Kieren Briggs GWS Giants and Richmond Tigers AFL Clubs

A Pennant Hills Premiership Player on the National Stage

Kieren Briggs’ journey from the Pennant Hills Demons to AFL football is a story of local opportunity, patient development and a lasting connection to his first club. From discovering Australian Rules Football as a junior to winning a senior premiership with Penno, his formative years helped prepare him for a professional career with the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

After eight seasons with GWS, Kieren joined Richmond in October 2026, beginning a new chapter as an experienced AFL ruckman. His progression remains a proud part of Pennant Hills’ player development history.

Finding Football at Pennant Hills

Originally a keen soccer player, Kieren began playing Australian Rules Football at around 11 years of age. His introduction came through a friend: after staying overnight at his mate’s house, he was invited to fill in for a Pennant Hills junior team that was short of players. He enjoyed the experience so much that he stayed for the rest of the season.

Growing up in Carlingford, Kieren had also tried rugby league, rugby union and athletics. Australian Rules Football offered something different, and his enthusiasm for the game grew as he progressed through the Pennant Hills junior ranks.

He joined the GWS Giants Academy at 13, combining his club football with additional development opportunities. Although Pennant Hills was associated with the Swans’ Academy area, Kieren later explained that his family home fell just outside that zone, placing him within the Giants’ pathway.

A Senior Premiership with the Demons

By 17, Kieren was playing senior football for Pennant Hills. In 2017, he helped the Demons win the AFL Sydney Men’s Premier Division premiership, alongside future GWS teammate James Peatling. The Club’s draft announcement records 97 junior games and 17 senior games for Pennant Hills, including his place among seven local Under 19 players in that premiership team.

His contribution to the Grand Final went beyond his presence in the ruck. Former coach Chris Yard later recalled an important defensive pack mark late in the match, while a subsequent Briggs clearance helped create the final scoring opportunity in Penno’s 66–60 victory over Sydney University.

Reflecting on that season in a 2023 Giants feature, Kieren said:

“2017 holds a special place in my heart.”

He also spoke about the lasting friendships formed with his premiership teammates—connections that continued well beyond his move into professional football.

Academy Success and the 2018 AFL Draft

Kieren’s development accelerated during 2018. After finishing school, he combined work at Coles with representative football for the Allies and time training within the Giants’ development program.

His performances earned him Most Valuable Player honours for both the Giants Academy and the Allies, along with selection as the ruckman in the Under 18 All-Australian team. These achievements established him as a leading ruck prospect ahead of the draft.

On 23 November 2018, GWS matched West Coast’s bid to select Kieren with pick 34 in the AFL Draft. He became the Giants’ second player drafted from Western Sydney, with the club recognising both his competitiveness and his potential to develop in a full-time football environment.

Working Towards an AFL Debut

Kieren’s AFL opportunity required patience. After joining the Giants, he spent his early seasons developing his strength, technique and understanding of the ruck role, working alongside experienced ruckmen including Shane Mumford and Matt Flynn.

He made his AFL debut against Richmond at Marvel Stadium on 15 May 2021, in Round 9. He played five senior matches that season and another four in 2022 as he continued working towards a regular place in the team. That development period became an important part of his story: learning the demands of AFL football, competing for selection and remaining ready when an opportunity arrived.

A Breakthrough Season in 2023

Kieren’s breakthrough came in 2023, when he earned selection in Round 10 and went on to play the Giants’ remaining 17 matches, including their run to the preliminary final. His physical presence, work around stoppages and ability to contribute after the initial ruck contest became important features of the team.

By season’s end, he led AFL ruckmen for clearances per game, while ranking third for tackles and sixth for possessions. His influence extended beyond winning hit-outs: he was helping create opportunities for teammates and competing strongly when the ball reached ground level.

His contribution off the field was also recognised. Kieren received the Giants’ 2023 Community Award for his work with Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney.

Establishing Himself at AFL Level

Kieren built on that breakthrough with 24 AFL appearances in 2024, finishing fifth in the competition for total hit-outs. He recorded a career-high 55 hit-outs against Brisbane in the 2024 semi-final, demonstrating his capacity to compete in high-pressure finals football.

He added 20 senior games in 2025 and 18 in 2026. One highlight of his final Giants season came against Brisbane in May 2026, when his 20 disposals and 26 hit-outs helped drive a performance that included the Giants’ record-breaking 14-goal third quarter. AFL NSW/ACT’s coverage specifically recognised his Pennant Hills background and influence around the contest.

By the end of his time at GWS, Kieren had played 88 AFL games and kicked 16 goals across eight seasons on the club’s list.

A New Chapter with Richmond

On 2 October 2026, Richmond announced Kieren’s signing as an unrestricted free agent, securing the ruckman on a four-year deal through to the end of 2030. The Tigers highlighted his physical presence, competitiveness and professionalism as important qualities he would bring to their playing group.

In his first interview as a Richmond player, Kieren spoke about embracing a fresh start, contributing alongside Toby Nankervis and helping the club’s younger players develop. He also looked forward to reconnecting with former Giants teammate Tim Taranto. The move adds another chapter to a football journey that began with a junior fill-in game at Pennant Hills.

What Kieren Has Said About Penno

Kieren has spoken publicly about the welcoming culture and community that made Pennant Hills an important part of his development.

In Andrew Wu’s June 2021 feature for The Age, reproduced on the Club’s website, he described a club where players and families were included and where people participated because they genuinely wanted to be part of Penno:

“Everyone is involved because they love Penno – and it radiates through.”

— Kieren Briggs, The Age, 18 June 2021.

His connection continued after being drafted. A 2023 NSW Australian Football History Society profile described his visits to Mike Kenny Oval to watch former teammates and support the Demons. In that interview, he expressed pride in adding his name to the Club’s record of producing AFL players and praised its family-friendly environment.

Returning with the AFL Premiership Cup

In September 2025, Kieren returned to the Pennant Hills Junior Club as part of the Toyota AFL Premiership Cup Tour. The visit gave young players and families an opportunity to see the Premiership Cup and meet someone who had followed the same local football pathway.

Speaking to AFL NSW/ACT about the visit, he said:

“To visit Pennant Hills, my junior club, alongside the 2025 AFL Premiership Cup was an awesome experience.”

Kieren also described the excitement among the children and the importance of showing young footballers what could be possible.

From a junior player filling in for a friend to a senior premiership player, AFL ruckman and returning role model, Kieren’s connection to Pennant Hills has remained an important thread throughout his football journey.

The Pennant Hills Demons are proud of Kieren’s achievements and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his AFL career.

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