GWS chairman Tony Shepherd threatens to resign amidst zones controversy

Several Victorian clubs have voiced concerns over GWS' exclusive access to talent in NSW, particularly in the Riverina area, an issue which has intensified after the Giants demolition of reigning premiers Hawthorn.

But Shepherd has hit back, calling out for people to remember that the Giants are yet to even play in September.

"We have to apologise every time we win a bloody game," he told 3AW radio on Wednesday night.

"I've had enough."

An irate Shepherd went on to say he believed the AFL had already begun the process to change the rules to avoid the Giants being given any future advantage over their rivals

"Of course it has.

"But we won't be privy to it, we'll be handed a fait accompli as usual.

"Wagga is suddenly going to move south of the border to bloody Victoria.

"The last time I checked, the Murray River was the borderline, but it doesn't seem to be any more."

Asked if he would consider quitting his position at the club if the rules were changes, Shepherd was forthright. "Absolutely, I would consider it."

Shepherd was adamant that he was given guarantees by AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and then chief executive Andrew Demetriou that the conditions on which the club was set up were set in stone.

"I was assured by Mike and Andrew that we had all these draft picks, and all the clubs signed off on them, and we had the arrangements surrounding academies and cost of living allowance ... ever since then every single one of those has been weakened of eliminated."

The Riverina zone has produced some champions of the game in the past, including Wayne Carey, Shane Crawford and Paul Kelly.

Greater Western Sydney's academy has 10 facilities based around New South Wales, including regions such as Deniliquin, Albury and Wagga Wagga.

The Giants took promising young midfielder Jacob Hopper - from the Riverina zone - with pick No.7 in last year's draft.