AFL rules out ACT expansion, declares Canberra ‘Giants’ territory’

The AFL has ruled out considering Canberra as an expansion location after chief executive Gillon McLachlan declared the nation’s capital a GWS town.

Jeremy Cameron loves kicking goals in Canberra. Picture: AAP

The AFL has ruled out Canberra as a new expansion city, with chief executive Gillon McLachlan declaring the ACT “Giants’ territory.”

Western Bulldogs President Peter Gordon put expansion back on the radar earlier this season when he called on the game to increase its footprint to 20 teams.

GWS have more than 4000 Canberra-based members built-up from playing three matches a season in the Nation’s Capital, illustrating the growing strength of football in a region that has also produced several AFL players.

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Jeremy Cameron loves kicking goals in Canberra. Picture: AAP

However, AFL boss McLachlan says the Giants have invested so heavily in Canberra and that won’t be taken away — effectively ruling out any prospect of the ACT getting a new permanent resident.

“I believe it’s Giants’ territory,” said McLachlan in an interview with The Daily Telegraph on the eve of the season.

“I think they’re there now and Canberra is very much a Giants’ town.

“Membership is strong and the crowds are strong. It’s been a very successful partnership with Canberra.”

Heath Shaw runs and guns in the backline. Picture: AAP

There is traditionally an exodus of Canberrans to Batemans Bay on the south coast on the Easter weekend, but GWS are still expecting over 10,000 fans tomorrow against Fremantle at UNSW Canberra Stadium in Manuka.

Scheduling hasn’t helped GWS for their second Canberra game in a fortnight’s time either, with the Saturday afternoon clash against St Kilda to directly clash with a Canberra Raiders NRL match.

However, GWS have worked hard to get a Friday night match against Hawthorn in Canberra later this year which should sell out.

The Giants have also taken AFLW and pre-season matches to Canberra above and beyond their contract.

GWS co-captain Phil Davis and debutant Jackson Hately both hail from Canberra.

Tasmania still looms as the most likely expansion location for the AFL, who may also look at adding a third team in either Adelaide or Perth.

Originally published as AFL rules out ACT expansion, declares Canberra ‘Giants’ territory’