Gisborne Giants Football Netball Club is preparing for what may be its most important season yet since forming back in 2016.
The club has its sights set on a full senior affiliation with the Riddell League in 2025, depending on what unfolds.
Multiple pre-season announcements indicate the direction the club, led by president Brad Gauci and secretary Kelly du Kamp, is heading.
The Giants understand the importance and benefits of sport and the sense of belonging of their families and members, emphasising the value of unity, respect, accountability and sportsmanship.
Mark McKenzie is again in charge of the Under 19.5s football side, which he coached to the grand final last season in only the second year in the competition.
Last season’s U19.5s captain, talented young ruckman Tom Doyle, has recommitted in an encouraging show of loyalty to the Giants.
The inaugural junior girls’ football program has kicked off with Pete Elliot as coach.
He is committed to working with the club to develop a program that connects girls of all abilities to learn and develop football skills.
“This is an exciting time for the young girls in the Giants community and in and around Gisborne,” junior football coordinator Brendan du Kamp said.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide a junior girls’ football program and looking forward to the them making new connections and developing skills and love of AFL at our pre-season skills sessions.”
NETBALL EXPANSION
The Giants will field their inaugural D-grade team in the league’s new D-grade senior netball competition.
Senior coaches, assistant coaches and competitive players in both netball and football now have further future opportunities with the expanding club.
The Giants also jumped at the opportunity to field a team in the RDFNL’s new Under 9s netball competition (to be played on Sundays).
“I am really, really excited to be one of the first U9s netball players for Giants,” eight-year-old Violet Russell said.
Ongoing support from valued sponsors is really appreciated, and the number of club members is expected to continue to grow in 2024 and beyond.
SEASON LAUNCH
The Giants are preparing for their Season Launch at Sankey Reserve on Sunday, February 11.
Registration links, D-grade trial information, and coaching application details are on the club’s website.
