Team GWS has secured yet another exciting young footballer from Southern NSW with 17 year old Jacob Townsend of Leeton signing on to join the club for the next three years.

Townsend is now the sixth player from the region to join GWS under the Club’s zoning concessions.

Capping off a remarkable year, Townsend was earlier this month selected in the AIS AFL Academy Program, placing him amongst the best 30 young footballers from around the country. Adding to this impressive achievement, Townsend was the only player selected from NSW.

His work with the Team GWS TAC Cup side earned him the runners up trophy in the Club’s first ever best and fairest award and he now becomes just the second player to graduate from the GWS TAC Cup side onto the Club’s AFL list.

Townsend, a developing utility, came through the AFL (NSW/ACT) Talented Player Program and impressed earlier this year when he played a pivotal role for the Under 18 RAMS in the NAB National Championships.

Townsend said he was still in shock following a huge month for the Leeton teenager.

"It really is very exciting news and a pretty special time for me. It’s been a hectic few weeks but now I just can’t wait until it all starts.

"Coming from a small town like Leeton you just don’t get chances like this everyday. You have to make the most of the opportunities that you get, so I’m really proud that I can do this. With GWS now working in the area there are going to be just so many more opportunities for young players. I’m excited I get to be a part of that.

"I only started playing football when I was 13 so I didn’t really think I was ever going to be capable of playing at the elite level, but now it’s well and truly a dream come true."

Team GWS High Performance Manager Alan McConnell worked with Townsend through the TAC Cup season and said that he was thrilled to have Townsend continue his development with the Club.

"With the stage he is at this is a fabulous decision for both Jacob and the Club. He now gets an extra year of development. It affords us the chance to develop him far more intensely than if he stayed home in Leeton.

"We think complementing his training with the personal development he’ll get from his year with the AIS program, along with his year of schooling here at Patrician Brothers in Blacktown, collectively that will be a really rounded program for him.

"It’s always been our stated position that we wanted to have as much NSW talent on our list as possible, it’s fabulous that another young boy from Southern NSW has been recognised with a contract at our Club."

Townsend will move to Sydney in October to begin school at Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown.

GWS remains committed to providing a genuine pathway and development opportunities for players from across NSW and ACT. Townsend now joins four other Southern NSW recruits Kurt Aylett, Sam Schulz, Anthony Miles and Mark Whiley along with Canberra’s Josh Bruce.

Eighteen year old South Australian recruit Alex Carey has capped off an impressive year, making history as the club’s first ever Best and Fairest winner.

Carey, who was anointed as the club’s inaugural captain earlier this year, had an outstanding season dominating through the midfield before succumbing to a hip injury and missing the final four games.

His early form however proved strong enough to earn the points needed to edge out runner up Jacob Townsend.

GWS Head Coach Alan McConnell said Carey was a clear stand out and a deserved winner of the award.

"Alex started our season as our best player, and as captain he took responsibility for the team, playing to his full capacity every time he ran out.

"He demonstrates the values that will hold him in good stead throughout his football career and throughout his life, which is a great attribute to have and he deserves this award after a Great year of football."

Carey was thrilled to take out the award, crediting the hard work of the coaching staff across a difficult season.

"It was really surprising to hear my name. I did manage a lot of games early on so that was obviously helpful, but I certainly didn’t expect it after I missed the last few games.

"I think I’ve matured both on and off the field. Living away from home has certainly impacted on that and taking on a few extra responsibilities.

"I really enjoyed taking on the captaincy role this year and the challenges that came with it, but I most enjoyed working with Al and the coaching staff. I’ve really just learnt so much from them.

"I’m just looking forward to getting into next year now, hopefully I can have another strong season and cement a future with GWS. It’s an exciting time to be around the club."

Leeton teenager Jacob Townsend took out the runners up award capping off a remarkable year for the hard working talent, after being selected in the AIS AFL Academy just earlier this month.

Townsend commitment this season has been second to none, travelling countless kilometres from Leeton to Sydney and Melbourne every week.

McConnell said that Townsend has demonstrated tremendous qualities that hold his football in good stead for the future.

"Jake’s performance on the field has been phenomenal, his use of the ball is strong and he has demonstrated an increased level of awareness and skill.

"Jake has continued to perform well at school, despite his huge travel commitments demonstrating his passion and attention to detail  in his life

The Coaches Award was presented to 16 year old NT talent Jed Anderson, who showed fantastic leadership qualities throughout the season and demonstrated immense focus and effort resulting in a significant improvement throughout the year.

McConnell described Anderson as an extraordinary character who has the capability to do anything he puts his mind to.

"He demonstrates remarkable leadership qualities and has fantastic attack on the football. As the second youngest player at the Club, he showed great determination leaving home and pursuing his life in Sydney, which is an amazing achievement."

Josh Bruce, who earlier this year was signed to the club’s inaugural AFL list, was also recognised on the night for his All Australian selection following the National Championships.

McConnell spoke of the improvements Josh has made throughout the year.

"The start of the season, Josh would not have been considered All Australian selection. By taking a more consistent approach and a greater attack on the ball he gained the qualities he needed to impress at the National Championships."

On Saturday Team GWS faced off against the North Ballarat Rebels for their final game of the season.

In what proved to be a highly competitive contest, GWS put in an exciting performance just going down by six goals.

The game started with GWS coming out strong matching up hard on their opposition. However too much inexperience allowed the Rebels to take advantage of the centre clearances, resulting in a four goal lead over GWS.

Things looked ominous in the second quarter with the Rebels extending their lead to ten goals, but the second half saw an invigorated GWS side emerge.

Playing exciting rebounding footy, the boys worked well together to kick their first six goal term for the season.

Jake Neade provided exciting run and carry through the centre.

Jake Townsend provided reliability through the middle as well as consistent rebound out of half back.

McConnell said that the third quarter proved that Team GWS could compete with much more experienced opposition.

“To come out in our last game and put a quarter together like we did was very pleasing as a coach.

“We put some very exciting play together, showing glimpses of play that demonstrates the future at GWS.”

Three quarter time saw Team GWS reduce the margin to five goals, setting up a thrilling finish to the season.

GWS continued their exciting play into the final term, however a stronger and more experienced Rebels side had too much run throughout the last quarter.

Team GWS fought hard until the end, putting in a great effort going down by six goals.

McConnell highlighted GWS captain Kaine Stevens as a standout performer.

“Kaine had his best game for the season, his work rate with and without the ball was outstanding, and his use of the ball was tremendous.”

McConnell said that this TAC Cup side is full of young potential that can compete at an AFL level.

“This week GWS had 19 of their 24 players available to potentially become listed for GWS.

“I hope that the development that we have put in with these boys over the season, continues throughout their football careers.”

McConnell was excited by the performance of the six indigenous boys that GWS allowed to travel and experience a high level of football.

“The excitement that these boys brought contributed to every goal throughout the game.

“The list establishment rules, have given us a massive advantage throughout the season, allowing us to scout talent, and fast track the development of players that may not have been granted this opportunity.

“These boy’s come from a very diverse background, and the enjoyment that they get coming to Sydney and being comfortable with the staff makes me very proud as a coach.”

McConnell said that he has enjoyed every aspect of this season, and gives full credit to the players and staff.

“Playing 78 players for the season has been a massive advantage for the development of the club, however for this many players to gel as a team has been very difficult.

“For the players to come together and train as well as they have this year and put in the best performance that they have all season, makes the coaching staff very proud.

“The coaching staff should be acknowledged and given full credit for their passion and commitment throughout the year.

“Bringing such a diverse group together and working the way they have shows that this club has the potential it needs to develop as an AFL Club.”

Team GWS  15.14-104
Def by
North Ballarat Rebels 22.8-140

Goals: J. Bruce 5, K. Murphy 3, S. Milne 2, J. Neade 2, J. Anderson, S. Autio, K. Stevens
Bests: K. Stevens, C. Moller, J. Townsend, D. Coward, L. Hampton, T. Wales

This Saturday Team GWS will take on the North Ballarat Rebels at Blacktown Olympic Park for their final game of the season.

After a long season against very competitive opposition, Team GWS will be looking to finish their year with on a high with a strong performance.

Coming off a solid effort last week, despite losing to the Stingrays, Team GWS will be looking to play four quarter football to cap off the year.

The Rebels, currently sitting in ninth, will be looking to improve on their disappointing loss to Gippsland two weeks ago.

Team GWS Assistant Coach Brett Hand is again looking for his younger boys to stand up across four quarters and prove that they have a future at the club.

"This game is the final opportunity for the younger players to show why they are so exciting and belong in the AFL.

"We need to improve on last week and this season’s three quarter efforts, which means maintaining concentration whilst sustaining pressure across four quarters."

The end of the season marks the last chance some of the younger players to impress in the U18 competition.

Hand highlighted 16 year old Sam Autio from Darwin as well as fellow young guns Lonnie Hampton, Jed Anderson and Craig Moller as potential strong performers on Saturday.

"Sam is a skilled utility and we can’t wait to see how he reacts to the standard.

"These boys have been consistent all season, this week is their chance to show why they can be the future of AFL in Western Sydney."

Team GWS Head Coach Alan McConnell said that he is again looking forward to giving three more players a chance to play in such a high standard competition.

"With three debutants coming into the side, this increases our playing list for the season to 78, which is an outstanding effort by not only the players, but also the staff involved."

The last time these two sides clashed, the Rebels prevailed in a tight encounter. However with a strong following at Blacktown this weekend, Team GWS will be looking to show their home crowd the improvements in their game since the start of the season.

McConnell wants a more balanced approach from the team.

"We spend a lot of time either chasing the ball or our man, and we need find the mixture between the two that allows us to beat our opposition.

"Our ability to kick goals is important, our hard work needs to be rewarded if we want finish our season with a win."

The coaches are also looking for their experienced players to maintain their competitiveness throughout this game and into pre season.

"Kaine Stevens, Josh Bruce and Jake Townsend have displayed their capabilities this season and we are looking for a committed effort before their transition into pre season," said Hand.

After a long hard season traveling, Hand said it would be good if their work was rewarded with a strong outing against the Rebels.

"It’s been a hard road, we have put in a lot of effort over the past eight months, so a solid performance would cap off the hard work that have put in this season."

This week is a milestone for Team GWS, after a tiresome season promoting the club we are greeted with new and exciting prospects next year, be sure to celebrate with Team GWS by supporting our final game in the TAC Cup this week at Blacktown Olympic Park.

Follow the live scores on Team GWS Twitter and Facebook with quarterly updates, in what is set to be a great clash for a deserving Team GWS side.

In what proved to be a tough contest, Team GWS put in a strong effort but were unable to stay with the Stingrays across all four quarters.

Team GWS came out firing in the first quarter stringing together some fast and skilled play to kick four goals for the term, taking a one goal lead into quarter time.

Unfortunately Team GWS were unable to maintain their advantage in the second term, the Stingrays asserting their dominance with a seven goal term and taking a six goal lead into half time.

However Team GWS Head Coach Alan McConnell was pleased with the side’s intensity and effort.

“Despite the score, the boys’ effort across the field was evident and was pleasing to see as a coach.

“It was a much better performance from a younger GWS side.”

The third term saw GWS find their feet again, putting some silky play together resulting in four goals to stay in touch with the Stingrays.

McConnell describing Jed Anderson’s three goal performance at full forward as impressive.

“His versatility across the field is very promising considering his age.”

Kaine Stevens also fought hard all game and was rewarded with plenty of ball which he used efficiently.

However the very young GWS side did not have the legs in the final term allowing the Stingrays to run away with it.

McConnell was pleased with the side’s performance and the way they reacted to an impressive Stingrays side.

“The team’s ability to play a more balanced game of football in three quarters was pleasing.

“We were just too young to stay with them however the scoreboard didn’t indicate the intensity that the boys displayed.”

McConnell highlighted U16 ruckman Craig Moller as a standout.

“Craig put in a fabulous effort in the ruck and across the ground, his opponent was recently granted an AIS scholarship, but Craig was dominant and controlling in the ruck.

“Its really promising for a player of his age and stature to be playing so well, as taller boys usually take longer to develop.”

McConnell also labeled David Coward’s performance as impressive. David boards at Geelong Grammar School and came up from his home in Canberra for the first time to make his debut for Team GWS.

“David is a very skillful and athletic midfielder and has an impressive future in front of him.”

This coming Saturday Team GWS will be looking to finish their season with a strong performance against the North Ballarat Rebels at Blacktown Olympic Park, which is sure to be a great clash.

Dandenong Stingrays 25.21-171
def
Team GWS 8.4-52

Goal Kickers: J. Anderson 3, S. Milne, J. Bruce, A. Flagg, C. Moller, D. Coward
Best Players: C. Moller, D. Coward, K. Stevens, J. Neade, S. Milne, J. Anderson

Team GWS has today welcomed talented midfielder Sam Darley to the club, with the young Tasmanian signing on to join GWS for the next three years.

Darley becomes the second 17 year old to be priority listed by the club for 2011. Under the list concession afforded to GWS, the club is able to select up to a dozen players born between January and April 1993.

A member of the AIS AFL Academy squad, Darley, 185cm and 73kg, has had in impressive season starring for North Hobart in the Tasmania State League, earning him valuable experience against older bigger bodied opponents.

His performance for Tasmania in the recent under-18s national carnival saw Darley awarded the Hunter-Harrison Medal as the best player in division two and subsequently earned himself selection in the All Australian side, along with fellow GWS recruits Josh Bruce and Anthony Miles.

Darley travelled to Sydney last week to meet with GWS officials and said that he was excited about the challenge ahead and couldn’t wait to make the move north.

"It’s a massive honour to be asked to join Team GWS. To play for an AFL club is a dream I’ve had since I was just three years old. It’s surreal that it’s actually happening.

"I guess the biggest benefits for me are the number of opportunities that I’m going to be presented with by being part of this start up club. With so many young players coming through together and with the amazing facilities and staff that are put in place to support you, the next few years are going to be really exciting.

"I made a lot of great friends through the AIS AFL Academy program, particularly through the tour. To possibly have some of my close mates here with me as we go through this next stage together is really comforting.

"I’ve been a Bombers fan since I was very young. I just can’t believe that now I get run out next year with Kevin Sheedy as my coach. It’s something that I am really proud of, I can’t believe that all my hard work has put me in this position."

Travelling with the AIS AFL Academy squad earlier this year, Darley impressed GWS recruiters from the outset with Head Coach Kevin Sheedy praising the midfielder’s skills and leadership.

"He’s a really smooth running midfielder, he sets up the play beautifully and carries the ball well. From our view he is one of the elite midfielders that we want to develop within our club at that age.

"I really enjoyed getting to know Sam in South Africa. It’s great to see a young man mature on a trip like that. It was a wonderful experience for all of us.

"Sam’s had the benefit of playing senior footy the last few years and that has started to show. I’m looking forward to seeing him develop in the next few years. It’s going to be an exciting time for all of us at the club."

AIS AFL Academy coach Jason McCartney congratulated Sam on joining GWS.

"Sam’s a very promising young prospect who has consistently delivered over the past twelve months at National Championships and at AIS level. He rarely fumbles and has elite kicking skills which are important attributes in the modern game.

"The opportunity to join GWS is perfect for Sam. He is certainly ready to embark on an AFL career and I think it will be really beneficial for him that he doesn’t have to wait that extra year. I think he’ll thrive in the elite training environment.

"Sam has some outstanding leadership qualities and I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops with GWS. I wish him all the best."

Darley is currently in year 11 at Guilford Young College, but will relocate to Sydney later this year to finish his schooling in 2011 at Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown.

Team GWS has now signed 10 players to its inaugural 2012 AFL list, with Darley joining Victorian Tim Golds, Canberra’s Josh Bruce, Southern NSW recruits Kurt Aylett, Sam Schulz, Anthony Miles and Mark Whiley along with NT duo Shaun Edwards and Curtly Hampton and NRL star Israel Folau.

Team GWS is pleased to announce that ISC has signed a four year deal to become the first official apparel partner of the AFL’s newest club.

Team GWS now joins the likes of the Sydney Swans, St Kilda and reigning premiers the Geelong Cats in the ISC stable, who will be charged with creating the design of the inaugural playing strip for the AFL’s 18th team.

A training range will be released for the 2011 season before the Club and ISC unveil the playing Guernsey for the Western Sydney teams first official season.

“ISC have a strong history in Australian sport and the signing of Team GWS is a great acquisition for our brand,” said ISC CEO Brett Corrick.

“We are very excited to have Team GWS as part of our family and are honoured to be a part of their inaugural season. This is such an exciting period for the AFL and ISC as we continue our expansion further into Australian sport.

“As part of our charter to create high performance playing and training garments, we will work closely with the coaching staff and players to ensure that ISC play their part in Team GWS making an impression on the AFL from the very beginning.”

Team GWS Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said this was an important partnership for the club.

"We are extremely proud to announce ISC as the official apparel partner of the club. One of our main focuses in building this club is to attract the best people and businesses to work with us.

"ISC are Australian leaders in the industry known for their innovation. As a club this is something that is important to us.

"They have a proven record across professional sport in Australia - you need only look at the 2009 AFL Grand Final to see the impact ISC has had, with both St Kilda and Geelong proudly wearing ISC apparel.

"As we move closer to playing in our first AFL season, this partnership will be critically important for representing our club and players both on and off the field."

The ISC stable currently consists of 15 teams across the AFL, NRL, Super 14 and UK Super League.

Team GWS Chairman Tony Shepherd has today welcomed the announcement that Team GWS has been awarded the AFL’s 18^th licence.

The announcement came today as the State Government formally signed off the funding for the redevelopment of Sydney Showgrounds, which will host Team GWS home matches from 2012 and the finalisation of the user agreement with the Royal Agricultural Society.

"This is one of the biggest milestones for our club. I am extremely proud of the hard work from our dedicated team over the last 12 to 18 months. It is a credit to all of us that the AFL has recognised this hard work by awarding us the AFL’s 18th licence," said Shepherd.

"I would like to thank Andrew Demetriou, Mike Fitzpatrick, the AFL Commission and the AFL Executive for the support they have given my team through this journey so far and for awarding us the licence.

"The AFL has always stated that this is a generational decision and has never waivered in their support. It is important that we reward the faith they have shown in us and the faith shown by our sponsors, our supporters and of course our new players.

"I would like to sincerely thank Premier Kristina Keneally and the NSW State Government, and in particular Kevin Green and David Borger who are here today, for the support they have shown for what we at Team GWS are trying to achieve. As a community-based club, we applaud the government’s decision to revitalise and reinvigorate an existing facility.

"We look forward to working with Peter King and RAS as we embark on a new chapter together for the iconic Sydney Showgrounds. We are extremely thankful to the RAS for allowing us the opportunity to use their venue as our home ground."

The redevelopment will ensure that the RAS will now be able to attract more sporting and community events including  rugby league, soccer, festivals and most importantly provide better facilities for the members of the RAS and the community to enjoy the Sydney Royal Easter show. 

Team GWS has always remained committed to developing a home ground for our fans which will create an intimate and enjoyable experience, at a venue that sits proudly within Greater Western Sydney."

Chief Executive Officer Dale Holmes thanked the community and the Team GWS supporters for their commitment to the club.

"We wouldn’t be here today without the huge support we have received from the community. This is an historic milestone, not only for us, but for the football community across Australia and most importantly for the 2.1 million people of Greater Western Sydney.

"From the outset people have said that this wouldn’t happen, that we wouldn’t reach the criteria. But as a club we never faulted, we stayed committed to our vision.

"As a club we are now more committed than ever to establishing a community focused football club that will represent the people of Greater Western Sydney. Now we can move forward with launching this football club and creating our identity."

The AFL Commission today announced that it had granted Team GWS a licence to become the 18th team in the AFL competition, starting in 2012.

The announcement of the licence being granted was made today after the formal signing of an agreement with the NSW Government and the RAS for a $60 million redevelopment of the Sydney Showgrounds – the home ground of Team GWS.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said the AFL Commission had approved the 18th licence after Team GWS had met all criteria required of it by the AFL Commission.

He said the finalisation of the agreement for the development of the Showgrounds Stadium to stage AFL games was the final component after Team GWS had achieved all criteria set by the Commission to establish an 18th team representing Greater Western Sydney.

Mr Demetriou made the announcement of the 18th team today at a signing ceremony at Sydney Showgrounds with the NSW Sports Minister Kevin Greene MP and the NSW Minister for Western Sydney, David Borger MP, chairman of Team GWS, Tony Shepherd, CEO Dale Holmes and Team GWS coach Kevin Sheedy.

Under the agreement, the NSW Government has committed $45 million, the RAS $5 million and the AFL $10 million to the redevelopment of the Showgrounds into a venue that will not only host AFL games but provide improved facilities for the Royal Easter show and other major cultural and sporting events.

Mr Demetriou thanked the Premier and the NSW Government for supporting a new national team that would bring jobs, tourism and opportunities to the people of Western Sydney.

AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the granting of the 18th licence was an historic decision and paid tribute to the work of Team GWS in building the case for a team in Greater Western Sydney.

“The work that has been completed by Team GWS over the past year has been first-class and the planning they have put into building the foundations of an AFL club and establishing the fundamentals and business model for future growth has been outstanding,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“It is always a big decision to bring in a new club and while we know the challenges that lie ahead, we also know that Team GWS has reached a position where we are able to grant the licence.

“While I want to pay tribute to the work of Tony Shepherd, Dale Holmes and Team GWS, I also want to thank the 16 current clubs for their support of the introduction of Team GWS into the AFL competition. We couldn’t have undertaken this process without that unanimous support for the expansion of the competition.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the AFL club presidents had been briefed on the Commission’s approval of the 18th licence.

“I also want to thank the AFL Executive team led by Andrew Demetriou and Gillon McLachlan for their work through this process.”
Mr Demetriou also paid tribute to Mr Shepherd, Mr Holmes, Kevin Sheedy and all members of Team GWS for their work in reaching the criteria set by the Commission.

“Team GWS has worked closely with businesses and families across Greater Western Sydney and much of the success of their campaign to date has been the support of the local community,” Mr Demetriou said.

“We are also extremely grateful to the NSW Government and look forward to working with them to build this club and deliver more jobs, tourism, economic activity and opportunities for the families of Western Sydney,” Mr Demetriou said.

“We are committed to investing heavily in our game development programs and in building the game from the community level through to establishing a new team in Greater Western Sydney and we have had wonderful support from the community, business and government because of the hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in tourism and economic benefits a sporting team brings.”

Team GWS is pleased to announce the signing of a young rising star from Greater Western Sydney with 16 year old Stuart Turner signing a two year scholarship with Team GWS under the AFL (NSW/ACT) Scholarship program.

Turner, described as an aggressive midfield and forward utility, has played four games for Team GWS with the club’s TAC Cup side and impressed the coaching staff early, but has unfortunately been sidelined with a foot injury.

The scholarship announcement comes after Turner put in an impressive performance at the U16 AFL NSW/ACT State Zone Carnival in April, and his selection in the U16 NSW/ACT RAMS.

Turner started playing football with Westbrook Junior AFL Club at just four years old, before moving to Pennant Hills Football Club earlier this year to play U18’s Premier division.

The rising star said that he was looking forward to the challenges ahead with Team GWS.

"I’m really excited, it’s been a dream since I was seven to play AFL footy, and this opportunity gives me a great chance to fulfill that.

"I have been training with GWS for a while now and it’s such a privilege to work under the likes of Alan McConnell and Kevin Sheedy. Everyone there is very friendly and they take the time to talk to you about anything.

"I can’t believe it, I have been given an opportunity to do something that I love and now I can focus on my footy and hopefully develop as a player for the future."

Team GWS will have the capacity to primary list Turner at the end of 2012, giving him the opportunity of joining Josh Bruce as one of few players to graduate from the club’s inaugural TAC Cup side.

"Going down to Melbourne to play my first TAC game just made me want this more, and now I have the opportunity to put that into action and hopefully reward GWS with the faith they have showed in me."

Team GWS High Performance Manager Alan McConnell said that he was looking forward to working with Turner over the next two years.

"We’re very pleased to have him on board with Team GWS, and it’s an exiting opportunity for him as a player.

"Stuart is a fine young man who comes from an enthusiastic family and support network who enjoy supporting him and watching him play.

"He’s still overcoming a foot injury, however has been improving throughout the year and I am sure he will continue to develop in the future."

Turner is currently completing year ten at Norwest Christian College, and lives at home with his parents and sister Montana in Castle Hill.

The club’s medical staff hope that he will be able to play in the final round of the TAC Cup in August.