Manly Wolves Now in Giants Clothing

[Norris Lurker]

The Greater Western Sydney geographical area seems to have grown somewhat.

It's a bigger land grab than "Battle of the Bridge" lol. It was only a few years ago that people in the Western Suburbs tried to pretend they weren't - now Greater Western Sydney stretches all the way to Tony Abbott's electorate.....

I don't think anyone really knows what "partnership" means; but I have a suspicion we're in Mount Molehill territory. The devil's in the detail - but although they're talking it up now, I can't believe GWS would put too much into a club that's in the Swans' zone. What's in it for GWS?

[MrTaxman]

But any team can wear orange and call themselves Giants, they don't need GWS's permission to do it.

I think the way that the media release was written using terms such as "partnership" that it is a lot more than just a team electing to change name & colours. One Manly player on the AFL Sydney FB page indicated that GWS approached them. There is definitely a financial arrangement of some sort & I think that has rightly put the nose out of joint for a number of different stakeholders (from members to sponsors and local clubs right through to government organisations) as it has gone against the club's original charter. Even worse, there are bigger ramifications for a western Sydney club who are oblivious to the fact that they could be without a home ground next year as a result of this announcement showing GWS' "commitment" to the region and by default the competition will also be down a finals venue.

[saviour01]

The Greater Western Sydney geographical area seems to have grown somewhat.

remember when sheeds went to prague to sell the gws brand or some crap?

what a joke. don't get it.

[mountainsofpain]

The Greater Western Sydney geographical area seems to have grown somewhat.

[Norris Lurker]

This is an interesting one - Manly are changing their identity, and becoming the Giants.

It's a bold move, especially after they had so much success last season as the Wolves. To change their branding during the club's golden era is certainly a courageous move.
In the early 2000s, we saw several clubs form alliances with AFL clubs, many changing their colours and names. Most ended up changing back within a few years. Even here in Sydney, tradition is important to plenty of footy people.
And when zoning was re-introduced, there was nothing in it for the AFL clubs to keep the alliances going with no prospect of recruiting players from those clubs. Manly are zoned to the Swans, so GWS won't get any players from them even if they're called Giants.

Looking at the GWS Facebook page, it's caused a bit of angst among GWS fans. But any team can wear orange and call themselves Giants, they don't need GWS's permission to do it.
It's a nice photo op for the Manly club.