The future of Australian Rules Football (AFL) in Canberra is once again in the spotlight as speculation grows around the capital potentially becoming the league’s 20th team. This excitement follows comments from ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who stated that the GWS Giants would not hinder the establishment of a new franchise. In the meantime, the Giants are solidifying their presence in the city, hosting their AFLW season opener at Manuka Oval on Saturday, March 15, 2024, against the Essendon Bombers.
Barr’s remarks have ignited discussions among AFL coaches, players, and fans about what it would mean for Canberra to have its own team. He highlighted a promising “strong untapped market” for the sport, particularly as the league prepares for the addition of Tasmania as its 19th team in 2028. The Giants have committed to a ten-year, $28.5 million deal to play at Manuka Oval until 2032, a point Barr emphasized would not prevent the growth of a local team.
As the Giants gear up for their match this weekend, they aim to remind Canberrans of their significance in the AFL landscape. The club boasts nearly 7,000 members in Canberra, a figure approaching a club record. Giants executive general manager of AFLW, Alison Zell, expressed confidence that the team remains a beloved choice for local fans.
“Every time we play in Canberra, there’s plenty of orange. It is genuinely a home crowd,” Zell noted. “We know there’s plenty of people that might have us as their second team, which is totally fine. We’re happy to be everyone’s second team.”
The Giants have a rich history in the region, having played in Canberra almost every season since their inception in 2017, aside from interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This season, the Giants women will host two games in the capital, with the second scheduled for September 13 against the Western Bulldogs. The team is optimistic about their prospects, especially after adding eight new players ahead of the current campaign.
The GWS Giants are also benefiting from a more inclusive national AFLW draft format, which allows them access to a broader pool of talent from across Australia. This change is expected to enhance their competitiveness against traditional powerhouse teams. In addition, the team’s fitness has reportedly reached new heights under the guidance of Scott Smith, the club’s first full-time head of high performance.
“What we’re seeing is young talent coming through that have had access to playing footy their whole lives,” Zell stated. “The ‘W is celebrating 10 seasons this year which is amazing. We’ve played in Canberra every season maybe bar the COVID years, so it’s really entrenched in our history and as a club going forward.”
The conversation around a potential Canberra team has gained momentum, with former AFL player and coach James Hird voicing his support for the idea. Hird, a Canberran and former junior player, believes the region would greatly benefit from an AFL franchise. He reminisced about the early days of the Canberra Cannons and the local football scene.
“It’d be amazing for Canberra football to have its own team,” Hird remarked. “It was always very strong… but the Giants have come back and the AFL has come back in the landscape. It’d be great for the territory.”
As speculation continues regarding the future of Canberra in the AFL, Hird and other prominent figures have taken to discussing potential names for a new team. Suggestions have ranged from the Cockatoos and Senators to the Owls, with Hird humorously noting that any new name would likely need to start with a ‘C’.
The Giants’ commitment to Canberra remains strong, as they prepare for their first AFLW match of the season. The anticipation among local fans is palpable, especially considering the Giants’ recent performance. Last week, 11,753 supporters attended a Giants men’s match at Manuka Oval, showcasing the community’s enthusiasm for the sport.
As the Giants take the field this Saturday, they will not only be competing for victory but also for the hearts of footy fans in Canberra. The club’s efforts to engage with the local community, coupled with the ongoing dialogue about a potential new team, illustrate the dynamic and evolving landscape of AFL in the nation’s capital.
