In 2010, the sporting world was rocked with the announcement that Israel Folau was defecting from rugby
league to AFL. Two years later, he’s going back.
Folau was the second Brisbane Bronco to switch in a year, following Karmichael Hunt who made a similar move to
Gold Coast. Hunt looks to have made it.
After struggling initially, Hunt had a breakout season in his third year with the Sherrin. He became a key part of
the Suns’ line-up, and part of their leadership group. His future in AFL is assured.
But Folau won’t have a third season in AFL.
At a launch at the Showgrounds in late 2010, the GWS Giants name and colours were launched. Coach Kevin
Sheedy spoke with groups of players in the newly-launched Giants’ jumpers standing behind him. The one player
that was recognised, that the media wanted to talk to, was Folau.
Had we known then what we know now, some of the other players may have been worth talking to. Jeremy
Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Tomas Bugg and others stood anonymously behind Sheedy
that night.
Folau was the big name, the drawcard, the marquee.
But at that stage, Folau had never actually played a competitive game of Australian football. He had a new skill set
to learn, even had to change his body shape.
Despite being hampered by injuries he picked up playing rugby league, he threw himself behind his new
challenge; losing plenty of weight, learning how to kick, mark and handpass. His technical skills were never
questioned, nor was his work ethic.
But once he got on the field, it was clear he was struggling to read the play. In his second game, a NEAFL match
against the Swans reserves, he failed to get a possession. At times he would look lost, following the play rather
than anticipating it.
Later in that NEAFL season, Folau moved up forward from defence. Enjoying having more space around him and
being able to lead out, he looked to have found his niche.
Kicking a few decent bags of goals late in the season, Folau ended up as the Giants’ leading goal-kicker for the
season.
And off the field, his high profile was enormous marketing value for the Giants. The first chosen to do interviews
and a huge hit at coaching clinics and autograph sessions. He spoke in glowing terms of the Giants, how much he
was enjoying his new challenge.
And while Folau had his critics, he had his supporters. None more so than Sheedy, who implored his team-mates
to kick to his leads and spoke of Folau’s athleticism and his potential over time to become an AFL great.
league to AFL. Two years later, he’s going back.
Folau was the second Brisbane Bronco to switch in a year, following Karmichael Hunt who made a similar move to
Gold Coast. Hunt looks to have made it.
After struggling initially, Hunt had a breakout season in his third year with the Sherrin. He became a key part of
the Suns’ line-up, and part of their leadership group. His future in AFL is assured.
But Folau won’t have a third season in AFL.
At a launch at the Showgrounds in late 2010, the GWS Giants name and colours were launched. Coach Kevin
Sheedy spoke with groups of players in the newly-launched Giants’ jumpers standing behind him. The one player
that was recognised, that the media wanted to talk to, was Folau.
Had we known then what we know now, some of the other players may have been worth talking to. Jeremy
Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Tomas Bugg and others stood anonymously behind Sheedy
that night.
Folau was the big name, the drawcard, the marquee.
But at that stage, Folau had never actually played a competitive game of Australian football. He had a new skill set
to learn, even had to change his body shape.
Despite being hampered by injuries he picked up playing rugby league, he threw himself behind his new
challenge; losing plenty of weight, learning how to kick, mark and handpass. His technical skills were never
questioned, nor was his work ethic.
But once he got on the field, it was clear he was struggling to read the play. In his second game, a NEAFL match
against the Swans reserves, he failed to get a possession. At times he would look lost, following the play rather
than anticipating it.
Later in that NEAFL season, Folau moved up forward from defence. Enjoying having more space around him and
being able to lead out, he looked to have found his niche.
Kicking a few decent bags of goals late in the season, Folau ended up as the Giants’ leading goal-kicker for the
season.
And off the field, his high profile was enormous marketing value for the Giants. The first chosen to do interviews
and a huge hit at coaching clinics and autograph sessions. He spoke in glowing terms of the Giants, how much he
was enjoying his new challenge.
And while Folau had his critics, he had his supporters. None more so than Sheedy, who implored his team-mates
to kick to his leads and spoke of Folau’s athleticism and his potential over time to become an AFL great.
| JOB DONE FOR FOLAU, NOW HE'S GOING HOME |
This article was originally published on The Roar.
2012 saw the Giants make their AFL debut, and Folau was one of the 22 who will go down in history as
playing in their first game at the top level. Although playing out the game on the forward line, Folau didn’t
kick a goal as the Giants were well beaten by eventual premiers Sydney.
Against Adelaide in round four Folau scored his first AFL goal, but it was a rare highlight. The step-up in
standard, in pace, in skill and in tactical play between the NEAFL and AFL is enormous and Folau struggled to
keep up.
Affected by a series of hamstring injuries that restricted his movement and kept him to just 13 games he was
still struggling to read the play. His value in marketing terms continued to exceed his minimal on-field
contributions.
And the young Giants team continued to evolve and find their way. Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton
formed a useful combination on the forward line, and both look to have a strong future. Folau’s contributions
were often little more than drawing defenders to allow his younger team-mates to shine.
Ironically, Folau’s best game of AFL was his last. With Cameron and Patton out injured, Folau finally looked like
a quality forward as he led and marked with regularity, kicking two goals and setting up others for team-
mates as the depleted Giants took the fight up to the finals-bound North Melbourne.
Folau spoke after the game of his desire to be in the AFL for the long haul. He made similar comments in
future media appearances.
Even when visiting the victorious NRL premiers Melbourne Storm after their grand final, he said his future was
with the Giants.
But the doubts were surely setting in. A reserved and sometimes shy character, it would have been hard to
do so much media.
And despite re-assurances from Sheedy, Folau would have known he was more value to the club as a
promotional tool than as a player and surely it would have hurt his competitive pride when his on-field
performances were criticised so harshly, and when younger and less paid team-mates were clearly out-
performing him.
The three-week marathon trade period came and went. The big name on the market was Kurt Tippett, a tall
forward who had fallen out with Adelaide and who was keen to move to Sydney. But, after details of a
second contract emerged, Tippett’s trade with the Swans fell through.
A player of Tippett’s calibre, who was looking to move to the Harbour City, is an attractive option for the
Giants who have plenty of early draft picks. But in a forward line with Tippett, Cameron and Patton, there
wouldn’t have been a place for Folau.
The writing was on the wall.
Israel Folau has played an important role in getting the AFL’s newest club up and running, and raising
awareness of the GWS Giants’ brand. His job is done.
While it’s sad for the Giants to see him go, the time is right. His departure frees up a place on the forward line
for Tippett, and room in the salary cap to not only accommodate Tippett’s demands but enough left over to
go into the market for another big name free agent.
And for Folau, after two years effectively working in marketing, he goes back to the game he was brought up
with, the game he loves.
He leaves with the Giants’ blessing and their best wishes; and their appreciation for what he has done to build
the GWS profile.
After the NRL grand final, Folau visited the Storm players in their rooms, celebrating with his former team-
mates. If the Giants rise up and win a premiership in the next decade, I’m sure Folau will be there celebrating
with his former team-mates.
It will be the success of a club that he played a key role in establishing.
playing in their first game at the top level. Although playing out the game on the forward line, Folau didn’t
kick a goal as the Giants were well beaten by eventual premiers Sydney.
Against Adelaide in round four Folau scored his first AFL goal, but it was a rare highlight. The step-up in
standard, in pace, in skill and in tactical play between the NEAFL and AFL is enormous and Folau struggled to
keep up.
Affected by a series of hamstring injuries that restricted his movement and kept him to just 13 games he was
still struggling to read the play. His value in marketing terms continued to exceed his minimal on-field
contributions.
And the young Giants team continued to evolve and find their way. Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton
formed a useful combination on the forward line, and both look to have a strong future. Folau’s contributions
were often little more than drawing defenders to allow his younger team-mates to shine.
Ironically, Folau’s best game of AFL was his last. With Cameron and Patton out injured, Folau finally looked like
a quality forward as he led and marked with regularity, kicking two goals and setting up others for team-
mates as the depleted Giants took the fight up to the finals-bound North Melbourne.
Folau spoke after the game of his desire to be in the AFL for the long haul. He made similar comments in
future media appearances.
Even when visiting the victorious NRL premiers Melbourne Storm after their grand final, he said his future was
with the Giants.
But the doubts were surely setting in. A reserved and sometimes shy character, it would have been hard to
do so much media.
And despite re-assurances from Sheedy, Folau would have known he was more value to the club as a
promotional tool than as a player and surely it would have hurt his competitive pride when his on-field
performances were criticised so harshly, and when younger and less paid team-mates were clearly out-
performing him.
The three-week marathon trade period came and went. The big name on the market was Kurt Tippett, a tall
forward who had fallen out with Adelaide and who was keen to move to Sydney. But, after details of a
second contract emerged, Tippett’s trade with the Swans fell through.
A player of Tippett’s calibre, who was looking to move to the Harbour City, is an attractive option for the
Giants who have plenty of early draft picks. But in a forward line with Tippett, Cameron and Patton, there
wouldn’t have been a place for Folau.
The writing was on the wall.
Israel Folau has played an important role in getting the AFL’s newest club up and running, and raising
awareness of the GWS Giants’ brand. His job is done.
While it’s sad for the Giants to see him go, the time is right. His departure frees up a place on the forward line
for Tippett, and room in the salary cap to not only accommodate Tippett’s demands but enough left over to
go into the market for another big name free agent.
And for Folau, after two years effectively working in marketing, he goes back to the game he was brought up
with, the game he loves.
He leaves with the Giants’ blessing and their best wishes; and their appreciation for what he has done to build
the GWS profile.
After the NRL grand final, Folau visited the Storm players in their rooms, celebrating with his former team-
mates. If the Giants rise up and win a premiership in the next decade, I’m sure Folau will be there celebrating
with his former team-mates.
It will be the success of a club that he played a key role in establishing.
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