Never Surrender: The Inside Story of the Giants AFLW 2020 Season

by Georgina Hibberd

Raw and uncompromising, this i snot just the story of the Greater Wester Sydney Giants, but of the AFL Women's competition in Australia.

Georgina Hibberd is given full and unfettered access to the players ad Club during their 2020 season. She draws back the curtain on the passionate wins and the soul-crushing losses and gives us a human insight into the make-up of one of the inaugural teams of the AFLW.

Genres: Sports

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Natasha (jouljet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inside story of AFLW team, the GWS Giants, through the abruptly shortened season of 2020. Georgina Hibberd has embedded herself among the player group, the coaches and support staff to gain insights into the toil, challenges and heart of a game that means so much to women - players, fans, and the future generations.

These women, in order to play AFL at the highest level possible, give up so much. They move states, risk jobs, defer university, making big decisions to be part of it. These are shared from this player group's perspective, giving Giants' fans greater intimacy, but also fans of AFL a better understanding.

A history of Australian Rules footy in Sydney, and the Greater Western Sydney, introduction was explored, to include the push to gain an AFLW license. Particular nuances outlined here, for me as a Victorian who has grown up in footy land, albeit with a full male focus.

Fascinating discussions about the different approach needed to coach the women, in what has been predominantly a men's game for too long, with full access to coach and inner machinations. The psychology of women in team sports, taking and giving criticism for growth, and the rollercoaster of wins, losses and draws.

This is a read for all footy fans, and people with an interest in progressing women's sports. Such insights, access, and heart here.

[Ben Raue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book that tells the story of the Giants AFLW team in the 2020 season. You get real insights into how the team works and it is fascinating to see how that team's season clashes with the onset of COVID-19 which eventually saw the tournament cancelled just days after the Giants played in their first ever AFLW final. Well worth a read if you're paying attention to the current AFLW season.

[Nikola-anne S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re a Giants fan or not, this book is for all. It easily breaks down the unique challenges that face AFLW clubs & players, as well as specially for the Giants as the only NSW team. I love the raw honesty and getting a look beyond what little the media gives about the GWS Giants AFLW team. Go the Giants!

[Stella Trevaskis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading this book more than anything else I’ve read all year.