The full back story
Never Surrender by The Squinters is a home away from the Beanstalk for those riding the Orange Tsunami—and a place to commiserate when it trickles out into the Parramatta River.
What this is
Never Surrender exists because Giants supporters needed quality content, delivered regularly and focused on the pressing issues facing the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
Not just from the Club. Not from the AFL website. And definitely not from Gerard Healy.
From the fans themselves.
Rusted-on Squinters who drive to work squinting into the morning sun, drive home with an equally compromised view, then spend the weekend squinting from Bay 206 at the Beanstalk or from Manuka Hill at the Golden Egg while politely cheering. (We love you, Canberra fan base.)
Completely biased. Orange-tinted. Occasionally unhinged. Opinions, outlooks and speculation delivered with unchecked enthusiasm and passion — just as the Orange Army expects and deserves.
Since 2019, The Squinters have gathered after the siren to celebrate, commiserate, speculate and occasionally string together genuine orange pearls of wisdom and wonder.
And, of course, it's all delivered free of charge — notwithstanding the generous souls who have donated through Buy Me a Coffee. We see you. We appreciate you. And, obviously, our growing list of sponsors, who get a shout-out each week. Thanks for all your help, Universal Music.
How it happened
A podcast history featuring footy mates, Zoom before Zoom became normal, essays from Vikings, GarageBand and a dangerous amount of optimism.
A group of Sydney Uni AFL mates had all jumped aboard the Giants. Needles turned the group chat into a podcast and Sparrow—an old college mate, former rugby man and newly converted AFL tragic who had helped build Giants Stadium—was all in.
After producing a sustained body of written work about the future of Adam Tomlinson, Ragnar Lothbrok successfully joined the team. His energy was pivotal at a point when editing and upkeep were threatening to flatten Needles and Sparrow.
Ragnar learnt GarageBand, returned to writing music and brought the rare combination of having played the game and actually watching every match. The pod became more consistent, louder and significantly more musical.
Orca—the born-again evangelical AFL nuffie—committed to weekly pods and often brought Orca Number 3 for insight from a teenager’s perspective. The current four-host shape was complete.
After the old WordPress site disappeared under the weight of cost and upkeep, Sparrow rediscovered his love of coding and content. The Squinters returned to the web with a proper home for episodes, history, articles anything of relevance to the Orange Army.
The current crew
Four distinct personalities, connected by one football club and a refusal to surrender.
Founder · The Renaissance Man
Founder of The Squinters and visionary who pulled together a bunch of Sydney Uni footy mates to talk all things Giants in 2019. Golden Egg offical, occasional quizmaster and permanent President of the pod.
Co-founder · The Stoic
A former rugby man turned committed AFL tragic who helped build Giants Stadium and then decided supporting the club was not emotionally demanding enough. Keeps the pod moving and the Orange Army philosophically upright.
Viking · Musician · Mathematician
Joined after a sustained essay campaign on Adam Tomlinson in 2023 and became pivotal to the pod’s revival. Has actually played the game, watches every match, is musically gifted, and enjoys the occasional reckless multi on the Giants. Gamble Responsibly.
Born-again AFL nuffie
An evangelical Giants convert whose blood runs orange. Has a spreadsheet on superstitions to fill his weekends, and brings unflinching support, commitment and positivity to the pod — often including Orca Number 3 when the adults require correcting.
The backbone of the pod
Rag’s Bake
For any players, coached, officials or media personalities that need a bit of a spray from the Viking.
Ragnar’s Maths
Stats, streaks and numerical wizardry. 3.1415927. I love maths.
Stoic Advice from Sparrow
Emotional ballast for injuries, umpiring, collapses and life in general. Sourced from the great minds of the past and present.
Hairloss with Orca
A weekly opportunity to pull someone back down to size and join Orca on his follicle challenge.
Song of the Week
The musical mood of the Giants, curated by Orca.
Parody Songs
Written and performed by Ragnar Lothbrok or Jimmy and the Boys. Some of the greatest art on the Internet
Quiz with Needles
Knowledge, memory and facts you need to know. Governed by sound effects and the authority of a modern Ian Turpie.
Plaque There Cazaly
What started as recognition for Connor Stone at Subway at The Beanstalk, soon became a quest to commemorate the Giants throughout Western Sydney.
Wall of glory
The microphones change. The archive remembers.
