Reigning 2021 Premiers, the Central Giants have announced the signing of four Wellington former AFLNZ Academy players for the 2023 Men’s Premiership season.
Bailee Laurenson-Tupai and Toby Devine will all return for the Giants in a plan that will future proof the Giants Wellington recruitment strategy.
Joseph Cole, and Otto Allermo-Fletcher will also join the squad for pre-season, in the lead up to the seventh edition of the Premiership.
Laurenson-Tupai, born in 2003, is guaranteed to feature in the All Stars line up to take on the New Zealand Falcons in Auckland next April following the Premiership season. A strong season could see him push for even higher honours in the Senior Falcons training Squad for the 2024 International Cup.
Devine, a year older, is born in 2002 and remains a reliable contributor for the Giants and his development through his involvement in the Premiership over the past season has seen his efforts rewarded.
Joseph Cole was picked up by the Suns in the 2021 Premiership competition, whilst Allermo-Fletcher will be making their senior playing debut after playing as development players in previous seasons. Allermo-Fletcher will also be pushing for selection into the New Zealand U18’s side which will be heading to Melbourne next year
The Giants kick off their campaign on week 2 of the AFL New Zealand Premiership against the Western Crows at North Harbour Stadium on February 26th, 2022.
