AFL Club’s giant campaign speaks to south west Sydney

The GWS giants have kicked off a new campaign with an open letter to the people of Liverpool.

Greater Western Sydney Giants Jeremy Cameron and supporter Lincoln Summons, 8, at Kellyville today. Lincoln really took to Jeremy and vice versa after meeting him at a junior club visit a couple of years ago. They both made time to catch up whenever possible with Jeremy eventually going to Lincoln's year two class as his show and tell. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Liverpool’s economy is booming, with unprecedented levels of infrastructure and investment — but what about the region’s community spirit?

Sport is key to uniting the growing great south west, Joseph Carrozzi believes.

The deputy chairman of the Greater Western Sydney Giants has issued a call to arms on behalf of the fledgling footy club.

In an open letter to the people of Liverpool, Mr Carrozzi said the club needed the community.

“The club was created to represent and reflect the people of western Sydney, the fastest growing and most diverse population in Australia,” he said.

“Determined to grow Australian Rules alongside other great sports such as Rugby League, Rugby Union and Soccer, we believe the people of the west deserve a variety of sports and multiple teams. Remember, it’s diversity that makes Western Sydney so great.”

Speaking to the Liverpool Leader about the letter, Mr Carrozzi said: “As a Liverpool boy, born and bred here, it’s great to see the amount of investment coming in to this town — (but) it’s not just the commercial and economical structure that's important.

“It’s the community heart, and sport is a huge source of bonding for a community and creating an identity.”

Carozzi’s letter coincides with the club’s new brand campaign — There’s a GIANT in all of us — launched today in Sydney’s west.

Star forward Jeremy Cameron and Giants fan eight-year old Lincoln Summons are the faces of the new campaign — depicting the shared passion between players and fans.

The campaign tells the story of the friendship between Jeremy and Lincoln, which started after a chance meeting at a club night in Blacktown.

GWS Giants Jeremy Cameron and supporter Lincoln Summons are the stars of the club’s new campaign.

Giants Chief Executive David Matthews said the relationship between Jeremy and Lincoln was a representative focal point for the campaign.

“The story of Jeremy and Lincoln is real and it’s a great example of the connections the Giants are building with the local communities of Western Sydney and Canberra,” Mr Matthews said.

“We are lucky enough to have some of the most passionate supporters in Australia — many of them coming to our game for the first time — and we will always put our fans first as we seek to break new ground.”

The expansion team has a growing membership base and is on track to pass 15,000 this season.

“This team was planted as seedlings five years ago — which is different from transporting a team from Melbourne or WA and hoping it takes hold,” Mr Carrozzi said.

“We want to keep that, not destroy it and keep growing it.”

The 2016 AFL season is underway and the Giants are now in their fifth year in the competition.

The team has grown in leaps and bounds since a group of 17-year-olds were drafted from all over the country, Mr Carrozzi said.

Mr Carrozzi is excited about the club’s growth.

“The most refreshing change is what the players see themselves.

“The number of fans in orange is incredible.”

Relishing the role as a challenger club, he said it might take a bit of time for some to learn the sport.

“But more and more people are opening up their arms to (it),” he said.

“Our players and staff have come from all around Australia to build something special.

“We are determined to make a difference in the community, provide a sense of family and create a history of our own.

Five of the club’s eight home games are scheduled at the 24,000 capacity Spotless Stadium in the family- friendly timeslot of 4.35pm on a Saturday.

“Come along for the ride and be part of our history, ” Carrozzi said.