Promising big men sign new contracts to stay at GWS
GREATER Western Sydney big men Adam Tomlinson and Tom Downie have recommitted to the club.
Tomlinson has signed a two-year extension, tying him to the Giants until at least the end of 2017, while Downie has penned a one-year extension until the end of 2016.
Tomlinson, 21, featured in 19 games this season and has played a total of 45 games since being selected with pick No.9 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
The 193cm swingman is expected to fill the void left by last year's No.1 pick, Tom Boyd, who joined the Western Bulldogs in the recent trade period.
Tomlinson, who took out the club's 3km time trial on the first day of pre-season training a fortnight ago, said he was pleased to remain a Giant.
"I was lucky enough to play in the first game ever for the Giants … and I want to be part of what's to come," Tomlinson said on Tuesday.
"We had a lot of close games (this) year that we unfortunately lost, but we're going to turn those close losses into some wins (next) year and hopefully move further up the ladder."
Downie, 21, is a 203cm ruckman who has played one senior match since being recruited with pick No.56 in the 2011 draft.
Giants coach Leon Cameron was thrilled with the two re-signings.
"(Having) guys like Adam commit to our footy club is fantastic, it reinforces that we're all heading in the right direction," Cameron said.
A number of the Giants' prized youngsters – including Jeremy Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio and Adam Treloar – are out of contract at the end of 2015.
The Giants enter next Thursday's national draft with three first-round draft picks (selections No.4, 6 and 7) and two second-round picks (No.23 and 24).
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