Our Years 9 and 10 students in the Emerging Level PEAK Program enjoyed a memorable excursion to the GWS Giants Community Centre. They gained a rare behind-the-scenes experience, and saw what life is like for elite athletes in AFL, AFLW, and Netball Giants teams.
The visit began on the Giants’ full-sized training pitch, where students observed professional players completing off-season conditioning drills. Archie (Year 10) summed up the excitement, saying, “Great to see what elite athletes do to play at the highest level.” Watching the intensity of these workouts gave students a real sense of the physical demands required to compete at the top.
From there, the group moved inside for a guided tour through the Giants’ training headquarters. They explored the community café and members’ areas before stepping into the nutrition hub – a kitchen staffed by expert nutritionists who ensure players fuel and refuel their bodies for performance.
Next came the high-performance gym and rehabilitation spaces, where students observed Giants players, including marquee names, completing off-season strength workouts. Liam (Year 10) reflected on this, saying, “Insightful to see how structured everything is, and how intentional the spaces were to create opportunities to bond together as a team away from the sport.”
The tour continued into the recovery and breakout zones, spaces equipped with massage tools, pool tables, table tennis tables, and even a PlayStation 5 – designed to help players relax and build team morale away from the field. Ihor (Year 10) said, “It was good to see how their team value of being a family was displayed in how they do their work.”
Students then explored the hydrotherapy and sauna facilities, learning how hot and cold therapy sessions aid recovery and longevity. They also discovered dedicated study areas for professional and academy players, where athletes are encouraged to work toward careers outside of sport. This emphasis on education and life beyond the game is vital, given the average career span in the AFL.
Staff explained that many young players drafted into the AFL come from interstate, and the Giants place a strong focus on supporting them through that transition – both personally and professionally. Tom (Year 10) found this particularly eye-opening, noting, “It was interesting to hear about the sacrifices made to play professionally, including moving interstate, and in other sports. This might mean moving overseas away from family.” The Giants' commitment to helping players adapt and prepare for future success beyond sport was impressive.
Finally, the group gained inside access to the coaches’ area and team meeting rooms, where the Giants’ culture, mission, and values were discussed. This reinforced the importance of leadership and shared purpose in elite sport.
Overall, the visit to the GWS Giants Community Centre was an inspiring and educational experience, offering our PEAK student-athletes a glimpse into the life of professional athletes and the culture that drives success.
19 November 2025
Established by our Middle Academy, Knox’s Global Challenge program gives students the opportunity to address a major world issue.
18 November 2025
Our Years 9 and 10 students in the Emerging Level PEAK Program enjoyed a memorable excursion to the GWS Giants Community Centre. They gained a rare behind-the-scenes experience, and saw what life is like for elite athletes in AFL, AFLW, and Netball Giants teams.
13 November 2025
The Year 12 Induction was an exciting day for our Class of 2026, which included an ‘Old Boys and Girls Panel Discussion’ on how to effectively navigate Year 12.
