Is the Greater Western Sydney Giants’ next crop of superstars hiding among Orange’s up-and-comers?
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Of course that remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt the unique insight the Tigers’ burgeoning talents will get from Giants gun Zac Williams and 2018 draftee Brent Daniels will give them a massive boost in their development.
Williams, a member of the 2017 All Australian squad, and Daniels will be on hand at the Tigers’ new home of Waratahs Sportsground on Wednesday afternoon as part of the AFL’s annual community camp, and will put Orange’s juniors through their paces before a dinner and auction that night.
“Every year the AFL hosts these community camps in different towns to continue the grassroots development and really try to connect with the community,” AFL NSW/ACT central west regional development officer Matt Johnson said.
“It’s great for the kids to be exposed to this kind of coaching and talent, especially in an area that doesn’t always have this kind of access.
“It’s pretty perfect sort of timing too, because I know the Tigers’ goal posts have just gone up at Waratahs, which is their new home and is sort of becoming a bit of a sporting Mecca in Orange now.”
Daniels, who the Giants picked up at number 27 in the draft, looks an exciting talent but Williams is the undeniable drawcard on Wednesday, especially considering he was born and bred in country NSW.
“He was in the best 40 players in the AFL last year, which is pretty huge. It’s hard at times for these areas to get access to the real marquee players, but Zac is definitely one,” Johnson said, although Williams is sadly expected to miss most of 2018 after snapping his Achilles tendon.
“He was born and bred in NSW and it’s a pretty unique opportunity to get someone like that coming here. You get players from Melbourne and Victoria, and it can be hard for people in regional NSW to relate to them at times, but Zac went through the exact pathway these kids will be trying to go through.
“His insight into that journey is invaluable for these kids.”
Williams and Daniels will run a clinic from 4-5.30pm on Wednesday afternoon, and there’ll also be several giveaways and a signing session too.
After that they’ll be the special guests at a dinner function, from 7pm onward.
“The clinic will focus on the basics because even at the highest level, that’s what they focus on the most,” Johnson said.
“The razzle-dazzle is great but if you can get the basics right that goes a long way to making it to the highest level and having that come straight from the horse’s mouth will be huge.
“The dinner will be great too, the Giants have kindly donated some signed jerseys including one from their inaugural 2012 season which will be raffled and auctioned, along with some other great prizes.
“All the money raised will go into Central West AFL’s representative program for 2018 too, so it’s going straight back into the grassroots which is really important.”
Tickets are available for the dinner function and cost $15, which includes a two-course meal and entry into the raffle.
Bookings are essential though, and can be made by getting in contact via secretary@centralwestafl.com.au.
The junior clinic is free.