AFL News

GWS extends Kingsley’s tenure

“I certainly didn’t get that (length) as a player, I know that.”

Published by

Amy Bonthorne

GWS coach Adam Kingsley has re-signed to remain with the orange and grey army till at least the end of 2028.

Kinglsey arrived at the Giants ahead of the 2023 season, where he had an immediate impact, taking the club from 16th in 2022 to a preliminary final the following year.

It's looking likely Kingsley and his leadership will steer the club towards another final series this year, sitting in fifth position heading toward September action.

The second-year coach has coached 42 games, with 24 wins and 18 losses, having a win rate of 57%.

Kingsley has highlighted his desire to continue to grow and develop the game in Western Sydney.

“My challenge is to try and build the club and grow the club in that area,” Kingsley said, according to NewsCorp.

“Generating membership, sponsorship, participation — all in Western Sydney particularly.

“I have a young fella that plays in it and currently it's all in the one competition. So, the Western Sydney guys have to drive a fair way to play a game of footy every Sunday morning. We need to rectify that for sure and get a stand-alone Western Sydney competition.

“I'm really excited to try and do my bit for the footy club and mould it to where I think it can get to.

“We've got many people doing a power of work for that. We're trying to grow the game, and turn this club into one of the bigger clubs in the competition, because I think that's what we're capable of doing."

GWS Giants' senior coach Adam Kingsley (Image: GWS Giants Twitter)

GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews emphasises the significant impact Kingsley has had on the club in the past 18 months.

“Adam has clearly had a profound impact on our playing group over the last 18 months and we're thrilled to secure him as our head coach for three more years on top of his current contract for next season,” Matthews said.

“He has a great understanding of the game and a game plan built for success, and we are confident he can lead our program into an exciting future.

“Adam has a great ability to teach, motivate and inspire the group and we see him as the ideal person to continue to coach our AFL side as we strive for the ultimate success.”

A former premiership and club champion player for Port Adelaide, Kingsley knows what it takes to win the ultimate prize.

GIANTS General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said the club is looking forward to the program to progress and succeed under Kingsley.

“It's been fantastic to see the impact Adam has had since arriving just over 18 months ago,” McCartney said.

“Alongside the rest of the coaching group and wider football department, we're looking forward to the continued development of our program as we strive towards another finals series this year.”

Kingsley has continued his success from 2023, with the club sitting in the top 8 with five rounds to go and led the club to their first-ever 5-0 start this season.

The former premiership player had previously had coaching duties for the past 15 years with Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Richmond, and was an important member of Damien Hardwick's leadership group during the Tigers' 2019 and 2020 premierships.

Kingsley highlighted his excitement for signing a long extension with the club.

“I've got next year plus another three,” Kingsley said.

“I certainly didn't get that (length) as a player, I know that.

“Coaches usually have two-year contracts, so it's nice to have a little bit more security. It's one of those things that you worry about as a coach, but I now have one less thing on the list.”

Kingsley's contract extension comes after the Giants have won the past three matches and pushing towards their second final series under him and his leadership when they take on Melbourne on Saturday night at MCG.

Published by

Amy Bonthorne

3 months ago