Long-time Giants chief executive Dave Matthews is set to step down from his post after 15 years at the helm.
Matthews has been instrumental in leading the AFL’s newest club in a successful run since GWS entered the competition in 2012.
The club has played finals in eight of the past 10 seasons including a grand final appearance in 2019 and three further prelim finals.
Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Among Matthews’ other achievements include growing the Giants’ membership to an estimated 40,000 this year and establishing a world class $34 million training and administration facility at Sydney Olympic Park.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Giants and I am grateful to the players, staff, members and fans that have built this club,” Matthews said.
“Now that the foundations of the club are well established it is time for the next challenge.
“The AFL Commission made a bold decision to start an 18th club as it recognised the growth opportunity in Sydney and Canberra and building this club in a new and highly competitive market has been both a great challenge and opportunity that has required a huge commitment from so many people over a long period of time.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and firmly believe there is an exciting future ahead for the club.”
‘I WOULD TAKE IT”: BUCKS OPENS UP TASSIE COACHING GIG
Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley has opened up on links to Tasmania’s vacant head coach role at the AFL’s incoming 19th team, revealing that if he was offered the job now he would take it.
Speaking on Dylan Buckley’s Footy and Friends podcast, the now-Geelong assistant coach also spoke to previous interest from Melbourne last year with their top job.
“My purpose isn’t to win a premiership. My purpose would be to help people along their journey, (to) find out how good you can make an environment, how much you can support people,” Buckley said.
“Tassie would tick that box. Melbourne came around (last year) … but I just couldn’t quite put that together. I made the point that it’s not the first time I’ll coach, but it will be the last. I was still kicking tires and working out whether it was something I wanted to do, as they were working out whether I was a legitimate candidate.
“I spoke to Tassie through that. I’ve openly said, I would take the Tassie job if it was offered to me right here, right now — I’d take it. I’ve got my head around that I think that would be an amazing journey to go on.
“They know where I’m at, and I know they’ve got decisions to make … but that led me to a phone call from Geelong. Pretty much: ‘It seems like you want to get back into coaching, do you want to come and work with us?’
“Within six days after the phone call, we’d put it all together and we’re in.”
‘Shining light’ at Dons a Tassie target? | 02:12
The seven-time All-Australian and 2003 Brownlow Medallist has continued his long-standing role with Fox Footy since his departure from Collingwood earlier this decade, and remains a regular member of On The Couch, as well as Friday Night Football.
Discussion about this post