn’t traditionally follow Aussie Rules, and as mentioned, they are competing against several clubs from other codes.
Meanwhile, Adam Kingsley’s team will do their part in 2025. The Giants blew a golden chance to capture an elusive premiership last year, but being another year older and wiser will undoubtedly hold the team in good stead.
The Giants have a bye next weekend before taking on Hawthorn in Round Three. Their next home game is on Sunday, April 6against the West Coast Eagles.
