GWS Giants, Aussie Rules Football

In April 2016, the Giants launched a bid to enter a team in the inaugural AFL Women's season in 2017. The club had previously partnered with the local Auburn Giants Football Club and run a female Academy program.[71] They were announced as a founding club in June, receiving one of eight licenses awarded at this time.[72] Former AFL NSW/ACT Female Football High Performance coach Tim Schmidt was announced as the team's inaugural head coach in July 2016.[73] Days later the club announced its first two players, marquee signings Renee Forth and Emma Swanson.[74] As a result of the NSW/ACT talent pool's size and depth, the Giants were granted five priority signings prior to the draft, the most of any club in the league.[75] Prior to the draft, the club had recruited no NSW/ACT players, instead drawing three from Western Australia, three from Victoria and one more from South Australia. In September the Giants won the first selection in the inaugural draft via lottery, and selected Sydney University player Nicola Barr.[76] The team was sponsored by Harvey Norman, FlexiGroup and Sydney Airport in its inaugural season.[77] In July 2017 it was announced Giants AFL director of coaching Alan McConnell would replace Tim Schmidt as coach of side.[78] The 2018 Giants AFLW Captain is Amanda Farrugia and the vice-captain is Alicia Eva.