The Central Giants have added some much needed firepower to their forward line after drafting James Southby at Tuesday’s draft.
Small forward Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas was also drafted by the Premiership club after he left the Western Crows where he won two Premierships.
James Southby
Cantabrian James Southby will be one of the key forwards for the Central Giants in 2021.
The former Saint has kicked 25 goals in two seasons playing in the Premiership and you can expect him to do big things in 2021.
James plays for the Mid Canterbury Eagles in the Canterbury AFL and is a strong mark who has an accurate boot in front of goal.
Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas
After 5 years with the Western Crows, regional superstar Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas will run out for the Central Giants in 2021.
Originally hailing from Northland, Te Kopa was awarded the 2018 Senior Men’s player of the year at the AFL New Zealand High Performance Awards following a phenomenal year.
Representing New Zealand for the second time at the 2017 AFL International Cup, the midfielder’s exceptional performance earned him a spot in World Team as one of the best 22 players at the tournament.
Since his New Zealand debut in April 2013, he has carved out an impressive pathway through to the Senior New Zealand team, along the way captaining the U16 New Zealand side, and being recognised as the 2014 and 2015 U16 AFL New Zealand Player of the Year.
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