The Sunshine Coast's reputation as a preseason training base for AFL sides has been bolstered by the news Greater Western Sydney is headed to Noosa.
The Leon Cameron- coached expansion club will use the Noosa Tigers' Weyba Road complex from December 15-21.
It is hoped it will lead to a permanent relationship.
A Giants delegation including Chief Executive, David Matthews and Cameron visited Noosa recently to inspect the facilities.
Noosa said the Giants were 'quite impressed' with what they saw, but concerned about the oval's surface quality.
The Club said those concerns were allayed when the Sunshine Coast Council pledged to improve the surface.
It is understood 48 players and 22 officials will be in Noosa for the training camp.
Noosa said it was chosen over Cairns.
It will be Giants' last hitout before the Christmas break and follows other AFL Clubs using Maroochydore as a pre-season training camp in recent years, including reigning premiers, Hawthorn.
Also Brisbane and Carlton played a NAB Cup match at Maroochydore last year.
Noosa Committee Member, Ian O'Dwyer said the Giants decision to use Noosa futher illustrated the destination's appeal to elite teams and athletes.
"It is big for Noosa itself," he said.
"I think when you start to see the amount of people who come to Noosa on a regular basis- world-class triathletes, ironmen, rugby union (teams), swimmers and others- it's testimony to Noosa having a great climate and great training facilities for all types of codes.
"Council jumped on board and is helping out to get the surface up to scratch, and we're looking forward to the week GWS is up here and hopefully we can build a permanent relationship."
Article published in the Sunshine Coast Daily Thursday October 24, 2013.
Last Modified on 09/12/2013 16:05