The Central Giants have selected Wayne Sullivan as their number 1 AFL New Zealand draft selection to play in the 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Sullivan moved from Sydney to Christchurch in 2011 and has been an impact player within the Canterbury Australian Football League over the past five seasons. The move to New Zealand followed a career with the Australian Defence Forces where he also participated in representative football.
Immediately he made an impact on the local scene taking out the CAFL Best and Fairest 2011 along with local club Christchurch Bulldogs Best and Fairest in 2011. Putting his hand up for regional representation, he was a member of the Canterbury Cobras National Provincial Championship winning teams in 2011 & 2012, last playing for the Canterbury Cobras in 2013.
“I’m looking forward to playing some good footy amongst the best New Zealand has to offer and also assist in the development of some potentially very good youngsters.” Sullivan can’t wait to make his debut for the Central Giants in February
The 2011 Canterbury AFL league Best and Fairest was a perfect fit for the Premiership side who were searching for a player to replace 2016 star Will Gregson.
“On close analysis of the Giants playing list, we identified we needed another experienced hard bodied player to replace Will Gregson and assist our Captain David Rattenbury, James Bowden and co. Wayne fits the bill in terms of maturity, leadership and the ability to win the contested ball. He will complement our outside speed nicely. Although I haven’t seen a lot of Wayne in action, the bits I have seen have impressed me and he comes with solid recommendations from knowledgeable AFL people in Canterbury. Another aspect which shouldn’t be understated is that he is new to the Premiership and he will be determined to prove himself in a competition which is a step up from the Canterbury AFL league and NPC” Head Coach Rob Malone.
Check out the up to date team lists by visiting the Central Giants Player Profiles
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