Adam Kingsley signs as GWS Giants coach until end of 2028

Adam Kingsley has inked a long-term contract extension to stay with GWS Giants and outlined his vision to take football in Sydney’s west to the next level.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 09: Giants head coach Adam Kingsley speaks to players at three quarter time during the AFL Opening Round match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Collingwood Magpies at ENGIE Stadium, on March 09, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Adam Kingsley’s future is locked in at the GWS Giants, signing a three-year extension to ensure he is the man in charge of the orange tsunami until the end of 2028.

After a phenomenal first year in charge that saw the Giants make the preliminary final, Kingsley was awarded the AFLCA Coach of the Year for his debut season as a head coach.

While his second campaign hasn’t been all smooth sailing, three wins in a row have the Giants back in form and ready to mount another premiership charge.

To have long-term security over his role and what he’s trying to create in Western Sydney is a relief for Kingsley. It’s also something he hasn’t been used to in his career.

“I’ve got next year plus another three,” Kingsley said.

“I certainly didn’t get that (length) as a player, I know that.

“Coaches usually have two-year contracts, so it’s nice to have a little bit more security. It’s one of those things that you worry about as a coach, but I now have one less thing on the list.”

Adam Kindsley has transformed GWS Giants into a premiership contender. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The extension comes as no surprise with Kingsley and the Giants both eager to sign on the dotted line. Although negotiations have been progressing over recent months, the focus was always on minor details and not the bigger picture.

“There was nothing they needed to do really, I’m pretty happy with the club itself, the direction that we’re headed and the people that are going to help us get there,” he said.

“It was just a matter of working out the fine details and then signing away.

“We will plan ahead and have expectations, trying to continue to build our club and our list towards hopefully winning, and then sustaining that winning for a long period of time. So that’s always the plan, I presume it’s the plan for everyone.”

It’s yet another major vote of confidence in what the Giants are building as players and coaches sign on long-term. All-Australian defender Sam Taylor recently signed on until the end of 2032, while the likes of Josh Kelly and Harry Himmelberg are locked in until 2029.

“If we could all stay together, we’re pretty confident that we can have some sustained success,” Kingsley said.

Giants football boss Jason McCartney praised Kingsley’s impact during his 18 months at the helm.

“Alongside the rest of the coaching group and wider football department, we’re looking forward to the continued development of our program as we strive towards another finals series this year,” McCartney said.

Giants chief executive David Matthews added: “He has a great understanding of the game and a game plan built for success, and we are confident he can lead our program into an exciting future.

“Adam has a great ability to teach, motivate and inspire the group and we see him as the ideal person to continue to coach our AFL side as we strive for the ultimate success.”

This Saturday against Melbourne, Kingsley will overtake the legendary Kevin Sheedy to have coached the second-most games in Giants’ history.

But records aren’t important for the 48-year-old, who knows that being the figurehead at the club is about more than on-field results. If he can achieve anything in the next four years, it’s continuing to establish the Giants’ presence in Western Sydney.

Kingsley has inked a new deal until the end of 2028. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

What do the Giants need to take another step in 2024?

Adam Kingsley talks about how he sees his current lis. pic.twitter.com/VWLyqf8VOG

— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 22, 2023

“My challenge is to try and build the club and grow the club in that area,” Kingsley said. “Generating membership, sponsorship, participation — all in Western Sydney particularly.

“I have a young fella that plays in it and currently it’s all in the one competition. So, the Western Sydney guys have to drive a fair way to play a game of footy every Sunday morning. We need to rectify that for sure and get a stand-alone Western Sydney competition.

“I’m really excited to try and do my bit for the footy club and mould it to where I think it can get to.

“We’ve got many people doing a power of work for that. We’re trying to grow the game, and turn this club into one of the bigger clubs in the competition, because I think that’s what we’re capable of doing.”

Originally published as Adam Kingsley signs as GWS Giants coach until end of 2028