GWS milestone man Harry Himmelberg has lauded the impact of the Giants Academy ahead of his milestone match on the weekend.
A point of contention in the current AFL landscape given the strength of the northern talent that Victorian, South Australian and Western Australian clubs are denied access to, Himmelberg highlighted the multi layered benefits of the Academy.
“It's probably one of the most passionate parts I like to speak about is the academy and the ability for the academy to find the talent through NSW but when I was growing up it was a more rugby league dominated zone,” Himmelberg said.
“Some of the products that we've had out of that zone has been really pleasing through the years.
“If the academy didn't exist, I wouldn't be here right now and I'm sure there's a bunch more guys from New South Wales that would be in the same boat.
“Footy has grown drastically in that period and now we're getting guys through he academy every year who might've been playing another sport.”
Ahead of his 200th game in Round 24, he highlighted the holistic growth of footy in the state, which he attributes to the success of the academies.
“From my first year when I got drafted, we would go out to schools in western Sydney and kids were asking us how many tries we've scored and now 10 years on, I go out there a couple of weeks ago and there's Giants guernseys everywhere,” Himmelberg said.
“These kids have got a team that's local that they can follow and it's the same through country New South Wales as well.”
Himmelberg, who has found a home in one of the most well-rounded defences in the league, hopes his legacy extends off field.
Having idolised Sydney Academy graduate Harry Cunningham before being drafted, he hopes to be a trailblazer to provide others with hope.
“I remember when Harry Cunningham was going through the pathway a couple of years before me (made me realise) ‘yeah, it's possible to do this from Wagga,” Himmelberg said.
“Guys like that, hopefully I'm one of those players that kids can see that pathway and decide to play AFL.”
Across his career, Himmelberg's positional flexibility, durability and consistency have all been high points.
A competitive marking defender in recent times, the high flyer has averaged 19 disposals and seven marks since debuting in 2016.
“It's super exciting for me and my family, they've been on the ride for me as well,” Himmelberg said.
“As with any kid coming into the AFL, you just want to play one game so to play 200 is really special.
“It's probably not something I'll look at too closely until post season and in the future. We've got a job to do with finals around the corner.”
