Congratulations to Marcus Crook and Ben Hughes and all at Ainslie wish them the best for their NAB Cup game with GWS.
The Giants invited Hughes, Crook and Queanbeyan's Mitch Daniher to train with their main squad at Blacktown on Wednesday. They were selected due to their good performance when playing for an AFL Canberra representative side against the Giants last weekend.
Crook and Hughes both achieved premiership success with Ainslie last year as well as each player also being named in the All-Australian team following the Australian Country Football Championships held in Canberra. Crook was also named Player of the Carnival.
Last season Daniher became a dual Mulrooney Medallist taking out the award for the second year in a row following his impressive seasons in 2009 and 2010.
From AFL Canberra Website
ACT players Mitch Daniher, Marcus Crook and Ben Hughes will all get their chance to play for the GIANTS in Saturday night’s NAB Cup matches when the GIANTS take on the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at Black Town Olympic Park.
Having trained with the GIANTS yesterday afternoon, all three ACT representatives have been told to expect some game time on Saturday.
Daniher, who was Captain of the ACT side that defeated the GIANTS on Saturday, will hopefully get a start in both games being told he will be a substitute for the first game against the Swans and be in the first 24 for their second game against the Suns.
Daniher was very pleased to find out that he would actually be playing in the games on Saturday.
"I was a bit shocked when they told us that we would be playing on the weekend. It’s a really great opportunity for all of us and I’m really looking forward to playing against AFL quality in the NAB Cup."
For Crook and Hughes, they have both also been told to expect game time in the second match against the Suns thus giving them their chance to realise an AFL dream.
AFL Canberra General Manger Jack Masters said he was wrapped at the opportunity the GIANTS are giving Canberra’s local talent.
"This selection shows the strength of our local competition and that the players we are producing are able to make the jump to professional AFL if they are given the chance."
"I’m really excited to see the boys in action, when they get their chance, and I believe that they will do themselves and Canberra proud"
"Congratulations to Mitch, Marcus and Ben on the opportunity they have earned for themselves."
Further adding to the AFL experience, ACT Coach Mark Armstrong will have the opportunity to be involved with the GIANTS coaching staff in this weekend’s matches also
Daniher, Crook and Hughes were selected by the GIANTS coaching staff after all putting out strong performances on Saturday when the ACT Representative side managed to overcome the young GIANTS by 12 points.
See the three ACT players in action for the GIANTS:
Saturday February 19
GWS Giants v Sydney Swans at Blacktown Olympic Park, 7.15pm
Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at Blacktown Olympic Park, 8.20pm (approx)
GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns at Blacktown Olympic Park, 9.25pm (approx)
Last Modified on 17/02/2011 22:44