GWS Giants get new multi-million dollar training facility

Greater Western Sydney Giants' new multi-million dollar training facility, the Tom Wills Oval at Sydney Olympic Park, has been officially opened by NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley and AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou .

Speaking at the opening, Minister Annesley stated "I'm proud to officially open the Tom Wills Oval, in recognition of a New South Welshman who was one of the pioneers of Australian Rules football.

"Tom Wills was born in NSW and it is fitting the man who is credited as one of the founders of the game is honoured in such a way.

"I congratulate the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) on the development of this magnificent facility which will not only benefit the GWS Giants but also the community of Greater Western Sydney.

"This multi-million dollar investment will see part of the training complex used as a community playing field in keeping with the SOPA Master Plan."

The high performance and community facility gives the GWS Giants a year-round training base and was welcomed by Club Chairman Tony Shepherd who thanked the NSW Government, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the AFL for their support, stating "(this) is a very significant milestone for our club. It will not only give the Giants a permanent training oval but also enlarge our footprint across Western Sydney."

Andrew Demetriou added "this next step in the Giants' journey is a vitally important one as it guarantees the club's long-term growth here in Sydney while ensuring the team benefits from some of the best facilities in the country.

"It will also further extend the Giants' links to the western Sydney community by providing an elite level facility for local sporting clubs.

"We thank the NSW Government for their investment in making this training oval a reality and for their continued support of the Giants and indeed Australian football in NSW."

28th October 2011 - GWS GIANTS PART COMPANY WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE