The AFL has confirmed the GWS Giants will visit Wagga Wagga next month for a pre-season Training and Community Camp, strengthening the club's connection with one of Australian Rules Football's most passionate regional communities.

Running from Monday 23 November until Friday 27 November, the camp will see Giants players and coaches immerse themselves in the Riverina’s footy community through a series of clinics, school visits, coaching workshops and fan engagement activities, delivered with the support of the AFL.

The Riverina has long served as one of Australia's most successful breeding grounds for elite AFL talent, producing generations of AFL and AFLW players.

Some of those include Giants’ midfielders Harvey Thomas (Turvey Park) and Harry Rowston (Griffith), defender Harry Himmelberg (Mangoplah-CUE) and ruck Nick Madden (Osborne).

Giants AFLW stars Alyce Parker and Zarlie Goldsworthy also hail from the region, while the Riverina boasts John Longmire, Paul Kelly and Neale Daniher as some of its most legendary exports.

The region’s rich football pedigree was also on show last week, with several Riverina footballers participating in the Telstra AFLW Draft Combine as they pursue their dream of reaching the elite level.

Giants young gun and Wagga Wagga local Harvey Thomas said: “It’s pretty special to be able to come back home and have the Giants spend some time in Wagga Wagga and the broader Riverina region.

“I grew up playing footy here, so to now be able to return in an official Giants capacity and spend time with the local footy community is something I’m really looking forward to.

“I know how much footy means to people in the Riverina, and hopefully we can inspire some of the young kids coming through and show them that playing at the highest level is possible.”

Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said: “The Riverina is one of Australia's great footy heartlands and continues to produce outstanding players, coaches and administrators who make significant contributions to our game.

"This is a community that lives and breathes the game, and having Giants players and coaches spend time in local schools, clubs and on local grounds is a powerful way to celebrate that football culture and inspire the next generation.

“When young footballers in the Riverina see a player like Harvey Thomas return home in Giants colours, they can see what is possible through the opportunities our pathways provide. That's what makes Community Camps so important.

“They create memories, inspire ambition and strengthen the connection between the elite and grassroots levels of our game."

The Training and Community Camp will see Giants players run drills as part of an AFL Riverina junior football camp. Players will also connect with thousands of students when they visit schools across Wagga Wagga and the surrounding towns, before Giants’ Coaches share insights and expertise with local coaches at a special coaching symposium.

The Training and Community Camp will then culminate in an Open Training Session held at Wagga Wagga’s Robertson Oval, giving fans the opportunity to watch the Giants prepare for the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Wagga Wagga City Council – Manager Wagga Leisure and Strategic Recreation Marc Geppert said: "Wagga Wagga City Council is pleased to welcome the GWS Giants AFL Club to Wagga Wagga.

"The camp reflects the strong relationship between Wagga Wagga City Council, the Giants and the AFL, and our shared commitment to creating opportunities for regional communities through sport.

"Through school visits, community clinics, open training sessions and coach development opportunities, local residents will have the chance to connect with elite AFL players and coaches. The camp is also expected to deliver economic benefits for local businesses while further showcasing Wagga Wagga as a leading regional sporting destination capable of attracting elite teams, training camps and major events

"Council encourages sporting clubs and individuals to get involved and take up this opportunity to learn from some of the best AFL players and coaches in the country."

As of October 2026, there are over 84,000 registered AFL participants in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

More than 5000 of those participants call the Riverina home, hailing from 24 community clubs that have participants ranging from NAB AFL Auskick to senior AFL competitions.

AFL Riverina supports AFL NSW/ACT with the delivery of the game across the region, supporting clubs, volunteers, coaches and umpires to provide quality footy opportunities every week.

With a focus on participation, player pathways and community connection, AFL Riverina and AFL NSW/ACT play important roles in growing the game and fostering inclusive environments where people of all ages can enjoy and develop their footy.

Community members wishing to take part in camp activities, including clinics and fan events, can register here.

Further details on player appearances and event timings will be confirmed in the lead up to the Training and Community Camp.