Create an experience with Stephen Coniglio

Born in Greenmount, Western Australia, Stephen grew up in a loving family surrounded by his parents and siblings. Both his mother and father moved to Perth in the 1960s; his Mum emigrating from England and Dad from Italy. Coniglio enjoyed a diverse and cultured upbringing as a result, with his parents instilling the importance of culture, heritage and tradition. To this day, they spend precious time around the family dinner table enjoying each other’s company.

His family also placed an importance on education, which was evidenced by him being named student representative of his high school; La Salle College. Coniglio excelled at both cricket and football as a junior, representing Western Australia in both sports with great success.

He enjoyed a breakthrough 2010 WAFL season with Swan Districts, culminating with a stunning 4-goal Grand Final performance as he became the second youngest premiership player in League history at just 16 years of age.

2011 saw Coniglio captain WA and win the Larke Medal as best player of the Under 18 Championships. Shortly after, he confirmed his nomination for the 2011 AFL Draft, ending speculation around which sport he would pursue professionally.

He was snapped up by new franchise Greater Western Sydney (GWS) with pick two in the draft to become an inaugural Giants player and made his AFL debut in the club’s first ever game in Round 1, 2012.

In the decade since, he has been influential in shaping the club’s culture as they worked their way up from competition newcomer to premiership contender. His own growth curve has mirrored his club’s as Coniglio rose through the AFL ranks to become an elite midfielder of the competition.

A model of consistency, his leadership qualities were recognised when he was named Club captain in 2019 as the club went on to qualify for its first AFL Grand Final.

He was subsequently targeted by rival clubs as a free agent, but demonstrated his loyalty and passion for GWS by re-signing with the club for the long term as he continues to strive to bring premiership silverware to Western Sydney.

Passionate and proud of his background, Stephen works tirelessly to use his profile to promote inclusivity and his generosity also extends to giving back to the community.

On his 25th birthday he personally visited 25 junior GIANTS members at their own homes with thank-you gifts. In addition, Coniglio has been extremely influential in shaping the AFL’s cultural diversity program and is a member of the AFL Players’ Association’s Multicultural Players’ Advisory Board.

His work further extends to being an AFL Multicultural Ambassador and mentors young footballers in the culturally diverse landscape of Western Sydney. Coniglio’s community work was formally recognised in 2019 when he received the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.

An avid traveller, he has been fortunate to criss cross the globe and gain first-hand insight into different cultural sporting experiences, fashion and food in countries including NZ, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Indonesia, India, England, Sweden, France, Israel, USA, Germany, Turkey, Italy, UAE, Spain & Croatia.

With a keen interest in business and hospitality, Coniglio is working towards completing a Bachelor of Business and is a Co-Director of Macelleria restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne.

As an influential role model, Stephen will continue to lead, influence and engage with the greater Australian community whilst also doing volunteer and ambassador work for various organisations and brands.