AFL 2024: GWS coach Adam Kingsley signs contract extension

GWS has made an emphatic statement with a decision on reigning coach of the year Adam Kingsley.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley has signed a three-year contract extension. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Adam Kingsley says he’s grateful for “a bit more security” after signing a three-year contract extension to remain at the helm of GWS until at least 2028.

Giants chief executive Dave Matthews said Kingsley’s game plan was “built for success” and backed him to continue on the impressive trajectory which led to him being named the AFLCA’s coach of the year in his maiden season.

Appointed following Leon Cameron’s departure in mid-2022, Kingsley took the Giants from 16th to a preliminary final following a blistering second half of 2023.

Kingsley was adamant there was plenty of further room for improvement on his current playing list, which he said still had youth on its side.

GWS has committed to second-year coach Adam Kingsley until at least 2028. Picture: Brendan Thorne / Getty Images

“We currently sit fifth or sixth-youngest in terms of lists ... there’s a lot of potential there that I think myself and our coaches can really develop, and ultimately like every other club we want sustained success,” he said.

“We’re teetering on the edge at the moment around the eight, so we’ve got a bit of work to do over the next five weeks ... but I see us being able to compete like this each and every year moving forward, so I find that really exciting.”

Star defender Sam Taylor (ruptured testicle) will return after a six-week absence against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night, where a win would help shore up the Giants’ finals chances.

But the Giants will again be without former captain Stephen Coniglio, who continues to battle a shoulder issue.

“Cogs won’t play this week. His shoulder is just not quite ready, so hopefully he’ll be available next week, I suspect he will be but he’s got to get through training next week. Sam (Taylor) will play,” Kingsley said.

GWS star defender Sam Taylor (right) will return after he suffered a horror ruptured testicle in round 14 which sidelined him for six weeks. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The coach said the Giants were looking “more recognisable” after stringing together three consecutive wins, suggesting they had fixed the offensive woes which threatened their finals push during May and June.

“We got a couple of players back, which always helps, but I’ve felt like we’ve tidied up our offence. We’ve been able to generate a few more entries ... our efficiency has certainly improved,” Kingsley said.

“That was probably something we didn’t get right for a two-month period – we weren’t scoring at the level we needed to, irrespective of how many entries we were generating.”

Giants boss Dave Matthews said Kingsley’s game plan had the club’s complete faith after announcing his new deal.

“Adam has clearly had a profound impact on our playing group over the last 18 months and we’re thrilled to secure him as our head coach for three more years on top of his current contract for next season,” Matthews said.

“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.”