Our new Homebush

PHIL Gould might not approve but GWS are adamant their state-of-the-art training venue at Sydney Olympic Park will propel them to premiership success.

GWS

PHIL Gould might not approve but the Greater Western Sydney Giants are adamant their state-of-the-art training venue at Sydney Olympic Park will propel them to premiership success.

Gould yesterday criticised the Giants for abandoning their Blacktown roots - a claim refuted by GWS's top brass.

But there is no denying the impressive nature of the development even though some work is yet to completed.

Giants chief executive Dave Matthews said the training venue would allow the AFL's newest franchise to compete with the big guns of the competition including Collingwood, Essendon, West Coast and the table-topping Swans.

Giants players and coaches will have access to the best sports science, medicine and training facilities in the one area.

"It will help us compete for premierships," Matthews told The Daily Telegraph.

"Having a permanent training centre will enlarge our footprint across western Sydney and help us retain the very best talent."

The Giants have endured a semi-nomadic existence since their inception into the AFL.

It was not until round 9 that their home ground, Skoda Stadium, was open for business.

And they have been without a full-time training venue - forced to practice in six different venues during the pre-season, including the car park at their Blacktown administrative base.

"We've already had some sessions at the NSWIS gym and have met some of the athletes that use it," Steven Coniglio said.

"Over time I hope we can build some relationships and chat to them about how they go about their sports and bring other knowledge into the AFL.

"It was frustrating (during the pre-season) but now we have the new facility we won't have to worry - it'll be great to go to the one spot and train.

"It's certainly handy to be in an Olympic village with the athletics track and swimming pool just down the road."

"It was frustrating but now we have the new facility we won't have to worry - it'll be great to go to the one spot and train."

Coniglio has returned to WA for the mid season break after undergoing surgery to repair tendon damage on his thumb. He is expected to miss the next four matches for the Giants but is hopeful of an earlier return of all goes well.

The Giants face Richmond in their second game at Skoda stadium on Saturday night.

The home game will be welcome given that players and coaches have travelled 10 times already this season including NAB Cup fixtures.

They will play five of their remaining 12 matches this season at the new venue.

The new training oval is expected to be finished by the end of the year and the building completed in 2013.

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