Tara Murray
It’s been a positive start for the Gisborne Giants as they prepare for life in the Riddell District Football League senior competition.
The Giants have started to put their list together for their inaugural season, building on the success of their under-19 program.
Giants coach Andrew Hall said he couldn’t have asked for anything more at this stage of the process.
“It has been terrific,” he said. “The Gisborne Giants Football Club has been such an enjoyable experience.
“They talk about connection, community and culture and they’ve kicked off on the right foot. I’ve never felt so welcome at the club.”
The club started the process of building their first senior side with 20 players from their under-19 program which has made the past two grand finals and won the premiership this year.
Hall said it was then about placing some experienced players around them to support them.
Brad Mangan will skipper the side.
Mangan was drafted to North Melbourne in 2012 and played in a Victorian Football League premiership in 2015.
More recently he has played with Kyabram in the Goulburn Valley league, playing in four grand finals and playing in two premierships.
Hall said Mangan, who lives locally, had been really important in the process.
“To date he has been extraordinary,” he said. “He’s had involvement in recruiting and made himself available when we’ve needed him.
‘He’s a big acquisition for the footy club.”
Matthew Wallace is a defender having played with Keilor previously.
Jiya Mitchell crosses from the Sunbury Lions, having also played at Rupertswood. Cooper Moore and Daniel Nutt also cross from the Sunbury Lions.
Hall said the pair along with Mangan would provide good experience for the younger guys.
Also joining the Giants are Dylan Cunningham, Blake Tirchett, Zac Ploog, Blake Lawson and James O’Connor.
All are crossing from the Sunbury Kangaroos and have senior footy experience.
Hall said they had appreciated the hard work the recruits’ previous clubs had done to set a good platform and stepping stone to play regular senior football.
The club is set to announce a number of other signings in the coming weeks ahead of pre-season training kicking off on November 8.
Hall said for them it was important to set the standards right from the start. He said footy director Aaron McLean had also played a massive role in setting this.
“We want to develop players and make it an enjoyable environment that favours them playing community sport for a long time,” he said.
“We want to provide that pathway. We’re hoping it becomes an attractive proposition to players and their families.
“We’ve got things in play to prepare players for an amazing 2025 season.”
