Manly-Warringah Giants will this week have their chance to rub salt into the wound of the team they defeated in last year’s grand final.
Taking on Pennant Hills in Round Two, the newly badged Giants are set to unfurl the 2013 Premiership Flag to a touch of fanfare at their first home game of the season.
Club President, Russell Clack humbly acknowledges that this will be a grand moment in history for the club.
“We are very proud of the achievement, and at the same time honoured to be given the opportunity to compete for it.”
“It has significant meaning across the club and represents a culmination of 45 years since the foundation of the club, reflective of the tremendous efforts many people have put into the club on an off the field.”
Adding to the emotion of the moment for Manly-Warringah, the 2013 Premiership Flag will be raised in front of their only living club founder, Harry Marston, whose birthday fell on the same day that the then Wolves came away with the 8-point victory.
It has been a busy lead up to the season for the reigning premiers. Announcing their affiliation with Greater Western Sydney, the Wolves became the Giants and a new era officially commenced at the club.
In an aim to raise the profile of the club, and the game of AFL, across the Northern Beaches region, Clack is enthused by the local community’s swift response to the new alliance.
“From a club point of view we are already learning the way…an elite AFL club operates, and have also had much new interest in people wanting to come down to the club and help out.
Clack admits that it may take some time to embed their new title amongst long-time supporters, however, ensures that the traditional Wolves culture remains at the crux of their game.
“We will be working hard to maintain the tie with the Wolves identity, as an example, having a heritage round once a year where we wear the Wolves jumpers, and we are also keeping our maroon and white club colours…”
On field, Clack warns other clubs to expect an unpredictable defence of the Bill Hart Cup. Planning to pick up where they left off in 2013, the Giants aim to play “competitive accountable football” each week, and enjoy their time on the field along the way.
Fielding a range of new recruits, the Giants welcome the healthy competition for selection that has blossomed during the pre-season, and with early predictions of a Pennant Hills triumph in 2014, Clack relishes their underdog title.
“We prefer the underdog status as that is when we play our best football. With that said, Pennant Hills are deserving of the ranking, they have a talented football side.”
Away from the Premier Division side, Manly-Warringah are pleased with the depth coming out of Weldon Oval.
“Our Under 19 side is moving up to Division 1 this season, and they look stronger than ever.”
“[With] our Premier Division and Division 2 sides, we expect them to be as highly competitive as last year. With our Division 4, side we are looking to take the next step and be competitive consistently…”
With growth, comes expansion and for the Giants this sees the birth of a women’s side in 2014. Coached by the ever-capable Samantha Engel, the team is said to have made their mark within the club already.
“I think they will surprise a few as most of the girls come from sports background, and they have banded really well together and look a team on the track.”
Last Modified on 04/04/2014 21:18
