GIANTS defender Matt Buntine has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal while he continues his recovery from a season-ending knee injury.

The 23-year-old has played 41 games for the GIANTS since arriving at the club in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft and has extended his contract through to the end of 2019.

Buntine said he was excited to re-sign with the GIANTS and thanked the club for their faith in him.

“Like many of the other boys, it was a pretty easy decision to stay at the GIANTS,” Buntine said.

“Sydney is my home now and the GIANTS are like my family. I couldn’t think of a better place to continue my footy, especially after the setback with my knee.

“The club showed a lot faith by offering me a new contract and I’m excited to get stuck into my rehabilitation and repay that faith in the coming seasons.”

Buntine played the opening two games of the season before suffering a knee injury at training last month that required further investigation.



Scans revealed a pre-existing partially torn ACL with a full knee reconstruction required.

Buntine’s recommitment comes shortly after several other GIANTS re-signed this season, including Dylan Shiel, Jonny Patton, Zac Williams and Adam Tomlinson.

GIANTS General Manager Football Wayne Campbell paid tribute to Buntine.

“Matt is a really popular members of the team and a huge part of the GIANTS family,” Campbell said.

“The way he goes about his football sets an example to all those around him. It’s unfortunate to see any player go down with a season-ending injury but everyone’s rallied around Matt and he’s progressing well.

“We are delighted to extend Matt’s contract and can’t wait to see him back out on the field in 2018 and beyond.”

The GIANTS return to Spotless Stadium in Sydney on Saturday to take on Collingwood in twilight footy.