The GWS Giants are considering a name change that will take the club into the next phase of its development, according to a report by AFL.com.au.
The team had dropped Greater Western Sydney from its name unofficially in 2018, simply referring to itself as the ‘GIANTS’ in capital letters.
But it appears the team is looking to officially rebrand. The club’s chair Tim Reed told the website people who live in the region don’t identify with the term Greater Western Sydney and favoured a transition into being referred to just as the “Giants”.
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The club claims the “Giants” moniker is a more consistent way to sell its brand and reach fans.
Despite the unofficial move in 2018, the club is still listed as GWS Giants on the official AFL ladder, fixture and in other publications.
Toby Greene of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal. via Getty Images
North Melbourne changed its name to just the ‘Kangaroos’ from 1999 to 2007, but then reverted back to having their location in their official name.
GWS has its second base in Canberra, where it plays three home games out of Manuka Oval.
And former Magpies president Eddie McGuire believes a move to the ACT should be more permanent and the team should broaden their approach in adopting a new name.
“I just think the New South Wales Giants and get them playing as they are in Canberra. And get the whole lot don’t just look at one little pocket,” McGuire told Nine’s Footy Classified.
“When they went with GWS it’s because they didn’t want to call themselves the Blacktown Giants or anything else.
“They wanted to spread it out in much the same way as the the Western Bulldogs have been able to do rather than go for Footscray, they took out a whole area.
“I think the Giants brand is fantastic, and I think New South Wales is pretty strong for them as well, particularly if you get into Canberra. Canberra’s where all the money is.”
The Giants have started the season 3-5 after a spate of injuries to key players.
Chief executive Dave Matthews announced last month this season would be his last at the helm.