Pictured above from Left to Right : James Dack (Silktails Club Patron) , Adrian Fonseca (GWS Deputy Chairman) and Stephen Driscoll (Silktails Executive Director) after being presented with his Silktails Merchandise.
Driscoll, who has a longstanding connection with the Western Sydney-based AFL club through Silktails No. 1 Ticket Holder and PCYC Board Member James Dack, witnessed GWS’s remarkable comeback from a 39-point deficit to secure victory over their local rivals.
Reflecting on the experience, Driscoll described it as invaluable and emphasized his desire to collaborate with the AFL club. He is eager to explore ideas that could mutually benefit both the Silktails and GWS, both on and off the field.
“I first met Adrian back in 2021 at a Silktails Easter service held at James Woollahra’s home in Sydney during the Covid pandemic. It has been fascinating to learn about how GWS has navigated the saturated sports market of Western Sydney, particularly in a region dominated by Rugby League,” Driscoll stated. “Similarly, the Silktails operate within a Rugby Union-centric environment in Fiji. There is so much we can learn from the Giants’ strategic approach during their time in the AFL.”
Driscoll has also built strong relationships with several GWS players through his connection with Silktails stalwart James Dack. His experience as a Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach has allowed him to collaborate with GWS’s captain and All-Australian star, Toby Greene, as well as talented player Harry Himmelberg.
“I’ve been training with Toby in the boxing gym at Woolloomooloo PCYC since 2022. He faced some challenges with suspensions, and boxing has helped him with his conditioning while also providing an outlet to manage his aggression. Witnessing Toby work his way back to All Australian captaincy has been an inspiring experience,” Driscoll remarked.
Having spent over 23 seasons as an S&C Coach in the NRL, Driscoll is particularly impressed by the high aerobic capacity of AFL players. However, he believes that mastering the kicking and catching skills of AFL athletes would be most beneficial for the Silktails.
“The precision and control AFL players have when kicking the ball is a skill that our halves and kickers could greatly improve upon. Additionally, their ability to catch high balls and compete for loose balls on the ground are skills I’d love our players to adopt,” Driscoll noted.
The Silktails’ NRL partner club, the Canterbury Bulldogs, have engaged GWS Assistant Coach Craig Jennings for this purpose. Driscoll has also extended an invitation for Toby Greene and young Fijian GWS rookie Joey Delana—son of former Rabbitohs and Australian Fijian rugby league player Joe Delana—to visit Fiji during the upcoming pre-season.
“Toby loves Fiji and has been an incredible supporter of the Silktails. He even attended our 2022 season launch in Sydney. I had a conversation with both Toby and Joey in the locker room after the game regarding how they could assist us during the pre-season, and we plan to continue those discussions at the end of the season. Having an AFL legend and a rising Fijian star visit Fiji would be fantastic.”
As the GWS Giants aim to secure a top-four finals position, they will face the Western Bulldogs this Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Silktails will return to training after their break, gearing up to battle the formidable Penrith Panthers this Saturday at 5 PM in Sydney.
