Harrison Himmelberg Biography

Harry Himmelberg delivers a passionate plea for the protection of academy selections for the northern-based clubs as he gets set for his 200th AFL game this week.

"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," Himmelberg said.

"My first year when I got drafted, we'd go out to schools and kids would ask us how many tries we've scored, and now 10 years on we go out there and there's Giants kits everywhere, the kids have a team that's local that they can follow."

Harry Himmelberg wins the 2023 Mark of the Year.

Harry Himmelberg turns his back on free agency and signs a six-year deal with GWS.

"It's a mixture of relief and excitement. It was always going to head down this path for me. I knew this team was moving in the right direction," Himmelberg said.

"I had a meeting with Adam (Kingsley, coach) a couple of weeks ago as well and he also reassured me about where the club is heading and you can really see the vision to be honest. We're going to challenge in the years to come."

Set to become a free agent at the end of 2023, GWS swingman Harry Himmelberg says he is staying focused on footy.

"New coaches, new system, so I'm concentrating on learning that more so than worrying about contract stuff," he said.

"I just want to play good footy and I want to win. The best I can do is play good footy and if I'm worried about that stuff, I feel like that's probably going to hinder that."

Harry Himmelberg admits to not having his best year in 2020, but says he is ready to step up his game in 2021.

"I feel like it was a down year, a year wasted for myself because I thought I was building really well," he said.

"I've used that to fuel me through my off-season, I trained really hard through that, and the pre-season as well. I'm pretty keen to bounce back and show what I can do again this year."

Harry Himmelberg signs a new four-year deal with GWS to remain at the club until the end of 2023.

"Harry is an outstanding young player and has quickly established himself as a popular and important member of our playing group," Giants list manager Jason McCartney said.

"He works hard to get the best out of himself and we’re really excited about where he can take his football over the coming years."

With key forwards Jon Patton and Jeremy Cameron out of the Giants' forward line through injury and suspension respectively, Harry Himmelberg has had to serve as the team's focal point in attack.

"It wasn't a massive shift but there was a little bit more weight on my shoulders I suppose, to be that aerial presence," Himmelberg said.

"It's a little bit of a different role. When Jez and Jon are there, I'm obviously not a focal point.

"I've had to take a taller defender and focus on bringing the ball to ground and getting to more contests.

"It's something I've done at under-18 level as a key forward."

Harry Himmelberg signs a two-year contract extension that will see him remain at Greater Western Sydney until at least the end of 2019.

Harrison Himmelberg makes his AFL debut for GWS at the Gabba with 15 disposals (7 kicks and 8 handballs), 2 marks and a tackle in a 79-point win over Brisbane.

GWS select Harrison Himmelberg with pick No.16 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft after matching Adelaide's bid.

"A young key forward who has shot up this year and has a unique ability to hit the scoreboard. There's a little bit of brilliance there, we're rapt to secure his services," Giants coach Leon Cameron said.