Latest news with #CulturalHeritageSeries
The Advertiser
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Tigers in their sights as Giants eye culture of success
Locking down Richmond's goal-kickers will be just one part of GWS defender Connor Idun's job at Engie Stadium. Snaring back-to-back wins by defeating the Tigers on Saturday remains the No.1 agenda item, but Idun is also out to put on a show in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture. A new initiative by the AFL this year, the fixture will celebrate the diverse cultures in western Sydney - a community where more than 40 per cent of the population are immigrants, according to the 2021 Census. GWS are one of nine AFL clubs taking part in the initiative, but it is a continuation of an annual multicultural-focused game the club has held since 2016. Of Ghanaian background, Idun doesn't need anyone to spell out the importance of the fixture. Born in the UK to an English-Ghanaian dad and white Australian mum, the 24-year-old grew up in Drysdale near Geelong. It wasn't until arriving at the Giants in 2018 that Idun began reconnecting with his Ghanaian roots. "I guess I neglected it a little bit growing up. Where I grew up, I was probably one of the only coloured people," Idun told AAP. "Coming to the club, (vice-captain) Stephen Coniglio is great at it, just making sure we're being proud of our culture and speaking a lot about it. "I'm starting to piece together why I've got all this energy, why I am who I am." South Sudanese player Leek Aleer and Irish forward Callum Brown, of Jamaican descent, will also play against the Tigers. Western Sydney local Josaia Delana, of Fijian background, also made his debut this season. "It's always good having a few coloured brothers around," Idun said. "It's funny, you don't have to even meet them, but you've just got a closer connection." Ladder positions suggest eight-placed GWS (6-5) have the upper hand against 16th-placed (3-8) Richmond, but the Giants haven't claimed back-to-back wins since round five. The Tigers will also welcome back premiership stars Tom Lynch (concussion), Toby Nankervis (managed) and Dion Prestia (achilles) after the trio missed last week's scrappy loss to Essendon. "We definitely can't underestimate them (Richmond). They're playing with a lot of grit and determination at the moment," Idun said. "When they get their tails up, they're very dangerous, and they've got a lot of young talent that are up for the fight. "We're going to have to bring it out again. If not, they'll teach us a lesson." GWS regain Josh Kelly (hip) and Toby McMullin (adductor), with Jacob Wehr and Harry Rowston making way. Locking down Richmond's goal-kickers will be just one part of GWS defender Connor Idun's job at Engie Stadium. Snaring back-to-back wins by defeating the Tigers on Saturday remains the No.1 agenda item, but Idun is also out to put on a show in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture. A new initiative by the AFL this year, the fixture will celebrate the diverse cultures in western Sydney - a community where more than 40 per cent of the population are immigrants, according to the 2021 Census. GWS are one of nine AFL clubs taking part in the initiative, but it is a continuation of an annual multicultural-focused game the club has held since 2016. Of Ghanaian background, Idun doesn't need anyone to spell out the importance of the fixture. Born in the UK to an English-Ghanaian dad and white Australian mum, the 24-year-old grew up in Drysdale near Geelong. It wasn't until arriving at the Giants in 2018 that Idun began reconnecting with his Ghanaian roots. "I guess I neglected it a little bit growing up. Where I grew up, I was probably one of the only coloured people," Idun told AAP. "Coming to the club, (vice-captain) Stephen Coniglio is great at it, just making sure we're being proud of our culture and speaking a lot about it. "I'm starting to piece together why I've got all this energy, why I am who I am." South Sudanese player Leek Aleer and Irish forward Callum Brown, of Jamaican descent, will also play against the Tigers. Western Sydney local Josaia Delana, of Fijian background, also made his debut this season. "It's always good having a few coloured brothers around," Idun said. "It's funny, you don't have to even meet them, but you've just got a closer connection." Ladder positions suggest eight-placed GWS (6-5) have the upper hand against 16th-placed (3-8) Richmond, but the Giants haven't claimed back-to-back wins since round five. The Tigers will also welcome back premiership stars Tom Lynch (concussion), Toby Nankervis (managed) and Dion Prestia (achilles) after the trio missed last week's scrappy loss to Essendon. "We definitely can't underestimate them (Richmond). They're playing with a lot of grit and determination at the moment," Idun said. "When they get their tails up, they're very dangerous, and they've got a lot of young talent that are up for the fight. "We're going to have to bring it out again. If not, they'll teach us a lesson." GWS regain Josh Kelly (hip) and Toby McMullin (adductor), with Jacob Wehr and Harry Rowston making way. Locking down Richmond's goal-kickers will be just one part of GWS defender Connor Idun's job at Engie Stadium. Snaring back-to-back wins by defeating the Tigers on Saturday remains the No.1 agenda item, but Idun is also out to put on a show in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture. A new initiative by the AFL this year, the fixture will celebrate the diverse cultures in western Sydney - a community where more than 40 per cent of the population are immigrants, according to the 2021 Census. GWS are one of nine AFL clubs taking part in the initiative, but it is a continuation of an annual multicultural-focused game the club has held since 2016. Of Ghanaian background, Idun doesn't need anyone to spell out the importance of the fixture. Born in the UK to an English-Ghanaian dad and white Australian mum, the 24-year-old grew up in Drysdale near Geelong. It wasn't until arriving at the Giants in 2018 that Idun began reconnecting with his Ghanaian roots. "I guess I neglected it a little bit growing up. Where I grew up, I was probably one of the only coloured people," Idun told AAP. "Coming to the club, (vice-captain) Stephen Coniglio is great at it, just making sure we're being proud of our culture and speaking a lot about it. "I'm starting to piece together why I've got all this energy, why I am who I am." South Sudanese player Leek Aleer and Irish forward Callum Brown, of Jamaican descent, will also play against the Tigers. Western Sydney local Josaia Delana, of Fijian background, also made his debut this season. "It's always good having a few coloured brothers around," Idun said. "It's funny, you don't have to even meet them, but you've just got a closer connection." Ladder positions suggest eight-placed GWS (6-5) have the upper hand against 16th-placed (3-8) Richmond, but the Giants haven't claimed back-to-back wins since round five. The Tigers will also welcome back premiership stars Tom Lynch (concussion), Toby Nankervis (managed) and Dion Prestia (achilles) after the trio missed last week's scrappy loss to Essendon. "We definitely can't underestimate them (Richmond). They're playing with a lot of grit and determination at the moment," Idun said. "When they get their tails up, they're very dangerous, and they've got a lot of young talent that are up for the fight. "We're going to have to bring it out again. If not, they'll teach us a lesson." GWS regain Josh Kelly (hip) and Toby McMullin (adductor), with Jacob Wehr and Harry Rowston making way.
West Australian
30-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Tigers in their sights as Giants eye culture of success
Locking down Richmond's goal-kickers will be just one part of GWS defender Connor Idun's job at Engie Stadium. Snaring back-to-back wins by defeating the Tigers on Saturday remains the No.1 agenda item, but Idun is also out to put on a show in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture. A new initiative by the AFL this year, the fixture will celebrate the diverse cultures in western Sydney - a community where more than 40 per cent of the population are immigrants, according to the 2021 Census. GWS are one of nine AFL clubs taking part in the initiative, but it is a continuation of an annual multicultural-focused game the club has held since 2016. Of Ghanaian background, Idun doesn't need anyone to spell out the importance of the fixture. Born in the UK to an English-Ghanaian dad and white Australian mum, the 24-year-old grew up in Drysdale near Geelong. It wasn't until arriving at the Giants in 2018 that Idun began reconnecting with his Ghanaian roots. "I guess I neglected it a little bit growing up. Where I grew up, I was probably one of the only coloured people," Idun told AAP. "Coming to the club, (vice-captain) Stephen Coniglio is great at it, just making sure we're being proud of our culture and speaking a lot about it. "I'm still on a learning path about being Ghanaian and what it means, but now that I've got these young kids looking up to me, that's something I really want to continue. "I'm starting to piece together why I've got all this energy, why I am who I am." South Sudanese player Leek Aleer and Irish forward Callum Brown, of Jamaican descent, will also play against the Tigers. Western Sydney local Josaia Delana, of Fijian background, also made his debut this season. "It's always good having a few coloured brothers around," Idun said. "It's funny, you don't have to even meet them, but you've just got a closer connection." Ladder positions suggest eight-placed GWS (6-5) have the upper hand against 16th-placed (3-8) Richmond, but the Giants haven't claimed back-to-back wins since round five. The Tigers will also welcome back premiership stars Tom Lynch (concussion), Toby Nankervis (managed) and Dion Prestia (achilles) after the trio missed last week's scrappy loss to Essendon. "We definitely can't underestimate them (Richmond). They're playing with a lot of grit and determination at the moment," Idun said. "When they get their tails up, they're very dangerous, and they've got a lot of young talent that are up for the fight. "We're going to have to bring it out again. If not, they'll teach us a lesson." GWS regain Josh Kelly (hip) and Toby McMullin (adductor), with Jacob Wehr and Harry Rowston making way.
Perth Now
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Tigers in their sights as Giants eye culture of success
Locking down Richmond's goal-kickers will be just one part of GWS defender Connor Idun's job at Engie Stadium. Snaring back-to-back wins by defeating the Tigers on Saturday remains the No.1 agenda item, but Idun is also out to put on a show in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture. A new initiative by the AFL this year, the fixture will celebrate the diverse cultures in western Sydney - a community where more than 40 per cent of the population are immigrants, according to the 2021 Census. GWS are one of nine AFL clubs taking part in the initiative, but it is a continuation of an annual multicultural-focused game the club has held since 2016. Of Ghanaian background, Idun doesn't need anyone to spell out the importance of the fixture. Born in the UK to an English-Ghanaian dad and white Australian mum, the 24-year-old grew up in Drysdale near Geelong. It wasn't until arriving at the Giants in 2018 that Idun began reconnecting with his Ghanaian roots. "I guess I neglected it a little bit growing up. Where I grew up, I was probably one of the only coloured people," Idun told AAP. "Coming to the club, (vice-captain) Stephen Coniglio is great at it, just making sure we're being proud of our culture and speaking a lot about it. "I'm still on a learning path about being Ghanaian and what it means, but now that I've got these young kids looking up to me, that's something I really want to continue. "I'm starting to piece together why I've got all this energy, why I am who I am." South Sudanese player Leek Aleer and Irish forward Callum Brown, of Jamaican descent, will also play against the Tigers. Western Sydney local Josaia Delana, of Fijian background, also made his debut this season. "It's always good having a few coloured brothers around," Idun said. "It's funny, you don't have to even meet them, but you've just got a closer connection." Ladder positions suggest eight-placed GWS (6-5) have the upper hand against 16th-placed (3-8) Richmond, but the Giants haven't claimed back-to-back wins since round five. The Tigers will also welcome back premiership stars Tom Lynch (concussion), Toby Nankervis (managed) and Dion Prestia (achilles) after the trio missed last week's scrappy loss to Essendon. "We definitely can't underestimate them (Richmond). They're playing with a lot of grit and determination at the moment," Idun said. "When they get their tails up, they're very dangerous, and they've got a lot of young talent that are up for the fight. "We're going to have to bring it out again. If not, they'll teach us a lesson." GWS regain Josh Kelly (hip) and Toby McMullin (adductor), with Jacob Wehr and Harry Rowston making way.
The Advertiser
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Star unclear on return timeline after giant nerve issue
GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio has revealed a nerve issue has been the cause of his indefinite stint on the sidelines. A glute issue originally thought to put Coniglio out for just one week has kept the star onballer missing from action since round three. It is a frustrating setback for the 31-year-old, who had been rediscovering his form after facial surgery and a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season. "It was our West Coast game (in round four) and I just woke up like any other morning, just preparing to come to captain's run, and I just couldn't walk," Coniglio said on Monday. "I felt this pain shooting down my leg ... I just pulled out of that game, disappointing, just thinking a couple of days it'll settle. "As it's gone on, it's moved from my glute down my hamstring. "It's been a bit of trial and error, but it's a nerve issue that's bothering me. "I tried a couple of injections that, again, hadn't seemed to work initially. We're trying a few other things at the moment." Coniglio's return has been pushed back to their round-14 fixture against Brisbane, but he admits the timeline isn't certain. The time away from the game has at least given Coniglio more confidence in his shoulder and face, the inaugural Giant insisting he still has more to give. "I'm over 30 now, so everyone's pointing to maybe it could be that, but I'm feeling 24, 25 again after having not played a lot for the last year," he said. "Last year, dealing with the two operations gave me some really good mental perspective on how lucky I am and how grateful I am to play this game. "I'm very confident in my own ability and that I'll be back playing my best very soon. I love the game so much." Coniglio is joined on the sidelines by Finn Callaghan (shoulder), Brent Daniels (abdominal) and Josh Kelly (hip). But their thin midfield stocks haven't got in the way of the Giants' flag campaign, with coach Adam Kingsley's men returning to the winners' circle with a 28-point win over Carlton. It was milestone man Toby Greene, in his 250th game, who led the way in the midfield to help the Giants make amends for a lacklustre loss to Fremantle the previous week. GWS return home to host Richmond at Engie Stadium in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture, a cultural festival in celebration of the diverse cultures of Western Sydney. "There's no better place than here in Western Sydney to showcase that," Coniglio said. "Yes, we're trying to win games of football, but we're also trying to build the club. "(We're) not just trying to get players from a multicultural background, but engage with fans from a multicultural background." GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio has revealed a nerve issue has been the cause of his indefinite stint on the sidelines. A glute issue originally thought to put Coniglio out for just one week has kept the star onballer missing from action since round three. It is a frustrating setback for the 31-year-old, who had been rediscovering his form after facial surgery and a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season. "It was our West Coast game (in round four) and I just woke up like any other morning, just preparing to come to captain's run, and I just couldn't walk," Coniglio said on Monday. "I felt this pain shooting down my leg ... I just pulled out of that game, disappointing, just thinking a couple of days it'll settle. "As it's gone on, it's moved from my glute down my hamstring. "It's been a bit of trial and error, but it's a nerve issue that's bothering me. "I tried a couple of injections that, again, hadn't seemed to work initially. We're trying a few other things at the moment." Coniglio's return has been pushed back to their round-14 fixture against Brisbane, but he admits the timeline isn't certain. The time away from the game has at least given Coniglio more confidence in his shoulder and face, the inaugural Giant insisting he still has more to give. "I'm over 30 now, so everyone's pointing to maybe it could be that, but I'm feeling 24, 25 again after having not played a lot for the last year," he said. "Last year, dealing with the two operations gave me some really good mental perspective on how lucky I am and how grateful I am to play this game. "I'm very confident in my own ability and that I'll be back playing my best very soon. I love the game so much." Coniglio is joined on the sidelines by Finn Callaghan (shoulder), Brent Daniels (abdominal) and Josh Kelly (hip). But their thin midfield stocks haven't got in the way of the Giants' flag campaign, with coach Adam Kingsley's men returning to the winners' circle with a 28-point win over Carlton. It was milestone man Toby Greene, in his 250th game, who led the way in the midfield to help the Giants make amends for a lacklustre loss to Fremantle the previous week. GWS return home to host Richmond at Engie Stadium in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture, a cultural festival in celebration of the diverse cultures of Western Sydney. "There's no better place than here in Western Sydney to showcase that," Coniglio said. "Yes, we're trying to win games of football, but we're also trying to build the club. "(We're) not just trying to get players from a multicultural background, but engage with fans from a multicultural background." GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio has revealed a nerve issue has been the cause of his indefinite stint on the sidelines. A glute issue originally thought to put Coniglio out for just one week has kept the star onballer missing from action since round three. It is a frustrating setback for the 31-year-old, who had been rediscovering his form after facial surgery and a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season. "It was our West Coast game (in round four) and I just woke up like any other morning, just preparing to come to captain's run, and I just couldn't walk," Coniglio said on Monday. "I felt this pain shooting down my leg ... I just pulled out of that game, disappointing, just thinking a couple of days it'll settle. "As it's gone on, it's moved from my glute down my hamstring. "It's been a bit of trial and error, but it's a nerve issue that's bothering me. "I tried a couple of injections that, again, hadn't seemed to work initially. We're trying a few other things at the moment." Coniglio's return has been pushed back to their round-14 fixture against Brisbane, but he admits the timeline isn't certain. The time away from the game has at least given Coniglio more confidence in his shoulder and face, the inaugural Giant insisting he still has more to give. "I'm over 30 now, so everyone's pointing to maybe it could be that, but I'm feeling 24, 25 again after having not played a lot for the last year," he said. "Last year, dealing with the two operations gave me some really good mental perspective on how lucky I am and how grateful I am to play this game. "I'm very confident in my own ability and that I'll be back playing my best very soon. I love the game so much." Coniglio is joined on the sidelines by Finn Callaghan (shoulder), Brent Daniels (abdominal) and Josh Kelly (hip). But their thin midfield stocks haven't got in the way of the Giants' flag campaign, with coach Adam Kingsley's men returning to the winners' circle with a 28-point win over Carlton. It was milestone man Toby Greene, in his 250th game, who led the way in the midfield to help the Giants make amends for a lacklustre loss to Fremantle the previous week. GWS return home to host Richmond at Engie Stadium in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture, a cultural festival in celebration of the diverse cultures of Western Sydney. "There's no better place than here in Western Sydney to showcase that," Coniglio said. "Yes, we're trying to win games of football, but we're also trying to build the club. "(We're) not just trying to get players from a multicultural background, but engage with fans from a multicultural background."
7NEWS
26-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
AFL veteran Stephen Coniglio details ongoing mystery health issue
GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio has revealed a nerve issue has been the cause of his indefinite stint on the sidelines. A glute issue originally thought to put Coniglio out for just one week has kept the star onballer missing from action since Round 3. It is a frustrating setback for the 31-year-old, who had been rediscovering his form after facial surgery and a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season. 'It was our West Coast game (in Round 4) and I just woke up like any other morning, just preparing to come to captain's run, and I just couldn't walk,' Coniglio said on Monday. 'I felt this pain shooting down my leg ... I just pulled out of that game, disappointing, just thinking a couple of days it'll settle. 'As it's gone on, it's moved from my glute down my hamstring. 'It's been a bit of trial and error, but it's a nerve issue that's bothering me. 'I tried a couple of injections that, again, hadn't seemed to work initially. We're trying a few other things at the moment.' Coniglio's return has been pushed back to their Round 14 fixture against Brisbane, but he admits the timeline isn't certain. The time away from the game has at least given Coniglio more confidence in his shoulder and face, the inaugural Giant insisting he still has more to give. 'I'm over 30 now, so everyone's pointing to maybe it could be that, but I'm feeling 24, 25 again after having not played a lot for the last year,' he said. 'Last year, dealing with the two operations gave me some really good mental perspective on how lucky I am and how grateful I am to play this game. 'I'm very confident in my own ability and that I'll be back playing my best very soon. I love the game so much.' Coniglio is joined on the sidelines by Finn Callaghan (shoulder), Brent Daniels (abdominal) and Josh Kelly (hip). But their thin midfield stocks haven't got in the way of the Giants' flag campaign, with coach Adam Kingsley's men returning to the winners' circle with a 28-point win over Carlton. It was milestone man Toby Greene, in his 250th game, who led the way in the midfield to help the Giants make amends for a lacklustre loss to Fremantle the previous week. GWS return home to host Richmond at Engie Stadium in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture, a cultural festival in celebration of the diverse cultures of Western Sydney. 'There's no better place than here in Western Sydney to showcase that,' Coniglio said. 'Yes, we're trying to win games of football, but we're also trying to build the club. '(We're) not just trying to get players from a multicultural background, but engage with fans from a multicultural background.'
