The meeting was well attended by Eurobodalla mayor Lindsay Brown, Lorrie Buckle, Kim Preston, Nick Stone, Neil Dolphin, Bruce Rapkins, Graham Wise, Jarrod Moore from the South Coast Australian Football League (SCAFL), Adrian Pavese from NSW AFL and club secretary Marty Jones.

The club’s identity was discussed at length and as a result players will wear the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants’ colours, to strengthen the existing support and regional affiliation between the two clubs, and the club chose a new name.

“We will also be called the Broulee Moruya Giants,” Jones said. 

While based in Moruya, the club aims to engage widely with surrounding communities from where many future players will emerge, including Tuross Head, Tomakin, Mossy Point and Broulee. 

“To respect and continue the proud heritage of the former Moruya Swans AFC, a black swan will adorn both the shorts and the back of the jumper collar,” he said.  There was wide agreement that the new club should actively seek to be a positive force in the various local communities. 

“Aussie rules, and other sporting codes, under good management can be a powerful catalyst for building community capital and cohesion,” Jones said. 

“The club will develop and act on strategies to be inclusive of all parts of local communities.” 

The meeting’s attendants agreed to include the social justice charter in its core vision. 

GWS players will come to Moruya on August 26 to help launch the new club at Gundary Oval.  

“It’s all very exciting for the kids living in and around the Moruya, Broulee and Tuross areas,” Jones said. 

Lindsay Brown was “very positive” about having AFL in Moruya for the kids.  

“Lindsay’s pledge of support was gratefully received and somewhat surprising, considering how quickly his proposal to adopt Hawthorn colours was dismissed,” Jones said.  

“We have an enthusiastic core group so far that is growing by the day and we are looking forward to the season 2015.

“We want to welcome more families to get involved, and to help us build and sustain a successful community enterprise well into the future.”

The club will initially field two teams, an under 11s and under 13s with aim of progressing into other age groups as the teams mature. 

“Now that we have decided on a jumper, we invite expressions of interest from potential major sponsors to promote their enterprise on the backs of our budding stars,” Jones said.

For information or to contribute phone Marty Jones on 0478 605 645 or email bmaussierules@gmail.com.